When we are regularly told as humans that we should increase our fibre intake for health benefits (yes – we really should be getting around 30g per day), it makes sense that we start to wonder whether fibre should be included in our dog’s diet. Here at My Pet Nutritionist we thought we’d explore fibre for the dog in a little more detail. Let’s get cracking. What is Fibre? A carbohydrate is a molecule made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, which is why you may often see them noted as CHO. Their primary function is to provide energy. Carbohydrates are made up of three components, fibre, starch, and sugar. Sugar is a simple carb. Having fewer molecules to digest and break down, it sends an immediate burst of glucose into the bloodstream. This is the one that tends to cause a ruckus. Fibre and starch, however, are complex carbs, having longer chains of molecules. Starch takes longer to digest, having a more gradual effect on the body and fibre is a non-digestible complex carbohydrate. If fibre and resistant starch can’t be digested, what happens to it? 1) It Supports Gut Health Fibre gets fermented by the bacteria living in the gut. This produces short-chain-fatty acids, also known as SCFAs. The most common SCFAs produced are acetate, butyrate and propionate and they all have unique roles. They provide fuel for intestinal epithelial cells, which strengthen the gut barrier and butyrate is known for its role keeping the junctions of the barrier nice and tight. Not only that but SCFAs are able to stimulate mucus production, which is vital for creating a barrier between the external environment and the underlying gut epithelial layer. Mucin production plays an important role in protection from harmful pathogens. Findings Here 2) It Supports Brain (and emotional) Health SCFAs also exert effects on the brain. Not only have all examples of SCFAs been found in the brain, suggesting they can cross the blood-brain-barrier, they appear to modulate neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factors. In humans we have seen how certain levels of SCFA’s have been implicated in depression, anxiety, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and autism spectrum disorder. Findings Here Fibre feeds the microbes in the gut, meaning that if we want the beneficial ones to survive (those that produce metabolites which can influence behaviour and mood), they need to be fed! 3) It Can Decrease GERD Low dietary fibre intake is regularly associated with decreased stomach and gut motility and delayed emptying, which can contribute to the risk of gastroesophageal reflux and its associated disease (GERD.) It is thought that dietary fibre binds nitric oxide and diminishes its negative influence on lower oesophageal sphincter pressure too. Fibre is thought to decrease gastric acidity, lowering the number of refluxes, and reducing their damaging capacity. The common treatments for GERD include suppression of gastric acid secretion, but this can be problematic. The use of proton pump inhibitors is associated with a decrease in bacterial richness in the gut microbiome and quite often pathogenic bacteria are increased. This imbalance, known as gut dysbiosis, has been associated with a range of health issues including, not surprisingly, intestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome, along with extra-intestinal disease such as allergy, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. The addition of fibre to your dog’s diet has great safety margins when compared to some conventional treatments of GERD. Natural Guide for Acid Reflux in Dogs 4) Fibre for Anal Gland Health Fibre can be a great way to modulate transit time in the gut. Diarrhoea often results when transit time is too fast. Constipation often results when transit time is too slow. The perfect stool is a result of “just right” transit time, and when this occurs, we support anal gland expression. For a full expression, the faeces should be firm, and pick-up-able. This is why poor bowel movements can contribute to anal glands becoming impacted. 4 Cornerstones for Healthy Anal Glands Feeding Fibre No matter what you feed, you can add fibre to your dog’s bowl. Some great sources include: Broccoli – chop and lightly steam or blend. Berries – we generally love berries for their antioxidant properties, but they also pack a fair punch in terms of fibre content. Great berries to include are: raspberries, blueberries and cranberries. Mushrooms – again, whilst we tend to talk about mushrooms for their beta-glucan content and therefore their role in supporting immune function, they are great sources of fibre for the dog. Sauté them before serving. Leafy greens – packing an immense nutritional punch, being a vegetable, they also contain indigestible fibre. Kale, spinach or Swiss chard are great additions to the bowl. Blend or lightly steam before feeding. Carrots – you’ll notice the fibre content if you’ve ever fed these to your dog and noticed an orange tinted poop afterwards. Raw carrots can be fed as snacks or training treats, but you can also feed them cooked! Apples – another snack or training treat, apples pack a fair fibre punch! Chop into slices, just remember to avoid the seeds! Pumpkin – one of the foods all dog owners should have in! We know the benefits of feeding pumpkin when our dogs are a little under the weather, but we don’t always talk about the fibre content. Pumpkin also contains vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals like iron and potassium. Offering pumpkin to your dog is a great way to support their digestive health. It’s clear to see that the inclusion of fibre in your dog’s diet has a range of benefits, whether you feed dry, wet, cooked, or raw. Be mindful if your dog isn’t used to eating fibrous foods, however, introduce slow and steady. If you would like any support with your dog’s dietary needs, then check out our services to see how we can help. Thanks for reading, MPN Team
It’s a sad realisation when we notice our dog getting a little stiffer or moving a little slower. Of course, we take it upon ourselves to make them as comfortable as possible. Joint degradation is a normal part of life, but as we know, certain things can speed it up. Alongside this, there are things we can do to potentially limit some of the damage, and food, nutrients and herbs that can help modulate the inflammatory process. We have compiled 5 of our favourite herbs for joint care in the dog. Joint Degradation Joint degradation is characterised by inadequate production of compounds necessary to its structure, along with reduced collagen synthesis. This can be a result of physical stress, trauma, autoimmunity, or aging. Here, inflammation is upregulated, creating further breakdown. It results in weak, damaged, or inflamed tissue with restricted or painful movement. Tissues are in the firing line when carrying out any physical activity and they may be susceptible to physical stress, strain, or trauma. Unexpected force or sudden changes in direction or speed are also more likely to cause issues (read: overweight dogs and those who chase balls regularly). This can be a particular risk during the winter, when walking in snowy, icy, or even muddy conditions. Tendons and ligaments are dependent on physical activity to develop, but it must be in moderation and appropriate. Joint degradation therefore has a number of risk factors: Nutritional insufficiency Physical stress or trauma Overuse – aging, Excess weight Autoimmunity The main concern in joint degradation is inflammation and the associated pain. And this is where our wonderful herbs can come in. 1) Horsetail Horsetail is a popular fern that has been used as an herbal remedy since the times of the Greek and Roman Empires. It grows wildly in Northern Europe and America, as well as in other moist places with temperate climates. It has a long, green, and densely branched stem that grows from spring to autumn. This plant contains a range of beneficial compounds, but we are most interested in its silica content and also its ability to function as an antioxidant. Silica, which is also present in bones, improves the formation, density, and consistency of bone and cartilage tissue by enhancing collagen synthesis and improving the absorption and use of calcium. Horsetail is rich in phenolic compounds which as we know are a group of antioxidants inhibiting oxidative damage. Not only this, but studies into rheumatoid arthritis have shown that horsetail has a down-regulatory effect on pro-inflammatory factors. It is often described as a great regulator of inflammation. Findings Here 2) Turmeric Turmeric is a flowering plant, but it’s the root we’re most interested in. Part of the ginger family, it looks very similar, but it’s the smell that helps you differentiate. Turmeric is frequently used in humans, to help with a range of diseases and conditions including skin, pulmonary, aches, pains, sprains, liver issues and cancer. Curcumin specifically is argued to be anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-tumour and helpful in wound healing. Used in Ayurvedic and Chinese Medicine for centuries, it is now finding a place in Western Medicine. Many joint issues feature chronic inflammation, and in supporting our dogs, we aim to reduce pain and inflammation. So here comes turmeric with its anti-inflammatory properties! Several studies have shown that when supplemented with turmeric, arthritic dogs show a marked improvement in their daily life activity without any side effects! Findings Here 3) Ginger A University of Miami study concluded that ginger extract could be a substitute to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The study compared the effects of a highly concentrated ginger extract to placebo in 247 patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. The ginger reduced pain and stiffness in knee joints by 40 percent over the placebo. Research shows that ginger affects certain inflammatory processes at a cellular level, and as we know, many pathologies involving the joints have inflammation as the key player. There are more than 1300 types of ginger plant, and they contain a wide range of nutrients, including: vitamin C vitamin B6 the minerals magnesium, potassium, and copper gingerols, shogaols, paradols, and other phytonutrients and polyphenols Gingerol, shogaol, and paradols all have antioxidant properties, and gingerol and paradols are also anti-inflammatory. 4) Boswellia Serrata Boswellia resin can inhibit a branch of the arachidonic acid cascade related to leukotriene synthesis seemingly without affecting prostaglandin synthesis. It is considered that the excessive formation of leukotrienes is responsible for chronic inflammation. In 2004, researchers investigated the role of boswellia in inflammatory joint disease. After two weeks of treatment, an overall efficacy of the dietary supplement was evident in 71% of 24 eligible dogs. A statistically significant reduction of severity and resolution of typical clinical signs in individual animals, such as intermittent lameness, local pain and stiff gait, were reported after 6 weeks. Effects of external factors that aggravate lameness, such as “lameness when moving” and “lameness after a long rest” diminished gradually. They therefore concluded that boswellia herbal dietary supplement provided symptomatic support in canine osteoarthritic disease. Findings Here 5) Ashwagandha Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub that grows in India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine. We most commonly use it for its calming effect on anxiety symptoms along with building stress resilience, so it can help modulate any mood disturbances alongside chronic pain. But this wonderful herb may also act as a pain reliever, preventing signals from travelling along the central nervous system. It is also thought to have anti-inflammatory properties. One hundred and twenty-five patients with joint pain were screened at an Ayurvedic hospital in New Delhi, India. They ingested ashwagandha powder daily for three weeks to establish any symptomatic improvement. A significant change in post-treatment scores of tender joint counts, swollen joint counts, physician global assessment score, patient global assessment score, pain assessment score and patient self-assessed disability index score were reported. The researchers concluded that ashwagandha has a potential role
Whilst we thought we were leaving acne behind in our teenage years, sadly, our feline friends can and do suffer with it. Appearing as red bumps, black dots or dirt on your cat’s chin, cat acne is the result of the hair follicles (more commonly the ones on their chin) becoming “plugged!” There are a number of reasons why this condition affects cats, so let’s take a look at it in a little more detail, with some of our top tips to tackle it. What is Cat Acne? Cat acne is more technically termed follicular keratinization. This is when there is an over production of keratin which is a protein found in the outer layer of skin. This excess keratin becomes trapped in the hair follicle and starts to form pustules or pimples. Cat acne is similar to human acne; characterised by the development of folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicle). What are the Signs and Symptoms of Cat Acne? Dirty appearance on the chin Lesions on the chin Blackheads/infected follicles Swollen lips What is particularly interesting is that cats can experience acne on other parts of their body too, but it is more common on their chin. Potential Causes of Cat Acne The Skin’s Immune Barrier Function The skin is the largest organ of your cat’s body. It consists of three major layers: The Epidermis – (Epi – upon or above) this is the outer layer of skin, the protective layer. The Dermis – the dermis supports and nourishes the outer layer. It provides strength and elasticity. Here you will find collagen fibres, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, and hair follicles. You will also find cells that release histamine and other inflammatory mediators when faced with an allergy or injury. The Subcutis – (sub meaning under or below) this in the innermost layer of the skin, where you will find fat and muscles. Subcutaneous fat provides insulation, padding and storage for reserve energy. Not only does the structure of the skin prevent water and electrolyte loss to help maintain body homeostasis, but it forms a protective barrier which helps protect against infections, parasites, and the elements. This is the often-forgotten role of the skin – that it forms part of the immune system. If this barrier is compromised, we start to see issues on the surface (in the form of skin disease), along with body wide inflammatory issues. What Can Compromise the Skin Barrier? Over-grooming This can be a common behaviour in a stressed cat. They may over-groom in an attempt to soothe. You will notice bald patches, but once your cat has removed their hair, it wont be long until they start compromising their skin too! Watch for signs of stress in your cat, they may become more withdrawn than usual, they may hide more often or become less tolerant of people. In more severe cases they may toilet in inappropriate places. Pheromone diffusers can be great options to help calm a stressed cat, but also giving them plenty of opportunities to hide. In shelter environments, cats have noted huge reductions in stress-related behaviours in less than 10 days, when they have been allowed to hide. It also didn’t affect their ability to be rehomed. In short, those cats allowed to hide were less-stressed, more eager to approach strangers and more active. Findings Here Cats are largely solitary animals. They have always marked their territories by way of scent. They rub their facial glands around their environment and also mark by way of urine, faeces and anal glands. Not only does hiding allow them to watch for threats from one direction only, (the one way into the box) it is also a confined space where they are very quickly surrounded by their own scent. The key is to have ample hiding spaces. So, if you have more than one cat, they each need their own space to hide. Free from dogs, children and other territory intruders. You could simply place carboard boxes around your home, perhaps in the usual places your cat chooses to hide, or you can buy activity centres with boxes attached. Cocoon style beds are also perfect; just remember to buy one with removable, washable covers. Overgrooming can also be a sign of boredom – it often becomes more common in winter, when cats are spending more time indoors. If this is a concern, provide plenty of opportunities for your cat to engage in natural behaviour, within the home. Study after study shows us that enriched environments reduce the stress-hormone found in stressed cat’s urine considerably. Allergens If pesky allergens or irritants come into contact with the body, they soon feel the full wrath of the immune response. What starts with inflammation, will venture to a targeted attack in order to eradicate the invader. But this does consist of redness, heat, and pain. This can result in pets scratching in an attempt to remove the less than comfortable inflammatory response. In the process, not only has the skin been exposed to an allergen, resulting in an inflammatory response, but paired with scratching, the skin barrier is compromised further, which then becomes a vicious cycle. Remove potential allergens from the home where possible, this can be the washing detergent you use on fabrics and cat beds, to the bowl your cat eats and drinks from. Ceramic or glass plates often bring great relief to cats suffering with cat acne. As plates are flat, they are also in less contact whilst eating. The same also applies to the food you feed your cat. As we know, a huge number of immune cells are found in the gut – what this means is that the gut trains the immune system in what to respond to, and what to ignore. When we feed a food high in antigenic compounds, the immune system responds in true inflammatory style! Not only this but there is a direct link between the gut and skin health – when gut health is compromised, we
Obesity is one of the most common issues that cat owners bring to My Pet Nutritionist with good reason. We know that being overweight increases the risk factors for developing: Cancer Diabetes Heart disease Osteoarthritis and degeneration of joints Urinary issues Surgery complications Respiratory difficulties Kidney disease In a nutshell, being overweight significantly compromises quality of life and actually, the length of it too! So, let’s take a look at some of the common reasons why your cat may be overweight, and we’ll share our top tips for tackling obesity in cats. Is Your Cat Overweight? Obesity is defined as an accumulation of excessive amounts of adipose tissue. It is generally a state of positive energy balance. When food is ingested, it is digested and metabolised. The body uses the nutrients it needs and converts the main macronutrients to energy. Macronutrients consumed over and above those that are needed, are converted into adipose tissue, for use at a later stage. Cat body scores run from 1-9. Ideal bodyweights score 4-5, ribs are not visible but easily palpable, there is an obvious waist and there is minimal/small amount of abdominal fat. Body scores are a much more appropriate approach to establishing body proportion in cats as weight doesn’t accommodate for breed differences or activity levels. Your cat is overweight if: Ribs are difficult to palpate under body fat, Waist barely visible or absent, There is rounding of the abdomen. Why is My Cat Overweight? Perception Do you know your pet is overweight? In an 8000-household study, 68% of surveyed owners report thinking their pet is the perfect weight. 67% of surveyed owners did not see obesity as a concern. This is in contrast to that reported by vets, who show concern that over half of all pets are overweight. Do we simply not see that our pet is overweight and therefore aren’t employing any tactics to manage it? Food Intake Most foods on the market include a feeding guideline based on weight. One of the most common mistakes made by owners is to feed based on the current weight of their pet, not the ideal weight (when tackling a weight issue). Not only that, but weight is a bit of a misnomer anyway. With so many different breeds it is difficult to establish standardisation. It’s important to feed the pet in front of you. Energy requirements vary depending on lifestyle, age, activity, and time of year. Cats for example may be less active in the winter. The type of food you are feeding your pet will also play a part. Starch is the storage from of carbohydrates found in plants and as we know, dry pet foods have large quantities of starch. Starch can be divided into rapidly digestible starch, slowly digestible starch and resistant starch. Rapidly digestible starch can be produced by the exposure to heat, pressure, or moisture decrease (read: exactly what happens during pet food manufacturing). Rapidly digestible starch results in a blood sugar spike, calling the pancreas to action. Insulin shuttles glucose into cells that need it, but also facilitates its entry into adipose tissue! Insulin also stops the breakdown of fat and prevents the breakdown or triglycerides into fatty acids (causing a build-up in fat cells). This is why we always advocate feeding a fresh food diet. Cats are obligate carnivores; in that they get everything they need from animal tissue. Quite often, removing a dry food from a cat’s diet results in significant weight improvement. It’s a Family Affair One of the biggest challenges with feeding cats is getting everyone in the home on board. Cats tend to tell everyone in the home that they still haven’t been fed! This results in many mealtimes, served by many different family members. To tackle this, work out an appropriate food intake in any one day and portion this into a Tupperware. Ensure all family members understand this – when the food has gone, the food has gone – if most of the food has gone by lunchtime, what’s left needs to be kept until dinnertime! Account for Physical Activity We have a nuance in the cat. Some are indoor cats, where others are outdoor cats. This brings a significant difference in activity levels. Whilst the calorie in:calorie out model of obesity is simplistic, it is a consideration to make. For the indoor cat who engages in little physical activity, their food intake may need to be significantly lower than thought. We can enrich their lifestyle with more opportunities for exercise; through activity centres or play but we should also consider reducing their food intake if they are becoming overweight. We should also account for mobility challenges in the ageing cat and how this will influence their nutrient needs. Treat Intake Keep a log on how many treats you are offering your cat, whether it’s scraps from your plate or treats you have bought in. These are easy to nip in the bud if you are trying to manage your cat’s weight; the key is to ensure your cat is satiated from their mealtimes. Cats Are Not Small Dogs Be Mindful of Behaviour For some cats, being demanding can be a problematic behaviour rather than a request for nutrients. Does your cat have plenty of opportunities to engage in their normal behaviour? Do they have access to safe toys and regular opportunities to play with both people and by themselves? Can they rest, undisturbed when they choose? Can they meet their basic needs easily? Can they access food, water, beds, and litter without being disturbed or scared by other pets/people? Obesity in cats is a significant concern, and one that can impair their health and lifespan. Our top tips include: Opt for a fresh food diet (ditch the dry!) Feed the cat in front of you, based on their age, activity level and lifestyle Get the whole family on board If you would like to learn more about obesity in pets, we have a number of other
When we talk about nutrition we tend to focus on the protein and fat requirements of our pets (the carbohydrate requirement gets us all a little hot under the collar) and it stands to reason because they are macronutrients. What this means is that they are required in larger quantities for optimal bodily function. But we also have micronutrients, and despite them being required in lower quantities, they are still critical to health. Under the umbrella of micronutrients, we have vitamins and minerals. We have some helpful blogs on minerals here: Why Does My Dog Need Minerals – Part One Why Does My Dog Need Minerals – Part Two But, as vitamins are just as important, here at My Pet Nutritionist we thought we’d pop together a blog on why our dogs need them too! What Are Vitamins? Vitamins are defined by their physical and physiological characteristics. Vitamins are needed in minute quantities to function as essential enzymes, enzyme precursors of coenzymes in many of the body’s metabolic processes. Generally, vitamins are not synthesised by the body and must therefore be provided by food (but our canine companions have a trick up their sleeve with vitamin C for example). Fat vs. Water Soluble Vitamins Vitamins are split into fat soluble and water-soluble vitamins. In this blog, we will focus on the water-soluble vitamins. If you would like to learn more about the fat-soluble vitamins, then check out our blog here: Why Does My Dog Need Vitamins? Part One – The Fat-Soluble Vitamins The Water-Soluble Vitamins Water soluble vitamins are depleted at a faster rate because of limited storage and are less likely to cause toxicity but more likely to become deficient. Water soluble vitamins are absorbed by way of active transport, some vitamins require a carrier protein, like with B12 cobalamin (intrinsic factor), where others require a sodium dependent, carrier-mediated absorption pump. The B Vitamins The B complex vitamins are all water-soluble vitamins that were originally grouped together because of similar metabolic functions and occurrence in foods. These nine vitamins act as coenzymes for specific cellular enzymes that are involved in energy metabolism and tissue synthesis. Coenzymes are small organic molecules that must be present with an enzyme for a specific reaction to occur, like a key being required for a lock to engage. The following vitamins are all involved in the conversion of food to energy: thiamine riboflavin niacin pyridoxine pantothenic acid biotin The following are all important for cell growth and maintenance and/or blood cell synthesis: folate B12 cobalamin choline (it’s not actually a vitamin, but its often grouped with the B vitamins due to their similarities) Spotlight On… Biotin: Known as Vitamin H, for Haar and Haut (hair and skin), we know it more commonly as vitamin B7, or Biotin. One of the B vitamins, Biotin, helps the body convert food into energy. Specifically, biotin is involved in gluconeogenesis, which as we know is the synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. Biotin is involved in fatty acid synthesis, which as we know, is key in skin health. Biotin is also involved in amino acid breakdown. Deficiency of biotin has been associated with immune depression and reduced collagen synthesis, another key consideration in structural health. Biotin deficiency is rare in those who ingest a varied diet, but symptoms in the dog include alopecia, dull coat, brittle hair and scaly skin. The use of antibiotics in the dog decreases the bacterial population of the large intestine which increases the dietary requirement for biotin. Rancid fats also inactive biotin, along with feed rancidity (storage conditions and length). Chlorine inactivates biotin, so this is of concern if dogs are offered chlorinated drinking water. Findings Here Many foods contain biotin, so opt for organ meats, eggs, fish, meat, seeds, and nuts. Fruits like raspberries also contain biotin, and vegetables like sweet potato. There are however some concerns that egg whites contain avidin which binds to biotin, making it unavailable for intestinal absorption. Deficiency has only occurred when over 30% of the diet consists of raw eggs. So, like all things, moderation is key. Vitamin B12 Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is critical for a range of functions in the body. A common deficiency in human vegetarians, disorders of cobalamin metabolism are seemingly increasing in small animal medicine. The causes of deficiency range from chronic gastrointestinal disease to hereditary disease, but what is clear is the health impact of low levels. Vitamin B12 is essential for DNA and RNA synthesis and for cellular energy production. All cells in all bodies need to know what they are doing, and they need energy to do them! There are no known naturally occurring bioactive forms of B12 in plant sources. This is because B12 is synthesised by the bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract of animals, and then absorbed by the host animals. B12 is concentrated in their tissues, which is then eaten by other animals. Sources of B12 include red meat, fish, dairy and eggs. B12 can be depleted in times of stress. This occurs from a range of mechanisms. Stress is a physiological response; in the presence of a threat, the sympathetic nervous system kicks in for fight or flight. Energy is diverted to the brain and muscles as these are the parts of the body needed to escape. Once the threat has been resolved, the parasympathetic nervous system kicks in, returning energy to other bodily functions, which is why it is known as the rest and digest phase. In times of chronic stress, digestive functions can be significantly altered, which can result in malabsorption of nutrients, in this case B12. There are also suggestions that gastric acid can vary during times of stress, increasing or decreasing depending on the personality of the host. Changes in stomach acid secretion can also affect the digestion and absorption of nutrients. Can Stress Affect My Dog’s Digestive System? The last mechanism by which B12 levels are affected during times of stress is due to its role
When we talk about nutrition we tend to focus on the protein and fat requirements of our pets (the carbohydrate requirement gets us all a little hot under the collar) and it stands to reason because they are macronutrients. What this means is that they are required in larger quantities for optimal bodily function. But we also have micronutrients, and despite them being required in lower quantities, they are still critical to health. Under the umbrella of micronutrients, we have vitamins and minerals. We have some helpful blogs on minerals here: Why Does My Dog Need Minerals – Part One Why Does My Dog Need Minerals – Part Two But, as vitamins are just as important, here at My Pet Nutritionist we thought we’d pop together a blog on why our dogs need them too! What Are Vitamins? Vitamins are defined by their physical and physiological characteristics. Vitamins are needed in minute quantities to function as essential enzymes, enzyme precursors or coenzymes in many of the bodies metabolic processes. Generally, vitamins are not synthesised by the body and must therefore be provided by food (but our canine companions have a trick up their sleeve with vitamin C for example). Fat vs. Water Soluble Vitamins Vitamins are split into fat soluble and water-soluble vitamins. In this blog, we will focus on the fat-soluble vitamins, with the water-soluble vitamins to follow. Fat soluble vitamins can be stored in the body’s lipid deposits, making them more resistant to deficiency but also more likely to result in toxicity. Fat soluble vitamins require bile salts and fat to form micelles for absorption. They are then passively absorbed through the lacteals (the lymphatic vessels of the small intestine which absorb digested fats), usually in the duodenum and ileum and transported with chylomicrons to the liver via the lymphatic system. Synthetic and naturally made vitamins are used in the body in the same way but they do have different availabilities. The Fat-Soluble Vitamins Vitamin A Vitamin A is the term which describes several compounds which biologically, have the activity of the parent compound retinol. This form of the vitamin and its derivatives are found only in animal tissues, whereas plants contain precursors in the form of the carotenoids. These are the yellow/orange pigments found in carrots and many other vegetables. The most widely abundant precursor of vitamin A is carotene, and most animals can convert this into the vitamin itself. The well-known function of vitamin A is its role in vision. Vitamin A is a precursor of rhodopsin, the photopigment found in rods within the retina of the eye that helps us and our pets to see at night. One manifestation of vitamin A deficiency is slow, dark adaptation progressing to night blindness. Vitamin A is also part of the bone formation and bone resorption equation. It influences both osteoblast and osteoclast function. Much data is now suggesting higher vitamin A levels are associated with lower bone density so balancing levels is essential. Vitamin A plays a role in maintaining healthy endothelial cells which are those lining the body’s interior surfaces. As we know, in the gut, they play a role controlling the passage of antigens and commensal gut microbiota from the intestine into the bloodstream. Another key role of Vitamin A is supporting immune function. It helps make white blood cells which circulate in the body, searching for foreign invaders and cell irregularities. Sources of Vitamin A: Carotenoids: sweet potatoes, dark leafy greens, yellow/orange/red fruits/vegetables. Retinoids: animal meat; liver, fish oil. Vitamin D Vitamin D is actually a hormone that promotes calcium absorption. In human health, you will have heard it referenced as the sunshine vitamin as it is produced in the skin in response to sunlight (UV) exposure. Unlike herbivores and omnivores, cats and dogs are unable to synthesize Vitamin D adequately in the skin. There is no seasonal change in concentrations and studies have shown that when fed a diet deficient in Vitamin D, puppies develop rickets which could not be prevented by exposure to UVB light. Findings Here This means that cats and dogs are dependent on dietary sources of Vitamin D. There are two forms of Vitamin D. Vitamin D2 is also known as ergocalciferol which 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. Once vitamin D3 is formed in the skin (of animals who can do so), it binds and is then either stored or transported to the liver. Both D2 and D3 are biologically inactive and must undergo two more steps to be activated. This involves both the liver and the kidneys. 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. Vitamin D is also vital in immune function. We find vitamin D receptors on a range of immune cells, meaning there needs to be sufficient levels of it in the body for the cells to do their job. Vitamin D can help modulate inflammatory responses and is also required to produce natural killer cells which are known for killing virally infective cells. Findings Here The Importance of Vitamin D for Cats and Dogs Vitamin E Vitamin E includes several compounds, of which the most biologically active and widely distributed is alpha tocopherol. Vitamin E functions as an important antioxidant within cells, protecting lipids, particularly the polyunsaturated fatty acids in cell membranes against oxidative damage caused by free radicals and active forms of oxygen that may be generated during metabolic processes. The dietary requirement for vitamin E is influenced by the intake of selenium because of its role in glutathione
Here at My Pet Nutritionist we describe the liver as the powerhouse, simply because it has so many jobs. For this reason, when it’s feeling a little under the weather, the ramifications can be widespread. What is it they say, prevention is better than cure? With this in mind, are there foods we can include in our pet’s diet that can support liver health? Of course! Certain wholefoods contain a range of nutrients which can support our dog’s whole health, so here are a few of our favourite foods to support liver health. 1) Blueberries Almost all chronic liver disease is under the background of elevated oxidative stress. This occurs when the number of free radicals found in the body outweighs its ability to cope with them. Antioxidants neutralise free radicals. This versatile berry contains anthocyanins which function as antioxidants which been seen to protect the liver from oxidative stress. Studies have found that in the livers of rats, such protective compounds found in fruits like blueberries slowed the development of scar tissue and may be useful in the prevention of hepatic fibrosis. Other fruits rich in antioxidants include: Cranberries Raspberries Strawberries Mango, Watermelon Blackberries 2) Leafy Green Vegetables (kale, spinach etc.) Not only does this family of vegetables provide a wide range of nutrients and health benefits, but they also have the added ability of increasing the liver’s natural detoxification enzymes. Detoxification is carried out by a range of mechanisms, and this comes in particularly handy if one pathway is overwhelmed, another can pick up the slack. Detoxification falls 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 dog’s toxic load, all three phases need to be working optimally. Phases I and II are particularly nutrient demanding, and it goes without saying that the higher the burden on the phases (the more toxins our dogs are exposed to), the higher the nutrient requirement again. Sufficient levels of key vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, C, E, B1, B2, B3 and iron, along with cysteine, are essential and this is where our trusty greens come in. In leafy greens you get substantial amounts of vitamins such as A, C, K, and many of the B’s including folate (B9), plus minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, and potassium. You’ll also find lots of fibre made up of complex carbohydrates, and antioxidant phytonutrients such as beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. 3) Fatty Fish (mackerel, tuna, sardines etc.) Consuming fatty fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids regularly can help modulate inflammation and it is this mechanism that is crucial to so many health issues in both us and our dogs. Inflammation is a normal response of the body to protect tissues from infection, injury, or disease. The inflammatory response begins with the production and release of chemical agents by cells in the infected, injured, or diseased tissue. These agents cause redness, swelling, pain, heat, and loss of function. Inflamed tissues generate additional signals that recruit leukocytes to the site of inflammation. Leukocytes destroy any infective or injurious agent and remove cellular debris from damaged tissue. This inflammatory response usually promotes healing but, if uncontrolled, may become harmful. Acute inflammation typically lasts only a few days. If a wound gets hot, turns red, hurts, and swells, we recognize that inflammation is at work. In this instance, inflammation is a beneficial process, serving to immobilize the area of injury as the rest of the immune system mobilizes to heal. In contrast, chronic inflammation lasts weeks, months or even indefinitely and causes tissue damage, and this too can occur in the liver. In chronic inflammation, the inflammation becomes the problem rather than the solution. Chronically inflamed tissues continue to generate signals that request help from leukocytes in the bloodstream. When leukocytes reach the tissue, they bring inflammation to the party. This chronic inflammatory response can break down healthy tissue in a misdirected attempt at repair and healing. Inflammation and Fatty Acids Arachidonic acid is an omega-6 acid that is involved in the synthesis of eicosanoids. Eicosanoids play an important role in the body, they modulate many processes including reproduction, blood pressure, haemostasis and of course inflammation. The issue occurs when there are too many. This is why we are particularly interested in balancing out our omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids. Many commercial foods come in higher on the omega 6 front, and so we really need to be adding some wonderful omega 3’s to the bowl (in the form of oily fish). Not only this, but omega-3 fatty acids inhibit an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX), which produces the prostaglandin hormones that spark inflammation. The action is similar to what happens when NSAIDs are ingested which also disrupts the COX-2 signalling pathway, reducing inflammation. The inclusion of omega 3’s in your dog’s diets is beneficial to whole body health, not just liver health. Essential Fats for My Dog’s Diet 4) Eggs Eggs are sources of choline, and this nutrient is particularly useful to the liver. Most choline is metabolized in the liver where it is converted into phosphatidylcholine, which assists in building fat-carrying proteins and breaking down cholesterol. True choline deficiencies have regularly been linked to liver disease. Whilst eggs are a good source, you will also find choline in beef, beef liver, chicken, fish, shiitake mushrooms, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and brussels sprouts. If you would like to learn more about the nutrients to support liver health in your dog, check out our blog here: Foods to Feed in Liver Disease And if you would like to learn more about conditions that can affect your dog’s liver, check out our blog here: Natural Guide to Liver Disease If you are concerned about your dog’s health and would like to speak with us, then please check out our services. Thanks for reading, MPN Team
This is one of the questions we are asked all the time here at My Pet Nutritionist. What foods can support joint health in my dog? Well, we thought we’d give you a rundown of 5 of our favourite. 1) Green Lipped Mussels GLM’s contains around 90 different fatty acids, glycosaminoglycans (chondroitin sulphate), glutamine (a glycosaminoglycan precursor), vitamins C and E and minerals including zinc, copper and selenium. The synergy of these nutritional components work in perfect harmony to support joint and mobility issues in pet. When looking at joint health you need to consider all mechanisms responsible for the disease and then how to address them. Inflammation It’s generally the inflammation and rubbing of joints that create pain and stiffness. The fatty acids in green lipped mussels with EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexanoic acid) are the most abundant. These are the important fatty acids that are known to reduce inflammation. GLM’s are natural COX inhibitors just like NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), so they can obtain the same pain free results without the negative side effects. They are also natural LOX inhibitors too. Degradation This is the main reason for the breakdown of the joint matrix. The joint matrix and connective tissue need to be supported by components that replicate the structure of joints, naturally. GLMs are rich in glycosaminoglycans and glycosaminoglycan precursors, known as GAGs. An important GAG found in GLMs is chondroitin sulfate a well-documented structural ingredient for joint support. Oxidation Free radical damage can create more degradation and inflammation so we need to support this with natural antioxidants found in GLM. Vitamin C and E are both abundant in GLM’s and essential for joint care. Joint Lubrication Synovial fluid within the joint matrix is incredibly important to support cushioning and movement. Alterations in synovial fluid (SF) lipid composition have been linked to both osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). GLMs provide polysulfated glycosaminoglycans (PSGAGs), the building blocks for cartilage and joint fluid. 2) Turmeric Turmeric, Chew-Meric, Tum-eric, no matter how you say it (and yes, everyone seems to say it differently), it packs a whole lot of punch (good punch!) Turmeric is a flowering plant, but it’s the root we’re most interested in. Part of the ginger family, it looks very similar, but it’s the smell that helps you differentiate. When boiled, dried and ground, it’s the spice that is found in many Asian dishes. It has a warm, bitter, pepper like taste with a mustard-like aroma. It’s that spice that makes your hands yellow when you use it! And your worktops, sinks and utensils! It’s known as curcuma longer in the ginger family, and it’s the active compound curcumin that brings the benefits we speak of. It’s often named cure-cumin for the promise it brings. Turmeric is frequently used in humans, to help with a range of diseases and conditions including skin, pulmonary, aches, pains, sprains, liver issues and cancer. Curcumin specifically is argued to be anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-tumour and also helpful in wound healing. Used in Ayurvedic and Chinese Medicine for centuries, it is now finding a place in Western Medicine. Many joint issues feature chronic inflammation, and in supporting our dogs, we aim to reduce pain and inflammation. So here comes turmeric with its anti-inflammatory properties! Several studies have shown that when supplemented with turmeric, arthritic dogs show a marked improvement in their daily life activity without any side effects! Findings Here It seems to be down to turmeric’s ability to regulate cytokines. 3) Ginger A University of Miami study concluded that ginger extract could be a substitute to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The study compared the effects of a highly concentrated ginger extract to placebo in 247 patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. The ginger reduced pain and stiffness in knee joints by 40 percent over the placebo. Research shows that ginger affects certain inflammatory processes at a cellular level, and as we know, many pathologies involving the joints have inflammation as the key player. There are more than 1300 types of ginger plant, and they contain a wide range of nutrients, including: vitamin C vitamin B6 the minerals magnesium, potassium, and copper gingerols, shogaols, paradols, and other phytonutrients and polyphenols Gingerol, shogaol, and paradols all have antioxidant properties, and gingerol and paradols are also anti-inflammatory. Antioxidants help the body get rid of free radicals, which can lead to cell damage and inflammation. Does My Dog Need Antioxidants 4) Oily Fish Joint degradation is characterised by inadequate production of compounds necessary to its structure, along with reduced collagen synthesis. This can be a result of physical stress, trauma, autoimmunity, or aging. Here, inflammation is upregulated, creating further breakdown. It results in weak, damaged, or inflamed tissue with restricted or painful movement. Essential fatty acids are well known to help modulate inflammatory responses found in cases of joint degradation. During the inflammatory response, certain enzymes catalyse the production of compounds which cause pain, redness, and heat. It has been discovered that omega-3 fatty acids inhibit these enzymes that result in this response. Great sources of omega-3 fatty acids include all those oily fish like sardines, salmon, and mackerel. Some plant based oils also contain omega 3 too, hemp seed oil has a great omega 6:3 ratio! 5) Bone Broth Bone broth is a liquid containing brewed bones and connective tissues. Bones themselves are rich in vitamins and nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous. In addition, brewing connective tissue into bone broth provides the body with natural compounds from the cartilage. You will also find collagen and cooking collagen turns it to gelatin, which provides the body with amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. It is not possible to say how much of any nutrient will be in a particular batch of bone broth, since this largely depends on the type and quantity of the bones and tissues that went into it, but a good rotation of bones and tissues will provide a range of nutrients. A 2017
There’s a difference between nutrients and foods – nutrients are what you find in foods. Whilst it can be a somewhat reductionist approach to health, if we know the role of certain nutrients, it can help us understand why we need to include them in our pet’s diet. In this blog, we thought we’d look at some of the most important nutrients for bone and joint health in pets. 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 Health 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. Calcium Calcium is one of the most abundant minerals in the body. 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 puppyhood, adolescence, during pregnancy and lactation, and in the aging. When imbalanced levels of calcium are present, it can result in abnormal skeletal formation and/or function. Causes of Calcium Imbalance Vitamin D imbalance Kidney disease Liver disease Thyroid or parathyroid gland issues Diets rich in phytate and/or oxalate Primary hyperparathyroidism Cancer Certain medications Glucocorticoids promote calcium depletion High sodium diets – when sodium leaves the body it takes calcium along with it Sources of Calcium Raw meaty bones Sardines with bones Salmon Kale (cooked) Chia Seeds Bok Choi Egg Broccoli Liver Vitamin D Vitamin D is actually a hormone that promotes calcium absorption. In human health, you will have heard it referenced as the sunshine vitamin as it is produced in the skin in response to sunlight (UV) exposure. In studies of hip fractures in humans, there appears to be a seasonal variation; more occur during winter months and fracture patients often have low vitamin D status. When supplemented with Vitamin D and calcium, incidences of fractures often reduce. Findings Here https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1240026/ 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. Calcium is key to bone mineralisation (hardening), without calcium, bones are unable to form correctly. Not only that, but due to the lack of circulating calcium, the body mobilises it from the bones by way of increased parathyroid hormone. This not only weakens the bones, but it also creates a new issue, namely secondary hyperparathyroidism. Vitamin D deficiency include symptoms like: Simultaneous deficiency/imbalance in calcium/phosphorus, Rickets (soft and weak bones in young dogs), Osteomalacia (soft and weak bones in adult dogs), Osteoporosis (weak bones leading to fractures), Neurological abnormalities, Hypocalcemia (low calcium levels), Elevated parathyroid hormone (symptoms include bone pain, depression, kidney stones, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, and kidney failure), Posterior paralysis, Ataxia (neurological issues including gait abnormality, difficulty walking, tremors), Quadriparesis (weakness in all four limbs). Food Sources of Vitamin D Flesh of fatty fish (salmon, tuna and mackerel) Fish Liver Oils Beef Liver Egg Yolks Joint Health Other than the skeleton, which provides a rigid structural framework for the body, there are other connective tissues that provide support. Where a degree of flexibility is required, cartilage is a rubberlike tissue that offers semi-flexible support for structures. The other function of cartilage is to prevent friction and enable smooth movement around joints. Cartilage is formed by chondrocytes which mainly consist of collagen and proteoglycans. Ligaments are made from tough, fibrous, dense connective tissue. They are made up of collagen, elastin, proteoglycans and a range of minerals including copper, manganese and calcium. Key to proteoglycan structure are the GAG’s chondroitin and dermatan sulphate. Tendons are very similar in structure and function as connectors that join muscle to bone. They are capable of carrying high tensile or compressive forces, facilitating movement around a joint. They have proportionally more collagen and less proteoglycan content as a result of the need for an even tougher structure. Joint degradation is characterised by inadequate GAG, proteoglycan and collagen synthesis to renew tissue in the face of degradation caused by physical stress, trauma, autoimmunity or ageing. Vitamin C Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, antioxidant, and essential co-factor for collagen biosynthesis, carnitine and catecholamine metabolism, and dietary iron absorption. Whilst humans are unable to synthesize it themselves, dogs seemingly can in adequate amounts. Vitamin C is an essential for two enzymes required in collagen synthesis, so sufficient amounts are necessary for optimal joint (and bone) health in the canine. Sources of Vitamin C: Peppers Carrots Pumpkin Sweet Potatoes Seaweed Blueberries Glucosamine Glucosamine is a natural sugar that exists in the fluid around the joints, as well as in animal bones, bone marrow, shellfish, and fungi. The body uses glucosamine to build and repair cartilage. With age, cartilage can become less flexible and start to break down. This
If you have followed us here at My Pet Nutritionist for any length of time, you’ll have realised that we see nutrition as a piece in a puzzle. If we are to optimise health in our pets, we also need to consider the bigger picture. We need to look at their physical activity, their stress levels, what they are exposed to and more. The reason we are so interested in what they are exposed to is to understand the burden their bodies must detoxify. Does My Pet Need to Detox? One of the ways in which we can support detoxification pathways is by purifying the environment around them, and this can include using air purifying plants. This concept came from NASA, when they carried out their clean air study which suggested that, in addition to absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen through photosynthesis, certain common indoor plants may also provide a natural way of removing volatile organic pollutants. What are Volatile Organic Pollutants? It is believed that a dog’s sense of smell is 10,000-100,000 times that of an average human. They could detect the equivalent of one drop of liquid in 20 Olympic sized swimming pools! Findings Here So, even if we can’t detect a compound in our environment, it’s safe to say, our dog probably could. Your dog is detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are chemicals that evaporate under normal atmospheric conditions (room temperature, low boiling point), compromising air quality. It’s fairly obvious when you spill some fuel at the garage, or you’ve recently painted your kitchen. The odour is compounds in the air, that you breathe in and subsequently stimulate/inhibit your olfactory receptors. Findings Here VOCs are found everywhere. They are released by many everyday items including: Cleaning Products – detergents, bleaches etc Air Fresheners Paints Deodorants/Perfumes Fabrics Rugs Vinyl flooring Wood Burners Cigarette Smoking Printers and photocopiers This list is not exhaustive but covers the main culprits in most homes. But why are they a problem? Many VOCs have been proved as carcinogenic. That is, they are known to cause cancer. This largely depends on length of exposure, but it is still a risk. Findings Here In addition, many studies are showing the moderate to strong increase in respiratory distress or allergic effects of exposure to VOCs. Findings Here VOC exposure manifests in the short term as: Eye, Nose and Throat Irritation Headaches Nausea/Vomiting Dizziness Respiratory Distress In the long term, it can manifest as: Cancer Liver and Kidney Damage Central Nervous System Damage If you would like some tips on limiting VOC exposure in your home, check out our blog here: Toxic Homes But in addition, as NASA found, certain plants are particularly good at removing volatile organic pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. 1) Bamboo Palm These tropical plants are native to Mexico and Central America and grow naturally as forest understory plants. Bamboo palms are the perfect tropical plant for medium to low-light conditions. Unlike other palms, they do not require bright light to thrive. The soil of bamboo palms should be kept evenly moist, but never waterlogged. Bamboo palms are sensitive to both overwatering and under-watering, but it is always best to under-water rather than overwater. Allow the top of the soil to dry slightly between waterings. 2) Parlour Palm Parlour palm houseplants prefer low light and may suffer in direct sunlight, so there’s no need to place them in your brightest windows. The indoor parlour palm will most likely survive completely away from windows if that’s what your space requires – it just won’t grow very fast. Even with sunlight, the parlour palm is a slow grower, often taking years to reach its full height. Again, water your parlour palm sparingly, underwatering is better than overwatering. These plants are great if you don’t have a brilliant track record with houseplants. 3) Lady Palm Another easy to grow, the lady palm thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. You’d be best wiping the leaves with a moist cloth regularly, to remove dust and also keep pests away. 4) Barberton Daisy The daisy thrives best in a location with little to no direct light. But shady locations should be avoided. Over-watering is common in these, so it’s best to underwater. Under-watering symptoms include rapid flower loss and dry, crispy leaves – this can be due to lack of watering, too much sunlight or too much heat. Even though an under-watered Gerbera is far better than a soggy one, never allow the soil to thoroughly dry out for too long. Over-watering symptoms include rotting lower leaves, yellowing leaves, a loss of buds and flowers and root or crown rot. Allow most of the soil to dry out in between watering. These plants can be non-toxic, easily maintained additions to your home to help optimise both yours and your pets’ lives. If you would like to explore your pet’s health in more detail, then check out our services to see how we can help. Thanks for reading, MPN Team
The 3rd of January is known as the Festival of Sleep, so here at My Pet Nutritionist, we thought we’d look into sleep in a little more detail. We often forget how important sleep is to overall health, for both ourselves and our pets. So let’s get to grips with why our dogs need it and some top tips for improving its quality, including whether there are nutrients that can help too! Sleep is widely studied for its evolutionary benefits. It is crucial for most daily functions. It is clear in humans, that when suffering sleep restriction, they have attention lapses, slowed working memory, reduced cognition, and depressed thought. Studies have also shown a significant reduction inactivity in dogs experiencing sleep restriction. Sleep can also mean the difference between life and death. Let’s take a trip back to the late 1800s. Whilst Coca Cola was sold in bottles for the first time in 1894, we still hadn’t made that much progress with animal testing. Marie De Manaceine was fascinated with sleep deprivation. She had established that mental disturbance resulted from partial insomnia, but she wanted to know more. So, in her Lab, she recruited puppies. 10 to be specific; aged 2, 3 or 4 months old. Whilst they continued to be fed by their mother, she kept them in constant activity. In short, she deprived them totally of sleep. After 96-120 hours, the puppies were irreparably lost. What is interesting (despite it being macabre), is that when puppies were starved, they could be saved after 20-25 days. This wasn’t possible when they were sleep deprived. Marie found that sleep deprivation significantly affected the puppy’s brains. When they were starved, the brain was left almost spared. But, in the absence of sleep, fat degeneration, blood vessel abnormalities and haemorrhaging occurred. In short, when the rest of the body is negatively affected by malnutrition, to an extent it can be saved. However, when the brain is affected, it is fatal. Sleep and The Brain The brain is the command centre for the nervous system. It is divided into three main sections; the brain stem which controls basic life functions, the cerebrum, which is the responsible for decision making and the cerebellum which controls movement. We know how a diet limited in lipids can detrimentally affect the brain and contribute to neurological disease, but sleep deprivation still had a worst impact in these puppies. Findings Here Many studies since Marie’s, have demonstrated that sleep loss (not deprivation) during development can result in reduced brain mass, neuronal death and subsequent behavioural problems. On the subject of the brain, it is pertinent to mention the glymphatic system. As we know, the body possesses its own sewerage system – the lymphatic system – but the brain has its own independent waste disposal system known as the glymphatic system. This system is gaining traction and being implicated in neurodegenerative disease. Researchers suggest that the glymphatic system may also function to help distribute non-waste compounds like glucose, lipids, amino acids and neurotransmitters. This system functions mainly during sleep, being largely disengaged during times of wakefulness – this suggests that amongst its many functions, sleep provides a state of activity that enables the elimination of potentially neurotoxic waste products. Your Pet’s Lymphatic System Sleep and Immune Function Sleep supports the initiation of an adaptive immune response. Slow wave sleep, and the circadian system act in concert to generate a pro-inflammatory response as well as reduced levels of the anti-inflammatory stress hormone cortisol. The hormonal changes in turn support the early steps in the generation of an adaptive immune response in the lymph nodes. In addition, sleep specifically supports memory formation in the immune system. The implication of sleep on immune response is demonstrated in various studies of vaccination, for example sleep on the night after experimental vaccinations against hepatitis A produced a strong and persistent increase in the number of antigen-specific Th cells and antibody titres. Findings Here Sleep and Cognitive Function One of the main purposes of sleep is to consolidate memories or learning. This has also been found true in dogs. Learning affects sleep structure which ultimately decides whether you retain the information or not. Interestingly, in studies, those dogs allowed to sleep after learning a new command were more likely to retain the command at a later date than dogs allowed to walk or play. Findings Here How Much Should Dogs/Puppies Sleep? Adult dogs, in a laboratory setting, when left, will sleep on average for around 13 hours per day. They are diurnal, which means they are active during daylight hours. Rest occurs during dark periods with activity increasing the two hours before light. Dogs have a natural rest period around noon and then reduced activity during the afternoon. Findings Here Puppies can sleep anywhere between 18-20 hours per day. Again, you will notice higher activity in the morning and then rest, with reduced activity around noon and into the afternoon. Interestingly, the experiences that your dog has can affect the type and quality of sleep they experience though. Studies have found that after a negative experience, dogs will fall asleep more quickly. It is thought that this is a protective sleep, in response to stress. This should be a consideration for all dog owners. It’s all too easy to attribute an “exhausted” dog to the busyness of the day. Be mindful, their sleeping habits could be more indicative of their experience. Findings Here In humans, lack of sleep is classed as a major stressor. It wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to suggest similarly for our canine companions. Below average sleep quotas are linked with anxiety, aggression, decreased response to reward, lower frustration tolerance and low resilience. Sleep disturbances affect hormone levels; specifically stress hormone levels. Animals experiencing sleep disturbance demonstrated less grooming behaviour and opt for fewer enrichment activities, and we know how important these activities are for stress regulation in dogs. Findings Here Ideas To Help Your Puppy Sleep If your
Christmas can be a little chaotic at the best of times; some of our companions love the attention from all the visitors, but some can get a little overwhelmed. There are many strategies that we can employ for our furry friends to get through this time of year unscathed, but we can also support them nutritionally too! Here are our top nutritional tips for canines this Christmas. Max Out On Magnesium! Magnesium excretion is increased during times of stress. Catecholamines and corticosteroids enhance the shift of magnesium from inside the cell to outside of the cell leading to increased urinary excretion. In turn, low magnesium levels increase the release of stress-associated hormones. This unfortunately creates a cycle of a reduced resistance to stress. Offer your dog plenty of magnesium rich foods like leafy greens, nuts and seeds. Time for Tea! L-Theanine is seen to facilitate the generation of alpha waves which are indicative of a relaxed but awake and alert state. L-Theanine helps regulate the usual stress responses like increased blood pressure, heart rate and cortisol secretion and it’s found in our trusty tea! Green tea packs the highest content, so brew up a cup of decaf and share it with your pooch this Christmas. Dose up on D! Did you know that Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased anxiety scores? Whilst we know it plays a role in immune function, it also contributes to cognitive function along with mood and behaviour. Add plenty of fresh foods containing Vitamin D to your dog’s bowl, including: liver, fish and eggs! Mushrooms are a great source too, and if you keep them in the windowsill, you’ll get even more Vitamin D too! Always remember to saute mushrooms before feeding. Build Up Your B’s! B vitamins are heavily involved in the synthesis and breakdown of stress hormones. Whenever we or our dogs are stressed, we release a cascade of hormones that help us manage the threat in front of us. When the threat has passed, those hormones need to be broken down so our bodily functions can return to normal. It goes without saying, the more often our bodies have to do this, the higher the demand for B vitamins (and more). B vitamins are water-soluble, meaning they need to be replenished daily, and this is even without any stressors we may be facing. Offer your dog plenty of sources of B vitamins in their bowls like seafood, poultry, red meat, leafy greens and seeds! Our wonderful Calm Complex provides all of the above. br] br] Fill up on Ferments! This may not apply to all dogs; especially if you are tackling an itchy issue, but there is increasing data highlighting that poor microbial diversity in the gut is linked with increased scores of anxiety. A great way to support microbial diversity is to ensure the diet contains both pre and probiotic foods. Prebiotic sources include: mushrooms, dandelion greens, garlic, burdock root and more. Probiotic foods include fermented products like kefir. Aside from certain nutrients, we also know how important chewing is in engaging the parasympathetic nervous system – which is the rest and digest side of the stress response. This is why offering whole foods, which take some chewing, is great for your dog’s physical and emotional health. Why Dogs Need To Chew Other top (non-nutritional) tips for supporting your overwhelmed canine this Christmas: Set up a safe space – this can be a covered crate or simply a quiet spot somewhere in the house. Try to maintain as much of the routine as possible, Head out on walks when it’s quiet – when everyone is driving home for Christmas at the same time, it can get a little unnerving for your anxious pooch. If you would like any support with your pets, then please check out our services. Thanks for reading, MPN Team
