Dog owners often meet conflicting advice when it comes to their pet’s nutrition. It really can be a minefield! Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we love to have a balanced view on certain aspects of nutrition in order to help pet parents make an informed decision. Starchy vegetables are often both shunned and recommended among pet parents – this blog aims to help you decide if you should feed them to your dog. What Are Starchy Vegetables? How do we define ‘starchy’ in terms of vegetables? Starchy vegetables are those with high complex carbohydrate content. Of this high carbohydrate content, a large proportion is starch. Starch is made of a large number of glucose molecules joined together; known as a polysaccharide. Starchy foods are digested very slowly, providing slow-release energy; not the main source of energy for a dog! We must remember the digestive tract of a dog is much shorter than that of us humans, which means there is less time for digestion to occur. The Nutritional Research Council (NRC) state that dogs do not require a large amount of carbohydrates. Some common examples of starchy vegetables include: Potato Sweet Potato Squash Pumpkin Parsnip Peas Banana watermelon Different vegetables contain different amounts of starch, which each have a differing Glycaemic Index. Keep reading to learn about the Glycaemic Index! The Glycaemic Index When looking at feeding plant matter, whether that’s fruits or vegetables, we suggest looking at the Glycaemic Index (GI). This index is a means of rating how quickly a food containing carbohydrates will raise blood sugar levels/causes a sugar spike. The three categories are: Low GI: foods with very low or no carbohydrate content. These foods will usually digest quickly, and either will not cause a raise in blood sugar levels, or will only raise it slightly, and slowly. Some examples include broccoli, green beans, cucumber, courgette, cabbage, peppers, mushrooms and herbs. Medium GI: foods with a medium amount of carbohydrate. These foods will cause an elevation in blood sugar levels, which will happen at a medium pace. Foods with a medium glycaemic index will generally take a little longer to digest than those with a Low glycaemic index. Examples include berries, apples and pears. High GI: high carbohydrate foods, usually complex carbs; and where our starchy vegetables fit in! These foods will raise blood sugar levels considerably, and quickly. They are also slower to digest. Findings Here Pros of Feeding Starchy Vegetables There are certainly some benefits to feeding some starchy vegetables. The key here is to do so with purpose, and in moderation. Here’s how feeding a small amount of starchy vegetables may benefits some dogs: High fibre digestive aid: most high starch vegetables, are also high in fibre. These are often used as a digestive aid, for those requiring help with bowel movements. Popular vegetables used for this purpose are pumpkin and sweet potato. These are also great options for those recovering from illness – it is relatively easy to digest, and supports gut maintenance. Prebiotic: some high starch vegetables have prebiotic qualities, including pumpkin, sweet potato, apple and banana. Prebiotics benefit the gut microbiome as they act as food for probiotics (the good bacteria in the gut). Source of vitamins and minerals: many starchy vegetables are dense in nutrients. Some of the essential vitamins found in abundance in starchy vegetables are Vitamins A, B6, C, E, and K. Mineral-wise, Beta-carotene and Potassium are often found in large amounts in starchy vegetables. Increased metabolism in low fat diets: some dogs require a low fat diet, whether this is due to being overweight, or having a health condition that requires a low fat diet such as Pancreatitis. Studies suggest that feeding starchy vegetables can lead to increased fat metabolism, as well as bringing anti-oxidative effects, and improving mucosal barrier function and immunomodulation. Increased stamina in active/sport dogs: as starchy vegetables offer a form of slow-release energy, feeding a small portion of these as part of an active, or sport dog’s diet, especially approaching days of high activity, may help to support a healthy stamina. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Cons of Feeding Starchy Vegetables As with many aspects of healthcare and nutrition, there are some reasons you may wish not to feed starchy vegetables to your individual dog, or at least heavily limit the amount fed. Here are some reasons owners may decide against feeding such ingredients: Yeast and itching: many itchy dogs cannot have high starch diets due to their high carb content. The sugars in these items can contribute to itchiness, and feed yeast. Yeast loves carbs, so in those who are yeasty or itchy, we advise avoiding these vegetables, and only reintroducing slowly and in small amounts as part of a full elimination diet. Weight gain: when consumed in large amounts, the sugars these starchy vegetables are broken down into can contribute to weight gain. Diabetes/Insulin resistance: when large amounts of starchy vegetables are fed to your dog, frequent blood sugar spikes can lead to insulin resistance. This can result in diabetes, which you can read more about here. Anti-nutrients: previously, we mentioned how nutrient dense many starchy vegetable options are; however alongside these beneficial nutrients, they often contain relatively high amounts of ‘anti nutrients’ – these are nutrients which can interfere with the absorption of other nutrients through various pathways. Some examples of anti-nutrients commonly found in starchy vegetables include Phytic Acid, Lectins, Oxalates, Tannins, and Glucosinolates. Pancreatic stress: those with pancreatitis should be wary of feeding many high starch vegetables, due to the added strain on the pancreas. Starchy vegetables and other starchy food sources can be difficult for the pancreas to process. Changes to pH: in the occasion a pet owner feeds their carnivorous pet a high starch/carbohydrate diet, this can cause a change to their natural pH – this process is called Alkalosis as the body becomes more alkaline. Our carnivores naturally have a more acidic pH to be able to digest their natural, meat based
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we know how important your pet’s diet is, and how their diet can have a huge effect on their health and longevity. As part of their balanced diet, there are many vital macronutrients and micronutrients required in the correct quantities to ensure optimum health. One of the essential micronutrients required in the diet of both dogs and cats, is Choline; but why is it so important? Read on to find out! What is choline? Choline is an essential micronutrient; however it is neither a mineral nor a vitamin! It is a water soluble organic compound. Essential nutrients are nutrients the target species MUST consume within their diet. These nutrients are needed by the body, but the body cannot produce enough; meaning the diet needs to include them. As nutritional science has evolved over the years, move and more essential nutrients have been discovered. Choline is one of the newest discoveries in the nutrition world, being recognised as an essential micronutrient only since 1998 by the Institute of Medicine! When reading literature, you may find Choline is grouped with B Vitamins due to its similar functions within the body. Another important nutrient is Betaine, which is a metabolite of Choline. When Choline is metabolised, Betaine is formed, which has many health benefits such as protecting cells from osmotic stress (keeping cells perfectly hydrated, and stopping them from shrinking or swelling), and acting as a methyl donor, which plays a vital role in liver health, and is heavily involved in other major internal systems. Findings Here Findings Here Why is Choline Important? Choline, as an essential nutrient, is extremely important. It plays a huge role in many systems within the body from cells to metabolism, to DNA, to the nervous system. Let’s take a closer look at the roles it plays in the body: Cell Membranes: Choline is largely responsible for supporting the integrity of cell membranes, due to its ability to create the necessary fats to keep cell structure strong. Cell messengers: there are a number of compounds that act as cell messengers – passing signals between cells to allow them to ‘communicate’. Choline helps to produce these compounds. DNA Synthesis: like Vitamins B9 (Folate) and B12 (Cobalamin), Choline is involved in the synthesis of DNA. DNA is the body’s genetic code, so it is incredibly important to keep it healthy. Metabolism and transport of fat and cholesterol: this mainly improves the health of the liver. Choline helps to remove cholesterol from an individual’s liver by producing the responsible substance. If your pet is deficient in Choline, fat and cholesterol can build up in the liver, which would dampen it’s functionality. Benefits the nervous system: when Choline combines with an acetyl group, a reaction occurs using an enzyme called choline acetyltransferase as the catalyst. The result of this reaction is the production of Acetylcholine – an important neurotransmitter. Acetylcholine plays a major role in many aspects of health including muscle movement, memory/cognitive alertness and heartbeat regulation. Essential for healthy pancreas: studies show that a deficiency in Choline can be linked to pancreatitis. These studies suggest that supplementation with Choline can protect pancreatic cells, and reduce the risk of pancreatitis flares. One of the main pancreatic issues in those lacking a sufficient amount of Choline, is disruption to the exocrine system. Methylation: probably one of the most important roles of Choline in the body is Methylation. Methylation is incredibly important as it is the process which creates the Myelin sheath; the protective layer coating nerves in the body. These nerves affect brain health, and general nervous system health throughout the body. Benefits during pregnancy: during pregnancy and foetal development, choline is extremely important as it aids cognitive development in the maturing foetus – this sets young puppies and kittens up for better cognitive function when born and ageing. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here How Much Choline Does My Pet Need? Cats and dogs require different amounts of choline – in fact every species has different requirements for almost every nutrient, so it’s important that we tailor our pet’s nutrition to suit their species. With that in mind, how much choline is required for cats, and how much for dogs? Studies suggest that adult cats require a minimum of 800mg of Choline per kilogram of FRESH food per day, and that there is no upper tolerable limit in cats. in terms of dry food matter, this is around 3500mg/kg. Kittens may require a little more than this recommendation. Dogs require a different amount of Choline in their diet to cats. Adult dogs require at least 474mg per kilogram of FRESH food in their diet per day. in terms of dry matter, this value is around 2500mg/kg. Our nutritionists recommend around 800mg per kg of fresh food! Puppies may require a little extra. Sources of Choline When it comes to looking at pet foods on the market, most will contain Choline – however the form the choline is given in, may affect it’s efficacy. Ultra processed foods, such as dry extruded foods, may not be the best source of Choline for your pet; during the manufacture of these foods, the whole food ingredients are subject to high temperatures and multiple processing techniques which can damage nutrient quality and bioavailability. These foods are often sprayed with synthetic vitamins at he end of manufacture in order to reach minimum guidelines. At My Pet Nutritionist, we advocate for a fresh diet, where nutrients are sought mainly through the fresh ingredients included in the recipe. Some fresh food ingredients, rich in Choline, include: Liver – 209mg per 50g Eggs (especially egg yolk!) – 147mg per egg Kidney – 105mg per 50g Cod – 74mg per 50g Beef – 70mg per 50g Pork – 43mg per 50g Poultry – 36mg per 50g Brussels Sprouts – 31mg per 50g Shiitake Mushrooms – 29.7mg per 50g Cauliflower – 22mg per 50g Broccoli – 16mg per 50g Salmon – 11mg per 50g Nuts
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we use a combination of healthy diets tailored to your pet’s needs, alongside beneficial gut-friendly herbs, and nutraceuticals. These supplementary additions often come with hosts of benefits, when used in the correct way, for a specific purpose. We often get asked about the various herbs and nutraceuticals we recommend in various blog posts and in our recipes and supplements – you can learn more about some of these here! What Are Gut Healing Herbs? Herbs high in mucilage are often known as the ‘gut healing herbs’. These herbs are usually considered to be a source of prebiotics – food for probiotics; however these herbs have another very important function when it comes to gut health! Mucilage is a soluble dietary fibre, which produces a mucus-like substance which lines the gut wall. When the gut wall is lined with this slimy textured substance, it forms a protective barrier to reduce the risk of further gut damage, and allow the gut to heal. Inflammation is then reduced due to lack of irritation. Mucilage has a fantastic soothing effect on the digestive tract too – those with acid reflux, or having recovered from illnesses like kennel cough which may cause throat irritation may find a powdered form best, due to the soothing effect of the mucilage in these herbs. As an additional benefit of these popular gut healing herbs, the mucilage can increase digestive performance resulting in better stools; this is due to the mucilage adding bulk to the stool (reducing constipation), aiding water absorption, and increasing gut motility. Some studies also suggest that mucilage rich herbs may reduce the build up of cholesterol, and aid the regulation of blood sugar levels. Frequently used mucilage herbs include slippery elm, marshmallow root, and deglycyrrhizinated liquorice root – we will look closer at these later. Findings Here Findings Here What Are Nutraceuticals? Nutraceuticals are components of foods that bring benefit to health. You may often come across plant based supplements for pets; these are packed full of nutraceuticals! Functional foods are also classed as nutraceuticals. Many nutraceuticals enhance basic nutrition, whereas some provide medicinal properties. Some benefits of using carefully selected nutraceuticals include improved overall health, prevention of chronic disease, increased longevity and all round structural support for the body. The term ‘nutraceutical’ is a combination of the words ‘nutrition’ and ‘pharmaceutical’ – meaning they share the same properties as pharmaceuticals, but are acquired through nutrition Functional herbs, antioxidants, probiotics, vitamins and minerals are all examples of the categories most commonly encountered in the world of pet nutrition. We will delve into these categories in terms of nutraceuticals later. Findings Here Findings Here When Should We Use Gut Healing Herbs and Nutraceuticals? A question we often hear at My Pet Nutritionist, is “should we be giving any supplements?” – and our answer is always “if your pet could benefit from a carefully selected supplement, then absolutely!”. It is important not to needlessly add lots of different nutraceuticals and gut healing herbs to your dog’s diet, unless they require/could benefit from it. When it comes to giving mucilage herbs, these can be incredibly beneficial in situations where gut damage is apparent. Situations a mucilage herb may be beneficial include: Allergies: due to an immune malfunction Intolerances: due to gut damage or leaky gut syndrome Following vaccines, worm or flesa treatment: these products are very damaging on the gut, so gut healing may be necessary. Acid reflux: soothes the digestive tract and reduces the risk of acid reflux Upset stomach or constipation: these herbs help to rectify loose or solid stools when needed. Great to have in the first aid cupboard! When looking at nutraceuticals, we need to look at the symptoms your dog or cat is displaying, alongside gaining a diagnosis from your veterinarian. Some types of illnesses you may use nutraceuticals for include: Joint issues Skin issues Digestive issues Cognitive health issues (anxiety etc) Vision issues As brilliant as nutraceuticals can be as part of your pet’s health regime, many do come with some contraindications with pharmaceuticals your pet may need. Contraindications are negative interactions with drugs – these interactions can often cause downregulation of the drugs themselves, leaving your pet vulnerable to disease progression. An example of this is curcumin – the active compound in turmeric. It is fantastic for joint support/arthritis, cardiovascular function, reducing inflammation, eradicating free radicals, immune support, cognitive ability and cancer prevention. The reduction in pain in those who take curcumin is vast; however some individuals may require pain pharmaceutical pain relief for their condition. Curcumin is known to downregulate the effects of some pharmaceutical analgesics, as well as various other drugs. It is always best to check with your veterinarian before starting a new nutraceutical, if your pet is on pharmaceutical drugs. Findings Here Findings Here Popular Gut Healing Herbs The three most popular gut healing herbs can all be found inside our Gut Guardian supplement, along with probiotics and chamomile. Lets take a closer look at these mucilage herbs! Marshmallow Root: this is a sweet smelling and tasting herb derived from the Althaea officinalis plant. When combined with water, it immediately forms a thick, slimy substance due to it’s high mucilage content. Traditionally, marshmallow root is used in cases of digestive or respiratory issues, and also topically to soothe skin issues. As well as being high in mucilage, it also contains high amounts of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and antibacterial properties. slippery elm: like marshmallow root, slippery elm produces a slimy substance when combined with water. It originates from the inner bark of the slippery elm tree (Ulmus rubra), and is often used to treat digestive issues, and sore throats by lining the oesophagus. DGL (deglycyrrhizinated liquorice): this herb increases mucous production in the body, which helps line the stomach, reducing the risk of harm caused by acid. DGL is thought to have properties to treat ulcers too! Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Popular Nutraceuticals There are many nutraceuticals used in the
In part two of our focus on the diet of a senior dog, we will look further into some specific nutritional categories bringing fantastic health benefits to your senior dog. We will also go through our recommendations on what to feed your senior pet, including specific nutrients and supplements you may wish to consider! Read Part 1 here! Specific Beneficial Nutrients There are a number of macro- and micronutrient categories senior dogs would benefit greatly from to slow the ageing process down, and reduce age-related inflammation. The two main categories to analyse here are Antioxidants, and Omega Fatty Acids. Antioxidants: these are one of the most important categories of nutrients to feed your senior dog (and are highly beneficial at any age!) due to their action against oxidative stress. As dogs age, oxidative stress becomes more proliferative; it’s a natural part of ageing! Oxidative stress is caused by ‘free radicals’ – unstable oxygen molecules missing an electron. Free radicals damage all parts of the body from organs to joints, causing joint degeneration, cancer, altering DNA, neurodegenerative diseases, adverse alteration of fats and proteins, and other diseases like diabetes, so it is incredibly important to combat these cells as best you can. Antioxidants tackle and remove free radicals from the body, leading to less oxidative stress, and therefore slower ageing. Some excellent sources to think about including in your senior dog’s diet include blueberries, strawberries, artichoke, goji berries, red cabbage, kale, ginger, spinach, parsley, pecans (in small amounts due to fat content), fresh garlic (avoid in Japanese breeds) and rosemary (avoid in epileptic dogs). Omegas Fatty Acids: this group of fats are another incredibly important category of nutrients to include in your senior dog’s diet, specifically Omega 3. The two ‘main’ omega fatty acids are Omega 3 and 6 – both are essential. Omega 9 is present in the diet too, but doesn’t add as many benefits to the dog’s health as Omegas 3 and 6. Omega 6 fatty acids called Linolenic Acid (LA) and Arachidonic Acid (ARA) are inherently inflammatory. The only non-inflammatory Omega 6 is Gamma-linolenic Acid (GLA). Omega 6 brings many benefits to the health of the dog despite it’s inflammatory properties, including control of hormones, however as it is naturally in abundance in our carnivorous pets’ meat based diet, we need to balance the inflammation out! This is where Omega 3 comes in! Omega 3 includes Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), Alpha-linolenic Acid (ALA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), and is inherently anti-inflammatory. The anti-inflammatory properties of Omega 3 Fatty Acids balance out the inflammation caused by Omega 6 Fatty Acids. EPA is the main inflammation reducer, while ALA aids immune and heart health, and DHA aids cognitive health and development. Some excellent sources of Omega 3 to include in your dog’s diet include fatty fish and fish oils, algal oil, flax and chia seed, oysters and eggs. You can read more about choosing an omega supplement for your pet here! Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here What Type of Food Should I Feed? The dog food market really is a minefield! There are many options of different food types, each claiming to be the best! Our ethos here at My Pet Nutritionist is to feed as fresh food as possible! Minimal processing is a major factor in healthy ageing and longevity. In this article, we are going to take a closer look at dry food, fresh cooked food, and raw food. Dry food is not a diet we would generally recommend, especially not for a senior dog! But why? High carb: carbohydrates can have an inflammatory effect on our pets. Dry foods are typically between 30 and 60% carbohydrate – sometimes even higher! Manufacturing process: these foods undergo a huge amount of processing. During the cycle of production from raw ingredient to bag, these foods are subject to up to 4 separate high-heat processes, each time reducing nutritional quality. Synthetic vitamins and minerals: our senior dogs may not be able to utilise the synthetic vitamins and minerals often sprayed onto the dry food at the end of the manufacturing process, deeming them useless. Glyphosate: due to the extreme manufacturing process, glyphosate production occurs. This is the main ingredient effective against killing weeds, but it is linked with cancer and damage of the gut microbiome. Mycotoxins and Aflatoxins: mycotoxins are chemical compounds caused by mould and can lead to vomiting and seizures. Aflatoxins are also caused by mould in food and can lead to cancer and liver damage. Storage mites: before bagging, dry foods are often stored in large hoppers – and even after bagging, the shelf life is very long, encouraging storage mites which can trigger allergies. Advanced Glycation End Products: shortened to AGEs, these harmful chemical compounds are produced during manufacturing, and a linked to cancers, inflammation, oxidative stress and premature ageing. Why do we advocate for a fresh cooked, or raw diet? Which is best for senior dogs? Fresh food is minimally processed, meaning the harmful compounds listed above do not form, reducing the risk of inflammation, oxidative stress and other disease in the body. As the ingredients are still in their whole, natural form they are nutrient dense, and provide the body with excellent nutrition! Another major benefit to fresh food, is that it is high in moisture – moisture in the diet is essential for kidney and gut health, both of which are known to worsen during the ageing process! As the gut motility of senior dogs can reduce, and other changes in the gut naturally occur, many seniors cope best with fresh cooked food as opposed to raw food – though some do still tolerate raw food! We have an extensive array of well formulated and balanced meal recipes for dogs on our website! Our Recommendations There are various aspects of diet we actively encourage owners of senior dogs to include in their dog’s feeding regime. Some may benefit from a more tailored 1-2-1 approach with one of our consultants, however our general
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we help pet owners help their beloved dogs and cats with all aspects of health and nutrition. Those we consult for include all ages, from puppyhood right through to old age. Our golden oldies deserve just as much love and care as their younger counterparts! As a dog ages, their dietary needs may change – but how? In this bumper 2-part blog, we take a look at the dietary changes your senior dog may need to stay happy, healthy and pain free! Is My Dog a Senior? This is a question we here ever so frequently! Is your dog a senior? Is there a specific age your dog becomes a ‘senior’? what are the signs your dog is becoming a senior? Many processed dog food manufacturers will class a senior dog as ‘7 years plus’ – however we know there are so many contributing factors to a dog becoming a ‘senior’, and this isn’t always at 7 years of age! Factors affecting a dog’s ageing include: Breed: generally speaking, larger breeds will hit their senior years far earlier than smaller breeds. Breeds with predispositions to health conditions may also reach senior years earlier than those without. Genetics: a dog’s family genetics/history can affect the age they reach senior years. Medical history: if your pet has had any health complications growing up, any medical reactions, infections etc, these may cause senior years to come sooner. A dog’s neutering status, or the time they were neutered may also contribute to ageing. Dietary History: a dog fed a gut-friendly diet, full of natural nutrients, with minimal processing for life is more likely to reach senior years later than those fed an ultra-processed diet full of synthetic micronutrients. Ultra-processed dry foods also tend to have a high content of pro-ageing substances called Advanced Glycation End-Products (AGEs) which cause faster ageing. Exposure to toxins: toxin exposure can cause disruption in the endocrine (hormone) system, and cause gut stress which usually comes hand in hand with life shortening conditions, causing senior years to approach quickly. These toxins can be anything from flea and worm medications to environmental toxins both in the home and out and about. Behavioural History: even your dog’s behaviour can have an effect on longevity! This may seem like an odd link, but behavioural stress can have an effect on physical stress, and vice versa. The pathway between the brain and gut, known as the gut-brain axis is at play here! Physical stress on the body, caused by behavioural stress, will speed up the process of ageing. Signs that your dog is entering their senior years include: Weight loss Reduced hearing Reduce eyesight Increased fatigue Less willingness to exercise Reduced cognitive ability Stiffness Reduced appetite Increased water consumption Development of lumps and bumps Lack of balance and stability. Of course, as your dog enters the early staged of senior-hood, these symptoms may be mild, and your dog may only display a few. As your dog progresses through their senior years, more symptoms may appear, or existing symptoms may worsen. Nutritional Needs of a Senior Dog As your dog ages, various changes occur throughout their body which require some nutritional tweaks to ensure optimum health continues. These changes include various internal systems in the body such as: Gut health: the gut of an ageing dog can be subject to various changes affecting gut motility, nutrient absorption and processing. Digestive capabilities often occur due to gut degeneration. Brain health: ageing canines are often subject to cognitive decline. Joint health: one of the major pathways from the gut is the gut-joint axis. When the senior dog’s gut is compromised, joint conditions can become more prominent. Senior dogs generally require more joint support than younger dogs. Dental Health: dental conditions like gingivitis, tooth decay, periodontal disease, tooth fractures and tooth resorption are often seen in older dogs. Kidney Health: kidney disease is one of the more common age-related diseases we often hear about here at My Pet Nutritionist, as older dogs are more susceptible to Chronic Kidney Disease; a progressive disease. Heart Health: as the heart is a muscle, over time it can begin to fatigue. Statistically, around 75% of senior dogs suffer some sort of heart disease! Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here When it comes to nutritional composition, we need to look closely at the macronutrients and micronutrients in your dog’s diet; both quantities of, and types/sources of. Macronutrients are the main nutrients our bodies require in larger amounts; let’s take a look these requirements for a senior dog: Protein: The building blocks of protein are called Amino Acids. Amino Acids are essential for pretty much everything in the body to form and function normally, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, hair, nails and skin. Protein is also used in the endocrine system, to enable the healthy production of hormones throughout the body. As the dog ages, protein deficiencies become more common, which can lead to absorption issues and muscle degradation which ultimately affects mobility. A meat based, moderate-high protein diet is advisable for senior dogs. Fat: as dogs become less active due to the natural ageing process, a low fat diet may be advisable. Feeding a high fat diet when activity levels are waning may cause weight gain which puts pressure on joints and other parts of the body. The type of fat included in the diet also makes a difference! Saturated fats are the type we ideally do not want much of, however Omega 3 Fatty Acids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, and are an important part of s senior dog’s diet! More on this later. Carbohydrate: ‘complex’ carbs which are high in fibre may be a great addition to your pet’s diet, to improve digestion, regulate metabolism and help maintain the immune and nervous systems. Higher fibre carbohydrate options include kale, broccoli and leafy green vegetables. Other ‘complex’ carbs that are ok to be fed in small amounts include sweet potato, pumpkin, banana, berries
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we consult for a huge number of families with an enormous variety of health concerns in their pets. Once diagnosed by a veterinarian, our packages aim to support your pet with a more natural view. One of the conditions we are asked about a lot, is Hypophosphatemia. This is a condition that occurs in both dogs and cats, so this blog may be a handy read for both owners of cats and dogs. Hypophosphatemia is the clinical term for low phosphorous levels being present in the blood. This condition is far more common in dogs than it is in cats. Hypophosphatemia is associated with a host of other health conditions, and can cause a variety of health conditions in itself. Some of the conditions commonly caused by Hypophosphatemia include: Bone Diseases: Rickets is a bone disease often caused by low phosphorous levels, and is specifically a bone growth disease – it ultimately causes bone softening to occur, as well as deformities, especially in puppies and kittens! Another common bone disease caused by Hypophosphatemia is Osteomalacia which is a very similar bone softening disease, but found more commonly in adults. Muscle Weakness: muscles may become weaker, and the pet may become more physically unstable, and may appear slimmer with little muscle tone. Respiratory problems: in rare, severe cases, respiratory issues can occur as a result of low blood phosphorous. Heart Failure: another rare condition to come of low phosphorous levels, in the more severe cases. Seizures: again, while rare, seizures can occur as a direct result of severe Hypophosphatemia. Findings Here Findings Here Symptoms and Causes The clinical presentation of Hypophosphatemia changes depending on the severity of the deficiency in your pet. The trickier side of these symptoms, is that they are common in a variety of health issues, not just Hypophosphatemia! This can make diagnosis more difficult. If your pet has mild Hypophosphatemia, you can expect to see some of, or all of the following symptoms: Muscle weakness: a change in gait, difficulty climbing stairs, weakness when getting up from a bed or laying position, or difficulty standing for long periods. Reduced, or total loss of appetite: pets may have a reduced appetite, or stop eating all together. Lethargy: unwillingness to be active for usual periods of time. Pets may be less alert. Disorientation: leaning or wobbling when standing may occur Findings Here If your pet has severe Hypophosphatemia, you may see the above symptoms, as well as some of the following: Seizures: neurological activity can occur due to the lack of phosphorous in the blood. Ataxia: loss of coordination is another possible neurological symptom often seen in those with a severe deficiency of phosphorous in the blood. Constipation: this can occur due to paralysis of the intestines, meaning faecal matter cannot be pushed through the digestive system in order to be expelled. This condition is called Ileus. Irregular Heartbeat: arrythmias can be detected by your vet using a stethoscope. This is a symptom of severe blood phosphorous deficiency. Haemolytic anaemia and Haemolysis: abnormalities in red blood cell counts during bloodwork may show red blood cell destruction. These conditions are a symptom of severe Hypophosphatemia. Breathing difficulties: these often come hand in hand with heart conditions, and are a symptom of Hypophosphatemia. Findings Here When we look into the possible causes of Hypophosphatemia, there are a number of possible reasons for it’s onset. Let’s take a look at them: Dietary Deficiencies: if the pet’s diet is lacking in phosphorous, hypophosphatemia is a risk. This may be found in those fed a poor quality diet. Renal Disease: disease in the kidneys can cause hypophosphatemia through two pathways – increased excretion of phosphorous in urine, and reduced ability to reabsorb phosphorous in the kidneys. Hyperparathyroidism: when the parathyroid gland (which is involved in the calcium:phosphorous ratio) is overactive, phosphorous loss is increased. Cushing’s Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism): phosphorous imbalances are common in those with Cushing’s Disease. Fatty Liver Disease (Hepatic Lipidosis): this disease in cats is a contributor to phosphorous loss. Diabetic Ketoacidosis: severe phosphorous loss can be caused by this condition which occurs as a result of complications in diabetic animals. Poor Intestinal Absorption: in those with poor gut health, absorption of phosphorous in the gut can cause deficiencies. Phosphorous Redistribution: deficiencies in phosphorous occur when there is a shift from extracellular fluid (the blood) to intracellular fluid (the cells in the body) Specific Intravenous Therapies: some IV fluids can cause a reduction in phosphorous in the blood. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Diagnosis Diagnosis of Hypophosphatemia is a simple process. Your veterinarian will take a blood sample, and analyse it. The test is called a ‘Serum Phosphate Test’. Once this analysis is complete, your vet will inform you as to whether your pet’s phosphorous levels are within the ‘normal’ range of results. Findings Here Conventional Treatment When it comes to treatment your vet may offer, they will first and foremost look at underlying causes. Each individual cause will have a different treatment plan, so it is important to work with your vet on these. Depending on the severity of your pet’s Hypophosphatemia, phosphorous supplementation will be advised. More severe cases may have phosphorous supplementation intravenously, but most cases will be advised to give oral supplements. Some veterinarians will also advise on changing your pet’s diet to one with extra phosphorous. Frequent check ups will be carried out by your veterinary team to keep an eye on your pet’s blood phosphorous levels. Findings Here Findings Here A Natural Approach to Hypophosphatemia As always, our approach is often supported by veterinary care, so we tend to look at this as a complementary approach as opposed to alternative. Here are some of our considerations: Feed fresh: Poor dry food will most likely be lacking in various micronutrients despite its ‘complete and balanced’ label. Nutrient levels may be affected due to the numerous periods of exposure to high heat and the subsequent nutrient loss. Synthetic nutrients are often sprayed
We love our feline friends here at My Pet Nutritionist, and one of the most commonly asked questions we get from concerned cat owners, is ‘does my indoor cat need different nutrition to cats who free-roam outside?’. Many cat owners keep their cats indoors for many reasons, from expensive pedigree breeds, to moggies. Some cats may live indoors for their own safety away from main roads, some may live indoors to help control medical needs, and some may live indoors, simply down to their breed. So, are there any different needs for these cats, versus the ones you may encounter when out and about? We will discuss this in this blog post, and help to put your mind at ease! Nutritional Needs Cats Are Carnivores Our kitty companions are what we call ‘obligate carnivores’. There are two types of carnivore (meat eaters); facultative, and obligate. Facultative carnivores (the likes of dogs and other canids) eat primarily meat, but may benefit from a little plant matter. Obligate carnivores are meat eaters that eat, and thrive on a purely meat diet with no plant matter at all. Our cats do not need vegetables or fruits to thrive. This is very much the same for indoor and outdoor cats – those with outdoor cats may often find their cats will even catch their own prey; some may even eat it, but many will bring their owner a ‘gift’ – how kind of them! Calorie Content While indoor and outdoor cats require the same nutrients, many indoor cat owners may notice their pets need a smaller portion of food vs their outdoor counterparts. Outdoor cats often tend to be more active than those with a purely indoor lifestyle, which of course burns more calories, meaning outdoor cats, particularly those who are more active and enjoy hunting or walking longer distances, may need larger meals than those who live a more sedentary lifestyle in the home. Protein Both indoor and outdoor cats need a high protein diet. Protein is incredibly important in the diet of cats, as it is one of the main energy sources used to maintain blood glucose levels due to metabolic adaptations carried by the cat. Protein is not only used to maintain blood glucose levels, but for general energy too; even in those who are fed a diet lacking in protein, resulting in rapid weight loss. This is seen very frequently in older cats fed a commercial dry food diet, as these are very high in carbs, and lack quality meat proteins. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and there are 11 amino acids that are absolutely essential for cats; but there is one of particular importance, and that is Taurine. Taurine is used throughout the feline body to maintain healthy vision, aid cardiac muscle strength and contractions, maintain a healthy reproductive system, and keep the immune system in tip top condition. The protein content of your cat’s diet should remain the same regardless of being an indoor, or an outdoor cat, the source of the protein may need to be tweaked though, depending on activity levels, due to different amounts of fat per protein, which brings us nicely onto fats in the diet of indoor vs outdoor cats. Fat Now, fat is one of the most important nutrients in your cat’s diet! Fat is the main energy source for general activity in cats. When seeking out a meat suitable for your cat, it is important to consider your pet’s lifestyle, age and activity levels. A more sedentary indoor cat, will need a protein lower in fat than an active outdoor cat, as feeding a cat that is not very active, a meat with a high fat content will result in the energy creates not being used, and your pet could end up overweight. Chicken, turkey or white fish may be a better option than beef, as an example, for those with a less active lifestyle. Regardless of your cat being and inside, or outside cat, omega 3 fatty acids are a very important part of your cat’s diet! With cats eating meat, and lots of it, their natural intake of pro-inflammatory omega 6 fatty acids will be high. We need to balanced this out with added anti-inflammatory omega 3 fatty acids, in order to reduce inflammation in the body. You can read more about choosing an ideal omega 3 for your cat here! Furball Control Due to being indoors, and away from environmental temperature changes that naturally occur throughout the year, indoor cats tend to shed noticeably more than outdoor cats, and all year around, too! This bring the higher chance of furballs – with the telltale retching noise our furry friends do when they have consumed too much fur through regular grooming! In order to help these furballs pass easily through the gut, indoor cats often require a diet higher in fibre than those who roam freely outside. Supplements high in insoluble fibre can be included in the diet of indoor cats, or outdoor cats prone to furballs, in order to help them pass through the digestive tract with ease, and reduce the risk of intestinal blockage. Although indoor cats are obligate carnivores, insoluble fibre can be sought through feeding a very small amount of plant matter, or a cellulose (the fibrous substance making the cell wall of plant cells) supplement. Stress In Indoor Cats It is thought that indoor cats may also be subject to stress, particularly when their owner leaves them. Indoor cats can be very loyal, and very much attached to their owner, leaving them with the chance of separation anxiety. While this concept isn’t set in stone, and more research is needed to confirm it, it certainly is a possibility. Outdoor cats may also come into stressful situations when they meet other cats, or environmental challenges. There are nutrients we can include in our cat’s diet to help reduce stress, such as: Vitamin B6 which helps the body create red blood cells
The brain; that all important organ each and every one of us, and our pets, has! It controls everything in the body, whether it’s thoughts, memory, touch sensitivity, emotions, coordination, temperature regulation, endocrine (hormone) regulation, or any other process in the body. The brain is so important, and keeping it healthy should be every pet owner’s mission! But how do we do that? Find out in this blog post, how to keep the brain healthy! Changes Through Life Stages From teeny puppy, to elderly senior dog, your dog’s brain goes through many changes! As a newborn, your puppy will immediately know what to do when it comes to feeding – this is because the behaviour is instinctive – meaning they’re born automatically knowing how to feed, breathe, move, vocalise etc. Their eyes and ears are completely shut for the first two to three weeks, so instinct goes a long way! A puppy’s brain is not fully developed until the age of 2 years! As your puppy reaches 4 to 5 weeks, the next 8 or so weeks are absolutely crucial in socialisation and cognitive development. Many reputable breeders use a socialisation scheme called Puppy Culture, which is a socialisation structure to ensure your puppy gets the best socialisation and is comfortable in all new experiences they may come across in life! This cognitive stage is one of the most important times to focus on brain health. As your puppy reaches 6-12 months, hormones start to come into play. The brain is a huge producer of many hormones, so brain health during this stage, called ‘adolescence’, is extremely important. During this stage, you may find your puppy’s behaviour relapses a little, and you may find they become anxious in some situations. It is important to feed and supplement to aid brain health during these stages, and also take your training regime back to puppy basics. Keep reading to find out about diet and supplements for brain health! During adulthood, your dog’s brain health can massively dictate it’s typical mental state, how full his or her ‘anxiety bucket’ is, and how low the baseline of that bucket is – ie, their threshold of tolerance in some situations. The ‘anxiety bucket’ is a great way to look at a dog’s brain when it comes to tolerance – those with poorer brain health will have a higher baseline – think of a bucket. An empty bucket is a good sign – it means the dog is level headed, calm and happy. The bucket of a dog with poor brain health, will have material in the bottom of it, making less space for emotions to fit in it. Every trigger, or negative stimuli the dog experiences, adds into the bucket – when the bucket is full, the dog reacts. This is called Trigger Stacking. Those with poor brain health will fill their bucket quicker than those with good brain health (and more room in the bucket to start with!). As your dog reaches his or her senior years, and progresses through them, the brain health can begin to decline, just as it can in humans. As the dog ages, the body often starts to produce proteins known as Beta-Amyloids, which leave deposits on the brain. These deposits left on the brain cause nerve destruction, and leaves plaque in the brain, which hinders cognitive health. Plaque being present in the brain reduces the production of the all important neurotransmitters, which are the ‘messengers’ involved in almost every bodily process. As you can see, brain health should be a focus of all pet owners, throughout their pet’s life. What Causes Poor Brain Health? There are a number of reasons a dog may have poor brain health, so let’s take a look at them! Genetics can have a huge affect on brain health. If brain health is poor due to medical reasons along the breeding line. A genetically poor brain, will pass down through generations. Stress levels during welp can have an enormous impact on brain health in puppies. If a mother dog in welp is stressed, sadly this can have an affect on the puppies’ brain health. If we think back to our bucket analogy, puppies from stressed mothers will naturally have a lower threshold for tolerance, or a higher baseline in their bucket! Socialisation in the first 12 weeks of age can impact a puppy’s mental capabilities. If properly done, the puppy will be set up for a higher chance of success as it ages, if not done correctly, a lack of socialisation (new smells, sights, sounds, objects, ages of people, races in humans, transport methods, textures, and finally other dogs) can lead to poor brain health from an early age. Free Radicals are oxygen atoms in the body, containing an unpaired electron in their orbit, making the molecule unstable and reactive. These unstable oxygen atoms lead to oxidative stress, which opens the body, and especially brain, up to some serious health conditions, including cancer, a rapid cognitive decline and other issues. These are most commonly found in dogs fed diets lacking antioxidants, and also in ageing dogs. Inflammation in the body, especially common in those lacking omega 3 in the diet, causes inflammation on the brain, which can lead to brain disease, affecting hormone release, and production of neurotransmitters. Poor gut health is another common reason a dog may have poor brain health. This may seem quite disconnected, given the gut and the brain are at complete opposite ends of the body, but the two are connected by a pathway known as the gut-brain axis. The gut is much like a roundabout, and connects to many different parts of the body, which are the roundabout ‘exits’ – one of these exits heads to the brain, and the brain back to the gut. Poor gut health affects the brain, and poor brain health affects the gut. Neurotoxins in or around the pet are sadly something we see all too often in our initial consultations. Neurotoxins
There are so many reasons why your dog may have diarrhoea. At My Pet Nutritionist, we help lots of owners with dogs with frequent diarrhoea, and some common causes seem to come up more than others during client consultations. In this blog post, you will find information about the most common causes of diarrhoea in dogs. Diarrhoea is generally a symptom of a physiological stressor; a huge amount of conditions come under this. This blog post only touches the most common reasons we see in practice, however the cause of diarrhoea is certainly nowhere near limited to these issues – seeking veterinary attention if your dog has recurring diarrhoea is essential, in order to rule out any longer term, or more serious health problems. Parasitic Burdens Parasitic burdens, whether they’re intestinal worms, or protozoan parasites like giardia, often cause diarrhoea; in fact, diarrhoea is one of the most common symptoms of parasitic burdens. How do we know if our pets have parasitic burdens? So many pet parents are shocked when they’re informed their pet has parasites, purely on the basis that they cannot see them in the pet’s poop. Intestinal worms are only visible in the faeces if the burden is high. Diarrhoea can start to develop as soon as there are parasite eggs in the digestive tract – these are microscopic, so cannot be seen with the naked eye! Now, your veterinarian can run a faecal egg test, but you can also do these at home! There are various companies from whom you can order a sampling kit from. You simply follow the instructions, pop a poop sample in the provided pot, and pop it in the post back to the company you ordered from. Their laboratories will then look at your dog’s sample under the microscope, record the results, and return them via email. Some companies include protozoan parasites as standard, but others require a separate test for these. Lungworm counts are separate sampling kits, and require a pooled sample over the course of 3 days. It’s advisable to test for intestinal worms every 3 months, and lungworm every 6 to 8 weeks. Depending on the result of your wormcount, you may be able to treat it using GSE – we recommend the BioCare Grapefruit Extract. Heavier burdens may require veterinary intervention. You can read more about internal parasites in our comprehensive blog post here. Findings Here Findings Here Food Sensitivities Food sensitivities are an extremely common topic here at My Pet Nutritionist. We help a huge amount of owners overcome their pets’ dietary troubles when it comes to allergies and intolerances. Food allergies are caused by a malfunction of the immune system, whereas food intolerances are usually down to poor gut health, especially in cases of Leaky Gut where the gut wall integrity is poor. The gut microbiome is very fragile, and is ever so important for all round general health as 70-80% of the immune system resides in the gut. The microbiome as a whole, includes everything from good and bad bacteria, to parasites viruses etc, but a health gut microbiome is in perfect balance, where the ‘good guys’ out weigh the ‘bad guys’. When a dog has poor gut health, and in turn has food sensitivities, the ‘bad guys’ start to overrule the ‘good guys’, which then leads to diarrhoea. In order to work on food sensitivities, and rule out problematic ingredients form your dog’s diet, it is advisable to run a full elimination diet, and carry out lots of gut work through the use of mucilage herbs and probiotics, which will help to heal the gut wall, and improve the amount of ‘good guys’ in the gut microbiome, ultimately reducing the risk of diarrhoea and possible bacterial infections. Our Gut Guardian supplement is a high quality blend of mucilage herbs, soil based probiotics, and calming chamomile. Gut Guardian You can read more on running an elimination diet here. Findings Here Findings Here IBD and Lymphoplasmacytic Gastritis Another common topic among our clients in their consultations with the team is IBD – Inflammatory Bowel Disease. An extreme case of IBD can be diagnosed as Lymphoplasmacytic Gastritis. Lymphoplasmacytic Gastritis is a chronic form of IBD, whereby inflammatory cells and cytokines (the substance which stimulates inflammation of cells) penetrate the stomach and intestinal lining. As you can imagine, when inflammatory cells enter the digestive system, it causes havoc! The inflammatory cells invade the stomach and intestinal lining due to having been subject to an abnormal immune response. There is a huge link to the lymphatic system in the gut too; which means a knock on effect to the rest of the body is very likely. Lymphoplasmacytic Gastritis happens most commonly in older dogs, but has been known in dogs as young as 8 months old. There are a number of causes of this condition, including the adorementioned parasitic burdens and food sensitivities, as well as Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) whereby the bad bacteria in the small intestine’s microbiome overtake the goof bacteria, leading to diarrhoea. As with food sensitivities, gut health is very important in tackling this disease, and got work supplements are highly recommended. Reducing environmental toxins is also paramount in your journey to a better belly! You can read more about Lymphoplasmacytic Gastritis here. Findings Here Findings Here Stress and Anxiety Stress and anxiety can massively affect the gut. The gut is much like a roundabout, with a large number of axes stemming from it to other parts of the body, linking gut health to nearly every other system within the body! When it comes to stress, anxiety, and even excitement (when adrenaline is high), the gut-brain axis is in focus. The gut-brain axis means that stress, anxiety and excitement can affect the gut microbiome, and a bad gut microbiome can also have an affect on brain health and mood. Calm Complex If your dog gets particularly excited or stressed for their walks, you may find they have a loose stool, despite being
The pet food market is such a crowded place, and can feel like quite the minefield! With so many types of foods, different marketing strategies, complex looking labels and ingredients lists, it’s no wonder so many people come to us here at My Pet Nutritionist worrying about what to feed their dogs or cats! Of course, we always recommend fresh food, but some owners may be unable to for various reasons; all types of pet food have to follow the legal guidelines for labelling, so we are here to help you decipher pet food labels! What Is The Difference Between Complementary, And Complete? When looking at the many pet foods available, from dry kibble, to cold pressed, to freeze dried, airdried, wet or raw options, you may notice some will say ‘complete’ and others will be ‘complementary’. You can learn about the types of foods available on the market here. A ‘complete’ food will contain all the basic nutrition needed for its target species to survive on, whether that is through the use of synthetic micronutrients, or fresh sources of these nutrients. In terms of raw and fresh feeding, this will usually mean there are fruits and vegetables added to the raw meat, bone and offal, and usually an omega source too. If a dry food states this, there is usually some form of ‘added’ vitamins and minerals, often synthetically. Omega 3 is often lacking, even in ‘complete’ dry foods, as they are inherently inflammatory. A ‘complementary’ food, usually in the form of a premade 80-10-10 raw food, a pure meat wet food, or a ‘mixer biscuit’, means more ingredients are required to be added to make the diet complete, and provide nutrition required for an animal to thrive. Those feeding an ultra-processed diet including a ‘complementary’ dry option, will often be instructed to feed an accompanying wet food by the manufacturer. Those feeding a ‘complementary’ wet or raw food, will be encouraged to feed a mixture of fruits and vegetables alongside the food, and add in an omega source. Some ‘complementary’ wet foods also require additional calcium to be added.xx We have a fantastic blog post, all about balancing an 80-10-10 raw food, which you can read here. The Order of Ingredients on Labels The ingredients on dog food labels are ordered just the same as those on human food labels – the highest amount of any single ingredient in the food is the first on the list, whereas the last ingredient is that which occurs the least in the food. Some manufacturers put percentages of each ingredient, but this isn’t law, so many don’t. When a percentage is in brackets, it is as part of the ingredient it’s next to – so when a label states ‘meat and animal derivatives (chicken 4%)’ it means there’s 4% chicken, and the rest of the meat and animal derivatives are of unknown origin. Legally, dog food manufacturers do not need to declare what preservatives are used. Those who state ‘preservatives’ and ‘antioxidants’ will often use low quality, synthetic, often carcinogenic chemicals. How Much Meat Is In My Pet’s Food? Pet food labelling can be very misleading, and very clever in terms of informing the consumer of the meat content. Obviously with out obligate carnivore cats, and our facultative carnivorous dogs, meat is the most important part of the diet, so owners will often look at the flavour of a dog or cat food, and assume the main ingredient is that meat! Sadly this isn’t the case, and with clever wording, manufacturers are able to pull the wool over most pet owners’ eyes! Here is what the very careful labelling really means! If a product says ‘chicken flavour’ there is 0% to 3% chicken. If a product says ‘with chicken’, it has 4% chicken. If a product says ‘chicken’, it has at least 26% chicken. Similarly, if a product says ‘chicken AND beef’, there will be at least 26% of each meat, whereas when a product says ‘chicken WITH beef’, there will be at least 26% chicken and 4% beef. The subtle differences, of literally just one word, can make all the difference to the food’s quality! Working Out The Carb Content When you look on pet food labels, you may notice the ‘composition’ or ‘analytical constituants’ is listed – this includes the percentage of the food that is protein, crude fibre, crude oils and fats, crude ash, and moisture. You may notice there is one macronutrient missing here – the one we want to limit or eliminate; carbohydrates! By not listing the carb content of a food, it makes it harder for consumers to see the percentage of carbs in the food – higher percentages will likely put the buyer off. Most dry foods are between 40 and 60% carbohydrates! So how do we work out how much of a food is carbohydrate? This involves a very simple maths problem. Simply subtract the listed percentages of protein, fats/oils, fibre, ash and moisture from 100. The answer will give you the percentage of carbohydrates in the food. What Does ‘Crude’ Mean? When it comes to pet food labelling, ‘crude’ simply means ‘total’. So the ‘crude protein’ in a food, is the total amount of protein in a food, regardless of it’s source. The ‘crude fat’ in a food, is the total amount of fat in a food, regardless of the source. Is There Really ‘Ash’ In My Pet’s Food? Yes, and no – by ‘ash’, it doesn’t mean the manufacturer has added in a load of fire waste. Ash in pet food is the minerals and vitamins in a food. Strange term to describe some vitamins and minerals isn’t it? But there is method to the madness! When a food is analysed to work out the analytical constituents/composition, it is burnt in a special furnace, which weighs the content as it burns. As the food burns, it’s mass and weight will reduce gradually. Once the weight reaches a constant, and doesn’t
Naturally, many pet parents come to us, here at My Pet Nutritionist, having received abnormal blood and urine test results. Abnormal readings in our pets’ results, whether high or low, can be extremely worrying for many of us humans; one of the conditions shown through an abnormally low blood test result, is Hypoglycaemia. This blog looks at what it is, how to spot it, what causes it, what the vet may offer, and how you can support the body through diet and therapeutic supplements. What is Hypoglycaemia? If we break down the word ‘hypoglycaemia’ into three parts, we know what this condition entails. ‘Hypo’ means ‘under’ or ‘less’, ‘Glyc’ relates to ‘glucose’ (a monosaccharide carbohydrate; a type of sugar that can be used for energy but must be consumed for it to be present in the body. It is stored as Glycogen), and ‘aemia’ related to ‘blood’. Hypoglycaemia is a metabolic condition diagnosed when your pet has low blood sugar, or low blood glucose readings to be precise! In healthy dogs, the blood glucose level should be between 3.3 and 6.1mmol/L. If your pet’s blood results come back having a blood glucose concentration lower than 3.3mmol/L, your pet has hypoglycaemia, and requires medical attention, and may benefit in many cases from a diet change. Which we will discuss later in this blog. As glucose is one of the main sources of energy, a lack of it can affect various organs in the body, including the brain! Findings Here Symptoms of Hypoglycaemia There are a range of symptoms associated with hypoglycaemia in cats and dogs. If you see any of these symptoms in your pet, seek veterinary assistance as soon as possible! Symptoms you may see include: Reduced appetite Fatigue and lethargy Excessive water consumption (polydipsia) Excessive urination (polyuria) Reduced coordination, and slow response times Rear end weakness, or complete loss of use Seizure activity, including mild tremors, involuntary twitching, and full seizures Neurologically associated symptoms listed above, and reduced willingness to move or exercise are often the earliest signs of hypoglycaemia. Causes of Hypoglycaemia So what could cause your pet to get low blood glucose concentration readings? There are two categories we need to look at here – physiological reasons, and pathological reasons. Let’s start with physiological reasons why your pet’s blood glucose levels may be low: Overworking/extreme exercise. This is often referred to as ‘hunting dog hypoglycaemia’, and happens mostly in dogs as opposed to cats, but can happen in cats too! Overworked pets will use all available glucose for energy, then reserves of glucose in the body are diminished, causing the aforementioned symptoms. These dogs often have inadequate glycogen stores for the amount of work they are asked to do. Malnutrition. Now, malnutrition can be many things – It can be a lack of appropriate diet, the lack of enough food/calories, or even excess portions/calories. In the case of hypoglycaemia, pets with an inadequate dietary consumption of glucose end up with depleted glycogen stores as they use these for energy. Small Stature/Anorexia. Young smaller breed puppies, or juvenile toy breed dogs can be at a greater risk of hypoglycaemia. In cats, anorexia is a possible cause of hypoglycaemia. This is because they have limited muscle mass and body fat, meaning glycogen stores are limited, and blood glucose is used up very quickly. Toxicity. Whether it’s toxicity associated with medications/drugs, consumption of xylitol, or other toxic substances, in some cases in both dogs and cats, hypersecretion of insulin occurs, which lowers blood glucose levels. Similarly, if a diabetic pet has been given two doses of insulin too close together, hypoglycaemia may occur. Extreme vomiting. This is one of the most common reasons a cat may have low blood glucose concentrations, but is possible in dogs too. As the pet vomits excessively, blood glucose is used, and ultimately this causes depletion of glycogen stores in the body. Findings Here Findings Here Moving onto pathological causes of hypoglycaemia in pets, there are many endocrine and hepatic diseases associated with low blood glucose concentration in pets. Let’s take a look at these: Diabetes. This is one of the most common causes of hypoglycaemia in both cats and dogs. When the body produces too much insulin, or the pet is given too much insulin in the event of a hyperglycaemic attack, glucose production is decreased, and hypoglycaemia occurs. You can read more about diabetes in dogs here. Severe hepatic disease. Whether your pat has hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, neoplasia or any other liver disease, hypoglycaemia is a risk. The liver plays a role in glucose storage, in the form of glycogen – this is called hepatic gluconeogenesis. When the liver is diseased, it is unable to perform this function, leading to low glycogen storage, and therefore, low blood glucose concentration. Both cats and dogs can fall victim to these issues. Portosystemic Shunt. This also causes hepatic gluconeogenesis to decrease, as the vein transporting blood to and from the intestines and heart, bypasses the liver. This is seen more commonly in dogs than cats. Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s Disease). This disease is associated with the endocrine system. The counter regulatory hormone, Cortisol, plays a huge role in keeping glucose levels stable in the bloodstream, however in cases of Hypoadrenocorticism, when the adrenal gland which releases cortisol is unable to do so, glucose production is inhibited. This can happen in both cats and dogs. Hypopituitarism. Another endocrine condition, this time affecting the pituitary gland, and it’s ability to release relevant hormones. When the gland is unable to produce and release other counter-regulatory hormones, this time being Growth Hormone and adrenocorticotropic hormone, the glycogen stores are diminished as glucose production is slower than the rate it is being used at. Both cats and dogs can be at risk of this pathway. Islet Cell Hyperplasia and Insulinoma. These are two conditions related to the excessive secretion of insulin. Insulin in high amounts makes the body use excessive amounts of glucose, which lowers the blood glucose concentration. These
At My Pet Nutritionist, we help a lot of dogs and cats with kidney and liver disease. These can be caused by many other health aspects, and both require management with diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes, alongside conventional veterinary medicine. Those who we have helped with kidney or liver disease will have been recommended, and formulated a gently cooked diet, specific to the pet’s condition. Why do we recommend a cooked diet for these pets? Find out with us in this blog post as we look at kidney and liver function, and why when diseased, these require a cooked diet! Role of the Kidneys In order to understand why a cooked diet is best for kidney and liver disease, it’s important to know what the kidney and liver do, what stresses them, and what kidney and liver disease are. First up, kidneys. The mammalian body has two kidneys, which are shaped much like a bean (hence the bean commonly used in Mexican cookery among other cuisines being called a ‘kidney bean’; this is the shape of your pet’s, an your own kidneys). They are found in the abdomen of your pet, either side of the spine for dogs, and just below the spine for cats. The kidneys are an incredibly important organ, and without them, the body would be extremely toxic. Kidneys are essentially the body’s built in filter! They remove waste products and substances from both the blood, and the urine. The level of many components of a health blood stream is largely controlled by the kidneys, which also contributes to control of blood pressure. The kidneys are also involved in the endocrine system, which stimulate red blood cell production, and help to regulate calcium homeostasis. You can learn more about kidney function here. As with any organ, it is important to refrain from overstressing the kidneys. There are various factors which may contribute to added pressure on the kidneys such as: High blood pressure High blood sugar (diabetic pets can be more at risk of kidney disease) High sodium levels in the diet Prolonged use of NSAID drugs High phosphorous levels in the diet Processed foods Too much protein in the diet Poor quality protein in the diet Dogs and cats with kidney disease can be at stage 1-4, each stage worsening. When the kidneys are under immense pressure, kidney disease often occurs. We do see a lot of cases of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), as well as other kidney diseases in practice at My Pet Nutritionist. Kidney disease can be trickier to diagnose in cats because they often urinate and drink where the owner is unable to monitor, but is seen in a staggering 1 in 3 cats! Symptoms of kidney disease include: Drinking excessively (polydipsia) Increased urination (polyuria) Vomiting and diarrhoea Rapid weight loss Reduced appetite Anaemia (pale gums and tongue) Increased blood pressure Loss of eyesight Reduced bone density You can learn more about kidney disease for cats here and for dogs here. Role of the Liver Next up, the liver. The liver is a sort of triangle shaped organ, which sits inside the ribcage in both cats and dogs. It consists of 6 lobes, and is extremely important! Much like the kidneys, blood passes through the liver to be cleaned. It plays many roles in the body, such as: Detoxification of the blood from certain medications and environmental toxins Converts ammonia to urea Produces bile, which breaks down fats Breaks down nutrients in the blood, and makes them useable Synthesises some proteins for healthy blood plasma Stores iron Converts excess glucose to glycogen, which is stored in the liver, and can be used as an energy source Regulates blood clotting Helps to remove bacteria from within the blood stream Removes bilirubin from the blood When it comes to stressing the liver, there are various consumables which can put added pressure on the liver, and ultimately cause it to become sluggish, and often results in the onset of liver disease. Feeding a high fat diet puts a huge strain on the liver, as it is unable to produce enough bile quickly enough to digest the fats. High carbohydrate (or sugary) diets can also add pressure on the liver, as well as diets too high in salt. Liver Guard We also need to look at reducing the chemical intake of your pet! Since the liver plays a role in blood detoxification of certain medications, it is wise to use natural flea and worm preventatives, since the often prescribed pharmaceutical chewable options on the market sadly release toxins into your pet’s blood stream, making extra work for the liver. A lot of reports from pet owners with pets affected by these chewable flea, tick and worm treatments have reported a reduction in liver function, or the onset of liver disease! Those with liver disease, often caused by frequent overworking of the liver, tends to be more common in dogs than in cats, but is seen in both species. The symptoms you may see in liver disease patients include: Loss of appetite Rapid weight loss Vomiting and diarrhoea Neurological activity such as seizures (hepatic encephalopathy) Jaundice (yellowing to the eyes and skin) Excessive drinking (polydipsia) Excessive urination (polyuria) Reduction in blood clotting Abdominal bloating You can learn more about liver disease for cats and dogs here. Why Cooked Food? When our customers come to us with a pet with liver or kidney disease, we recommend they switch to a cooked diet. Cooked food is very much the most appropriate option for pets with kidney or liver disease, for a few reasons: Lower phosphorous levels for kidneys: when a pet has kidney disease, feeding low phosphorous is incredibly important because when the kidneys are damaged, they struggle to remove phosphorous from the blood. While phosphorous is an important nutrient for strong bones and teeth, as well as muscular recovery, in excessive amounts, it can affect bone health, and cardiovascular health. When the ingredients in a properly balanced recipe
