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Is Too Much Protein Bad for Older Dogs?

Too Much Protein in Older Dogs

 

Is too much protein bad for older dogs? This is a very good question considering that the nutritional needs of a senior dog may be quite different compared to those of a puppy or adult dog. Indeed, nowadays, there are more and more dog foods catering to the needs of senior dogs. This has caused dog owners to stray away from the all-life stages food in order to switch over to dog foods purposely made to meet the needs of senior dogs. The big question whether too much protein is bad for older dogs remains worthy of pondering though considering that many senior dog foods have quite some high protein levels.

First Off, When is a Dog Considered Old?

Is too much protein bad for older dogs? First, let’s understand when a dog is considered by definition “old.” Many dog owners may wonder when a dog is considered old, and therefore, when they should start implementing dietary changes to switch their dogs over to a senior diet.

While there is no exact milestone, generally dogs tend to become seniors based on their size considering that dogs of different sizes tend to have different lifespans.

Generally speaking, there seems to be some agreement that giant dog breeds can be classified as seniors once older than 7 years, while large dog breeds can be classified as seniors when older than 9. Medium dog breeds, on the other hand, can be classified as seniors once older than 10, while small and toy breeds are typically considered senior once older than 12.

However, age-related changes in dogs don’t pop up exactly at these milestones and may actually occur earlier or perhaps they may not be readily recognized by the owners. For this reason, many vets suggest switching over to a senior diet earlier rather than later.

Protein Needs of Senior Dogs 

Let’s face it: although aging is not a disease per se we cannot deny that it does cause many changes in our dogs.  Senior dogs typically move less and spend more time lounging. This means that they have lower energy requirements and develop a tendency to gain weight with an increase in fat and a loss in muscle mass.

The digestion and absorption of nutrients becomes impaired with aging. The dog’s immune system also declines with age and so does kidney function, although this latter varies from one animal and another.

In the past, it was often thought that senior dogs required reduced levels of protein in their foods. This belief was based on the idea that processing large amounts of protein could put a strain on an aging dogs’ kidneys, which are meant to filter blood and remove waste.  This can be true to a certain extent in dogs with already moderate to severe impaired kidney function, but there is little research backing up such assertion when it comes to senior dogs with healthy kidneys.

Instead, what is known is that reducing protein may lead to muscle loss in senior dogs. Muscle loss in senior dogs goes beyond the way the dog looks. Dogs who lose muscle mass become weaker and weaker by the day and start struggling on walks and going up stairs.

“Reducing protein intake does not protect senior pets from developing renal disease, and unnecessarily restricting protein may have other negative effects such as loss of muscle mass.”~Dr. Sally Perea, veterinary nutritionist

Is too much protein bad for older dogs
Is too much protein bad for older dogs?

Is Too Much Protein Bad for Older Dogs? 

Is too much protein bad for older dogs though? This remains a subject of controversy. Indeed, there are dog foods formulated for senior dogs that have reduced protein levels compared to their adult maintenance foods, while others have actually increased levels.

It all seems to boil down though to the individual needs of a particular dog. Some older dogs may require less protein, while some other may need more. “Just because a food is marketed for older animal, doesn’t mean it’s right for every older dog or cat” claims Dr. Lisa M. Freeman, veterinary nutritionist.

As for the exact quantity of protein though, this remains debated. Some studies seem to suggest that healthy senior dogs may actually require higher levels of protein compared to younger, adult dogs.  This is likely because, with aging, dogs have a less efficient protein metabolism.

Veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward, founder of The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, thinks that there is sufficient evidence to support 28 to 32 percent protein on a dry-matter basis (DMB) for healthy older dogs, especially in those cases where weight loss is needed.

Veterinary nutritionist Lisa Freeman claims that in older animals, without significant kidney or liver disease, it is wise to avoid reduced protein diets. Protein is important for senior dogs as it helps meet their amino acid needs required to repair tissues, support the immune system and help the body respond to stress. Stress on the body may lead to an increased susceptibility to pathogens, toxins, infections and cancer.

Other than the amount, also the quality of  the protein is important—if you feed a higher-biological-value protein, you can feed a lower quantity and still get the same nutrition, explains veterinary nutritionist Dr. Joe Bartges. A good quality protein typically contains the correct balance of amino acids and must be highly digestible.

” I always recommend that senior pets be fed diets that provide slightly boosted protein levels compared with adult maintenance formulas.”~Dr. Sally Perea, veterinary nutritionist

References:

  •  Davenport G, Gaasch S, Hayek MG, et al. Effect of dietary protein on body composition and metabolic responses of geriatric and young-adult dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2001;15:306.
  • Hutchinson D, Freeman LM, Schreiner KE, et al. Survey of opinions about nutritional requirements of senior dogs and analysis of nutrient profiles of commercially available diets for senior dogs. Intern J Appl Res Vet Med 2011;9:6
  • Finco DR. Effects of dietary protein and phosphorus on the kidney of dogs. In: Proceedings
    of the Waltham/OSU Symposium. Vernon, CA: Kal Kan Foods, Inc.; 1992. p. 39–41
  • Purina Research Report: Geriatric Nutrition Protein
  • DVM360: Senior diets: Do they live up to the hype?
  • DVM360: Aging gracefully–feeding senior pets (Proceedings)

 

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diet NC NeuroCare Review

Purina Pro Plan NeuroCare

 

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diet NC NeuroCare Review, a diet that helps nutritionally manage idiopathic epileptic pets as adjunct to anti-epileptic drugs.

By Dr. Joanne Fernandez-Lopez 

If you are the owner of a pet diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy, you may be frustrated with when the next seizure might hit once again. You make sure you have good control of your dog’s medications and visit the regular veterinarian or veterinary neurologist frequently for bloodwork and rechecks. But did you know that despite appropriate anti-seizure drug treatments, approximately 1/3 of the dogs continue to experience seizures? This concern brought the idea of other new treatment options in addition to the antiepileptic medications. Since there is the saying “let food be thy medicine”, I was very curious when this food came out to the market and started to investigate the science behind it.

As dogs start aging, the neurons are not as efficient in using glucose.

The Science Behind It

In 2015, the British Journal of Nutrition published a dietary trial study in chronically antiepileptic drug treated dogs with idiopathic epilepsy or unknown causes of epilepsy.  They compared a ketogenic medium-chain TAG diet (MCTD) with a placebo diet. Now, the question is why MCTD as the functional ingredient in the food?

According to Dr. Jason Gagne (director of veterinary technical marketing for Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diet NC NeuroCare diet), the neurons typically use glucose as the main fuel source.

As dogs start aging, the neurons are not as efficient in using glucose so ketones can act as an additional source.

Fortunately, dogs can metabolize medium chain triglycerides (MCTDs) to produce ketones. Scientists also believed that dietary MCTDs could have anti-seizure effects by blocking AMPA receptors* in the brain and decreasing excitatory pathways that can cause seizures.

This inspired the Royal Veterinary College to start the research in collaboration with Purina.

A Breakthrough Study 

In the study, dogs were fed a placebo or the MCTD diet for 3 months followed by repeated switches in the diet for the next 3 months. The seizure frequency, clinical and laboratory data was collected and reviewed for a total of 21 dogs.

Results showed a significant decrease in the seizure frequency when fed the MCTD diet (0-9.89/month) compared to the placebo group (0.33-22.92/month). Three of the dogs had no seizures, 7 additional dogs had >50% reduction in seizure frequency, 5 had an overall <50% reduction in seizures (38.87%) and 6 showed no response.

What I also like from this study is they compared blood concentrations of anti-seizure medications and also glucose levels which are known to be causes of seizures when they are severely low in the blood stream. They did not find significant changes in blood concentration of glucose, phenobarbital, potassium bromide and weight between diet groups.

Neurocare Diet by Purina for Dogs

Results of this study caught the attention of Purina to develop NC NeuroCare Diet which is formulated with medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil to help nutrionally manage dogs with epilepsy that are also being managed with medications like phenobarbital and potassium bromide.

The diet also has a blend of nutrients like B vitamins, arginine, antioxidants eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to enhance cognitive health and pets already diagnosed with cognitive dysfunction syndrome.

For more information regarding the effects of MCT in the brain, please access the podcast from the West Veterinary Conference this year. You are welcome to explore more by reading the reference articles next.

About the author 

Dr. Joanne Fernandez-Lopez is an emergency veterinarian on staff in the Emergency and Critical Care Department at Florida veterinary Referral Center (FVRC).

Originally from Puerto Rico, Dr. Joanne Fernandez-Lopez graduated from North Carolina State University – College of Veterinary Medicine in Raleigh, NC. Prior to joining FVRC, Dr. Fernandez-Lopez worked in small animal general practice and as a relief doctor in South East Florida. Her professional interests include dermatology, surgery, internal medicine, preventive medicine, reptile medicine and practice management.

In her free time, Dr. Fernandez-Lopez enjoys relaxing at the beach, paddle boarding, kayaking, and surfing. She has a small Tibetan spaniel mix named Carlitos.

References:

  • Tsz Hong Law, Emma S S Davies, Yuanlong Pan, Brian Zanghi, Elizabeth Want, Holger A Volk. A randomised trial of a medium-chain TAG diet as treatment for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. Br J Nutr. November 2015;114 (9):1438-47.
  • Gagne, J. (2017, May/June). Neurologic Breakthrough in Canine Nutrition. Today’s Veterinary Practice. 7 (3), page 77
  • Nutrional breakthrough to help manage dogs with epilepsy. RVC Press Release February 17, 2017. URL: http://www.rvc.ac.uk/research/research-centres-and-facilities/clinical-investigation-centre/news/nutrition-breakthrough-to-help-manage-dogs-with-epilepsy Retrieved May 30, 2017
  • Gagne J. (February 28, 2017). Purina® Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets NeuroCare. https://digital.wvc.org/audio/New-Product-Showcase-Podcast-Series/Purina-Pro-Plan-Veterinary-Diets-NeuroCare Retrieved May 30, 2017
  • Purina Pro Plan NC NeuroCare diet website with feeding guides and client reviews. URL: https://www.proplanveterinarydiets.com/products/nc-neurocare-dog/ Retrieved May 30, 2017

 

Are By-Products in Dog Food Bad?

By-Products in Dog Food

 

Reading a dog food label is often intimidating for dog owners and many wonder whether by-products in dogs food are bad. The term by-product is often interpreted as something nefarious, a waste product that’s derived from a manufacturing process and therefore something of inferior quality. The term though need not to be bad news, actually, humans have been feeding dogs “by-products” for centuries. Veterinary nutritionists clear up the meaning of the word by-products so that you can make an informed decision on whether by-products in dog foods are good or bad.

A Marketing Ploy 

Have you recently seen a trend in food companies making statements on their packaging just to make their products stick out from the crowd? “We see more and more human foods displaying statements such as “No gluten, no GMO, no carbs, no fat, no trans fat, no antibiotics, no artificial colors, no preservatives etc.”

While many of these substances are harmful, and therefore food companies proudly display their effort to not include them in their foods, some ingredients are not really bad, unless you have a good reason to not want to consume some carbs or a little bit of extra fat.

In the dog food industry, something similar is going on. Dog food companies that do not include by-products in their foods will market their absence making dog owners assume that by-products must be something bad that should be therefore avoided like the plague.  Add to this the power of the web, with websites spreading erroneous information. So are by-products really that bad? Let’s see what the experts in the field have to say.

Human Food Chain Leftovers

By-products in dog food plain and simply comprise what’s left from the human food chain, explains veterinary nutritionist Dr. Lisa Weeth. They are just parts of animals that the food market doesn’t use and therefore instead of tossing them away they’re used to make kibble for pets.

If you think about it, it’s an environmentally conscious way to deal with leftovers and for dogs it’s a sustainable source of proteins that would otherwise be wasted.

So what exactly are these meat by-products? Let’s take a look at the definition provided by the The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). According to AAFCO, meat by-products are simply the clean, non-rendered parts other than meat muscle tissue, that are obtained from slaughtered animals.

Meat by-products therefore consist of several organ meats such as livers, spleen, kidneys, lungs, brains, tripe and intestines (freed from their contents). Among by-products are also comprised things like bones, blood and fatty tissues. Contrary to want people assume, meat products do not include parts such as hair, horns, teeth and hooves. What animals are by-products from? By-products derive from meat that is sourced from cows, pigs, sheep or goats. If the meat by-products are derived from any other animals, the animal source must be identified.

Meat by-products are therefore not slaughterhouse waste, but they’re just s a product that’s produced secondarily to the main product in the same way as chicken stock is produced secondarily to from chicken meat, explains Dr. Rebecca L. Remillard, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist .

Healthy Source of Protein

While the idea of eating tripe or liver may gross  many people out, for normal, healthy dogs, meat by-products are a good source of protein and nutrients. Indeed, meat organs are considered a delicacy in many countries other than the U.S. and organs are often what’s eaten first by wild canines because of their high nutritional value.

The only concern about meat by-products in dog food would be in the case of dogs suffering from liver disease, in which case consuming organs would be counterproductive, or dogs suffering from allergies to certain meat proteins, adds Dr. Weeth.

While by-products are a good source of protein, a word of caution is needed. Because the quality of by-products can vary, it’s important to choose food companies that put an emphasis on implementing stringent quality control standards and using only the highest quality ingredients.

“By-products (mainly organ meats and entrails) often provide more nutrients than muscle meats on a per weight basis and are important components and even delicacies of human diets in other countries.”~Lisa M. Freeman, veterinary nutritionist

References:

  • DVM360: Veterinary nutrition: Easy as 1, 2, 3
  • DVM360: Deciphering pet food ingredients (Proceedings)
  • Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University: Don’t be bothered by by-products
  • American Feed Control Officials, What is in pet food

Best Diet for Dog with Liver Problems

Dog with Liver Problems

 

If your dog has liver issues, you may be looking for the best diet for dogs with liver problems so that you can help your canine companion out. The liver is a very important organ, and providing it with as much support as possible through diet and supplements is paramount when the liver is facing problems. Veterinarian Dr. Ivana Vukasinovic explains the important role of the liver and what should be in the diet of dogs suffering from liver problems.

By  Ivana Vukasinovic, DVM

The Liver’s Functions

The liver is one of the most important organs in the dog’s body. The liver is the largest organ and it performs around almost 1,500 functions.

The liver plays an important role in the metabolism by performing a multitude of functions, including detoxification, mineral storage, glycogen storage and blood protein production.

The liver also produces bile, which is important during digestion of food. Several diseases cause reduced function of the liver and/or  its efficiency.  However, the liver is the only organ in a dog which can be recovered in full with the proper treatment, even when the damage is greater than 70 percent!

Liver Problems in Dogs 

Liver disease can be congenital or acquired. Congenital simply means medical conditions that are present at birth or before birth, while acquired means conditions that develop over a course of the dog’s life. There are 3 types of liver changes that can cause pathological behavior in its function:

  •  Changes in cellular structure (inflammatory reaction, tumors)
  •  Changes in biliary system (inflammatory or obstructive
  •  Changes in vascular system

The most usual causes for these changes may be liver masses, tumors, non-tumor masses, hepatic cyst, congenital vessel abnormalities such as congenital portosystemic shunt or acquired shunt due to hypertension or cirrhosis,  endocrine diseases, diabetes mellitus, hyperadrenocorticism ( also known as Cushing’s disease), hyperthyroidism diseases of other organs that jeopardize the function of the liver (heart, kidneys), infective diseases (bacterial, viral and fungal).

Various toxic substances such as pesticides, rodent poisons, chemicals such as antifreeze, alcohol, algae, mushrooms, etc can lead to liver problems and so can excessive intake of certain drugs.

Hepatitis is a viral disease of which may infect dogs of all ages and causes  serious damage to the liver, blood vessels, and kidneys. Other conditions that affect the liver include leptospirosis, salmonellosis, coccidioidomycosis and histoplasmosis, toxoplasmosis, copper storage disease. A history of abdominal trauma may be a culprit too.

Did you know?  Certain breeds of dogs are genetically predisposed liver problems such as West Highland white terriers, cocker spaniels, Doberman pinschers.

Symptoms of Liver Problems in Dogs 

The first symptoms of liver disease in dogs are generic and common to many diseases, such as high fever, blood in stool, diarrhea, and loss of appetite and vomiting.

There are only a few symptoms that could be called specific for liver disease, but still, they may be a sign of other diseases as well. Some of the symptoms suggestive of liver disease are jaundice (yellowing of mucous membranes), increased thirst, increased urination, and off-white color of feces, loss of appetite, weight loss, and enlarged abdomen due to an accumulation of fluid (ascites) or an increase in the liver itself, nervous symptoms.

Infectious canine hepatitis can cause cloudy corneas in one or both eyes and this is called the Blue Eye, but this symptom is not unique to this disease.

Treatment for Liver Problems in Dogs 

In most cases of liver disease, there isn’t any specific treatment, but it boils down to support and symptomatic treatment as well as special diet that which is crucial.

The method of treatment depends on the form of liver disease. In milder forms slightly changed diet with supplementation of vitamins gives very good results. In chronic diseases, the treatment is prolonged with the use of appropriate drugs and special veterinary diets.

The type of therapy that will be given depends on the type of disease and the degree of liver damage.

  • Corticosteroids such as prednisone are used as anti-inflammatory medicine, and to decrease scarring of the tissue. They also stimulate appetite, but due to the fact that each drug is metabolized in the liver, it should be used wisely.
  • Antibiotics are used in cases of bacterial liver infection, or when the patient is at risk of a secondary infection due to overall status. They are chosen based on the lab results, knowing the bacterial flora of the liver, but broad spectrum antibiotics are always a good choice.
  • Antioxidants such as vitamin E, N-Acetylcysteine, S-Adenosylmethionine, Whey Protein and Silibinin (Milk Thistle), are most important because, during liver stress or any disease, levels of glutathione in the liver are abnormally decreased. Glutathione or GSH is called the Mother of antioxidants, and its role is to prevent intracellular damage.
  • Penicillamine and Zinc are used in copper storage disease to reduce the amount of copper. Zinc increases synthesis of metallothionine which binds copper.
  • Antiulcer drugs
  • Antiemetic drugs to cure vomiting and nausea.
  • Diuretics for treating ascites.
  • Electrolytes for preventing dehydration due to ascites, vomiting, diarrhea.

Diets for Dog Liver Disease 

Regardless of the type of liver disease, or the extent of liver damage, the diet must be modified, sometimes just in the means to maintain proper nutrition and caloric intake, and sometimes specific diets may be recommended. Most basic facts for dog`s diet during liver problems are mentioned below;

Proteins

Due to the fact that less protein is being processed in the liver, your dog`s diet must contain high-quality proteins but their levels must be moderate. High-quality proteins have a high biological value, they are good calorie sources, and they are easily digested. Good protein sources (that are also low in copper, which is important) are turkey, chicken, white fish, beef.

” As a general recommendation the dietary protein should represent 17 to 22% of digestible Kcal.”~ David Twedt, DVM, DACVIM

Fats

Dogs with liver disease can tolerate larger quantities of fat in their diet (30 – 50% of calories), and non-protein calories help reduce the need of gluconeogenesis, which happens in the liver, and further burdens the organ.

Fibers

Fibers are important because some types help remove ammonia and reduce bile acids.

Carbohydrates

Carbs aids digestion, so oatmeal or rice is a good start.

Vitamins

Vitamin K helps bleeding disorders and clothing problems since the liver is the biggest producer and depot of this vitamin. In sick liver, this depot cannot be used, so it must be added as supplement. Vitamin E and Vitamin C are powerful antioxidants.Vitamin B complex.

Dog diets should be low in potassium and copper.

Dogs with the aforementioned problems often have little to no appetite, and sometimes it is necessary to force feed them with syringe or feeding tube.

Final Notes 

Most of the liver problems are acute, and if treated on time with proper care, results are more than satisfactory. On the other hand, some types of liver problems are not curable or far gone, but with supportive care and medication, your pet friend may live a comfortable life.

 

About the Author

DVM Ivana Vukasinovic is a veterinarian in Belgrade, capital city of Serbia.

She received her B.S from University of Belgrade in 2012, and her master’s degree from Veterinary University, Belgrade.

Before eventually becoming director of  Vetanima Doo, company that sells animal food, medicine and supplements, she have worked in many different fields of sales. After finishing college, she started working as sales person in biggest Serbian bookshop chain, and being passionate about books, she had reached the position of publisher.

After leaving this field, she started working as a veterinary commercialist, and then landing a job as veterinarian at veterinary pharmacy, in the same company in which she is now acting as director.

When she is not working, she is either glued to some fantasy book or cooking for friends. She currently resides in Belgrade with her cat Mile.

A Guide to Dog Allergies to Meat Protein

Dog Allergies to Meat Protein

 

Dogs can be allergic to a variety of substances, but dog allergies to meat protein are quite common. If you suspect your dog is suffering from some food allergy, see your vet. Your vet is the best person to help you pinpoint the problem and take action so that your dog can feel better and enjoy life as he should. Following is a guide for dogs allergic to meat proteins, by veterinarian Dr. Ivana Vukasinovic.

By  Ivana Vukasinovic, DVM

Understanding Food Allergies in Dogs 

The word allergy is from Greek language and means different (alos). Allergy is a different body reaction (overreaction), to a substance or particle, which is otherwise harmless, but in this case leads to sensitization.

It is necessary to distinguish between two different concepts, or two clinical manifestations: food allergies and food intolerance.

A food allergy  is  a process mediated by IgE antibodies against food proteins, and manifested in the rapid cause-effect reaction and requires previous exposure to the allergen.

A food intolerance is a reaction to food that can cause unpleasant symptoms and many chronic conditions is associated with intolerance, but it does not involve the immune system nor its reaction, and can occur with the first contact with certain food.

The Making of a Food Allergy 

The first contact with a food product does not lead to an allergic reaction; but the new particle is now recognized as foreign matter – antigen, and as a response, body generates antibodies.

Reintroduction of the same food can cause an allergic reaction. Then, the reaction between Antigen (food) and Antibodies (created at the first entry of the substance inside the body) liberates substances that deplete the tissue and give allergy symptoms.

The compound of Ag-Ab activates mast cells and leads to their degranulation- spraying and liberating the histamine. Most of these cells are located in the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, and in the skin, and these two organs are the first to react with allergic symptoms.

Allergies to Meat Proteins 

In a healthy organism, food breaks down into the simplest parts such as single amino acids, and in the gastrointestinal tract these nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream. The GI tract is very important player in primary allergic defense. If too big particles of digested food pass into the bloodstream, it will trigger a massive allergic reaction.

The most common meat proteins that are likely to provoke allergic reaction are beef and chicken, probably because these two protein sources are the biggest and most common.  If a dog is given chicken protein or same basic protein source every day of his life, over time his body (meaning GI tract) may become less equipped to break down those proteins.

Signs of Trouble

Manifestations of these problems are most notable on the skin and in the digestive system. One should know that almost one-third of all skin diseases in domestic carnivores occur on allergic basis.

Allergic skin changes are best recognized by redness of the skin, spots around the ears, the eyes, the feet and armpits, paw biting, obsessive licking and intense itching. If the dog is constantly infuses food that causes hypersensitivity, itching becomes stronger, scratching intensely, with formation of sores on the skin, and it provides an excellent base for the growth of various bacterial infections that can lead to other a much more serious and dangerous problems.

When we talk about symptoms in the digestive tract, the most notable occurrences are vomiting and diarrhea. Frequent vomiting and diarrhea leads to dehydration, weight loss, digestive disorders, fatigue and natural rejection of food intake.

Did you know? The most reliable way to diagnose food allergies is a food trial in which the animal’s body takes a break from the food that’s been causing the symptoms.

Starting a Food Trial

There are two types of food trial, or so-called food elimination diet, using a novel protein food source or hydrolyzed protein. These types of diets are also called hypoallergenic.

Novel protein sources are meat sources that animal hasn’t consumed before.

Most novel proteins today are venison, bison, elk, alligator, pheasant, kangaroo, ostrich, quail and beaver, with new protein sources that are being tested and introduced every day.

When transferring dogs to this new feeding regiment, it is customary to switch carbohydrates as well and to reduce them to single source, due to the fact that plants that are the basic source for carbohydrates are proteins as well. The best preference is to keep metabolically low-stress diet, and that means no grains if possible.

Hydrolyzed proteins are the smallest molecules made from intact animal proteins fragmented down to the tiniest particles, so that the immune system cannot detect them,  which prevents reaction of the immune response, and there is no allergic reaction.

Starch or rice is typically used as carbohydrate source because they are very rarely associated with allergic reactions and they are relieving symptoms of existing allergies.

No matter what type of hypoallergenic dog food we are talking about, the diet should last no less than 10 weeks, usually for about 15. Most dogs experience some improvements in the first few weeks.

Such therapy is usually very difficult for the owner, both financially and psychologically, due to the fact that hypoallergenic diets exclude treats, and they need constant attention of the owner. Veterinary diets must be prescribed and monitored by qualified person.

 

About the Author

DVM Ivana Vukasinovic is a veterinarian in Belgrade, capital city of Serbia.

She received her B.S from University of Belgrade in 2012, and her master’s degree from Veterinary University, Belgrade.

Before eventually becoming director of  Vetanima Doo, company that sells animal food, medicine and supplements, she have worked in many different fields of sales. After finishing college, she started working as sales person in biggest Serbian bookshop chain, and being passionate about books, she had reached the position of publisher.

After leaving this field, she started working as a veterinary commercialist, and then landing a job as veterinarian at veterinary pharmacy, in the same company in which she is now acting as director.

When she is not working, she is either glued to some fantasy book or cooking for friends. She currently resides in Belgrade with her cat Mile.

Understanding Your Dog’s Energy Requirements

Dog's Energy Requirements

 

Understanding your dog’s energy requirements is important because the main key function of eating food is to gain energy. All living creatures need energy to sustain all bodily functions. Energy requirements vary from one dog to another based on several factors. Knowledge about energy requirements in dogs is important because this is ultimately what dictates how much food you need to feed your dog. While pet food labels suggest how much food to feed based on weight, this can be overly inaccurate because they don’t keep into consideration several factors.

Where Does Energy Come From?

The main source of energy is the sun which ultimately enables plants to produce energy-containing nutrients which are then directly consumed by animals eating such plants or indirectly by animals consuming animals that have eaten such energy-containing nutrients from plants.

While energy is not a nutrient per se,’ fats, carbs and proteins found in foods are all energy-containing nutrients that once ingested and digested are absorbed so to generate energy. Just like a light bulb will shut down when no longer supplied with electricity, life cannot be sustained if energy is no longer supplied by food. The body would gradually shut down and death would occur.

Dogs should be fed enough food to meet their energy requirements. Energy requirements vary from dog to dog and the energy content of food also varies. While pet food labels suggest feeding dogs a certain quantity based on the dog’s weight, this is a only one piece of the puzzle. There are several other factors to keep into consideration.

Measuring Energy Requirements

There are several ways a dog’s energy requirements can be calculated. Resting Energy Requirement (RER) refers to the amount of energy that a dog needs while remaining at rest in a thermoneutral environment (range of ambient temperatures where metabolic rate is minimal).

To obtain your dog’s Resting Energy Requirement (if your dog weighs between 5 and 99 pounds or between 2 and 45 kg ) you will have to use this formula:  RER = dog’s weight in kilograms x 30, + 70.

To figure out your dog’s weight in kilograms you can use this pounds to kilograms calculator. The final RER number you obtain from the above calculation should range between 130 and 1,420. Let’s see a practical example.

So if your dog weights 87 pounds, that’s 39.462 kilograms. So you take 39.462 and multiply it by 30 which makes 1183.86. You then add 70 and the total comes to 1253.86. This number provides you with the number of calories your dog’s body burns at rest. If your dog lays around all day, this number can be close to accurate, but there may be several other factors to consider that can increase your dog’s energy requirements, and significantly too!

And what if your dog weighs less than 5 pounds or more than 99 pounds? Then, you will need to use the exponential formula which is RER = 70 [body wt in kg0.75].

A Multitude of Factors

Unless old and sick, most dogs are not likely to be immobile the whole day, so it’s important to consider that any activity other than rest requires an increase in energy requirements which means a need for ingesting more calories. So an adult dog with normal activity levels can be already at 1.6 times the resting energy requirement. Following are several factors to keep into consideration.

The Impact of Growth

Puppies have increased energy needs during growth because they need all the energy then can get to form new tissue. Growth is at its peak from weaning (around 3-4 weeks) up to when the pup is four months old. During this time, the puppy’s energy requirements can be 3 times the resting energy requirement. Energy requirements then lower to 2 times the resting energy requirement from four months of age up to when the pup reaches adult size.

It’s important to keep in mind that too much of a good thing can harm a growing puppy! Excess energy intake in a growing puppy can lead to obesity and developmental orthopedic disease, especially in large and giant breed puppies.

The Impact of Reproduction

Reproduction takes some additional energy expense which results in higher energy requirements. When a female dog is pregnant, most rapid fetal development occurs in the last third trimester of pregnancy, which takes place after day 40 of gestation with the highest energy requirements peaking between weeks 6 and week 8 of pregnancy. During this time, energy requirements are 3 times the resting energy requirement for most dogs, but larger breeds may require more.

Production of milk is one of the most energy demanding times of all. Depending on the dog’s size and breed, during lactaction energy requirements can range from 4 times to as high as 8 times the dog’s resting energy requirement! With an abdomen full of puppies leaving little room for food in the digestive tract, pregnant dogs benefit from a light, easy-to-digest diet fed in several small meals during the day. A high quality puppy formulation is generally recommended during the third trimester of pregnancy so to ensure adequate calorie intake.

The Impact of Age

Older dogs tend to generally require fewer calories compared to young and adult dogs. This is mostly due to the fact that, as dogs age, they tend to move around less. According to studies, dogs over the age of seven showed a 10 to 20 percent less need for energy compared to younger dogs between the ages of three and seven. Senior dogs therefore benefit in a caloric reduction, but there are exceptions to the rule when it comes to senior dogs who engage in physical activity.

The Impact of Activity

On top of lactation, another factor that can significantly increase energy requirements is activity. Just think that the simple fact of standing up, requires 40 percent more energy than lying down! Generally, normal activity can raise the resting energy requirements anywhere between 1.6 to 1.8 times, with light work increasing up to 2 times and moderate work raising up to 3 times more. Prolonged heavy activity instead can raise the resting energy requirement anywhere from 4 to 8 times more, just as a dog producing milk!

The Impact of Climate

Even the climate where your dog lives can have an impact on energy requirements in dogs.  Thermoregulation, the body’s work to maintain its internal core at an ideal temperature, takes energy. Consider that dogs who are left outdoors in the cold winter will need anywhere between 10 and 90 percent more calories than when a dog is exposed to an optimal temperature. This is because it takes energy expense to maintain core temperature to an optimal level.

Energy expense is also higher when a dog is in a warm climate, as it takes energy to dissipate heat, however, when dogs are maintained in a thermoneutral environment, which means the dog is exposed to ambient temperatures where metabolic rate is minimal, the energy loss is minimal.

The Impact of Breed

Even the breed of dog can have an impact of caloric needs. For example, Newfoundlands and Siberian huskies are known for having low energy requirements. On the other hand, great danes are known for having requirements that are higher than average.

The Impact of Health

There are certain medical conditions that require the body to repair itself and this can lead to increased energy expense. Dogs may need to recover from trauma, repair wounds or mount an immune response against diseases like cancer. Nutrients that supply energy are important so to sustain the body in these times of need. Something to consider though is that often ill dogs are inactive and this can lower their energy requirements. With this in mind, the energy requirements of sick dogs may often stay close to resting energy requirements.

The Bottom Line 

As seen, there are several factors that play a role in a dog’s energy requirements. Keeping these factors in mind is important.

However, calculating your dog’s caloric intake based on energy expense can be tricky. While pet food labels offer a rough guide on how much food to feed your dog based on weight, these guidelines ignore other factors.

For instance, you will have to factor in any treats or table scraps given throughout the day which can lower the amount of food to feed. For help in identifying your dog’s caloric requirements consult with your vet or a veterinary nutritionist.

References:

  • Merck Veterinary Manual, Nutritional Requirements and Related Diseases of Small Animals
  • VCA Animal Hospital, Feeding the Pregnant Dog
  • Lewis, L; Morris, M; Hand, M. Small Animal Clinical Nutrition 3rd Edition. Mark Morris Associates. Topeka, KS; 1987.
  • Pet Education, How Much to Feed A Dog to Meet His Energy Needs

Pros and Cons of Free-Choice Feeding Dogs

Free-Choice Feeding Dogs

 

Dog owners often wonder about the pros and cons of free-choice feeding dogs, and while there are many disadvantages with this method of feeding, free-choice feeding can also be advantageous in a few circumstances. Some websites condemn free-choice feeding as being a “disservice to dogs” and accusing owners of free-choice feeding as not being responsible; some others even go on to claiming it to be a “recipe for disaster,” however, most likely, not all circumstances are being evaluated. Read on to learn when free-choice feeding may be a sensible option for your dog.

What is Free-Choice Feeding?

As the name implies, free-choice feeding means that the dog gets to eat when he wants and how much he wants. Also known as “ad libitum feeding” or “self feeding,” free-choice feeding entails leaving the dog with a full bowl of food all day and the dog gets to eat as much as he wants and whenever he chooses to.

The routine goes something like this: the dog owner wakes up and before going to work, he fills up the food bowl with dog food. He then leaves for work and when he comes back, he checks the food bowl. If there is some food left, he may leave it out for the rest of the night, or if there is no food, he may add some more. Then in morning, he refills the bowl for another day.

The main job of free-choice feeding is therefore for the dog owner to always ensure that a fresh supply of food is always available to the dog. And the dog’s “job”  of course is to simply eat when he feels like it!

Advantages of Free-Choice Feeding

You may find it odd that there are advantages for free-choice feeding, when so many websites claim quite the opposite. Perhaps one of the biggest advantages of free-choice feeding dogs is the fact that it is quick and easy. All dog owners need to do is make sure that the dog’s food bowl always contains a supply of fresh food.

Certified veterinary technician Dr. Mari Sirois explains in the book “Elsevier’s Veterinary Assisting Textbook,” how free-choice feeding is the method of choice for feeding dogs when they are nursing. When dogs are nursing, they may need to eat several small meals during the day on an “as needed basis.” This because new mother dogs may wish to limit  the length of absences from their newborn puppies’ during their critical stage of growth when they need as much warmth, protection and nourishment as possible.

The manual of Small Animal Clinical Nutrition mentions that free-choice feeding can have a “quieting effect” in dogs living in a kennel environment. Shy dogs may appreciate the opportunity to eat when they feel safe to do so. Feeding free choice can also help relieve boredom and minimize undesirable behaviors such as eating stools and barking.

Free- choice feeding may be an ideal option for “nibblers” and slow eating dogs that will not consume the amount of food necessary to meet their needs when the food bowl is offered only for a limited, specific time frame and then it is taken away, explains Linda P. Case canine nutritionist, dog trainer, and science writer in the book “The Dog: Its Behavior, Nutrition, and Health.”

Disadvantages of Free-Choice Feeding

There are several disadvantages of free-choice feeding, which is why it has such a bad rap. One big concern is the fact that free-choice feeding makes it difficult for dog owners to detect very subtle changes in food consumption. If your dog is not feeling well, he may just pick at his food but you won’t notice the reduce caloric intake because it is difficult to notice a difference by just looking at the food bowl. You might therefore notice a problem only once your dog has lost a substantial amount of weight.

Free-choice feeding should not be used in puppies. When puppies are growing they require a precise amount of food so to ensure they are not ingesting too little or too many calories. Free-choice feeding doesn’t allow the pup’s food intake to be monitored and this can predispose them to malnutrition or metabolic bone diseases.

While dogs may have the ability to self regulate their consumption of food to meet their caloric needs, these regulatory mechanisms can be overridden when dogs are lacking sufficient mental stimulation, explains Linda Case. This feeding method therefore is not ideal for obese dogs or dogs who are predisposed to becoming obese.

Finally another disadvantage of free choice feeding is the fact that only dry food can be used considering that moist foods tend to be prone to spoilage after being left out for lengthy periods of time.

“The risk of developmental orthopedic diseases appears to be increased in large and giant breed puppies fed highly palatable, energy-dense foods free choice, even if foods are well-balanced. One study noted that if free-choice feeding is used, it should be done only in combination with a low energy-density food to decrease the risk of developmental orthopedic diseasesand obesity.” ~Ed Kane,  researcher & consultant in animal nutrition.

How to Transition a Dog to Free Feeding

If you are planning to switch your dog to free choice feeding, you may be wondering what procedure to use. The manual of Small Animal Clinical Nutrition suggests starting by feeding the dog the regular amount fed when meal feeding, and then, after this food has been consumed, and the dog’s appetite seems to have been somewhat satisfied, more food can be set out then to be fed free choice.

While dogs transitioning to free-choice feeding may initially feel like splurging and overeating, generally, this tendency tends to fade once the dogs realize that their food is always readily available. It’s important to refrain removing the food at any time during this time of adjustment as it will only cause the dog to feel tempted to eat again all at once.

The Bottom Line

How dog food is provided and how often it is fed ultimately depends on several factors. Each individual situation therefore dictates which feeding method is the best.

In some cases, the lifestyle of the owner is the determining factor, but it’s important to evaluate if this is in the best interest of the dog. As seen, free choice feeding is not right for all types of dogs.

If you are debating on whether you should feed your dog free-choice, consult with your veterinarian, or better a veterinary nutritionist. In general, most dogs will do best when fed through regular meal feedings, where the dog is usually provided with specific, but lesser,  amounts of food according to food label instructions.

References:

  • Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, 5th Edition, Mark Morris Institute
  • The Dog: Its Behavior, Nutrition, and Health, by Linda P. Case
  • Elsevier’s Veterinary Assisting Textbook, By Margi Sirois
  • Richardson DC, Zentek J, Hazewinkel HAW, et al. Developmental orthopedic disease of dogs. In: Hand MS, Thatcher CD, Remillard RL, et al., eds. Small animal clinical nutrition. 4th ed. Topeka, Kan: Mark Morris Institute, 2000;505-528.

Top Functional Foods For Dog Health

Functional Foods For Dogs

 

You may have heard about functional foods for humans, foods that are jam-packed with health benefits on top of offering basic nutrition. Today, the trend of seeking out functional foods has also affected the dog food industry with more and more premium dog foods adding functional foods in their ingredient list. Dog owners preparing their dog foods at home may also be on the lookout for these healthy ingredients. Therefore, if you are wondering what foods are considered functional in your dog’s diet, you may find this list of functional foods for dogs helpful.

A Word About Functional Foods for Dogs

As mentioned, functional foods are considered foods that are teeming with positive health benefits on top of offering basic nutrition. The purpose of feeding functional foods is therefore to provide nutritive value while promoting good health and lowering the risk for disease.

Of course, it’s important that perspective functional foods are free of chemicals and additives as this would defeat the whole purpose of eating functional foods. This means that it’s best to look for non GMO, organic sources. “An apple a day will cause the doctor to stay” rather than “away” if the apples you are eating are packed with pesticides!

As always, consult with your vet before adding any new foods to your dog’s diet. Not all functional foods are right for every dog, especially dogs suffering from underlying medical problems. For instance, fats may not be suitable for dog suffering from pancreatitis, green leafy vegetables many not be suitable for dogs suffering from bladder stones, while cruciferous vegetables may not be suitable for dogs with low thyroid levels.

If you cook your dog a home-made diet and want to add functional foods, consider consulting with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure that the diet is balanced and nutritionally complete.

Functional Carbohydrates for Dogs

Not call carbohydrates are bad for dogs, there are good carbs for dogs too. If you are totally avoiding feeding carbs to your dog, you may be missing out on these ingredients that are packed with benefits. Here are some functional carbohydrates that may prove beneficial to your dog.

While grains have recently received a bad rap in the food dog industry and there has been a surge of dog foods that are grain-free, it would be unjust pointing out the finger and labeling all grains as bad. Millet, quinoa, sorghum, and gluten-free oats are healthy, gluten free grains that don’t deserve a bad rap.

Just as in people, dogs can benefit from lightly steamed cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, cabbage and bok choy. These sources of functional carbs are potent cancer fighting foods that are rich in antioxidants and therefore help reduce the numbers of free radicals in the body.

Green leafy vegetables are sources of important compounds that have anticancer benefits. These superfoods include kale, collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens and dandelion greens. These green leafy vegetable are best if offered steamed so that they are more bioavailable.

There are many fruits that are functional and these comprise organic apples, bananas, blueberries, cranberries, cantaloupe and watermelon. While fruits contain sugar which can have a high glycemic index, this effect is balanced out by the fruit’s content of healthy fiber which helps insulate the sugar, explain veterinarian Dr. Jean Dodds and Diana Laverdure in the book “Canine Nutrigenomics.” Remember: never feed your dog grapes or raisins which are toxic to dogs.

Functional Proteins for Dogs

While dogs can thrive and survive without carbohydrates in their diet, proteins are a whole different story. Protein is the most important nutrient of all and it carries many important functions such as building muscle, providing essential aminoacids and regulating important systems in the dog’s body.

When we think of protein, the first thought goes out to meat, but there are many other sources of protein that can benefit dogs. Functional foods containing protein include organic milk, cheese and yogurt that comes from goat or sheep sources, organic eggs, fish that contain low levels of protein such as wild caught sardines, wild-caught salmon, pollack and catfish.

Among meat sources, organic bison, duck, goat, rabbit, turkey and venison are functional foods considering that they have a lower risk for causing food intolerance since most of them are novel protein sources that are not commonly consumed by dogs.

Functional Fats for Dogs

Unless your dog is suffering from pancreatitis or is overweight, you may find these functional fats beneficial to your dog. Fats are important because they provide your dog energy and work as a vessel for fat-soluble vitamins. Most likely, you are already familiar with the benefits of omega fatty acids and are already incorporating them in your dog’s diet.

The good news about feeding dogs fat is that dogs do not get heart attacks from eating fat as people do as they burn fat differently than humans.

What are some good functional sources of fat for dogs? Look for fish oil, coconut oil, olive oil, hemp oil, primrose oil, sunflower oil. Make sure though that these oils are expeller pressed rather than extracted with the use of hexane, a petroleum product that you certainly do not want anywhere near food. Other healthy fats are found in sardines and wild-caught salmon and novel meat sources described above.  As always consult with your vet or veterinary nutritionist for dietary recommendation and dosages.

References:

  •  Functional Foods in Pets and Humans Alessandro Di Cerbo1 * Beniamino Palmieri2 Francesca Chiavolelli3 Gianandrea Guidetti3 Sergio Canello3  Intern J Appl Res Vet Med • Vol. 12, No. 3, 2014
  • Canine Nutrigenomics, The New Science of Feeding Your Dog For Optimum Health, by Jean Dodds, Diana Laverdure

What to Feed a Pitbull Puppy to Get Big Muscles

What to Feed a Pitbull Puppy

 

If you have a pitbull puppy, you probably can’t wait  for him to “beef up” so that you can enjoy that typical muscular and stocky dog you have been dreaming of.  Over feeding your pitbull puppy to get him to grow fast and build muscle is a big no-no though, considering that doing so may potentially cause damaging effects that may even last a lifetime and will cost a lot in vet bills. The secret to feeding large breed puppies like pitbulls is to go slow and steady and feed the right diet. It’s important to look for a puppy food that is purposely crafted for large breed puppies so to prevent developmental problems associated with rapid growth.

The Importance of Protein

If you asked what nutrient your dog needs the most in order to survive, that nutrient would be protein. Dogs need protein for building and repairing muscle. Protein is also important to keep the immune system strong and provide structure for the dog’s bones, joints, tendons, ligaments and skin.

More than protein though, to be exact what dogs really need are aminoacids. Protein is composed by chains of smaller units and these units are called aminoacids. In particular, dogs need 10 types of aminoacids which are known as “essential aminoacids.”

During puppyhood, pitbull puppies require a certain amount of protein during their growth stages. Protein is therefore essential during the puppy’s period of rapid growth and development which happens the most during the first year of life.

Protein Rich Dog Foods

If you own a pitbull puppy it is therefore important to look for a good food that contains protein in ideal amounts. In the past, there was belief that excess protein was to blame for the development of orthopedic problems in growing large breed puppies. Nowadays, it has been discovered that the actual culprits are excess calories and calcium imbalances.

Actually, protein is important for puppies, and puppies fed diets with insufficient amounts of proteins are prone to suffer from decreased growth and lowered immunity. Protein is what ultimately leads to good muscle mass, explains veterinarian Dr. Scott. 

So for your pitbull puppy, look for a dog food that is purposely designed for large-breed puppies. These foods are likely to contain the ideal caloric density so to prevent rapid growth, and have the proper ratios of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D, explains veterinary nutritionist, Dr. Dana Hutchinson Consider that dog foods that are higher in protein tend to be the most expensive ones.

“In contrast to protein, excessive calories and inappropriate amounts of calcium have both been shown to negatively influence optimal skeletal development in puppies.”~Jennifer Larsen DVM, MS Resident, Small Animal Clinical Nutrition

And What About Supplements?

You may have heard about supplements that build muscles in pitbull dogs, but do they really work? Veterinarian Dr. Scott is suspicious about them. He  believes that no supplement has the power to make a pitbull puppy bigger, despite several additives on the market making all kinds of ridiculous claims.

After taking a look at several being sold though, it seems like several have rave reviews. Many buyers claim to see actual growth and increase in muscles mass in their pitbull puppies. When it comes to reviews though nowadays, it is hard to tell if products being sold are truly effective as sometimes reviews may be biased.

On top of that, one must consider that if people start giving these supplements to their pitbull puppies when they are young, it is obvious that they will eventually get bigger and grow muscle at some point. This may give buyers the illusion that these supplements really work when their pitbulls are just growing and developing normally as they should.  Last time we looked, pitbull puppies always increased in growth rather than shrinking!

Exercise Can Help

While you can’t change your pitbull puppy’s bone growth as this is determined by genes, you can to some extent increase muscle mass, and one of the best ways to do this is through exercise. You can think of it as body building for canines!

However, consider waiting a bit as you can damage your pitbull puppy’s delicate growth plates. Consider that if you are conditioning too early, this can result in trauma to growth plates, warns veterinary surgeon Dr. Wendy Baltzer. 

If you want to start a low exercise regimen, you can exercise your puppy daily without overdoing it, but make sure that you exercise on a forgiving surface such as turf. Avoid cement or asphalt. You can then increase the exercise regimen once your pitbull’s growth plates have closed, which can happen anywhere between 10 to 18 months of age.

So make sure that the exercise regimen you choose is suitable for your pup’s age. Ask your vet for specific recommendations.

“Most sports medicine veterinarians recommend to not begin training until growth plate closure which depends on the size of the breed and can be anywhere from 10 months to 18 months of age.” ~Dr. Wendy Baltzer

A Matter of Time

It’s normal for pitbull puppies to go through an “all legs,” lanky stage of growth. In general, pitbull puppies will have reached their full height by the time they are one year of age. Pitbull puppies then start filling in and becoming  more and more muscular around 18 months, and possibly, up to two years of age. By the age of three, most pitbulls should be fully developed.

So when it comes to a developing a pitbull’s muscles, patience is a virtue that is required considering that rapid growth in large breed puppies like pitbulls can lead to joint problems.

By feeding a top quality diet and implementing a good exercise regimen, you can help build strong bones and nice muscles. but as the saying goes “slow and steady wins the race,” and this goes a long way when it comes to a pitbull puppy’s growth rate.

 


Bad and Healthy Carbohydrates for Dogs

Carbohydrates for Dogs

 

You may have heard that carbs are bad for dogs, but turns out, if you totally ban carbs from your dog’s diet, you may be missing out on feeding several sources of healthy carbohydrate for dogs. While you may have heard that carbs are not really an essential dietary requirement for dogs, there are certain carbs that are healthier than others. Actually, some carbs are a healthy addition, so much so that they are even recommended by veterinarians. While healthy carbs can be a good choice for many dogs, there are not always the best choice for all dogs because of individual factors.

A Word About Carbs

While dogs do not have a strict requirement for carbohydrates in their diet, they can tolerate carbs well as long as they are given in moderate amounts. Dogs can digest carbs and they are better equipped to do so compared to wolves.

Not too long ago, a study conducted by the University of Uppsala in Sweden, found that dogs have between 4 and 30 copies of the gene that codes for amylase, the special enzyme that’s responsible for breaking down starch, while wolves, on the other hand, have only two copies of this gene (Axelsson et al. 2013).

It’s important to recognize that most commercial dog foods have some sort of carbs in them. These carbs are ultimately what prevent consumers from buying a bag of crumbles. If a dog’s kibble comes in its distinctive shape and texture, it is thanks to carbs. Imagine making a batch of cookies without any flour or some type of starch that could bind everything together. You would end up being unable to make any shape!

Even grain-free diets contain some type of carbs. It’s a common myth that grain-free diets for dogs are free of carbs. These diets are simply free of grains, but most of them include starches such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas or tapioca. Starches are also carbs but they are digested more slowly considering that they must be broken down by the enzyme amylase (produced by the dog’s pancreas) before they can be absorbed.

As with almost every thing in life, there are good carbs and bad carbs. Some carbs have a high glycemic index which means they tend to cause blood sugar levels to rise, while some others can be more beneficial.

High-Glycemic Index Carbs

High-glycemic index carbs are simply carbs that cause a rapid surge in blood sugar after they are consumed. Unlike low glycemic index carbs that are digested slowly causing a gradual rise in blood sugar, high glycemic index carbs are  rapidly digested and known for causing abrupt spikes in blood sugar.

According to a study, rapid increases in blood glucose after meals contribute to high oxidative stress which leads to a state of chronic, low-grade inflammation. Chronic low grade inflammation wrecks havoc insidiously, at a cellular level. It may take years for low grade inflammation to create problems, but when it does, diseases such as allergies, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, heart disease and even cancer can raise their ugly head.

Examples of high glycemic carbs often found in dog foods consist of corn, sugar, wheat, white rice and white potatoes. Many high-glycemic index carbs are “refined” grains that have been milled resulting in loss of the most nutritious contents: dietary fiber, iron, and B vitamins.

However, not all high-glycemic index carbs should be avoided. There are several high-glycemic index foods that can beneficial because they contain relatively small amounts of carbohydrates, which means less chances for spikes of blood sugar levels.

Carbs with Antioxidant Properties

While several high-glycemic index carbs contribute to high oxidative stress, there are carbs that actually have the opposite effect, providing antioxidant properties. Most of these carbs are phytonutrients, basically plant compounds known for containing healthy nutrients.

On top of their antioxidant properties, phytonutrients help enhance the dog’s immune system, repair damage of free radicals due to toxins, and prevent cancer. While dogs do not necessitate phytonutrients to survive, they are worthy of adding to the diet because of their benefits, explain veterinarian Jean Dodds and Diana Laverdure in the book “Canine Nutrigenomics.”

Examples of good carbs include fresh fruits like apples, bananas, berries, cantaloupe and watermelon. While these fruits may seem sweet, they contain fiber which slows down digestion,  and therefore, the sugar in them is released slowly into the bloodstream.

Other good sources of healthy carbs for dogs are several vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, peas, chick peas and kidney beans. Among grains, the gluten-free quinoa, sorghum and millet may be also beneficial.

Most vegetables need to be cooked to be properly digested. For full benefits, you should use organic fruits and vegetables. Foods laced with pesticides or foods that are genetically modified will defeat the whole purpose of serving healthy foods.

A Word of Caution

As with almost everything in life, there are always some exceptions to any rule. There are some dogs who at some time in their lives, may benefit from the addition of carbs (even some of the  high-glycemic index ones) and moderate amounts of carbs can actually be beneficial to most dogs because they can be a good source of potassium, antioxidants and fiber .

For instance, some dogs suffering from digestive issues may benefit from a diet with white potatoes  due to their ease of digestibility.Dogs who are suffering from diarrhea, may benefit from a temporary diet of rice and boiled chicken to firm up the stools. Other sources of fiber such as wheat, oat bran, beat pulp and pea fiber may also be helpful in regulating transit times of the dog’s bowel.

On the other hand, there are dogs who do best with a diet  as low as possible in carbs such as dogs suffering from diabetes and cancer. Every dog is different, and the diet that is good for one dog may be harmful to another.  As a general rule of thumb though, consider that diets that are formulated to contain excessive amounts of carbs are likely not going to be beneficial.

If you are interested in added good carbs to your dog’s diet or your dog is suffering from a medical condition and need advice on what foods to feed, your best bet is to consult with a veterinarian who specializes in nutrition. Look for a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to help you out in making the best dietary choices based on your dog’s unique traits.

“A small amount of fiber (less than 5 percent) that contains both rapidly and slowly fermentable fibers is recommended in foods for healthy pets…Excess fiber may have undesirable effects.” Small Animal Clinical Nutrition

References:

  • Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, The Mark Morris Institute (MMI
  • CANINE NUTRIGENOMICS: THE NEW SCIENCE OF FEEDING YOUR DOG FOR OPTIMUM HEALTH, By W. Jean Dodds, DVM, Diana Laverdure
  • Whole Dog Journal, Carbohydrates and Your Dog’s Digestive System