We acknowledge the nutritional needs of puppies are quite different to the adult dog, but the adult dog in many of our eyes simple remains an adult dog. We know they are getting older, but we perhaps don’t know when to label them as senior and so often miss the opportunity to make supportive dietary changes. The technical definition of the senior dog is quite vague; it is thought to be when they hit around half of their lifespan and as we know, there are breed differences to consider here. To bring a little more clarity, we thought we’d take a systems approach. If we understand the changes that occur in our dog’s systems as they age, armed with this knowledge we can use nutrition as one of our tools to optimise our dog’s health where possible. System Changes For the Ageing Dog As we always talk about the role of the digestive system in health, we’ll start there. The ageing dog can suffer with dental disease, or its more technical term, periodontal disease. Periodontal Disease Periodontal disease begins when bacteria in the dog’s mouth forms to create a substance called plaque. The plaque sits on the surface of the teeth and with the help of saliva, it hardens to form tartar. Not only does it sit on the teeth, plaque and tartar seeps into gum lines which causes inflammation. Over a period of time, this inflammation and presence of bacteria causes damage to the structures surrounding the teeth; causing receding gum lines and eventually tooth loss. These bacteria can also travel to other parts of the body, causing a range of additional health concerns. It has been found to damage cardiac tissue causing endocarditis (infection and inflammation in the heart). Studies have also shown that periodontal disease is linked to increased insulin resistance, kidney, and liver issues. Signs your dog has dental disease: Bad breath Pawing at his mouth Reluctance to eat Food or toys will have blood on them Smaller breeds are statistically more likely to suffer with periodontal disease, as are brachycephalic breeds. Their teeth are often closer together which means food and bacteria can more easily get stuck. What is also interesting is that it is generally accepted that the inflammation and resulting tissue damage is due to an improperly regulated immune response to bacterial infection, and not solely from the bacterial pathogens themselves. This suggests that if your dog already has immune mediated health concerns, then they may be at a higher risk of dental disease. To support the dental health of your dog, our top tips include: Avoid ultra-processed, refined foods, Offer opportunities to chew, Offer fibrous foods to gnaw on, Daily brushing if not feeding a species appropriate diet, To understand why we recommend this, check out our blog below: Periodontal Disease in Dogs Compromised Digestive Function Moving through the digestive system, get to the stomach and there can be a decline in stomach acid secretion with ageing. What this means, is that digestive function may be compromised for the senior dog, we may find that cooking food aids digestive function. In addition, digestive enzyme production also slows with age, so we may consider including supplemental enzymes under the guidance of a practitioner. Gastrointestinal Motility For the ageing dog, we may also notice decreased gastrointestinal motility. It’s important to support the health of the enteric nervous system responsible for this function, and we can think of the enteric nervous system like the second brain. We therefore need to provide plenty of nutrient dense foods that support nerve health. Potassium and Sodium Nerves send signals throughout the nervous system, and they heavily rely on potassium and sodium (and other nutrients) to do this. If there are low levels, nerves have a harder time carrying out this process. We often see low levels of sodium in some raw fed dogs. Check out our blog below: Are We Really That Good At Doing It Ourselves? B Vitamins B vitamins are crucial for nerve health, we often see deficiencies in B12 associated with neuropathy in humans. Why Your Dog needs Vitamin B12? Calcium Whilst we usually associate calcium with bone health, calcium also plays a role in nerve communication. Why Does My Dog Need Calcium? Essential Fatty Acids Omega-3 fatty acids can support myelin sheath health which is the protective layer around nerves. It allows electrical impulses to transmit quickly and efficiently along the nerve cells. If myelin if damaged, these impulses slow down. This is what happens in cases of degenerative myelopathy; the myelin is damaged resulting in nerve damage. Obesity For the senior dog, they may become less active than they used to be, or with the onset of chronic musculoskeletal issues, we may not be able to exercise them as we used to. We know that the calorie in vs. calorie out model is limited when it comes to the complexities of obesity, but we must adjust food portions to suit not only nutrient needs but also levels of activity. Obesity in Pets – Part One Obesity in Pets – Part Two Urinary System The senior dog may experience decreased renal function, urinary bladder disease and more. To optimise urinary health, this is our checklist: A fresh and unadulterated fresh food diet Moderate in protein Omega fats and antioxidants Super tasty and easily delivered Treats that are part of the daily calorie intake Hydration should also be prioritised. The Importance of Water Musculoskeletal Health There are a number of degenerative conditions that our trusty canines can suffer with like osteoarthritis, and the reality is that it’s never too early to support musculoskeletal health. You don’t have to wait for changes to appear. Our checklist for musculoskeletal health includes: Species appropriate diet – read our range of blogs below for more information Avoid ball flinger activities Use rugs around the home to prevent slipping Regular and appropriate exercise Prioritising rest and recovery Size matched play dates Maintain lean body weight. Natural Arthritis Guide Nutrients
We are often told that the best time to learn a new language is when we are young and on the other side of the scale, that we will naturally lose some cognitive ability as we age. These concepts are true, but they also imply that we reach a plateau of learning or functioning, and we then must just wait for it to disappear. For the owner of an ageing dog, this is often a worry. The million-dollar question on many dog owner’s tongue – can we influence cognitive function as our pet ages, or do we just have to wait for it to “disappear?” It seems there is in fact some hope in the form of this concept known as neurogenesis. What is Neurogenesis? Neurogenesis is the process by which neurons are formed in the brain. Neurons are the fundamental units of the brain and nervous system; they transit information around the body, to other nerve cells, to muscles and even gland cells! Most neurons have a cell body, an axon, and dendrites. In a nutshell, they are crucial to coordinate all the necessary functions of life. Neurogenesis was thought to only occur in young, developing organisms like babies or puppies. But data is now suggesting that it can in fact continue throughout adult life and even into those senior years. Why is this important? Loss of neurons was thought to be irreversible – and the inability to generate replacement cells, quite simply affects functions necessary for life. For decades we saw how neuronal loss was implicated in neurological disease. One of the particularly interesting parts of the brain to be affected is the hippocampus. The hippocampus forms part of the emotional control centre known as the limbic system. It is so named due to its shape – it resembles a seahorse. The Greek for horse is hippos and kampos meaning sea-monster. The hippocampus also deals with memory – particularly short-term memory formation. It has a connection with the cortex, which deals with long-term memory and they have this system where the hippocampus transfers information to the cortex. Both are necessary for memory formation, and this is why if there is hippocampal damage, memory loss ensues. Its other connection is with the amygdala – this is why you may notice how much easier it is to remember things that are emotionally charged, or your dog always remembers that house with the yappy dog at the gate! The hippocampus therefore plays an important role in learning, whether our puppies and dogs are learning tricks or about the world around them. But the hippocampus is also involved in control of the HPA axis, which is a key element of the stress response. A well-functioning hippocampus is therefore vital for an appropriate and resilient stress response. Using Nutrition to Support The Stressed Dog Stress and the Hippocampus Unfortunately, there is data that links stress with reduced hippocampal volume. In short, stress results in a smaller brain. Stress suppresses neuronal proliferation. This smaller hippocampal volume can impede memory and learning, but also result in lower resilience to stress moving forward, and so the cycle continues. Luckily, there is evidence we can mitigate this damage. It seems there is a protein that can defend the hippocampus against shrinkage and support its regrowth and repair. It is known as BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor). One of two neurotrophins, BDNF promotes neuronal survival – it helps neurons grow, mature, and survive. It also increases energy efficiency in the brain. In humans, low levels of BDNF are linked with depression and in dogs, low levels of BDNF are associated with separation anxiety. But what’s really nifty is that there are a few things that can boost BDNF levels in the brain: Exercise: Study after study have demonstrated that voluntary exercise increases neurogenesis in the brain, particularly in the hippocampus. Regular walks are important for your dog’s well-being, cardiovascular and skeletal health, but they are also a great way to support their brain health. Interestingly, extreme exercise has been associated with impaired cognitive function due to the overload in reactive oxygen species causing oxidative stress – so balance is key! For that reason, rest is also essential to hippocampal health! The Importance of Sleep There is a diurnal rhythm of neurogenesis and as we know, dogs too are diurnal creatures (awake in the daylight and sleep largely at night). It is mainly at night that the hippocampus experiences growth due to the proteins that control the body clock. Enriched Environment Novel enrichment activities have been noted to increase BDNF levels in the brain – here we are looking for those new challenges for your dog; appropriately named, brain games. It may be puzzle games, learning new tricks, navigating a new trail or hunting a new treasure (food or toy). The key element here is novelty, whilst there are generalised benefits of prior exposure to a task, there are more significant improvements when it is a new experience. Boredom is regularly linked with low BDNF levels! Dog Brain Games Diet Last but not least, we are a nutrition page after all, but diet can influence BDNF levels too. Omega-3 Fatty Acids have been seen to normalise BDNF levels in the brain – they are also thought to be neuroprotective in that they protect neurons from death. Great sources of Omega-3 for the dog include fatty fish like sprats, sardines, mackerel, and salmon. Essential Fats For My Dog’s Diet Vitamin B12 When including both omega-3 and Vitamin B12 in the diet, higher levels of BDNF are found in the hippocampus and cortex. Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that keeps nerve and blood cells healthy. It is also involved in energy production and more! There are no plant-sources of B12, it is produced in the gut of vegetarian animals, then absorbed into their blood stream, and makes its way around their body. Their tissue then provides B12 to whoever eats it. For that reason, sources of B12 include meat,
Possibly one of the most common ailments that we find in the dog world – some dogs just seem to react to everything! But, if we know how allergies and sensitivities develop, is it something we can tackle? Let’s take a look and consider some top tips to support your dog’s health. What is a dog allergy? An allergy is an unnecessary immune response to an innocuous substance. True allergies are often fatal. More often than not we are faced with sensitivities – which are still an immune response. What is the immune system? The purpose of the immune system is to defend itself and keep microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi out of the body and then destroy any if they happen to get in. It has three lines of defence. The innate immune system provides the first line of defence; broadly divided into physical/chemical barriers. The physical barriers include the skin and the lining of the digestive and respiratory tract. You can think of the body like a sausage; the skin, keeps everything in, but also things out. Chemical barriers include tears and saliva along with gastric acid. But also, the microbiome – which is the community of microbes found in the mouth, lungs, gut and on the skin. We then have the innate immune system – which is for want of a better phrase a row of white blood cells (and other participants) that engulf and destroy invaders. The third defence is acquired or adaptive immunity – this is the memory bank. The cells involved in this response help the body remember antigens that it has encountered before – so it can mount a quicker response before the harmful pathogen causes any damage. The immune system is trained to recognise its own cells as self and leave them to do their jobs. It is trained to recognise anything that isn’t self and attack it. When it works, it works brilliantly and, well, us and our dogs survive. But, it can get a little too enthusiastic and start responding to things it doesn’t really need to. This is what we see as autoimmunity, but also allergies and sensitivities and there are a number of reasons for this. Allergies and Sensitivities First of all, we may be dealing with an immature immune system, and this all starts back in puppyhood. When we talk about immune responses, we tend to reference Th1 and Th2. They are both necessary responses, but a Th2 response is more commonly associated with allergy. During pregnancy, a strong Th2 response is present to reduce the risk of miscarriage. What this means is that puppies are born with a Th2 dominance. This then needs to be balanced and the way in which this occurs is through microbial exposure. This is what we know as immune tolerance – the immune systems develop through exposure to controlled challenge. The immune system is like a computer; it has software, but it needs data. The microbial ecosystem in various mucosal sites is important for the development of the immune system. The young gastrointestinal tract is colonised soon after birth by a variety of commensal bacteria that influence the development of the immune response both in the gut and systemically. The mucosal immune system in the gut must avoid adverse immune responses to dietary antigens and commensals in the new microbial ecosystem while remaining able to mount an effective response to pathogenic organisms. In an ideal world, our pets will develop a heathy immune system, and they will have sufficient immune tolerance but also eliminate threats when necessary. But we don’t always live in an ideal world. Gut Guardian br] So what else can cause issues with immune responses? Often allergies and sensitivities are associated with poor barrier function; so there may be damaged or broken skin, a poor microbiome, or damage to the integrity of the gut. Think of it like an army. If you have a row of soldiers who are standing shoulder to shoulder, you stand a good chance against the enemy. Once soldiers start falling, opportunities arise for the enemy to get through. When skin is damaged, antigens spot their opportunity and sneak in through the gaps. The same occurs in the gut. Cells sit tightly together, but when cell integrity fails, under digested food particles and pathogens see their opportunity and sneak out into circulation. The immune system spots these particles – realises they shouldn’t be there, so mounts a response. Inflammation is a key part of this response. The issue is when the barrier remains compromised, more particles sneak through and so you end up in a chronic state of inflammation. Barrier dysfunction can occur for a number of reasons: Genetic glitches Microbiome dysbiosis Long-term use of medication Toxins Environmental exposure Detoxification Pathways The more inflammatory compounds you have in the presence of a response, the more anti-inflammatory compounds you will need to counter this response. There will also be a heightened need for compounds that break down inflammatory molecules like histamine. Those suffering with allergic disease often have a higher baseline of histamine, and so clearance of this is important too. What this means is that detoxification pathways need to be running as smoothly as possible. Liver Guard Detoxification of dietary histamine normally occurs in intestinal epithelial cells via the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO) as well as histamine-N-methyltransferase (HNMT) in the liver. What’s interesting is that there are polymorphisms in the genes that code for the DAO enzyme, but certain medications, including over the counter products are seen to inhibit the activity of DAO enzyme too. They include: Analgesics – morphine, NSAIDs Antiarrhythmics Antibiotics Antifungals Antimalarial Diuretics Motility agents Muscle relaxants Vitamins – ascorbic acid, thiamine In addition, detoxification pathways in general are nutrient demanding and they also produce a high number of free radicals. Sufficient levels of key vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, C, E, B1, B2, B3 and iron, along with cysteine are essential. Does My Pet Need To
Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is defined as a disturbance in bowel habits along with abdominal pain, in the absence of known organic pathology. What this means is that on paper, there is no apparent reason for the symptoms. There is no bacterial or viral agent present, and biopsies of the intestine generally show no inflammation or cancer. So, what on earth is going on? Let’s look at IBS in dogs in a little more detail. IBS and IBD Irritable bowel syndrome is different to inflammatory bowel disease, but both manifest similar symptoms. Both cause diarrhoea, constipation, and abdominal pain. But in cases of IBD you may also notice vomiting. The difference is when biopsies of the intestine are carried out in cases of IBD, there are inflammatory cells present. IBS tends to occur in episodes, where IBD is chronic. As gastro symptoms tend to overlap between conditions, it’s essential to get to the bottom of what your dog may be suffering with. IBS in Dogs IBS is a multi-factorial disorder with various contributing factors including: Motility issues Visceral hypersensitivity Altered intestinal microbiota It is considered that diet and stress exposure play the largest role in this disorder. Stress and IBS Study after study indicate that patients with IBS have been noted to exhibit disturbances in the brain-gut axis (GBA). The GBA is a bidirectional neurohumoral communication system that integrates brain and gastrointestinal functions, such as gut motility, appetite, and weight, and not surprisingly the microbiota plays a critical role. Disruption of the physiologic symbiotic relationship between the host and the microbiota is called dysbiosis and is regarded a basic factor for initiating and maintaining IBS in many patients. In a human study, subjects with IBS and who experienced pain had over 5-fold less Bifidobacterium compared to those without pain. The general school of thought currently, is that in cases of IBS there is an increase in pathogenic bacterial species together with a decrease in probiotic species. This dysbiotic microbiota is thought to influence the function of the GBA, and subsequently contribute to IBS symptoms. Diet and IBS Many symptoms can appear to be triggered by certain foods, but here we need to take an overarching look at the inflammatory state in the body. If we have an over-zealous, or under-mature immune system, certain foods will be problematic. A Guide to Inflammation in Pets Elimination Diets For Dogs IBS and Stress IBS is a stress-sensitive disorder and again we can look at the role of the microbiota here. The gut microbiota appears to influence the development of emotional behaviour, stress and pain modulation systems along with brain neurotransmitter systems. Additionally, microbial alterations by probiotics and antibiotics exert modulatory effects on some of these functions. A healthy microbiota plays a critical role in the development of appropriate stress responses. In early life, colonisation with beneficial microorganisms needs to occur to ensure a normal development of the core stress axis. On the other side of the scale, stress can also influence the composition of the microbiota, increasing pathogenic load significantly. What’s interesting is that in human studies, adults with IBS report having an insecure emotional attachment style and recall higher rates of recurrent abdominal pain and symptoms of separation anxiety in childhood. This early life stress could be a contributing factor to their IBS symptoms. Findings Here So, how can we support our dog with IBS? 1) Stress Support Is your dog stressed? Or have they had early life experiences that were particularly stressful? It can be helpful to sit down and create a timeline of your dog’s life and identify major events. Alongside this you can identify when any new symptoms started. Using Nutrition to Support the Stressed Dog Can Stress Affect My Dog’s Digestive System 2) Support Your Dog’s GBA Axis It seems the GBA plays a larger role in IBS symptoms than we originally thought, so take a look at the role it plays. Thankfully, there are a number of things that we can do to optimise gut health and support our dog’s GBA. Does My Dog Have a Gut-Brain-Axis? 3) Support Liver Health There are links between IBS and liver health due to the disruption of the entero-hepatic circulation of bile acids (which is also influenced by the microbiota). To support liver health we need to reduce exposure to toxins and support detoxification systems as much as possible. Does My Pet Need To Detox? 4 Superfoods for Liver Health in Dogs 4) Support a Healthy Microbiome We don’t yet know what the perfect microbiome consists of, but we do know that in cases of IBS we seem to see higher numbers of pathogenic bacteria compared to beneficial. For this reason it’s important to promote a healthy microbiome. What Can Cause Gut Dysbiosis? What Can Help Gut Dysbiosis? Prebiotics Vs. Probiotics Sadly, the symptoms of IBS overlap with many other gastro symptoms, so it’s important to establish what is truly going on for your dog. That said, these 4 tips are great to support digestive health in dogs, no matter what you are facing. If your dog is suffering with their digestive health and you would like some support, then please check out our services to see how we can help. Thanks for reading, MPN Team
We all know what stress is, and over time we improve our ability to notice it in our pets, but in the heat of the moment, we often forget that it is in fact a biochemical process. For this process to occur, certain compounds are needed. In addition, for the state to pass, other processes need to occur. At a very basic level we can start to understand why we feel so tired after a particularly stressful day at work, but there is so much more to it, and this goes for our dogs too. So, let’s take a look at the process of stress, the nutrients it demands and how we can use this information to support our stressed dog. What is Stress? Well, the full biological stress response all starts in the brain. Let’s think of it in human terms to really get a handle on what’s going on. When someone confronts an oncoming car or other danger, the eyes or ears, or both (and parts of our peripheral nervous system) send the information to the amygdala, which is the area of the brain that deals with emotions. The amygdala interprets the images and sounds and sends a message to the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is like the command centre. It communicates with the rest of the body through the autonomic nervous system (which controls such involuntary body functions like breathing, blood pressure and heartbeat. It also controls the dilation or constriction of key blood vessels and small airways in the lungs called bronchioles). The autonomic nervous system is further split into two branches, the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system functions like a gas pedal in a car and it triggers the fight-or-flight response. This response: Dilates pupils (to help you spot danger) Inhibits saliva production Dilates bronchia (to get more air into the lungs) Increases heart rate (to get more oxygenated blood around the body) Inhibits the activity of the digestive organs including the pancreas and gallbladder Stimulates the adrenal gland to release other stress related hormones Relaxes the urinary bladder After the amygdala sends a distress signal, the hypothalamus activates the sympathetic nervous system by sending signals through the autonomic nerves to the adrenal glands. These glands respond by pumping the hormone adrenaline into the bloodstream. As this circulates through the body, it brings on the physiological changes mentioned above. The heart beats faster than normal, pushing blood to the muscles, heart, and other vital organs. Pulse rate and blood pressure go up. You start to breathe more rapidly. Small airways in the lungs open wide so you can take in as much oxygen as possible. The additional oxygen is sent to the brain, which increases alertness. Sight, hearing, and other senses become sharper which all makes total sense if you are to escape a threat. At the same time, adrenaline triggers the release of glucose and fats from temporary storage sites in the body. These nutrients make their way into circulation, supplying energy to all parts of the body – equipping it to either fight or flee! The autonomic nervous system is the involuntary system and because the wiring is so efficient, the amygdala and hypothalamus start this cascade before we have even had a chance to consider what is happening or how we need to deal with it. As the initial surge of hormones subsides, the hypothalamus activates the second component of the stress response system. This is known as the HPA axis. It includes the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, and the adrenal glands. The HPA axis relies on hormonal signals to keep the sympathetic nervous system “switched on.” If the brain continues to perceive something as dangerous, the hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which travels to the pituitary gland, triggering the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This then travels to the adrenal glands, which triggers the release of cortisol. Cortisol doesn’t deserve the bad rap it gets – it isn’t the instigator of the stress response, it’s the regulator – for as long as cortisol is present, the body needs to do something to protect itself. When the threat or stressor passes, cortisol levels fall. The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) — which we can think of as the “brake” — then dampens or calms the stress response. The PNS is responsible for the “rest and digest” response that calms the body down after the danger has passed. This response: Constricts pupils Increases saliva production (saliva forms one of the first lines of defence in the immune system) Reduces heart rate Constricts bronchia Stimulates the organs of the digestive system like the pancreas and gallbladder Constricts urinary bladder The Recipe for Stress As you can see, there are a cascade of processes that occur which result in the stress response we are familiar with. The stress response is largely modulated by what we call catecholamines, and these include adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine and it therefore makes sense that if the stress response is consistently being activated, then the demand for these catecholamines increases. The creation of catecholamines starts with the uptake of the amino acid tyrosine. A few steps later, the conversion of tyrosine to certain catecholamines depends on the presence of vitamin B6. Later steps for the conversion to noradrenaline depend on the presence of copper. Vitamin C is also required in various enzyme activities in the synthesis of catecholamines. What this means is that stress increases the demand for these nutrients. But we must also consider the other side of the stress response – the rebalancing. For the body to return to homeostasis, catecholamines must be broken down. There are many genes responsible for this process, and not surprisingly, many nutrients are used in the process. Nutrients used to degrade catecholamines: Choline B6 B12 Folate Magnesium SAMe (made in the body from the amino acid, methionine) We can think of the stress response as a redirection of resources in many ways – it redirects attention
It makes sense that fussy eaters may be low in certain nutrients simply because they aren’t eating the required nutrients to thrive, but would you be surprised to learn that certain nutrients that we find low in fussy eaters could actually be contributing to the abnormal eating behaviour too? Let’s take a look at some of the nutrients we regularly target in dogs who are fussy eaters. 5HTP 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a chemical that the body makes from the amino acid tryptophan. After tryptophan is converted into 5-HTP, the chemical is changed into another chemical called serotonin (a neurotransmitter that relays signals between brain cells). But what we’re particularly interested in is that serotonin pathways modulate eating patterns and serotonin dysregulation is regularly implicated in eating disorders in humans. This is why selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are regularly used in the treatment of eating disorders. These medications keep serotonin hanging around a little longer, meaning it’s effects can be more noticeable. Animal data has also indicated that when you knock out serotonin receptors, eating disorders quickly follow. Findings Here You won’t find 5HTP in food, but you will find the amino acid tryptophan. Sources of tryptophan include turkey, chicken, pumpkin, sunflower seeds, and seaweed. 5HTP is generally found in supplement form. Zinc Zinc is required by humans and animals for many physiological functions, such as growth, immune function, and reproduction. Zinc deficiency induces several physiological issues including anorexia, growth retardation, dermatitis, taste disorder, and hypogonadism. There is increasing evidence that suggests zinc deficiency may be intimately involved with anorexia in humans; if not as an initiating cause, then as an accelerating or exacerbating factor. Study after study have highlighted that a decrease in appetite is the first visible sign of zinc deficiency, and it occurs well in advance of any other symptom. Subsequently, data has indicated that supplemental zinc rapidly stimulates food intake in zinc deficient animals. Findings Here To learn more about zinc’s role in the body and for some great sources to add to your dog’s diet, check out our blog: Why Zinc is So Important for Your Dog Vitamin D Humans with eating disorders regularly show a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and as it plays such a wide-reaching role through the body, this is certainly a nutrient to target in the fussy dog. Despite its name, Vitamin D is a hormone that promotes calcium absorption. Its role in bone health is why we often see humans with eating disorders suffering osteoporosis and osteopenia. Whilst Vitamin D is usually associated with skeletal issues, low levels are often associated with autoimmunity, infectious disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, neuromuscular disorders and cancer too. But it also plays a role in brain health, and this could influence eating behaviour. Vitamin D receptors are widespread in brain tissue, and it has a role in cell growth, neurogenesis, neuroprotection, detoxification, and reduction of inflammation. Findings Here To learn more about Vitamin D’s role in the body and for some great sources to add to your dog’s diet, check out our blog: The Importance of Vitamin D for Cats and Dogs Magnesium In a recent blog we explored how stress can be a factor for dogs who are fussy eaters and so it’s no surprise that magnesium status should be a consideration. Magnesium deficiency and stress seemingly come hand in hand. Many studies, both in pre-clinical and clinical settings, have investigated the interaction of magnesium with key mediators of the physiological stress response. It seems that magnesium plays an inhibitory role in the regulation and neurotransmission of the normal stress response. In addition, low magnesium status has been reported in several studies assessing nutritional aspects in subjects suffering from psychological stress or associated symptoms. This overlap suggests that stress could increase magnesium loss, causing a deficiency; and in turn, magnesium deficiency could enhance the body’s susceptibility to stress, resulting in a magnesium and stress vicious circle. Let’s compare the most frequent signs of both stress and magnesium deficiency: Symptoms of stress: Fatigue Nervousness Lack of energy Digestive discomfort Muscle tension Sadness Symptoms of magnesium deficiency: Tiredness Nervousness Muscle weakness Gastrointestinal spasms Muscle cramps Nausea/vomiting Sleep disorders Low levels of magnesium can be observed in response to mid- or long-term exposure to stress. A study conducted on guide dog candidates at different levels of a training program (elementary, intermediate, and advanced) showed the effects of temperature and physical stress on serum magnesium levels. First, it was demonstrated that serum magnesium levels were significantly lower in winter than in summer, suggesting an impact of seasonality on magnesium homeostasis. Secondly, it was noticed that physical exercise had a greater impact on serum magnesium levels of dog candidates in the elementary class compared to more trained ones; this highlights the role of stress as an adaptation and as the body adjusts, it uses less resources. Findings Here To learn more about magnesium’s role in the body and for some great sources to add to your dog’s diet, check out our blog: Why Magnesium is So Important to Your Pet We would always advocate a food first approach, but in the case of the fussy eater, this becomes a challenge. We would entice with palatable foods wherever possible, but supplementation may be a consideration in cases of low nutrient status or deficiency. If you are struggling with a fussy eater and would like to get a plan together with a qualified professional, please check out our services to see how we can help. Thanks for reading, MPN Team
If you look at regular claims on insurance forms, you’ll find that the most common eye issues suffered by our dogs include the following: Corneal damage Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) Pink eye (conjunctivitis) Eyelid mass Cataracts Glaucoma Cherry eye Entropion Whilst some of these are a result of direct injury, trauma, infection, or genetic predisposition, and will need additional support, as owners we always want to do the best by our dogs, and this includes ensuring the health of every part of their body to give it the best chance if it is ever faced with a trauma or injury. Below, we’ve collated our top 5 nutrients for eye health in the dog. 1. Vitamin C Ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, has a chemical structure that is closely related to the monosaccharide sugars. It is synthesised from glucose by plants and most animal species, including dogs. When present in foods, ascorbic acid is easily destroyed by oxidative processes. Exposure to heat, light, oxidative enzymes, and the minerals copper and iron all contribute to losses of vitamin C activity. The body requires ascorbic acid for the hydroxylation of the amino acids, proline and lysine in the formation of collagen and elastin and for the synthesis of acetylcholinesterase. It is important to the structure of the body, and that includes the eyes. Vitamin C is present in the lens and surrounding ocular humors. It is thought that Vitamin C behaves as a sort of sunscreen to protect the lens from UV induced oxidative damage. There are suggestions that it also regenerates vitamin E and glutathione to further increase antioxidant capacity in the eye. With age, vitamin C levels are thought to decrease and there is data which indicates low levels of vitamin C are associated with the development of cataracts. Findings Here Whilst dogs can synthesise their own Vitamin C, there is no reason you can’t add Vitamin C rich foods to the bowl to boost their levels. Sources of Vitamin C: Carrots Kale Sweet potatoes Seaweed Berries Kelp Parsley Alfalfa 2. 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 peroxidase, with one nutrient partially able to spare a deficiency of the other. It is also influenced by the PUFA content of the diet and increasing this leads to an increase in vitamin E requirement. It has been recommended that the dietary ratio of alpha tocopherol:PUFA (mg/g) of 0.6:1 is maintained as a minimum to protect against PUFA peroxidation. Rancid fats are particularly destructive of vitamin E, so these should be avoided in diet. Sources of Vitamin E: Plant based oils Nuts Seeds Dark green veggies, Pumpkin Red bell pepper Mango 3. Zinc Zinc influences cell metabolism through a variety of mechanisms. It also appears to play an integral role in maintaining normal ocular function. Zinc is found in high concentrations in ocular tissue, particularly in retina and choroid. Zinc is thought to modify photoreceptor plasma membranes, regulate the light-rhodopsin reaction, modulate synaptic transmission and serve as an antioxidant. Studies have demonstrated that suboptimal zinc status is indicated in the development and progression of several chronic eye diseases. In short, zinc helps maintain the health of the retina, cell membranes and protein structure of the eye. In addition, it allows Vitamin A to travel from the liver to the retina to produce melanin which is a pigment that protects the eyes from UV light. Findings Here Sources of zinc: Seafood Beef Lamb liver Lamb Why Zinc is Important for Your Dog 4. Lutein and Zeaxanthin Lutein and zeaxanthin are yellow carotenoid antioxidants known as macular pigments. They are concentrated in the macula which is the central part of the retina. It is thought that lutein and zeaxanthin function as a natural sunblock. One observational study in middle-aged and older humans noted that consuming lutein and/or zeaxanthin daily significantly reduced the risk of AMD (age-related macular degeneration). The researchers also discovered that those with the highest intake of lutein and zeaxanthin had a 43% lower risk of macular degeneration, compared to those with the lowest intake. Leafy greens like spinach, swiss chard and kale are great sources. In addition, egg yolks are considered one of the best sources due to their fat content. Carotenoids are better absorbed when eaten with fat. Findings Here Can My Dog Eat Raw Eggs 5. Omega-3 fatty acids The brain and eye are highly enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, which accumulate in these tissues during late foetal and early neonatal life. Very high levels of DHA are present in the retina, specifically in the disk membranes of the outer segments of photoreceptor cells. DHA accounts for over half the total fatty acyl groups present in the phospholipids of rod outer segment membranes, a proportion higher than is found in any other tissue. A number of studies in preterm and term human infants have suggested that a dietary supply of omega-3 fatty acids may be essential for optimal visual development. DHA helps activate rhodopsin, a membrane protein in the rods of your eyes. Rhodopsin helps the brain receive images by changing the permeability, fluidity, and thickness of your eye membranes. Animal data suggest that retinal degeneration in rats might be prevented by dietary intake of DHA. Findings Here DHA is mainly found in seafood, such as fish, shellfish, and fish oils. It also occurs in some types of algae. DHA may occur in small amounts in meat and dairy from grass-fed animals, as well as omega-3-enriched or pastured eggs. While it can be synthesised from alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), another plant-based omega-3 fatty acid, this process is largely inefficient.
We can think of the gut like a roundabout; it has links to every system in the body. We have already explored the link between the gut and skin health, now we want to take a closer look at what we know as the gut-brain axis or GBA. This concept has gained traction over the last few decades and for good reason, but the question on everyone’s tongue… Does my dog have a gut-brain axis and what does this mean? Let’s see if we can answer that question. What is the Gut-Brain Axis? The gut-brain axis (GBA) consists of bidirectional communication between the nervous system, linking emotional and cognitive centres of the brain with intestinal functions. But research is indicating the importance of gut microbiota in influencing these interactions. The interaction between microbiota and the GBA appears to be bidirectional, through signalling from gut-microbiota to brain and vice versa. It is thought that this occurs in many ways, including neural, endocrine, immune, and humoral links. Neural Links Increasing evidence has found that the vagus nerve, a major neural connection between the gut and brain, plays a key role in facilitating signalling along the microbiota-gut-brain axis. The vagus nerve is the tenth of twelve pairs of cranial nerves found in the peripheral nervous system. Cranial nerves mainly innervate anatomical structures of the head and neck, but the vagus nerve is the exception to this rule; it extends from the brainstem through the neck and the thorax down to the abdomen. Because of its long reach throughout the body, it is often described as the “wandering nerve.” In the neck, the vagus nerve innervates the pharynx and larynx which are responsible for swallowing and vocalisation. In the thorax, it is the chief parasympathetic supply to the heart – this is what reduces our heart rate when we are recovering from a stressful stimulus. In the intestine, the vagus nerve regulates smooth muscle contraction and many secretory functions. The vagus nerve provides a critical link between the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system; the enteric nervous system is like the digestive system’s own nervous system – one that us or our dogs have little conscious control over. The vagus nerve link was largely established through studies utilising a surgical procedure known as a vagotomy which cuts or removes the vagus nerve to identify any resulting implications. Surgical vagotomy has been used to investigate the physiological role of the vagus nerve since the early 19th century. Surgical vagotomy has historically been carried out in humans to treat peptic ulcers. The procedure reduces stomach acid through its denervation of the cells that produce it. In more recent years, these procedures are less common, with patients opting for pharmaceutical alternatives. But what is interesting are the common side effects of vagotomy in humans which include interference with gastric emptying, increased and dysfunctional bowel movements and nutrient malabsorption resulting in deficiency. We almost found out about the role of the vagus nerve in digestive function by accident. The vagus nerve provides a link between the internal organs, including the gastrointestinal tract, and the central nervous system, with 80-90% of fibres being afferent (transmitting to the central nervous system) and 10-20% transmitting signals in the other direction, being efferent. The vagotomy procedure has implicated the gut-brain axis in cases of depression, stress resilience and anxiety. Vagus Nerve Signalling Within the small and large intestine you will find vagal afferents (nerve endings). These afferents can detect stretch and tension (how much food is in the gut), but they can also detect chemicals being absorbed across the epithelial layer. But what’s super interesting is that bacteria in the gut produce metabolites and neurotransmitters which can act directly on vagus nerve endings too! These nerve endings notice the metabolites and neurotransmitters and relay to the brain. We have found this through bacterial supplementation – for example, when certain bacteria are infused directly into the large intestine, vagal firing alters. So we know we can alter vagal firing through the population of bacteria found in the gut, but in our dogs, massage is gaining great traction at modulating vagus nerve function. Endocrine Links There is increasing evidence that suggests the gut as an endocrine organ, largely through its ability to produce and regulate multiple compounds that reach systemic circulation and subsequently act to influence the function of distal organs and systems. The biochemical complexity of the gut microbiota exceeds that of the brain, and many of the hormones produced by the microbiota are also neurotransmitters within the central nervous system. For example, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the most important inhibitory transmitter in the brain is produced by several lactobacilli bacteria and monoamines such as noradrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin are also produced by certain strains of bacteria. We must also consider the role of the HPA axis. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) is the main stress response system. It is the neuroendocrine link between perceived stress and physiological reactions to stress. The use of germ-free animals has provided one of the most significant insights into the role of the microbiota in regulating the development of the HPA axis. It has been found that germ-free animals suffer aberrant responses to stress, but when they are then colonised with specific pathogen free faecal matter, their stress response becomes more balanced. Researchers have concluded that the microbial content of the gut is critical to the development of an appropriate stress response later in life and that there is a narrow window in early life where colonisation must occur to ensure normal development of the HPA axis. Immune Links Numerous studies in recent years investigating the gut-brain axis have demonstrated an important role for the gut microbiota in modulating brain development and function, with the immune system serving as an important coordinator of these interactions. Germ-free animals have regularly demonstrated that role of the microbiota in proper maturation of the immune system and immune regulation within the central nervous system is mediated by microglia, astrocytes, and
Sadly anxiety is as common in dogs as it is in humans. Anxiety is one of the body’s normal responses to stress; the problem is that our stress response hasn’t evolved with modern life and both us and our dogs can often feel overwhelmed. Alongside behavioural support for our anxious dog, we can look to support their stress response system from a nutritional standpoint. Let’s take a look at 5 of our top nutrients to support anxious dogs. 1. Omega 3 Fatty Acids Omega-3’s, in particular DHA, play critical neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory roles in the brain. Supplementation of omega-3 has been seen to: – Improve cognitive function Findings here – Reduce anxious symptoms Findings here – Reduce aggressive behaviours Findings here – Reduced stress-related hormone production Findings here What’s also super interesting is that omega-3 levels are regularly noted as being low in aggressive dogs. This isn’t indicating causation, simply an observation worth noting. Great sources of omega-3 fatty acids: Mackerel Salmon Sardines 2. Magnesium Often noted as the ultimate chill pill, magnesium is an essential nutrient that many are deficient in. Its low levels are regularly established in cases of depression in humans, so it is clear it plays a role in mood modulation and the stress response. Magnesium affects a number of neurotransmitter systems. Firstly, it inhibits excitatory neurotransmitters. Excessive excitation can lead to the death of brain cells, which affects the overall structure and functioning of the brain. Magnesium also acts as a cofactor in the serotonergic system. As we know serotonin is the happy chemical, and low levels of magnesium are regularly linked to low serotonin levels. Not only that, but 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. Magnesium is found in leafy greens, nuts, and seeds. The ones packing the highest punch are spinach and pumpkin seeds. 3. Skullcap An herb used for insomnia in humans, it has a similar mechanism of action to Valerian. Skullcap is thought to be GABAergic. But it is also thought to influence serotonin receptors, which is why it has reported sedative and relaxing effects. A small, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study of 43 human participants demonstrated that skullcap reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression in some individuals without causing an observable reduction in energy or cognition. In both cats and dogs, skullcap has been effective in general nervousness and excitability and in any condition where there is oversensitivity in the nervous system. 4. B-Vitamins Many of the B-Vitamins are involved in functions which directly impact the brain and nervous system. To single them out specifically, B12 and folate are reportedly low in cases of mood disorders in humans. B-vitamins can become depleted during times of stress, the more the body requires them for tasks the more they need replenishing. Stress also affects the lining in the stomach and compromises its function. Intrinsic factor is essential in B12 absorption but lack of production due to compromised function can significantly affect B12 levels. B-Vitamins can be found in eggs, liver, kidneys, chicken, red meat, tuna, mackerel, salmon, shellfish and dark green vegetables like spinach and kale. 5. Zinc In human literature, zinc is a trait marker of a mood disorder. Zinc deficiency is regularly associated with depression and anxiety, and supplementation often improves mood and cognitive function. We know zinc plays a role in mood because we find zinc enriched neurons in parts of the brain associated with emotions. Before we knew better, in rat studies, we found that increasing zinc levels reduced rat-fighting behaviour and when supplemented alongside antidepressant medication, rats developed improved resilience. Great source of zinc: Oysters, beef, chicken, pork, hemp seeds, shiitake mushrooms and red meat. We would always advocate a food first approach in supporting your dog, but there may be occasions where supplements will be beneficial. Calm Complex contains many of the nutraceuticals and herbs required to help calm the nervous system. If you would like any support with your dog’s health, please check out our services to see how we can help. Thanks for reading, MPN Team
Fibre is a super important addition to your dog’s diet for a range of reasons, but where can we get it from? We’ve popped together 7 of our favourite foods to add to the bowl! Let’s get cracking. What is Fibre? Fibre is a non-digestible carbohydrate and it boasts a range of health benefits, for us, and our dogs. As fibre makes its way through the digestive tract, it can slow glucose absorption, which helps modulate blood sugar levels. It can also form a gel like substance which can trap potentially harmful pathogens. Fermentable fibres produce short chain fatty acids which have unique roles throughout the body. Not only do they contribute to maintaining a healthy gut barrier, but they are also precursors to many neurotransmitters, which directly affect mood and behaviour. Fibre is seen to modulate insulin production, blood pressure and thought to affect cholesterol and fatty acid absorption too. And last but not least, fibre can be a great way to modulate transit time in the gut too. 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. In addition, when this occurs, we support healthy 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. 3 Top Tips for Anal Gland Health in Dogs Although fibre is generally an umbrella term, there are fibres within fibres, and we often hear more about the supplemental fibres when we are talking about our canine companions. Psyllium husk: Psyllium husk is a form of soluble fibre, it contains mucilage which swells when in contact with fluid, forming a gel. Psyllium can help to improve faecal consistency. Slippery Elm: An insoluble fibre with mucilage properties where it creates a film, soothes, protects, and helps to heal the entire gastric system, modulating gut function. The inner bark of the Slippery Elm is not only packed with nutrients like vitamins A, B complex, C, K, Calcium, magnesium, and sodium, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties. But we can get the benefits associated with fibre from a food first approach too! Fibrous Food Sources 1. Broccoli Not only is broccoli a great source of fibre but it is packed full of vitamins and minerals. You will find vitamins A, C and E, fibre and antioxidants in these little green trees! Vitamin A helps maintain structural and functional integrity of mucosal cells in innate barriers (skin, respiratory tract etc). Broccoli also contains a phytochemical called Indole-3-Carbinol. This compound is formed from a substance called glucobrassicin found in broccoli and other brasscia vegetables such as brussels sprouts, cabbage, collards, cauliflower, kale, mustard greens and turnips. Indole-3-carbinol is formed when these vegetables are cut, chewed, or lightly cooked and show some promise in their anti-cancer effect. To Serve: chop and lightly steam or blend. 2. Berries We generally love berries because they contain anthocyanins (Greek anthos =flower and kyáneos = blue). Many studies have linked these compounds with antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties, along with protection against both heart disease and cancer, as well as a reduction in the risk of diabetes and cognitive function disorders. In addition, they have also demonstrated antimicrobial properties, specifically in cranberries and blueberries. But berries also pack a fair punch in terms of fibre content. Great berries to include are raspberries, blueberries, and cranberries. 3. Apples Another snack or training treat, apples pack a fair fibre punch! Chop into slices, just remember to avoid the seeds. Apples contain a range of antioxidants meaning they can help protect against oxidative stress. Apples are also a source of vitamin C and potassium. 4. Mushrooms There are literally thousands of species of mushrooms on the planet, so it can be a challenge to know where to start. But they are incredible in terms of the benefits they can provide. Mushrooms can be involved in the prevention of certain disease, the regeneration of damaged cells, the protection of tissues and cells and used during treatment of existing conditions. The bioactive compounds of mushrooms include polysaccharides, proteins, fats, ash, glycosides, alkaloids, volatile oils, tocopherols, phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids, folates, ascorbic acid enzymes, and organic acids. Reishi mushrooms are adored for their immunomodulating benefits. Maiitike mushrooms have been used for their antibacterial function and cordyceps have been seen to inhibit inflammatory responses throughout the body. Mushrooms have been seen to be: Anti-inflammatory Anti-microbial Antioxidant Prebiotic Anti-diabetic And they are a great source of fibre for our dogs. If you are looking to add mushrooms to the bowl, cook them fully, lightly sauteed is fine. 5. Leafy greens Green leafy vegetables include spinach, kale, watercress and broccoli. In green leafy vegetables you will find vitamins A, C, E and K along with many of the B-vitamins. These vegetables also contain carotenoids. Carotenoids act as an antioxidant, deactivating free-radicals and limiting the damage they can cause. There are two broad classifications of carotenoids: carotenes and xanthophylls. The latter containing oxygen, whilst the former do not. Xanthophylls include lutein and zeaxanthin, which are both primarily associated with eye health. Beta-carotene one of the carotenes is turned into Vitamin A and is found in those green leafy veg like spinach and kale. Vitamin A is important in maintaining healthy skin, mucous membranes and supporting a functioning immune system. Green leafy vegetables also contain a rich source of folate, this is after all, where the name came from. Folate functions as a coenzyme in many processes in the body, it helps tissues grow and makes cells work. Folate is also involved in neurotransmitter synthesis, so it is implicated in mood and subsequently behaviour. To Serve: Lightly steam your kale or spinach, or blitz it up in a blender, pop it in a freezer mould and add them to your dog’s bowl! 6. Carrots You’ll notice the fibre content if you’ve ever fed these to your dog
Sadly, anal gland issues are quite prevalent in the general dog population and this can end up with owners asking groomers or vets to express them on a regular basis. The issue here is that anal gland expression has become the norm rather than the exception; and it really shouldn’t be. So, let’s take a look at the function of the anal glands and some of our top tips to promote anal gland health in the dog. What are the anal glands? The anal gland’s function is to release pheromones, enabling the communication between dogs and other mammals, including cats. The anal glands located on the lower sides of the anus, produce a fluid with a scent that identifies him or her, communicating sex, health, and approximate age to other animals. Healthy dogs display a huge variation in the appearance of their anal sac fluid; it can vary from yellow to brown and the consistency from watery to mucous to doughy. The secretion contains mucin rich in sialic acid and other anti-microbial proteins, namely lysozyme, immunoglobulin A and lactoferrin. As faeces is passed, the anal glands are expressed and so the fluid is secreted. But like all things in the body, sometimes this process goes a little wrong. The three main issues that arise with anal gland function include: impaction inflammation, and abscessation An anal sac impaction is characterized as an enlargement of the sacs due to retention of anal sac content, without showing any signs of inflammation except for pain and discomfort. Anal sac impaction can occur unilaterally, but most often it presents itself as bilateral. Anal sac inflammation, also called anal sacculitis, is defined as an enlargement combined with inflammation of the anal sac. The anal sac and perianal region often become red, swollen, and painful. In the case of an anal sac abscess, pyrexia (raised body temperature) is often present; however, pyrexia can also occur in the case of severe anal sac inflammation. An inflamed and often alopecic area of the anal sacs can be observed in the case of an anal sac abscess, again accompanied with swelling and pain. Discharge contaminated with blood can also occur. If your dog is suffering with their anal glands, you may notice the following: Scooting (dragging bottom on the floor) Licking or biting at the anus, Difficulty sitting or standing On rare occasion, chasing the tail. Predisposing Factors Anal sac disease is reported to occur more often in adult dogs and cats compared to puppies and kittens, Obesity may be a predisposing factor. Perianal fat can lead to compression of the anal sac ducts, resulting in retention of anal sac content. Anal sac disease in dogs seems to be more prevalent in spring/summer, Adverse food reactions or food allergies and atopic dermatitis are conditions mentioned as being associated with anal sac disease, There appears to be a relationship between the presence of diarrhoea and the occurrence of anal sac disease in dogs. 5 Reasons Why Your Dog May have Diarrhoea Sadly, there also appears to be around a 40% relapse rate for those dogs who suffer with anal gland disease. In dogs, recurrence of anal sac impaction and inflammation occurs on average after 4–5 months; for abscessation, the mean recurrence time is reported to be 10 months on average. Findings Here So, how can we avoid these issues, and certainly, if your dog has suffered anal gland issues, how can we avoid a relapse? 1) Support Healthy Immune Function The correlation between anal gland disease and food sensitivities and atopic dermatitis may suggest dysfunctional immune responses. It’s important to modulate inflammatory responses in the body and support a healthy immune system. It would be wise to embark on an elimination diet to establish any food sensitivities and optimise gut health. Elimination Diets For Dogs 7 Steps to Optimal Gut Health for Pets 2) Create a Healthy Gut Environment As the gut influences every function in the body, it makes sense to support its ecosystem as much as possible. Things that can contribute to a less than happy gut: Antibiotics Overuse of certain medications like proton pump inhibitors and antihistamines Poor liver function Poor motility Digestive disorders Poor pancreatic function Inflammation in the gut Stress Environmental toxins Dietary choices If you’d like to learn more about managing these for your dog, check out our blog here: What Can Help Gut Dysbiosis? 3) Feed a Wholefood Fresh Diet But you knew this one, didn’t you? When we feed foods that the digestive system can digest and utilise, everything moves as it should. Wholefoods offer roughage to the diet, helping elimination processes. Stools are better formed and so, as they pass, they express the anal glands. There has been data which indicated a meat only diet exacerbated anal gland issues, so remember if you do feed fresh, add some raw bones to the mix. If this is something you are unsure of, then please get in touch with us and we can help. Dietary fibre is also excellent at ‘moderating’ the transit time of food in the digestive tract. When this transit time is too fast (diarrhoea), fibre can slow digestion down and where it is too slow (constipation), it can help speed it up. Fibre can adapt beautifully and for this, a variation of vegetables and slippery elm is great. Slippery elm is a wonderful addition to your cat or dog’s diet, if they are having consistent anal gland problems. Slippery elm, also known as the red elm, is a native tree to North America. People use the inner bark for many different health concerns. It is a mucilage and as such, creates a layer around the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, soothing and healing the gut mucosa. If you would like some more pointers on supporting healthy anal gland function, check out our blog here: 4 Cornerstones for Healthy Anal Glands and if you would like some support with your dog’s health, then check out our services to see
Phytochemicals, also sometimes referred to as phytonutrients or polyphenols are biologically active compounds of plant origin. They are actually a plant’s natural defence. Normally, the properties are activated by damage to the plant which prevent insects and pests from eating them. A huge number of phytochemicals have been identified (8000+) and they are broadly classified as carotenoids and polyphenols but there are many further subdivisions. The question on everyone’s tongue, does my dog need them? Let’s take a look. Phytochemicals We are just starting to notice the health benefits of phytochemicals; buthey have been seen to: Protect DNA from damage Act as antioxidants Regulate hormonal function Support immune function Possess antimicrobial properties Phytochemicals and Inflammation Inflammation is the first biological response of the immune system to infection, injury or irritation. It is a necessary process, but it can sometimes get a little out of hand. This is where phytochemicals come in. Types of phytochemicals known as phenolics, and triterpenoids show high anti-inflammatory activity. These compounds are found in various fruits and vegetables. Findings Here Phenolic compounds are also seen to have a range of other health benefits in the body. It is thought that polyphenols may modulate blood glucose levels. On study in humans found that those people eating higher quantities of polyphenol-rich foods were 57% less likely to develop type II diabetes in a 2–4-year period. Findings Here Polyphenols are seen to promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut, and also fend off the bad guys! Win win! It is also thought that polyphenols may help probiotics survive and thrive too! Findings Here They have also been associated with: Delaying age-related cognitive decline Modulating inflammation in the brain Counteracting neurotoxins Protecting neurons against oxidative stress Enhanced memory and learning Findings Here Finally, researchers have found that certain polyphenols can modulate gene expression in cases of atopic dermatitis in dogs. In short, the researchers managed to control the inflammatory response in dermatologic disease. Findings Here They used extracts of luteolin which is found in foods like broccoli, carrots, peppers, cabbage and apple skins along with extracts of stilbene which occurs in some berries like blueberries. Other phytochemicals include sulforaphane and anthocyanins. Sulforaphane is an isothiocyante stored mainly inside cruciferous veggies, like broccoli. A great sulforaphane hack is to sprout your own broccoli seeds as these have way more sulphoraphane as the final plant. This compound has been seen to have anticancer properties in test tube studies, it is thought to release antioxidant and detoxification enzymes that protect against carcinogens. Sulforaphane is thought to support hearth health by reducing inflammation and also may reduce blood pressure. In addition, this compound has been seen to improve recovery and reduce mental decline after traumatic brain injury. Finally, sulforaphane has improved symptoms of constipation in humans in a 4-week study. Findings Here Anthocyanins (red, purple, and/or blue plant pigments) are found in many fruits but are thought to prevent the adhesion of pathogens to cell walls. When compared to other berries, the photochemical bioavailability was much higher in cranberries as compared to others, which is why it is thought to prevent adhesion of pathogenic bacteria in the urinary tract. Other Foods Which Contain Phytochemicals: 1) Pomegranate Pomegranate has been seen to help protect cells, especially those heart cells. Oxidative damage may be one of the contributors to heart failure in our canine companions and pomegranate has been seen to protect against this. They contain molecules known as ellagitannins. Pomegranate ellagitannins are not absorbed intact into the blood stream but are hydrolysed to ellagic acid over several hours in the intestine. Ellagitannins are also metabolized into urolithins by gut flora, and it is these urolithin A’s that exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Findings Here 2) Ginger Ginger is loved for its anti-inflammatory properties in cancer therapy. Inflammation, or rather pro-inflammatory cytokines contribute to carcinogenesis by influencing the survival, growth, mutation, proliferation, differentiation and movement of tumour cells. It is proposed that ginger has anti-inflammatory and therefore anticancer potential. Ginger contains active phenolic compounds such as gingerol, paradol and shogoall that have antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenesis properties. Ginger has demonstrated significant reductions in inflammatory signalling in cancer cases. Findings Here Not only that but in cases of liver cancer, it has induced apoptosis, inhibited formation, decreased expression and suppressed cell proliferation. In cases of pancreatic cancer it has downregulated signalling and cell survival indicators, inhibited expression, decreases metastasis, inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. Ginger has decreased incidence of colon tumours and it has been reported that intragastric treatment of ginger increases survival time. Findings Here Adjunct to other therapy, ginger has been seen to improve cellular immunity and decrease fatigue, pain and stress in cancer patients. It is also noted to reduce nausea. Ginger is widely used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, it is thought to stimulate digestion, absorption, relieve constipation and flatulence. In Chinese medicine it is thought to improve the flow of bodily fluids and is therefore used to stimulate blood circulation. The active compounds found reduce the formation of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and thromboxane therefore lowering the clotting ability of the blood, it should therefore be used with caution alongside blood thinning medication. 3) Carrots Carotenoid-containing foods are often red, yellow or orange and this includes the trust carrot. Carotenoids are a class of phytonutrients and are found in the cells of a wide variety of plants, algae, and bacteria. They help plants absorb light energy for use in photosynthesis. They also have an important antioxidant function of deactivating free radicals which helps offset oxidative stress. Does My Dog Need Antioxidants? However, there is a number of factors that influence carotenoid’s bioavailability, absorption, breakdown, transport and storage. In a number of studies, thermal treatment was shown to increase carotenoid’s accessibility, due to the disruption of cell walls and bond loosening (read: cooked) Other factors, such as genes and nutritional status, gender, aging or infection, also determine carotenoid bioavailability. It is well-established that any disease with the abnormal
