Desenvolvimento de dietas enterais em pó para gatos desnutridos e efeitos da administração exclusiva

Abstract

Two complete and balanced powder formulae were tested aiming at developing an enteral diet for malnourished cats. Diet-related parameters and the effects of the diets administration were evaluated. The first diet, tested on eight emaciated cats, consisted of ingredients usually found in enteral formula for human consumption. Adverse effects related to taste, texture and gastrointestinal alterations were observed. Based on digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter and crude protein and also on the efficiency of digestible energy utilization, it has been demonstrated that the cats did not use the selected ingredients efficiently. In addition to a higher cost, the diet did not present any advantages when compared to a commercially available extruded feed for adult cats. The second diet, tested on 22 healthy cats, contained ingredients used in animal feeds, added of nutraceuticals and vitamins. This diet showed adequate taste, higher digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter and crude protein and a higher caloric density when compared to commercially available diets. There were no clinical nor laboratory abnormalities due to the second diet. The absence of adverse effects, the nutrient content and its better utilization efficiency by felines, in addition to reduced cost, simplicity to prepare, and administration via tube, make the second diet promising for enteral use in anorexic cats.