Frequently Asked Questions about the Role of Nutrition in Digestive Diseases

Q

A

What type of protein is suitable for a cat with dietary sensitivity?

One solution is to feed the cat with sources of protein to which it has not previously been exposed to e.g., capelin, duck, venison, rabbit etc. The term is an elimination diet, as the purpose is to eliminate protein sources that may trigger undesirable reactions. Another alternative is a hydrolysed protein-based diet. Hydrolysed protein is less immunogenic and produces good results in the event of dietary allergy. Cereals are starch sources that also contain protein. The preferred starch sources are rice, tapioca, potatos, and peas.

What type of diet should I choose for a cat with colitis?

Diets formulated with noval proteins and hydrolysed protein-based diets produce very good results in cats with colitis.

How can I overcome palatability problems in cats?

A cat may develop an aversion to the food it is consuming when digestive problems or vomiting manifest themselves. As a consequence, after the cause of these problems has been treated, it may be necessary to change the food or choose another variety in the same range of products. Dietary aversion is connected to the taste and odor of a particular food.

A laboratory reported high numbers of clostridia in a fecal sample of a patient with chronic diarrhea. What can be done and how should the diet be adjusted?

It is not abnormal to observe a high number of Clostridia in the feces of a carnivore. Nutritional action should be considered only in the event of chronic digestive problems. A highly digestible diet should be chosen that is not too rich in animal protein so as not to encourage colic fermentation. This diet must also contain fermentable fiber (beet pulp, fructooligosaccharides etc.).

Can I use digestive enzymes in the treatment of cats with diarrhea?

Digestive enzymes are indicated only if the cat suffers from exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This pathology is rare in cats but it does exist. It can be revealed by measuring feline trypsinlike immunoreactivity (fTLI), which is different from canine TLI, so the dog test does not work with cats. The enzymes must be mixed into the food. The powder form is preferable (see the chapter on Hepatobilary and Pancreatic Diseases).

How long do I have to perform an elimination trial in a cat with a suspected dietary allergy?

The test must last at least 12 weeks, but improvement is typically observed in most cats after 4 weeks.

Should I prescribe nutritional supplements for cats with chronic diarrhea?

No, it is better to recommend a high-quality, highly digestible food that contains protein sources the animal has not previously encountered or a hydrolysed protein source. The parenteral administration of vitamin B12 is indicated in deficient animals.