With new studies recently released, is it time to rethink the use of coconut oil for our dogs? Coconut oil is a very popular product, used by pet owners all over the world, boasting some great health benefits. Take a look at the benefits, and some potential downsides of using coconut oil for your dogs with us! What is Coconut Oil? Coconut oil is made by pressing the flesh of the coconut. The state of the flesh in its complete form, determines the type of oil produced. When shopping for coconut oil, you may notice that both refined, and unrefined varieties are available. Unrefined coconut oil is the fresher option – this is the result of pressing fresh coconut flesh. Refined coconut oil is produced by pressing dried coconut flesh (called copra), so is more processed. Virgin unrefined oils are typically the most pure option, as virgin oils are from the initial press, as opposed to subsequent presses, where non-virgin oils are produced, which are not as nutrient rich. Coconut oil is rich in Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) – a type of saturated fat, healthier than heavy fats. Around 65% of coconut oil’s make up is MCTs! More on those later! Using Coconut Oil Externally Coconut oil is often a fantastic choice for topical (external) use! It is used in the dog world for all sorts – flea prevention (as it makes the coat more slippery), to treat dry skin and noses, to soothe sore areas of skin, and much more! The MCT content of coconut oil has great antimicrobial properties, so can be used to help promote healing of minor wounds, pyoderma, and other fungal and bacterial skin issues. The specific fatty acid largely responsible for this is called Lauric Acid, which makes up around half of the MCTs. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here The oil from coconuts is extremely moisturising to the skin! So moisturizing in fact, that studies comparing it to mineral oils (well renowned for being excellent for the skin) have been carried out! Results show coconut oil has just as much of a positive impact on skin moisture as mineral oil. Findings Here Using Coconut Oil Internally Internal use of coconut oil is quite popular among the dog community, however, some new research suggests that it might not be such a good idea. Let’s take a look at the benefits first, before we move on to the new research! Those who feed coconut oil claim it helps their dog’s coat condition due to the content of fatty acids. People also notice a difference in dental health – coconut oil can be a great choice for a doggie toothpaste, mixed with a little bicarbonate of soda (baking soda for those reading from other parts of the world!). Findings Here There is some evidence to suggest that changes to cholesterol levels are possible by consuming coconut oil – it’s said to reduce the bad Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and increase the High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in the body. There are also studies which state the very opposite, and that consuming coconut oil may actually increase levels of LDL. This conflict is something which needs further research, and is something to take into consideration if you’re looking at feeding it to your dog. Findings Here Coconut oil is antioxidant rich – this means it helps to combat dangerous free radicals in the body! Packing antioxidants into your dog’s diet is important, but other sources are available. Blueberries are one of the most powerful antioxidant sources readily available in your supermarket. Findings Here Seizure control is another proposed benefit to feeding coconut oil – this is because as part of a ketogenic diet, fats are important. There is evidence to suggest that the MCT content in coconut oil cause an increase in ketone levels in the bloodstream. There are links between high ketone concentrations and reduced frequency of seizures. Findings Here What Does New Research Suggest? As we mentioned, some new studies into the use of coconut oil internally, have been published! Of course, we had to read and digest them; so what do they say? The new research findings affect the gut! As we always speak about here at My Pet Nutritionist; gut health is so incredibly important, and has a knock on effect to all parts of the body, as well as being largely responsible for immune health. Leaky gut appears to be a major concern with feeding coconut oil, according to the new studies. Leaky gut happens when there is inflammation and irritation of the gut lining. The one-cell-thick intestinal lining is formed with ‘tight junctions’ in the healthy gut – this means the cells are right next to each other with no gaps, which stops particles from crossing the membrane into the bloodstream where they are recognised as foreign bodies, which presents symptomatically as intolerances. When irritated, gaps open up between the cells, which allows for particles to leak from the gut and into the bloodstream. Studies show that the previously mentioned Lauric Acid, is inherently inflammatory. Studies also suggest that although antimicrobial, it may also destroy the membranes of lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which causes an immune response. The studies also state that coconut oil may cause the overproduction of LPS, and also increase it’s toxicity. Findings Here Findings Here As coconut oil is a saturated fat, this also contributes to inflammation in the gut, which leads to leaky gut. The fat content of coconut oil is also a worry because high fat diets feed some bacteria, causing leaky gut. Findings Here What can we use as an alternative? As an alternative to coconut oil, for internal use, you may prefer to use a high quality MCT oil. It’s important to source a good MCT oil, as pure as possible, as not every MCT oil on the market is created equal! For coat and skincare, internally, you can look at some other healthy fatty acid sources, such as fresh or tinned oily fish
As a cat owner, you may have had the joy of dealing with furballs at some point during your cat ownership! The panic setting in when you here ‘that noise’ coming from your cat, the fear of stepping in one when the lights are off… it’s never the most enjoyable part of cat companionship! Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we thought it would be useful to have a short guide on furballs in cats – learn what they are, why they happen, how to help prevent them, and what to do to support the body when the cat has one! What are Furballs? Furballs, are literally as they are called – balls of fur! These balls of fur are forced up through the oesophagus, and expelled through the mouth. They are usually tubular in shape, but can be unformed balls of matted fur, much resembling felt. The scientific name for ‘furball’ is ‘trichobezoar’. Fur is made from a protein called Keratin, just like our hair, and nails. Keratin is indigestible for all animals. How Do They Happen? When your cat ingests a large amount of fur, there becomes a backlog due to it being indigestible. As the amount of fur in the digestive system builds up, the risk of intestinal blockages becomes higher, so the body tries to expel it from the digestive tract. Poor gut motility may make this more difficult. Why Do They Happen? There are many reasons furballs may occur in your pet. Let’s take a look at some of these. General Grooming of Long Fur Longer haired breeds of cat tend to suffer more with furballs, purely due to more hair being ingested during maintenance grooming. The cats tongue acts like a comb – it is covered in tiny hook-like barbs, which act as the teeth of a comb in order to remove knots, and dead fur. Shorter haired cats also ingest fur during grooming, but this tends to be less problematic than those with longer fur. Maine Coons, Ragdolls, Persians, and other long haired breeds are most commonly seen with recurrent furball issues. Over Grooming Over grooming is one of the main problems we see in cats. This is when the cat obsessively grooms itself. While grooming to keep fur separate (and therefore comfortable) is normal, excessively grooming can cause baldness, and massively increases the chances of furballs. Overgrooming can be caused by anxiety in cats, as well as allergies. Stressed cats will often self-soothe by licking/grooming their fur. Those with allergies will be itchy, so the cat will over groom, in an attempt to calm the itch. Pain is also a possible reason for over grooming – in these cases, the cat will usually lick the area of pain. Imbalanced Microbiome The gut microbiome is an important factor in nearly every health complaint, and furballs are no different! Poor gut health can lead to poor motility in the gut. We need gut motility to be fast in order to push fur through, and to reduce contact between pathogens and the gut wall. Poor gut health, and an imbalanced gut with missing or reduced proportions of some beneficial bacteria can contribute to inflammation in the gut. This presents clinically as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). When the gut is inflamed, it becomes even more difficult due to poor gut motility, to push fur through the intestines and out through the anus in faeces. How Can We Prevent Them? Groom your cat regularly! The more grooming you do with brushes, the less loose fur there is for them to ingest during self-grooming! Try to groom your cat daily, especially if long haired, and also during spring, when the coat is shedding more. Feed fresh! The moisture content of fresh, or high quality wet foods is essential for so many aspects of feline health. Feeding moist foods is also great for gut motility, as the gut requires moisture to move fur along faster. Offering bone broth to those who are unable to eat a high-moisture food may be beneficial to increase the moisture consumed by your cat. Get those omegas in. Omega 3 is very important to reduce inflammation in the body, aiding gut motility, as well as keeping fur soft. The better condition the coat is in, the less shedding that occurs, and therefore the less furballs! Feed probiotics to help the gut microbiome flourish. Keeping the gut microbiome well populated can help gut motility, and help push the gathered fur through the gut. Ensure your cat’s diet contains plenty of fibre! Wheatgrass is a great source of fibre for cats, and can be found in our balanced recipes for cats! Findings Here Supporting the Body If you find your cat has a furball, there are some things we can do to help support the body. Conventional Treatments When you take your cat to the vet, and furballs are found to be the issue, they will often prescribe a form of laxative paste. These often contain artificial sweeteners, malt extract (high in sugar, and made from grains) and other undesirable ingredients, including non-specific ‘hydrolysed animal protein’, or meat meal (ground and dried abattoir leftovers). High sugar dietary components are not suitable for cats, and laxatives may cause other gastrointestinal problems if used regularly. Take a look at some of the natural options below! Fibre While fibre isn’t generally required by cats in large amounts, a little fibre in the diet can go a very long way! Organic Wheatgrass (commonly sold as Cat Grass) is high in dietary fibre, as well as being packed full of vitamins and minerals! It can be offered fresh, or powdered. A tiny sprinkling of Psyllium Husk may also aid gut motility. Mucilage Herbs An important group of supplements for those suffering from furballs, is mucilage herbs. Deglycyrrhizinated Liquorice (DGL), Marshmallow Root, and Slippery Elm are all fantastic choices. Mucilage herbs can help soothe the oesophagus, and the rest of the digestive tract, which is important to keep your cat comfortable during
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we strive to help you decide on the best diet for your pet, including all the add-ons! We advocate feeding a fresh food diet when at all possible, whether that is raw or cooked using one of our balanced recipes. The big question often asked by pet owners is – does my pet need vegetables? The answer depends on the species of pet, and the individual animal! Let’s discuss the feeding of vegetables to pets, which veggies are suitable, and how much and often they should be fed! Do Cats Need Vegetables? Our feline friends are obligate carnivores. This means their diet should consist of meat, offal and bone. Cats will not benefit from a portion of vegetables, as they don’t have the required enzymes for digestion of plants or starch. Cats undergo a process called gluconeogenesis, which turns fats and proteins into energy, unlike many other species whereby carbohydrates are used for energy. During gluconeogenesis, a series of enzymatic reactions occur to achieve the release of energy from protein and fat. Findings Here Cats may benefit from a little wheatgrass and kelp; these ingredients are a great source of fibre which helps digestion and gut motility. They also contain a plethora of nutrition, such as Vitamin E, Zinc, Manganese, Iodine and copper. Kelp can help with plaque control on the teeth, and wheatgrass is great to aid immune health, eye health and vision, and also helps keep oral and gastrointestinal health in check. Do Dogs Need Vegetables? Unlike cats, while dogs are also carnivores, our canine counterparts are facultative carnivores; not obligate. This means they can benefit from a small amount of plant matter. For a more detailed explanation of facultative carnivorism, have a read of our blog: Is My Dog a Carnivore or an Omnivore? A complete meal for dogs does contain vegetables and fruits (collectively known as ‘plant matter’), as well as omega rich meat, fish or algae based sources. Dogs struggling with itchy skin may not tolerate some, or all vegetables – in these cases, vegetables should be avoided. If your dog is on an elimination diet they should not have vegetables, but may include vegetables as part of their elimination trial once protein choices are exhausted. Let’s look at the benefits feeding plant matter can bring! Benefits of Vegetables for Dogs There are a range of benefits plant matter can bring to your dog’s diet. These benefits cannot be sought from a purely meat diet. Polyphenols Polyphenols work alongside antioxidants to protect the tissues in the body from oxidative stress. In turn, this helps prevent cancer, general inflammation in the body, and coronary heart disease. Polyphenols inhibit transcript factors for inflammation by positively interacting with proteins which are involved in expression of genes, which ultimately helps keep inflammation in the body down. Studies also show that supplementing the diet with polyphenols when a dog has diarrhoea is beneficial as it helps reduce inflammation in the intestines. Vegetables high in polyphenols include: berries, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Antioxidants Antioxidants are a very important part of the diet, in order to keep your dog healthy. The body contains lots of free radicals – these are molecules which have an unpaired electron. These are extremely unstable, highly reactive, and can cause the onset of cancer, cataracts, heart disease, and inflammatory disease. They really are very damaging to healthy cells in the body, so we really need to work toward controlling levels of free radicals in the body, using antioxidants. When the diet is rich in antioxidants, free radicals are ‘eaten’ away from healthy cells in the body, which reduces the risk of oxidative stress. Not only is the reduction of oxidative stress a huge benefit to antioxidants, but eye health, cardiovascular health, and brain function are supported, as well as a reduction in inflammation in the body. Healthy ageing is largely down to reducing oxidative stress, so antioxidants are also very important for the ageing dog. Blueberries are excellent sources of antioxidants, as well as spinach, raspberries, and broccoli. Findings Here Findings Here Phytonutrients Phytonutrients bring wonderful anti-cancer and pro-heart health benefits. Studies show links between phytonutrient consumption, and longevity too! As well as these fantastic benefits, phytonutrients play a role in immune modulation, to keep the immune function strong, and prevent various diseases including skin cancer, internal cancers, inflammatory diseases, osteoarthritis, and others. It may also play a role in the management of diabetes, and allergies, as well as having anti-ageing effects. Findings Here Findings Here Choosing Suitable Vegetables for Dogs When choosing suitable plant matter for your dog, you need to consider the Glycaemic Index Rating of the vegetable in question. Glycaemic Index Rating Looking at the glycaemic index (GI) rating of plant matter is a very important part of choosing suitable options. The glycaemic index rates how quickly a food digests and causes a blood sugar spike. The lower the glycaemic index value, the longer it takes to digest that food, and the less likely it is to cause a spike in blood glucose. Higher GI foods digest quicker and cause a blood glucose spike. Try to feed lower GI foods more often, and only feeding higher GI foods occasionally, and sparingly. In general, the lower GI foods tend to be the most beneficial anyway! Findings Here Findings Here Some examples of Low GI foods include: Leafy green vegetables Broccoli Brussels Sprouts Cabbage Asparagus Spinach Peppers Mushrooms Avocado flesh Herbs Some medium GI foods include: Berries Pear Apple Some high GI foods include: Banana Melon Sweet potato Carrot Parsnip Pumpkin Butternut squash Introducing, and Serving Vegetables When introducing vegetables to your dog for the first time, you may wish to start by giving a little veg, of only one or two varieties to ensure they like the options given and so as not to put them off entirely. If your dog is itch-prone, or has allergies, avoid all medium and high GI
The long debated question in the world of canines; are dogs carnivores, or omnivores? Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we are ready to put the somewhat controversial question to bed! There may be some fine lines between types of carnivore, and omnivores, so read carefully! Carnivores vs Omnivores: Diet As most of our readers will know, carnivorous animals eat, and thrive on meat and meat products only, whereas omnivorous animals eat, and thrive off a roughly equal mixture of meat and plants. Herbivorous animals eat purely plants, and insectivorous animals eat predominantly insects. ‘-carni’ means meat, ‘-omni’ means all, ‘-herbi´ means plant, and ‘-vore’ means eater in latin Biologically, humans are omnivorous. We are biologically designed to eat both meat, and plant matter. Our feline companions are carnivorous; in fact, they’re obligate carnivores, which means they do not utilise any plant matter well. So where does that leave our wonderful canine counterparts? Canines are facultative carnivores! How does a facultative carnivore differ from an obligate carnivore, and an omnivore, we hear you ask! Think of a facultative carnivore as a step between an obligate carnivore (only eats meat), and an omnivore (eats a fairly equal mix of meat and plant matter). Facultative carnivores eat a predominantly meat mased diet, and need this to thrive, but can benefit from a small amount of plant matter, for which more information is available in our blog: How to Balance an 80:10:10. When we look at Phylogenetics (the system which classifies and categorises every living organism depending on it’s evolutionary history), we can see that domestic, and wild dogs are part of the Canidae Family, and in the Order ‘Carnivora’. Other species in this Order, include Grey Wolves (of which our domestic dogs share 99.9% of their DNA), jackals, foxes, wild dogs and dingoes. Findings Here Findings Here The Digestive Tract When we look at the digestive tract of a dog, or any other carnivore, and compare it to that of a herbivore, or an omnivore, there are differences which further prove that dogs are carnivorous. Because a predominantly meat based diet takes less time to digest, carnivores have a much shorter digestive tract than those who eat a large amount of plant matter. The stomach is an important part of the digestive tract, as this is where gastric juices are mixed with food and kneaded using contractions of the stomach, which breaks the food down, ready for digestion. The carnivores stomach is always single chambered, and takes up around 60-70% of the entire capacity of the digestive system, which allows for consumption of large meals, eaten at a quick pace – many pet owners try to slow their dogs down when eating, however this is not necessary, and is actually very natural, unless the dog has an underlying medical condition, whereby digestive capabilities are poor, and eating too fast causes gas and regurgitation. When we look at the intestines of a dog, or any other carnivore, we see they are incredibly short in comparison to that of a species who consumes a lot of plant matter. As there will be little plant matter to digest, and meat is much easier to digest, the intestine doesn’t need to be longer, in order for it to fully absorb the nutrients gained from the diet. Having a short digestive tract, also ensures bad bacteria consumed in the diet are not able to recolonize. A final part of the digestive tract to look at, is pH – the strength of the stomach acid. The pH of a carnivores stomach is extremely low, making it extremely acidic; close to that of battery acid, when in the presence of food! Having such an incredibly acidic stomach, means they are able to digest meat very easily, as well as fight off pathogens within the food consumed. Omnivores have less acidic gastric juices, and herbivores have stomach acid so weak, it is almost pH7 (neutral), which teamed with a longer digestive tract, aids the gentle digestion of plant matter. Findings Here Findings Here Jaw and Dentition Next, we will look at the jaw, and dentition of the carnivore vs omnivore. Lets take a look at the width of an open mouth. Open your mouth, and look in the mirror. Now watch your dog open his or her mouth when yawning, panting, or eating. You will notice a huge difference in size of the oral cavity when the mouth is open. A large opening enables carnivores to catch, kill and rip their prey apart. Omnivores don’t need to do this, so have a much smaller oral opening. The joint in the jaw of carnivores acts as a hinge, and is very stable; in omnivores, the jaw joint is much more complex, and slightly less stable. The muscles in the face, particularly around the jaw area, are so incredibly powerful in carnivores, that the size of the muscle is what forms the slightly angular shape of the dog’s cheeks/face. Omnivores have a much weaker, and therefore smaller muscle here, which is far less noticeable by eye. The third difference regarding the jaw itself, is that omnivores have plenty of side-to-side movement, as well as backward and forward movement; this allows for the teeth to grind plant matter easily, as well as chew animal based matter. In carnivores, the jaw has extremely limited movement, bar up and down. This allows for the jaw to act almost like a pair of scissors, chopping the meat consumed in to smaller pieces in order to make them easier to swallow. On to the teeth! Both carnivores and omnivores have Incisors at the front of the mouth, followed by incisors, followed by molars at the back of the mouth. These, however, have different qualities in carnivores versus omnivores. The incisors of a carnivore are pointed, and short; this enables them to efficiently catch and disable prey. The incisors of an omnivore are not pointed, and are longer in comparison to other teeth in the mouth. The canines
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, acid reflux is one of the most common issues we come across in our consultations. Dogs with acid reflux may have it for a variety of reasons, from allergies to BOAS, and many other reasons in between. These dogs are often less tolerable of some generally preferred diets, so require a specific diet and supplement regime, which we will discuss here! A Bit About Acid Reflux Acid reflux is formally known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). When a dog eats, a mixture is formed in the stomach, comprising of stomach acid, salts and bile; this is called chime. Those with acid reflux suffer from the chime mixture entering the oesophagus. Acid reflux is a symptom of many underlying health conditions, and can be very uncomfortable. While acid reflux itself is not life threatening, it can lead to oesophageal ulcers due to repeated inflammation of the lining of the oesophagus, as well as the potential risk of aspiration pneumonia. Symptoms of Acid Reflux include: Bad breath Regular burping and regurgitation Tenderness of the stomach (bowing is the main sign of this) Constipation or diarrhoea Lack of appetite Lethargy Wheezing and dry coughs Weight loss Acid reflux is often caused by low stomach acid, contrary to what many may assume. Proton pump inhibitors are often prescribed under the assumption that the dog has too much stomach acid, however it’s often the exact opposite issue. This may seem an odd concept, however it becomes clear that when the stomach is lacking acid, it is unable to fully digest food at a high enough rate, so the food tends to sit in the stomach, which is then regurgitated. For more information on acid reflux, read our blog here! Diet When is comes to feeding a dog with acid reflux, it’s important not to feed processed foods. Processed foods such as kibble, are very inflammatory, which ultimately reduces stomach acid. A reduction in stomach acid can be a major trigger for acid reflux, as there’s less acid to digest foods. Fresh feeding for acid reflux dogs can be raw, or lightly cooked. Many dogs with acid reflux find it difficult to tolerate raw food, as the food sits in the stomach for a long time; when it sits in the stomach in chime, gasses are released, and the chance of reflux increases. Cooked food is often the best option. When feeding a cooked food, it is incredibly important to follow a balanced recipe, such as our recipes! Sticking to the leaner protein options such as the white fish recipe may be the best option, as feeding fattier proteins may cause more issue for dogs who are unable to digest efficiently. Acid reflux is often a symptom of allergies, so it’s important to get to the bottom of the dog’s allergies, and eliminate trigger proteins from the diet. To achieve this, an elimination diet should be carried out. Why not book in with one of our team for guidance through an elimination diet? Ensure there is plenty of fibre in the diet. Insoluble fibre increases gut and stomach motility, which is essential for those suffering from acid reflux. Some great sources of insoluble dietary fibre are: Broccoli Leafy greens Cauliflower Carrots Berries Findings Here Feeding a good variety of proteins (if allergy constraints allow), and a variety of plant matter can help ensure there are no vitamin deficiencies, which could contribute to acid reflux. In the human world, bariatric surgery patients often suffer with GERD, due to the inability to consume sufficient amounts of vitamins and minerals – nutritional deficiencies can impact our dogs too! Zinc deficiencies are common among acid reflux patients as it is thought that zinc helps protect the lining of the stomach. Findings Here Findings Here Working on getting to the bottom of any allergies and intolerances is important in helping relieve your dog of symptoms too! Allergies and intolerances are largely down to gut health, which causes a knock on effect on acid reflux. It’s also very important to choose the correct supplements to give your dog when suffering with acid reflux. Supplements The first, and most important supplement, or group of supplements we will be looking at, is those that aid gut health. Mucilage Herbs Mucilage herbs include Slippery Elm, Marshmallow Root, and Declycyrrhizinated Liquorice Root. These herbs are excellent for healing the gut, as they coat the digestive system. They not only help heal the gut, but they also soothe the oesophageal tract which is great for those suffering with acid reflux. Our probiotic and mucilage herb blend, Gut Guardian, may be perfect for your dog! Probiotics Probiotics are essential for a healthy gut. They help the gut microbiome flourish, which in turn aids digestion of foods, reducing the risk of chime sitting in the gut. Our aforementioned Gut Guardian supplement contains a great variety of clean probiotics, so may be a great choice for your dog! Findings Here Digestive Enzymes Some dogs, especially our acid reflux dogs, often suffer from poor digestion, due to insufficient amounts of the required digestive enzymes. When lacking such enzymes, food sits in the stomach in the chime mixture, which is them repeatedly regurgitated. Giving a good digestive enzyme may be pivotal to your dog’s recovery, or management of acid reflux. The two enzymes as play in this situation are Pepsin and Trypsin. Findings Here Rhodiola This is a herb, less commonly known in general, which contributes to responding to physical and mental stressors. As well as aiding those with diabetes, cancer, and anxiety, Rhodiola is great at helping the body cope with the physical stressors acid reflux brings. Findings Here Theanine Theanine is a non-protien amino acid which occurs naturally in tea. It plays a role in the prevention of acid refluc flare ups by increasing GABA activity, and reduce oesophageal sphincter relaxations. Together these reduce the symptoms of acid reflux. Findings Here If your dog has acid reflux, and you are unsure what to feed
At My Pet Nutritionist we are all about feeding your dogs the freshest, most natural diets, whether that’s raw feeding, or cooked food; this article explains how to balance a raw diet properly. We will also discuss the nutrients which are commonly lacking in a raw diet. Feed a Variety of Proteins Feeding a variety of proteins (meats) is a huge part of balancing your dog’s raw diet. Of course, if your dog is suffering with allergies, and is either on an elimination diet, or limited to a few proteins, this is fine as it’s the best you can do! If your dog is not known to suffer with itchiness or allergies, then feeding as many proteins as possible in your dog’s rotation, is very beneficial. This can be over the course of a week to a month. Different proteins offer different nutrient profiles, which means feeding a variety gives a broader intake of micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals. Let’s take a look at what some of the popular options provide! Chicken: provides high amounts of Vitamin B3 and B12, Selenium, Zinc, Magnesium, Phosphorus, and Biotin. Turkey: rich in Vitamin B6 and B12, Choline, Selenium, Magnesium, and Phosphorus. Beef: great source of Iron, Vitamins B2, B3,B6 and B12, Magnesium, Calcium, Copper, and Zinc. Lamb: Source of Iron, Vitamins B3 and B12, Selenium, and Phosphorus. Duck: Great source of Iron, Selenium and Vitamins B3, B12 and C. Pork: High in various B Vitamins, Zinc, Iron and Phosphorus. Venison: provides Zinc, Phosphorus, Iron, Selenium, a variety of B Vitamins, as well as a small amount of Vitamin E. Rabbit: high in Sodium, Calcium, Phosphorus, and Magnesium. Goat: source of Calcium, Sodium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Magnesium. Salmon: high in Vitamins A, B6, B12 and D, Iodine, Copper, Calcium, Magnesium, and Sodium. There are other options also available, including a variety of other fish products. We will touch on some fish products in the next section! Add in Some Omegas Omegas are essential fatty acids – omega 3 and 6 are the important ones! Omega 3 is anti-inflammatory, whereas omega 6 is inflammatory. Our pets’ meat based diets are naturally high in omega 6, so its important to get plenty of omega 3 into the diet! Cell membranes are partly formed by omegas, and heart and brain health are largely down to omega content in the diet, as well as puppy development, joint and skin health, and weight management. Let’s discuss the different types of omega! Here’s where the words get long… thankfully we abbreviate them! Omega-3 Fatty Acids CANNOT be produced by the body as they are polyunsaturated. There are three Omega-3 fats: Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA): found in fatty fish and fish oils, as well as many algal oils. Helps reduce inflammation. Alpha-linolenic Acid (ALA): found in flaxseed oil and chia seeds. For a non-plant based form, oysters can be added in. Aids heart and immune health. Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA): found in fatty fish , fish oils and algae oils, and eggs. Aids brain health and development. Omega-3 is ANTI-INFLAMMATORY. Omega-6 Fatty Acids are polyunsaturated and also include three different acids – the body can only produce 2 of these. Linolenic Acid (LA): found in sunflower oil and corn. Cannot be produced by the body. Gamma-linolenic Acid (GLA): found in Hempseed oil, borage oil, and Evening Primrose oil. This is the only Omega-6 which is not inflammatory – its great for control of hormones. Arachidonic Acid (ARA): found in meat and poultry, particularly farmed. Omega-6 is INFLAMMATORY (apart from GLA). Sources of omega 3 include: Fatty fish: raw sprats, sardines, salmon, mackerel, herring and trout, tinned sardines or mackerel. Fish oils: Krill Oil, sardine oil, mackerel oil, herring oil. Raw eggs: (EPA and DHA) Green Lipped Mussels and Oil (EPA and DHA) Phytoplankton (EPA and DHA) Algae Oil (DHA HEAVY with a little EPA) Flaxseed Oil (ALA – also contains LA, and conversion to EPA is poor, so perhaps not the best choice) It’s very important to ensure there’s plenty of omega in the diet! Findings Here Findings Here Add in Some Plant Matter Adding some plant matter to your dog’s diet brings great benefits! Not only does plant matter provide fibre (which helps gut motility), polyphenols, phytonutrients and antioxidants are also introduced into the diet. Polyphenols help regulate metabolism, help maintain a healthy weight, help regulate and reduce the risk of chronic disease, and also aids the replication of cells within the body. Keeping the body free from chronic disease, at a healthy weight, and with a good metabolic rate may aid longevity! Findings Here Phytonutrients are essential for immune system modulation which helps keep various diseases at bay. Phytonutrients are thought to help prevent chronic disease such as cancer and diabetes, as well as supporting joints, digestive health, circadian rhythms (sleep patterns), and brain development. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Antioxidants also aid longevity by destroying free radicals in the body. Free radicals form during oxidisation, and are unstable atoms which damage cells in the body and lead to ageing. Destroying the free radicals slows the process of ageing due to lack of damage to the cells in the body. Findings Here Fruits and Vegetables are also full of vitamins and minerals so can really boost an 80:10:10 meal! Some examples of suitable plant matter include: Kale Spring greens Asparagus Broccoli Brussels Sprouts Cabbage Cauliflower Courgette Green beans Strawberries Mango Pear Apple Up to 10% of the weight of the portion of raw meat can be added! It’s a good idea to lightly steam and/or blend vegetables before feeding, to make them more bioavailable, by breaking down the cellulose cell wall. What is often Lacking from the Raw Diet? When feeding a raw diet, while it’s the best, most natural diet available (though not all tolerate it – that’s what we’re here for!), there are 6 nutrients which are often lacking in most raw diets. Try to include a variety of these sources! Zinc (essential for cell growth, DNA
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we often help pet owners battle with oxalate crystals/stones in their pets. A diagnosis of any urinary stone can seem daunting, but that’s where we can step in to help! This is a handy guide to the ins-and-outs of Calcium Oxalate stones! What are Oxalate Stones? Oxalate stones, formally known as Calcium Oxalate stones, are formed of microscopic crystals of calcium oxalate. They’re the second most common type of urinary stone found in dogs, second to Struvite stones. If left untreated, oxalate crystals are one of the leading causes of kidneys stones. Males tend to get diagnosed with oxalate stones more often than females, and they’re more common in older dogs than they are in younger dogs. Some breeds are predisposed to Oxalate Stones. These include: Miniature schnauzer Yorkshire terrier Lhasa apso Bichon frise Shih Tzu Miniature poodle Chihuahua Jack Russel Findings Here Findings Here Symptoms of Oxalate Stones There are a number of symptoms caused by oxalate stones, including: Difficulty urinating Bloody or cloudy urine Smelly urine Frequent urination Distended abdomen Lack of appetite Changes in behaviour Lethargy Vomiting If your dog has such symptoms, it’s important to seek veterinary assistance. How Do They Form? Studies show that feeding a diet that causes high levels of urine acidity can contribute to the formation of oxalate stones. Research suggests that urine high in calcium, citrates and oxalates (these changes to urine are largely controlled by diet) can increase the risk of the dog having oxalate stones. Breed, and sex predisposition are huge factors in the formation of oxalate stones, alongside the aforementioned dietary factors. Findings Here Findings Here Diagnosis, and Getting Rid of Oxalate Stones When taken to the vet, the dog will have a blood sample taken, and a full blood panel will be run. A urinalysis will also be performed to check for increased levels of acidity, calcium, citrates and oxalates. If bladder stones are not able to be felt through palpation of the bladder, an x-ray may be performed to work out exactly what we are dealing with. Unfortunately, oxalate stones usually require surgical intervention, as they cannot be dissolved once formed. Like with Cysteine stones, smaller crystals may be able to be flushed out using urohydropropulsion, however as these crystals, untreated, can grow rapidly and cause urine infections, most veterinary surgeons would prefer to operate and remove all crystals as a first port of call. Findings Here Supporting the Body, and Preventing Oxalate Stones There are many ways we can support the body to prevent recurring formation of oxalate stones. Let’s discuss these! Probiotics Studies show that probiotics are effective at breaking down oxalates in the digestive system, so it’s wise to give a good, broad spectrum probiotic every day. Avoid high calcium, acidic, and high oxalate foods It’s incredibly important to keep the pH of the urine as alkaline as possible. There are certain foods we recommend to avoid feeding your dog if they have history of oxalate stone development. These include: Spinach (high in oxalates) Leafy Greens (the darker they are, the more oxalates they contain) Beets (high in oxalates) Citrus fruits (high in citrates and oxalates) Legumes (high in lectin, and oxalates) Beans (high in lectin and oxalates) Nuts and seeds (high in oxalates) Berries (high in oxalates) Increase moisture intake Always insure your dog is drinking plenty of water! A high moisture diet is also incredibly important, be it raw, or freshly cooked. You can also ‘float’ the food, by adding extra water to it. Check out our low oxalate recipe here! Limit sodium intake Another reason to avoid dry foods, is that they’re often high in salt. Salt is very dehydrating on the body, so it’s important to limit sodium intake. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Has your dog been diagnosed with Oxalate, of any other type of urinary tones? If the answer is YES, don’t hesitate to book a consultation with one of our team! Team MPN x
Has your dog had, or been recently diagnosed with gallstones? While they’re not a massively common condition, we do help many dogs with gallstones, here at My Pet Nutritionist. Understandably, owners may be concerned upon news of this diagnosis, so we hope this article helps you understand the condition, and puts your mind more at ease. What Are Gallstones? Gallstones can be found in the gallbladder; a pear shaped organ, located just beneath the liver. The gallbladder is a very important part of the digestive system. It stores bile, which is produced by the liver, and is responsible for digesting fat in the diet. Gallstones are balls of matter, usually made of cholesterol, and hardened bile that form in the gallbladder, blocking it’s ability to secrete bile. Gallstones can be any size from the size of a dust particle, to the size of a ping pong ball! Findings Here Symptoms of Gallstones There are a multitude of symptoms that may present when your dog has gallstones. Let’s take a look at these! ‘downward dog’ yoga pose; this shows a painful abdomen Nausea and vomiting Rapid weight loss Lack of appetite Diarrhoea; can be bloody Jaundice (a yellow tinge to the skin) High body temperature If your dog has any of, or a number of these symptoms, raise this with your veterinarian. How Do They Happen? Poor Digestion Pets with digestive issues may be at risk of gallstone formatsion. Poor digestion can lead to low stomach acid, which can massively affect gallbladder health. In order for the gallbladder to release bile, the stomach needs to be acidic. Lack of stomach acid causes a decrease in bile production. Findings Here Poor Diet Those eating a high fat diet may be at a higher risk of developing gallstones, as the high fat content puts pressure on the gallbladder. When the gallbladder is under the pressure of high levels of fat, it becomes inflamed, and production of the necessary amounts of bile becomes difficult, leading to the formation of gallstones. Feeding a dry food may also contribute to the formation of gallstones, as the fat content of may dry foods, on a dry matter basis, is often high/concentrated. Most kibbles are sprayed with fats and oils at the end of the production line to enhance flavour and palatability. Findings Here Stress Stress hormones have a huge impact on the development of gallstones. When stressed, the liver releases higher amounts of cholesterol, due to the higher production of energy during periods of stress or anger. This increased amount of cholesterol can easily lead to gallstones, as the gallbladder is unable to produce sufficient amounts of bile to digest the excess cholesterol. Findings Here How Are They Diagnosed? If gallstones are suspected in your dog, your veterinarian will want to carry out various tests. An X-Ray will be obtained of your dog’s stomach area, to visually detect any potential masses in the gallbladder, and potential cirrhosis of the liver. A urinalysis will be performed; this is when the vet takes a urine sample and analyses it to look for excess fats in the urine. These results may flag an issue with the gallbladder. Finally, bloodwork will be carried out to look for any abnormal values which may point toward the reduced function of one of the body’s organs. What Negative Effects Can Gallstones Cause? Cholestasis occurs as a result of gallstones blocking the bile duct entirely. This blockage requires surgical removal. When the gallbladder is blocked, absorption of vitamin D and Calcium becomes poor, as well as the aforementioned symptoms. Acute Pancreatitis is also a risk posed to those with gallstones. Gallstones can exit the gallbladder and cause blockages in the bile duct, which ultimately blocks pancreatic enzymes from entering the small intestine. These enzymes are forced back into the pancreas, which creates immense inflammation to the organ, leading to the onset of acute pancreatitis. Findings Here Findings Here What Treatments Are Available? Generally speaking, surgery is usually the main option when treating a dog with gallstones. Some mild cases may get away with having IV Therapy, whereby the dog is hooked up to an Intravenous drip, designed to flush the gallstones from the gallbladder. The patients will usually be prescribed a high protein, low fat diet moving forward… this is where supporting the body naturally comes in! Read on! How Can We Support the Body Naturally? Feed Fresh As with any condition, we always recommend feeding fresh food, here at My Pet Nutritionist; whether that’s raw, or cooked. Balancing the fat content in Fresh food is much than in dry food, and is not sprayed with fats and oils during production, adding to the overall fat content. Fresh food is also high in moisture, and generally better for digestion and gut motility than dry food, making it the ideal option for those with gallstones in their medical history. Feed Low Fat Feeding low fat is also essential for those suffering from gallstones, due to gallstones being solidified lumps of cholesterol. As the gallbladder is unable to produce enough bile to digest the fats consumed in the diet, fatty deposits will begin to build up, which is especially dangerous for the body’s organs. Find our low fat recipes below! Low Fat Fish Low Fat Venison Low Fat Horse Low Fat Kangaroo Dandelion Dandelion has many health benefits for your dog! One benefit being that it’s a fantastic digestive aid. When suffering from gallstones, digestive support is crucial. Dandelion stimulates the production of digestive juices, which are ever so important when it comes to gallbladder health, and gallstone prevention. Dandelion is also a great natural anti-inflammatory. This is beneficial for those suffering from gallstones or poor gallbladder health in general, to reduce the risk of acute pancreatitis occurring. The root of the dandelion plant is also a diuretic, bringing benefits to the liver, which includes increasing circulation in the liver, resulting in an increase in bile production. Findings Here Burdock Root A more unusual vegetable, burdock,
A diagnosis of Diabetes in your pet can feel quite daunting. We decided to put together this guide on diabetes in pets, to bring all you may need to know about diabetes, and caring for a diabetic pet, into a handy, bitesize guide! What is Diabetes? Diabetes is a condition causing blood sugar levels to become too high. There are three types of diabetes; Type 1, type 2, and Diabetes Insipidus. Type 1 is found in around 0.2 to 1% of dogs, but type 2 diabetes is not found in dogs; it is however, found in cats. Diabetes Type 1, is most commonly found in adult dogs between the ages of 6 and 9. Diabetes Insipidus is another type of diabetes, unrelated to type 1 or 2, but with similar symptoms. Findings Here Symptoms of Diabetes Symptoms of diabetes in pets include: Polydipsia (excessive water consumption; read more here!) Polyuria (excessive urination; read more here!) Increased appetite Weight loss (often rapid) Recurring skin and urinary infections Clouded eyes A dog with diabetes may present with any number of these symptoms, so if your dog is displaying one or more of these, it’s best to have a full vet check. Findings Here What Causes Diabetes? A huge part of the cause of diabetes in dogs, is down to genetic predisposition. Breeds predisposed to the potential to develop diabetes include: Miniature schnauzer Dachshund Beagle Poodle Samoyed Keeshond German Shepherd Golden Retriever Labrador Retriever Bichon Frise Pug Cocker Spaniel Diabetes can also be caused by other ongoing medical problems. It can be a secondary condition to Cushing’s Disease, Pancreatitis and obesity. Those suffering with pancreatitis flare ups are at risk of diabetes due to the damage on the organ, caused by regular periods of intense inflammation. The pancreas secretes insulin which regulates blood sugar levels. When insulin is not able to be produced due to damage to the pancreas, blood sugar spikes occur, which leaves dogs at a high risk of diabetes. 30 to 40% of dogs with diabetes, also have pancreatitis. Obesity, like in humans, is a common predecessor for diabetes as it contributes to insulin resistance. Resistance to insulin, means less control of blood sugar levels. Findings Here Diagnosis of Diabetes To test for Diabetes, your veterinarian will take bloods and urine samples. In the urine sample, they will test levels of glucose and ketones. If there is a significant abnormality in these results, the blood glucose level will be tested. If glucose levels are very high in the blood sample, and found in the urine sample, a diagnosis of diabetes can be made. During testing for diabetes mellitus (Type 1), other significant markers for other conditions may be found, so your veterinarian may start treatment for other conditions as well as diabetes. If your dog’s urine is extremely dilute, diabetes insipidus may be a diagnosis your vet may consider. Findings Here Monitoring, and Medical Intervention Insulin Therapy After diagnosis, the first thing your vet will work out, and prescribe, is the right insulin dose for your dog. The vet will teach you how to give an insulin injection, either by syringe, or VetPen. These will need to be given regularly alongside monitoring, to ensure your dog’s blood sugar levels stay consistent and within a normal range. Findings Here Monitoring Glucose Levels Traditionally, your vet will teach you how to monitor urine glucose levels at home. Urine can be tested using urine strips, just as you would in the human world. The vet may also teach you to test your dog’s blood glucose levels. They will provide you with a portable glucose meter, which you will use in tandem with blood test strips. Bloods may be taken, and analysed regularly by the vet to keep an eye on blood glucose levels and ensure the insulin dosage is correct. More recently, some veterinary practices have been offering the Freestyle Libre device worn by many human diabetics. This is a device inserted into and attached to the skin, which reads blood glucose levels. When the owner needs to check glucose levels, they simply use their accompanying mobile phone application which connects to the device. This is an expensive option, but very fail safe, and easy. Findings Here Findings Here Spaying Females Your veterinarian will recommend you spay your female dog if they are diagnosed with diabetes. One of the female sex hormones, called progesterone, can sadly interfere with insulin usage in the body, which could cause a blood sugar spike. Findings Here Supporting the Body Naturally Diet As with anything, we always recommend feeding a fresh diet. Why is this so important for diabetes sufferers? The carb content in dry foods causes a spike in blood sugar levels. Forcing a raised blood sugar level on a diabetic dog will put a huge amount of pressure on the organs, and can cause hospitalization. When looking at the ingredients list of dry foods, there may be very few ingredients which appear to be carbohydrates; however, these do add up! The carb content of dry foods isn’t specifically listed, only protein, fat, moisture and ash. If you add those up, and deduct from 100, you will get the percentage of carbs in the food. Most dry foods are between 20 and 70% carbs! Three very important components of a diabetic dog’s diet, are fibre, fat, and protein. Fibre, fat and protein help to stabilise blood sugar levels as the consumption of these macronutrients causes the digestion of carbs to slow down, ultimately slowing down their absorption into the blood. Because the absorption of the sugars from carbohydrates is slowed, blood sugar levels stay more controlled, and are more unlikely to spike. Findings Here The moisture level of fresh food, also helps keep the urine suitably dilute, and not concentrated in glucose or ketones. You will need to keep the amount fed each day the same, as this is what your dog’s insulin dose is based upon. If the dog is fed more than normal, the
At My Pet Nutritionist, we often get enquiries about dogs suffering with urinary crystals or bladder stones. One of the types of crystal often diagnosed, is the Cysteine crystal. What are Cysteine Stones? There are 4 main types of bladder stone/crystal; Struvite, Calcium Oxalate, Urate, and Cysteine. Cysteine stones are uroliths (solidified lumps of crystalloids) which can form in the bladder, urinary tract, or kidneys. Of the four stones, Cysteine stones are incredibly rare, with only around 1% of diagnoses being Cysteine. While these stones can happen in female dogs, they are most common in males. Learn more about the different types of stone in our blog here! How are Cysteine Stones Formed? The amino acid, Cystine, is made by the body after synthesis of methionine. Cysteine can also be found in some higher protein foods. It is reabsorbed by the kidneys, but when the kidneys are unable to absorb it, a condition called cystinuria occurs. When this happens, the cystine becomes very concentrated in the urine, which causes the formation of Cysteine bladder or kidney stones. As with each type of urinary stone, there are some unique characteristics associated with it; these stones only form in acidic urine. Dogs with more alkaline urine will not form this stone. The risk of cysteine stones forming, may also be down to genetic abnormalities. Findings Here Findings Here Symptoms of Cysteine Stones Though similar for other stone types, some symptoms your pet may show are: Frequent, sometimes bloody urine Painful urination Excessive drinking Nausea and vomiting Breed Predisposition Some breeds of dog are genetically predisposed to Cysteine stones, and may require regular treatment, as this type of stone is often a recurrent issue. Breeds predisposed to Cysteine stones include: Basset Hounds Dachshunds Newfoundlands (unusual female cases have been recorded in this breed) Bullmastiffs English Bulldogs Irish Terriers Findings Here What Can the Vet Do? Surgery Often required for those with larger stones, surgery is a very common path to take when battling Cysteine stones. The surgical procedure is called a Ureteroscopy, during which a very small instrument is passed through the bladder and up the Ureter, pushing the stone out in the process. Alternatively, the pet may be opened up, and large stones causing blockages will be removed by hand. Findings Here Non-Surgical Removal There is a non-surgical option available for those with very small cysteine stones; this procedure is known as urohyrdopropulsion. This procedure is usually most successful on medium to large dogs, and involves two catheters being placed in the dog; one up the urethra, and the other in the urethral lumen. A finger is inserted into the rectum to push against the urethra, causing a build up of pressure and a tight seal. Once a tight seal is made, saline water is flushed through the catheters, and the bladder is palpated, flushing the small stones out. Although this method requires anaesthesia, it is preferred for smaller stones as it is much less invasive than surgery. Findings Here How Can we Support the Body? Diet Diet plays a huge role in the prevention of Cysteine stones. With these stones, its advisable to feed a normal amount of calcium, but slightly lower protein, and also low salt (to avoid water retention/dehydration). As well as these specific nutrient requirements, it is imperative that your dog’s diet includes as much moisture as possible! Moisture in the diet will help flush the bladder; feeding a dry food would dehydrate the dog, and could worsen the issue. Feeding a fresh food is very much recommended for any bladder stone, including Cysteine! Findings Here Find our recipe suitable for dogs suffering from cysteine stones here! Supplements Omega 3 in the form of Alpha Linoleic Acid (ALA) is thought to inhibit cysteine crystal formation, due to it’s anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. ALA can be found in leafy greens, nuts (avoid peanuts, and macadamia nuts), and animal fat. Findings Here Selenium has been proven to reduce the volume of cysteine crystal formation. When looking for a supplement, ensure it is as pure as possible. Findings Here Bonus Factoid: Cystinuria Type 3 Cystinuria Type 3 is a cysteine based, androgen dependent disease which means it only affects entire males. Bulldog breeds are particularly prone to this condition. The veterinary treatment is the same as standard cysteine stones, regarding urohyrdopropulsion, however in order to stop this painful condition from recurring regularly, the only method of prevention is castration. Neutering should be discussed with your veterinarian, and performed at the right time if your dog is a frequent sufferer of Cystinuria Type 3 flare ups. Findings Here If your dog has been suffering with recurring cysteine stones or crystals, consider booking in with one of our team! Team MPN x
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we often get dog owners wondering why their dog is often sick. In this blog we will explore the reasons a dog may vomit. Acid reflux One of the most common problems we tend to see here at My Pet Nutritionist, is Acid Reflux. Acid Reflux usually occurs due to low stomach acid levels, which cause the mixture of partially digested food (scientifically known as Chyme) to sit in the stomach. Other than sickness, other symptoms of Acid Reflux include: Lip or air licking Burping Stretching the head back Gurgling stomach Bad breath Increased salivation To read more on Acid Reflux, read our guide: Natural Guide for Acid Reflux in Dogs BOAS Brachycephalic Obstructive Airways Syndrome is a condition suffered by many brachycephalic breeds, including pugs, French bulldogs, English bulldogs, and many others. We see this condition a huge amount of the time in such breeds, and most require surgery to be able to breathe properly. Sickness is often a symptom of BOAS, as due to the poor conformation of the airways, regurgitation is common. As the dog struggles to breathe, there’s a negative pressure created, which often causes acid reflux, and therefore, sickness. If your dog is a brachycephalic breed, and snores, breathes noisily, brings up phlegm, is regularly sick, is unable to regulate body temperature, and/or sleeps with their head propped, or with a toy in their mouth, it is highly advisable to get them booked in with a soft tissue specialist as soon as possible. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Hunger Pukes Usually yellow in colour, or foamy, hunger pukes happen when the stomach is empty for too long, causing bile to be excreted. They usually happen overnight. This is common in puppies, and older dogs, but many adult dogs also suffer from them. Some dogs are happy to eat once a day, but others must eat at least twice per day in order to stop hunger pukes happening. Those who suffer with hunger pukes may be given a small snack before bed to ensure there’s something in the stomach overnight until the next meal. Findings Here Findings Here Sickness Bugs/Gastroenteritis Probably the most obvious reason for sickness, viral or bacterial stomach bugs often spread through the dog population. While sickness bugs are usually not the cause of ongoing sickness episodes, they can cause imbalances to the gut microbiome, which can result in regular episodes of sickness. If your dog has a sickness bug, ensure to feed small, but frequent portions of bland food such as sweet potato and cooked chicken, turkey or white fish. Many veterinarians recommend feeding rice as part of a bland diet; here’s why we don’t! Bone broth can be a great addition to the regime of a dog recovering from a sickness bug as it is packed full of nutrients, and can also stimulate the dog’s appetite. Findings Here Giardia/Worms Internal parasites may be a cause of your dog’s ongoing sickness. It’s super important to carry out regular wormcounts, even if you chemically treat for worms as these are not preventatives. Giardia is a protozoan parasite, and can be tricky to get rid of. If diagnosis is not very soon after contraction of the parasite, giardia can cause giardiasis, which is a condition where cysts form on the gut, causing major gut damage, and subsequent episodes of sickness and diarrhoea. Dogs who have suffered from giardiasis may require a cooked diet over a raw one, and will require a lot of gut work using a mucilage herb which suits the individual dog. Many do very well on Marshmallow Root. Findings Here Findings Here Poor Gut Health Blockages Blockages and stenosis (walls closing) in the gut can cause sickness. Where food is unable to properly digest due to a blockage, the chyme sits in the stomach, and is often expelled from the mouth. Blockages require a veterinary check up immediately; so if you suspect one, please seek veterinary assistance as soon as possible. Findings Here Allergies/Intolerances A common topic here at My Pet Nutritionist, dogs with intolerances and allergies will often show sickness as a symptom of an item of food disagreeing with them. During a reaction, the body creates an inflammatory response, which also affects the stomach, and therefore causing sickness. Not all dogs who suffer from allergies or intolerances are sick as part of their symptoms, but many individuals are. Leaky Gut When the gut is damaged, so many parts of the body can be negatively affected. When a patient has Leaky Gut, the barrier cells in the gut wall which usually keep it tightly closed, begin to open so a space forms between them, allowing for food particles and toxins to leak into the bloodstream. Because toxins leak from the gut, nausea is a common symptom of leaky gut, and so sickness is not uncommon in those suffering with it. To learn more about leaky gut, read our blog here! Unsuitable Diet Feeding the wrong diet for your dog may be a huge contributing factor as to why your dog may be regularly sick. The pet food market can seem like such a minefield, especially when large dry food companies often have a great marketing team at the helm. While every dog is an individual, and what suits one best may not be the best option for the next dog, there are some reasons why feeding a dry food diet long-term could cause recurrent episodes of sickness. Kibble is extremely drying on the body. To enable good gut motility, moisture in the diet is incredibly important. Most kibbles are around 10% or less moisture, which contributes to the inability to shift the food efficiently through the digestive tract. When it sits in the stomach for extended periods of time, it is very often expelled as vomit. The high carbohydrate content of kibble may also cause sickness as such carbs are not easily digestible for our canine counterparts, causing them to sit in the
Megaoesophagus is a challenging condition to care for, and a commonly discussed topic in the dog care world. Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we are often asked about how is best to care for a dog with Megaoesophagus, so here is our guide to megaoesophagus, and how to support those with it. What is Megaoesophagus? Often shortened to ME, Megaoesophagus is a condition which affects the oesophagus. The oesophagus is part of the digestive system, and one of the first body parts to be used in digestion. It can be found behind the trachea (windpipe), running down through the chest cavity between the heart and the spine. The oesophagus pushes food from the throat, to the stomach, where it is digested, by a process called peristalsis. Peristalsis is a wave-like series of contractions which squeezes food through the tube. When a dog has megaoesophagus, the oesophagus is dilated, which ultimately causes a lack of motility due to poor conformation and the inability to carry out peristalsis, so food is unable to reach the stomach, and the dog is unable to benefit from nutrients in the food. Megaoesophagus can occur in any breed of dog, and at any age, however some breeds are more at risk than others due to predisposition. These include: German Shepherd Shar Pei Newfoundland Great Dane Miniature Schnauzer Greyhound Labrador Findings Here Findings Here Symptoms of Megaoasophagus Regurgitation: probably the first symptom owners recognise. Because peristalsis is unable to occur, food sits in the oesophagus in the chest cavity, which results in it being ejected through the throat, and mouth, undigested. Aspiration pneumonia: a major health complication, and can be a sign that the dog has a dilated oesophagus. The dog may aspirate during regurgitation, causing major breathing difficulties and lung infections like Pneumonia. Lack of appetite: common in ME cases, dogs will often decide they’d rather not eat due to the discomfort caused by the food they’ve eaten sitting in the chest cavity. Extreme hunger: on the other end of the scale, the dog may seem constantly very hungry, because they are not receiving any nutritional benefits from the food being consumed. Frequent swallowing or air licking: dogs will often show these signs as they are unable to move food from the chest cavity, making them feel nauseous. Coughing: can occur as the dog attempts to move food from the chest cavity. Raspy breathing: this often occurs due to inflammation in the chest area, caused by the stuck food. Weight loss and stunted growth: as the dog is unable to make use of the nutrients from the food (as the food cannot get to the stomach to be digested), weight loss is very common, and growth in puppies is stunted. Smelly breath: the gasses from food stuck in the oesophagus can cause severely smelly breath. Drooling: often a sign of nausea, drooling is common in dogs with ME. Findings Here Causes of Megaoesophagus It is unclear as to how the majority of cases are caused. ME can be congenital (present from birth), hereditary (passed genetically from parents), or acquired (developing during life, but not genetically inherited). One potential cause of ME, is as a secondary effect of Persistent Right Aortic Arch; which is one of the most common vascular diseases in dogs, and causes the tightening of a ring around the oesophagus. Tumours in the oesophagus can be a cause of ME, as the tumour causes an obstruction, and changes the structure of the muscles in the tube, which then dilates it. Trauma to the oesophagus, spinal cord, or brain is often a trigger, as soft tissue damage heals with scar tissue, which effects the motility of the oesophagus. Parasitic infections are thought to be able to cause ME too, as the parasites latch onto the walls of the oesophagus, causing damage to the muscular structure. Myasthenia Gravis is a neuromuscular condition whereby generalised muscular weakness occurs in the body. This can also affect the muscles involved in peristalsis. Toxin exposure is a large potential, too. Toxins have so many poor effects on various parts of the body, and bodily processes. Its always best to keep toxins to a minimum by minimally vaccinating, using natural pest preventions, using natural household products, and feeding a fresh diet. There are also various studies to suggest that hormonal disorders regarding the thyroid can be a contributing factor to ME cases, including Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, and Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s Disease). Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here How is Megaoesophagus Diagnosed? If your dog is experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it is imperative that you get them checked out by a veterinarian. The typical veterinary test for diagnosis of ME, is the Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS), whereby the vet is able to see a live view of the scan being performed, so they are able to watch the path taken by food and liquid given before the study is carried out. They can see how efficiently it moves from the throat to the stomach. Findings Here What Conventional Treatments are Available? The vet may offer surgery to help improve your dog’s quality of life, however it is unlikely that surgery will completely cure the problem. The surgery will reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia, which is a life threatening disease in itself, and may help to improve motility of food to the stomach. A gastric feeding tube may also be offered to your dog – this is a tube implanted directly into the stomach, through which food can be given, in order to completely skip use of the oesophagus. Food will not be regurgitated, however regurgitation of saliva will still occur. The final treatment your vet may suggest, is medication – there are a few medications which may be trialled, or even a botox injection into the lower part of the oesophagus, to help stabilise it. Findings Here What Can we do to Support the Body? There are many ways in which we can support those with ME.
