Feeding Guidelines are Just Guidelines
by Dr. Ron Rompala
Every product that Blue Seal Feeds sells has feeding instructions that are based upon research studies. However, these values only provide guidelines for using that given feed for an average animal. A little bit of knowledge about the animal and common sense must also be applied to using the feeding guidelines in order to obtain desired results. Several factors will cause an owner to deviate from the recommended feeding levels. Breed differences, climate and activity are only some of the factors that will cause an owner to alter feeding rates. An active 1000 lbs Quarter Horse that is worked lightly given 5 lbs/day of Vintage Gold® may be too fat but a similar horse worked moderately and given 8 lbs/day of Vintage Gold® may be on the thin side. Another example, a 3 year old Labrador Retriever weighing 75 lbs and eating 4.5 lbs/day of Natural 26™ may be too fat while a 3 year old Doberman weighing and eating the same amount of food can be too thin.
Body condition is the best indicator as to whether or not an animal is eating the proper amount of food. Consider the following to evaluate the body condition of an animal:
- Ribs should not be seen, but should be felt.
- When looking down the back of an animal, the area posterior to the ribs (waist) should curve inwards and not bulge outward.
- The underline of the animal should be tucked-up as it approaches the hind legs.
- There shouldn't be any fat deposits that are visible or sticking out at the base of the tail.
One important point involves the level of micro nutrients in the food. The micro nutrients are formulated to be fed at the recommended levels. The amount of feed given to a animal should not be reduced below the minimum recommended level to insure that proper levels of vitamins and trace minerals are consumed. Animals that are too fat and are fed minimum levels of a feed should be given another feed that has a lower energy density or fat level than the current one.
To summarize:
- Feeding instructions are not absolute but only guidelines.
- In addition to body weight, several factors affect the amount of feed eaten by an animal.
- Generally, body condition gives a good index for properly feeding an animal.
- Remember that vitamins and minerals are formulated to properly meet the animal's requirements when fed at recommended levels.
© 1999. Blue Seal Feeds, Inc..
© Blue Seal Feeds, Inc. – January, 2003