Nutrition

Prebiotics: A Consumer Guide for Making Smart Choices

Prebiotics are nondigestible food ingredients that stimulate the growth or activity of beneficial bacteria in the intestines and, thus, may improve the host's health.

Over the last two decades, the importance of the GI microbiota (the collection of all GI microorganisms) on GI and overall health has been recognized. Prebiotics, such as fructooligosaccharides or mannanoligosaccharides, serve as the main substrate source for beneficial bacterial species of the GI microbiota and, thus, have a great impact on the GI microbiota and, in turn, GI and overall health.

The message about weight management is getting out! Sharon L. Peters writes about pets at USAtoday.com and tackled the topic of pet obesity in this column.

Homebound seniors compromise their own health by sharing meals with their pets.

Articles on symposim subjects, including diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats, chronic enteropathies in dogs, GI flora and the role of probiotics, and a multimodal approach to treating canine osteoarthritis.

Feline senior care guidelines from AAFP stress the need for good nutrition and a healthy body.

Nutro Products Inc. is voluntarily recalling some of its dry cats foods due to incorrect levels of zinc and potassium.

Daily Nutrition Matters is an online, on-demand education program designed for veterinary technicians and students to advance their knowledge. (12 CE credits)

National Report -- The AVMA and Hill?s Pet Nutrition have teamed up to create a public service announcement that they hope will spur dialogue on pet obesity between veterinarians and pet owners.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to delay implementation of its so-called BSE rule.

Besides water, the most critical component considered in a diet is energy.

There is no question that the most common health problems associated with captive reptiles are diet related.

Esophagostomy tubes are an option when long term nutritional support is necessary.

There are three methods available for placement of a gastrostomy tube: percutaneous nonendoscopic, percutaneous endoscopic, and surgical.

Instead of viewing anorexia as a secondary problem that will improve when the primary disease has resolved, it is now well recognized that it is better to be proactive and administer nutrients early.

The past decade has seen a revolution in our understanding of adipose tissue.

Critical care includes around-the-clock nursing and support for vital organ function.

Since reports of feline hyperthyroidism began to appear from around the world in 1980, this disease has become the most common endocrinopathy in cats.

The number of animals that are overweight or obese has reached epidemic proportions in the US and other countries.

Diabetes mellitus is the second most common endocrine disorder in cats, with an estimated incidence of 0.5% (1 in 200-250 cats).

Extra pounds are extra problems.

Feline

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