INTRODUCTION

This manual has been developed as a study guide for the Florida State Fair Skillathon
which is part of the Champion Youth Program. The topic for this year’s Skillathon is
Nutrition and Feeding Management.

The Florida State Fair recognizes that agricultural education instructors, 4H agents,
parents, and leaders provide the traditional and logical instructional link between youth,
their livestock projects and current trends in the animal agriculture industry. PLEASE
NOTE: This manual is provided as a study guide for the skillathon competition and
should be used as an additional aid to ongoing educational programs.

Sections are labeled Intermediate & Senior, or Senior to help exhibitors and educators
identify which materials are required for each age level.

SKILL LEVELS
Exhibitors will be required to demonstrate a variety of skills based on their age category.
Please note what skills you will be demonstrating.

4-H DOG SHOW

Juniors (age 8 – 10 as of Sept. 1, 2006)
- Digestive Tract Anatomy
- Digestive System Functions & Process
- Canine Food Toxicity

Intermediates (age 11 – 13 as of Sept. 1, 2006)

- All Of The Above Plus …
- Digestive Disorders Including Bloat
- Nutritional Elements
- Water & Hydration Status

Seniors (age 14 and over as of Sept. 1, 2006)

- All Of The Above Plus …
- All Aspects of Pet Foods & Dog Labels
- Energy Requirements

GOOD LUCK

1 Florida State Fair 4-H Dog Skillathon Manual

 Junior, Intermediate and Senior
DOG ANATOMY

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This information obtained from http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu

Junior, Intermediate and Senior

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM FUNCTIONS

• Mouth – Lips, tongue, and teeth used in prehension, mastication, and salivation
processes
• Esophagus – Hollow muscular tube that transports ingesta from the mouth to the
stomach
• Stomach – A hollow muscular organ with acidic secretions
• Small intestine - Long, organ where absorption of food takes place along its entire
length
• Large intestine – Organ where water is absorbed, and some fermentation of dietary
fiber by bacteria takes place
• Pancreas – Site of insulin production, which controls blood sugar
• Liver and gall bladder – Liver produces bile which is stored in the gall bladder

Florida State Fair 4-H Dog Skillathon Manual 2

 Junior, Intermediate and Senior

DIGESTIVE PROCESS
HOW A DOG’S DIGESTIVE SYSTEM WORKS
Food gets broken down into a simple form that can be absorbed and used by the body in
a process called “digestion.” In mammals, this process takes place in the digestive or
alimentary tract—often simply called the “gut”. This is a hollow tube the food passes
though and is acted upon by secretions from organs that discharge into the tube. These
secretions contain digestive enzymes that speed up the process of hydrolysis, by which
food is broken down. This digestive process normally takes between 7-10 hours.

The three major classes of nutrients that need to be digested are carbohydrates, protein
and fat. Other nutrients (minerals, vitamins and water) are absorbed in more or less the
same form as they are found in food. But they may need to be released from proteins,
fats or carbohydrates before they can be absorbed.

Stages of the digestion process:

• Digestion begins in the mouth, where the food is chewed and broken down, mixed
with saliva before it is swallowed. Saliva contains mucus, a very effective lubricant
that coats the food to help with swallowing.
• Food is then passed though the esophagus, whose muscles contract with a “wave”
motion and arrives in the stomach within a few seconds. The stomach has several
functions. It’s a storage organ, it’s a mixing bag, where more digestive enzymes are
added to the food, and it a regulator valve that controls the rate of flow into the small
intestine. Protein digestion begins in the stomach.
• At this stage several things start to happen. The stomach contents are mixed
thoroughly, and pushed towards the pyloric sphincter—a muscular ring that acts as a
regulator valve. By this time, the mixture is a thick milky liquid called chyme. Strong
waves in the stomach cause the pyloric sphincter to relax, and allow food to pass in
the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). Chyme passes through more easily
when it’s very fluid.
• The small intestine is the main site for digestion. Here more enzymes are added to
the food some from the intestinal wall and others from the pancreas. The pancreas
is one of the major glands of the body and it has two jobs, releasing digestive
enzymes into the gut and releasing hormones into the blood. The hormone insulin
which is released by the pancreas controls blood sugar levels. The liver the other
major organ and associated with the small intestine. The liver continuously produces
bile, stored in the gall bladder, and passed through the bile duct when it’s needed.
The small intestine is very long, and absorption of food takes place along its entire
length.
• By the time the food is passed to the large intestine most of the nutrients have been
digested and absorbed. In this part of the gut, water is absorbed, and some
fermentation of dietary fiber by bacteria takes place. This process is responsible for
the production of gas.
• Feces are around 60-70% water, and the rest is made up of undigested food, dead
bacteria and some inorganic material. The feces are stored in the rectum and
evacuated through the anal sphincter.

3 Florida State Fair 4-H Dog Skillathon Manual

 Junior, Intermediate and Senior

CANINE FOOD TOXICITY

The food that humans and other animals eat aren’t always healthy choices for dogs. The
majority of dog owners are aware of the risk of a dog eating chocolate, but other foods
are also toxic including grapes, raisins, and onions. If an animal is thought to ingest any
of these foods or there is question about toxicity of other foods then a veterinarian
should be contacted. The signs of toxicity include, but are not limited to, abnormal
behavior, neurologic dysfunction, coagulopathies, lethargy, or gastrointestinal disorders.
A large amount of other substances are also toxic to dogs, so pets should be kept in a
controlled environment to be sure that they aren’t in any danger.

Intermediate and Senior

DIGESTIVE & NUTRITIONAL DISORDERS

Problems with the digestive system or improper nutrition can cause various disorders. In
most cases the problem can be resolved by seeking proper medical treatment.

Disorder Chief Cause

Rickets Ca, P, or vitamin D deficiency
Anemia Fe, Cu, vitamin B12, or folic acid deficiency
Hypoglycemia Low blood sugar levels
Anorexia Lack or loss of appetite
Goiter Iodine deficiency
Muscular dystrophy Selenium deficiency
Night blindness Vitamin A deficiency
Coagulation disorders (blood clotting) Vitamin K deficiency

WHAT IS CAININE BLOAT?

Canine Bloat (Gastric Dilation or GDV) is a very dangerous risk to the canine digestive
system. Unfortunately the reasons behind this disorder can be somewhat puzzling and
not so clear, but we have gathered some information about the disorder and the
symptoms that may be helpful for all dog owners.

What is bloat “Gastric Dilation”: The condition is rapidly fatal in dogs, causing shock,
coma and death within 6-12 hours. Always consult your vet as he or she can take x-rays
of the abdomen to confirm the diagnosis characterized by stomach enlargement due to
extreme gas and or dilation.

Dilation may follow by “volvulus” a twisting rotation of the stomach. This closes both the
esophagus and pylorus preventing the dog’s stomach from relieving gas by belching: it
also blocks the food to advance into the intestines and stops the suffering dog from
getting rid of the food by vomiting.

We have also found out that this twist compresses one of the major veins carrying blood
to the heart and causes abnormal blood circulation through out the dog’s body, which
causes shock and death.

Florida State Fair 4-H Dog Skillathon Manual 4

What breeds are prone to bloat?
Bloat seems to affect deep-chested, large or extra large dogs between the ages of 4 to
10 years.
German Shepherd Boxer
Great Dane Golden Retriever
Standard Poodle Irish Wolfhound
Rottweiler St. Bernards
Akita Labrador Retriever
Bloodhound Newfoundland
Great Pyrenees Bouvier de Flanders
Irish Setter Doberman Pinscher
Old English Sheepdog German Shorthaired Pointer
Gordon Setter Borzoi
Dachshund Basset Hound

Common symptoms of bloat are:

Major anxiety Dry vomiting
Abdominal swelling after meals Heavy panting
Gagging Shallow breathing
Whining Restlessness
Heavy salivating Excessive heartbeat
Pacing Weak pulse with off colored (blue, dark red, white)
gums

Initially affected dogs show some of the symptom above and are not interested in food or
water. After 30-60 minutes dog begins to appear swollen in its midsection due to
accumulation of gas in the stomach than begins to pant heavily and breathing becomes
rapid and shallow. Keep in mind that the gagging and vomiting is always unproductive.

What to do in case of an emergency: Dogs showing any of the above symptoms must
be observed carefully and taken to a veterinarian immediately.

Some helpful suggestions: Below are some suggestions to decrease the chances of
bloat. These suggestions may or may not help detecting or preventing canine bloat, but
observation and being canine-connected will help you understand and help your loyal
pooch!
• Never feed your dog immediately before or after heavy work out or training session
• Allow 2-3 hours of rest time after feeding your dog
• Do not allow your dog to become overweight
• Watch for odd symptoms, abdominal swelling, dry vomiting, strange gagging,
extreme restlessness, etc.
• Feed several small meals throughout the day instead of one large meal
• If you have a nervous dog, feed her/him in quiet relaxed atmosphere
• If you plan on changing your dogs diet, start slowly

5 Florida State Fair 4-H Dog Skillathon Manual

What may cause Bloat?
It is thought that the following factors may contribute to bloat, although there are no
definite answers.
• Eating habits
• Exercise
• Stress
• Heredity
• Dispostion

Bloat should always be treated as an medical emergency

Bloat can kill a dog within hours after onset
The cause of bloat is unkown
Bloat affects 36,000 dogs in the United States each year, 30% die as a result of this
condition

Intermediate and Senior

NUTRITIONAL ELEMENTS
The essence of nutrition includes what an animal eats, how it is digested, absorbed,
utilized and what is excreted. Good nutrition is basic to an animal’s overall health
including showing, exercise, and confirmation. Proper feeding requires knowledge of
nutrients and animal behavior to unsure that the animal consumes all that is required
without digestive upset. Research and consultation with a veterinarian are helpful in
determining what each individual will need based on there age, gender, breed, and
condition of health.

Nutrients are substances in the diet that support normal body functions. Some nutrients
can be manufactured in the animal’s body and are classified as dietary non-essential.
Dietary essential nutrients must be provided in the diet. Nutrients can be classified into
six groups: water, carbohydrates, fats (lipids), proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Water is the most essential nutrient and is involved in all body functions. It is the most
abundant and therefore the cheapest nutrient. Animals receive water from drinking as
well as from feeds that contain water. An animal that is not receiving enough water will
not eat well and may become dehydrated. Injury or illness can affect an animal’s water
consumption as well as the animal’s size, dry matter intake, environmental temperature,
humidity, and water quality.

Proteins function as the basic structural unit of the animal body and in metabolism.
Protein is the main component of the organs and soft structures of the animal body with
the exception of water. The dietary requirement for protein is the highest in young,
growing animals. All proteins are composed of simple units called amino acids. The
particular amino acids in a protein determine the quality of that protein. Protein is one of
the most expensive portions of the diet.

Carbohydrates are organic compounds formed in plants by the process of

photosynthesis. They serve as a source of energy in the body. A surplus of
carbohydrates is transformed into fat and stored.

Florida State Fair 4-H Dog Skillathon Manual 6

Fats function much like carbohydrates in that they serve as a source of energy. Fats
produce more energy than carbohydrates when digested, therefore a smaller amount is
required to serve the same function.

Vitamins are essential for the development of normal tissue and necessary for metabolic
activity. They are effective in the animal body in small amounts. When not eaten
correctly and in the right amounts, a specific deficiency disease can result or toxicity may
result if eaten in extremely high amounts. Vitamins are classified as being either fat
soluble (A,D,E,K) or water soluble (B complex & C).

Minerals are inorganic, solid, crystalline chemical elements. They are classified as being
either macro (Ca, P, Na, Cl, K, Mg & S) meaning found in high concentrations or micro
minerals (Cr, Co, Cu, F, Fe, I, Mn, No, Ni, Se, Si, & Zn) meaning found in trace amounts.
Calcium makes up nearly 50% of the total body mineral, phosphorus composes 25%
and other minerals make up the remaining 25%. Minerals function in protein synthesis,
oxygen transport, and in skeletal formation and maintenance.

Intermediate and Senior

WATER & HYDRATION STATUS

Water is an essential nutritional element and important for proper body function.
Dehydration is a major risk to pets, particularly in Florida’s heat. Plenty of fresh water
should be available to dogs especially when exercising, traveling, or on hot days. If an
animal does not have water available or doesn’t drink because they are sick or injured
then they may become dehydrated. If an animal is not drinking they can have clinical
signs that can be used to determine the degree to which they are dehydrated.
Depending on why the animal hasn’t been drinking can determine if veterinary care is
needed and knowing the signs of dehydration could save a pets life. In the majority of
cases of dehydration veterinary attention is needed.

Degree of Dehydration Clinical Signs

< 5% Not clinically detectable
5% to 6% Subtle loss of skin elasticity
6% to 8% Obvious delay in return of tented skin to
normal position
Slightly prolonged capillary refill time
Eyes possibly sunken in orbits
Possibly dry mucous membranes
10% to 12% Skin remains tented
Very prolonged capillary refill time
Eyes sunken in orbits
Dry mucous membranes
Possibly signs of shock (tachycardia, cool
extremities, rapid, weak pulse)
12% to 15% Obvious signs of shock
Death imminent

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 Senior

UNDERSTANDING PET FOODS AND DOG

FOOD LABELS
Every dog food label must include specific information, which is usually divided into two
parts:
1. Principal Display Panel
2. Information Panels

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

Principal display panels show ver straightforward information like the following:
1. Brand Name (i.e., Iams, Purina etc.)
2. Identity statement this describes contents of the food (i.e. chicken rice, beef by
products, etc)
3. Designator of what class of food (i.e. Growth, maintenance, lite, etc.) and
Category of dog (puppy, adult, senior, etc.)
4. Weight or quantity of contents (i.e. 5 pounds, 20 pounds, etc.)

INFORMATION PANEL
This panel tells you actual food content
1. General analysis (shows the “as is” percentages of the food contents)
2. Ingredients list (shows ingredients in descending order by weight)
3. Nutritional adequacy claim (identifies specific life stage for which food is intended
and whether animal feeding tests based on AAFCO procedures were used)
4. Feeding instructions (how much food to give your dog.

UNDERSTANDING SOME PET FOOD INGREDIENTS

MEAT AND MEAT BY-PRODUCTS
Meat or Meat based: Meat is the clean flesh of slaughtered cattle, swine, sheep or
goats.
Meat Meal: Rendered meal made from animal tissue.
Meat By-Product: Clean parts of slaughtered animals, not including meat. These parts
include lungs, kidneys, brain, spleen, liver, bone, blood, stomach, and intestines freed of
their contents.
Chicken Liver: Organic meat, highly usuable protein source containing vitamins A,K,
and Foliate.
Poultry by Product: Clean parts of slaughtered poultry, such as heat, lungs, liver,
kidneys, feet abdomen, intestines, and heads.
Poultry by product meal: Made up of ground, rendered, and clean parts of slaughtered
poultry, such as undeveloped eggs, necks, feet, and intestines.
Dehydrated eggs: Whole poultry eggs which are dried.
Meat and Bone Meal: Rendered from meat and bone.
Whole Fresh eggs: This is the highest rated source of usable protein, and rates above
all meats and meat products. Shells are a great source of Calcium Carbonate good for
strong healthy teeth.
Beef Tallow: this is very hard white fatty substance which is rock hard and looks like
bone.

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Animal By-Product Meal: Consists of rendered animal tissue which does not fit in any of
the other categories.
Animal Digest: A powder or liquid made by taking clean under-composed animal tissue
and breaking it down using chemical and or emblematic hydrolysis.
Fish Meal: Clean, dried and ground tissue of undecomposed whole fish or fish cuttings
which may or may not have have the oil removed.
Salmon: Excellent source of protein and fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega –6

Ingredient Listing
All ingredients used in manufacture of the pet food shall be listed in the ingredient list on
the label. The ingredients shall be listed in descending order of predominance by weight.
No reference can be given to ingredient quality or grade in the ingredient list. The names
of all ingredients must be shown in letters that are the same size, color and type.

If meat and/or meat by-products are used in the pet food and if the animal species are
other than cattle, hogs, sheep or goats, then the source must be designated. For
example, if the meat is from horses, the label should state "horsemeat" or "horse by-
products."

Here is an example of a pet food product Guaranteed Analysis and Ingredient List:

Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude protein not less than 31.5%
Crude fat not less than 8.0%
Crude fiber not more than 4.5%
Moisture 12.0%
Calcium (Ca) not less than 1.2%
Phosphorus (P) not less than 1.0%
Salt (NaCl) not more than 1.5%
Taurine not less than 0.125%
Ingredients: Ground yellow corn, corn gluten meal, soybean meal, poultry by-product
meal, animal preserved with BHA, ground wheat, fish meal, meat and bone meal,
phosphoric acid, calcium carbonate, dried animal digest, salt, potassium chloride, dried
whey, choline chloride, brewers dried yeast, dried skimmed milk, taurine, L-lysine, zinc
oxide, ferrous sulfate, niacin, vitamin supplements (A, D-3, E, B-12), calcium
pantothenate, citric acid, manganese sulfate, riboflavin supplement, biotin, folic acid,
copper sulfate, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, menadione sodium
bisulfite complex (source of vitamin K activity), calcium iodate.

Senior

DETERMINING ENERGY REQUIREMENTS

The correct amount of nutritionally balanced food is critical to the health of any animal. If a dog
gets too much or too little they could become obese or malnourished. The amount of kilocalories
(kcal) per day can be calculated to determine how much food should be fed. The amount will very
depending on the type of food as to how many calories there are per serving. The Resting Energy
Requirement (RER) is the calories needed for an animal at rest in a cage or not exerting
any energy. The RER is used to calculate the Daily Energy Requirement (DER) which is
what is needed to support the energy level of an average neutered adult dog, such as a

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pet. Working dogs require more calories as they are more active. The formulas are
calculated according to light, moderate, or heavy work. Even if the correct calories are
fed it may not be adequate nutrition if a good quality food is not offered. The RER is
calculated according the Body Weight (BW) in kilograms (kg). One kilogram is equal to
2.2 pounds. Therefore a 22 pound dog would weight 10 kg.
The formula for the RER is as follows:

RER (kcal/day) = 70 x BW (kg)0.75

Example:

RER (kcal/day) = 70 X (10)0.75 therefore the RER = 394 (kcal/day)

The Daily Energy Requirement formula is as follows:

DER (kcal/day) = 1.6 X RER

The Daily Energy Requirement formula for working dogs is as follows:

Light Working DER (kcal/day) = 2 X RER

Moderate Working DER (kcal/day) = 3 X RER
Heavy Working DER (kcal/day) = 4-8 X RER

Florida State Fair 4-H Dog Skillathon Manual 10

SHOWMANSHIP
Participation in Junior showmanship is intended to encourage Juniors to learn how to
care for and present different breeds. Junior showmanship classes are judged on the
ability of the Junior to handle his or her dog. The quality of the dog is not judged.
Juniors are will be asked to demonstrate:

Moving the dog with the rest of the class

Presenting the dog in the standing position proper to its breed (including the use of the
examining table for those breeds normally judged on a table).
Moving the dog individually in a regular pattern.

Juniors are expected to know basic ring routines. They should be able to follow
directions, use space wisely, and be familiar with gaiting patterns. Juniors should
appear ‘ring wise’, alert to what is going on in the ring, and should be prepared for
changes in the routine of judging. Juniors must be able to control their dogs at all times.

Juniors should be clean, neat, and well-groomed. They should wear clothing that is
comfortable to handle in and appropriate for dog shows. Clothing should not distract,
limit or hinder the judge’s view of the dog.

Dogs should be groomed and trimmed as they would be for the breed ring. Judges will
not evaluate the quality of the grooming and trimming, but Juniors should make an effort
to prepare their dogs properly.
Juniors should appear confident, prepared, business-like and attentive. They should be
courteous to both the judge and other handlers. Juniors are expected to handle their
dogs without disturbing the dogs of the other juniors. Handlers should not crowd and
they should not distract others by continued use of toys and bait. Handlers should be
alert to the needs of their dogs. They should use firm but thoughtful hands in controlling
and handling of their dogs. Juniors should not be impatient or heavy-handed.

Juniors will be judged on their ability to make their individual dog look its best in both
pose and motion.

Juniors handlers should:

Keep their dog’s attention without using dramatic or unnecessary movements.

Gait their dogs in a controlled trot with distracting or interfering with the judge’s view of
the dog. Be aware of what is going on in the ring.
Concentrate on their dog and not the judge. But be aware of where the judge is at all
times.
Junior handlers who use exaggerated posture, motions or gestures in any part of the
competition will be faulted.

11 Florida State Fair 4-H Dog Skillathon Manual