If you read our latest blog then you will understand the important role the cardiovascular system has on maintaining homeostasis, and more. With many breeds predisposed to health issues, it pays to consider if there are dietary compounds which can support heart health. Here at My Pet Nutritionist, it’s something we deal with regularly, so we thought we’d put together our top nutrients for heart and cardiovascular health. Magnesium Taurate One of the most abundant minerals in the body, along with calcium and phosphorus, magnesium is essential to bodily function. Whilst there is some disagreement on the numbers, anywhere from 60-70% of the body’s magnesium is found in bone; the rest is in cellular fluid and soft tissue. Magnesium deficiencies have been linked with cardiovascular disorders, including high blood pressure and abnormal rhythms and there are a number of mechanisms in which magnesium supports heart health and function. Magnesium naturally competes with calcium which is essential in generating heart muscle contractions. Calcium stimulates the muscle and magnesium counters it which helps them to relax (this is also why magnesium is used in cases of spasms). When magnesium levels are low, calcium can overstimulate heart muscles causing a rapid or irregular heartbeat. Magnesium is thereforekey to maintaining balance. Magnesium taurate contains the amino acid taurine and it’s this combination that supports healthy blood pressure; to this end it is suggested that this form bolsters heart health. Methylated B Vitamins There are eight B vitamins: B1 Thiamin B2 Riboflavin B3 Niacin B5 Pantothenic Acid B6 Pyridoxine B7 Biotin B9 Folate B12 Cobalamin These vitamins are involved in many functions as they help a variety of enzymes do their jobs – they help release energy from macronutrients and transport oxygen and energy containing nutrients around the body. Studies have noted that suboptimal serum levels of folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 may underlie the development of heart disease. It is suggested that such deficiencies lead to inadequate production of S-adenosyl-methionine, creating a state of hypomethylation. This, in turn, may damage the DNA in arterial cells. Methylation is a biochemical process which involves the addition of a ‘methyl group’ to other molecules and is dependent on the availability of a number of key nutrients. When these B vitamins are supplemented in their methylated form, it’s almost like it’s one less job for the body to do. Omega 3’s How Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Affect the Heart: Lower triglyceride levels, increase HDL (ie, good cholesterol) Lower resting blood pressure Decrease platelet aggregation and prevent blockage of coronary artery Decrease risk of arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythm) Increase compliance of arteries Decrease atherosclerosis Reduce inflammatory markers There is evidence of rapid declines in coronary heart disease mortality with the consumption of oils rich in alpha-linolenic acid. Findings Here Studies have demonstrated a significant reduction in risk of sudden cardiac death in humans consuming the most linolenic acid. A diet rich in linolenic acid has been associated with a lower incidence of calcified coronary plaques along with a reduced risk of cardiovascular mortality, which subsequently lowers the all-cause mortality levels in humans. Findings Here In Humans, the Lyon Diet Heart Study is perhaps the most well-known, and it separated 605 myocardial infarction survivors into two groups, one group was placed on a low-fat diet, and the other on a Mediterranean diet including margarine enriched in linolenic acid (1.1 g/day). After a two-year follow-up, the incidence of cardiovascular disease, including cardiac mortality, decreased dramatically (73%) in the intervention group. This raised the possibility that the inclusion of linolenic acid in the diet can significantly improve cardiovascular health. Evidence has suggested that omega-3 supplementation has reduced the incidence of atrial fibrillation in dogs and as we know, atrial fibrillation is a heart condition that causes an irregular and abnormally fast heart rate. Findings Here There is also data which suggests omega-3 supplementation significantly affects survival rates in those dogs suffering with heart failure secondary to DCM. Findings Here It is thought that the effect of omega-3 is multifactorial, but they include significant effects on sodium, potassium, and calcium channels. It is also considered that omega-3’s reduces platelet aggregation, which mitigates risks of clots and therefore won’t impede blood flow to the heart. Findings Here COQ10 Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential compound of the body which is synthesized in the mitochondrial inner membrane. It has many important functions in human body. Firstly, it can be named the key-component of electron transport chain in mitochondria necessary for ATP production and secondly, in addition to its important role in electrons’ transport, COQ10 can act as an intercellular antioxidant, protecting the plasmatic membrane against peroxidation. Oxidative stress is considered to be an essential player in the development of cardiovascular disease, and it is this theory that suggests antioxidants’ like COQ10 can subsequently lower the risk. In the body, COQ10 is found in all systems of organs. The highest concentration of ubiquinone is noted in the tissues of the heart, kidneys, liver and muscles. In humans, three out of four patients with heart diseases have low levels of CoQ10. It was noticed that CoQ10’s plasma levels in patients with ischemic heart disease and dilated cardiomyopathy are much lower than in healthy ones. Depending on the severity of heart injury, circulating level of COQ10 decreases in direct proportion to disease progression. Furthermore, heart failure is related to a chronic pro-inflammatory state and there are increasing studies that establish anti-inflammatory properties of COQ10. CoQ10 deficiency is frequently encountered in dilated cardiomyopathy, and this may be reversible by the COQ10 administration. In a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial in children with dilated cardiomyopathy, COQ10 administration for 6 months resulted in improvement of diastolic function and a lower mean score for the index of cardiac failure. Findings Here Hawthorn Hawthorne is widely used in Europe as a cardiotinic and for congestive heart failure. The principle active components in hawthorn leaves, berries, and blossoms are flavonoids. One of these flavonoids, proanthocyanidin, has especially important cardiovascular effects. Mechanisms
It’s possibly the million-dollar question for those of us who DIY our dog’s diet. Are we getting it right? There are so many things to consider in response to this question, like digestive function, pre-existing health issues, sourcing of ingredients and more, but here at My Pet Nutritionist, we have noticed that certain nutrients can be low in a DIY diet. So, we thought we’d share what they are, their function in the body (why they are important) and our top sources! 1) Sodium Chloride Sounds like a swimming pool additive, doesn’t it? Well, sodium chloride or NaCl is what we commonly know as salt. And whilst it’s been demonised time and time again in the human diet, it is an essential compound that the body uses to: Absorb and transport nutrients Maintain blood pressure Maintain the right balance of fluid Transmit nerve signals Contract and relax muscles Sodium and chloride play an important role in the small intestine. Sodium helps the absorption of chloride, water and amino acids. Chloride when in the form of hydrochloric acid (stomach acid) also helps the body digest and absorb nutrients. Sodium and potassium are electrolytes too! The balance between these particles contributes to how cells maintain energy. It’s also how signals are sent to the brain, how muscles contract and how the heart functions. Too little sodium is usually associated with excessive water intake, prolonged vomiting and/or diarrhoea, use of diuretics and in some kidney diseases. For us humans, salt is added to most processed foods we eat, but for our dogs, in a fresh food diet, this isn’t the case. Source: Himalayan Salt 2) Manganese Manganese is necessary for: turning food into energy forming bones and connective tissue, such as cartilage protecting cells from damage by free radicals brain and memory function Signs of manganese are rare in humans, because we do find it in tea (go Brits), but limited data suggests deficiency is associated with skin issues largely due to increased levels of oxidative stress. There will also be impaired growth and development, along with abnormal metabolism of macronutrients. Findings Here Sources: Ginger (also provides iron and magnesium) Dark leafy vegetables Mussels Sweet Potatoes Pineapple 3) Iodine Iodine is used by the thyroid gland to make thyroid hormones that control many functions in the body including growth and development. In addition, iodine is crucial to brain development. In humans, iodine deficiency is listed as one of the leading causes of intellectual disabilities. It often results in irreversible brain damage. Deficiency leading to underproduction of thyroid hormones also affects other organs like the heart, liver, kidney and muscles. Findings Here Unlike nutrients such as iron, calcium or vitamins, iodine does not occur naturally in specific foods, it is present in the soil and is ingested through foods grown on that soil. Iodine deficiency results when there is lack of iodine on the earth’s crust. The food grown in iodine deficient regions can never provide enough iodine to the population and livestock living there. About 90% of iodine intake is obtained from food consumed and the remainder from water. Iodine is available in traces in water, food, and common salts. Iodine found in seawater and so seaweeds are rich in iodine. Sources: Kelp Wakame 4) Magnesium One of the most abundant minerals in the body along with calcium and phosphorus, magnesium is essential to bodily function. Functions: Energy metabolism Regulation of calcium triggered contraction of heart and muscle cells Vasodilation of the coronary and peripheral arteries Nerve signalling Structure of bones and teeth Increased risk of deficiency: Rapid growth Medications – diuretics, steroids, laxatives Intestinal malabsorption Diets emphasising processed foods, refined grains and few vegetables Depleted soils High calcium levels – they compete in the same pathway Signs of deficiency: Muscle spasms Increased risk of arrythmimas Sodium and water retention Impaired Vitamin D action Nausea/vomiting Sources: Spinach Swiss chard Kale Pumpkin seeds Tuna Extra bone Hempseed (milled) Why Magnesium is So Important to Your Pet 5) Vitamin D Around 75% of dogs are believed to have a vitamin D deficiency. There are two forms of Vitamin D. Vitamin D2 is also known as ergocalciferol that occurs in plants and Vitamin D3, known as cholecalciferol, is created in the skin during exposure to UV light and occurs in animals. Cholecalciferol (D3) is of greatest nutritional importance to both cats and dogs and luckily it can be obtained from the consumption of animal products that contain it. It is defined as a fat-soluble vitamin, which means it can be stored in the body’s fatty tissue. Vitamin D plays an indirect role in bone health by managing calcium levels in the body. It controls absorption of calcium in the intestine and the amount of calcium excreted by the kidneys. If Vitamin D levels are low, then the intestines struggle to absorb calcium. Increasing evidence is demonstrating a strong association between vitamin D signalling and biological processes that regulate immune responses. Vitamin D has been found to inhibit pro-inflammatory activity and cytokine production. It is thought to promote TH2 responses which may be protective in autoimmune disease. Vitamin D is also required for the production of natural killer cells which are known for killing virally infecting cells. Many studies are establishing a link between low vitamin D levels and cognitive decline in human patients. This would be no different for our pets. Vitamin D receptors are widespread in brain tissue and it has a role in cell growth, neurogenesis, neuroprotection, detoxification, and reduction of inflammation. Studies have also shown that low vitamin D levels in early life can affect brain development. In humans, it has been established that low levels of Vitamin D are associated with a higher risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack). The vitamin D axis affects vascular muscle cell proliferation (remodelling or regeneration of cells), vascular calcifications (mineral deposits in arteries and veins), inflammation and blood pressure. In their natural state, dogs and cats would have consumed their whole kill. Prey animals store
It turns out September is Happy Cat Month. Now, if you’re like us here at My Pet Nutritionist, we sometimes get a little lost if certain appreciation days are National or International, but either way, what better time to share some of our top tips for keeping your feline friend both happy and healthy? 1) Species Appropriate Diet Cats have evolved as hunters that consume prey containing high amounts of protein, moderate amounts of fat, and minimal amounts of carbohydrates. The cat has seemingly evolved as a strict or obligate carnivore; meaning they nutrients they require are found in animal tissue. As such, the consensus is that there is no current nutritional basis for energy to be supplied by carbohydrates; providing other nutrients are being supplied. There is also evidence that there is limited amylase activity in the pancreas and small intestine (even compared to dogs), which may explain why some cats will not tolerate high starch diets. The fact that cats are also defined as hypercarnivores (small carnivorous mammal with a proportionally large brain) indicates they have a high brain glucose demand. This high demand simply could not be met by carbohydrates present in a natural prey diet; and so, cats therefore have a higher rate of gluconeogenesis (the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources). It is considered that due to the limited intestinal enzyme capacity, consumption of excessive amounts of digestible carbohydrates will not lead to glucose absorption, but rather a substrate for increased microbial fermentation, causing gastrointestinal adverse effects. In similar tests to dogs, cats are able to target their nutrient intake. When given the choice, they will specifically aim for a high intake of protein. In times of low protein, they will opt for an increased fat intake to achieve balance. When carbohydrate intake was high, this limited intake of other nutrients and resulted in deficits – for that reason, a carbohydrate ceiling is proposed for the cat. Findings Here 2) Limit Toxin Exposure Whenever the body is exposed to something, it must do something with it. In the case of toxic substances, it must make it less toxic, hence the word detoxification (de=remove or reverse). Detoxification pathways fall into three phases. The first two phases are concerned with breaking down the toxin in the body, and phase three is concerned with excreting it. For us to manage ours and our cat’s toxic load, all three phases need to be working optimally. Phase one is particularly nutrient demanding, and it produces a lot of reactive oxygen species in the process (those cheeky things that result in oxidative damage which destroys and damages cells). Phase two is also nutrient demanding, but drafts in many different processes depending on the compounds being detoxified. Phase three deals with getting rid of them once and for all, and occurs in the gut, skin, liver and kidneys. So, it stands to reason that optimal organ function is helpful here. The issue is that the cat is playing catch up. They aren’t as efficient at these processes as other species, like us, and when we are increasing toxin burden year on year, it becomes problematic. They have even demonstrated a total inactivation of certain genes responsible for certain phenol detoxification. So, whilst limited toxin exposure is important for us all, it’s even more important for our cats. Where possible, limit exposure to: Plastics Mould Smoke Air pollution Heavy metals VOCs – air fresheners, cleaning products, fabric softeners The Struggle of The Cat in Our Toxic World Is Your Toxic Home Affecting Your Pet 3) Offer Fresh Filtered Water Cats don’t naturally have a thirst drive, they evolved to survive in hot, desert climates. But when they have access to their natural diet, a large percentage of that would contain moisture. Dry food increases thirst behaviour: this is demonstrated in dog studies time and time again, but there is still a mismatch between the cat’s evolutionary thirst (or lack thereof) and the moisture in their diet. Water is possibly the single most important nutrient for the body. 1) It functions as a solvent that facilitates reactions and also transports nutrients around the body. 2) Water is able to absorb heat from the processes occurring in the body, without the overall body temperature changing too much. 3) It further contributes to temperature regulation by transporting heat away from working organs through the blood. 4) Water is crucial in the digestive process; it is a key player in hydrolysis, which is the splitting of larger molecules into smaller molecules (through the addition of water). 5) The kidneys also use large quantities of water when eliminating waste. A high moisture diet is beneficial to the cat to ensure they are hydrated, but fresh filtered water should also be offered. As in point two, toxin exposure should be limited and even in the most developed countries there is contamination. Chlorine, heavy metals, plastic fibres and pharmaceutical compounds are regularly found in tested tap water, which all pose risks to our feline friends. The Importance of Water 4) Let them Hide! Cats get stressed. There is no denying that. But they are often a little more subtle in their anxieties than other animals. As in humans, cats will have the same response to stress. They may choose to fight, flight, or freeze. When they fight, they become aggressive and defensive. Flight will see them withdrawing from the threat and perhaps running away. When cats freeze, they crouch, lie still, and try to avoid any attention. There is a ladder of response in most animals, and this is no different in cats. They will often show subtle signs of discomfort or stress. If the trigger doesn’t disappear, the behaviours will progress. You may start with the flat ears, then the pupils will dilate. You may have a low growl or a silent hiss. Them running off or lashing out with their teeth and claws may be a few steps up the ladder. For some cats, there are triggers
Dogs are considered senior at half of their life expectancy. For some, this can come around a little earlier than expected. Are there changes we need to make as our dog ages? Well, there are always things we can do to support their health of our companion. Let’s take a look Aging is defined as the process of becoming older and whilst we still haven’t got to grips with the biological process in its entirety, there are some things we do know. Cells are thought to have a finite number of times they can replicate and divide. It is known as the Hayflick Limit. When a cell has reached that limit, it cannot divide anymore and will break down by programmed cell death. It is this limited capability that we see as aging. This programmed cell death usually occurs when telomeres (protective structures found at both ends of chromosomes) reach a critical length. It is therefore considered that telomere length serves as a biological clock. Telomere shortening occurs at every DNA replication – so if there is an increased need for cell replication, they will become shorter. This is why we are particularly interested here at My Pet Nutritionist, because there is such a high turnover of cells in the liver, gastrointestinal tract and skin (all parts of the body that we see many issues with). Shorter telomeres can also induce genomic instability and this sadly, is one of the leading factors in cancer. Cells have planned programmes to divide, replicate and ultimately die (apoptosis) – they get these messages from genes. When genes are unstable, their messages get a little like Chinese whispers and so the cells go rogue – dividing and replicating, but not dying. This aberrant growth is implicated in cancer. Diet can also affect telomeres. A diet contain omega-3 fatty acids is associated with a reduced rate of telomere shortening, Telomere length is positively associated with the consumption of nuts and fruits, Consumption of a diet including Vitamin E, Vitamin C and beta-carotene is also associated with longer telomeres – the inclusion of antioxidant compounds protects against oxidative damage. Dietary restriction also reduces oxidative burden, reducing damage to DNA – for this reason it is regularly associated with improved lifespans. In a study in Labrador retrievers, results indicated that 25 % restriction in food intake increased median life span and delayed the onset of signs of chronic disease. Findings Here The bottom line? The consumption of a whole-food, nutrient dense diet with the inclusion of omega-3 fatty acids is beneficial for the aging pet. Caloric restriction is also a consideration to make. On the other side of the scale, are there things that can negatively affect telomere length? Processed meats, high consumption of sugar over time and high intake of refined grains is negatively associated with telomere length. In short, the consumption of these foods is associated with shorter telomeres. If telomeres are shorter, the cell hits its limit sooner and carries out its programmed death sooner. Findings Here Cognitive Canine Dysfunction Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of senior dogs. It’s generally considered the dog version of Alzheimer Disease. It is thought that one third of senior dogs will show signs of confusion, restlessness, and less enjoyment of life. It is a result of a decline in higher brain functions, through degeneration. A variety of studies in the veterinary field have supported the proposal of nutritional manipulation, particularly with antioxidants as part of the treatment regime in cases of CDS and reported significant effects of modified diets. Evidence has demonstrated a place for the following nutrients: Antioxidants Alpha-Lipoic Acid Vitamin C Vitamin E L-Carnitine Co-enzyme Q10 EPA and DHA Phosphatidylserine It is considered that nutritional adjustment provided brain strengthening components, signalling enhancers, metabolic support, and antioxidants. Findings Here What was particularly interesting from the above study is that time spent active increased alongside the nutritional adjustment. Being sedentary is a shortcut to poor immune function largely due to lymph function. The Lymphatic System The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and nodes that spans the entire body. It is critical for health and for the immune system to function properly. Your Pet’s Immune System Both blood and lymphatic systems share many functional, structural, and anatomical similarities, but lymphatics are unique. Unlike the blood system, which is a closed loop with the heart actively pumping blood to oxygenate our tissues, lymphatics are open-ended. Movement of lymph is governed by rhythmic daily muscle movements propelling the fluid along network. The lymph fluid, called chyle, which contains immune cells, permeates every nook of the body. Movement of lymph fluid through the lymphatic vessels transports immune cells around the body, where they patrol all the remote corners of the body, keeping a lookout for anything untoward. The lymphatics also bring immune cells together in hubs of immune activity called lymph nodes. If the flow of lymph stops or becomes impaired, this vital immune surveillance and defence function can become compromised. And being sedentary sadly results in compromised lymph function. Therefore, movement for the aging dog is still important to support vital immune function. Within reason. We can’t hide from the fact that degenerative musculoskeletal issues are common in the aging dog, so care must be taken. Can Nutrition Support Joint Health What Is Pain and How to Look For It Obesity and Musculoskeletal Health in Dogs Natural Arthritis Guide and Herbs to Help Dogs You’ll be forgiven for thinking that lifestage nutrition is a bit of gimmick, but there’s no denying that the demands placed upon the body and brain are different across different life stages. For that reason, nutritional adjustment may be appropriate, depending on individual circumstances, lifestyle and health needs. If you would like further support for your aging or senior pet, then please check out our services to see if we may be able to help. Thanks for reading, Team MPN x
Would you be surprised to know that a study carried out in 1988 concluded there were no differences in allergens found on different breeds of dogs? In short, if you’re allergic to dogs, you’re allergic to all dogs? Findings Here Have we moved on significantly from 1988 and produced dogs that we’re no longer allergic to? We have artificial intelligence which can remind us of our daily schedule, but surely, a new type of dog, that’s pushing it? You’re correct. We’ve not produced a new type of dog (in that sense), if you’re allergic to dogs. You’re allergic to dogs. So, where does this notion of a hypoallergenic dog come from? They do exist, but in their true definition. Hypo means under or beneath according to the Greeks. Its synonyms include fewer, or less. Therefore, a hypoallergenic dog simply means a dog that is less likely to cause a reaction. It does not mean the dog is totally allergy safe. Where the confusion lies, is that many think allergy sufferers are allergic to the hair found on the dog. This is not the case. Generally, allergy sufferers are allergic to a protein found in the saliva and urine of the dog. As the dog grooms themselves, they spread the protein to their skin and coat. As new skin cells are produced, old ones are shed, which release into the environment (known as dander). This is why people are often told they are allergic to dog dander. As hair is shed into the environment, you are exposed to the protein covered hair. So, a hypoallergenic dog is generally one that sheds less (less hair for you to be exposed to), they often have curly coats (which traps hair and dander so less is shed into the environment) or have less hair (but these guys still lose dead skin cells which can cause a reaction). They are also more likely to be regularly groomed which removes the protein from the coat and skin more frequently. For many of us who have mild allergies, we tend to put up and shut up simply because we couldn’t imagine spending our lives without pets, so is there anything we can do to reduce our symptoms? You’ll know that here at My Pet Nutritionist we’re not a fan of long-term use of antihistamines, so let’s look at other options. 1) Find a new love for cleaning! Whilst it can often be the last thing you want to do at the end of a long day, getting into a habit of regularly whipping around your home will keep allergens in the environment at bay! If you don’t want to tackle the whole house as soon as you get in, create a to-do list at the beginning of the week. You may tackle your kitchen on Monday, your hall on Tuesday, your bedroom on Wednesday and so on. Rather than dusting, use a damp cloth or use the dusting attachment on your vacuum. You want to remove the allergens not just move them around or throw them back into the air that you are breathing. Set a timer on your phone or clock, spend 25 minutes a day cleaning. That’s 1.74% of your day. 2) Use a Vacuum with a HEPA filter! To keep allergens at bay, vacuum at least 2-3 times a week, if not daily. HEPA means high efficiency particulate air and its design traps microscopic particles keeping them from being thrown back into the environment. Most pet vacuums have an inbuilt HEPA filter but it’s worth checking the label if you’re in the market for a new one! 3) And an air purifier! It may be worthwhile investing in an air purifier in your home. Again, these are built with HEPA filters which trap dust and dirt. They can be a helpful addition to your home if you are struggling with your symptoms. 4) Pay attention to your bedding! If your dog sleeps with you, first decide whether this is great for your symptoms. If it doesn’t affect you too severely, ensure you wash your bedding at least weekly. Place blankets or throws on your bed so you can wash them even more regularly. Encase pillows and mattress with dust-proof covers as this helps keep particles from getting inside. Vacuum your mattress regularly. 5) Curtains! Be mindful of the curtains you are hanging in your home. Whilst you can purchase some beautiful fabrics, some are dry clean only. This isn’t ideal if you need to be washing them regularly – it’ll cost a fortune! Cotton curtains can often just be washed in the washing machine and hung to dry. Just like the response in our dogs, allergies result in a characteristic pattern of inflammation, so ensuring out own inflammatory responses are appropriate is just as important. Risk Factors in Human Allergies: Family history – predispositions to certain allergies, Microbiome disruption, Ultra-hygienic environment, Regular consumption of high-histamine foods, Nutrient deficiencies, Exposure to environmental toxins, Impaired methylation affects histamine clearance and more. Top Tips to Support Allergies in Humans: Live bacteria supplementation may support immune function, Consider histamine exposure in diet, Quercetin possesses anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties, Nettle too functions as an antihistamine and blocks proinflammatory cytokines, Vitamin C supports histamine detoxification, Reduce stress! Gut Guardian A slightly different blog this time, but one we hope was useful, nonetheless. If your dog is sadly the one who suffers with sensitivities or allergies, then check out our blogs: 5 Basic Tips For Allergies Itchy Cats and Dogs Naturally Itching Has Become Such An Epidemic Does My Dog Need An Allergy Test In addition, allergies are one of our expert areas, so check out our services here: Consultations Thanks for reading, Team MPN x
Of course it can. But, we wouldn’t be doing us, you as pet owners, or the pets in your care any justice if we didn’t go into a little more detail. Here at My Pet Nutritionist we’ve seen hundreds of pets with joint concerns. Prevention is better than cure and this is where nutrition can certainly play a role. Even in chronic degeneration, there are changes that can be made for the better. Sadly, there are genetic dispositions to joint issues, and we can’t change that, but we can do a little bit of damage limitation. There’s certainly a lot to cover, so let’s get cracking. The Skeleton The Skeleton is essentially a supporting framework. It consists of strong, mineralised bone which form a sophisticated system to facilitate movement. Bone is a light, yet strong connective tissue consisting of around 30% collagen and other matrix proteins with around 70% minerals. These minerals include calcium and phosphorus, but magnesium, sodium and potassium are also present in conjugated form. Bones come together to form joints. The type of joint formed determines the degree and direction of motion. For example, joints with a ball and socket formation allow for a rotation whilst hinge joints only allow for bending and straightening. In a joint, the ends of the bones are covered in cartilage, which helps reduce friction as joints move. With age, this cartilage can degrade. Tendons connect muscle to bone and are made up mostly of collagen. Ligaments surround joints and help to stabilise them. They also connect bone to bone. Bone Formation Also known as ossification, bone formation is a process where new bone is produced. Bone starts as a cartilage model which gets slowly replaced. Osteoblasts are the cells that form new bone; think of it as a blast that spreads, and osteoblasts spread to form new bone. Osteoblasts secrete osteoids which are simply unmineralized bone tissue. Soon after the osteoid is laid down, inorganic salts (calcium and phosphorus) are deposited which forms the hardened material that we know as bone. Inappropriate levels of calcium and phosphorus during growth therefore understandably contribute to bone deformities and skeletal disorders. Diets high in phosphorus, particularly with low calcium reduce bone mass and density. We see this in the, now thankfully rare, disease in horses. Big head disease, more common in countries like Australia, is also known as bran disease or Miller’s disease. The colloquial names demonstrate immediately the dietary link. Clinically termed hyperparathyroidism, it affects the skeleton of horses. The horse’s bones slowly demineralise due to the low levels of calcium found in their system. The low calcium levels are usually due to one of two reasons. Calcium bioavailability due to high levels of phytates in bran, Calcium bioavailability due to oxalate containing grasses. As we know, phytate is when phytic acid binds to a mineral. Phytic acid is the principal storage form of phosphorus, and it binds to zinc, iron, calcium, magnesium and more! What this means is that the mineral it binds to is less available. Sadly, phytic acid is found in plant-foods like grains, nuts and legumes and for us pet owners, of note, it is found in wheat, barley, rice and maize; the same ingredients found in many commercial pet foods. There is therefore the possibility that phytate can affect calcium bioavailability and be of detriment to bone formation, growth, and maintenance. Oxalic acid is an organic compound found in many plants including leafy greens, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds. This too can bind to minerals including calcium and then becomes calcium oxalate. This not only results in low calcium levels, of detriment to bone formation, growth and maintenance but may also lead to renal issues and/or failure. It seems however, that high phosphorus and high calcium diets blunt the effects of each other. These two minerals interact in the gastrointestinal tract to limit absorption of the other. Therefore, a calcium: phosphorus ratio of 1.1:1 to 2:1 is recommended for dogs. On the subject of the gastrointestinal tract, most minerals are absorbed largely in the small intestine (although they can be absorbed from any portion in the GI tract). So, the digestive tract needs to be working as it should to aid absorption and therefore utilisation of the minerals. Inflammation within the GI tract is often linked with vitamin and mineral deficiency. Findings Here Furthermore, those suffering with inflammatory bowel conditions are often treated with medications like glucocorticoids to reduce the inflammation caused by the disease. In the process, these medications disrupt the development and maintenance of healthy bones. Bone formation proceeds outwards from ossification centres; short bones tend to have one in the middle whereas long bones typically have three, one at each end and one in the middle. Ossification, or bone formation continues until there is a thin strip of cartilage left at each end of the bone. This is known as the epiphyseal plate, or growth plate in the dog world. When the bone reaches full adult maturity, the cartilage is replaced with bone and “sealed” for want of a better word. Glucocorticoids have a direct, inhibitory effect on the growth plate, as demonstrated by in vivo and organ culture studies. Glucocorticoids slow longitudinal bone growth by inhibiting chondrocyte proliferation, hypertrophy, and cartilage matrix synthesis. In vivo, dexmethasone, a potent synthetic glucocorticoid, infused directly into the proximal tibial growth plates of young rabbits caused a 77% inhibition in growth. Findings Here It would therefore be appropriate to consider the root cause of any inflammatory conditions alongside any treatment plan. When considering calcium and phosphorus absorption, it pays to consider vitamin D because it stimulates the intestinal absorption of those minerals. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin found in foods like oily fish, liver, and eggs. Being a known contributor to bone health, when puppies are fed a diet lacking in Vitamin D, they can develop Rickets. However, at the other end of the scale, puppies fed too much vitamin D experience impaired ossification (bone formation).
On average, a dog may spend 3.3 minutes eating grass, per day. Now, when there are 1,440 minutes in a day, it doesn’t seem that much does it? However, when most dogs head on over to a grassy tuft and start eating, most owners start to worry, it’s certainly a question we are asked often here at My Pet Nutritionist. This is largely due to the common misconception that dogs who eat grass are nutritionally deficient or because vomiting sometimes follows a grass-eating session, they have an upset tummy. Well, we’re here to explore why grass-eating may not be what you think it is, and we’re talking about cats too! Plant Eating Mammals can be roughly divided into three groups: Carnivores, Omnivores, Herbivores, Plants are the primary food source of herbivores and relatively abundant in the environment. The composition of plant tissue is quite different from animals; plant cell walls are rich in carbohydrates especially cellulose, which is difficult for animals to digest. Furthermore, several plants contain toxic compounds as built-in defences (to prevent being eaten). For these reasons, herbivores have developed unique digestive systems to detoxify these compounds and obtain nutrients from these plant cells. Cats, however, are unable to detoxify phenolic compounds found in plants. The Struggle of The Cat in Our Toxic World But there is historical evidence of plant material ingestion in carnivores, both cats and dogs. Some suggest it’s accidental intake, whereas others argue there may be some advantages to plant eating. So why do dogs eat grass? Illness One particular study explored grass eating in dogs. All dogs participating in the study had a full health check carried out by a vet and they were deemed in good health. There were no reported parasites and did not have any diagnosed digestive issues. In 12 dogs, 709 grass eating events occurred. Vomiting only occurred after 5 events. The researchers concluded that there was no evidence grass-eating was linked to sickness. Findings Here Gut Guardian Could it be that we tend to pay more attention to the instances that end in vomiting and therefore consider it sickness related? As humans we do seem to be hard-wired to remember negative experiences as opposed to positive ones. Findings Here Deficient Diet There is also little evidence to support the idea that dogs eat grass to gain vital nutrients they aren’t receiving from their usual diet. When explored, there was no indication that dogs fed a table scrap, commercial or raw food diet were more or less likely to eat grass. You’d think there would be some nutritional differences across the range of diets – but all dogs across that range of diets were still prone to grass-eating. Findings Here So, is grass just a food source to dogs? When considering how much grass dogs eat and when, it is clear that dogs eat more grass before their usual mealtime. Dogs tend to eat more grass in the morning, then as the day wears on, time spent eating grass, reduces. Findings Here This data could suggest that grass-eating is simply a hunger response. As grass is often widely accessed, it’s an easy food source! Parasite Control Grass-eating behaviour is an innate predisposition inherited from wild canid ancestors. It is believed that purging on plants was an effective way to control intestinal parasites. Plant-material is difficult to digest and so it passes right through the digestive tract. As it passes through the tract, it takes the parasites with it. They are then simply pooped out. Findings Here Here it’s easy to panic and think, if your dog is eating grass, he must have worms; but no studies to date have shown this to be the case. Our dogs are simply demonstrating a behaviour that is innate to them. Dogs under the age of one are noted as more frequent grass-eaters than older dogs. We can firstly consider this a behaviour; like babies, puppies also explore their world through their mouth, but researchers have suggested this is more likely related to their ability to fight pathogens. Maintenance metabolism, the energy required to maintain homeostasis, scales fractionally with body size and as such, smaller animals require more metabolic energy per unit of body mass. Therefore, energy loss caused by parasites has higher consequences for smaller carnivores. It is in the younger dog’s interest to ensure they remain free of parasites. The same applies to cats. The energetic cost of parasite load is relatively high for the cat. In evolutionary sense, they would have also had a higher exposure to potentially harmful pathogens through increased food intake. Plant eating in cats has also been considered a way to evacuate hair or undigested materials. Sugar-cane-derived fibres have been seen to reduce the size of hairballs in the scat of domestic cats. An interesting cycle is proposed in the cat. Fleas are the main ectoparasite in the cat, and self-grooming with their rough tongue is one of the main removal strategies. As the flea load increases, the intensity of grooming increase, which is likely to increase ingestion of its own hair. So, plant eating could be a control for both ecto and endo parasites in the cat. Findings Here Liver Guard Is Eating Grass Bad For Dogs? Whilst some dogs do vomit after eating grass, it’s not usually linked to any further complications. The issue arises when dogs eat grass that has been chemically treated. There are many reports of glyphosate toxicity; a common product used to control weeds. Accidental exposure has resulted in vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy. Dogs also develop respiratory distress. Cats appear more sensitive, more often resulting in fatalities. Findings Here Glyphosate and My Dog You also have the risk of toxic plants which are not limited to, but include: Sago Palm Tomato Plant Ivy Amaryllis Gladiola American Holly Daffodil Milkweed Castor Bean Azalea/Rhododendron Tulip Chrysanthemum Begonia Oleander There is little evidence to suggest any nutritional or illness related reasons for a dog to eat grass and there is consistency
Calcium is one of the most abundant minerals in the body. We tend to notice it for its role in bone health, but it’s also involved in muscle contraction and cardiovascular health. There’s a lot of information out there around calcium, especially in the growing dog, so let’s take a look at its function, balance and some of My Pet Nutritionist’s favourite sources. What is Calcium? Calcium is a metal with the symbol Ca, it is also defined as an electrolyte. Calcium ions play a role in: Physiological and biochemical processes in the body Signal pathways Messengers in neurotransmitter release from neurons Contractions of all muscle cell types Cofactors in many enzymes Fertilisation Calcium Balance Only a small percentage of total body calcium is needed for the above roles, the rest is stored in bones and teeth for structural support. When calcium intake is low or malabsorbed, the body will pull stored calcium from bones to maintain normal functioning. This is what leads to poor bone health – the body is always cashing in on its stores! Calcium balance or homeostasis is regulated by parathyroid hormone, calcitriol and calcitonin. When blood calcium levels drop, the parathyroid glands secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH) which stimulates the conversion of vitamin D in the kidneys to its active form calcitriol. This decreases urinary excretion of calcium but raises urinary excretion of phosphorus. Elevated PTH also promotes bone resorption (break down) which releases calcium and phosphorus into the blood from bones. Higher calcitriol concentrations increase intestinal absorption of calcium oh phosphorus too! As calcium levels normalise, PTH secretion stops and the thyroid gland secretes the hormone, calcitonin. This reduces bone resorption and well as calcium absorption and promotes urinary calcium excretion again. Bone Health The skeleton is essential as a supporting framework. It consists of strong, mineralised bone which form a sophisticated system to facilitate movement. Bone is a light, yet strong connective tissue consisting of around 30% collagen and other matrix proteins with around 70% minerals. These minerals obviously include calcium and phosphorus but magnesium, sodium and potassium are also present in conjugated form. Also known as ossification, bone formation is a process where new bone is produced. Look at any large breed and it’s clear to see how much new bone needs to be produced from birth to full skeletal maturity. Bone starts as a cartilage model which gets slowly replaced. Osteoblasts are the cells that form new bone. They secrete osteoids. Osteoid tissue is simply unmineralized bone tissue. Soon after the osteoid is laid down, inorganic salts (calcium and phosphorus) are deposited which forms the hardened material that we know as bone. Bone formation proceeds outwards from ossification centres; short bones tend to have one in the middle whereas long bones typically have three, one at each end and one in the middle. Ossification, or bone formation continues until there is a thin strip of cartilage left at each end of the bone. This is known as the epiphyseal plate, or growth plate in the dog world. When the bone reaches full adult maturity, the cartilage is replaced with bone and “sealed” for want of a better word. It is widely recognised that bone mass and density are determined by various concurrent factors, such as genetics, hormones, physical activity, and certainly, nutrition. While genetic factors have a critical role in growth and peak bone development, an adequate intake of bone nutrients represents the main factor for the full expression of a given genetic potential and for bone maintenance during adulthood. An optimal calcium intake is necessary for bone health at all stages of life. Dietary requirements for calcium are determined by the need for bone development and bone maintenance, which vary throughout life, being higher during puppy-hood, adolescence, during pregnancy and lactation, and in the aging dog. The risk of bone loss is increased in: Low calcium diets, Low protein diets, Hyperthyroidism, Oestrogen deficiency (of interest in spayed females) Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Too Much Calcium Lifelong physical activity with adequate calcium and vitamin D slow the rate of bone loss. Interestingly, in humans, supplemental calcium leading to excessive calcium intake has been seen to reduce the bone growth stimulating effects of PTH. Furthermore, PTH suppression caused by high calcium intake is thought to reduce magnesium absorption. However, one study following dogs for a 40-week period, notes that adult dogs are capable of regulating calcium balance with no adverse effects on health. It was concluded that when exposed to increased Ca levels, dogs will reduce intestinal absorption, so excretion increases via faeces and urine. It is posited that this is an evolutionary adaption, because dogs are inherent scavengers likely to consume large, infrequent meals high in Ca-rich bony material, rather than Ca-deficient foods. This was explored further, and adult dogs fed a Ca deficient diet did not adjust their Ca excretion leading to negative calcium balance. Findings Here That said, this study was based on a dry diet and the authors themselves posit digestibility as a limitation. “Commercial dog diets contain raw ingredients and undergo processing such as extrusion and cooking, which generally limit Dry Matter digestibility, and consequently lower Ca availability.” They suggest that home-prepared diets with high digestibility may increase Ca absorption and result in a positive Ca balance instead. The bottom line? Opt for a fresh-food diet with sources of calcium and always speak with a qualified practitioner before considering supplementation. Muscle Contraction The muscular system is made up of muscle tissue and is responsible for functions such as maintenance of posture and control of various circulatory systems. This includes the beating of the heart and the movement of food through the digestive system. The muscular system is strongly associated with the skeletal system in facilitating movement. Both voluntary and involuntary muscular system functions are controlled by the nervous system. Muscle is a highly specialised soft tissue that produces tension which results in the generation of force. Muscle cells, or myocytes, contain myofibrils comprised of actin
If you have a Dalmatian, chances are, you’ve been told or have read that he should really be on a low purine diet. We could easily make a list of low purine foods for you, but that wouldn’t be true My Pet Nutritionist style, so let’s take a look at the function of purines, and although they affect a range of cellular processes, they can be somewhat problematic for some dogs. What are Purines? Purines are one of the most common chemical compounds on the planet. There are both endogenous and exogenous. Exogenous purines are absorbed by the body through the foods eaten, and endogenous purines are made by the body itself. Purines and pyrimidines are the two families of nitrogenous base that make up nucleic acids – in short, they are the building blocks of DNA and RNA. A, C, G and T are the letters of DNA code, and they stand for: Adenine Cytosine Guanine Thymine Adenine and Guanine are both purines, and the rule of base pairing means that a purine will always pair with a pyrimidine. Purines have a number of functions in the body: Signalling molecule Provide energy Control cell growth Part of essential coenzymes Contribute to nervous system function (including neuronal development). It’s easy to see that purines perform many important functions in the cell, and so the balance between its synthesis and degradation is essential. When purines are catabolised, the result is uric acid. In all other mammals, apart from humans and Dalmatians, uric acid is then converted to allantoin, which is a very soluble excretion product. For us humans and those unlucky dogs, we excrete uric acid, through the kidneys (with some excreted through the gastrointestinal tract). Now uric acid is suggested to behave as a potent antioxidant. It is also thought to maintain blood pressure under low salt conditions and has been seen to function as an anti-inflammatory in certain diseases, but when levels become too high, in a condition known as hyperuricemia, problems can ensue. In humans, this can result in diseases such as kidney stones and gout and may cause hypertension. In Dalmatians, high uric acid levels result in bladder stones. Bladder Stones Bladder stones are rock-like formations of minerals that form in the urinary bladder and are more common than kidney stones in dogs. There may be a large, single stone or a collection of stones that range in size from sand-like grains to gravel. The general signs of bladder stones similar to the signs of an uncomplicated bladder infection or cystitis. – Hematuria (blood in the urine) – Dysuria (straining to urinate). Hematuria occurs as the stones rub against the bladder wall, irritating and damaging the tissue and causing bleeding. Dysuria may result from inflammation and swelling of the bladder walls or the urethra (the tube that transports the urine from the bladder to the outside of the body), from muscle spasms, or from a physical obstruction to urine flow. Large stones may act almost like a valve or stopcock, causing an intermittent or partial obstruction at the neck of the bladder, the point where the bladder attaches to the urethra. Small stones may flow with the urine into the urethra where they can become lodged and cause an obstruction. If an obstruction occurs, the bladder cannot be emptied fully; if the obstruction is complete, the dog will be unable to urinate at all. If the obstruction is not relieved, the bladder may rupture. The Natural Guide to Urinary Tract Health for Pets Other causes of urate bladder stones include liver diseases such as portosystemic shunts. The Lowdown on Liver Shunts in Dogs Dalmatians demonstrate a genetic mutation which affects their urate transport in the liver and kidney. Of interest, additional studies have found the same mutation in some Bulldogs and Black Russian Terriers. That said, the haplotype is not fixed for these breeds and so it suggested the disease could be eliminated through selection of the gene pool. There are schools of thought that the diseased allele arose through selection for more distinctive spots on the dalmatian, as smaller spotted Dalmatians are less likely to suffer the condition. Findings Here This is a point to note, as not all Dalmatians do form stones. Genetic mutations aside, there are additional factors which can affect purine metabolism and subsequent uric acid formation. High levels of uric acid are often associated with: Kidney disease Liver disease Endocrine and metabolic conditions – diabetes for example There are also schools of thought that high levels of uric acid are implicated in poor pancreatic function too. Findings Here Uric Acid and The Microbiota It is thought that around 1/3 of uric acid excretion occurs via the intestinal pathway. When uric acid is excreted into the gut, it is then metabolised by resident bacteria. What is interesting is that when kidney function is impaired, uric acid will mainly be eliminated by the intestine as compensation. It’s not therefore not entirely surprising that there is a correlation between efficient uric acid metabolism and certain strains of bacteria found in the gut. Human studies have found a significantly reduced bacterial diversity in patients suffering with gout compared to controls. Findings Here If we get into the science of it, Escherichia coli is thought to secrete an enzyme known as xanthine dehydrogenase which participates in the oxidative metabolism of purines, so as much as we pop E.coli on our baddies list, in this instance, it actually helps us (in moderation)! Findings Here It does go to show however, that if you do have a dog who isn’t efficiently metabolising purines, their gut health should also be something to focus on. 7 Steps to Optimal Gut Health Low Purine Die There are a number of breeds who are listed for their purine metabolism problems, they include: Dalmatian Beagle Basset Hound Bulldogs Cocker Spaniel Bichon Frise Miniature Schnauzer Lhasa Apso Miniature Poodle Yorkshire Terrier Dachshund Irish Terrier Irish Setter Newfoundland Black Russian Terriers As yet, there are
Whilst looking at micronutrients separately can be a somewhat reductionist view of both health and disease, we can’t deny that in many conditions we see here at My Pet Nutritionist, deficiencies may appear. We haven’t covered a specific nutrient for a while, so we thought we’d start again with Folate. Folate is a water-soluble B vitamin that is naturally present in some foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement. Folate, formerly known as folacin and sometimes vitamin B9, is the generic term for naturally occurring food folates. Folic acid is the fully oxidized monoglutamate form of the vitamin that is used in fortified foods and most dietary supplements. In short, folate is the natural form, folic acid is the synthetic form. In 1930, Lucy Wills found that marmite could cure macrocytic anaemia in pregnant women, since then we have consistently reinforced the role of folate as a key nutrient for health (and particularly for maternal health and foetal development). Folate comes from the latin folium, largely because folates were first isolated from spinach. Vitamin B9 or folate functions as a coenzyme, which in short means it assists enzymes to catalyse a reaction. B9 plays a role in: Producing nucleic acids (like DNA), Forming blood cells in bone marrow, Ensuring rapid cell growth in infancy, adolescence, and pregnancy, Controlling blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine, Utilizing amino acids in building new proteins. In short, B9 is important in normal blood formation, immune function, cell division and tissue growth. Signs and Symptoms of Deficiency Atrophy of the digestive tract epithelium; reduced absorption of nutrients, diarrhea, anorexia and weight loss, Reduced production of platelets can increased risk of abnormal bleeding, Impairments in white blood cell development can reduce immune response, Elevated blood homocysteine, Impaired foetal growth, Behaviour changes – depression, irritability. Anaemia Folate Deficiency Anaemia Anaemia is a blood disorder where the number of red blood cells is lower than usual. Red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body, so in cases of anaemia, oxygen doesn’t get to tissues and organs. Without oxygen, they can’t carry out the functions they are supposed to. In addition, low folate levels can cause megaloblastic anaemia where red blood cells are larger than normal. As they are larger, they aren’t always able to leave the bone marrow, and so they can’t enter the blood stream to deliver oxygen where it needs to go. Causes of Folate Deficiency It goes without saying that a diet low in naturally occuring folates can result in folate deficiency, but deficiencies usually occur due to small intestinal disease or pancreatic insufficiency. In addition, they can also occur due to chronic use of certain medications. Like vitamin B12, folate is bound to protein so it must be freed by processing or digestion. Digestion starts in the stomach, but then soon calls upon the pancreas to help out with the production of digestive enzymes. Folate is chiefly absorbed in the small intestine so any dysfunction or inflammation here will result in malabsorption. This is why folate deficiency is often seen in inflammatory bowel disease. Gut Guardian Folate deficiency is regularly noted in cases using: Anticonvulsant medication, Sulfasalazine – to treat IBD/colitis, Diuretic medication, Homocysteine Homocysteine is an amino acid that is usually changed into other amino acids ready to be used by the body, but this process depends on other coenzymes and folate is one of them. When folate is low, homocysteine levels can creep up. High homocysteine levels have been associated with: Heart disease, Kidney disease, Arthritis, Neurodegeneration, In humans, we pay a lot of attention to a gene known as MTHFR, for us, this gene can have a glitch which means we don’t convert folate to its active form. As a result, those with MTHFR mutations can suffer with high homocysteine levels. We are still building our understanding in canines, but it appears dogs too can suffer genetic glitches which can affect how well they metabolise and utilise folate. A study carried out in 2014 explored the link between homocysteine levels in dogs and cardiovascular disease, inflammatory conditions, skin and kidney disease. They established breed differences in homocysteine levels, suggesting a genetic component to folate handling, like in humans. In addition, they concluded a strong relationship between high homocysteine levels and skin disease in dogs. Findings Here Folic Acid Supplementation Folic acid often remains unmetabolized in the body, this is the synthetic supplement form. As it is not a normal metabolite, it must first be reduced before it can enter the folate cycle. There are also schools of thought that folic acid competes with naturally occurring folates. For this reason, supplementation should ideally be folate in it’s methylated form. You also bypass the potential issue of genetic glitches. But, if there are no genetic glitches which affect how well your dog metabolises folate, then feeding a nutrient dense, fresh food diet should be sufficient. Sources of Folate: Dark leafy greens – spinach, broccoli, Liver, Seafood, Seeds, Eggs, Nuts, High levels of folate can often mask B12 deficiency, so take a look at our B12 blog for more information. Why Your Dog Needs Vitamin B12 Summary If your dog is suffering with digestive dysfunction, it may affect how well he utilises nutrients, so tackling this is essential. Folate deficiency is often seen in cases of inflammatory bowel disease and pancreatic dysfunction. Natural Guide for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Pancreatitis: Natural Guide for Pets 7 Steps to Optimal Gut Health If you would like more information on vitamin deficiencies in your dog, then check out our blog here: Does My Dog Have a Vitamin Deficiency As always if you are concerned about your dog’s diet, whether he is getting the right nutrients he needs, or indeed whether he is utilising them as needed, then check out our services to see if we can help explore some of these questions with you. Thanks for reading, Team MPN x
Whilst we share a lot of information about dogs here at My Pet Nutritionist, we also support many cats and their owners on their health journey. It is often easy to miss health concerns with our feline friends because if they are outdoor cats, we don’t witness their toileting habits, or if they are sick. So, let’s start with what we can see; what goes in their bowl. Grab a cuppa, we are going to look at the nutritional needs of cats, and why they aren’t just small dogs. What do cats need No matter where you look, the jury is in – cats evolved as hunters that consume prey containing high amounts of protein, moderate amounts of fat, and minimal amounts of carbohydrates. Protein Proteins are the building blocks of the body. The word protein comes from the Greek word proteios which means of prime importance. And they really are. Proteins have numerous functions,they are the major structural components of hair, skin, nails, tendons,ligaments and cartilage. They are also involved in a number of physiological and chemical processes in the body like cell signalling, muscle contraction, oxygen and nutrient transport, and many reactions including enzyme and energy production. Amino acids are the basic units of proteins and are held together by peptide linkages to form long protein chains. Dietary amino acids are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, following disruption of the peptide bonds. They are then transported to the liver. The liver changes amino acids so they can be used by the rest of the body. They then enter general circulation. Although hundreds of amino acids exist in nature, there are some which are commonly found as protein components. They are classified as either essential or non-essential. Essential amino acids cannot be synthesised by the body so must be supplied by the diet. Non-essential amino acids, whilst still critical to bodily processes, can be synthesised within the body (when it is healthy). Deficiencies in single essential amino acids can lead to serious health problems. The one you are likely all familiar with for cats, is taurine. Cats and humans are among the few mammals whose bodies do not make taurine, and therefore must obtain it from their diet. In humans, taurine deficiency is rare because taurine is common in meat and fish food products. In the 1970’s, Quinton R. Rogers of UC Davis showed that a taurine deficiency could cause degeneration of the retina in cat’s eyes. Kittens born to taurine deficient mothers are often blind and show many abnormalities such as impaired gait. For this reason, in the 1980’s new cat feeding guidelines were introduced, stating a minimum level for taurine in cat food. But, in later years it was also found that taurine plays a role in regulating calcium entry into heart tissue every time it beats. Researchers soon noticed that cats presenting with dilated cardiomyopathy also had low levels of taurine. When taurine was supplemented in the diet,the cats recovered. Findings Here. But there is another deficiency that gets attention in cats too and that is in the amino acid arginine. This amino acid is critical to the removal of ammonia from the body through urine. Without sufficient arginine, cats may suffer from a toxic build up of ammonia in the blood stream. The urea cycle is not down regulated during periods of fasting in cats, or even when consuming low protein diets – so their dietary requirement always remains high. In cases of chronic kidney disease, arginine production is also compromised; sadly chronic kidney disease is increasing in our feline friends.If you’d like to learn more about kidney disease in cats, then check out our blog: Here Of interest is a case study of a young cat, he acquired urea cycle amino acid deficiency through inflammatory bowel disease and chronic kidney disease. Case Study It’s clear that cats need protein, and the key amino acids required are found in meat products – fish too! Cats Need Fat Too! Dietary fat is a group of compounds (substances made up of two or more elements) known as lipids. They are insoluble in water(hydrophobic). The easiest way to understand this is noticing that you can’t wash fat off your hands without the help of soap. Fatty acids can be saturated, monounsaturated, or polyunsaturated. The difference is in their structure. Fatty acids are used throughout the body for a range of functions, primarily energy, but if they are not needed, they can be stored in adipose tissue. Here, they are an energy source for a later stage. They also serve as insulation, protecting the body from heat loss and also from injury or trauma to vital organs. Certain proteins known as lipoproteins provide for the transport of fats throughout the body, and cholesterol (a type of lipid) is used to form the bile salts necessary for fat digestion and absorption. It is also a precursor for steroid hormones which help control metabolism, salt and water balance, inflammation, and immune function. Along with other lipids, cholesterol forms a protective layer in the skin, which prevents excessive water loss. The body can synthesise some of the fatty acids it needs, but there are some it cannot, and these are known as essential fatty acids. There are two essential fatty acids in dogs, and three in cats. Linoleic Acid Linolenic Acid Arachidonic acid is an essential fatty acid for the cat. These are the precursors to two families of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) known as omega-3 and omega-6. Cats fed essential fatty acid deficient diets develop: Fatty degeneration of the liver. Mineralisation of the adrenal glands Skin lesions Inadequate visual function. It is therefore concluded thatthe inclusion of essential fatty acids in the cat contributes to: Membrane maintenance, Reproductive health, Growth, Lipid transport, Normal skin and coat condition, Maintenance of skin barrier, Blood platelet aggregation. Fish oil is often supplemented for cats – but many meat and poultry products contain necessary levels of fatty acids. Carbohydrates The cat has seemingly evolved
Vomiting is one of the most common reasons owners take their dog to the vet. Here at My Pet Nutritionist it is a common symptom too, but it is often misperceived for regurgitation. There are a number of reasons for both, and they are very different mechanisms. So, let’s first establish the difference between vomiting and regurgitation, and focus specifically on reasons why your dog may be regurgitating. What’s the difference between vomiting and regurgitating? Vomiting is an active process, where the dog is forcefully ejecting the contents of their stomach or intestines. It is often preceded by sound. Food is usually at least partially digested, or it may be bile that comes up. In vomiting you will notice signs of nausea, like drooling or lip licking. Regurgitation is more passive and usually happens while a dog is eating or shortly afterward. There is usually no sound beforehand. Regurgitation is often just water or undigested food. Regurgitation can be common if a dog eats something that is too large – think large bones or chews. Some dogs will attempt to re-ingest it as soon as they’ve regurgitated it. But there are also some other reasons for regurgitation. 1) Stress Stress is a response in the body –and it is similar across humans and dogs. When exposed to a stressful trigger, the sympathetic nervous system fires up. During this process, resources are directed away from the digestive system and so digestive function is compromised. This can lead to the development of acid reflux which is one of the more common reasons for regurgitation. Stress has also been seen to affect oesophageal sensitivity. During stress, corticotropin releasing hormone plays a key role. This hormone is regularly implicated in hypersensitivity (which is why conditions like IBS are more common in those who are anxious or stressed). But what it means is that the oesophagus is more sensitive to mechanical distension, chemical stimuli and more, which may lead to regurgitation. 2) Reduced Mucosal Integrity In the same strand, mucosal integrity also influences oesophageal hypersensitivity. Just like we have a barrier in the skin and gut, we also have an oesophageal one. It too is made up of tight junctions and has its own plethora of defence mechanisms, including a mucosal barrier. But the presence of acid, in cases of acid reflux can injure the oesophageal epithelium and so, in turn, it damages the mucosal barrier, along with the tight junction formation. During attempts to repair, the inflammatory response is called to action, and animal studies into oesophageal damage have suggested it is a double-edged sword. This inflammatory response has been seen to lower oesophageal pressure through its action on smooth muscle which, not only allows for further reflux of acid,but also then delays acid clearance. Findings Here. The take home here is to restore mucosal integrity as soon as possible and modulate inflammation with ingredients such as l-glutamine, slipper elm, deglycerised and marshmallow root. Gut Guardian 3) Good Stress You may notice that your dog is more likely to regurgitate if they eat too soon after exercise. There is such a thing as good stress, but the response in the body will be the same. When your dog is running, chasing and playing, they are asking their body to move away from homeostasis. Their body will need compounds at a higher rate than what they are needed at rest. It therefore places their body under stress and so, resources are redirected. Digestion is no longer a required function and energy conversion is more important. The sympathetic nervous system is the functional stress response, the parasympathetic nervous system is the commande rthat walks into a room and states, “as you were!” But this command can take time to be heard, and so, if your dog eats too soon after exercise, the entirety of the parasympathetic nervous system hasn’t yet got the message. Without a fully functioning digestive system,it propels the food back out again. Always be mindful of when you choose to offer meals to your dog. 4) The Food Being Fed Regurgitation immediately after eating is in fact relatively common in dogs – but this doesn’t mean its normal. From experience, we often link it to the type of food being fed, as often in many cases, when the food is changed,the regurgitation stops. This can be for a number of reasons,but in short, the body isn’t liking what is going in. The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a subset of the autonomous nervous system and can function independently of the central nervous system. The enteric nervous system innervates the entirety of the digestive system and ENS neurons become hyperexcitable in the presence of toxins, bacteria, inflammatory and immune mediators. Animal studies have demonstrated hyperexcitability of ENS neurons after sensitization withmilk ingestion, leading to mast cell degranulation and histamine release. What caused the sensitisation in this study isn’t relevant, the note to make is that hyperexcitability can occur after sensitization, leading to aberrant enteric function. And so, it pays to consider an inflammatory/immune component in cases of chronic regurgitation. An elimination diet may be useful in this case. Check out our blog for more information. Here Equally, an easily digestible recipe such as white fish, can help, if fish is well tolerated. Low Fat Fish Of interest here is the crosstalk between the microbiome and the enteric nervous system. ENS nerves are thought to detect microbial products because germ-free animals exhibit significantly altered enteric function. A healthy microbiome is therefore crucial for the correct digestive messages to get where they need to go. To support your dog’s microbiome, check out our blog: Here 5) Structure There are cases where the structure of the oesophagus can result in frequent regurgitation. This can be a developmental abnormality or blockage. A thorough exam would be necessary to establish the severity of any structural issue. Summary In many acute cases of regurgitation, acid reflux often comes intoplay. If you would like to learn more then check out
