Small Animal Microbiomes and Nutrition

Comprehensive resource providing holistic coverage of the effect of body microbiomes on the health status of dogs and cats

Small Animal Microbiomes and Nutrition offers new perspective on the prevention and treatment of common health conditions in dogs and cats that arise from or result in dysbiosis of the body’s microbiomes, along with providing alternative first-line solutions of utilizing nutrients—less invasive procedures in comparison to prescription drugs to treat dysbiosis in the body’s microbiomes. This practical manual guides the reader through body systems that are commonly influenced by the microbiota in the microbiomes as well as accompanying dietary recommendations.

Initially, an overview of the body’s microbiome including common terminology and functions of microbiomes precede the chapters on development of the body’s microbiomes and factors influencing their diversity and density. The following three sections provide readers with a different perspective of commonly observed health conditions by focusing on the state of the microbiome and how the condition may be prevented and/or treated with the use of nutrients.

Written by a highly qualified author with significant experience in the field, Small Animal Microbiomes and Nutrition includes information on sample topics such as:

• Results of research on alternative diets and emerging ingredients’ effect on the microbiomes and how to have the discussions with pet parents
• Nutrition focused calculations, feeding directions, and templates for history, and recommendation for follow-up conversations with pet parents
• Factors affecting the diversity and density of the microbiomes, such as genetics, age, sex, environment, stress, antibiotic therapy, and nutrition
• Integumentary microbiomes, covering the skin’s microbiome, dysfunctional barrier syndrome, atopy (atopic dermatitis), and key nutritional factors

Small Animal Microbiomes and Nutrition is an essential resource for students completing companion animal health courses in two- and four-year programs, particularly those in veterinary technology, veterinary technician, and animal health technology diplomas and degrees, and it is also highly useful for students in other veterinary and animal science focused programs. Additionally, this book is essential in veterinary practices as a reference guide to support the transition into the utilization of microbiome medicine.

Robin Saar, RVT, VTS (NUTRITION), Canada. Robin became a Registered Animal Health Technologist in 1996 and obtained her Veterinary Technician Specialty in Nutrition in 2019. Robin’s professional experience includes working in small and mixed animal practices as an RVT, and a Practice Manager, and she developed a nutrition program for a veterinary corporation. Robin has written multiple peer reviewed articles and chapters about nutrition and this is her first dedicated textbook. Her current role with AnimalBiome in the veterinary department, meets her interest in nutrition and microbiome health. Currently, Robin is the Education Director for the Canadian Academy of Veterinary Nutrition, is the President-Elect for the Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Technicians, and is a Member at Large at the American Academy of Veterinary Nutrition. She is currently completing her MSc in Animal Nutrition through Glasgow University. "Her principle is "Nutrition is a part of every pet, every day".

Dr Sarah Dodd, BVSc, MSc, PhD, DECVCN, EBVS® European Specialist in Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition, member of European College of Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition. Dr. Dodd received her veterinary degree from Massey University, New Zealand, in 2016. This was followed by an MSc and a PhD in Clinical Studies and Population Medicine at the University of Guelph in 2018 and 2022, respectively. Whilst completing the academic degrees, Dr. Dodd simultaneously undertook first an internship then a residency with the European College of Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition and became board certified in 2022. She has authored a number of peer-reviewed publications (articles, abstracts and textbook chapters), co-authored a textbook on Small Animal Microbiomes and Nutrition and reviews manuscripts for a number of journals. Dr. Dodd is a founding member and active fellow of the Canadian Academy of Veterinary Nutrition.

Preface

About the Companion Website

Section I: Understanding a Microbiome

1.       Chapter 1 Common Definitions

1.1.   Microbiome 

1.2.   Microbiota 

1.3.   Pathogens

1.4.   Symbiosis

1.5.   Dysbiosis

1.6.   Probiotic

1.7.   Prebiotics

1.8.   Synbiotic

1.9.   Metabolites

1.10. Metabolome

1.11. Genome

1.12. Proteome

1.13. Biological marker (biomarker) Platforms

1.14. Chapter Summary

2.       Functions of the Microbiome

2.1.   Metabolic Functions

2.2.   Structural Functions

2.3.   Protective Functions

2.4.   Participation in Bi-Directional Axis Communication

2.5    Chapter Summary

3.            The Origin and Development of the Microbiome

3.1.   In utero to Adult

3.2.   Dysbiosis During Growth

3.3.   Key Nutritional Factors

3.4.   Chapter Summary

4.            Factors Affecting the Diversity and Density of the Microbiomes

4.1.   Genetics

4.2.   Age

4.3.   Sex

4.4.   Environment

4.5.   Stress

4.6.   Antibiotic therapy

4.7.   Nutrition

4.8.   Chapter Summary

5.            Essential Nutrients and the Microbiota

5.1.   Protein

5.2.   Carbohydrates

5.3.   Fat

5.4.   Vitamins and Minerals

5.5.   Digestibility of Nutrients

5.6.   Chapter Summary

6.             Methods For Microbial Analysis

6.1.    The Importance of Characterizing the Microbiome

6.2.    Sample Collection And Preservtion Methods

6.3.    Current Methods For Microbiome

6.4.    Chapter Summary

7.            Current Natural Focused Treatments For Dysbiosis

7.1.   Key Nutritional Factors

7.2.   Bacteriophages

7.3.   Probiotics 

7.4.   Fecal Microbiota Transplants

7.5.   Oral Fecal Microbiota Treatments

Section II: The Microbiome’s Involvement In Body Systems

8.      The Immune System

8.1.   Innate And Adaptive Immunity

8.2.   The Microbiome’s Involvement In Immunity

8.3.   Supportive Nutrients

8.4.   Chapter Summary

9.     The Endocannabinoid System

9.1. Endocannabinoid System

9.2. Endocannabinoidome Axis

9.3. Chapter Summary

10.     Respiratory System Microbiome

10.1. The Respiratory System Microbiome

10.2. Factors Affecting Diversity And Density.

10.3. Diseases Associated With Dysbiosis.            

10.4. Key Nutritional Factors

10.5. Chapter Summary

11.     Oral Microbiomes

11.1. The Oral Microbiome

11.2. Factors Affecting Diversity And Density.

11.3. Disease Associated With Dysbiosis and Inflammation.

11.4. Key Nutritional Factors

11.5. Chapter Summary

12.      Aural Microbiome

12.1. The Aural Microbiome

12.2. Factors Affecting Diversity And Density.

12.3. Diseases Associated With Dysbiosis.

12.4. Key Nutritional Factors

12.5. Chapter Summary

13.     Integumentary Microbiomes

13.1. The Skin’s Microbiome

13.2. Factors Affecting The Diversity And Density.

13.3. Diseases Associated With Dysbiosis.

13.4. Dysfunctional Barrier Syndrome

13.5. Atopy - Atopic Dermatitis

13.6. Key Nutritional Factors

14.       Hepatic Circulation And Bile Acid Involvement With Microbiomes               

14.1.  Hepatic Circulation and Bile Acid Metabolism

14.2.  Microbiota’s Role in Bile Acid Metabolism

14.3.  Bile And Bile Acids Fundamental Roles in The Regulation of Various Physiological Systems

14.4.  Nutrients in Bile

14.5.  Liver – Gut – Brain Axis

14.6.  Bile Acid Dysmetabolism

14.7.  Key Nutritional Factors

14.8.  Chapter Summary

15.      Gastrointestinal Microbiomes

15.1.  The GI Microbiome

15.2.  Diseases Affected By The GI Microbiome.

15.3.  Vitamin And Mineral Deficiencies

16.      Neurological Interactions With Microbiomes

16.1.  The Nervous System

16.2.  The Gut-Brain Communication Axis

16.3.  Anxiety

16.4.  Cognitive Dysfunction

16.5.  Psychobiotics

16.6.  Nutrients

16.7.  Chapter Summary

17.      Urinary System

17.1.  GI-Renal Axis

17.2.  Urobiome

17.3.  Defenses Against Urinary Tract Infections

17.4.  Key Nutritional Factors

17.5.  Chapter Summary

Section III: Emerging Ingredients And Alternative Diets

18.      Raw Ingredients

18.1.  Raw vs Cooking

18.2.  Comparing Extruded, Canned, And Raw

18.3.  Antimicrobial Resistance

18.4.  Fermented Products

18.5.  Chapter Summary

19.     Grain And Gluten Free

19.1.  Grains

19.2.  Gluten

19.3. Chapter Summary

20.     Cannabinoids

20.1. Regulations on Cannabis Products

20.2. By-products of The Plant As an Ingredient Source

20.3. Concerns About The Heath And Safety of Cannabis Products in Animal Feed

20.4. Cannabidiol Supplementation Affects on The Microbiome

20.5. Antimicroial Effects of Cannabis

20.6. Current Diets on The World Pet Food Market

20.7. Chapter Summary

21.      Insects

21.1. Black Soldier Fly Larvae

21.2. Heavy Metal And Mycotoxin Accumulation in Insects

21.3. Chitin

21.4. The Effects on The Host GI Microbiome

21.5. Chapter Summary

Section IV: Communication And Nutrition Plans For Pet Parents

22.     Communicating With Pet Parents

22.1.  From The Pet Parent Perspective 

22.2. How The Brain Processes New Information. 

22.3.  Improving Action Results 

22.4.  Supporting Pet Parents Through The Decision-Making Process 

22.5.  Improving Conversations

22.6.  Providing Continuing Support To Pet Parents

22.7. Chapter Summary

23.      Documenting A Nutrition History

23.1. How to Ask The Right Questions

23.2. Nutrition Questionnaire

23.3. Chapter Summary

24.     Dietary Treatment Plans

24.1. Pet Parents Want Veterinary Nutrition Recommendations

24.2. Increasing The Value of Nutrition Plans

24.3. Components of a Nutrition Plan

24.4. Chapter Summary

25.      Calculations For The Nutrition Consultation

25.1.  Energy Requirements

25.2.  Calculating kcal/cup or kcal/can from Energy Requirement

25.3.  Calculating kcal Per Day by Weight (grams)

25.4.  Calculating Calories From Nutrients And Metabolizable Energy

25.5.  Calculating Percentae of Body Weight Loss

25.6.  Calculating Energy Requirements For a Critical Care Patient

25.7.  Calculating Water Requirements

25.8.  Calculating Metabolic Water

25.9.  Feeding and Transition Plan Formulations

25.10. Creaating a Feeding Plan

25.11. Chapter Summary

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