Hill's recognises that the palatability of food is a key element in ensuring that pets receive the maximum benefit from nutrition that is tailored to their particular needs. It is especially important in pets that are unwell because most clinical conditions are characterised by some degree of inappetance.
We would like to share with you some of the latest knowledge about palatability - how it is perceived by pets, the factors that contribute to it and how palatability can be used to deliver Hill's optimum nutrition to the best advantage. |
Palatability and illness
 A complete or partial loss of appetite is a feature of many medical and surgical disorders. It is also a side-effect of therapy with several drugs, in particular those that alter blood flow through the nasal and lingual mucosae (vasodilators and vasoconstrictors) or which influence cell renewal (antimitotics). Drugs that affect taste usually affect the sense of smell as well.
Some disorders (e.g. renal disease, hepatic disease) are characterised by the presence of metabolic ‘waste products’ that depress the appetite centre in the brain. However, in animals that are unwell it is essential that an adequate intake of nutrients is maintained, to ensure the repair and regeneration of tissues and to preserve immunity, in addition to meeting the daily energy requirements.
It is, therefore, essential that clinical diets should be sufficiently appealing for them to be eaten voluntarily wherever possible. Increases in palatability, by ensuring an adequate nutrient intake, not only promote a feeling of wellbeing, but have also been shown to improve survival.
A pet may develop an aversion to a food which is fed during hospitalisation, due to the association with an unpleasant experience, leading to that food being rejected subsequently.
How can I encourage my sick pet to eat?
There are a number of steps that can be taken to encourage pets to eat:
• introduce a new food gradually, ideally over a period of a week, (unless it is essential that it should be fed as the sole food immediately). Mix it with the pet's usual food, increasing the proportion each day until only the new food is being fed
•Warm canned food to body temperature -but no hotterbefore feeding
•‘Loaf-type’ canned foods can be cut into slices and lightly fried before serving
• Keep the nasal passages clear to preserve the sense of smell
• Place small amounts of canned food on the paws or lips, this may encourage a licking response and stimulate appetite
• Give food in frequent, small meals
Courtesy of Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. © 2003 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.
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