VMD 511: Animal Welfare, Ethics and Jurisprudence (2+0)

NUTRITION AND HEALTH AND BEHAVIOR

Many dogs are highly motivated by food (chews that taste of food seem to be preferred by dogs), Overweight  has  risks of musculoskeletal, cardiovascular problems and diabetes. Malnutrition, which, if experienced during development, can lead to behavioral as well as physical abnormalities. Much attention is given by pet food manufacturers to ensuring that their diets are palatable, as owners are often influenced in their purchasing decisions by their dog’s reaction to food. Very palatable diets can increase the risk of aggression in kennels . Dogs have been used in studies on the effects of diet on behavior and cognitive function as a model of human degenerative disorders as well as to study the effects of diet on companion animals.