You are what you eat! This is a phrase that has dominated the media for decades. On a biochemical level it’s true – each cell in the body has a function, to carry out that function, it needs nutrients, co-factors and energy. Whilst some nutrients and cofactors can be synthesised within the body – in one way shape of form, what cells need must come from somewhere, and that somewhere is the diet. This also applies to the cells that tell us, and our dogs how to behave, or more interestingly, influences how us or them feel. So, can food affect behaviour? It sure can! But the full answer needs a little more explanation, so grab a coffee and join us as we take a look at the link between food and mood, and specifically which compounds or foods may play a role. What is Mood? Mood is the way us or our dogs are feeling at a particular time and they can change – depending on internal and external factors. Although they can change – moods still have physiological symptoms – for example, during anger, heart rate increases and in humans, a noticeable red flush to the face. When calm, heart rate reduces. Being focussed or distracted is also a mood and this is largely affected by biochemical processes too. In this case, the right balance of dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, and these chemical messengers are in fact a key element in how food can influence behaviour. Neurotransmitters are like the nervous system’s carrier pigeons. The main neurotransmitters that do that work are acetylcholine, dopamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate, histamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. Neurotransmitters can be excitatory, or inhibitory. They either make something do something or stop something doing something. Like an accelerator and a brake pedal. All of these neurotransmitters must be made from something. We can think of it like a recipe for behaviour – we have main ingredients, but we also need some seasoning (co-factors)! So, let’s take a look at the recipe book for some of the heavy lifting neurotransmitters. Acetylcholine Acetylcholine stimulates muscle contraction, both skeletal and smooth. It is also involved in attention, memory, and learning. Acetylcholine is needed in high amounts during waking hours, but in low levels during restorative sleep. In most cases acetylcholine is excitatory. What is of interest is that acetylcholine is released by nerve cells during times of mild stress (or concentrating on learning something new), so during these times, demand is increased. Acetylcholine is synthesised from choline and it is carried out in the liver. Sources of choline include egg yolks, liver, kidney and seeds. Dopamine Dopamine can be both inhibitory and excitatory depending on the receptors it acts upon. It contributes to the control of voluntary movement and influences learning, attention, and emotion. It is largely associated with reward mechanisms in the brain and plays a part in pleasure seeking. Dopamine gets particular interest in incarcerated humans, but also in aggression in dogs. Aggressive dogs have been found to have significantly different alleles for dopamine receptors than their non-aggressive counterparts; short form alleles demonstrate greater impulsivity. Whilst it is easy to suggest that aggression and impulsivity is in the genes, there are processes that can regulate gene expression. DNA methylation is one such epigenetic mechanism. If you would like to know more about this then check out our blog here. Findings here Dopamine is synthesised from phenylalanine and tyrosine which are both amino acids. Sources of phenylalanine include dairy, eggs, nuts, chicken, beef, pork and fish. Sources of tyrosine include chicken, turkey, fish, bananas, yoghurt, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds. Dopamine is broken down by a couple of enzymes, and there can be genetic variants which affect how quickly it occurs –for some, dopamine may hang around a little too long, for some it may disappear incredibly quickly. Increased breakdown can lead to attention deficit behaviour and often fatigue like behaviour. On the other side of the scale, decreased breakdown is sometimes noted in aggressive behaviour. Altered protein intake can sometimes help to balance this out. GABA GABA is the primarily inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, this stops the firing of neurons and we call it the breaks on the brain. By inhibiting neural activity, GABA facilitates sleep, reduces mental and physical stress, lowers anxiety, and creates a calmness of mood. Its relationship with glutamate is key to overall balance. GABA also modulates intestinal motility,gastric emptying, and gastric acid secretion. Findings here GABA’s recipe includes an amino acid too, glutamine. Sources of glutamine include beef, chicken, dairy, fish, eggs, cabbage, spinach, carrots, kale, and papaya. Serotonin Serotonin has a wide-ranging role in the body including regulation of energy balance, food intake, and GI and endocrine function. But its behavioural processes include mood, perception, reward, anger, aggression, appetite, memory and attention. In cases of canine aggression, serotonin levels are found to be significantly lower than their non-aggressive counterparts. Serotonin is synthesised from tryptophan, but you might already know this! However, in times of stress, tryptophan gets stolen. We’re not lying. It’s called the “tryptophan steal”. Tryptophan also feeds another pathway in the body, known as the kynurenine pathway which is a necessary pathway, but in times of stress or inflammation this pathway steps up a notch and siphons the little tryptophan we did have! Foods to boost serotonin: Banana Pineapple Pomegranate Strawberry Spinach Nettle Kiwi Lettuce Tuna Turkey Chicken Oats Nuts and Seeds Glutamate Glutamate has excitatory effects on nerve cells, and it can actually excite cells to their death. Both too much and too little glutamate are harmful. The oversupply of it can lead to seizures, and environmental stress can significantly enhance glutamatergic release. Findings here But like everything in the body, we’re looking for goldilocks – just enough! Glutamate occurs naturally in protein-containing foods like diary, mushrooms, meat, fish and some vegetables. Histamine Histamine is a transmitter in the nervous system and a signalling molecule in the gut, skin, and immune system. It is
An elimination diet – the wand of all wands. Or at least we would like to think so. Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we regularly utilise elimination diets in our healing plans. But there is often some confusion over their purpose and how best to use them. So, we thought we’d cover, what they are, what they hope to do, and what they can’t do. What is an elimination diet? An elimination diet, also known as exclusion diet, is a diagnostic procedure used to identify foods that an individual/animal cannot consume without adverse effects. Adverse effects may be due to food allergy (IGE), food intolerance (IGG), other physiological mechanisms, or a combination of all of the above. The point to note here is that it is a diagnostic tool – not a long-term lifestyle and in some cases, a means to give the immune system a welcomed break. People often look at certain foods being the culprit or the saviour. But what’s really happening is the bodies inability to deal with certain antigens effectively. As we know, the immune system functions like a radar – always on the lookout for potentially harmful compounds. But, through regular activation it can become hypersensitive and seemingly forget that it does have a tolerance capacity too. Immune Tolerance In the body, there are two types of immune tolerance, one is self-tolerance, and this prevents the development of autoimmune disease. The body accepts its own cells and doesn’t try to kill them (so kind!). But there is also this idea of induced tolerance. Induced Tolerance Induced tolerance occurs when the immune system actively avoids responding to an external antigen. This tolerance is induced by previous encounters with that antigen. An example of induced tolerance is a deliberate manipulation of the immune system to avoid the rejection of transplanted organs or to provide protection from allergic reactions. But induced immunity needs a fully functioning immune system to make the right calls at the right time – this is the basic premise of why we want to carry out an elimination diet. To see what foods might elicit a reaction. Through the removal of antigenic compounds (the foods potentially wreaking havoc), you remove the adverse responses pulling on resources and you can then spend time supporting the various systems in the body, including the immune system, to get your ducks in a row. Why would you do an elimination diet? An elimination diet is often the first port of call for dogs suffering with allergies, intolerances, inflammatory conditions and also behavioural issues. This last point often raises a few eyebrows –but as we know, immune responses are intricately linked with the brain and subsequently behaviour. We not only have sickness behaviour, which makes us hunker down and prevent the spread of virus (evolutionary purpose for survival), but pain simply makes us, and our dogs, miserable. In cases of irritable bowel syndrome, there is a noted visceral hypersensitivity too, which in a nutshell means an even higher sensitivity to pain (and sadly an increased propensity to be miserable). The take home? Allergies, intolerances and inflammatory conditions are all an immune response. So, the point is to lighten the load on the immune system. But we can’t forget there are differences between allergies and intolerances. A food allergy or other allergic response is caused by an IgE antibody reacting towards that allergen. IgE binds to mast cells to promote histamine release. This is an immediate response and in some to certain food allergens can be fatal (anaphylaxis). Hives or instant rashes and swelling can be seen. IgA is an antibody that lives in mucous membranes, inside nasal cavities, and lungs. It helps to protect the respiratory tract as a first line of defence. IgM is the first immunoglobulin that is encountered in an infection, or vaccines for the first time. IgG is the work horse antibody; it is the soldier, the memory antibody. This is what gets drafted when your dog is exposed to something they have already figured out a response to. When you have a food intolerance, we tend to discuss it in terms of IgG. Symptoms usually begin within a few hours of eating the food that you are intolerant to. Yet, symptoms can be delayed by up to 48 hours and last for hours or even days, making the offending food especially difficult to pinpoint. IgG’s are mostly raised from the barrier mucosa in the digestive system. After a meal, there are both antibodies and complexes of food antigens bound to specific IgG’s. These complexes are quickly cleared by the reticuloendothelial system. Clinical observations suggest that due to gut inflammation and permeability (leaky gut), the digestive system is unable to digest the proteins effectively which subsequently raises IgG response to certain foods. We know that chronic intestinal inflammations and permeability are related to and possibly responsible for food IgG sensitivity. 90% of food reactivity comes from IgG’s. Just to confirm, intolerances can be changeable but allergies tend to be for life and only account for around 10% of food reactivity. IgG’s come in different categories but to keep it simple, they are generally defined as cyclic or fixed. A common IgG reaction is cyclic and can take around 3 months to disappear/change. A fixed Intolerance tends to linger for longer and can take around 6 months to disappear/change. So how do we move forward? We prime and reset the digestive system, and this includes starting with an elimination diet but also gut healing and immune balancing protocols. We follow the 4 R’s. – Remove – carry out an elimination diet. Remove offending foods, one at a time and note changes in symptoms. Quite often, even offending foods can be reintroduced at a later stage. – Repair – support immunity and gut healing with ingredients like slippery elm, de-glycerised liquorice, glutamine, andN-acetyl-glucosamine. It is also important to consider how existing medications are affecting gut healing for example, steroid use impairs intestinal absorption which is linked to several gastrointestinal dysfunctions. But, because of their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activities,
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we know that every cell has a job to do, and it needs certain nutrients to do those jobs. The cells of the immune system have a particularly important job to do and so they too need to be fuelled properly. So, we’ve collated our top foods that you can add to the bowl to support immune function in your dog. The list is not in order of importance, just simple options to pop in! 1) Red Bell Peppers Red bell peppers contain almost three times the amount of Vitamin C that an Orange does! We all know that oranges are touted for their immune supporting functions, but citrus fruits can sometimes cause some digestive discomfort for our furry friends (not all though). Vitamin C contributes to immune defence by supporting various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system. Vitamin C helps encourage the production of white blood cells known as lymphocytes and phagocytes, which as you know if you read our guide to the immune system, they help protect the body against infection. 2) Broccoli Broccoli is packed full of vitamins and minerals. You will find vitamins A, C and E, fibre and antioxidants in these little green trees! Vitamin A helps maintain structural and functional integrity of mucosal cells in innate barriers (skin, respiratory tract etc). It is also important for the functioning of natural killer cells, macrophages, and neutrophils. In the adaptive immune response, vitamin A is necessary for the functioning of T and B cells and therefore for the generation of antibody responses to an antigen. Vitamin A also supports the Th2 anti-inflammatory response. Broccoli also contains a phytochemical called Indole-3-Carbinol. This compound is formed from a substance called glucobrassicin found in broccoli and other brasscia vegetables such as brussels sprouts, cabbage, collards, cauliflower, kale, mustard greens and turnips. Indole-3-carbinol is formed when these vegetables are cut, chewed or lightly cooked and show some exciting new research on their anti-cancer effect. Findings here The Ultimate Raw Feeding Guide for Dogs Rich in Vitamin C, it is also packed full of antioxidants like beta carotene. Not that you would know it because the chlorophyll hides the yellow-orange pigment. Beta carotene is converted toVitamin A in the body but beta carotene, like all carotenoids is an antioxidant, which protects the body from free radicals. Free radicals are produced by macrophages whilst fighting off invading germs, and these free radicals can then damage healthy cells leading to inflammation, so a diet rich in antioxidants can help mitigate the damage! Best to lightly cook spinach before you offer it to your dog though! 4) Turmeric This bright yellow spice has been used for years as an anti-inflammatory, but it is also known as an immunomodulator. It interacts with dendritic cells, macrophages and both B and T cells. But it also interacts with cytokines and this is why we generally note it’s role in the inflammatory response. The inclusion of turmeric has been seen to increase antibodies to particular antigens and overall, it is seen to improve both innate and adaptive immune function. 5) Poultry There’s a reason why you were always told to eat chicken soup if you felt under the weather! Poultry like chicken and turkey is high in vitamin B6. In the innate immune system, vitamin B6 helps regulate inflammation and has roles in cytokine production and natural killer cell activity. In the adaptive immunity system, vitamin B6 plays a role in the metabolism of amino acids, which are the building blocks of cytokines and antibodies. B6 is also involved in lymphocyte proliferation, differentiation and maturation and it maintains Th1 immune responses. Stock or broth made by boiling chicken bones is also a great option and contains gelatin, chondroitin and other nutrients that are helpful in gut healing in immune function. 6) Shellfish Many types of shellfish are packed full of zinc and this is a particular powerhouse when it comes to immune function. It has antioxidant effects protecting against reactive oxygen species, it helps modulate cytokine release and also helps maintain skin and mucosal membrane integrity (that first line of defence). In the adaptive immune response, zinc has a central role in cellular growth and differentiation of immune cells. It plays a role in T cell development and activation and supports the Th1 response. Cooked mussels are a great addition to your dog’s bowl and are easily picked up in the supermarket. 7) Mushrooms! Not only are mushrooms a great source of B vitamins, but they contain the less talked about mineral selenium. There are such things known as selenium-dependent enzymes which can act as redox regulators and antioxidants; so,selenium can help protect against free radicals too! Not only that but selenium is involved in T cell proliferation and it also has a role in antibody production. Lightly cook mushrooms before offering them to you dog and check out the range of species that have additional health benefits too! 8) Kale One of the leafy greens, kale is rich in folate, or vitamin B9. B vitamins are required to convert food into energy and the demands placed upon the body during sickness can mean more of a demand on this process. Not only that but folate plays a role in maintaining natural killer cells and plays a role in mounting a sufficient antibody response to antigens. Folate also supports Th1 mediated immune responses. In cases of folate deficiency, immune function is often impaired. Low Fat Kangaroo 9) Liver! Whether you opt for cooked or raw, liver is a good source of vitamin D. We find vitamin D receptors throughout the immune system which demonstrates the role it plays in its function. Vitamin D stimulates immune cell proliferation and cytokine production and it helps protect against infection caused by pathogens. It also demonstrates an inhibitory effect in adaptive immunity, suggesting that it is in fact an immune modulator. This is often why we notice increased cases of autoimmunity where there is low vitamin D.
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
Another one of the most common issues brought to us here at My Pet Nutritionist is Atopic Dermatitis. Most commonly seen in dogs, it can also occur in the cat. Atopic dermatitis is a multifactorial disease process, but it is defined as a genetically predisposed inflammatory and pruritic allergic skin disease often associated with IgE (immunoglobulin) against environmental allergies. The prevalence of AD is thought to be 10-15% of the canine population. Symptoms will include: Scratching Chewing Licking Recurrent skin, ear and anal gland inflammation and infections Hair loss Thickening of the skin It is thought that genetic abnormalities, along with an altered immune system and skin barrier defects all play a role. So, lets take a look at AD in a little more detail. Where it comes from and what, if anything, we can do about it. Genes Multiple gene expressions involved in skin barrier function and inflammation have been seen to go awry in canine atopic dermatitis. They have been both up and down regulated. Gene expression is like the instruction pamphlet that comes with your washing machine. Issues in gene expression is like you being sent an instruction manual in a different language and inadvertently using the 60-degree wash on your cold wash items! It’s not going to end well. Well, cheeky genes who aren’t doing what they’re supposed to, often doesn’t end well either. In dogs suffering with atopic dermatitis, data has shown: 361 genes that instruct inflammation, wound healing or immune response were up regulated. 226 genes that affect skin barrier function showed decreased mRNA. mRNA is a messenger; so low concentrations result in fewer messages. Findings here This is why certain breeds are known to suffer with AD, specifically, German Shepherds, Labradors, Boxers, West Highland White Terriers, French Bulldogs, Bull Terrier, Lhasa Apso, Springer Spaniel, Poodle, Dachshund, Miniature Schnauzer and Pugs. That said, these predispositions are also linked to geographical area, which also demonstrates how the environment can interact with genes. There is much attention being paid to the idea of epigenetics; how behaviour and the environment can affect how genes work. This is why, even if your dog is genetically predisposed, you shouldn’t throw in the towel, just yet. Skin Barrier Defects The skin is the first line of defence in our trusty immune system. This goes for our dogs too. If the skin isn’t as robust as it needs to be, then pesky allergens or irritants can get in and start to knock on doors of our second line of defence; inflammation. It is believed that part of the defects found in the skin barrier in AD cases is due to decreased concentrations of filaggrin. Not only can this be due to a genetic encoding error, but certain enzymes in the skin can breakdown filaggrin. The more enzymes, the more filaggrin gets broken down. Filaggrin is a protein found in the skin, and it binds to keratin filaments. This forms a structure within the skin cells. Filaggrin is essential to skill cell maturation, and in forming the outermost protective layer. It also forms part of the natural moisturising substance found in the skin; without it,cells dry out. This is why low levels of filaggrin result in dry, cracked skin. There is also evidence that filaggrin associated atopic eczema is more likely to lead to food sensitisation and inhalant allergens. Findings here Despite there being a genetic cause for filaggrin deficiency, the importance of maintaining a robust skin barrier is essential. Please take a look at our top tips for promoting skill health here. Altered Immune Response As we have mentioned, if pesky allergens or irritants get past the first line of defence, they soon feel the full wrath of the immune response. What starts with inflammation, will venture to a targeted attack in order to eradicate the invader. In the case of a defective skin barrier, the system will regularly be exposed to potential threats, of which the immune system must deal with. This constant state of firefighting ensures a steady level of inflammation throughout the body, which is why cases of dermatitis are often paired with food sensitivities. This is why tackling chronic inflammation is a key part of a dermatitis plan. As you have likely gathered, ensuring a robust skin barrier is essential in managing atopic dermatitis, but so is modulating the immune response and inflammation. Here are our top tips in tackling those three areas. Polyphenols Polyphenols are known to interfere with pro-inflammatory mechanisms. They have been seen to act upon keratinocytes which attenuate skin inflammation. Not only that but they have been seen to hamper toxicity of bacteria which regularly colonises the skin of atopic dermatitis affected patients. Polyphenols have been seen to inhibit the activation, proliferation, and function of Th2 cells which are key players in allergic reactions. Specifically, in the inflammatory response in allergic reactions. This has also been demonstrated during re-exposure to the allergen, suggesting that offending allergens may even be reintroduced at a later stage. Polyphenols are micronutrients found in certain plant foods; they are packed full of antioxidants. Their original role in the plant is to protect against UV radiation and of course aggression by pathogens. For that reason, they tend to contribute bitterness, astringency, colour, flavour, odour and oxidative stability. Under the umbrella of polyphenols, you will find phenolic acids, flavonoids, stilbenes and lignans (and a few more). Along with being anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial, the antioxidant capacity of phenolic compounds is also key to skin health. Oxidative stress is the imbalance between free radicals (the exhaust fumes of work) and antioxidants. Oxidative stress can damage the structure of the skin and negatively influence immune system function. Interesting, polyphenols have been seen to alter certain gene expression in the dog. Findings here So, all things considered, they are pretty nifty things to offer in your dog’s fresh food diet. Phenolic Compounds for The Dog Blackberries Raspberries Strawberries Blueberries Apple Pear Curly Kale Broccoli Green Tea (organic and decaffeinated) Parsley Chamomile Pomegranate Be mindful
Whilst carbs are generally demonised in human and pet health, if you want to reap the rewards of fibre, you’ll have to play fair with carbohydrates. So, let’s look at carbs for what they really are. A carbohydrate is a molecule made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, which is why you may often see them noted CHO. Their primary function is to provide energy. Carbohydrates are made up of three components, fibre, starch, and sugar. Sugar is a simple carb. Having fewer molecules to digest and breakdown, it sends an immediate burst of glucose into the blood stream. This is the one that tends to cause a ruckus. Fibre and starch, however, are complex carbs, having longer chains of molecules. Starch takes longer to digest, having a more gradual effect on the body and fibre is a non-digestible complex carbohydrate. So, whilst fibre possibly doesn’t get the attention it deserves, and carbohydrates are routinely demonised, the heath benefits are often overlooked. Fibre, you may be surprised to learn, can be a key player in maintaining absolute gut health and supporting anxious behaviours. 1) Fibre to support your dog’s gut barrier If fibre and resistant starch can’t be digested, what happens to it? It gets fermented by the bacteria living in the gut. This produces short-chain-fatty acids, also known as SCFAs. The most common SCFAs produced are acetate, butyrate and propionate and they all have unique roles. They provide fuel for intestinal epithelial cells, which strengthen the gut barrier and butyrate is known for its role keeping the junctions of the barrier nice and tight. Not only that but SCFAs are able to stimulate mucus production, which is vital for creating a barrier between the external environment and the underlying gut epithelial layer. Mucin production plays an important role in protection from harmful pathogens and immunity. Findings here 2) Fibre to support your dog’s well-bein As you have seen, non-digestible fibre gets fermented into SCFAs in the gut. SCFAs also exert effects on the brain. Not only have all examples of SCFAs been found in the brain, suggesting they can cross the blood-brain-barrier, they appear to modulate neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factors. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers used by the body’s nervous system. Acetate has been shown to affect levels of glutamate and GABA. Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter and is involved in virtually every major excitatory brain function. GABA is the brakes; it is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. GABA facilitates sleep and reduces both mental and physical stress, creating a calm mood for your dog. In the same strand, it seems all SCFAs can affect levels of tryptophan which is the enzyme involved in the synthesis of serotonin and we all know that serotonin is the happy chemical! Generally, the inclusion of dietary fibre has been deemed a highly appealing approach, which is simple and relatively low risk if you are looking to help support your dog’s mental well-being. Findings here 3) Fibre as a prebiotic for your dog Here is another word you may have come across, but along with probiotics and synbiotics, not really understood which one is which, or whether either even does anything! Well, prebiotics were first defined as “non digestible food ingredients that beneficially affect the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or limited number of bacteria in the colon, thus improving host health.” So, possibly without even knowing, if you included non-digestible fibre in your dog’s diet, you were likely including prebiotics already. All prebiotics are fibre. But not all fibre is prebiotic. Prebiotic substances have demonstrated the ability to manipulate the gastrointestinal ecosystem of the dog, improving the composition of their microbiota and overall improving immune system function in dogs. Short-chain-fructooligosaccharides and oligofructose seem to modulate the intestinal microbiota and aid absorption of certain minerals, whereas mannooligosaccharide exhibits a positive effect on immune system function. Yet is it noted that supplement studies are carried out on healthy dogs; little evidence exists considering the role in canine disease. That said, there are a range of foods that contain naturally occurring prebiotics including dandelion greens, berries, bananas, flaxseed, apples, carrots, asparagus and of course mushrooms! 4) Fibre for your dog’s heart Cardiovascular disease is an inflammatory disease and diet is often considered the cornerstone for CVD treatment. Many studies have demonstrated that high amounts of dietary fibre can significantly reduce the risk of CVD. It is thought that fibre reduces cholesterol and fatty acid absorption and reduces glucose absorption along with decreasing insulin secretion. SCFAs, which are fermented from dietary fibre, also have anti-inflammatory properties and inflammation is central to complications associated with CVD. Findings here 5) Fibre for your dog’s overall health Dietary fibre adds bulk to the stool, which can alleviate cases of constipation. Not only that, but healthy bowel movements are essential to anal gland health in the dog. On its journey, dietary fibre attracts water and turns it to gel during digestion, this not only slows the absorption of glucose but can trap potentially harmful substances. In the same strand, it can speed the transit of food through the digestive system which facilitates regular bowel movements. Findings here Commonly Used Fibre Although fibre is generally an umbrella term, there are fibres within fibres. Cellulose consists of glucose units bound by linkages that can only be broken down by microbial enzymes, those found in the colon. Cellulose is an effective stool bulking agent. Pectins are found in the skins of fruits, being water soluble and rapidly fermentable. Gums are viscous and sticky polysaccharides found in the seeds of plants; they tend to have a variable fermentation rate. Psyllium husk is a form of soluble fibre, it contains mucilage which swells when in contact with fluid, forming a gel. Psyllium can help to improve faecal consistency. Fructo-oligosaccharides are polymers than contain up to nine sugars. FOS enters the colon intact and then is fermented by bifidobacterial and lactobacillus. FOS is fermented into SCFAs. This fermentation also reduces intestinal pH which can inhibit the growth
This is the stuff of most owner’s nightmare’s! Wriggly worms in the poop isn’t exactly heart warming, but fear not, we are going to take look at the different types of worms and how to naturally prevent them. A little 101 on all the worms and how to effectively and safely ward them off and manage potential problems. There are three main groups of worms to consider in our dogs, intestinal worms, these include, roundworm, whipworm, hookworm, tapeworm. Then we have lungworm and heartworm, although heartworm does not exist in the U.K. ROUNDWORMS Roundworms also know as toxocara canis are the most commonly found worms in our dogs. They have the appearance of spaghetti and can reach several inches long! They live in the intestinal tract of the dog and feed off undigested food. Roundworms are very common in puppies. Transmission Roundworms can be transmitted in several different ways. They can be passed from mother to puppy whilst in the womb and through the mothered milk when nursing. Roundworms can also be spread by sniffing or eating infected faeces or eating infected animals like rodents, birds and earthworms, that are of course infected. Symptoms Roundworms are the most serious for puppies and young dogs as they can suffer from malnutrition, weight loss and have pot dog pot bellied appearance, as well as vomiting and diarrhoea. You may also notice worms in your dogs poop or vomit. Diagnosis Faecal screen or visually identifying WHIPWORMS Whipworms also known as Trichuris vulpis, live in the caecum of a dog, this is a blind ended pocket located near the large intestine. They grow to around 30-50 mm in length and get their name from their whip like appearance with a thick anterior and a very long thin posterior. Whipworms attach themselves to the mucosal lining of the caecum and feed on blood and tissue fluids. Transmission Dogs become infected by consuming soil of faeces that is contaminated with whipworm eggs. Symptoms Whipworms cause serious irritation and inflammation of the lining of the caecum, causing watery, bloody diarrhoea, weigh loss, anaemia and lethargy. If infestation is large it can be fatal. Diagnosis Faecal screen HOOKWORMS Hookworms also know as ancylostoma caninum, get there name from their hook like mouth piece, they are around 3mm in size and very difficult to see with the naked eye. They hook themselves to the wall of intestines and ingest blood from the tiny vessels. Transmission Hookworms can be transmitted in several different ways, in utero, through mother’s milk, oral ingestion and the larva can burrow through the skin! Symptoms Hookworms can cause lots of symptoms including pale gums, bloody stools, poor growth, weakness and severe anaemia, that can lead to death. Hookworms can also cause dermatitis and itchy skin especially on the paws where the larva has buried into the skin. Diagnosis Faecal screen TAPEWORMS There are a lots of different species of tape worms, a common tapeworm is taenia echinococcus but the most commonly found species in U.K. dogs is dipylidium caninum, also known as the flea tapeworm. Tapeworms belong to the cestode family of parasitic worms, they are flat in shape. Tapeworms hook/suck onto the intestinal wall of the dog and absorb nutrients directly through their skin. Tapeworms are made up of segments, these are called proglottids that detach from the worm and are essentially a bag full of eggs, ready to infect the environment and their next host. Transmission Tapeworms are carried by live stock and your dog would need to ingest a cyst to be infected, the larva in that cyst would then grow into an adult tapeworm, if it is a flea tapeworm they must first ingest a flea that has been infected with tapeworm larva, that will develop into an adult tapeworm. Symptoms Tapeworms can cause a whole host of symptoms from dull coat, weight loss and vomiting. Dogs will often scoot and bite at their back end, and in some cases you will see a proglottide segment crawling around the anus. Diagnosis Faecal screen or seen proglottides in faeces. LUNGWORM Lungworm also known as French heartworm, Angiostrongylus Vasorum, live in the right ventricle of the heart and pulmonary arteries of our dogs. Transmission Lungworm is transmitted to our dog by either eating a slug or snail that is infected with lungworm larvae, the larvae can also be transmitted to our dogs through the slug/snails slime that is on dogs toys, water bowls or infected puddles. It be noted that not all snails and slugs are infected with lungworm. Symptoms Lungworms can cause serious damage if left untreated. There is lots of symptoms from vomiting, weight and appetite loss, pale gums, bruising and poor blood clotting. Coughing or coughing up blood, as well as other breathing problems such as emphysema and pneumonia. Lungworm also cause heart problems and in extreme cases heart failure, as well as seizures. Diagnosis Faecal screen HEARTWORM Heartworm or dirofilaria immittis is a parasitic roundworm that is a species of filarial worm, that live in the pulmonary arterial systems and heart. They can grow up to several inches long. Transmission Heartworm is transmitted by a mosquito that is infected with microfilariae, an early stage heartworm larvae. The mosquito bites the dog releasing the microfilariae into the blood stream where they make their way to the pulmonary arteries and heart, to develop into adult heartworm. Symptoms Symptoms can be anything from, fatigue, poor appetite, weight loss and coughing to chronic cardiovascular and respiratory disease. In serious cases dog can collapse due to caval syndrome, this is when blood is blocked getting back to the heart due to a high worm burden. Diagnosis Blood test for macrofilariae, these will not be present in blood till after 6 month of initial infection. Antigen test, this tests for a specific protein released by female heartworms, The earliest you can test for this protein is 5 months after initial infection. It is advised to have an annual testing for heartworm. Natural Prevention
Let’s chat about gastrointestinal health. There’s a lot involved in keeping your pet healthy and the main area to focus on is the digestive system. Digestion is important and there are some poor pooches and pussy cats out there whom are diagnosed with inflammatory Bowel Disease, namely Crohns and Colitis. Intestinal issues and disorders are among the most common reasons for trips to the vet whether it be diarrhoea, constipation, IBS and today’s focus, IBD’s such as Crohns and Colitis. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) such as Colitis and Crohns are conditions resulting from an inflammatory response in the gut. They are characterised by the infiltration of pro-inflammatory cells into the intestinal mucosa. The lining of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract may become thickened and/or ulcerated, overreactive and less integral, with lessened gut acid and an imbalance of good gut microbiome (the good bacteria in the gut). Nutrient absorption may be compromised and the passage of food and waste material through the gastrointestinal tract may be altered. This can lead to a very sick pet. There is a genetic correlation in IBD but this disease is a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Some breeds of dog do however seem to be more susceptible to the disease such as Schnauzers, French Bulldogs, Doberman Pinschers, Mastiffs and Alaskan Malamutes. Findings here The signs of IBD may include one or more of the following; Chronic diarrhoea, loose stools or constipation Difficult or painful bowel movements Bloated, tender abdomen and gas Fresh blood and/or mucus in the stool Chronic or intermittent regurgitation/vomiting (often a sign common in cats) Loss of appetite Lack of energy Weight loss While many other problems can also cause these symptoms, when they become more frequent and chronic, then the diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) can then be given. Colitis by definition is inflammation of the lining of the colon. This can be inflammation only or can turn into ulcerative colitis where the integrity of the bowel lining becomes compromised and ulcerates. Colitis is usually limited to superficial layers (mucosa, superficial part of the submucosa) of the colon. Crohns by definition is Inflammation in different areas of the digestive tract from the mouth through to the anus and tends to affect the deeper layers of the bowel wall. When a pet has IBD, his stomach lining can become irritated, causing food to move through his system faster or gut motility can become slower. Over time, the lining of the digestive tract can ulcerate, thicken and become irritated from the inflammatory cells. Healthy cells that usually fight off bacteria and other invasive allergens will build up within this area of the body, causing diarrhoea, constipation, cramping, and abdominal pain. Possible Causes of IBD’s A poor, inadequate processed pet food can cause inflammation in the GI tract. Food allergies and sensitivities to foods such as beef, chicken, milk, eggs, corn, wheat, and soy or flavourings and colourings are common, commonly found in many processed pet food. Stress is often a low grade release of cortisol that can slow down digestion causing digestive dysfunctions, leading to inflammation. Dysbiosis (bacterial overgrowth in the gut) is highly linked to autoimmunity and in particular digestive disease (IBD). Dysbiosis leads to increased intestinal permeability, loss of immune tolerance, immune response, activating immune cells and specific microbiome (good bacteria) shifts. SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), is commonly found in the bowel and highly associated to IBD. Histamine and allergic response, impacts SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), that in humans is linked to IBD’s. Parasitic infections can take hold when the GI is not functioning well and immune function is compromised. Stress leads to mast cell activation via binding of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) to mast cell CRH receptor sites increasing inflammation and IBD’s. Poor immunity and gut immunity (integrity of the ‘one cell epithelial of the gut’), can cause over-reactivity and inflammation (IBD). This can arise from birth from not being weaned effectively. Adverse drug reactions or over-medication and vaccination, which can create a hyperactive immune state and may be a factor in IBD’s. Conventional Veterinary Approach to IBD Vet’s often use bland prescription diets of poor quality and certain drugs as an intervention to reduce inflammation and common symptoms. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), inhibit the gastric acid production and are amongst the top 10 most commonly prescribed drugs in the world for humans and pets. Acid reflux can be a symptom of an IBD. Whilst inhibitors may give short term relief, a more holistic approach is far more successful than unnaturally suppressing HCL levels. Pro-kinetic medication is sometimes used to help move food through the digestive system and strengthen the oesophageal sphincter muscles in acid reflux, a known symptom of IBD’s. Prednisone or other similar steroids, may me used to address the inflammatory nature of IBD’s. This does however negatively impact the immune and endocrine system and in human conventional medicine, is being used less and less. Long term this is a very damaging drug. How Diet and Supplements can Help Nutrition Looking at suitable diets and food for your pet is essential. A fresh and balanced diet rich in easily digestible proteins, good fats and vegetables (fibre) can help support gut microbiota and stomach acid levels. Home made cooked or raw food are often best in this instance. Findings here Processed foods and sugars can cause inflammation in your dog’s stomach, decrease acid levels, triggering acid reflux symptoms, poor gut motility, proliferation of bad bacteria and so forth. Certain foods can often elicit an unwanted immune response, so understanding what might be causing your pet to react is essential. If feeding a fresh diet has not worked, doing a food sensitivity test can help in removing the offending culprits. Nutriscan sensitivity test: check your pet at home easily for food sensitivity. https://nutriscan.org Low dietary fibre intake is associated with decreased stomach and gut motility and delayed gastric emptying. Low fibre findings are mostly found in humans, but our counterparts experience the same pathogenesis in IBD and
Let’s get talking about gastrointestinal health. There’s a lot involved in keeping your pet healthy and the main area to focus on is the digestive system. We haven’t talked about pooh for once, which is a relief. I’m sure you will agree…. Intestinal issues and disorders are among the most common reasons for trips to the vet whether it be diarrhoea, constipation, IBS and IBD’s and so forth. So, having a healthy gut is more than firming up dog poop and preventing those night time rumbles. It is central to health and one of the eight key factors to functional medicine. It is connected to everything that happens in the body and that’s why we always look to the gut when we start helping pets with chronic health problems. Poor gut health can be linked to allergies, arthritis, autoimmune disease, itching and rashes, fatigue, anxiety, cancer, and so much more. In short, if the gut isn’t functioning at full capacity then neither is your pet’s health. What the Gut does for you and your Pet Intestinal health could be defined as the optimal digestion, absorption, and assimilation of food. It helps to regulate and promote functions throughout the entire body as it absorbs nutrients that support all bodily functions from energy production, hormone signaling, skin health, mental health, immune signaling and toxin and waste elimination. Before we leap into the 7 steps for optimal digestive health, I want to cover the 5 elements to the function within the gut (ecosystem, immunity, gut-brain connection, detoxification and assimilation and absorption). Ecosystem; there are bugs in the gut that form a diverse ecosystem of friendly bacteria that must be in balance for your pet to achieve optimum health. The term now coined for your gut ecosystem is the microbiome. It refers to the collection of genomes from all the microorganisms in the gut environment. This includes bacteria, virus and fungus. Here we will focus on the good bacteria; prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics. Prebiotics are types of dietary fibre that feed the friendly bacteria in your gut that are often found in certain fruit and vegetables (such as asparagus and bananas), chicory, dandelion greens, flaxseeds, konjac and some fermented foods. To obtain therapeutic effect, prebiotics found in these foods are often extracted and given as supplements (these being Inulin, FOS, GOS, Arabinogalactans and so on). These beautiful prebiotics help the gut bacteria produce nutrients for your pet’s colon cells such as short chain fatty acids such as like butyrate, acetate and propionate. These fatty acids can also be absorbed into the bloodstream and improve metabolic health such as diabetes and hyperlipidemia. Be warned they can cause gas and should be ventured carefully. Then we have good bacteria often referred to as probiotics (probiotic strains). They are live, good, friendly bacteria that help to promote balance in the intestines. They work by increasing (stabilising) the number of good bacteria in the gut, providing a network of communicating bacteria that help support and induce certain functions in the gut. Dietary nutrients may be converted into metabolites by intestinal microbes (probiotics) that serve as biologically active molecules affecting regulatory functions in your pet. They can help to protect the gut mucosa, preventing gut inflammation, leaky gut and other intestinal or systemic disease states. Good bacteria can also attach to the cells and release substances that help prevent bad bacteria from accumulating. In fact, their function is wide and still a lot unknown. If too many of the wrong bacteria, parasites and yeasts can proliferate by a poor digestive ecosystem, this is where issues begin creep in in terms of symptoms (gas, bloating, diarrhoea, itching), yeast infections, food intolerances, leaky gut syndrome, inflammation and then ultimately immune dysfunction where we start to see disease creep in. We then have postbiotics, they are the non-viable bacterial products or metabolic byproducts from pre and probiotic microorganisms that have biologic activity in your pet. Research indicates that postbiotics can have direct immunomodulatory and clinically relevant effects in the body of animals and humans. So in a nutshell this is the ecosystem of the gut. Immunity; approximately 70% of the immune system resides in the gut, so making sure your pet’s digestive system is in tip-top condition is essential. Gut immunity is the ‘one cell-thick layer’ lining of the gut that protects your pet from the toxic environment. Although composed of only a single cell layer, the intestinal epithelium forms a barrier against penetration of bad microbes. Defects in barrier function contributes to the development of inflammation of the gut. Epithelial cells of the small intestine are coated in a glycocalyx of mucins and other glycoproteins that can interact with and trap bacteria in the mucus. If that barrier is damaged and your pet gets ‘leaky gut’, he can become intolerant to foods, that usually may be digested perfectly well. The immune system will become overactive, and it will begin producing inflammation throughout the entire body. Filtering out the good molecules from the bad molecules and protecting the immune system is another important factor in gut health. Gut-brain axis; there is the second brain, gut-brain connection. Did you know that your pet’s gut actually contains more neurotransmitters than the brain? In fact, the gut has a brain of its own. It is called the “enteric nervous system” and it is a very sophisticated. Messages constantly travel back and forth between the gut-brain and the head-brain and when those messages are interfered with in any way, health will suffer. This is often how food and digestion can have a massive impact on behaviour in animals. Detoxification; the gut has to get rid of all the toxins produced as byproducts of your pet’s metabolism (see how I didn’t mention pooh?). It can also help get rid of certain pathogens and toxins that are ingested on a daily basis. The liver supports digestion by processing the nutrients absorbed by the small intestines and secretes bile into the small intestine to help emulsify and digest fats. The bowel is required to metabolise and detoxify this matter with the
Many dog owners ask My Pet Nutritionist, why their dog is eating grass. The truth is, eating things that are not deemed a food, is rather common among dogs and often not a concern and referred to as pica. However, there are certain health related reasons why pets can be prone to eating grass. It’s known as an emetic and helps to purge and rid the body of unwanted substances such as foods. Here are some reasons why your dog may be dining out on grass! Grass is an emetic Most of you may be well aware that dogs will sometimes eat large amounts of grass in an attempt to make themselves throw up. After they consume a large amount of grass, they’ll often display some nauseous behaviour and then they’ll vomit. It’s completely normal for your dog to vomit occasionally but if this is a general occurrence then this must be looked into. Dogs are intuitive and selective and know what’s for them best in terms of intentionally ridding their system of something that could be toxic, or making them poorly. In short, a dog may be eating grass due to illness or eating something unsuitable. Dogs may eat grass to fulfil a nutritional requirement. This could be to enrich their diet with fibre. On a natural and raw diet, vegetation can add so much fibre, prebiotic and nutritional diversity. This is essential for a good functioning gut and nutritional status. We know that grass contains an abundant source of fibre and since grass is a living green food it contains phytonutrients. It’s high in potassium and also contains chlorophyll that helps aid in cleansing the body. It could be a way of easing nausea, gas or digestive issues and disease. Grass has soothing properties that can aid digestive comfort. If you suspect it could be digestive issues and grass eating is also accompanied by other symptoms such as diarrhoea or constipation then get this checked out. I always consider a natural enriched diet that is appropriate for dogs. They may be suffering from parasites such as intestinal worms. Plant material may increase intestinal motility and help to eliminate intestinal parasites. Being an emetic this may help expulsion of unwanted parasites via vomiting also. Its instinctive and enjoyable. Some dogs consider this pastime fun and may eat grass to occupy themselves. Please note vomiting grass and food on a weekly basis is not within the normal remit. Always consider the quality of the food your feeding and mental stimulation you are providing your dog. To ensure a happy and healthy dog my recommendation is always to look at natural, home cooking (researched and balanced), raw diets and better commercial home style diets, raw diets and raw dehydrated. Probiotics and prebiotics help repopulate and fortify the beneficial bacteria in your dog’s gut, while digestive enzymes provide what the entrails or the guts of their prey species would provide. These enzymes provide a rich source of amylase, lipase and protease, which can help your pets process food much more successfully. Chlorophyll in liquid form can help reduce grass eating and provide a slight detoxifying effect that your dog may require. It is full of trace vitamins and minerals and very much mimics the nutrition offered from grass. Wheatgrass is also a wonderful thing to grow in your garden or apartment, for your dog to graze on and obtain the pleasure and benefit from a nibble here and there. We hope you found this beneficial. MPN Team x
