Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we use a combination of healthy diets tailored to your pet’s needs, alongside beneficial gut-friendly herbs, and nutraceuticals. These supplementary additions often come with hosts of benefits, when used in the correct way, for a specific purpose. We often get asked about the various herbs and nutraceuticals we recommend in various blog posts and in our recipes and supplements – you can learn more about some of these here! What Are Gut Healing Herbs? Herbs high in mucilage are often known as the ‘gut healing herbs’. These herbs are usually considered to be a source of prebiotics – food for probiotics; however these herbs have another very important function when it comes to gut health! Mucilage is a soluble dietary fibre, which produces a mucus-like substance which lines the gut wall. When the gut wall is lined with this slimy textured substance, it forms a protective barrier to reduce the risk of further gut damage, and allow the gut to heal. Inflammation is then reduced due to lack of irritation. Mucilage has a fantastic soothing effect on the digestive tract too – those with acid reflux, or having recovered from illnesses like kennel cough which may cause throat irritation may find a powdered form best, due to the soothing effect of the mucilage in these herbs. As an additional benefit of these popular gut healing herbs, the mucilage can increase digestive performance resulting in better stools; this is due to the mucilage adding bulk to the stool (reducing constipation), aiding water absorption, and increasing gut motility. Some studies also suggest that mucilage rich herbs may reduce the build up of cholesterol, and aid the regulation of blood sugar levels. Frequently used mucilage herbs include slippery elm, marshmallow root, and deglycyrrhizinated liquorice root – we will look closer at these later. Findings Here Findings Here What Are Nutraceuticals? Nutraceuticals are components of foods that bring benefit to health. You may often come across plant based supplements for pets; these are packed full of nutraceuticals! Functional foods are also classed as nutraceuticals. Many nutraceuticals enhance basic nutrition, whereas some provide medicinal properties. Some benefits of using carefully selected nutraceuticals include improved overall health, prevention of chronic disease, increased longevity and all round structural support for the body. The term ‘nutraceutical’ is a combination of the words ‘nutrition’ and ‘pharmaceutical’ – meaning they share the same properties as pharmaceuticals, but are acquired through nutrition Functional herbs, antioxidants, probiotics, vitamins and minerals are all examples of the categories most commonly encountered in the world of pet nutrition. We will delve into these categories in terms of nutraceuticals later. Findings Here Findings Here When Should We Use Gut Healing Herbs and Nutraceuticals? A question we often hear at My Pet Nutritionist, is “should we be giving any supplements?” – and our answer is always “if your pet could benefit from a carefully selected supplement, then absolutely!”. It is important not to needlessly add lots of different nutraceuticals and gut healing herbs to your dog’s diet, unless they require/could benefit from it. When it comes to giving mucilage herbs, these can be incredibly beneficial in situations where gut damage is apparent. Situations a mucilage herb may be beneficial include: Allergies: due to an immune malfunction Intolerances: due to gut damage or leaky gut syndrome Following vaccines, worm or flesa treatment: these products are very damaging on the gut, so gut healing may be necessary. Acid reflux: soothes the digestive tract and reduces the risk of acid reflux Upset stomach or constipation: these herbs help to rectify loose or solid stools when needed. Great to have in the first aid cupboard! When looking at nutraceuticals, we need to look at the symptoms your dog or cat is displaying, alongside gaining a diagnosis from your veterinarian. Some types of illnesses you may use nutraceuticals for include: Joint issues Skin issues Digestive issues Cognitive health issues (anxiety etc) Vision issues As brilliant as nutraceuticals can be as part of your pet’s health regime, many do come with some contraindications with pharmaceuticals your pet may need. Contraindications are negative interactions with drugs – these interactions can often cause downregulation of the drugs themselves, leaving your pet vulnerable to disease progression. An example of this is curcumin – the active compound in turmeric. It is fantastic for joint support/arthritis, cardiovascular function, reducing inflammation, eradicating free radicals, immune support, cognitive ability and cancer prevention. The reduction in pain in those who take curcumin is vast; however some individuals may require pain pharmaceutical pain relief for their condition. Curcumin is known to downregulate the effects of some pharmaceutical analgesics, as well as various other drugs. It is always best to check with your veterinarian before starting a new nutraceutical, if your pet is on pharmaceutical drugs. Findings Here Findings Here Popular Gut Healing Herbs The three most popular gut healing herbs can all be found inside our Gut Guardian supplement, along with probiotics and chamomile. Lets take a closer look at these mucilage herbs! Marshmallow Root: this is a sweet smelling and tasting herb derived from the Althaea officinalis plant. When combined with water, it immediately forms a thick, slimy substance due to it’s high mucilage content. Traditionally, marshmallow root is used in cases of digestive or respiratory issues, and also topically to soothe skin issues. As well as being high in mucilage, it also contains high amounts of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and antibacterial properties. slippery elm: like marshmallow root, slippery elm produces a slimy substance when combined with water. It originates from the inner bark of the slippery elm tree (Ulmus rubra), and is often used to treat digestive issues, and sore throats by lining the oesophagus. DGL (deglycyrrhizinated liquorice): this herb increases mucous production in the body, which helps line the stomach, reducing the risk of harm caused by acid. DGL is thought to have properties to treat ulcers too! Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Popular Nutraceuticals There are many nutraceuticals used in the
In part two of our focus on the diet of a senior dog, we will look further into some specific nutritional categories bringing fantastic health benefits to your senior dog. We will also go through our recommendations on what to feed your senior pet, including specific nutrients and supplements you may wish to consider! Read Part 1 here! Specific Beneficial Nutrients There are a number of macro- and micronutrient categories senior dogs would benefit greatly from to slow the ageing process down, and reduce age-related inflammation. The two main categories to analyse here are Antioxidants, and Omega Fatty Acids. Antioxidants: these are one of the most important categories of nutrients to feed your senior dog (and are highly beneficial at any age!) due to their action against oxidative stress. As dogs age, oxidative stress becomes more proliferative; it’s a natural part of ageing! Oxidative stress is caused by ‘free radicals’ – unstable oxygen molecules missing an electron. Free radicals damage all parts of the body from organs to joints, causing joint degeneration, cancer, altering DNA, neurodegenerative diseases, adverse alteration of fats and proteins, and other diseases like diabetes, so it is incredibly important to combat these cells as best you can. Antioxidants tackle and remove free radicals from the body, leading to less oxidative stress, and therefore slower ageing. Some excellent sources to think about including in your senior dog’s diet include blueberries, strawberries, artichoke, goji berries, red cabbage, kale, ginger, spinach, parsley, pecans (in small amounts due to fat content), fresh garlic (avoid in Japanese breeds) and rosemary (avoid in epileptic dogs). Omegas Fatty Acids: this group of fats are another incredibly important category of nutrients to include in your senior dog’s diet, specifically Omega 3. The two ‘main’ omega fatty acids are Omega 3 and 6 – both are essential. Omega 9 is present in the diet too, but doesn’t add as many benefits to the dog’s health as Omegas 3 and 6. Omega 6 fatty acids called Linolenic Acid (LA) and Arachidonic Acid (ARA) are inherently inflammatory. The only non-inflammatory Omega 6 is Gamma-linolenic Acid (GLA). Omega 6 brings many benefits to the health of the dog despite it’s inflammatory properties, including control of hormones, however as it is naturally in abundance in our carnivorous pets’ meat based diet, we need to balance the inflammation out! This is where Omega 3 comes in! Omega 3 includes Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), Alpha-linolenic Acid (ALA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), and is inherently anti-inflammatory. The anti-inflammatory properties of Omega 3 Fatty Acids balance out the inflammation caused by Omega 6 Fatty Acids. EPA is the main inflammation reducer, while ALA aids immune and heart health, and DHA aids cognitive health and development. Some excellent sources of Omega 3 to include in your dog’s diet include fatty fish and fish oils, algal oil, flax and chia seed, oysters and eggs. You can read more about choosing an omega supplement for your pet here! Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here What Type of Food Should I Feed? The dog food market really is a minefield! There are many options of different food types, each claiming to be the best! Our ethos here at My Pet Nutritionist is to feed as fresh food as possible! Minimal processing is a major factor in healthy ageing and longevity. In this article, we are going to take a closer look at dry food, fresh cooked food, and raw food. Dry food is not a diet we would generally recommend, especially not for a senior dog! But why? High carb: carbohydrates can have an inflammatory effect on our pets. Dry foods are typically between 30 and 60% carbohydrate – sometimes even higher! Manufacturing process: these foods undergo a huge amount of processing. During the cycle of production from raw ingredient to bag, these foods are subject to up to 4 separate high-heat processes, each time reducing nutritional quality. Synthetic vitamins and minerals: our senior dogs may not be able to utilise the synthetic vitamins and minerals often sprayed onto the dry food at the end of the manufacturing process, deeming them useless. Glyphosate: due to the extreme manufacturing process, glyphosate production occurs. This is the main ingredient effective against killing weeds, but it is linked with cancer and damage of the gut microbiome. Mycotoxins and Aflatoxins: mycotoxins are chemical compounds caused by mould and can lead to vomiting and seizures. Aflatoxins are also caused by mould in food and can lead to cancer and liver damage. Storage mites: before bagging, dry foods are often stored in large hoppers – and even after bagging, the shelf life is very long, encouraging storage mites which can trigger allergies. Advanced Glycation End Products: shortened to AGEs, these harmful chemical compounds are produced during manufacturing, and a linked to cancers, inflammation, oxidative stress and premature ageing. Why do we advocate for a fresh cooked, or raw diet? Which is best for senior dogs? Fresh food is minimally processed, meaning the harmful compounds listed above do not form, reducing the risk of inflammation, oxidative stress and other disease in the body. As the ingredients are still in their whole, natural form they are nutrient dense, and provide the body with excellent nutrition! Another major benefit to fresh food, is that it is high in moisture – moisture in the diet is essential for kidney and gut health, both of which are known to worsen during the ageing process! As the gut motility of senior dogs can reduce, and other changes in the gut naturally occur, many seniors cope best with fresh cooked food as opposed to raw food – though some do still tolerate raw food! We have an extensive array of well formulated and balanced meal recipes for dogs on our website! Our Recommendations There are various aspects of diet we actively encourage owners of senior dogs to include in their dog’s feeding regime. Some may benefit from a more tailored 1-2-1 approach with one of our consultants, however our general
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we help pet owners help their beloved dogs and cats with all aspects of health and nutrition. Those we consult for include all ages, from puppyhood right through to old age. Our golden oldies deserve just as much love and care as their younger counterparts! As a dog ages, their dietary needs may change – but how? In this bumper 2-part blog, we take a look at the dietary changes your senior dog may need to stay happy, healthy and pain free! Is My Dog a Senior? This is a question we here ever so frequently! Is your dog a senior? Is there a specific age your dog becomes a ‘senior’? what are the signs your dog is becoming a senior? Many processed dog food manufacturers will class a senior dog as ‘7 years plus’ – however we know there are so many contributing factors to a dog becoming a ‘senior’, and this isn’t always at 7 years of age! Factors affecting a dog’s ageing include: Breed: generally speaking, larger breeds will hit their senior years far earlier than smaller breeds. Breeds with predispositions to health conditions may also reach senior years earlier than those without. Genetics: a dog’s family genetics/history can affect the age they reach senior years. Medical history: if your pet has had any health complications growing up, any medical reactions, infections etc, these may cause senior years to come sooner. A dog’s neutering status, or the time they were neutered may also contribute to ageing. Dietary History: a dog fed a gut-friendly diet, full of natural nutrients, with minimal processing for life is more likely to reach senior years later than those fed an ultra-processed diet full of synthetic micronutrients. Ultra-processed dry foods also tend to have a high content of pro-ageing substances called Advanced Glycation End-Products (AGEs) which cause faster ageing. Exposure to toxins: toxin exposure can cause disruption in the endocrine (hormone) system, and cause gut stress which usually comes hand in hand with life shortening conditions, causing senior years to approach quickly. These toxins can be anything from flea and worm medications to environmental toxins both in the home and out and about. Behavioural History: even your dog’s behaviour can have an effect on longevity! This may seem like an odd link, but behavioural stress can have an effect on physical stress, and vice versa. The pathway between the brain and gut, known as the gut-brain axis is at play here! Physical stress on the body, caused by behavioural stress, will speed up the process of ageing. Signs that your dog is entering their senior years include: Weight loss Reduced hearing Reduce eyesight Increased fatigue Less willingness to exercise Reduced cognitive ability Stiffness Reduced appetite Increased water consumption Development of lumps and bumps Lack of balance and stability. Of course, as your dog enters the early staged of senior-hood, these symptoms may be mild, and your dog may only display a few. As your dog progresses through their senior years, more symptoms may appear, or existing symptoms may worsen. Nutritional Needs of a Senior Dog As your dog ages, various changes occur throughout their body which require some nutritional tweaks to ensure optimum health continues. These changes include various internal systems in the body such as: Gut health: the gut of an ageing dog can be subject to various changes affecting gut motility, nutrient absorption and processing. Digestive capabilities often occur due to gut degeneration. Brain health: ageing canines are often subject to cognitive decline. Joint health: one of the major pathways from the gut is the gut-joint axis. When the senior dog’s gut is compromised, joint conditions can become more prominent. Senior dogs generally require more joint support than younger dogs. Dental Health: dental conditions like gingivitis, tooth decay, periodontal disease, tooth fractures and tooth resorption are often seen in older dogs. Kidney Health: kidney disease is one of the more common age-related diseases we often hear about here at My Pet Nutritionist, as older dogs are more susceptible to Chronic Kidney Disease; a progressive disease. Heart Health: as the heart is a muscle, over time it can begin to fatigue. Statistically, around 75% of senior dogs suffer some sort of heart disease! Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here When it comes to nutritional composition, we need to look closely at the macronutrients and micronutrients in your dog’s diet; both quantities of, and types/sources of. Macronutrients are the main nutrients our bodies require in larger amounts; let’s take a look these requirements for a senior dog: Protein: The building blocks of protein are called Amino Acids. Amino Acids are essential for pretty much everything in the body to form and function normally, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, hair, nails and skin. Protein is also used in the endocrine system, to enable the healthy production of hormones throughout the body. As the dog ages, protein deficiencies become more common, which can lead to absorption issues and muscle degradation which ultimately affects mobility. A meat based, moderate-high protein diet is advisable for senior dogs. Fat: as dogs become less active due to the natural ageing process, a low fat diet may be advisable. Feeding a high fat diet when activity levels are waning may cause weight gain which puts pressure on joints and other parts of the body. The type of fat included in the diet also makes a difference! Saturated fats are the type we ideally do not want much of, however Omega 3 Fatty Acids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, and are an important part of s senior dog’s diet! More on this later. Carbohydrate: ‘complex’ carbs which are high in fibre may be a great addition to your pet’s diet, to improve digestion, regulate metabolism and help maintain the immune and nervous systems. Higher fibre carbohydrate options include kale, broccoli and leafy green vegetables. Other ‘complex’ carbs that are ok to be fed in small amounts include sweet potato, pumpkin, banana, berries
Omega oils are one of the most important components of your pet’s diet, but with such variety of products on the market, aimed both at animals and humans, how do we know which to opt for? Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we recommend a variety of different products from various different brands, and for many different reasons! This blog past aims to help you choose the right omega source for your pets, and explains how to tell one product from the next! What Are Omegas? Omegas are Fatty Acids with a huge variety of uses within the body. Cell membranes are partly formed by Omegas, which deems them an essential nutrient for all living beings. Brain and heart health are both aided by omegas, as well as weight management and cognitive development during puppyhood, and as seniors. Omegas also control part of the body’s inflammatory response, making them useful for joint health, as well as aiding the management of, prevention of, or treatment of many health conditions. Omega Fatty Acids come in three types: Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are both classed as ‘essential’ nutrients Omega 9 is classed as non-essential but is beneficial to include in the diet So how do the three types of omegas differ chemically? Each different type of omega has not only a different chemical structure, but they have a different amount of saturation of fat. Let’s take a look at their differences a bit more closely. Omega 3 Fatty Acids are ‘polyunsaturated’, which means there is more than one unsaturated carbon bond. In a diagram of chemical structure, you will see two or more ‘double bonds’ between carbon atoms, with a hydrogen atom missing. These polyunsaturated fatty acids cannot be produced by the body, and must be consumed in the diet. Omega 6 Fatty Acids are also ‘polyunsaturated’, however two of the Omega 6 Fatty Acids are able to be produced by the body, leaving the third needing to be consumed in the diet. Omega 9 Fatty Acids are ‘monounsaturated’, which means there is only one unsaturated carbon bond. In a diagram of chemical structure, you would see only one ‘double bond’ with no hydrogen attached to the carbon atoms. These fatty acids can be produced by the body, which makes them non-essential in the diet. We mentioned that some omegas play a role in the body’s inflammatory response, so let’s discuss which ones are inflammatory, and which are anti-inflammatory. Omegas 3 and 9 have some fantastic anti-inflammatory effects on the body, which aids joint health, and is also a contributor to the reduced risk of cancers. There is also one Omega 6 fatty acid which is anti-inflammatory. The names and health roles of these anti-inflammatory Omega 3, 6 and 9 Fatty Acids are as follows: Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA): Omega 3 Fatty Acid playing a role in general reduction in inflammation. Alpha-linolenic Acid (ALA): Omega 3 Fatty Acid playing a role in heart and immune health. Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA): Omega 3 Fatty Acid playing a role in brain health and cognitive development. Gamma-linolenic Acid (GLA): Omega 6 Fatty Acid aiding the control of hormones. Oleic Acid (OA): Omega 9 Fatty Acid plays a large role in prevention of cancer and heart disease, and reduction of cholesterol. The other Omega 6 Fatty Acids are inflammatory, which negate the omega 3, and vice versa. It is very much a balancing act of omega 3 and 6 consumption, to receive the benefits of omega 6, but keep inflammation to a minimum. Linolenic Acid (LA): Omega 6 Fatty Acid which helps to prevent heart disease, keep a regular heartbeat, and potential to prevent blood clots. Arachidonic Acid (ARA): Omega 6 Fatty Acid which as an important signalling molecule, plays a huge role in the mediation of many cellular functions such as remodelling actin, a extremely important protein in some cells in the body, useful for protein-protein interactions. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Sources of Omega Where can we find these all important Omegas in order to add them into our pet’s diets? There are so many sources of Omegas, some good, some not so advisable. They are found in many forms, from fresh foods, to extracted oils which come in capsules, or in a large bottle, usually with a pump. There are meat based sources of omegas, and there are plant based sources of omegas. Some of the most popular sources of each type of Omega 3, 6 or 9 Fatty Acid we have discussed so far in this blog post, are: Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA): found in fatty fish and fish oils, as well as many algal oils. Alpha-linolenic Acid (ALA): found in flaxseed oil, chia seeds, walnut oil, perilla oil or oysters. Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA): found in fatty fish , fish oils and algae oils, and eggs. Gamma-linolenic Acid (GLA): found in Hempseed oil, borage oil (to be given with caution, in small quantities only), and evening primrose oil (to be given with caution, and not to be given to epileptic pets) Linolenic Acid (LA): found in sunflower oil, some nuts, seeds, olive oil, flaxseed, avocado oil (though the amount here is low) and eggs. Arachidonic Acid (ARA): found in meat and poultry, particularly farmed. Oleic Acid (OA): found in olive oil, some fish oils, and some nuts. What to Look Out For When it comes to picking an omega source for our pets, as with anything, most of us want to make an informed decision to pick the absolute best for our furry friends! With such huge variety of Omega products on the market, how to we know what is best? How is one product different to another? As with many dietary additions, there are many qualities to look out for or avoid in different products. Not all products are equal in quality, so that’s where we come in handy – keep reading for pointers on selecting a source of omegas for your pets! Fresh Food Sources As with most things we
Here as My Pet Nutritionist, we see customers with pets with a host of different diagnoses. Diet and lifestyle play a huge role in the management of such conditions, and this is no different when your pet has been diagnosed with Hypokalaemia. Find out more about this condition in this blog post, where you can learn what it is, how to spot symptoms, conventional treatments available, and how you can help your dog by tweaking their diet and lifestyle. What is Hypokalaemia? Hypokalaemia is a deficiency of potassium in the bloodstream. We can break the word down into three parts; ‘hypo’ meaning there is not enough of something, ‘kal’ being related to the chemical formula of potassium, and ‘aemia’ meaning in relation to the blood. Potassium is an electrolyte, and is an essential mineral, stored mostly inside cells. It plays a huge role in the body, including keeping nerve function healthy, ensuring the muscles and heart function correctly, and aiding the transport of both nutrients, and waste around the body. Those with hypokalaemia are deficient in potassium, which plays havoc on nerve, muscle and heart function as the change in concentration of potassium disrupts electrical charges and cell signals from passing through the cells properly. Nutrient absorption and waste remove may also reduce. Hypokalaemia mostly affects the nervous system, the cardiovascular system (which is as a result of hypokalaemia of the nervous system, as the lack of electric signalling from the brain to the heart causes irregular heartbeat which can ultimately lead to death), and the musculoskeletal system. This condition can happen in both dogs and cats, but is more common in dogs than it is in cats. Symptoms of Hypokalaemia There are a variety of symptoms you may see in your pet prior to diagnosis, however milder cases may be symptom-free until the deficiency is severe, when symptoms start to show. These symptoms can include: Lethargy/fatigue Vomiting Severe constipation Increased thirst Increased urination Weight loss Muscle wastage Changes to gait (stiffness, posture/head position, and walking on the back of their feet, not the sole) Irregular heartbeat If your pet is showing any number of these symptoms, it is important you seek veterinary attention as soon as possible. Causes of Hypokalaemia So what causes hypokalaemia? This certainly isn’t a straight forward, one answer fits all situation, so let’s take a look at the potential causes of hypokalaemia in pets. In the event that too much potassium is lost from the body due to polyurea (excessively urinating), excessive defecating, vomiting or other bodily fluid loss, Hypokalaemia is a risk. This is often seen as a secondary health complication to chronic kidney disease (CKD), cardiac issues, or cancer, but most commonly with CKD. Those with CKD, cardiac issues or cancer may notice symptoms after some time, as the damage caused on cells in the body causes potassium loss, which is often not replaced in the diet. Findings Here As potassium can only be sourced through the diet, the lack of a properly balanced diet, low food intake (such as those with anorexia), or reductions in the amount of food eaten by the individual each day either due to illness, or weight loss where daily food allowances have been reduced too quickly, can all lead to Hypokalaemia. The recommended amount of potassium per day for a dog is 1g per 15kg (33lbs) bodyweight. For a cat, the recommended daily amount of potassium is 0.33g per 4kg (9lbs) bodyweight. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Dogs and cats with metabolic conditions may also be at risk of developing hypokalaemia. Those with diabetes mellitus are among the more common to experience a lack of potassium in the bloodstream. Findings Here The use of some medications such as most cardiac medications which are diuretics can lead to hypokalaemia too, however this is a tricky problem to solve, as the medications with the potential to cause hypokalaemia, are often life saving, and required. Findings Here Diagnosing Hypokalaemia As hypokalaemia is very often associated with other diseases, most commonly CKD, your veterinarian will run a urinalysis – this is where you take a sample of your dog or cat’s urine, which is then analysed in a lab to check your pet’s kidney function. abnormal function of the kidneys could point to hypokalaemia being the reason for your pet’s stiff gait, muscle wastage, or other symptoms commonly displayed by pets with the condition. Alongside a urinalysis, your veterinarian will take a sample of your pet’s blood, which will be analysed in a lab to determine current concentrations of potassium in the blood serum. Abnormal levels of potassium will be easily identified via this blood test. As cardiac issues often come hand in hand with hypokalaemia, due to the lack of ability to send electric signals to the muscle to encourage it to work, many veterinarians will also run an ECG on your pet to ensure their heart is in good working order. This is often carried out following diagnosis of hypokalaemia. Auscultation (listening to parts of the body with a stethoscope) will be carried out, as it should be with any veterinary appointment, regardless of reason. This will quickly check for any signs of arrhythmia, from where the veterinarian may proceed to using an ECG. Findings Here Conventional Treatment Options When treating, or managing hypokalaemia, the ‘conventional’ treatments are very much similar to the natural support you can provide your cat or dog. The ultimate goal, is to raise potassium levels! In the more severe cases, where the pet is extremely unwell, unable to walk, constantly vomiting, defecating and urinating, the pet will be given a potassium rich mixture via intravenous drip. Depending on the condition, and medical history of the pet in question, the veterinarian will be able to determine how fast the potassium drip should be administered – too fast, and the heart may be affected by an irregular heartbeat! Your veterinarian may recommend a specific diet, and will also recommend giving your dog daily potassium
In the modern dog world, there are so many controversies over various food items, from salmon oil to raw eggs to coconut oil to garlic. Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we like to put owners minds at ease, and help you to evaluate whether it is suitable for your pets, using both scientific and anecdotal evidence based on our professional experience. Salmon oil, raw eggs and coconut oil have all been covered within our blog to date, so now it’s time to have garlic in the spotlight! Let’s discover some myths, and truths about this powerful, often useful ingredient! What Is Garlic? This may seem a bit of an obvious section to many, but you may learn something new too! Garlic (Latin name: Allium sativum), is the bulb of a flowering plant, and is a potent addition to foods in the human world, for flavour as well as medicine. It’s closest relatives are onions, leeks, shallots and chives. Humans have consumed garlic since the times of Ancient Egypt. Originating from south and central Asia, and Iran, the vast majority of the world’s garlic production occurs in China. The chemical make up of garlic gives it it’s many beneficial uses in both the human and dog world, however there are caveats when it comes to garlic and dogs! Allicin, ajoene and polysulfides are among the most powerful sulfur containing compounds, alongside lots of useful enzymes, flavonoids (often useful as antioxidants), and saponins (which have great cancer risk reducing properties, as well as being great for lowering blood fat and blood glucose levels. Findings Here Findings Here The Controversy Around Garlic As dog owners, we only want the best for our precious pooches! And that’s where the confusion sets in – safe? Unsafe? My vet said it’s toxic! Someone on an online dog forum said it’s toxic, but another said its ok? The stigma around garlic really is huge! Some professionals will advise against it through no fault of their own – it’s often simply what is taught to them during their education. The controversy all stems from one specific study on garlic, and it’s affects on dogs. Afterall, it’s relatives onion and leek are very much toxic to our pets, so why should garlic be ok when it contains the same active ingredient, allicin? As well as allicin, members of the allium family also contain Thiosulfate. Thiosulfate, in large quantities, can cause a severe type of anaemia in cats and dogs, called Heinz Body Anaemia. If we look at onions vs garlic, we can compare the amount of thiosulfate, and therefore calculate the risk of Heinz Body Anaemia. Onions contain large quantities of Thiosulfate, whereas garlic only contains miniscule amounts, which plays very little to no risk in healthy individuals, and studies were began to work out just how much garlic is safe for our pet dogs. Findings Here So, moving on to the study. The nutrition world was taken by a storm in 2000 when Dr Osamu Yamamoto released a study called ‘Haemolytic Changes Associated with the Appearance of Eccentrocytes After Intragastric Administration of Garlic Extract to Dogs’. You can find the study here. Now, the first point to make, just from looking at the title; garlic ‘extract’ was used. Have you ever baked a cake, using Vanilla Extract? You may notice the extract is extremely concentrated, making it extremely pungent, requiring just a few drips to flavour the entire cake batter! This concept goes for any extract, including that of garlic. The garlic was administered to the dogs in the study in extract form – 1.2mls of this liquid was given to each dog per day for 7 days – likely the equivalent to much more than one would consider giving their dog of anything! More on equivalent amounts shortly. When looking at the health of the dogs in the study, it’s important to note that there was a death rate of 0% – that’s right, a big fat ZERO! No dogs died in the study, nor were there any physical changes to the dogs. When blood tests were analysed under a microscope, despite the lack of symptoms, there was a case of Heinz Body Anaemia. This was the evidence which caused the scientists to make the rather bold statement, that garlic is unsafe for dogs, sending the pet world into panic! Some of the large pet information databases and websites are still under the assumption that garlic is very much toxic to dogs, warning owners to avoid it. Pet food manufacturers were forced to remove garlic from their recipes once this information was released, but further studies were needed to ascertain whether fresh garlic would be safe, since the aforementioned study used the ultra concentrated garlic extract. Let’s take a deeper look at exactly how fresh garlic tolerance levels differ to that of concentrated garlic extract! What Science Has to Say About It As with many preliminary scientific studies, mass panic had set in, opening up opportunities to research the tolerance level of fresh garlic in dogs, after all in unsuitable quantities, anything can be classed as toxic – even water, and we all know water is incredibly important for all living things! When converting the amount of garlic extract that would need to be administered to a medium sized dog for adverse reactions to occur, to the equivalent amount of fresh garlic, the dog would need to consume 35 cloves of garlic every day (or 245 cloves per week!) – not something any owner would dream of doing, we are very sure! Now for the next study by Dr Osamu Yamamoto, titled ‘Acceleration of Superoxide Generation in Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes and Inhibition of Platelet Aggregation by Alk(en)yl Thiosulfates Derived from Onion and Garlic in Dogs and Humans’, published in 2004. This study can be found here. In this study, they used a fresher form of garlic to carry out their investigation, which ultimately found that garlic was in fact good for cardiovascular health, and useful for a
The humble blueberry; small, sweet, juicy … and incredibly beneficial! Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we are big fans of feeding fresh, and adding beneficial, fresh ingredients to the dinner bowl. Blueberries are one of those tiny powerhouses we often recommend adding to your pet’s bowl. Find out all about the brilliant blueberry, and all it has to offer in this blog post. The Blueberry – Nutrition Let’s take a look at the nutrition, appearance, and texture of the blueberry. Blueberries are small, dark blue-purple coloured, round berries. They are very juicy, as they’re 85% water! The skin is soft, smooth and digestible, with a little crown on the top, where a stalk would have once attached them to the plant. They are quite sweet to taste, however some can be a little tart – generally speaking, the smaller the blueberry, the more tart it is, so if your dog prefers the sweeter fruits, aim for the larger berries! As well as being super high in moisture, blueberries are a great source of dietary fibre compared to other berries, high in Vitamin C, high in Vitamin K, and high in both Potassium and Manganese. Blueberries are 9% carbohydrates in the form of naturally occurring sugars, so it’s important to feed in moderation. All in all, the blueberry is a relatively low calorie fruit choice, with added benefits, which we will discuss next! What Benefits Does the Blueberry Bring? There are many health benefits to feeding blueberries – these go for us humans too, so why not share them with your dog?! Fantastic Antioxidants The biggest benefit to feeding blueberries, is their incredibly powerful antioxidant complex! Blueberries are one of the best antioxidant foods. To understand a little more about antioxidants, and why they’re important, we need to learn about Free Radicals. Free Radicals are unstable molecules found in the body – if you want the nitty gritty science stuff, a free radical is an atom, molecule or ion which has an unpaired electron in it’s orbital. Due to the lack of a paired electron, the molecule becomes extremely unstable and volatile, which in turn has major negative effects on the body. Free radicals cause damage to healthy cells through oxidisation, which leads to cancer, premature ageing and can be linked to many other diseases within the body. Now you know a bit about free radicals, you can probably see why it’s important to rid the body of them. This is the job of antioxidants! Findings Here Findings Here The term ‘antioxidants’ is actually quite broad. There are various types of antioxidants, but the one most prominent in blueberries, giving them their awesome properties, is the ‘flavonoid’ family. When looking at flavonoids in blueberries, we can be even more specific! The group of flavonoids in blueberries is the ‘anthocyanins’. Studies show that consumption of wild blueberries directly increases antioxidant levels in the body! Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Anti-Aging and Anti-Cancer Properties Now we understand the general benefits of antioxidants, we can look at other parts of the body which need antioxidant action to stay healthy! Free radicals cause oxidative stress, which affects DNA health! Damaged DNA is bad news – this occurs naturally to nearly every cell in the body, all day, every day … it’s a part of ageing! Not only does DNA damage lead to general ageing, it also leaves the body more vulnerable to cancer. Here’s where our important antioxidants come in – we want to reduce the free radicals in the body, to reduce DNA damage, slow ageing, and reduce the risk of cancer. Findings Here Findings Here Heart Happy Berries – Cholesterol Protection Cholesterol in the body plays an important role, but high cholesterol, or oxidised low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol can lead to heart disease. So how does protecting cholesterol help, when most of the body’s cholesterol is the ‘bad’ LDL type? Well, protecting it from damage makes it less of a risk! As oxidised LDL cholesterol is what leads to heart disease, and free radicals are what causes the oxidisation, providing a good quality antioxidant reduces the risk of damaged LDL cholesterol, and in turn reduces the risk of heart disease. Findings Here Findings Here While there is not many studies into the heart failure rate in dogs, with data on the reduction of heart attacks in those being fed anthocyanins, there is a human based study with quite staggering results! Study participants with a higher intake of anthocyanins had a 32% reduced risk of heart attacks! Cognitive Function You may have seen other My Pet Nutritionist articles regarding cognitive function, and the importance of omega 3 in the diet to aid this by reducing inflammation on the brain. This is incredibly important, however the destruction of free radicals is also incredibly important for brain health and cognitive function. As all cells in the body are affected by free radicals, and subsequent oxidation, brain cells are no exception! Different parts of the brain have different uses. Antioxidants tend to have the greatest affect in the health of areas associated with intelligence, and also act on ageing neurons, which causes greater general brain function as individuals age. Some studies show an improved memory too! Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Muscle Recovery and Function The final part of the body commonly affected by oxidative stress through damage by free radicals, is the musculoskeletal system, specifically the muscles. During, and after strenuous exercise (for example after a long walk, or dog sport like agility or flyball), oxidative stress occurs in the muscles due to inflammation. This is how muscular soreness happens. Reducing oxidation of the muscular cells may help to reduce muscle fatigue, and stiffness post exercise. This is an area which still needs further research, and more studies, but one studies so far show positive data, supporting antioxidants being useful for muscle recovery post exercise! Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Reduced Risk of Diabetes Those who own a dog
At My Pet Nutritionist we are all about feeding your dogs the freshest, most natural diets, whether that’s raw feeding, or cooked food; this article explains how to balance a raw diet properly. We will also discuss the nutrients which are commonly lacking in a raw diet. Feed a Variety of Proteins Feeding a variety of proteins (meats) is a huge part of balancing your dog’s raw diet. Of course, if your dog is suffering with allergies, and is either on an elimination diet, or limited to a few proteins, this is fine as it’s the best you can do! If your dog is not known to suffer with itchiness or allergies, then feeding as many proteins as possible in your dog’s rotation, is very beneficial. This can be over the course of a week to a month. Different proteins offer different nutrient profiles, which means feeding a variety gives a broader intake of micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals. Let’s take a look at what some of the popular options provide! Chicken: provides high amounts of Vitamin B3 and B12, Selenium, Zinc, Magnesium, Phosphorus, and Biotin. Turkey: rich in Vitamin B6 and B12, Choline, Selenium, Magnesium, and Phosphorus. Beef: great source of Iron, Vitamins B2, B3,B6 and B12, Magnesium, Calcium, Copper, and Zinc. Lamb: Source of Iron, Vitamins B3 and B12, Selenium, and Phosphorus. Duck: Great source of Iron, Selenium and Vitamins B3, B12 and C. Pork: High in various B Vitamins, Zinc, Iron and Phosphorus. Venison: provides Zinc, Phosphorus, Iron, Selenium, a variety of B Vitamins, as well as a small amount of Vitamin E. Rabbit: high in Sodium, Calcium, Phosphorus, and Magnesium. Goat: source of Calcium, Sodium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Magnesium. Salmon: high in Vitamins A, B6, B12 and D, Iodine, Copper, Calcium, Magnesium, and Sodium. There are other options also available, including a variety of other fish products. We will touch on some fish products in the next section! Add in Some Omegas Omegas are essential fatty acids – omega 3 and 6 are the important ones! Omega 3 is anti-inflammatory, whereas omega 6 is inflammatory. Our pets’ meat based diets are naturally high in omega 6, so its important to get plenty of omega 3 into the diet! Cell membranes are partly formed by omegas, and heart and brain health are largely down to omega content in the diet, as well as puppy development, joint and skin health, and weight management. Let’s discuss the different types of omega! Here’s where the words get long… thankfully we abbreviate them! Omega-3 Fatty Acids CANNOT be produced by the body as they are polyunsaturated. There are three Omega-3 fats: Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA): found in fatty fish and fish oils, as well as many algal oils. Helps reduce inflammation. Alpha-linolenic Acid (ALA): found in flaxseed oil and chia seeds. For a non-plant based form, oysters can be added in. Aids heart and immune health. Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA): found in fatty fish , fish oils and algae oils, and eggs. Aids brain health and development. Omega-3 is ANTI-INFLAMMATORY. Omega-6 Fatty Acids are polyunsaturated and also include three different acids – the body can only produce 2 of these. Linolenic Acid (LA): found in sunflower oil and corn. Cannot be produced by the body. Gamma-linolenic Acid (GLA): found in Hempseed oil, borage oil, and Evening Primrose oil. This is the only Omega-6 which is not inflammatory – its great for control of hormones. Arachidonic Acid (ARA): found in meat and poultry, particularly farmed. Omega-6 is INFLAMMATORY (apart from GLA). Sources of omega 3 include: Fatty fish: raw sprats, sardines, salmon, mackerel, herring and trout, tinned sardines or mackerel. Fish oils: Krill Oil, sardine oil, mackerel oil, herring oil. Raw eggs: (EPA and DHA) Green Lipped Mussels and Oil (EPA and DHA) Phytoplankton (EPA and DHA) Algae Oil (DHA HEAVY with a little EPA) Flaxseed Oil (ALA – also contains LA, and conversion to EPA is poor, so perhaps not the best choice) It’s very important to ensure there’s plenty of omega in the diet! Findings Here Findings Here Add in Some Plant Matter Adding some plant matter to your dog’s diet brings great benefits! Not only does plant matter provide fibre (which helps gut motility), polyphenols, phytonutrients and antioxidants are also introduced into the diet. Polyphenols help regulate metabolism, help maintain a healthy weight, help regulate and reduce the risk of chronic disease, and also aids the replication of cells within the body. Keeping the body free from chronic disease, at a healthy weight, and with a good metabolic rate may aid longevity! Findings Here Phytonutrients are essential for immune system modulation which helps keep various diseases at bay. Phytonutrients are thought to help prevent chronic disease such as cancer and diabetes, as well as supporting joints, digestive health, circadian rhythms (sleep patterns), and brain development. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Antioxidants also aid longevity by destroying free radicals in the body. Free radicals form during oxidisation, and are unstable atoms which damage cells in the body and lead to ageing. Destroying the free radicals slows the process of ageing due to lack of damage to the cells in the body. Findings Here Fruits and Vegetables are also full of vitamins and minerals so can really boost an 80:10:10 meal! Some examples of suitable plant matter include: Kale Spring greens Asparagus Broccoli Brussels Sprouts Cabbage Cauliflower Courgette Green beans Strawberries Mango Pear Apple Up to 10% of the weight of the portion of raw meat can be added! It’s a good idea to lightly steam and/or blend vegetables before feeding, to make them more bioavailable, by breaking down the cellulose cell wall. What is often Lacking from the Raw Diet? When feeding a raw diet, while it’s the best, most natural diet available (though not all tolerate it – that’s what we’re here for!), there are 6 nutrients which are often lacking in most raw diets. Try to include a variety of these sources! Zinc (essential for cell growth, DNA
Probably the biggest minefield of confusion and misinformation in the pet food and health industry in recent years, Dilated Cardiomyopathy (commonly known as DCM) is a topic that has many of our customers and readers here at My Pet Nutritionist, worrying. We thought we would put together this handy guide on DCM, what it is, what the conflict is all about, how to reduce the risk of your dog developing it, and how to support the body when suffering with it. What is Dilated Cardiomyopathy? Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a major, incurable heart condition, whereby part of the heart is enlarged. The left ventricle is one of the four chambers of the heart, and is responsible for pumping blood from the heart to the rest of the body. As the chamber dilates (enlarges), the chamber wall becomes thinner and thinner. As we all know, the heart is a muscle. When a muscle is overstretched for long periods of time, it becomes weaker. When the enlarged chamber stretches, and the wall becomes thinner, is also gets weaker; this effects the ability to efficiently pump blood around the body due to the lack of power from the left ventricle. When the body is starved of oxygenated blood, various muscles are affected, and the body is unable to properly function. DCM can be caused by an underlying heart disease, such as blocked or narrow coronary arteries, or badly managed high blood pressure. Genetics also plays a role in DCM development as it can be a hereditary condition. Dogs with a history of heart problems must never be used in any breeding programmes for this very reason. DCM can also be as a result of type 2 diabetes – diabetic cardiomyopathy. Findings Here Findings Here Some breeds are at a higher, predisposed risk of developing DCM. These include: Cocker spaniel Doberman Scottish Deerhound Irish Wolfhound Boxer Great Dane Newfoundland The DCM Conflict In recent years, there’s been a massive debate on pet foods and DCM. A study by one of the large kibble companies suggested a potential link between DCM and grain free diets. Since then, a list of specific brands has been shared virally across various social media platforms, stating these brands are ‘the worst’ – most of those on the list were higher in meat than most dry foods, and didn’t contain grains. While we don’t recommend feeding a kibble diet here at MPN (we prefer fresh feeding!), the initial panic was quickly debunked by a large number of studies, however the misinformation continues to spread to this day. The suggested link was that the legumes often used to replace grains in grain free dry foods, blocked taurine receptors in the heart, which in turn caused DCM. We wouldn’t recommend feeding grains or legumes regardless! Sadly, this suggestion spiralled out of control, and people began thinking even fresh food would benefit from grains to reduce the DCM risk, which of course, wouldn’t! Grains don’t actually contain any taurine, only precursor amino acids called cystine and methionine. Taurine is found most plentifully in meat, offal, and eggs. Let’s take a look at big cats for a minute. Feline species cannot function at all without a taurine rich diet; it’s one of the most essential nutrients in a cat’s diet. Cats are obligate carnivores – meaning they need a purely meat diet to thrive. This proves a fresh meat based diet provides plenty of taurine. Legumes are not a food type we would recommend, regardless of current diet due to their content of lectin. Lectin contributes to leaky gut, which in turn contributes to intolerances due to poor gut integrity. A healthy gut is key to general health. More on Leaky Gut here! Grains are not an ingredient we would recommend feeding your dog either. They have no place in a canine diet, and can cause a blood sugar spike. Grains are hard to digest due to the short digestive tract of a dog, and some, such as rice, contain potentially harmful substances like arsenic. How to prevent DCM, and Support The Body With It Unfortunately, DCM is tricky to prevent, especially in those who are effected genetically. There are a number of supplements and dietary additions which can help reduce the risk of DCM; let’s take a look at some of these: Probiotics Specifically Lactobacillus plantarum has been proven in a study on rats, to improve receptor expression in the heart, and supress apoptosis in the heart. Apoptosis is cell death – when the muscle is enlarged, cardiac apoptosis occurs which weakens the chamber wall. Probiotic therapy using Lactobacillus may be a great option for your pet, particularly if they are suffering from DCM as a result of diabetes. Findings Here Taurine Taurine is an amino acid which is essential for a healthy nervous system, and also contributes to immune health. Taurine helps regulate hydration by balancing cellular electrolytes, helps with bile production which enables healthy digestion, regulates calcium intake in the body’s cells, maintains antioxidant function, and helps keep the heart and eyes healthy. Taurine deficiencies in animals have been linked to muscle weakening, including that of the heart, eye problems, liver disease and increased risk of developing diabetes. Great sources of taurine include brain, heart, muscle meat, and eggs. Findings Here Findings Here Omega 3 Omega 3 is a great anti-inflammatory addition. Inflammation affects the heart as it damages the blood vessels, and can contribute to inflammation of the heart’s chambers, which leads to heart disease. Omega 3 Fatty Acids help regulate triglycerides in the body. While some triglycerides are important for storing energy to be utilised by the body, too many can cause extra fatty deposits which can put strain on the heart. Great sources of omega 3 include oily fish, fish oils, raw eggs, and algae oils. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here CoenzymeQ10 CoQ10 is an antioxidant enzyme which helps repair cells within
If you read our latest blog then you will understand the important role the cardiovascular system has on maintaining homeostasis, and more. With many breeds predisposed to health issues, it pays to consider if there are dietary compounds which can support heart health. Here at My Pet Nutritionist, it’s something we deal with regularly, so we thought we’d put together our top nutrients for heart and cardiovascular health. Magnesium Taurate 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. Magnesium deficiencies have been linked with cardiovascular disorders, including high blood pressure and abnormal rhythms and 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 which helps 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. Magnesium is thereforekey to maintaining balance. Magnesium taurate contains the amino acid taurine and it’s this combination that supports healthy blood pressure; to this end it is suggested that this form bolsters heart health. Methylated B Vitamins There are eight B vitamins: B1 Thiamin B2 Riboflavin B3 Niacin B5 Pantothenic Acid B6 Pyridoxine B7 Biotin B9 Folate B12 Cobalamin These vitamins are involved in many functions as they help a variety of enzymes do their jobs – they help release energy from macronutrients and transport oxygen and energy containing nutrients around the body. Studies have noted that suboptimal serum levels of folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 may underlie the development of heart disease. It is suggested that such deficiencies lead to inadequate production of S-adenosyl-methionine, creating a state of hypomethylation. This, in turn, may damage the DNA in arterial cells. Methylation is a biochemical process which involves the addition of a ‘methyl group’ to other molecules and is dependent on the availability of a number of key nutrients. When these B vitamins are supplemented in their methylated form, it’s almost like it’s one less job for the body to do. Omega 3’s How Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Affect the Heart: Lower triglyceride levels, increase HDL (ie, good cholesterol) Lower resting blood pressure Decrease platelet aggregation and prevent blockage of coronary artery Decrease risk of arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythm) Increase compliance of arteries Decrease atherosclerosis Reduce inflammatory markers There is evidence of rapid declines in coronary heart disease mortality with the consumption of oils rich in alpha-linolenic acid. Findings Here Studies have demonstrated a significant reduction in risk of sudden cardiac death in humans consuming the most linolenic acid. A diet rich in linolenic acid has been associated with a lower incidence of calcified coronary plaques along with a reduced risk of cardiovascular mortality, which subsequently lowers the all-cause mortality levels in humans. Findings Here In Humans, the Lyon Diet Heart Study is perhaps the most well-known, and it separated 605 myocardial infarction survivors into two groups, one group was placed on a low-fat diet, and the other on a Mediterranean diet including margarine enriched in linolenic acid (1.1 g/day). After a two-year follow-up, the incidence of cardiovascular disease, including cardiac mortality, decreased dramatically (73%) in the intervention group. This raised the possibility that the inclusion of linolenic acid in the diet can significantly improve cardiovascular health. Evidence has suggested that omega-3 supplementation has reduced the incidence of atrial fibrillation in dogs and as we know, atrial fibrillation is a heart condition that causes an irregular and abnormally fast heart rate. Findings Here There is also data which suggests omega-3 supplementation significantly affects survival rates in those dogs suffering with heart failure secondary to DCM. Findings Here It is thought that the effect of omega-3 is multifactorial, but they include significant effects on sodium, potassium, and calcium channels. It is also considered that omega-3’s reduces platelet aggregation, which mitigates risks of clots and therefore won’t impede blood flow to the heart. Findings Here COQ10 Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential compound of the body which is synthesized in the mitochondrial inner membrane. It has many important functions in human body. Firstly, it can be named the key-component of electron transport chain in mitochondria necessary for ATP production and secondly, in addition to its important role in electrons’ transport, COQ10 can act as an intercellular antioxidant, protecting the plasmatic membrane against peroxidation. Oxidative stress is considered to be an essential player in the development of cardiovascular disease, and it is this theory that suggests antioxidants’ like COQ10 can subsequently lower the risk. In the body, COQ10 is found in all systems of organs. The highest concentration of ubiquinone is noted in the tissues of the heart, kidneys, liver and muscles. In humans, three out of four patients with heart diseases have low levels of CoQ10. It was noticed that CoQ10’s plasma levels in patients with ischemic heart disease and dilated cardiomyopathy are much lower than in healthy ones. Depending on the severity of heart injury, circulating level of COQ10 decreases in direct proportion to disease progression. Furthermore, heart failure is related to a chronic pro-inflammatory state and there are increasing studies that establish anti-inflammatory properties of COQ10. CoQ10 deficiency is frequently encountered in dilated cardiomyopathy, and this may be reversible by the COQ10 administration. In a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial in children with dilated cardiomyopathy, COQ10 administration for 6 months resulted in improvement of diastolic function and a lower mean score for the index of cardiac failure. Findings Here Hawthorn Hawthorne is widely used in Europe as a cardiotinic and for congestive heart failure. The principle active components in hawthorn leaves, berries, and blossoms are flavonoids. One of these flavonoids, proanthocyanidin, has especially important cardiovascular effects. Mechanisms
The cardiovascular system consists of the blood, heart, and blood vessels. Sadly, one of the more common health issues we see here at My Pet Nutritionist are things involving the heart (both emotionally for us, and physically for the client). So, we thought we’d do a whistle stop tour of the cardiovascular system. If we know what it does, we can notice when things start to go a little awry. In addition, we can consider lifestyle choices in which to support its health. 1) The Blood Functions and Properties of Blood: Blood transports oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, wastes and hormones. It helps regulate pH, body temperature, and water content of cells. It provides protection through clotting and by combatting toxins and microbes through certain phagocytic white blood cells or specialised blood plasma proteins. The formed elements in blood include red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. 2) The Heart The heart is located in the chest between the right and left lungs and is contained in a very thin sac called the pericardial sac. The heart extends from around the 3rd to the 6th rib of the dog. The heart is the central organ that contracts rhythmically to pump blood continuously through the blood vessels. The heart consists of four chambers: The right atrium is the collecting chamber for blood from distant parts of the body. Blood is carried back to this upper right chamber of the heart in various veins. The oxygen levels in the blood in this chamber are very low. As the right atrium contracts, blood flows through the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle. The right ventricle is the pumping chamber of the lower right heart. As the right ventricle contracts, it sends blood it has received from the right atrium into the pulmonary artery. The pulmonary valve sits at the opening of the pulmonary artery and prevents blood from moving backwards into the right ventricle after it contracts. The pulmonary artery carries the blood into the lungs where it grabs oxygen and gets rid of carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide leaves when dogs breathe out, and oxygen is taken in when they take a breath in. The left atrium – blood that is high in oxygen returns to the heart from the lungs and enters the upper left chamber of the heart, the left atrium. The left atrium is a collecting chamber that sends this oxygenated blood to the left ventricle. The valve that separates the left atrium from the left ventricle is the mitral valve. The left ventricle – the left ventricle is the major pumping chamber of the heart. This lower left chamber is responsible for pumping oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. The blood from the left ventricle enters the aorta through the aortic valve. The aorta and other arteries distribute this oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. Cardiac Muscle Tissue Cardiac muscle fibres usually contain a single centrally located nucleus. Compared with skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle fibres have more and larger mitochondria (which as we know, are the powerhouses of cells). In comparison to skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle produces little of the ATP (energy) it needs by anaerobic cellular respiration (without oxygen). Instead, it relies on aerobic respiration (with oxygen). Cardiac muscle uses several fuels to power mitochondrial ATP production. At rest, the heart’s ATP comes mainly from the oxidation of fatty acids and glucose, with smaller contributions coming from lactic acid, amino acids, and ketone bodies. During exercise, the heart’s use of lactic acid, produced by actively using skeletal muscle, rises. Like skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle also produces some ATP from creatinine phosphate. This is relevant in cases of heart issues; when there is injured or dying cardiac muscle, creatine kinase (the enzyme that catalyses the transfer of a phosphate group from creatine phosphate to ADP to make ATP) is found in the blood. Cardiac Output The heart’s operation is mainly governed by events occurring throughout the body. Body cells must receive a certain amount of oxygen from blood each minute, to maintain health and life. When cells are metabolically active, as with exercise, they take up even more oxygen from the blood. During rest, cellular metabolic need is reduced and the workload of the heart decreases. Heart Rate Certain chemicals influence both the basic physiology of cardiac muscle and heart rate. Hormones Epinephrine and norepinephrine enhance the heart’s pumping effectiveness. They increase both heart rate and contractility. As we know. exercise, stress, and excitement cause the adrenal medullae to release more hormones. Thyroid hormones also enhance cardiac contractility and heart rate. One sign of hyperthyroidism is tachycardia, or elevated resting heart rate. Hyperthyroidism Cations The concentrations of several cations are crucial for action potentials in all nerve and muscle fibres. This includes the heart. The relative concentrations of: K (Potassium), Ca (Calcium) and Na (Sodium) have a huge impact on cardiac function. Elevated blood levels of K or Na decreases heart rate and contractility. Excess Na blocks Ca inflow which decreases contraction, and excess K blocks the generation of action potentials. A moderate increase in Ca speeds heart rate and strengthens heartbeat. The bottom line? There are a number of nutrients that are crucial to heart function, and in the incorrect amounts, can start to run amok! Increased body temperature, as with exercise understandably increases heart rate, but in cases of increased body temperature due to infection, the same also applies. So increased heart rate may be a sign of pathogenic load. Why Is The Cardiovascular System So Important? The heart pumps blood through blood vessels to body tissues, delivering oxygen and nutrients and removing waste by capillary exchange. Circulating blood keeps body tissues at a correct temperature. In short, it is vital for homeostasis. Integumentary System (Skin) Blood delivers clotting factors and white blood cells that aid in recovery when skin is damaged. Changes in blood flow contribute to body temperature regulation by adjusting the amount of heat loss via the skin. Skeletal System Blood delivers
Calcium is one of the most abundant minerals in the body. We tend to notice it for its role in bone health, but it’s also involved in muscle contraction and cardiovascular health. There’s a lot of information out there around calcium, especially in the growing dog, so let’s take a look at its function, balance and some of My Pet Nutritionist’s favourite sources. What is Calcium? Calcium is a metal with the symbol Ca, it is also defined as an electrolyte. Calcium ions play a role in: Physiological and biochemical processes in the body Signal pathways Messengers in neurotransmitter release from neurons Contractions of all muscle cell types Cofactors in many enzymes Fertilisation Calcium Balance Only a small percentage of total body calcium is needed for the above roles, the rest is stored in bones and teeth for structural support. When calcium intake is low or malabsorbed, the body will pull stored calcium from bones to maintain normal functioning. This is what leads to poor bone health – the body is always cashing in on its stores! Calcium balance or homeostasis is regulated by parathyroid hormone, calcitriol and calcitonin. When blood calcium levels drop, the parathyroid glands secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH) which stimulates the conversion of vitamin D in the kidneys to its active form calcitriol. This decreases urinary excretion of calcium but raises urinary excretion of phosphorus. Elevated PTH also promotes bone resorption (break down) which releases calcium and phosphorus into the blood from bones. Higher calcitriol concentrations increase intestinal absorption of calcium oh phosphorus too! As calcium levels normalise, PTH secretion stops and the thyroid gland secretes the hormone, calcitonin. This reduces bone resorption and well as calcium absorption and promotes urinary calcium excretion again. Bone Health The skeleton is essential as a supporting framework. It consists of strong, mineralised bone which form a sophisticated system to facilitate movement. Bone is a light, yet strong connective tissue consisting of around 30% collagen and other matrix proteins with around 70% minerals. These minerals obviously include calcium and phosphorus but magnesium, sodium and potassium are also present in conjugated form. Also known as ossification, bone formation is a process where new bone is produced. Look at any large breed and it’s clear to see how much new bone needs to be produced from birth to full skeletal maturity. Bone starts as a cartilage model which gets slowly replaced. Osteoblasts are the cells that form new bone. They secrete osteoids. Osteoid tissue is simply unmineralized bone tissue. Soon after the osteoid is laid down, inorganic salts (calcium and phosphorus) are deposited which forms the hardened material that we know as bone. Bone formation proceeds outwards from ossification centres; short bones tend to have one in the middle whereas long bones typically have three, one at each end and one in the middle. Ossification, or bone formation continues until there is a thin strip of cartilage left at each end of the bone. This is known as the epiphyseal plate, or growth plate in the dog world. When the bone reaches full adult maturity, the cartilage is replaced with bone and “sealed” for want of a better word. It is widely recognised that bone mass and density are determined by various concurrent factors, such as genetics, hormones, physical activity, and certainly, nutrition. While genetic factors have a critical role in growth and peak bone development, an adequate intake of bone nutrients represents the main factor for the full expression of a given genetic potential and for bone maintenance during adulthood. An optimal calcium intake is necessary for bone health at all stages of life. Dietary requirements for calcium are determined by the need for bone development and bone maintenance, which vary throughout life, being higher during puppy-hood, adolescence, during pregnancy and lactation, and in the aging dog. The risk of bone loss is increased in: Low calcium diets, Low protein diets, Hyperthyroidism, Oestrogen deficiency (of interest in spayed females) Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Too Much Calcium Lifelong physical activity with adequate calcium and vitamin D slow the rate of bone loss. Interestingly, in humans, supplemental calcium leading to excessive calcium intake has been seen to reduce the bone growth stimulating effects of PTH. Furthermore, PTH suppression caused by high calcium intake is thought to reduce magnesium absorption. However, one study following dogs for a 40-week period, notes that adult dogs are capable of regulating calcium balance with no adverse effects on health. It was concluded that when exposed to increased Ca levels, dogs will reduce intestinal absorption, so excretion increases via faeces and urine. It is posited that this is an evolutionary adaption, because dogs are inherent scavengers likely to consume large, infrequent meals high in Ca-rich bony material, rather than Ca-deficient foods. This was explored further, and adult dogs fed a Ca deficient diet did not adjust their Ca excretion leading to negative calcium balance. Findings Here That said, this study was based on a dry diet and the authors themselves posit digestibility as a limitation. “Commercial dog diets contain raw ingredients and undergo processing such as extrusion and cooking, which generally limit Dry Matter digestibility, and consequently lower Ca availability.” They suggest that home-prepared diets with high digestibility may increase Ca absorption and result in a positive Ca balance instead. The bottom line? Opt for a fresh-food diet with sources of calcium and always speak with a qualified practitioner before considering supplementation. Muscle Contraction The muscular system is made up of muscle tissue and is responsible for functions such as maintenance of posture and control of various circulatory systems. This includes the beating of the heart and the movement of food through the digestive system. The muscular system is strongly associated with the skeletal system in facilitating movement. Both voluntary and involuntary muscular system functions are controlled by the nervous system. Muscle is a highly specialised soft tissue that produces tension which results in the generation of force. Muscle cells, or myocytes, contain myofibrils comprised of actin
