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Use of the doubly-labeled water method to assess energy expenditure in free living cats and dogs.

The doubly-labeled water method uses naturally occurring stable isotopes of water (H2 18O and D2O) to assess energy expenditure, body composition and water flux in animals and humans. The technique is relatively noninvasive (a few blood or urine samples over 2 wk) and is performed in free living conditions during a period of between 5 and 20 d. This is the first report of the use of the method in three cats and two dogs. The measured energy expenditure during 11 d was 207 +/- 12 and 263 kJ.kg-1.d-1 for cats and dogs, respectively. These values were 30 and 10% lower, respectively, than NRC recommendations for energy requirement (NRC 1985, NRC 1986). The percentage body fat was 23 +/- 5% in the three cats and 35% in the two dogs used in this study. The water output (urine + breath) was 36 +/- 4 ml.kg-1.d-1 for the cats and 60 ml.kg-1.d-1 for the dogs. Of the water output, 23% (cats) and 17% (dogs) was lost as insensible water loss. The precision and accuracy of the method are discussed in relation to the assumptions made with this technique and by comparison with published values.