In October 2021, a well-known newspaper published an article which suggested vegan pet food is as healthy for cats and dogs as meat. A veterinary professor argued that his research showed that cats and dogs had as good, or better health outcomes on plant-based diets as they did when fed on meat products. However, what the headlines forget to mention is that he also said, this is on the proviso that these plant-based diets were carefully formulated with additional synthetic nutrients. A final note, these findings remain, at present, unpublished. Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we often get asked what the best diet is for our pets, so we thought we’d look into vegan and vegetarian diets in a little more detail. The vegetarian diet involves avoiding meat, fish and poultry products, the vegan diet involves avoiding all animal products, this includes dairy and even honey. How do they suit our cats and dogs? Let’s start with the cats. No matter where you look, the jury is in – cats evolved as hunters that consume prey containing high amounts of protein, moderate amounts of fat, and minimal amounts of carbohydrates. They are obligate carnivores. Building on this definition, they are actually hyper carnivorous. They are a small carnivorous animal with a proportionally large brain. What this means is that their high brain demand for glucose could not be met by a natural prey diet, if they were to only utilise carbohydrates as glucose. So, they are really good at producing glucose from non-carbohydrate sources like protein and fat. This natural evolution has made them quite poor at using carbohydrates, as demonstrated by their limited amylase activity in the pancreas and small intestine (even compared to dogs). The other element to consider for the cat is the well known amino acid taurine. Cats and humans are among the few mammals whose bodies do not make taurine, and therefore must obtain it from their diet. In humans, taurine deficiency is rare because taurine is common in meat and fish food products; and so in a meat-based diet, cats also should not become deficient. In the 1970’s, Quinton R. Rogers of UC Davis showed that a taurine deficiency could cause degeneration of the retina in cat’s eyes. Kittens born to taurine deficient mothers are often blind and show many abnormalities such as impaired gait. For this reason, in the 1908’s new cat feeding guidelines were introduced, stating a minimum level for taurine in cat food. But, in later years it was also found that taurine plays a role in regulating calcium entry into heart tissue every time it beats. Researchers soon noticed that cats presenting with dilated cardiomyopathy also had low levels of taurine. When taurine was supplemented in the diet, the cats recovered. Findings Here Arachidonic acid is another nutrient required by cats that is only available from animal sources and whilst it is an omega-6 fatty acid that is often demonised, it is actually a fatty acid that is essential for health. It is involved in the proper function of the brain and muscles. It, along with it’s metabolites is also involved in immune function and therefore resistance to parasites and allergen insult. Let’s move on to the dogs. A dog is a facultative carnivore, although some describe them as an omnivore. It is this definition that many believe allows our canine companions well adapted to a vegetarian diet, but again, the dog demonstrates poor utilisation of carbohydrates unless in a high energy need (like lactation or speed work) by their limited amylase activity. A survey of 86 vegetarian dogs in Germany, Switzerland and Belgium found that over 50% of the dogs were fed diets deficient in protein, essential amino acids, calcium, zinc, and vitamins D and B12. Findings Here Why Does My Dog Need Calcium Why Zinc is Important For Your Dog The Importance of Vitamin D for Cats and Dogs Why Your Dog Needs Vitamin B12 Many suggest that correct formulation by manufacturers will negate these issues, Kanakubo and colleagues examined 13 dry and 11 canned vegetarian diets for dogs and cats that were sold in all or most of the United States. Crude protein and amino acid concentrations were compared with AAFCO Dog and Cat Food Nutrient Profiles. Minimum CP concentrations for the specified species and life stages were met by 23 diets; the remaining diet passed appropriate AAFCO feeding trials. However, 25% (6/24) diets did not meet all AA minimum requirements. Findings Here During further exploration of the companies who manufacture vegetarian diets, some even go as far as suggesting they “do not advocate the singular feeding of vegetarian or vegan diets to carnivores such as dogs and cats. … It is designed for intermittent feeding or as a base to add different meats for sensitivities and allergies” If vegetarian diets are questioned on their ability to meet the nutritional needs of pets, vegan diets go one step further and avoid all animal products in their entirety, so do they suit our pets either? The Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition published a case report of two cats in March 2021. A 2-year-old neutered Main Coon and a 1-year-old spayed domestic short hair presented to the nutrition service in France with lethargy. Dysorexia, lethargy and muscle waste was apparent and progressive weight loss occurred in follow up consultations. A macrocytic, non-regenerative anaemia with low serum folate were the main clinical features. The diet was analysed, and it was found to be a plant-based, vegan pet food. Many nutrients showed as below minimum recommendation. Folic acid supplementation improved dysorexia and with the reintroduction of animal-derived ingredients, appetite, weight, and normal mentation was restored in both cats. Case Report Here Investigations have subjected commercially available vegan cat foods to blind nutritional analyses by an independent laboratory. Data shows that many brands are deficient in taurine, methionine, and arachidonic acid, with additional brands also deficient in Lysine and Arginine. Many vegan diets are also deficient in several B
Being Global Prebiotic Week and something we are asked about regularly here at My Pet Nutritionist, we thought we’d explore the key differences between all those biotics! When we’re presented with prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics, it’s hard to know where to start and if they even do a thing! So let’s get cracking. Prebiotics and probiotics are often thought of as one and the same, but their commonalities end with their role in the intestine. Prebiotics are fibre that feed the beneficial microorganisms residing in the intestine. Probiotics are live microorganisms that when ingested, can enhance intestinal microbial balance. Why is this important? The microbiome is an important modifier of disease and an essential component of immunity. Dysbiosis of the many microbiomes have been associated with a range of disorders. Your Puppy’s Microbiome What Can Cause Gut Dysbiosis Your Pet’s Immune System So, caring for the ecosystem found in the gut is of paramount importance. Prebiotics and Gut Health The most commonly considered prebiotics are classified as soluble fibres. They were first introduced as a functional food in 1995 by Marcel Roberfroid, but in 2007 Roberfroid clarified that only two classes of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) meet the full definition of a prebiotic. These are oligofructose and inulin. Oligofructose is a 2-8–chain fructose-based saccharide molecule that undergoes fermentation in the colon, providing nourishment to the bacteria found there. Inulin is a longer 9-64–chain fructose-based saccharide that is fermented more slowly, benefiting bacteria further down in the digestive system. It can also be broken down into FOS by intestinal bacteria to provide both FOS and inulin. These 2 fibres are considered minimally digestible because of the β bond–based connections of the fructose molecules. It is thought that dogs and cats lack the intestinal enzyme needed to break down the β bond and so they usually break down α saccharide bonds. The resident bacteria can break the β bond, producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) known as acetate, propionate, and butyrate. SCFA’s have a range of roles for host health including: Energy source of intestinal cells Promote gut integrity Lower colonic pH Stimulate sodium and water absorption In addition, you may also find prebiotics containing the following: Mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) – from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) – found in dairy, beans and root vegetables Probiotics and Health Rather than encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria and suppressing the growth of pathogenic bacteria, probiotics are thought to introduce beneficial bacteria into the environment. It is considered that the best use for these products is treatment of GI disease, such as diarrhoea and other GI abnormalities, including inflammatory bowel disease. The more we are learning about probiotic use, the more we are realising that the benefits associated are bacterial strain specific. What this means is the devil is in the detail. In addition, to function as a probiotic, the bacteria must: Survive the acid and bile in the GI tract Adhere to intestinal cells or colonise areas within the tract Exclude pathogenic adherence Produce acids, or other compounds which antagonise the growth of pathogens Be safe, non-invasive, non-carcinogenic and non-pathogenic The primary bacterial populations included in probiotics that have been seen to benefit both cats and dogs are lactic acid bacteria, especially lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, and enterococci. Postbiotics and Health Postbiotics are the bioactive compounds that probiotic bacteria produce when they consume prebiotic fibre. They are technically the waste products of probiotic bacteria and SCFA’s are one kind, along with: Enzymes Cell wall fragments Metabolites like vitamins and minerals Postbiotics are a relatively new concept, but they have been associated with a range of benefits: Postbiotics like butyrate (SCFA) can stimulate the production of regulatory T cells in the intestine, supporting immune function Cell wall fragments can increase the production of anti-inflammatory chemical messengers known as cytokines that help reduce inflammation and modulate immune responses Increased levels of butyrate have been associated with improved clinical outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease How Do We Get Them? It’s easy to reach for supplements, but certain foods already possess biotic properties. Sources of Prebiotics: Mushrooms Chicory Root Garlic Asparagus Dandelion Greens Bananas Sources of Probiotics: Fermented foods contain naturally occurring probiotics; but remember that prebiotics aren’t fussy about which bacteria they feed, so they could also feed harmful bacteria and yeast. Fermented foods can also be an issue for those dogs suffering SIBO or yeast infections. Bacterial Overgrowth Is Your Dog a Yeasty Beast Supplementation may be appropriate in certain cases, but as we have noted, benefits are often strain-specific and it’s essential to read the label fully if your dog suffers with sensitivities. Does My Dog Need a Prebiotic, Probiotic or Postbiotic? We would always advocate a food first approach, so offering a fresh whole-food diet, full of variety. But in tending to the ecosystem, which is a great modifier of disease, it’s important to not only include things of benefit, but avoid things of detriment too. The issue is when the bacteria populations in the gut get a little out of whack. We need to avoid those things that can cause imbalances between the good and bad guys in the gut: Overuse of antibiotics Proton pump inhibitors Antihistamines Poor motility Digestive disorders Poor pancreatic function Inflammation in the gut Stress Environmental toxins Dietary choices Poor liver function What Can Cause Gut Dysbiosis The inclusion of prebiotic foods is relatively easy to do, and either pre or probiotic supplementation may or may not be appropriate for your pet, but as you can see, it’s never as clear cut as we would like. Luckily, here at My Pet Nutritionist we look at everything that is going on for your pet and what may be compromising their health. Using this information, we develop a bespoke plan to get them on the right track. Check out our services if you would like to know more. Thanks for reading, Team MPN x
It’s possibly the million-dollar question for those of us who DIY our dog’s diet. Are we getting it right? There are so many things to consider in response to this question, like digestive function, pre-existing health issues, sourcing of ingredients and more, but here at My Pet Nutritionist, we have noticed that certain nutrients can be low in a DIY diet. So, we thought we’d share what they are, their function in the body (why they are important) and our top sources! 1) Sodium Chloride Sounds like a swimming pool additive, doesn’t it? Well, sodium chloride or NaCl is what we commonly know as salt. And whilst it’s been demonised time and time again in the human diet, it is an essential compound that the body uses to: Absorb and transport nutrients Maintain blood pressure Maintain the right balance of fluid Transmit nerve signals Contract and relax muscles Sodium and chloride play an important role in the small intestine. Sodium helps the absorption of chloride, water and amino acids. Chloride when in the form of hydrochloric acid (stomach acid) also helps the body digest and absorb nutrients. Sodium and potassium are electrolytes too! The balance between these particles contributes to how cells maintain energy. It’s also how signals are sent to the brain, how muscles contract and how the heart functions. Too little sodium is usually associated with excessive water intake, prolonged vomiting and/or diarrhoea, use of diuretics and in some kidney diseases. For us humans, salt is added to most processed foods we eat, but for our dogs, in a fresh food diet, this isn’t the case. Source: Himalayan Salt 2) Manganese Manganese is necessary for: turning food into energy forming bones and connective tissue, such as cartilage protecting cells from damage by free radicals brain and memory function Signs of manganese are rare in humans, because we do find it in tea (go Brits), but limited data suggests deficiency is associated with skin issues largely due to increased levels of oxidative stress. There will also be impaired growth and development, along with abnormal metabolism of macronutrients. Findings Here Sources: Ginger (also provides iron and magnesium) Dark leafy vegetables Mussels Sweet Potatoes Pineapple 3) Iodine Iodine is used by the thyroid gland to make thyroid hormones that control many functions in the body including growth and development. In addition, iodine is crucial to brain development. In humans, iodine deficiency is listed as one of the leading causes of intellectual disabilities. It often results in irreversible brain damage. Deficiency leading to underproduction of thyroid hormones also affects other organs like the heart, liver, kidney and muscles. Findings Here Unlike nutrients such as iron, calcium or vitamins, iodine does not occur naturally in specific foods, it is present in the soil and is ingested through foods grown on that soil. Iodine deficiency results when there is lack of iodine on the earth’s crust. The food grown in iodine deficient regions can never provide enough iodine to the population and livestock living there. About 90% of iodine intake is obtained from food consumed and the remainder from water. Iodine is available in traces in water, food, and common salts. Iodine found in seawater and so seaweeds are rich in iodine. Sources: Kelp Wakame 4) Magnesium One of the most abundant minerals in the body along with calcium and phosphorus, magnesium is essential to bodily function. Functions: Energy metabolism Regulation of calcium triggered contraction of heart and muscle cells Vasodilation of the coronary and peripheral arteries Nerve signalling Structure of bones and teeth Increased risk of deficiency: Rapid growth Medications – diuretics, steroids, laxatives Intestinal malabsorption Diets emphasising processed foods, refined grains and few vegetables Depleted soils High calcium levels – they compete in the same pathway Signs of deficiency: Muscle spasms Increased risk of arrythmimas Sodium and water retention Impaired Vitamin D action Nausea/vomiting Sources: Spinach Swiss chard Kale Pumpkin seeds Tuna Extra bone Hempseed (milled) Why Magnesium is So Important to Your Pet 5) Vitamin D Around 75% of dogs are believed to have a vitamin D deficiency. There are two forms of Vitamin D. Vitamin D2 is also known as ergocalciferol that occurs in plants and Vitamin D3, known as cholecalciferol, is created in the skin during exposure to UV light and occurs in animals. Cholecalciferol (D3) is of greatest nutritional importance to both cats and dogs and luckily it can be obtained from the consumption of animal products that contain it. It is defined as a fat-soluble vitamin, which means it can be stored in the body’s fatty tissue. Vitamin D plays an indirect role in bone health by managing calcium levels in the body. It controls absorption of calcium in the intestine and the amount of calcium excreted by the kidneys. If Vitamin D levels are low, then the intestines struggle to absorb calcium. Increasing evidence is demonstrating a strong association between vitamin D signalling and biological processes that regulate immune responses. Vitamin D has been found to inhibit pro-inflammatory activity and cytokine production. It is thought to promote TH2 responses which may be protective in autoimmune disease. Vitamin D is also required for the production of natural killer cells which are known for killing virally infecting cells. Many studies are establishing a link between low vitamin D levels and cognitive decline in human patients. This would be no different for our pets. Vitamin D receptors are widespread in brain tissue and it has a role in cell growth, neurogenesis, neuroprotection, detoxification, and reduction of inflammation. Studies have also shown that low vitamin D levels in early life can affect brain development. In humans, it has been established that low levels of Vitamin D are associated with a higher risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack). The vitamin D axis affects vascular muscle cell proliferation (remodelling or regeneration of cells), vascular calcifications (mineral deposits in arteries and veins), inflammation and blood pressure. In their natural state, dogs and cats would have consumed their whole kill. Prey animals store
Well, it turns out it’s nutrition and hydration week and it couldn’t be a better time with the increasing temperatures we’ve experienced here at My Pet Nutritionist. So, we thought we’d take a look at the importance of water. We know both us and our pets need it, and we should probably drink more than we actually do, but do we know why? Well, we will at the end! What does Water do? Water is possibly the single most important nutrient for the body. It has a range of functions: 1) It functions as a solvent that facilitates reactions and also transports nutrients around the body. 2) Water is able to absorb heat from the processes occurring in the body, without the overall body temperature changing too much. 3) It further contributes to temperature regulation by transporting heat away from working organs through the blood. In other species it also evaporates as sweat, but dogs unfortunately don’t have this mechanism. Whilst small amounts of sweat will be apparent on their paws during times of stress (think vet visit),they actually pant to cool down. 4) Water is crucial in the digestive process; it is a key player in hydrolysis, which is the splitting of larger molecules into smaller molecules (through the addition of water). 5) The kidneys also use large quantities of water when eliminating waste. Water loss is a natural process. Urinary excretion is the largest loss, but dogs will also experience faecal and respiratory loss. Faecal loss is usually minimal,and only becomes an issue when there are associated health issues. In diarrhoea for example, water is absorbed in the large intestine so if food hasn’t spent enough time there, it will be expelled in diarrhoea form. This can be a result of motility dysfunction caused by stress for example, or if the body perceives it contains something harmful/pathogenic. In dogs especially, evaporation occurs from the lungs during respiration. The reason water drinking is encouraged in warmer weather is often less to do with cooling dogs down, and more to replace the water lost during panting. A dog’s total water intake comes from three possible sources: – Water present in food, – Metabolic water, – Drinking water Water Present in Food The amount of water available in food, depends on the type of food it is. Commercial dry food can contain as little as 7% water. Canned foods can contain up to 84% water. Fresh food diets can be both cooked and raw. Meat in its cooked form can average around 60% water and when raw, around 75% water depending on the cut. Dogs will generally compensate for the water content differences by voluntary intake of water – you’ll notice a dry fed dog will voluntarily drink more than a can fed dog for example. Metabolic Water This is the water produced during the processes that occur in the body when metabolising fat, protein, and carbohydrates. Metabolic water produced per 100g Fat – 107ml Carbohydrate – 55ml Protein – 41ml In the grand scheme of things,metabolic water is relatively insignificant as it only accounts for 5-10% of the total water intake in most animals. Drinking Water There are a range of factors that can affect how much water a dog chooses to drink, their environment, their diet, levels of exercise, overall health, and life stage. Voluntary water intake will increase in warm environments and during/after exercise. This is to replace that lost during respiration,panting, and energy metabolism. One study also found that when dogs were fed a diet of 73% moisture, they obtained 38% of their water needs from drinking water. But when their diet only contained 7% water, voluntary water intake increased to 95% of their total intake. Findings Here Voluntary drinking will also increase in diets with a high salt content. Generally, dogs are accurately able to regulate their own water levels, when they have access to freshwater. Water Loss and Dehydration Thirst is triggered in the canine at a bodyweight loss of 0.5-1% due to dehydration. Dry protein also increases dehydration. Water containing protein maintains levels best. Findings Here Back when animal studies were less ethical, dogs needed to be resuscitated after 10-20 days of complete water deprivation (whilst still being fed). Signs of Dehydration Loss of skin elasticity Loss of appetite Vomiting Panting Pale, sticky gums Prolonged capillary refill Dry nose Dry eyes Lethargy Some of these signs may be noticeable at just 5% drop in water volume. There are also links between cognitive function and dehydration. Dehydration has been linked to a reduced blood flow to the brain, humans appear more tired and less alert. In states of 2% water loss,there is a decrease in both speed and efficiency in psychomotor tasks. A state of dehydration likewise induces the stress response in the body. Findings Here Hypertonicity additionally causes mast cell degranulation. Hypertonic dehydration occurs when there is an imbalance of water and salt in the body. Mast cells are those ones that contain granules rich in histamine which are a key player in the inflammatory response. So, there are schools of thought that dehydration can exacerbate inflammatory responses (including allergies). This is of particular interest in sensitive dogs who eat a low moisture content diet. Water Toxicity On the other side of the scale,water toxicity does exist. This is more often connected to secondary drowning, whereby a dog ingests high levels of water when playing near or in a body of water. Early signs of toxicity include restlessness, salivation, and vomiting. Toxic Water It is clear that our pets need free access to fresh drinking water, along with a high moisture diet, but there are also considerations in the type of water you offer to your pets. The UK’s water supply is one of the best in the world yet drinking water quality varies from region to region. Chlorine is one of the ways in which our drinking water is disinfected. When chlorine is added to water, it destroys the membrane of microorganisms
Whilst not our general remit, here at My Pet Nutritionist, we often see the longer-term impact of infection or infestation of certain parasites in dogs. We can often trace digestive discomfort to parasite treatment protocols too! For that reason, we thought we’d explore parasites in a little more detail. Parasites can be endo or ecto. The difference is their habitat. Endo = lives inside the host Ecto = lives on the surface, outside of the host. Ectoparasites The most common ectoparasites include ticks, mites, fleas, lice, mosquitoes, and flies. We are interested in them because: They may cause cutaneous lesions which may lead to secondary bacterial or fungal infections and various kinds of dermatitis, They can induce immunopathological responses, especially allergic reactions, with flea allergic dermatitis (FAD)being the most important They can transmit pathogens They may be zoonotic or transmit zoonotic infections Their control is part of maintaining healthy pets – he direct health implications of ectoparasite infestation can be more than skin deep, for example heavy blood sucking arthropods can cause anaemia. Fleas In Europe the most common flea species found on dogs, cats and on other small mammalian companion animals are Ctenocephalidesfelis, followed by C. canis, Archaeopsylla erinacei (hedgehog flea), and occasionally other flea species such as Ceratophyllus gallinae, Echidnophagagallinacea (poultry fleas), Spilopsyllus cuniculi (rabbit flea) and Pulexirritans (human flea). Fleas are 1–6 mm long, flattened wingless insects, with robust hind legs enabling jumping and possess a mouth adapted for piercing skin and sucking blood. Once emerged from the pupa, adult male and female fleas start to actively seek a host. In the absence of a host, they can only survive for a few days. After the first blood meal, they need daily blood meals for survival and usually remain on the same host for the remainder of their life. Maximal recorded longevity is 160 days, but most fleas survive for about one to three weeks as they are groomed out by the host. Non-allergic animals may have few or no clinical signs and only show occasional scratching due to irritation caused by fleas or their bites. Animals that are allergic or develop an immunological reaction to flea saliva, show pruritus, alopecia, broken hairs, and scabs with crusts. Moist dermatitis may also be seen. In chronic cases, the skin shows thickening and hyperkeratosis. In young, old, or sick animals, heavy infestations with a large number of fleas can cause anaemia. Infection with tapeworm can be an indication of a current or recent flea infestation. Ticks Female ticks can increase their weight up to 120 times as they engorge with blood; when fully engorged they can measure around one centimetre in length and resembles a small bean. Ticks spend a variable time on their hosts;in some species, each stage feeds for only a short period of one to two weeks.Generally, ticks are seen as vectors of bacteria, viruses, protozoa and nematodes affecting both companion animals and humans. Infections can be transmitted in saliva as the ticks feed or, more rarely, after the tick is ingested. Generally, tick infestation is highly seasonal; in the UK and central Europe there are typically two peaks, one inMarch to June and a second in August to November. Ticks can be found all over the body but the main sites are the non-hairy and thin-skinned areas such as the face, ears,between the toes and perianal regions. Removal of blood, in heavy infestations and under certain circumstances, may lead to anaemia. The wound caused by a tick bite may also become infected especially if the if the tick is forcibly removed and the mouth parts remain in the skin. Attached engorging female ticks, which can measure 1 cm in length, are easy to see. The main concern of ticks is their role as vectors of pathogenic agents which cause a range of tick-borne diseases. Demodectic Mange Mites Female mites are up to 0.3 mm long, males up to 0.25 mm. Demodex mites in dogs are considered a normal community found in the skin and are seen in small numbers on many dogs without any clinical signs. They spend their entire life in the lumen of hair follicles, but in heavy infestations, they invade the sebaceous glands. Demodex mites are unable to survive away from their hosts. Demodectic mange caused by D. canisis a common skin disease in dogs. Newborn puppies usually acquire mites fromtheir mothers via direct skin contact during nursing, and so the first sites ofinfestation are the upper lip, eyelids, nose, forehead and ears. Over time, mites colonise the skin overmost of the body. Demodex spp. don’t infest other animal species(including humans) and although transmission of mites may occur during directcontact between older animals, the disease is not considered to be contagioussince most animals that develop demodicosis are thought to suffer from anunderlying condition or a genetic defect that compromises their immune systems. Endoparasites When we look at endoparasites, we are generally considering some type of worm. Roundworm Toxocara canis and toxascaris leonine are two species of roundworm that are known to affect dogs. Both are long, white and spaghetti-like in appearance and absorb nutrients from the infected dog. Roundworm larvae will initially infect adog’s intestinal tract but can burrow their way into other bodily tissues and organs. As the larvae mature, they will move onto the lungs to develop, then upto the airway before being coughed up and swallowed again, re-entering the intestine to complete their lifecycle. Toxascaris leonina however, do not move around the body and have a far simpler lifecycle. Tapeworm Tapeworms are flat, segmented little creatures. They belong to the cestode familyof intestinal worms. The tapeworm uses its hook-like mouth parts to attach to the wall of the small intestine. The adult worms may reach 30 cm in length. As the adult matures, individual segments, called proglottids, are passed in the faeces of an infected dog. The proglottids are about 12 mm long and about 3mm wide. They are easy to recognise as grains of rice. Tapeworms must first passthrough an intermediate
Is it true that DNA is our destiny? This concept is much like Schrodinger’s cat – a paradox. With Schrodinger, his cat was both alive and dead until his box was opened. With our DNA, we can blame our Grandma for something that has gone wrong, but equally how we choose to live our lives can also affect whether or not we have something to blame Grandma for. Are you lost yet? So were we. But here at My Pet Nutritionist, we like to give you, as pet owners tools to support your pet’s health, so we’ll give you the 411 on DNA and how we can use nutrition to lessen how much we blame Grandma for (or Grandad, could be him too!) Pretty nifty, don’t you think? This is what we call nutrigenomics. Let’s start off with some key definitions: Genomics: This is the study of all genes and gene products. It explores how they interact and influence biological pathways, networks and physiology. Nutrigenomics are therefore a subset of genomics with focus on the genes that relate and respond to nutrition and lifestyle interventions. As it’s relevant, epigenetics is the study of how the environment and other factors can change the way that genes are expressed. Epigenic markers are chemical compounds that are added to genes to regulate their activity. Whilst these modifications do not change theDNA sequence itself, epigenetics affects how cells read genes and whether the cells should produce relevant proteins. The point to note is that DNA doesn’t change – gene expression does. This is where the idea of turning genes on and off comes from – epigenetic markers can turn genes on, and off. Gene Writers Much like I’m writing this blog now, we can think of our DNA having workers at a word document. The fact that I had a nutrient dense breakfast and have a cup of tea next to me, with the birds singing by my window, places me in good working conditions. The blog should therefore make sense – be well-formatted and do the job it is meant to do (share information). If I had not slept for days, gorged on ultra-processed food, and been bombarded with stressors, the blog may not make as much sense, it may even have a few typos, and not in fact do you the job it was meant to (you have no clue what I was writing about). Our gene workers are similar. If they have supportive working conditions,they do what they are supposed to, they send the correct information out; cells know what they are supposed to do, and they even know when they’re not supposed to be doing anything. If they have poor working conditions, they send out half finished messages (or coding), which may contain typos; cells don’t really know what they are supposed to be doing and start to go a little rogue. The genome is malleable – our genes are like a word document – it is a living document. They also eavesdrop on every choice we make, or those we make for our pets. Dirty Genes and those that just act Dirty The reason we think DNA is destiny, is because its partly true. When us, or our pets are born, we have our very own DNA. Within that, there may be these alterations, or variants known as single nucleotide polymorphism (or SNPs, we call them snips). These SNPs can cause problems – they are like the inbuilt typos on your word document. Like the Microsoft paperclip assistant that would always pop up no matter how many times you tried to get rid of him! So, both us and our dogs can be born with dirty genes that send unclear messages to our cells. But, lifestyle, and nutrition, can also make the genes dirty. Luckily, we live in an age of washing machines, so we’ve got some great ways to clean them up again! One of the ways in which our DNA expression can be altered is through methylation. This is the addition of a methyl group – demethylation is the removal of a methylation group. Methylation is a key chemical process for every cell and cellular activity, constantly and dynamically regulating our daily function. It supports growth and repair, immune function, synthesis of neurotransmitters and phospholipids, and plays an important role in detoxification. If you’d like to know more about detoxification then check out our blog here. But what is also nifty is this positioning of the methyl groups can be passed down from generation to generation – which ultimately affects the health of future generations. Take note breeders! Poor DNA methylation has been increasingly associated with many diseases, from cancer to autoimmunity. And of course, this process requires a number of co-factors. Where do these co-factors come from? The Diet. Nutrients crucial in DNA Methylation: Folate: spinach, broccoli, romaine lettuce, daikon radish, liver. Vitamin B12: liver, sardines, salmon, lamb, beef, dairy, all meat,eggs. Vitamin B6: spinach, cauliflower, all meat, liver, sweet potato, salmon, leafy greens, daikon radish, liver. Vitamin B2: spinach, beetroot, mushrooms, eggs, broccoli, kale,peppers, daikon radish, liver. Zinc: beef, spinach, mushrooms, lamb, pumpkin seeds, turkey,seafood. Magnesium: leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, spinach, sunflower seeds,daikon radish. Choline: egg, collard greens, brussels sprouts, spinach, chicken, turkey, salmon, sardines, beef. Betaine: spinach, sweet potato, turkey, veal, beef, liver. Methionine: nuts, beef, lamb, turkey, fish, shellfish, eggs. Not surprisingly, ultra-refined foods place a strain on methylation, which is why we would always advocate a fresh, wholefood diet for your pet. So if you want efficient methylation processes – ensuring a sufficient supply of these co-factors is essential. There are also certain food compounds which ultimately affect gene expression through their influence on DNA methylation. This is where the concept of nutrigenomics comes in. Polyphenols Catechins have been seen to modulate gene expression. They are polyphenolic compounds found in plants. Sources include apples, blackberries,pears, green tea (opt for decaf if you’re feeding it to your dog). They also exhibit antioxidants
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we often find that in many cases, immune function in some pets has gone a little awry. Being the thing that quite literally keeps us alive, you can see, how optimal immune function is kind of important. So, we thought we’d give you a run through on its function. What is the Immune System? When the body is invaded by bacteria, a virus or parasites, an immune alarm goes off, setting off a chain reaction of cellular activity in the immune system. Specific cells are deployed to help attack the invading pathogen. Those cells often do the job, and the invader is destroyed. But sometimes, when the body needs a more sophisticated attack, it turns to a more specialised set of cells. These cells are like the special ops of the immune system—a line of defence that uses past behaviours and interactions to tell it exactly how to deal with the threat. The immune system is responsible for all of this, and not surprisingly is has many systems to mobilise action. We tend to explore the immune system in terms of innate immunity and adaptive or acquired immunity. Innate immunity is what everyone is born with – it’s a type of general protection. The innate immune system provides the first line of defence; broadly divided into physical and chemical barriers and nonspecific responses. The physical barriers include the skin and mucosa (a membrane that lines cavities in the body) of the digestive and respiratory tracts. Saliva, tears, and mucous (that sticky material) all help to provide a barrier, as does the microbiome of the skin and gut. In the gut, stomach acid also provides a first line of defence as its acidity level can kill off potentially harmful pathogens. Hair inside the nose also traps pathogens and environmental pollutants. This is where you’ll recognise the age old having something stuck up your nose when you are viciously sneezing! Pathogens that sneakily get past these first defences are then tackled by the next row of soldiers in the innate immune system. There area number of white blood cells involved in innate immunity: Monocytes which develop into macrophages Neutrophils Eosinophils Basophils Natural Killer Cells But there are also other participants: Mast Cells The Complement System Cytokines Macrophages develop from a type of white blood cell called monocytes. Monocytes become macrophages when they move from the bloodstream to the tissues. They ingest bacteria, foreign cells, damaged and dead cells. This process is called phagocytosis, and cells that do the ingesting are called phagocytes. Macrophages secrete substances that attract other white blood cells to the site of the infection. They also help T cells recognise invaders and therefore also participate in acquired immunity (which we’ll come to later). Neutrophils are among the first immune cells to defend against infection. They are phagocytes, which ingest bacteria and other foreign cells. Neutrophils contain granules that release enzymes to help kill and digest. Neutrophils also release substances that may trap bacteria, preventing them from spreading and making them easier to destroy. Eosinophils can ingest bacteria, but they also target foreign cells that are too big to ingest. Eosinophils contain granules that release enzymes and other toxic substances when non-self-cells are encountered which make holes in the target cell’s membranes. They also produce substances involved in inflammation and allergic reactions. We know this because those suffering with allergies, parasitic infections, or asthma tend to have more eosinophils in the bloodstream than those not suffering with the conditions. Natural killer cells are ready to kill as soon as they are formed. They attach to infected cells or cancer cells, they then release enzymes and other substances that damage the outer membranes of these cells. NK cells play a role in the initial defence against viral infections, and they produce cytokines that regulate some of the functions of T cells, B cells, and macrophages too! We’ll look at T and B cells later. Also involved in the inflammatory response, mast cell function resembles that of basophils in the blood. When they encounter an allergen, they release histamine. Histamine causes blood vessels to widen, thereby increasing blood flow to the area and so, we have the usual signs like redness, heat, swelling and pain associated with inflammation. The complement system consists several proteins that function in a sequence. One protein activates another,which activates another, and so on to defend against infection. This is known as the complement cascade. Complement proteins play a role in both innate and acquired immunity. They kill bacteria directly,help destroy bacteria by attaching to them, they attract macrophages and neutrophils, neutralise viruses, help immune cells remember invaders, promote antibody formation, and help the body eliminate dead cells and immune complexes. Cytokines are the messengers of the immune system. White blood cells and other cells of the immune system produce cytokines when an antigen is detected. There are many different cytokines, which affect different parts of the immune system. Some cytokines stimulate activity – asking the white blood cells to become more efficient killers, some cytokines inhibit activity, signalling an end to an immune response and some are known as interferons, which interfere with the reproduction of viruses. Cytokines also participate in acquired immunity. Acquired (adaptive or specific) immunity is not present at birth. It is learned. Its job is to learn, adapt and remember. It’s almost like a cheesy advert for a local school! Acquired immunity does take time to develop after exposure to a new antigen, but afterwards, the response is quicker and more effective! Key Definitions Antibody – Antibodies are specialised, Y-shaped proteins that bind like a lock-and-key to the body’s foreign invaders — whether they are viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites Antigen – An antigen is any substance that causes the immune system to produce antibodies against it. The white blood cells responsible for acquired immunity are Lymphocytes which include T and B cells. There is also a role for others in acquired immunity which include dendritic cells, cytokines, and the complement
Constipation is the infrequent or difficult passage of faeces. As pet owners, we may pay more attention to the size, colour and consistency of bowel movements and not necessarily notice that our companion hasn’t “gone” for a while. The first hint we may notice is straining when out on a walk with our dogs, or our cat spending more time in the litter tray than usual. When they do go, faeces are dry and hard. Constipation is something that we are asked about regularly here at My Pet Nutritionist, so let’s take a look at what actually occurs in the digestive tract in cases of constipation, what can cause it, and some top tips for managing it. The Digestive Syste Unlike us humans, our pets lack salivary enzymes and so the digestion of their food doesn’t really start until it hits the stomach. As food travels down the oesophagus, it goes through a gateway known as the oesophageal sphincter before getting to the stomach. The stomach is like a washing machine, it churns the food and releases detergent-like compounds to break the food down. Food is turned into a smoothie like consistency known as chyme, which then makes its way to the small intestine. The small intestine is covered in tiny,carpet-like projections known as villi which are vital for nutrient absorption. In short, these villi allow the goodness found in the food to get to the rest of the body. But for that to happen, the chyme needs to be broken down further. Here is where the pancreas comes in. The pancreas is like a factory, it produces enzymes that help to digest food, along with hormones that help control how much sugar is in the blood too. The liver also produces bile acids which are secreted into the small intestine from the gallbladder to help with digestion and absorption of fat. Just to make sure digestion is targeted from all angles, the lining of the small intestine also contains enzymes that break down food too! After the small intestine has done its job, the unabsorbed bits (including fibre) move into the large intestine. But it must go through the ileal brake first. This is like a watchdog; if it spots under-digested food coming through, it tells the upper-gut movements to shut down their party. The large intestine also plays a role in nutrient absorption, simply because it houses trillions of microbes that can help digest things that have so far been indigestible. These microbes also produce messenger molecules to the brain, reducing inflammation and signalling satiety amongst other functions. The large intestine also reabsorbs fluid and electrolytes. During this process,the contents in the gut turn from liquid to solid, so the longer the food remains here, the more water is absorbed and therefore the more solid it is. Sloppy poops spend significantly less time here. At the end of the large intestine, the rectum stores and compacts the waste, before the brain receives the signal to release the accumulated waste though the anus. But how does food move through this system? As the intestine looks much like a computer game from the 1980s, we’re pretty sure gravity isn’t completely in charge. Well, it isn’t. The movement of food through the system is largely thanks to a carefully curated orchestra of muscle contractions. On of these programmes is peristalsis, which are wavelike contractions. Earthworms actually use this mechanism to drive their movement. The other is segmented contractions which generally occur in the small intestine. In the large intestine, mass movements propel the chyme/faeces towards the rectum. What is particularly interesting is that the gut can function independently of the brain, so it can do all of this without any conscious thought. Digestion forms part of the parasympathetic nervous system, appropriately dubbed rest and digest. This leads us into our first possible cause of constipation… Stress When the body feels stressed, resources are redistributed to organs and functions that need them. Sadly, the digestive system is not one of them. Stress can result in a temporary halt to digestive function (of course,stress can also result in projectile diarrhoea, but we never said the body was an easy study did we!). Without the nod to continue its work, waste can sit, waiting for the signal to release. Changes in Routine The digestive system also displays circadian rhythm variations. There is evidence that peristalsis has its own routine. Gastric emptying rates are slower in the evening, and the migrating motor complex (think of it as the road sweep after a car accident, clearing the small intestine between meals) is slower at night too! Not only that but the liver seems to have its own circadian regulation to synchronise with periods of feeding and fasting. Findings here Factors which inform circadian rhythm: Light Mealtimes Sleep Exercise Temperature If your pet has recently experienced changes to their mealtimes, walk times, or had disrupted sleep, this could play a role in their changing bowel habits. Dehydratio This is particularly relevant to cats. They historically have a low thirst drive and sadly, chronic kidney disease is a risk factor for constipation (diagnosis is increasing year on year). As we noted earlier, the large intestine reabsorbs fluid, and it is here that generally dictates how solid the poop is likely to be. The body always wants to maintain homeostasis, so it will always try to balance its levels. For the cat who isn’t gaining much moisture from their diet, there isn’t much water to reabsorb in the large intestine, but by gum, it will try! This is why we always advocate a fresh food diet for your pet. Always have fresh, filtered water available too. A worthwhile read on cats, hydration and kidney disease here. Obstruction Obstruction can be as sinister as it sounds, blockages caused by foreign objects like toys, plastic bags or elastic bands, but it can also be a medical obstruction caused by a tumour, abscess or granuloma. That said, as pets regularly groom themselves, they
Gone are the days when you could walk into a pet shop and have the choice of three types of food: the cheapest, middle of the road and the most expensive. Thank goodness! But we now have a new problem. What on earth do I feed my pet? Do I feed dry kibble? Quite simply, NO. But what about the rest? Canned? Dehydrated? Commercial Cooked? Home Cooked? Commercial Raw or DIY Raw? At My Pet Nutritionist, we can help guide you. In an age of choice, is there a “best diet”? Obviously human research demonstrates fresh feeding over processed foods is far healthier for us and can prevent disease. this applies to our pets too however our job is to look at the pet, holistically and consider all constraints involved. Whilst we know there are rules of thumb for optimal health, much like for us humans, all pets are different. There may be a perfect diet for your pet, but that same diet may not be perfect for your neighbour’s pet. So let’s explore the different foods available to you, what we like about them and what considerations need to be made, if in fact they are your foods of choice. Raw Feeding Raw feeding is just that, when you feed meat, fat, bones etc in their raw state. Within raw feeding there are a number of approaches. You may come across phrases like BARF which stands for biologically appropriate raw feeding, or RMB which stands for raw meaty bones, you may also come across PMR which is prey model raw and more will no doubt appear over the coming years. The basis of a raw diet comes from considering the evolution of the dog. Dogs came from wolves, and before domesticated by humans, would largely fend for themselves; eating whole prey; eyes, brains, guts galore (although there is some data that suggests the guts were often left, which leads to the suggestion that dogs avoid greens when given the opportunity, but this isn’t always the case and some leafy greens pack some punch in terms of nutritional value). The biggest concern around raw feeding is contamination and so, we must practice appropriate handling techniques when handling any raw meat, just read the packaging on your raw chicken fillets. The more recent development is around antimicrobial resistance. Whilst raw food poses a risk, so does the inappropriate use of antibiotics, excessive use of disinfectants and sanitisers, livestock rearing techniques and pesticide use along with many more. Within raw feeding you may come across the 80-10-10 method. This is where you feed 80% meat, 10% bone and 10% offal (organs). This is what most commercial raw food manufacturers offer, in a ground state, as a basis for their meals. But you can also formulate a raw diet to FEDIAF guidelines, again some raw food manufacturers provide products that meet these requirements and offer complete foods. Raw food is in its original state, apart from being processed through a meat grinder in pre-made minces, what you see is what you get. Feeding a raw diet has been associated with a range of improvements and health benefits in pets: Digestibility of crude protein and fat is improved in raw foods compared to dry practical pet foods. Dogs fed a RMB diet have a significantly more diverse microbiome than commercially dry fed dogs. Dogs being fed a RMB diet demonstrated a high digestibility of nutrients. Generally, the size of stool is deemed as a measure of digestibility in pet food manufacturing and in raw fed dogs, stool size significantly diminishes (suggesting improved digestibility). Dogs fed dry kibble compared with a raw food diet have demonstrated altered immune cell gene expression. Keto diets have been seen to improve outcomes in pets with cancer; a raw diet is largely based on keto principles. In a randomised clinical trial in 2012, the positive effect of a raw diet was reported in relation to the formation of calcium oxalate uroliths. Lower calcium excretion was found in the urine of dogs eating a commercial RMBD, compared with excretion in dogs eating a commercial dry extruded diet. An initial analysis of the Dog Risk data (Helsinki University), has revealed a decrease in the incidence of atopy and allergy in dogs that eat RMBDs. It appears that an RMBD fed at a young age has a positive influence on reducing the incidence of atopy in the population. Eating raw meat, raw bone and cartilage gave the strongest association of any the food items consumed in the study. Results have indicated that raw food, fed at a young age, could protect German shepherd dogs from CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia). All findings here Dogs fed raw food often have less plaque build up and white teeth on raw food. Pets have a dietary requirement for protein and fat. Protein to build and repair cells, fat to provide energy, insulation and to act as signalling molecules. They also have a requirement for a range of micronutrients, those vitamins, and minerals. Meat, bones and offal are full of available nutrients, in their original state. Raw is perfectly able to provide nutrients for your dog to thrive, but the dietary plan may take some tweaking to get it right. Some dogs take to bone straightaway, some need a little longer. Some can tolerate 10% offal, some start to get black, tarry poops without an offal free meal or day. The Poop Gives you the Scoop As much as we’d like to tell you the eyes are the window into the soul; when you’re feeding a pet, if you want to know what’s going on inside, keep a watchful eye on their poop. Too much bone in a raw food diet starts to give white, crumbly poop. Too much offal is usually a black and tarry poop. There are other indicators too, but here at My Pet Nutritionist, we’re not averse to a poop pic, so if you are worried about your dog then please feel free
When we talk about toxins at My Pet Nutritionist, we are talking about flea and tick treatments, worming and even households chemicals. The extra sprays of air-freshener, the over-powering smell of disinfectants and most things in the home being wiped with fabric softener. In a pet-free home, as a grown adult, it’s entirely your choice what you expose yourself to and if you want your home smelling like that, then go for it! But when you make the decision to care for a pet, who can’t tell you when they are feeling nauseous or have a headache, you have to think a little more carefully. How many of you go to a friend’s home and notice the sweet smell of their air freshener or carpet cleaner? But when you get home, you can’t smell your own? This is because we develop a tolerance – our homes may not smell strongly to us, but they may to our pets. Especially our dogs. Dogs possess an extremely strong sense of smell. Which is why they have found themselves with some of the most impressive jobs in the world; some become medical detection dogs as they can detect minute changes in a person’s odour, signalling disease. It is believed that a dog’s sense of smell is 10,000-100,000 times that of an average human. They could detect the equivalent of one drop of liquid in 20 Olympic sized swimming pools! Findings here So, even if we can’t detect a compound in our environment, it’s safe to say, our dog probably could. Your dog is detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Now, they detect these in cancer sweeps (different cancers will produce different VOCs), but most of us know of VOCs for the bad rap they have. VOCs are chemicals that evaporate under normal atmospheric conditions (room temperature, low boiling point), compromising air quality. It’s fairly obvious when you spill some fuel at the garage, or you’ve recently painted your kitchen. The odour is compounds in the air, that you breathe in and subsequently stimulate/inhibit your olfactory receptors. Findings here VOCs are found everywhere. They are released by many everyday items including: Cleaning Products – detergents, bleaches etc Air Fresheners Paints Deodorants/Perfumes Fabrics Rugs Vinyl flooring Wood Burners Cigarette Smoking Printers and photocopiers This list is not exhaustive but covers the main culprits in most homes. But why are they a problem? Many VOCs have been proved as carcinogenic. That is, they are known to cause cancer. This largely depends on length of exposure, but it is still a risk. Findings here Many studies are showing the moderate to strong increase in respiratory distress or allergic effects of exposure to VOCs. As you would expect, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat is regularly reported. It stands to reason there would be an increase in allergies reported when exposed to certain VOCs. How bad is it? The health effects of a certain VOC will depend on its chemical nature and also the degree of exposure. Exposure can include ingestion, respiration and absorption through the skin. Here, we wondered whether a long-coated dog, or cat is any worse off? If the compounds stick to their coat? They are carrying the compound around with them. But we have not yet found any data to explore this query. Consider that your pet will spend a good 20-23 hours a day in your home, accounting for a 1-2-hour walk or a prowl at night time. Obviously less if they attend day care or come to work with you. But that is a high level of exposure – you are likely out of the home for a much larger part of the day. Whether you work 8-10 hours, or you are part time and then nip to run errands. In humans, it is clear that VOCs disrupt hormones and reproduction which subsequently affects the development of babies and children – it’s not a push to suggest this could happen with our pets, so it’s advised to be even more mindful with pregnant bitches, litters of puppies and when you bring your new puppy home! Findings here In an age where we want our homes grey and white and smelling of spring flowers all year round, we are inadvertently exposing our pets to some pretty harmful compounds. So, what can we do about it It’s not as hard as you’d think. Firstly, if you are re-decorating, try to do so at times of the year where you can have windows and doors open to bring fresh air through the home. Also, opt for water-based paints as these contain much lower level of VOCs. If you are unsure, speak to your local DIY or paint supplier and ask for a low content specifically. Store partly used paints and solvents in the garage or shed, where people and pets are unlikely to spend much time. If you know you won’t ever use it again, offer it to friends or family to use or simply dispose of. When cleaning, check the labels of the products you use for common harmful VOCs including: Acetone Butanal Carbon Disulfide Dichlorobenzene Ethanol Formaldehyde Terpenes Toluene Alternatively, opt for environmentally friendly products. There are so many new companies popping up who use natural ingredients to help keep your home in tiptop condition. Most are also conscious of plastic usage. We recommend products from Iron, Method, Ecover and Velvet, you dissolve a sachet of product in water in a bottle that you are reusing. The ingredients are plant-derived and essential oils are used for fragrance where possible. They smell great. White vinegar is a great product to have in the home, it’s a powerful odour neutraliser. Perfect if you are toilet training or are worried that your home smells of wet dog! Activated charcoal is also a great odour neutraliser and air purifier. Pop bags around your home, in your car etc and you’ll soon notice odours disappear. Some gift companies have even started making bouquet style bags, specifically for this purpose! Citrus
One of the most abundant minerals in the body along with calcium and phosphorus, magnesium is essential to bodily function. Whilst there is some disagreement on the numbers, anywhere from 60-70% of the body’s magnesium is found in bone; the rest is in cellular fluid and soft tissue. Absorbed primarily in the small intestine,it soon finds its way to regulate muscle contraction (including the heart),blood pressure, insulin metabolism and to synthesise DNA, RNA and proteins! Not only that but it plays a key role in the nervous system for nerve transmission and neuromuscular coordination. It has also been found to protect against excitotoxicity. Rarely heralded for these qualities, it is an easy nutrient to miss; several human nutrition textbooks certainly do. So, let us explore this trusty element (Mg)in a little more detail and how it is particularly important to overall health. What is Magnesium? Magnesium is a chemical element; it is found in the Earth’s crust and found dissolved in sea water with sodium and chlorine. It is essential to all cells in the human body and activates some 300 enzymatic reactions necessary for metabolism. It interacts with ATP (energy carrying molecule), DNA and RNA. Plants too require magnesium to synthesise chlorophyll (the green pigment found in plants), which is essential for photosynthesis. Magnesium helps promote the absorption and metabolism of other minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium. Not only that but it also plays a role in the utilisation of B-complex vitamins and vitamins C and E. Magnesium is the second most abundant mineral in your dog’s body, after potassium. It has a role throughout the body, so let’s start at the top. Signs of Magnesium deficiency Possible signs your pet is deficient: Muscle cramps Seizures Nervousness Low stress tolerance Anxiety Depression ‘Behavioural issues’ GI upset (often constipation with low levels) Loss of appetite and nausea Pancreatic dysfunction decreased glucose tolerance Fatigue Heart arrhythmia Hypertension Urinary disorders in cats The Role of Magnesium in Neurological Disorders Magnesium is essential in nerve transmission and neuromuscular conduction. It is also thought to be protective of excessive excitation that can lead to neuronal cell death. What this means is, it is thought to be of benefit in cases of chronic pain, anxiety and depression. It’s all to do with neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are in short, the body’s chemical messengers. They are the molecules used by the nervous system to shuttle messages between neurons, and from neurons to glands or muscles. Communication between neurons occurs at tiny gaps called synapses. One neuron (presynaptic neuron) releases a chemical (neurotransmitter) that is received by the other one (post synaptic neuron), which subsequently alters that neuronal function. Receptors can be designated as either excitatory or inhibitory; excitatory if they increase the likelihood of an action potential, and inhibitory if they decrease the likelihood a neuron will fire an action. The body thrives when it is in balance, maintaining homeostasis. Think of it as if you got into the car and just carried on driving, ignoring stop signs, junctions, other cars etc. Chaos would ensue. Inhibitory neurotransmitters are the highway code, stop signs, roundabouts etc; they ensure balance. There are two particularly relevant neurotransmitters, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and glutamate. Glutamate is excitatory and GABA is inhibitory. GABA counters Glutamate; they are the ying:yang of neurotransmitters. GABA relaxes and sedates, which is why low levels of GABA are often linked to anxiety or mood disorders (in humans). Magnesium is thought to modulate glutamatergic neurotransmission. Low magnesium levels have been suggestive of a supportive environment for excitotoxity; in short, there was too much glutamate at the party which resulted in cell death. Not surprisingly, this results in neurological decline/disorder. Magnesium seems to inhibit the receptors which glutamate acts on. Through this mechanism, it is also thought that GABA availability is increased. Findings here (Interestingly, the mineral zinc also down regulates glutamate response). Findings here In humans, many studies have demonstrated that magnesium is neuroprotective; this is particularly relevant for anxious or fearful dogs. Findings here Magnesium and the Heart Magnesium deficiencies have been linked with cardiovascular disorders, including high blood pressure and abnormal rhythms. There are a number of mechanisms in which magnesium supports heart health and function. Magnesium naturally competes with calcium which is essential in generating heart muscle contractions. Calcium stimulates the muscle and magnesium counters it; helping them to relax (this is also why magnesium is used in cases of spasms). When magnesium levels are low, calcium can overstimulate heart muscles causing a rapid or irregular heartbeat. As we have mentioned, magnesium is key to maintaining balance. Findings here There are also studies that suggest low levels of magnesium have been linked to low HDL (good) cholesterol, high triglycerides, and total cholesterol. This suggests that magnesium could be protective in cases of heart disease. Findings here Magnesium and Oxidative Stress and Free Radicals Oxidative stress is defined as the imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants; potentially leading to damage. Oxidants are reactive species,and some are free radicals. Reactive species are important in many physiological processes, but the over production can cause problems. It is thought that magnesium may attenuate free radical production in one of two ways. Firstly, it may directly inhibit free radical production and secondly, it may facilitate the scavenging of free radicals. Low magnesium levels have been linked with reduced antioxidants like glutathione, vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium. In short, low magnesium has been linked to greater levels of free radical production and low-level production of other antioxidants. Findings here Magnesium, Glucose Metabolism, and Insulin Resistance When food is eaten, it makes its way through the stomach and into the intestines; it is converted into glucose or blood sugar (the body’s fuel). In response, the pancreas produces insulin which helps cells absorb glucose for energy, now, blood sugar levels start to fall. High glucose calls for high levels of insulin and if this is repeated regularly, the body can stop responding to insulin; or stop producing it all together. Magnesium plays a
Whilst we don’t like to bash pet foods and understand that people are often looking for convenience and economical options, we always feel it’s important to highlight why dry food is not a good option for your pet. Fresher food always prevails in my clinic and there are thousands of people who will testify to the wonderful effects of a fresh food diet. There’s a myth that feeding fresher foods is a lot more expensive. Like anything, there is something to suit all budgets and well we believe, if you have invested your time and love into a furry member of the family, then it’s worth considering the best options to support their health. Before we begin to look at dry foods, its important to understand a little more about our dogs and where they have come from to understand their needs. We have domesticated dogs for around 30,000 years. Dogs are facultative carnivores which means their main diet should be a meat based diet but they can survive on other foods if required. Cat’s are obligate carnivores, meaning they are solely carnivorous and wouldn’t survive without a meat based diet. Dogs are a species of canid but domesticated dogs are the closest related ancestors to the grey wolf. We have changed the shape and size of domestic dogs but there has been very little evolutionary change to the digestive system. A domestic dog’s digestive system is designed to eat fresh raw meat and bones (this is where their high and relative need for calcium and phosphorus come from). The first dry food was only produced in 1957 by Purina and since the 1970s, the average age of a dog has gone from 17yrs to 11yrs. Nutrition is not solely responsible for this drop but feeding ultra processed foods, plays a huge huge part in your dog’s longevity and quality of life. Dry food Is made by the extrusion process, extruded food goes through four extremely high heat processes, so you can imagine what that does to the nutrients. You are left with something that is dead “food” void of nutrients, antioxidants, enzymes, fatty acids and probiotics. The food is then sprayed with a layer of fat and flavour enhancers to make it palatable to dogs, then sprayed with a pre mix of synthetic vitamins and minerals. As if all this is not bad enough, food that contains protein and carbohydrates when heated to high temperatures, causes glycemic end products to be formed. AGE’s have been linked to free radical damage, cancer and premature ageing. The other big issue with pet food is the amount of glyphosates, a chemical herbicide (weed killer) used on crops such as wheat, corn, soy and potatoes, commonly used on ingredients found in pet foods. When certain brands were tested for glyphosates, the amounts were considerably higher than expected. Glyphosates are deemed carcinogenic and linked to cancer and many other diseases. We know one in two dogs will get cancer in his/her life time. Research here Another concern with dry food, is most contain a huge amount of carbohydrates. As we know, our dogs are facultative carnivores and our cats, obligate carnivores, which means they need a meat based diet to thrive. Both cats and dogs have no to little nutritional requirements for dietary carbohydrates. They can obtain everything they require from a diet that contains only protein and fat. Energy metabolism in both cat and dog can be based on fat oxidation and the breakdown of protein to produce glucose. Carbohydrates=sugar and can cause a host of problems including systemic inflammation. If your cat or dog has IBS, IBD, arthritis, allergies, bad breath, constant ear infections, urinary issues, obesity, yeast infections, kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid issues, cancer and more, then the first thing to do is look to the food you are feeding, and go from there. Structurally, carbohydrates (starches mostly) are essential to dry pet food manufacturing as commercial extruded pet foods use these starches to give the food structure and texture. Even some canned dog foods contain a carbohydrate source to create a gelling agent. Frequently used carbohydrate sources used in dry food/pet food include grains such as rice, maize, corn, potatoes, legumes, and fillers such as milled beet. The carbohydrate content is not given in dry food but you can work it rather easily. Some popular fed dry foods have shocking results! In most cases there’s more carbohydrates in the food than protein! Most of these dry foods are almost half a bag of carbohydrates. If you want to work out the amount of carbohydrates in your dogs food add the percent of: Protein Fat Ash Fibre Moisture (if not stated 8%) together then subtract the amount from 100, this will leave you the percent of carbohydrates in the food. Here are some of the most common dry food brands: JAMES WELLBELOVED protein 20% Carbohydrates 48% JAMES WELLBELOVED GRAIN FREE protein 21% Carbohydrates 46.8% MILLIES WOLFHEART LAMB AND VEG Protein 19% Carbohydrates 45.5% EDEN protein 45% Carbohydrates 18.5% WAINWRIGHT GRAIN FREE protein 25% Carbohydrates 40% AVA MEDIUM ADULT protein 26% Carbohydrates 46.6% HARRINTONS GRAIN FREE protein 25% Carbohydrates 44.5% BURNS protein 18.5% Carbohydrates 57.8% ROYAL CANIN protein 25% Carbohydrates 45% CANAGAN protein 33% carbohydrates 32.5% TAILS protein 22.3% Carbohydrates 46.9% AKELA Protein 39% Carbohydrates 20.5% ORIJEN protein 38% Carbohydrates 23% HILLS IDEAL BALANCE protein 23.5 Carbohydrates 44.1% AATU protein 32% Carbohydrates 43% BARKING HEADS protein 26% EDGAR AND COOPER Protein 25% carbohydrates 41% STEP UP TO NATURALS protein 22% Carbohydrates 47.2% BAKERS protein 21% Carbohydrates 50% WAGG Protein 21% Carbohydrates 49.8 PEDIGREE protein 21% Carbohydrates 42.9 The Ideal Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio for pet food is 4:1. This can go up to 6:1 quite comfortably but reaching a higher ratio than this can cause a huge amount of systemic inflammation. The average dry food offers 20:1 and can go as high as 50:1. This is another blog to venture. A required percentage of moisture in your pet’s food should
