There are numerous diets available

There are numerous diets available for humans formulated for different ailments. Unfortunately,
many depend on carbohydrates as an important energy source. This can be a
problem in species not used to large amounts of sugars; their use results in gas formation
and diarrhea. In addition, some fats and proteins can cause similar effects. Most of the
use of human intensive-care formulas by the authors has been as a supplement with gruel
to bolster the caloric content rather than as a sole source. TwoCal HN® (Ross Products,
Columbus, OH), a high-nitrogen formula, has been used in both manatees and dolphins,
but to reduce complications, it is incorporated as an additive. The amount is added over
a few days, time to allow for adaptation to the new nutrients. An elemental diet has been
used in neonatal manatees with intestinal disease, such as pneumatosis intestinalis. It is
designed to avoid complications by simplifying absorption of basic nutritional components
in the small intestine, and allowing the large intestine to rest. When combined with
medium-chain triglyceride oil, it can provide 2 calories/ml formula. It has not been used
in any marine mammal other than the manatee, but may definitely have application in
other species