In October 2021, a well-known newspaper published an article which suggested vegan pet food is as healthy for cats and dogs as meat. A veterinary professor argued that his research showed that cats and dogs had as good, or better health outcomes on plant-based diets as they did when fed on meat products. However, what the headlines forget to mention is that he also said, this is on the proviso that these plant-based diets were carefully formulated with additional synthetic nutrients. A final note, these findings remain, at present, unpublished. Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we often get asked what the best diet is for our pets, so we thought we’d look into vegan and vegetarian diets in a little more detail. The vegetarian diet involves avoiding meat, fish and poultry products, the vegan diet involves avoiding all animal products, this includes dairy and even honey. How do they suit our cats and dogs? Let’s start with the cats. No matter where you look, the jury is in – cats evolved as hunters that consume prey containing high amounts of protein, moderate amounts of fat, and minimal amounts of carbohydrates. They are obligate carnivores. Building on this definition, they are actually hyper carnivorous. They are a small carnivorous animal with a proportionally large brain. What this means is that their high brain demand for glucose could not be met by a natural prey diet, if they were to only utilise carbohydrates as glucose. So, they are really good at producing glucose from non-carbohydrate sources like protein and fat. This natural evolution has made them quite poor at using carbohydrates, as demonstrated by their limited amylase activity in the pancreas and small intestine (even compared to dogs). The other element to consider for the cat is the well known amino acid taurine. Cats and humans are among the few mammals whose bodies do not make taurine, and therefore must obtain it from their diet. In humans, taurine deficiency is rare because taurine is common in meat and fish food products; and so in a meat-based diet, cats also should not become deficient. In the 1970’s, Quinton R. Rogers of UC Davis showed that a taurine deficiency could cause degeneration of the retina in cat’s eyes. Kittens born to taurine deficient mothers are often blind and show many abnormalities such as impaired gait. For this reason, in the 1908’s new cat feeding guidelines were introduced, stating a minimum level for taurine in cat food. But, in later years it was also found that taurine plays a role in regulating calcium entry into heart tissue every time it beats. Researchers soon noticed that cats presenting with dilated cardiomyopathy also had low levels of taurine. When taurine was supplemented in the diet, the cats recovered. Findings Here Arachidonic acid is another nutrient required by cats that is only available from animal sources and whilst it is an omega-6 fatty acid that is often demonised, it is actually a fatty acid that is essential for health. It is involved in the proper function of the brain and muscles. It, along with it’s metabolites is also involved in immune function and therefore resistance to parasites and allergen insult. Let’s move on to the dogs. A dog is a facultative carnivore, although some describe them as an omnivore. It is this definition that many believe allows our canine companions well adapted to a vegetarian diet, but again, the dog demonstrates poor utilisation of carbohydrates unless in a high energy need (like lactation or speed work) by their limited amylase activity. A survey of 86 vegetarian dogs in Germany, Switzerland and Belgium found that over 50% of the dogs were fed diets deficient in protein, essential amino acids, calcium, zinc, and vitamins D and B12. Findings Here Why Does My Dog Need Calcium Why Zinc is Important For Your Dog The Importance of Vitamin D for Cats and Dogs Why Your Dog Needs Vitamin B12 Many suggest that correct formulation by manufacturers will negate these issues, Kanakubo and colleagues examined 13 dry and 11 canned vegetarian diets for dogs and cats that were sold in all or most of the United States. Crude protein and amino acid concentrations were compared with AAFCO Dog and Cat Food Nutrient Profiles. Minimum CP concentrations for the specified species and life stages were met by 23 diets; the remaining diet passed appropriate AAFCO feeding trials. However, 25% (6/24) diets did not meet all AA minimum requirements. Findings Here During further exploration of the companies who manufacture vegetarian diets, some even go as far as suggesting they “do not advocate the singular feeding of vegetarian or vegan diets to carnivores such as dogs and cats. … It is designed for intermittent feeding or as a base to add different meats for sensitivities and allergies” If vegetarian diets are questioned on their ability to meet the nutritional needs of pets, vegan diets go one step further and avoid all animal products in their entirety, so do they suit our pets either? The Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition published a case report of two cats in March 2021. A 2-year-old neutered Main Coon and a 1-year-old spayed domestic short hair presented to the nutrition service in France with lethargy. Dysorexia, lethargy and muscle waste was apparent and progressive weight loss occurred in follow up consultations. A macrocytic, non-regenerative anaemia with low serum folate were the main clinical features. The diet was analysed, and it was found to be a plant-based, vegan pet food. Many nutrients showed as below minimum recommendation. Folic acid supplementation improved dysorexia and with the reintroduction of animal-derived ingredients, appetite, weight, and normal mentation was restored in both cats. Case Report Here Investigations have subjected commercially available vegan cat foods to blind nutritional analyses by an independent laboratory. Data shows that many brands are deficient in taurine, methionine, and arachidonic acid, with additional brands also deficient in Lysine and Arginine. Many vegan diets are also deficient in several B
It turns out September is Happy Cat Month. Now, if you’re like us here at My Pet Nutritionist, we sometimes get a little lost if certain appreciation days are National or International, but either way, what better time to share some of our top tips for keeping your feline friend both happy and healthy? 1) Species Appropriate Diet Cats have evolved as hunters that consume prey containing high amounts of protein, moderate amounts of fat, and minimal amounts of carbohydrates. The cat has seemingly evolved as a strict or obligate carnivore; meaning they nutrients they require are found in animal tissue. As such, the consensus is that there is no current nutritional basis for energy to be supplied by carbohydrates; providing other nutrients are being supplied. There is also evidence that there is limited amylase activity in the pancreas and small intestine (even compared to dogs), which may explain why some cats will not tolerate high starch diets. The fact that cats are also defined as hypercarnivores (small carnivorous mammal with a proportionally large brain) indicates they have a high brain glucose demand. This high demand simply could not be met by carbohydrates present in a natural prey diet; and so, cats therefore have a higher rate of gluconeogenesis (the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources). It is considered that due to the limited intestinal enzyme capacity, consumption of excessive amounts of digestible carbohydrates will not lead to glucose absorption, but rather a substrate for increased microbial fermentation, causing gastrointestinal adverse effects. In similar tests to dogs, cats are able to target their nutrient intake. When given the choice, they will specifically aim for a high intake of protein. In times of low protein, they will opt for an increased fat intake to achieve balance. When carbohydrate intake was high, this limited intake of other nutrients and resulted in deficits – for that reason, a carbohydrate ceiling is proposed for the cat. Findings Here 2) Limit Toxin Exposure Whenever the body is exposed to something, it must do something with it. In the case of toxic substances, it must make it less toxic, hence the word detoxification (de=remove or reverse). Detoxification pathways fall into three phases. The first two phases are concerned with breaking down the toxin in the body, and phase three is concerned with excreting it. For us to manage ours and our cat’s toxic load, all three phases need to be working optimally. Phase one is particularly nutrient demanding, and it produces a lot of reactive oxygen species in the process (those cheeky things that result in oxidative damage which destroys and damages cells). Phase two is also nutrient demanding, but drafts in many different processes depending on the compounds being detoxified. Phase three deals with getting rid of them once and for all, and occurs in the gut, skin, liver and kidneys. So, it stands to reason that optimal organ function is helpful here. The issue is that the cat is playing catch up. They aren’t as efficient at these processes as other species, like us, and when we are increasing toxin burden year on year, it becomes problematic. They have even demonstrated a total inactivation of certain genes responsible for certain phenol detoxification. So, whilst limited toxin exposure is important for us all, it’s even more important for our cats. Where possible, limit exposure to: Plastics Mould Smoke Air pollution Heavy metals VOCs – air fresheners, cleaning products, fabric softeners The Struggle of The Cat in Our Toxic World Is Your Toxic Home Affecting Your Pet 3) Offer Fresh Filtered Water Cats don’t naturally have a thirst drive, they evolved to survive in hot, desert climates. But when they have access to their natural diet, a large percentage of that would contain moisture. Dry food increases thirst behaviour: this is demonstrated in dog studies time and time again, but there is still a mismatch between the cat’s evolutionary thirst (or lack thereof) and the moisture in their diet. Water is possibly the single most important nutrient for the body. 1) It functions as a solvent that facilitates reactions and also transports nutrients around the body. 2) Water is able to absorb heat from the processes occurring in the body, without the overall body temperature changing too much. 3) It further contributes to temperature regulation by transporting heat away from working organs through the blood. 4) Water is crucial in the digestive process; it is a key player in hydrolysis, which is the splitting of larger molecules into smaller molecules (through the addition of water). 5) The kidneys also use large quantities of water when eliminating waste. A high moisture diet is beneficial to the cat to ensure they are hydrated, but fresh filtered water should also be offered. As in point two, toxin exposure should be limited and even in the most developed countries there is contamination. Chlorine, heavy metals, plastic fibres and pharmaceutical compounds are regularly found in tested tap water, which all pose risks to our feline friends. The Importance of Water 4) Let them Hide! Cats get stressed. There is no denying that. But they are often a little more subtle in their anxieties than other animals. As in humans, cats will have the same response to stress. They may choose to fight, flight, or freeze. When they fight, they become aggressive and defensive. Flight will see them withdrawing from the threat and perhaps running away. When cats freeze, they crouch, lie still, and try to avoid any attention. There is a ladder of response in most animals, and this is no different in cats. They will often show subtle signs of discomfort or stress. If the trigger doesn’t disappear, the behaviours will progress. You may start with the flat ears, then the pupils will dilate. You may have a low growl or a silent hiss. Them running off or lashing out with their teeth and claws may be a few steps up the ladder. For some cats, there are triggers
Well, it turns out it’s nutrition and hydration week and it couldn’t be a better time with the increasing temperatures we’ve experienced here at My Pet Nutritionist. So, we thought we’d take a look at the importance of water. We know both us and our pets need it, and we should probably drink more than we actually do, but do we know why? Well, we will at the end! What does Water do? Water is possibly the single most important nutrient for the body. It has a range of functions: 1) It functions as a solvent that facilitates reactions and also transports nutrients around the body. 2) Water is able to absorb heat from the processes occurring in the body, without the overall body temperature changing too much. 3) It further contributes to temperature regulation by transporting heat away from working organs through the blood. In other species it also evaporates as sweat, but dogs unfortunately don’t have this mechanism. Whilst small amounts of sweat will be apparent on their paws during times of stress (think vet visit),they actually pant to cool down. 4) Water is crucial in the digestive process; it is a key player in hydrolysis, which is the splitting of larger molecules into smaller molecules (through the addition of water). 5) The kidneys also use large quantities of water when eliminating waste. Water loss is a natural process. Urinary excretion is the largest loss, but dogs will also experience faecal and respiratory loss. Faecal loss is usually minimal,and only becomes an issue when there are associated health issues. In diarrhoea for example, water is absorbed in the large intestine so if food hasn’t spent enough time there, it will be expelled in diarrhoea form. This can be a result of motility dysfunction caused by stress for example, or if the body perceives it contains something harmful/pathogenic. In dogs especially, evaporation occurs from the lungs during respiration. The reason water drinking is encouraged in warmer weather is often less to do with cooling dogs down, and more to replace the water lost during panting. A dog’s total water intake comes from three possible sources: – Water present in food, – Metabolic water, – Drinking water Water Present in Food The amount of water available in food, depends on the type of food it is. Commercial dry food can contain as little as 7% water. Canned foods can contain up to 84% water. Fresh food diets can be both cooked and raw. Meat in its cooked form can average around 60% water and when raw, around 75% water depending on the cut. Dogs will generally compensate for the water content differences by voluntary intake of water – you’ll notice a dry fed dog will voluntarily drink more than a can fed dog for example. Metabolic Water This is the water produced during the processes that occur in the body when metabolising fat, protein, and carbohydrates. Metabolic water produced per 100g Fat – 107ml Carbohydrate – 55ml Protein – 41ml In the grand scheme of things,metabolic water is relatively insignificant as it only accounts for 5-10% of the total water intake in most animals. Drinking Water There are a range of factors that can affect how much water a dog chooses to drink, their environment, their diet, levels of exercise, overall health, and life stage. Voluntary water intake will increase in warm environments and during/after exercise. This is to replace that lost during respiration,panting, and energy metabolism. One study also found that when dogs were fed a diet of 73% moisture, they obtained 38% of their water needs from drinking water. But when their diet only contained 7% water, voluntary water intake increased to 95% of their total intake. Findings Here Voluntary drinking will also increase in diets with a high salt content. Generally, dogs are accurately able to regulate their own water levels, when they have access to freshwater. Water Loss and Dehydration Thirst is triggered in the canine at a bodyweight loss of 0.5-1% due to dehydration. Dry protein also increases dehydration. Water containing protein maintains levels best. Findings Here Back when animal studies were less ethical, dogs needed to be resuscitated after 10-20 days of complete water deprivation (whilst still being fed). Signs of Dehydration Loss of skin elasticity Loss of appetite Vomiting Panting Pale, sticky gums Prolonged capillary refill Dry nose Dry eyes Lethargy Some of these signs may be noticeable at just 5% drop in water volume. There are also links between cognitive function and dehydration. Dehydration has been linked to a reduced blood flow to the brain, humans appear more tired and less alert. In states of 2% water loss,there is a decrease in both speed and efficiency in psychomotor tasks. A state of dehydration likewise induces the stress response in the body. Findings Here Hypertonicity additionally causes mast cell degranulation. Hypertonic dehydration occurs when there is an imbalance of water and salt in the body. Mast cells are those ones that contain granules rich in histamine which are a key player in the inflammatory response. So, there are schools of thought that dehydration can exacerbate inflammatory responses (including allergies). This is of particular interest in sensitive dogs who eat a low moisture content diet. Water Toxicity On the other side of the scale,water toxicity does exist. This is more often connected to secondary drowning, whereby a dog ingests high levels of water when playing near or in a body of water. Early signs of toxicity include restlessness, salivation, and vomiting. Toxic Water It is clear that our pets need free access to fresh drinking water, along with a high moisture diet, but there are also considerations in the type of water you offer to your pets. The UK’s water supply is one of the best in the world yet drinking water quality varies from region to region. Chlorine is one of the ways in which our drinking water is disinfected. When chlorine is added to water, it destroys the membrane of microorganisms
Whilst we share a lot of information about dogs here at My Pet Nutritionist, we also support many cats and their owners on their health journey. It is often easy to miss health concerns with our feline friends because if they are outdoor cats, we don’t witness their toileting habits, or if they are sick. So, let’s start with what we can see; what goes in their bowl. Grab a cuppa, we are going to look at the nutritional needs of cats, and why they aren’t just small dogs. What do cats need No matter where you look, the jury is in – cats evolved as hunters that consume prey containing high amounts of protein, moderate amounts of fat, and minimal amounts of carbohydrates. Protein Proteins are the building blocks of the body. The word protein comes from the Greek word proteios which means of prime importance. And they really are. Proteins have numerous functions,they are the major structural components of hair, skin, nails, tendons,ligaments and cartilage. They are also involved in a number of physiological and chemical processes in the body like cell signalling, muscle contraction, oxygen and nutrient transport, and many reactions including enzyme and energy production. Amino acids are the basic units of proteins and are held together by peptide linkages to form long protein chains. Dietary amino acids are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, following disruption of the peptide bonds. They are then transported to the liver. The liver changes amino acids so they can be used by the rest of the body. They then enter general circulation. Although hundreds of amino acids exist in nature, there are some which are commonly found as protein components. They are classified as either essential or non-essential. Essential amino acids cannot be synthesised by the body so must be supplied by the diet. Non-essential amino acids, whilst still critical to bodily processes, can be synthesised within the body (when it is healthy). Deficiencies in single essential amino acids can lead to serious health problems. The one you are likely all familiar with for cats, is taurine. Cats and humans are among the few mammals whose bodies do not make taurine, and therefore must obtain it from their diet. In humans, taurine deficiency is rare because taurine is common in meat and fish food products. In the 1970’s, Quinton R. Rogers of UC Davis showed that a taurine deficiency could cause degeneration of the retina in cat’s eyes. Kittens born to taurine deficient mothers are often blind and show many abnormalities such as impaired gait. For this reason, in the 1980’s new cat feeding guidelines were introduced, stating a minimum level for taurine in cat food. But, in later years it was also found that taurine plays a role in regulating calcium entry into heart tissue every time it beats. Researchers soon noticed that cats presenting with dilated cardiomyopathy also had low levels of taurine. When taurine was supplemented in the diet,the cats recovered. Findings Here. But there is another deficiency that gets attention in cats too and that is in the amino acid arginine. This amino acid is critical to the removal of ammonia from the body through urine. Without sufficient arginine, cats may suffer from a toxic build up of ammonia in the blood stream. The urea cycle is not down regulated during periods of fasting in cats, or even when consuming low protein diets – so their dietary requirement always remains high. In cases of chronic kidney disease, arginine production is also compromised; sadly chronic kidney disease is increasing in our feline friends.If you’d like to learn more about kidney disease in cats, then check out our blog: Here Of interest is a case study of a young cat, he acquired urea cycle amino acid deficiency through inflammatory bowel disease and chronic kidney disease. Case Study It’s clear that cats need protein, and the key amino acids required are found in meat products – fish too! Cats Need Fat Too! Dietary fat is a group of compounds (substances made up of two or more elements) known as lipids. They are insoluble in water(hydrophobic). The easiest way to understand this is noticing that you can’t wash fat off your hands without the help of soap. Fatty acids can be saturated, monounsaturated, or polyunsaturated. The difference is in their structure. Fatty acids are used throughout the body for a range of functions, primarily energy, but if they are not needed, they can be stored in adipose tissue. Here, they are an energy source for a later stage. They also serve as insulation, protecting the body from heat loss and also from injury or trauma to vital organs. Certain proteins known as lipoproteins provide for the transport of fats throughout the body, and cholesterol (a type of lipid) is used to form the bile salts necessary for fat digestion and absorption. It is also a precursor for steroid hormones which help control metabolism, salt and water balance, inflammation, and immune function. Along with other lipids, cholesterol forms a protective layer in the skin, which prevents excessive water loss. The body can synthesise some of the fatty acids it needs, but there are some it cannot, and these are known as essential fatty acids. There are two essential fatty acids in dogs, and three in cats. Linoleic Acid Linolenic Acid Arachidonic acid is an essential fatty acid for the cat. These are the precursors to two families of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) known as omega-3 and omega-6. Cats fed essential fatty acid deficient diets develop: Fatty degeneration of the liver. Mineralisation of the adrenal glands Skin lesions Inadequate visual function. It is therefore concluded thatthe inclusion of essential fatty acids in the cat contributes to: Membrane maintenance, Reproductive health, Growth, Lipid transport, Normal skin and coat condition, Maintenance of skin barrier, Blood platelet aggregation. Fish oil is often supplemented for cats – but many meat and poultry products contain necessary levels of fatty acids. Carbohydrates The cat has seemingly evolved
Is it true that DNA is our destiny? This concept is much like Schrodinger’s cat – a paradox. With Schrodinger, his cat was both alive and dead until his box was opened. With our DNA, we can blame our Grandma for something that has gone wrong, but equally how we choose to live our lives can also affect whether or not we have something to blame Grandma for. Are you lost yet? So were we. But here at My Pet Nutritionist, we like to give you, as pet owners tools to support your pet’s health, so we’ll give you the 411 on DNA and how we can use nutrition to lessen how much we blame Grandma for (or Grandad, could be him too!) Pretty nifty, don’t you think? This is what we call nutrigenomics. Let’s start off with some key definitions: Genomics: This is the study of all genes and gene products. It explores how they interact and influence biological pathways, networks and physiology. Nutrigenomics are therefore a subset of genomics with focus on the genes that relate and respond to nutrition and lifestyle interventions. As it’s relevant, epigenetics is the study of how the environment and other factors can change the way that genes are expressed. Epigenic markers are chemical compounds that are added to genes to regulate their activity. Whilst these modifications do not change theDNA sequence itself, epigenetics affects how cells read genes and whether the cells should produce relevant proteins. The point to note is that DNA doesn’t change – gene expression does. This is where the idea of turning genes on and off comes from – epigenetic markers can turn genes on, and off. Gene Writers Much like I’m writing this blog now, we can think of our DNA having workers at a word document. The fact that I had a nutrient dense breakfast and have a cup of tea next to me, with the birds singing by my window, places me in good working conditions. The blog should therefore make sense – be well-formatted and do the job it is meant to do (share information). If I had not slept for days, gorged on ultra-processed food, and been bombarded with stressors, the blog may not make as much sense, it may even have a few typos, and not in fact do you the job it was meant to (you have no clue what I was writing about). Our gene workers are similar. If they have supportive working conditions,they do what they are supposed to, they send the correct information out; cells know what they are supposed to do, and they even know when they’re not supposed to be doing anything. If they have poor working conditions, they send out half finished messages (or coding), which may contain typos; cells don’t really know what they are supposed to be doing and start to go a little rogue. The genome is malleable – our genes are like a word document – it is a living document. They also eavesdrop on every choice we make, or those we make for our pets. Dirty Genes and those that just act Dirty The reason we think DNA is destiny, is because its partly true. When us, or our pets are born, we have our very own DNA. Within that, there may be these alterations, or variants known as single nucleotide polymorphism (or SNPs, we call them snips). These SNPs can cause problems – they are like the inbuilt typos on your word document. Like the Microsoft paperclip assistant that would always pop up no matter how many times you tried to get rid of him! So, both us and our dogs can be born with dirty genes that send unclear messages to our cells. But, lifestyle, and nutrition, can also make the genes dirty. Luckily, we live in an age of washing machines, so we’ve got some great ways to clean them up again! One of the ways in which our DNA expression can be altered is through methylation. This is the addition of a methyl group – demethylation is the removal of a methylation group. Methylation is a key chemical process for every cell and cellular activity, constantly and dynamically regulating our daily function. It supports growth and repair, immune function, synthesis of neurotransmitters and phospholipids, and plays an important role in detoxification. If you’d like to know more about detoxification then check out our blog here. But what is also nifty is this positioning of the methyl groups can be passed down from generation to generation – which ultimately affects the health of future generations. Take note breeders! Poor DNA methylation has been increasingly associated with many diseases, from cancer to autoimmunity. And of course, this process requires a number of co-factors. Where do these co-factors come from? The Diet. Nutrients crucial in DNA Methylation: Folate: spinach, broccoli, romaine lettuce, daikon radish, liver. Vitamin B12: liver, sardines, salmon, lamb, beef, dairy, all meat,eggs. Vitamin B6: spinach, cauliflower, all meat, liver, sweet potato, salmon, leafy greens, daikon radish, liver. Vitamin B2: spinach, beetroot, mushrooms, eggs, broccoli, kale,peppers, daikon radish, liver. Zinc: beef, spinach, mushrooms, lamb, pumpkin seeds, turkey,seafood. Magnesium: leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, spinach, sunflower seeds,daikon radish. Choline: egg, collard greens, brussels sprouts, spinach, chicken, turkey, salmon, sardines, beef. Betaine: spinach, sweet potato, turkey, veal, beef, liver. Methionine: nuts, beef, lamb, turkey, fish, shellfish, eggs. Not surprisingly, ultra-refined foods place a strain on methylation, which is why we would always advocate a fresh, wholefood diet for your pet. So if you want efficient methylation processes – ensuring a sufficient supply of these co-factors is essential. There are also certain food compounds which ultimately affect gene expression through their influence on DNA methylation. This is where the concept of nutrigenomics comes in. Polyphenols Catechins have been seen to modulate gene expression. They are polyphenolic compounds found in plants. Sources include apples, blackberries,pears, green tea (opt for decaf if you’re feeding it to your dog). They also exhibit antioxidants
Evolution of the Slowest: The Struggle of the Cat in our Toxic Modern World How many of you have heard that cats are more sensitive to certain things than, dogs for example? If you are using essential oils, that you had to be particularly careful about which oils you used? It turns out there is in fact a biological reason for this sensitivity, and it is all to do with their detoxification pathways. Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we want to explore this fact. We’re not talking about putting your cat on an aloe cleanse programme, but detoxification occurs all by itself, in humans, dogs and of course cats. So, what is detoxification Everyday, ours and our pet’s bodies are exposed to toxins. They are produced internally in the body, like lactic acid and waste products from gut microbes, hormones, and neurotransmitters and externally, like air pollution, chemicals from cleaning products or volatile organic compounds from the plug-in air diffuser in your lounge. It is thought that in the 25 years between 1970 and 1995, the volume of synthetic organic chemicals produced tripled from about 50 million tonnes to approximately 150 million tons, and this number has grown year on year since. Findings here These toxins can disrupt essential biological structures in the body, and in turn result in chronic health issues. What is a toxin? A toxin is defined as any substance that must be neutralised and eliminated to avoid its promotion of ill-health if left to accumulate. This is what detoxification does. Whilst toxins are generally deemed something in which to avoid, the body is producing waste products every second of every day in the form of used hormones, neurotransmitters, or oxidised lipids. This is why even if we manage our environments well, we still need to support our detoxification system, simply to eliminate the exhaust fumes of daily life. 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. We can think of it like a waterfall, water will always find a way down. In a healthy system, toxins should always be able to find a way out. Initially, the body will attempt to detoxify at source. These locations include the intestinal mucosa, the respiratory mucosa, the microbiome, and the skin epidermis. Whilst these also provide a physical barrier to prevent toxin transport, they also express a range of enzymes which are essential in sweeping toxins away. Then, 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 cat’s toxic load, all three phases need to be working optimally. Phase I Here we are mostly concerned with a range of enzymes like MAOs or monoamine oxidases dealing with neurotransmitters (those chemical messengers involved in mood and behaviour amongst other things) and PON1 or paraoxonase 1 dealing with pesticides and oxidised lipids. The names aren’t important, but the point is, that at this stage the body needs to be efficiently producing these enzymes to metabolise the toxins. So, it stands to reason that this stage is particularly nutrient demanding and sufficient levels of key vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, C, E, B1, B2, B3 and iron, along with cysteine, are essential. This phase also generates high numbers of reactive oxygen species, or ROS, leading to oxidative stress. Once toxins have been passed through phase I, they are not yet finished with. Intermediate metabolites are produced, and they sit in the body. It’s almost like putting your rubbish in the outside bin, but missing collection day. The rubbish remains. Liver Guard Welcome to phase II Within phase II there are number of pathways and they are all responsible for detoxifying different compounds. The pathways include: Methylation deals with heavy metals, plastics, medications, mould, histamine, and hormones, amongst others. This process requires nutrients like folate, vitamin B6, zinc and magnesium. The process of sulphation deals with heavy metals, heavy smoke, hormones, neurotransmitters, plastics, phenols, and medications including antibiotics. Glutathione conjugation deals with heavy metals, plastics, mould, heavy smoke, pesticides, and medications like steroids. Glutathione is a master antioxidant so is also important in neutralising the reactive oxygen species produced in phase I. Glucuronidation is involved in managing heavy metals, sex hormones, neurotransmitters, plastics, mould, alcohol, smoke, medications including paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, warfarin and immunosuppressants. Important nutrients here include vitamin B3, B6 and iron. Acetylation supports the detoxification of smoke, halides, tyramine, neurotransmitters, histamine, and medications including antibiotics. At this point, we move to Phase III Phase III deals with getting rid of them once and for all. This phase is carried out by the gut, skin, liver, and kidneys. All phases need to be working optimally for effective detoxification. Unfortunately, the domestic cat possesses certain genetic mutations which mean these detoxification pathways aren’t as efficient as they need to be. We first started to learn more about this when we realised that cats have a particular sensitivity to phenolic drugs like acetaminoprophen (paracetamol) and aspirin. It turns out that cats demonstrate an inactivation of the gene responsible for the phenol detoxification enzyme and it is thought that their diet played a role. Findings here Phenols are found in plants and as cats are hyper-carnivorous (they get everything they need from animal tissue), there served no evolutionary reason for them to be able to process these compounds. Cats evolved to detoxify environmental threats, not plants they would never choose to eat, nor human-made syntheticones (medications). The problem is, this enzyme is involved in a larger pathway, which deals with things like steroids, hormones, plastics, mould, heavy metals, and other medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. The bottom line? Cats metabolise these compounds at a much slower rate, meaning they are at risk of a build-up. This is why they appear more sensitive and are in fact at a higher risk of
Hyperthyroidism is commonly accepted as the most common feline endocrine disorder. These are the words found in a Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. Here at My Pet Nutritionist, this worries us for two reasons. 1) That hyperthyroidism is such a common disorder 2) That it is accepted Being noted as an epidemic, we think it deserves a little attention. So, let’s explore hyperthyroidism in a little more detail, and what, if anything we can do about it. Until the late 1970’s, there appear few references to hyperthyroidism in the cat. Were there sudden developments in veterinary science, or was something else afoot? What is the thyroid? The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system. It is a small butterfly shaped gland in the neck. One of the main functions is to produce hormones to regulate the body’s metabolism (the process that turns food into energy). These are more commonly referenced as T3 and T4. Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid is hyperactive – there is an increased production of thyroid hormones. Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism: Weight loss Increased appetite Increased thirst Increased activity Increased heart rate Poor coat condition Mild/moderate diarrhoea (yet some cats can demonstrate generalised weakness lethargy and loss of appetite) Many cases of hyperthyroidism can be medicated, and so complications are rare, but they can include: Cardiovascular changes High blood pressure Kidney damage (more commonly asa result of treating hyperthyroidism) Diagnosis is usually based on enlargement of the thyroid glands, but this is not always visible. A blood test will confirm levels of thyroid hormones. Treatment is generally with thioamides, which in short act as anti-thyroid medication. They do not cure, simply control, but they must be administered daily. Side effects of this medication can include poor appetite, vomiting and lethargy. Although in some cases, the thyroid gland has been removed. So, what causes hyperthyroidism? So far, there are two main categories of risk factors for hyperthyroidism in the cat. – Nutritional deficiencies – Exposure to thyroid-disrupting compounds There are too genetic risk factors associated with hyperthyroidism, for example Siamese or Persian cats are less likely to suffer with the condition where as domestic shorthaired are the more commonly affected. Findings here Nutritional Deficiencies As claimed in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, “the feeding of commercially prepared cat food is one leading candidate as a major risk factor for the development of thyroid pathology and hyperthyroidism in cats.” It claims that all epidemiological studies to date have identified feeding an increased proportion of commercially prepared cat food is a risk factor. There are arguments that in the last few decades, the cat food industry has been on a bit of a rollercoaster with iodine. First, they considered high iodine was implicated in hyperthyroidism, so they significantly dropped levels, and since, iodine content has ranged from non-detectable to extremely high, depending on the manufacturer. Iodine is a key element in the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Low iodine results in low thyroid hormone,which spurs the pituitary gland to increase its secretion of thyroid stimulating hormone (we all want to survive after all). Persisting high TSH leads to enlarged thyroid glands. Interestingly, when studied, cats fed a commercially prepared diet who were relatively deficient in iodine, were four times more likely to develop hyperthyroidism than cats supplemented with iodine. Findings here Simple iodine supplementation is not the answer to the question, as is it considered merely a co-factor in a range of causes. Others include, exposure to thyroid-disrupting compounds in the environment, drinking water or diet. Interest in this first appeared with the introduction of fire-retardant chemicals in many household items. The rates of hyperthyroidism seemingly increased with the introduction of these products. Findings here Cats are hyper-carnivorous and have lower activity of certain enzymes involved in both phase I and phase II detoxification pathways. These phases are responsible for breaking down toxic substances in the body (both internally produced and externally exposed). This therefore limits their ability to metabolise toxins. This poor metabolism of xenobiotics is thought to alter the structure and function of the thyroid gland, not only that but there are considerations that it too effects the elimination of T4 hormone, of which leads to high circulating levels. There is evidence which correlates high levels of toxic compounds with feline hyperthyroidism, these compounds are also higher than found in humans that the cats live with (suggesting issues in metabolism). There is a risk associated with commercial food that contain isoflavones and phthalates coming from soy and corn. Both of these compounds are known as endocrine disrupters. These vegetable substrates are detoxified by a particular pathway which is known to be slow in cats. Findings here Being an indoor cat is seen as a risk factor because of the exposure to persistent organic pollutants. Dust is a matrix collecting a range of volatile chemicals released from indoor products like flooring, textiles, furniture, and of course human skin (containing beauty or cleaning products). The heightened exposure is thought to be due to cat grooming behaviour – licking the dust off their coats and ingesting it. Findings here Certain flame-retardant compounds have also been found in commercial cat foods, and data has suggested that the cat liver struggles to metabolise these compounds. These PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) contain bromine atoms which mimic iodine and so they may interact with thyroid binding proteins. Cats with hyperthyroidism have also demonstrated higher levels of PFAS which are polyfluoroalkyl substances which are found in products with grease repelling functions, like surface sprays, and floor polishes. Findings here Interestingly, there is a correlation between litter use and hyperthyroidism in cats. Those that use litter boxes more often, are more likely to receive a diagnosis. That along with receiving treatment for ectoparasites. Findings here BPA exposure has also been linked to hyperthyroidism in cats. As we know BPA is found in food, air and soil! Again, cats have a slower pathway in eliminating it. BPA binds to thyroid receptors, competitively displacing hormones. So, what can we do
Gone are the days when you could walk into a pet shop and have the choice of three types of food: the cheapest, middle of the road and the most expensive. Thank goodness! But we now have a new problem. What on earth do I feed my pet? Do I feed dry kibble? Quite simply, NO. But what about the rest? Canned? Dehydrated? Commercial Cooked? Home Cooked? Commercial Raw or DIY Raw? At My Pet Nutritionist, we can help guide you. In an age of choice, is there a “best diet”? Obviously human research demonstrates fresh feeding over processed foods is far healthier for us and can prevent disease. this applies to our pets too however our job is to look at the pet, holistically and consider all constraints involved. Whilst we know there are rules of thumb for optimal health, much like for us humans, all pets are different. There may be a perfect diet for your pet, but that same diet may not be perfect for your neighbour’s pet. So let’s explore the different foods available to you, what we like about them and what considerations need to be made, if in fact they are your foods of choice. Raw Feeding Raw feeding is just that, when you feed meat, fat, bones etc in their raw state. Within raw feeding there are a number of approaches. You may come across phrases like BARF which stands for biologically appropriate raw feeding, or RMB which stands for raw meaty bones, you may also come across PMR which is prey model raw and more will no doubt appear over the coming years. The basis of a raw diet comes from considering the evolution of the dog. Dogs came from wolves, and before domesticated by humans, would largely fend for themselves; eating whole prey; eyes, brains, guts galore (although there is some data that suggests the guts were often left, which leads to the suggestion that dogs avoid greens when given the opportunity, but this isn’t always the case and some leafy greens pack some punch in terms of nutritional value). The biggest concern around raw feeding is contamination and so, we must practice appropriate handling techniques when handling any raw meat, just read the packaging on your raw chicken fillets. The more recent development is around antimicrobial resistance. Whilst raw food poses a risk, so does the inappropriate use of antibiotics, excessive use of disinfectants and sanitisers, livestock rearing techniques and pesticide use along with many more. Within raw feeding you may come across the 80-10-10 method. This is where you feed 80% meat, 10% bone and 10% offal (organs). This is what most commercial raw food manufacturers offer, in a ground state, as a basis for their meals. But you can also formulate a raw diet to FEDIAF guidelines, again some raw food manufacturers provide products that meet these requirements and offer complete foods. Raw food is in its original state, apart from being processed through a meat grinder in pre-made minces, what you see is what you get. Feeding a raw diet has been associated with a range of improvements and health benefits in pets: Digestibility of crude protein and fat is improved in raw foods compared to dry practical pet foods. Dogs fed a RMB diet have a significantly more diverse microbiome than commercially dry fed dogs. Dogs being fed a RMB diet demonstrated a high digestibility of nutrients. Generally, the size of stool is deemed as a measure of digestibility in pet food manufacturing and in raw fed dogs, stool size significantly diminishes (suggesting improved digestibility). Dogs fed dry kibble compared with a raw food diet have demonstrated altered immune cell gene expression. Keto diets have been seen to improve outcomes in pets with cancer; a raw diet is largely based on keto principles. In a randomised clinical trial in 2012, the positive effect of a raw diet was reported in relation to the formation of calcium oxalate uroliths. Lower calcium excretion was found in the urine of dogs eating a commercial RMBD, compared with excretion in dogs eating a commercial dry extruded diet. An initial analysis of the Dog Risk data (Helsinki University), has revealed a decrease in the incidence of atopy and allergy in dogs that eat RMBDs. It appears that an RMBD fed at a young age has a positive influence on reducing the incidence of atopy in the population. Eating raw meat, raw bone and cartilage gave the strongest association of any the food items consumed in the study. Results have indicated that raw food, fed at a young age, could protect German shepherd dogs from CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia). All findings here Dogs fed raw food often have less plaque build up and white teeth on raw food. Pets have a dietary requirement for protein and fat. Protein to build and repair cells, fat to provide energy, insulation and to act as signalling molecules. They also have a requirement for a range of micronutrients, those vitamins, and minerals. Meat, bones and offal are full of available nutrients, in their original state. Raw is perfectly able to provide nutrients for your dog to thrive, but the dietary plan may take some tweaking to get it right. Some dogs take to bone straightaway, some need a little longer. Some can tolerate 10% offal, some start to get black, tarry poops without an offal free meal or day. The Poop Gives you the Scoop As much as we’d like to tell you the eyes are the window into the soul; when you’re feeding a pet, if you want to know what’s going on inside, keep a watchful eye on their poop. Too much bone in a raw food diet starts to give white, crumbly poop. Too much offal is usually a black and tarry poop. There are other indicators too, but here at My Pet Nutritionist, we’re not averse to a poop pic, so if you are worried about your dog then please feel free
Cats are obligate carnivores. What this essentially means is that cats rely on nutrients in animal tissues to meet their specific requirements. Not plants…. but animal tissues. So, let’s explore the world of the cat in a little more detail and see how we can support their nutritional needs to not only survive, but thrive. Evolutionary events have led to a unique digestive and metabolic peculiarity. Whilst in many other species, we have the three macronutrients, fat, protein and carbohydrates, cats seem to have no physiological requirements for carbohydrates. Now where this becomes interesting is that the brain and red blood cells have an absolute need for glucose, and we know that carbs equal glucose, so where do cats get glucose from? Surely without carbohydrates they would be forever hypoglycaemic? Well, through a process of gluconeogenesis, they produce glucose. Us humans, and dogs too can perform this process, but cats have it down to a fine art. Gluconeogenesis is the metabolic process by which glucose is produced from non-carbohydrate precursors, like lactate and amino acids (and we know that amino acids are the building blocks of protein). All amino acids, except leucine and lysine are gluconeogenic and alanine is the major gluconeogenic amino acid. The process mainly occurs in the liver, but some processes are carried out in the kidneys and a small portion is carried out in the intestines. It is thought that cats evolved with the process because of their proportionally large brain. As we have mentioned, the brain has an absolute need for glucose, and it is thought that the brain demand for glucose in cats is around 30% whereas for us humans who have a much larger brain is 44%. Cats wouldn’t have been able to consume high enough levels of carbohydrates from their natural prey diet, so their body had to adapt to survive. This evolution has resulted in a small capacity for starch digestion, having limited salivary amylase which is similar to dogs. Amylase is found in the feline pancreas and chyme, but the activity is incredibly low compared to other animals. Their pancreatic maltase activity is also extremely low. Cats seem to know this and when given the opportunity will choose low carbohydrate but high protein diets in order to balance their own macronutrients. They also don’t appear to have developed a sweet tooth. In evolutionary terms, us humans would have stocked up on sweet-tasting foods, but cats didn’t need to. To that end, they don’t show any preference for natural sugars or artificial sweeteners. In the absence of protein, cats will opt for fat. When fat and protein is limited, but carbohydrate is unlimited, cats appear to experience nutritional deficits. This is largely due to their requirement for taurine. Taurine is present in a range of meats and seafoods but is essentially absent from plant material. This is another reason why cats are deemed obligate carnivores. Dietary deficiency of taurine is linked with a range of important conditions. Retinal Degeneration More commonly known as retinal atrophy, it is the complete or partial wasting of the retina. The cells degenerate over time, eventually leading to blindness in the cat. First signs include the eye being more reflective and the pupils are more dilated than normal. Lesions are usually bilaterally symmetrical. A dietary deficiency must be present for several months before changes appear but lesions are progressive whilst the cat is on a deficient diet, although visual defects don’t tend to appear until the late stages of degeneration. Reproduction Taurine deficiency is well known for having marked effects on reproductive performance and on the growth and survival of the young. Cerebellar dysfunction often occurs in kittens of taurine deficient mothers. Dilated Cardiomyopathy Taurine deficiency can lead to weakening of the muscle cells in the heart, causing a condition called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Taurine is essential in membrane stabilisation. Many cases of feline dilated cardiomyopathy are associated with low plasma taurine levels and when administered with taurine, they show an improvement. Sadly, when left untreated for too long, dilated cardiomyopathy will progress to heart failure and death. The importance of taurine in commercial cat food was noted in the late 1980’s; following reformulation of cat foods, cases of taurine related dilated cardiomyopathy decreased from 28% to just 6%. Findings here Including taurine, eleven amino acids are recognised as essential for the cat, but some have a higher utilisation than others. Taurine is necessary for vision and the function of the cardiac muscle, nervous system, immune system, and reproductive systems. Arginine is used in the urea cycle and methionine and cysteine are incorporated into antioxidants, hair and urinary outputs but are primarily gluconeogenic amino acids, catabolised to provide energy. With their incredible utilisation of amino acids, cats present what is known as a carnivore connection. This is a bundle of carbohydrate-sensitive conditions, first noted in humans who were late to join the carbohydrate-eating party (Paleo-Indians, Australian Aborigines for example). In short, there is a higher incidence of conditions like glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and diabetes. However, other data has suggested that carbohydrate content is of little effect, and these conditions are instead associated with overweight or obese cats. 44% of cats in the UK are deemed as overweight or obese by veterinary professionals. Whereas when surveyed, only 8% of owners think their cat needs to lose any weight. Obesity is defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. This is a result of excess calories that the body cannot use; these calories can be from any of the macronutrients. It is often considered that a major factor driving obesity is the practice of free-feeding, in which a bowl of dry food is available for consumption by a cat throughout the day, and simply topped up as it runs out. There is also recent research that suggests feeding cats just once a day may control hunger better than several feeds a day. Findings here This study demonstrated that the cats showed a faster
I see many sick cats and dogs (mostly dogs) coming through the door at MPN, with owners at a loss as to what to do next. Whilst we see so much disease and every pet is different, there are some set things I always recommend to everyone, that are imperative to your pet’s health. This is to detox their life and GET RID OF THE CHEMICALS. I have heard several sad stories about reactions and disease caused by treatments, mostly neurological damage and death from flea treatments and worming stories where the dog went into fits and endured life long seizures. If we aren’t personally meant to handle these chemicals, then they shouldn’t be going on or in our pet’s bodies. Conventional chemical flea and tick treatments from your vet or over the counter, are highly toxic pesticides that accumulate in the blood, skin and tissue. When you give your dog these chemical treatments, they work systemically (throughout the body). They are absorbed into his/her blood so when a flea or tick feeds on your dog’s blood, they also eat the chemical Isoxazolines, and become paralysed, eventually dying. Both fleas and ticks have to bite and latch on, to suck your dogs blood, before becoming paralysed and dying from the pesticides. It can take hours upon hours before the fleas and ticks die. This allows sufficient time for the fleas to become bothersome and the ticks to spread disease. The problem with these chemicals is to kill the parasites, they have to poison your cat or dog first. These awful chemical treatments can also cause neurological issues and permanent damage in cats and dogs. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) put out a warning on Isoxazoline flea and tick products in September 2018, warning on the potential neurological adverse reactions. The side effects range from, diarrhoea, vomiting, lethargy, seizures, convulsions, skin disorders, ataxia and death. Although this warning has been given, sadly the FDA still states that they work with manufacturers and deem it safe with side effects now listed to make this a known danger? Apparently to note dangers within the labelling and making statements on potential dangers, now makes this a non safety issue. I’m still scratching my head. Any safety data on these products are only tested a few months, so we don’t even know about the long term implications. Those treatments containing Isoxazoline: Bravecto (fluralaner) tablets for dogs Bravecto (fluralaner) topical solution for cats and dogs Credelio (lotilaner) tablets for dogs Nexgard (afoxalaner) tablets for dogs Simparica (sarolaner) tablets for dogs Revolution Plus (selamectin and sarolaner topical solution) for cats and used in the prevention of heartworms Natural Solutions Using a natural preventative is far safer and effective than conventional means. In using chemical treatments, these are designed to kill the parasite once on the host, whereas the natural prevention aims to repel fleas and ticks, so your cat or dog doesn’t even become a host. This is a more effective approach at preventing disease if done appropriately. To protect against fleas, ticks and worms, there are several natural and effective options you can consider so please read on. Flea, tick and worming products Flea products and tick products are incredibly toxic and overload the body when the immune system is already under challenge. Fleas aren’t a great concern although very bothersome and cause discomfort and allergies in your pet, but ticks are a problem. Make sure after every walk you check your dog thoroughly and invest in a tick removal kit if you are in a zone for ticks (there’s a tick key listed down below). They can be dangerous to your dog as they carry disease. There are lots of natural products out there. Rotating them is important as fleas and ticks are adaptable and you need to make sure your pets are not a desirable host. Homemade Itchy Dog Spray of apple cider vinegar mixed spritz potion can be an effective flea and tick deterrent; 1. 250mls of organic Apple cidar vinegar and preferably from the mother (this means Apple cider vinegar that is simply unrefined, unpasteurised. unfiltered and from the mother). Organic AC Vinegar 2. 250mls of distilled water, filtered water, bottled water but definitely not tap water. 3. Fresh chamomile (organic preferably) or a teabag steeped in boiling water for 30 minutes (to be added as part of the 250mls water). 4. 10 drops of Organic lavender aromatherapy oil and/or a few drops of essential oils such as lemon eucalyptus, tea tree, sandalwood, clary sage and patchouli. If you decide to use this on the cat too (avoid the aromatherapy oils due to the phenolics: this can be toxic to cats). 5. Water spray bottle. I prefer brown glass but we don’t have to go fancy here. Just make sure its stored in a cool dry place and if plastic, doesn’t sweat as PCB’s could leak into your lovely potion. Alternatively, you can go for a spray already made up from Greens for healthy pets called Don’t Bug Me! Don’t Bug Me Hedge row hounds offers a wonderful herbal mix called natures bounty, that is easily and safely added to food. Natures Bounty Diatomaceous earth is a good effective option although if your dog has sensitivities, allergies or any breathing problems, tread with caution. Food grade diatomaceous earth is made from teeny, tiny sea creatures, often found in places like the white cliffs of Dover. It dehydrates and suffocates the parasites and their eggs, thus killing them. Please ensure this is a good quality, food grade product as it can have high levels of toxicity. It can be used to sprinkle around the home and dusted through your dog’s coat. Care should be taken not to breath in the powder (caution with your dog too). Diatomaceous Earth Another lovely spray with beautiful essentials, sprayed before you go on a walk and perhaps afterwards, can be helpful in warding off critters. Biospotix do natural spot ons and collars. Biospotix Flea Spray A natural flea collar or
Oh my goodness this is an exceptional question and one food does not fit all. However there are lots of things to consider and hopefully we will be able to point you in the right direction. First a little about some basics to get you searching. In short we find the fresher the food the better. We are not a fan of the highly processed foods that you mostly find on the supermarket and veterinary shelves! Rule of thumb is, if you don’t recognise the ingredient on the pack, don’t buy it! If you are feeding dry food, no matter how good the ingredients are, we strongly suggest you ditch the bag and look for an alternative, if you can afford to. Even if it is grain free it contains a lot of starch to help the composition and structure of the dry food. Starch equals sugar and as we know sugar is bad for us, and our pets’ do not have a high requirement for carbohydrates in their diet. Deceptively some of the dry food can contain almost 40-50% carbohydrates and the worst thing is, it doesn’t have to be stated on the pack. So there you are, feeding your grain free superfood blend thinking you are ‘rocking it’ only to find you are non-the wiser to it’s awful health implications. Yes your cat or dog might seem ok now but what about in the future.. nutrition is investment in your health right? So it’s incredibly important what you feed to your pet as to what they may suffer later down the line. Part of the reason of wanting to consult in a different way and try and prevent issues is because we see many, many sick pets coming through our doors and we don’t always think it’s necessary. There’s plenty that comes into play with our health and our pets. Genetics has a huge part to play but these genetics are majorly influenced with how we and our pets interface with the world. This includes nutrition, the environment, vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, physiological stress and so on. But if you get the baseline of nutrition right, then you are giving your pet a better chance at good health. With consistent toxins and technology exposure we need to consider supporting detoxification too. My specialty is how nutrition can interplay with genetics,switching genes on and off. Using diet and supplements to help ward off issues but also to help manage them when they have arisen. So far so good? Here are some of the foods we recommend. This is very broad and dependent on each pet but as a rule of thumb, we like these types of foods and the brands mentioned as a starting point. Raw food/BARF We started off as an avid die hard raw foodies! As time has gone on, we realised that this doesn’t suit all and to promote this being done at home, even well, is a risk as food alone does not give your pet everything he or she requires. That doesn’t excuse us from the raw food gathering and revolution. We often suggest raw as a commercial food, from a reputable company who do it well. There are no nutritional shortfalls and an overall balance is offered. We might upset some raw foodies here but on average even those cats and dogs who come to me home raw food and ‘well considered’, a good 50% of them have nutritional deficiencies. Home cooked food This is a wonderful alternative to raw feeding. It’s fresh and lightly cooked and we offer recipes to follow if you wish to DIY. We love home cooked meals delivered to the door also. You can get this for your pet too. Raw and dehydrated food This is a great solution if you don’t have a freezer or much freezer space, going on holiday or even keep something in the cupboard as a back up. This is often raw or lightly cooked, fresh food that has been air dried, dehydrated or freeze dried. All processes are slightly different and freeze dried is the least processed but the most expensive. Canned and Dry food We avoid dry food and canned food if possible. Often canned food is irradiated whilst in the aluminium tin. This is rather dangerous longterm and offers dead nutrition! If you are going to buy tinned food I urge you to ask the company how they process at the final stages. Our Ultimate Raw Feeding Guide and Ultimate Puppy Guide provide balanced recipes raw and a list of brands we recommend. MPN Team x
