In this article
1.
Introduction
1.1 A Comprehensive Guide
1.2 People Food – is it Really Bad for Your Dog and Cat?
1.3 Pet Food – is it Really Good for Dogs and Cats?
1.4 Foods that are Normally Safe Can Become Dangerous if…
2.
Foods to Avoid -
Dangerous, Lethal or require Caution
3. Foods that are Beneficial
4.
If You Think Your Dog or Cat has Been Poisoned – What to Do
1.0 Introduction
1.1 A Comprehensive Guide
The
foods covered in this article include:
- ‘People’ Foods
- Whole fresh and raw foods
- Processed foods
- Hidden ingredients and food additives
- Pet Foods, Pet Treats
- Whole fresh and raw foods
- Processed food
- Highly processed food products
- Hidden ingredients and food additives
1.2 People Food – is it Really
Bad for Your Dog and Cat?
‘People’ food is a term that
many people use – veterinarians included. A lot of people are under the
impression that people food is bad for dogs. I believe that all depends on how
the term ‘people’ food is defined.
If ‘people’ food is defined as processed
food – the type of food that occupies 80% of today’s grocery shelves – yes, I
would have to say it is bad for dogs and cats…just as processed food is bad for
humans.
If instead ‘people’ food is defined as
whole fresh foods, for example: meat, good source fats, dairy, fruit, vegetables,
herbs, then there are plenty of ‘people’ foods that
are good for dogs and cats. Other 'people' foods, including: grains, starchy root vegetables, and beans that cause inflammatory issues and disease, and foods that are toxic to
dogs and cats. The lists further below (section 2 and 3 of this
article), separate the good from the bad and the dangerous.
Feeding
your dog real food ('people' food) does not create ‘bad manners’ in a dog, does
not make a dog beg for food, be aggressive around food etc. It is instead the
act of feeding your dog ‘at the table’, slipping your dog bits of food from
your plate, letting your dog fixate on your food and be under your feet while
you are preparing the food that makes a dog beg for food.
My dogs are raw fed. Their meals consisit of raw, whole fresh food which they eat in their own food bowls, My dogs do not beg for my food. They are permitted to be in the kitchen
when I am preparing food, provided they behave in a reasonable manner –
relax, sit or lie down out of the way.
A raw food diet does not make dogs or cats aggreessive.
1.3 Pet Food – is it Really
Good for Dogs and Cats
There are many ingredients and hidden ingredients in pet
foods and treats (off-the-shelf pet store products and
veterinarian prescribed) that will
adversely affect the health of your dog and cat. Having some knowledge of the
good and bad ingredients found in pet food can mean the difference
between great health and poor health, between a few visits to the veterinarian
over the span of your companion animals life - or many visits, lesser quality
of life and a shortened life span. The lists - provided further below in
section 2 and 3 of this article, below
will assist you in understanding bad, good and better pet food.
If the pet food you are using is not made with human food grade meat ingredients, all or a portion of the meat and meat by-products is condemned, denatured meat - the meat is toxic and carcinogenic. I recommend you read this article on condemned, denatured meat used in pet food.
1.4 Foods that are Normally
Safe Can Become Dangerous, If:
- The food has come into contact
with a poisonous substance (i.e. chemical-based cleaners that you have
used on food prep surfaces).
- If the food has not
been stored safely (i.e. raw food not refrigerated) and has
become contaminated with harmful bacteria.
- If the food has started to rot.
- If the food is from a source
(i.e. meat) which was from an animal that was fed growth hormones,
antibiotics, and yes, genetically engineered (GE), genetically
modified (GMO) foods.
- The food (i.e. meat, eggs, packaged vegetables) have been treated with bleaching agents.
- The meat has been denatured.
- If the food was grown with pesticides and herbicides;
- If the food contains other health
threatening ingredients;
- etc.
2.0 Foods to Avoid – Bad for
your Dog, Cat
Alcoholic Beverages
Any type of alcohol can be poisonous to your dog and cat and aside from
intoxication, can cause a coma or even death. Alcohol is also a carcinogen.
Baking Powder, Dry
Yeast, other leavening agents
If ingested in large amounts (large amounts must be
considered in relation to your dog's or cat's size), can cause problems with
electrolyte levels (low calcium, low potassium, high sodium), muscle spasms
and/or congestive heart failure.
Never give raw dough (cookie dough, bread dough etc.) to your dog or cat. Heat is a catalyst for leavening agents. Raw dough can swell in your dog and cat's
stomach, leading to serious if not lethal harm. Baking soda in small therapeutic amounts can be beneficial when used properly and appropriately.
Broth - Commercial v.s. Home Made
Commercially prepared
broth such as that found on grocery store shelves - even the organic type
usually include sugar. The non-organic type can include sugar, chemical
preservatives, sodium, herbs or spices that may not be good for dogs and cats.
Don’t give your dog or cat commercially prepared broth unless you've checked the ingredients list.
Make species appropriate homemade broth for your dog and cat:
Candy containing the sweetener
Xylitol (Birch Sugar)
Candy with Xylitol can cause liver damage and death.
Corn, Soy, Other Grains and Grain-based Foods
Corn,
soy,
cereal grains, refined cereal grains, whole cereal grains are not good for dogs
and cats. A dog’s, cat’s system is not evolved to consume or thrive on large
quantities of grains. Grains do not provide appropriate nutrition are hard on
the digestive and eliminatory system, and are the trigger from many health
issues – for example: chronic ear infections, candida of the paws and skin,
food allergies, inflammatory diseases such as diabetes, IBD, endocrine
disruption, renal issues and cancer. Most dog and cat food and treats that do
contain corn, corn derivatives, soy and soy derivatives (at least in North
America) are made from Genetically Engineered (GE), Round-up Ready Seeds.
These GE seeds are very high in glyphosate residue. Glyphosate is a carcinogen.You can read
about the serious health threats posed by GMO corn here.
Don't give your dog or cat: bread, pasta, corn chips, cereal, conventional pancakes and waffles etc.
Try making species appropriate pancakes and waffles that you can share with your dog.
You'll find recipes here.
Chocolate
Dogs and cats should never have any type of chocolate. Milk chocolate is not as
dangerous for dogs and cats as semi-sweet or unsweetened bakers
chocolate. Theobromine, a natural compound in cocoa beans, is toxic to dogs. Symptoms of theobromine posisoning include: irregular heart rate and rhythm,
restlessness, hyperactivity, diarrhea, vomiting, panting, muscle tremors,
abdominal pain, bloody urine, increased body temperature, seizures, coma and
death.
Coffee
Can result in increased breathing and heart rate, restlessness and affects the
central nervous system.
Fat - in large quantities
Large amounts (relative to the dog's and cat's weight, health and genetically
inherited constitution) can cause very serious and, at worst fatal damage.
Large amounts of fat such as butter, margarine, lard, fat trimmings and oil are
a health hazard. Excessive consumption of fat can cause
failure of the internal organs such as the pancreas and liver. It is important to note that a dog's species appropriate diet is about 30% good source fats such as those discussed in this article. There is NO safe threshold for bad fats such as GMO soybean oil, GMO canola oil, animal fats from denatured, condemned meat.
Fish - in
large quantities
If fed exclusively or in large amounts can result in a thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency leading
to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death. Kept to 20% of the daily diet, fish such as small wild-caught fatty fish can be very beneficial to dogs and cats.
Fish - Raw is safe if prepared properly,
but can be dangerous if not prepared properly
My dogs and cats eat raw fish. Raw fish is excellent for dogs and cats provided the fish is parasite-free. Make sure you freeze fresh fish for at least 21 days before serving it raw to your dog and cat. This ensures that any parasite that may be present in the fish is killed. Raw
fish can contain flukes, a parasite that infests the liver of animals including
dogs and cats. This parasite can cause liver damage and subsequently death.
If you know for certain that the fish in your area is not infested than
there is no threat to your dog's or cat's health.
Fish Meal – can
pose extreme health risk
Check
the ingredient list on your dog's and cat's kibble and treats - if the food and
treats contain fish meal you need to check with the manufacturer to ensure that
they guarantee there is no ethoxyquin
in the fish meal. You have to research this as the ingredient list will
not list ethoxyquin on the ingredient list - it is a hidden ingredient.
Ethoxyquin is a powerful and lethal pesticide that is also used to stop fat
from going rancid. Ethoxyquin is a carcinogen. Ethoxyquin is now banned from
use in human food. You can read about ethoxyquin here.
Farmed Fish – a source of toxins
Choose wild, or wild-caught fish - never feed your dog of cat farmed raised fish, or pet foods and treats that contain farm raised fish. Toxins ingested from consuming farm raised fish are discussed in this article.
Food Coloring
Avoid pet food products that contain coloring. Chemical-based
food coloring is concocted from chemicals that are carcinogenic and cause
numerous health issues the least of which is the inability to concentrate.
Chemical-based food coloring is known to cause various types of cancer
including bladder cancer and brain tumors. If the food coloring is not listed
as ‘natural’ then it is chemical-based.
Food Flavoring, Artificial, and Natural - toxic, carcinogenic
Avoid
treats, pet food products and supplements that contain artificial and/or 'natural' food flavor. Both artificial and natural food flavoring contain allergens, toxins and carcinogens. 'Natural' flavor is actually not natural and is comprised of multiple (up to 100) chemical substances. For more information on the use of flavoring and flavor enhancers you can read this article. I also recommend you read this article that explains the difference between chemical, natural and organic flavor.
Grains, Cereal Grains, Whole
Grains, Grain Derivatives
Grains
are trouble for so may reasons. There are no 'good' grains for dogs and cats. For a detailed description of some of the
serious health problems caused by grain-in food and treats see section 3.0
below, specifically 'Dry and Wet Processed Dry Food and Treats. Grains are not
part of a species appropriate diet and and are the number one cause of ear
infections and many more serious ailments and diseases in dogs and cats. In
2012 (and I am sure 2013 will statistically play-out the same way) the top
non-life threatening reason for bringing a dog or cat to the veterinarian was
an ear
infection. A large majority of these infections are yeast infections caused
by a food
allergy to grains. Even if the grains are organic they still cause major
health issues for dogs and cats as both species - although capable of adapting
to some degree to a high-carbohydrate diet will not thrive on the diet. Grains
are inflammatory, get converted to sugar very quickly, spike insulin levels and
cause a wide range of health issues and disease in dog and cats. Animal-feed grade grains and beans (pulses) can be
contaminated with aflatoxins (a carcinogen and an endocrine disruptor). Many pet food manufacturers use toxic synthetic chemical fungicides on grains, legumes, and tree nuts to kill aflatoxins. Corn
and soy are typically very high in pesticide residue - and that is just the tip
of the iceberg of health issues. The toxic loading from grains and grain
derivatives is incredibly damaging. Go grain-free or you can expect to adversely
effect the quality of your companion animals life in the long and short term.
Check out these
commonly prescribed veterinarian foods - heavily grain-based and seriously
bad for your dog and cat. Does your dog or cat have:
Behavioral problems
Cancer
Digestive
and/or Bowel Issues
There are just a small sampling of the health issues triggered by, exacerbated by
and/or caused by grains in the diet.
Grapes
Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, lack of appetite and
kidney damage. Not all grapes, and not all grape seed products are toxic to dogs. Grape seed extract and grape seed oil are NOT toxic to dogs. Read more about grapes and dogs here.
Homemade Dog and Cat Food if not nutritionally balanced or species appropriate
If
you are making your own homemade raw or cooked and fresh dog or cat
food it is of the utmost importance to ensure that the food you are
making provides a nutritionally complete diet. Many homemade food diets
are not nutritionally complete - this gap exposes your dog and cat to multiple health issues.Make sure you do your research to ensure you create a truly balanced and healthy homemade food. To see what a nutritionally complete homemade cooked and fresh food is comprised of you can look at this recipe.
Hops
May cause panting, elevated temperature, increased heart rate, seizures and
death. Hops herb when **used appropriately** as a medicinal herb is generally safe for dogs.
Liver and other organ meats - in
**large** quantities
In large amounts can cause Vitamin A toxicity, leading to kidney damage/failure.
Liver and other organ meats ARE an ESSENTIAL part of a species appropriate raw diet for dogs and cats. Liver should represent 5% of the animal protein intake.
Macadamia Nuts
Can cause vomiting, lethargy, hypothermia, abdominal pain, stiff joints,
lameness and tremors.
Marijuana and other
hallucinogenic drugs
Can depress the nervous system, cause vomiting, and changes in the heart rate.
Dog and cat appropriate CBD oil when used properly can be very beneficial to help treat a range of health issues and conditions.
Moldy Foods
Can have various effects on dogs and cats, including mild issues such as vomiting and diarrhea, to serious and life-threatening issues including organ failure.
Mushrooms
There are many types of mushrooms that are toxic to dogs - typically the same mushrooms that are toxic to humans. More on that here. Symptoms or poisoning may vary - depression, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain,
tearing, hallucinations, defecation, liver failure, seizures, drooling,
urination, kidney failure, heart damage, hyperactivity and in some cases,
death.
There are many types of mushrooms that are non-toxic to dogs. Medicinal mushrooms can help support your dog's health. Examples of dog-safe medicinal mushrooms include: oyster mushroom, lions mane, shitake, turkey tail, and other medicinal mushrooms. More on that here.
Mushroom broth recipe for dogs here.
Nightshade Family Plants –
Leaves and Stems
Goji Berries, Eggplant, Peppers, Potatoes, Tomatoes, Tomatillos
The leaves and stems of these plants can cause problems with the digestive,
nervous and urinary tract systems. Eggplant should never be given to dogs and cats.
Potatoes are not appropriate food for dogs and cats. Find out more here.
Goji berries can be very beneficial but do have interactions with some conventional drugs, always check for drug interactions.
Onion, Chives, Leeks, Shallots
Contain thiosulphate, the substance responsible for causing ‘Heinx Factor’
anemia in dogs and cats. Can also cause gastrointestinal problems such as
vomiting and diarrhea. Garlic when used within the proper daily dosage is highly beneficial for dogs - not dangerous.
Peanuts and Peanut Butter
Peanuts and peanut butter should NEVER be given dogs and cats. This includes all types of peanuts and peanut butter: pure, unsalted, organic, etc. Find out why peanuts and peanut butter are bad and appropriate alternatives in this article.
Pits from Apricots, Cherries,
Peaches, Plums, etc.
If ingested in large amounts can cause respiratory difficulties such as breathing, coughing and sneezing. The flesh of these fruits are good for dogs, and yes some cats enjoy eating them too.
Raw bitter and extra bitter apricot seeds (kernels) are used for medicinal purposes, and are, for most individuals - safe for use when proper dosage requirements are adhered to.
Plants that are toxic if
ingested by dogs and cats
The ASPCA provides an extensive listing Toxic and Non-Toxic
Plants (ASPCA), however it is important to note that the list is not 100%
accurate. Some of the plants on the list are herbs that are not toxic
to dogs and cats.
Preservatives – Chemical Based
Chemical-based preservatives (i.e. BHA, BHT, Ethoxyquin, Sodium Metabisulfite,
Propyl Gallate, and TBHQ) found in many processed foods for people and in many
dry and wet dog foods and treats including veterinarian prescribed dog foods
are toxic and carcinogenic. You can read about these preservatives here.
Raisins
Can
be poisonous to pets and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal
pain, lack of appetite and kidney damage. Not all grapes are toxic to dogs, however it's best to avoid giving your dog grapes. Learn more here.
Rhubarb Leaves
Can cause problems with the digestive, nervous and urinary systems. Rhubarb is, however a medicinal herb, which when used properly for certain conditions is beneficial for dogs and cats.
Salt
Table salt and iodine salt are not good for dogs in any amount. You can read about that here. Too much salt can cause salt poisoning, and death. Full spectrum salt, given in small amounts can be beneficial to dogs.
Seeds from Apples, Pears
Contain amygdaline, which when consumed is converted into hydrogen cyanide. Hydrogen cyanide can have a variety of bad affects on dogs and cats BUT only when
consumed in VERY large quantities. My dogs self-harvest whole wild apples and consume many apples at a time, complete with the apple seeds. They have never become ill from coming the seeds as a dog would have to consume an enormous, impossible quantity of apple seeds to become ill. The flesh of the fruit is safe for dogs and cats.
Sweeteners
If
a product is really wholesome why does it require sweeteners to be appealing to
your dog or cat? Cats have in the realm of 450 taste buds and are not –
in general, attracted to sweet tasting substances. Dogs have on average 1700
taste buds and do discern sweet, sour, salty tastes – just not to the same
degree that the average human does – we have between7,000 to 9,000 taste buds.
The sense of taste is the only sense that a human posses that is stronger than
a dog’s - all of our other senses (sight, hearing, smell, etc.) is less than
that of a dog.
Sweeteners
are not required in your dog’s or cat's diet! In fact they are not good for
your dog or cat. Sweeteners like grains are inflammatory – the vast majority of
chronic diseases are triggered by inflammation. Sweeteners are encourage the
growth of bad bacteria in the mouth – putting oral health at risk and also feed
bad bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. If the product you are going to buy
has any of the following ingredients in it, you know what to do - re-shelve it!
- Corn syrup
- Di-alpha tocopherol
acetate
- Fructose
- Sorbitol
- Sugar
- Molasses that is sulphured and derived from GMO beets, GMO sugar cane, or conventionally grown sorghum
- Pasturized honey
- Unpasturized honey (even if it is
organic) if it has been subjected to intense heat via i.e. steaming, cooking, baking
Remember
daily intake of sweeteners is just as bad for dogs as it is for humans. Sugar
suppresses the immune system - making it easier for cancer to take hold.
Sweeteners also cause allergies, arthritis, cataracts, hypoglycaemia, heart
ailments, nervous energy, tooth decay, obesity and so on. The more your dog’s
health is compromised the harder it is for your dog’s body to fight disease!
Unlike the negative impacts on health caused by other sweeteners, organic unpasteurized honey that has not undergone any heating
process does offer many health benefits. Organic unpasteurized honey (bee
pollen and propolis) when provided in the proper dosage offers many health
benefits for dogs. You can read this article
for an example of the benefits derived from including organic unpasteurized
honey in your dog's diet, dosage and cautions.
Tea Derived from Tea Plants
i.e. Earl Grey Tea, Orange Pekoe Tea, etc.
Can
have varied effects on dogs and cats. The caffeine and tannin found in tea derived from tea plants are
toxic to dogs and cats. There are many herbal teas that offer great health benefits for dogs and cats.
Tobacco
Contains nicotine, which affects the digestive and nervous systems. Can result
in rapid heart beat, collapse, coma, and death.
Vitamins and Other Supplements
Many made-for-pet vitamins are actually health threatening as a majority of these products contain toxins, carcinogens and known allergy triggers. It is important to know how to read ingredients and also know how to identify unlisted ingredients. Vitamins made-for humans can contain inappropriate levels of certain elements such as iron. Overdose of elements such as iron can damage the lining of
the digestive system and be toxic to the other organs including the liver and
kidneys.
Tree Nuts that are
stale and/or contaminated with mold or fungus (e.g. aflatoxins)
Can cause gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting and diarrhea, as well as
respiratory issues such as sneezing, breathing and coughing. Aflatoxins, a
naturally occurring fungus that grows on grains, ground growing nuts, pulses, seeds and tree nuts. Aflatoxins damage the liver leading to liver issues, and death. As well, aflatoxins are a carcinogenic fungi that can cause liver cancer.
Avoid all animal-feed grade tree nuts. Fresh (not stale), human food-grade tree nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts and walnuts (in small quantities - representing no more than 2% of the overall diet) are generally safe for dogs (not appropriate for cats).
NEVER give Macadamia nuts to dogs (or cats), as these nuts are **toxic** to dogs and cats.
Yeast Dough - raw, not baked
Can be dangerous as it will expand and result in gas, pain and possible rupture
of the stomach or intestines. Baked is also not good for dogs and cats if it is
made from grains.
Xylitol
Xylitol
is a sugar alcohol -- an artificial sweetener created from birch, raspberries,
plums and corn.1 This sweetener is found in many human "sugar free"
products, such as gum, candies and other sweets. Signs of toxicity can be seen
as quickly as 30 minutes after xylitol ingestion in dogs. The xylitol causes a
rapid release of the hormone insulin, causing a sudden decrease in blood
glucose. The following are symptoms of Xylitol poisoning: vomiting weakness, ataxia (uncoordinated movements), depression, hypokalemia (decreased
potassium), seizures, coma, liver dysfunction and/or failure. Ingestion can be
fatal.
3.0 Foods That Are Beneficial
Avocado
for
Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ
Flesh of the avocado fruit is rich source of many beneficial nutrients for dogs - you can go here to read about the health benefits, and how to include avocado in your dog's daily diet. Your dog should not eat the skin and pit of the avocado. The leaves, bark of the avocado tree, the skin and pit (seed) of the avocado contain persin - a fungicidal toxin.
Bones
for
Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ and Cats ^._.^
When on a raw diet, raw bones are very important as they provide an
excellent and necessary source of:
- Calcium
- Phosphorous
- Trace minerals
My dogs get dog-safe raw meaty bones in their diet daily. My cats also enjoy cat-safe raw meaty bones. Learn about safe raw meaty bones for dogs and cats in this article.
A safe substitute for raw, fresh or frozen bones is high-quality
healthful source bone meal or or microcrystalline hydoxyapatite - MCHA (freeze
dried bone).
- Do not ever use the type of bone
meal sold in garden centers - garden center bone meal is poor quality from
unspecified sources and can be full of toxins and carcinogens;
Never give your dog or cat cooked bones!
Load Bearing Bones- Load bearing bones are dangerous - as
they can splinter and cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive
system.
- Large, fresh raw or frozen-raw
bones such as beef or bison femur bones are good for a dog to chew
on to exercise their jaw;
- Good for dental
care - If the bone has some meat and cartilage attached the dog will
get her teeth 'brushed' naturally be gnawing on the bone.
- However these are hard bones
that can splinter
- These type of bones should not
be given to a dog that chews with great intensity:
- The pressure can result in
chipped and broken teeth
- The bone may splinter and chip
into fragments that can cause severe internal damage to a dog
- Instead, select safe raw meaty bones from the list provided in this article.
Broth - Bone Broth
for
Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ and Cats ^._.^
Homemade bone broth when made properly is an excellent source of nutrients and
can be:
- Given to dogs and cats after
fasting from a bout of diarrhea;
- Given to support renal and
eliminatory health;
- Of particular importance for dogs
and cats on a dry dog food diet;
- For dogs and cats recovering from
surgery or a traumatic event;
- For older dogs and cats with a
suppressed or lessened appetite.
- You can use this bone
broth recipe.
Dairy Products
for
Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ and Cats ^._.^
If consumed in reasonable amounts - particularly on a daily basis some dairy
products are very beneficial for most dogs and cats. If your dog or cat
is not lactose intolerant, plain
yogurt or kefir is an excellent immune system booster. A little hard
cheese or cottage cheese on a daily basis is a good source of nutrition. If
your dog or cat is lactose intolerant – some can tolerate hard cheese as during
the cheese making process most of the lactose is removed. My dogs and cats eat
Goat milk. kefir or yogurt on a daily basis. You can read
here to understand which dairy products are good for your dog and cat, how
to select a good product and safe daily dosage.
Dry and Wet Processed Food
(Kibble) and Treats
for
Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ and Cats ^._.^
Are
- Species inappropriate.
- These products cause a wide range of health issues and disease, lessen quality of life and drastically shorten and dog and cat's life-span.
The Good and the Bad
'Biologically
Appropriate', 'Nutritionally Complete', 'Species Appropriate'
At
best even the 'better' products are not species appropriate,
nutritionally complete, and biologically appropriate. Pet food
manufacturer's can use these popular, hot, key words however they want to in
order to sell their products. The words/terms 'Nutritionally Complete'
and 'Biologically Appropriate' as pertains to the pet food industry are terms
are not regulated by government bodies such as Health Canada, and the FDA.
These terms are also not regulated by AAFCO and if they were the regulation would
not be one to be trusted as AAFCO is not an objective non-governmental
organization (NGO). AAFCO is a private organization made up of those who are in
the pet food industry and their associated lobbyists.
The
pet food industry does not have the engineered technology to make processed dry
food species appropriate, nutritionally and biologically complete. The very
nature of the process required to make dry food destroys the viable, essential
elements that make food species appropriate and complete. Even if the whole
food that goes into making the product is species appropriate, is organic, is a
viable health promoting microbe, has essential enzymes, has antioxidant or
other health enabling properties - once that item is super-heated and otherwise
processed the former healthful qualities are degraded.
The Bad - Unlisted Ingredients
Hidden ingredients can make their way into your dog's and cat's food in many ways. When these substances are consumed on a daily basis
ailment and chronic disease results. Here are a few examples of the
many toxic unlisted substances in processed dog and cat food...
- One - A substance that is added to a food as part of an initial harvesting and preservation process.
- An example of this would be fish meal that has been preserved with the potent, very toxic and carcinogenic chemical ethoxyquin. You can read about the health and life compromising effects of ethoxyquin here.
- Two -
Carcinogenic substances that are formed during the high-heat processing
required to make processed food - these substances include:
- Carcinogens called advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) created from cooking meat and other foods (e.g., beans such as chickpeas and lentils) at high temperatures. Acrylamide and heterocyclicamine are two examples of AGEs
- The known carcinogen BPA leaches into canned food from the lining of the can;
- Three
- A substance that remains as a residue in meat and associated animal
by-products due to bio-accumulation from feed that the source animal
(i.e. cow or chicken) was fed while alive. Here are a few examples...
Example One - Glyphosate Residue
Glyphosate residue (an herbicide and the active ingredient in Monsanto's Round-up)
can be consumed by your dog or cat when he/she consumes products that
contain meat obtained from Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO for
short, also called large factory farms). Glyphosate
is a
broad-spectrum herbicide and is the active ingredient in Monsanto's
herbicide Round-up. In North America (and some other parts of the world)
80% of corn and soy crops are grown from Monsanto's genetically
modified (GM) Round-up ready seeds. These crops are heavily dosed with
multiple application of Monsanto's Round-up herbicide. Round-up is toxic
to humans, animals and insects such as bees. Glyphosate even when
diluted 100's of times below the strength of agricultural crop
application has been proven to damage cells, kill cells (animal and
human) and have hormone damaging effects. Animals (i.e. cattle,
chickens) raised in CAFO are feed GM corn and soy and by-products. The
meat of animals fed GM corn and soy may have a bio-accumulation of the
toxin glyphosate.
To
make matters worse Monsanto's GM alfalfa has now
been approved for use in some locations in North America - i.e. Ontario
Canada. Alfalfa is a common animal feed crop. The high plant protein
content in alfalfa has made alfalfa a favorite for dog and cat food
manufacturers - regardless of the fact that alfalfa is a biologically
inappropriate food for dogs and cats. Many pet food manufacturers use
alfalfa as a minor to major ingredient in dog and cat food because...
- Alfalfa is:
- Readily available;
- Inexpensive;
- A cheap source of plant protein (ranging from 14% to 22% plant protein);
- Alfalfa affords the opportunity to increase profit.
... However alfalfa does not support the health of your dog or cat...in-fact quite the opposite.
- Alfalfa does
not offer species appropriate protein to your dog and cat, dogs and cats
have a biological requirement for meat protein, not copious quantities
of plant protein;
- Alfalfa
contains glycosides in the form of saponins. Saponins are
anti-nutrients. Anti-nutrietns are substances that act to interfere with
the body's ability to absorb essential nutrients;
- GMO alfalfa contains even higher levels of herbicide residue than non-GMO alfalfa.
Example Two - some FDA and Health Canada Approved 'Food' Additives for Beef Cattle (and Other Animal Feed)
Antibiotics
(to prevent spread of disease enabled by overcrowded 'living'
conditions), and beta-agonists (to increase growth rate/size):
Bacitracin
zinc, bambermycins, chlortetracycline, erythromycin thiocyanate, lasalocid
sodium, lincomycin, melengestrol acetate, monensin, monensin sodium, oleandomycin,
oxytetracycline, salinomycin sodium, ractopamine hydrochloride, tylosin,
virginiamycin, zilmax.
Beta
agonists - also called beta-blockers are used to promote the
growth of lean muscle weight during the final period of life prior to
slaughter. These drugs increase an animal's weight - on average by 30
pounds. Beta agonists adversely effect an animal's heart, lungs, muscles
and other tissues, cause behavioral problems, seizures, death...
Example Three - Ractopamine, examining a beta agonist in detail...
Ractopamine
- is a beta agonist that is banned in 160 countries, but is approved by Health Canada and
the FDA and is used by about 80% of CAFOs in Canada and the USA. Ractopamine
a beta agonist drug, is added to CAFO fed to increase the growth of
animals thus supporting a larger profit margin for the operation. Ractopamine
is a known and well documented poison responsible for: aggression,
anorexia, birth defects, bloat, cardiovascular system risk - including
elevated heart rate and heart, excessive hunger, hyperactivity,
lameness, reproductive function reduction, respiratory issues,
stiffness, stress and most frequently reported - death. It is also being
studied for its role in causing chromosomal abnormalities, behavioral
changes and food poisoning. Up
to 20% of the Ractopamine consumed remains in the meat found on grocery
stores shelves and in products that the meat is used in - including dog
and cat food.
Example Four - Zilmax, examining a beta agonist in detail...
Zilmax
is another beta agonist drug used in Canada and the USA to increase
growth rate in CAFO animals. Zilmax delivers 125 times the potency of
Ractopamine. Zilmax causes severe behavioral problems, muscle tremors,
rapid heart rates even up to 2 weeks after use of the drug has been
stopped. Like Ractopamine, Zilmax remains present in the meat and liver
of the slaughtered animal.
These substances - ethoxyquin, glyphosate, ractopamine and zilmax are all examples of toxic hidden ingredients that are NOT biologically appropriate or species appropriate for any animal, including dogs and cats.
The Bad - Listed Ingredients
It
is
really important to learn to read the label of ingredients on a pet
food
product. Unless the product states that the ingredients used where
human-food-grade,
ingredients used can be very degraded - this in addition to the hazards
posed by hidden ingredients as noted just above. Health Canada, the FDA
(and similar
government departments of other countries) and associations such as
AAFCO allow
many toxic chemicals, degraded and otherwise inappropriate ingredients
into pet
food. Ingredients that cause so many health problems, short-term and
chronic.
Even the most expensive brands of dry food include some ingredients that
cut
corners to save the manufacturer money while posing health risks for
your
dog and cat, for example;
- Using whole white fish which may
be high in mercury, rather than using wild salmon.
- And BTW if you live in the USA
or Canada genetically modified (GMO) salmon has just been approved for
use;
- Using a poor source GMO Omega-6
fatty acid - oil (i.e. corn oil, canola oil, cotton seed oil, safflower
oil, soy oil) that is inherently high in pesticide residue rather than a
good quality oil such as organic coconut oil or olive oil.
How to Choose A Better Dry Food (Kibble,
Treats) Product
'Good' highly processed pet food does not exist.
Problamatic components including grains, starchy root vegetables, beans, poor quality meat, food additives are discussed throughout this article
Learn about:
- The health deteriorating ingredients in veterinarian
prescribed dog and cat food here
- Condemmened denatured meat used in many pet food products
- Dead dogs and cats used in dry pet food products.
- Explore the many articles on this blog site for additional infromation on the many issues with dry food products, see the list of articles on this topic further below.
- Go to the blog tags and find the many healthy homamade treats recipes on this blog site.
Basic Supplements to Improve A Dry Food Diet
Additional supplementation
Depends on the what conditions your dog or cat is exposed to. So
for example if you are:
You
then need to supplement with a wider variety of foods, herbs and
nutraceuaticals to compensate for the additional toxic burden placed on your
dog or cat. The best solution is to fed your dog and cat a specieis appropraite raw food diet.
More on processed dog, cat food in these
articles
Corn and Soy are Very Bad for Your
Dog’s (Cat’s) Short and Long Term Health
Eggs
for
Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ and Cats ^._.^
Eggs are an
excellent source of nutrition for dogs and cats. My own dogs get a raw egg as part of their daily diet.
Learn how to include eggs in your dog and cat's diet - serving recommendations, recipes and more tips in this article.
Eggs contaminated with salmonella are typically eggs sourced from factory farm battery cage or 'free-run' poultry. If you are going to
use factory farm eggs make sure you thoroughly wash the shell before cracking the egg or
before giving the whole egg with shell to your dog. Raw eggs can be given daily provided that you give both the egg white, and the egg yolk. Egg whites contain avidin, which when ingested over the long-term can cause a biotin deficiency, if your dog's or cat's intake of biotin is low. To avoid deficiency of biotin, simply feed your dog of cat the egg yolk, and egg white together. The yolk of the egg contains sufficient biotin to offset the actions of the avidin. My dogs eat raw egg - I simply crack the shell, and then place the entire egg in their food bowl.
Learn more about biotin and avidin, salmonella and chemical washing of eggs in this article.
Cooked eggs - serving recommendations and recipes here.
Fat - is absolutely
necessary in a dog's and cat's diet
for
Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ and Cats ^._.^
The key is to ensure
you provide your dog and cat with good source Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids
in the correct ratio on a daily basis. Omega-3 fatty acids are the body’s and
brain’s natural anti-inflammatory – providing protection against inflammatory diseases.
For a comprehensive guide to adding good fats to your dog's, cat's diet read
here.
On
a daily basis my dogs get healthy fats from:
A
dog’s ancestral diet - and therefore a species appropriate diet consists of +/-
57 to 60% protein, 30% fat and 10 to 14% carbohydrates.
Fish - in reasonable quantities
for
Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ and Cats ^._.^
A small amount of raw-frozen-thawed or gently cooked wild-caught deep cold water fatty fish such as
anchovies, sardines, smelt, are very good for your dog (on a daily basis is fine - in small
amounts) provided the amount of fish does not exceed 20% of the daily diet, Deep cold water wild-caught fatty fish are nutrient rich and a good source of omega
fatty acids.
You can read more about sardines for dogs here.
Fruit and Vegetables
for
Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ and Cats ^._.^
Many
fruits and vegetables are good for your dog and cat. Fruit and vegetables when
integrated properly into the diet contribute antioxidants, vital mineral and
vitamins. For example cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli offer
anti-allergenic properties. Brussel sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower offer
important anti-carcinogenic benefits. Berries are also high in antioxidants and
anti-carcinogenic properties. Some of these foods also have additional
medicinal properties as natural pain killers, anti-inflammatory effects and
enzymes that support digestion. Tart
red cherries and papaya
are good examples. For an extensive list of fresh foods, for information on how to properly prepare (to aid digestion and maximum absorption of nutrients), introduce and feed fresh fruits and vegetables to your dog and cat read here.
Garlic
for
Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ
Garlic contains only trace amounts of thiosulphate – the compound responsible
for causing the Heinz factor in dogs and cats. Garlic offers amazing health benefits to dogs when provided in the
correct daily dosage.. When
garlic is ingested in appropriate amounts there are no harmful effects, only
beneficial ones. Garlic is known for its anti-carcinogenic, diabetes, liver, heart,
kidney disease fighting properties as well as its use as a natural flea, and insect repellent and wormer for dogs.
Cats are more sensitive to the active
ingredients in garlic. Cats should never have more than 2 or 3 thin slices of a
garlic clove a week. Garlic must be used with extreme caution with cats and
only by those persons that understand how to strictly monitor use and side
effects.
Puppies under 6-months of age should not be given garlic.
Grape Seed Oil and Extract
for
Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ and Cats ^._.^
While grapes are toxic to dogs and cats the oil and extract from grape seeds
have beneficial properties for dogs and cats – you can read about that here.
Herbs and Spices
for
Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ and Cats ^._.^
While there are some herbs and spices that are toxic to cats and dogs there are
many herbs and spices that offer extensive health benefits to dogs and
cats. When using a dog or cat safe herbal tea it is important to
understand the cautions, drug interactions and dosage and how these elements
may relate to the individual animal's specific conditions.To see a long list of
herbs and spices that are good for dogs and cats and bad, complete with links
to some of the beneficial uses, you can read here. Prior to giving your dog or cat herbs make sure you check all cautions, drug interactions, and any conflicts with your dog's or cat's current medical condition, if he/she has any condition. Also note some herbs that are fine for dogs are not safe for cats - make sure you check first.
Herbal Teas
for
Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ and Cats ^._.^
There are many herbal teas that are very good for dogs and cats. Rooibos Tea is
one such example – you can read about the health benefits of Rooibos Tea here.
When using a dog or cat safe herbal tea it is important to understand the
cautions, drug interactions and dosage and how these elements may relate to the
individual animal's specific conditions. For a list of other herbs that can be
used as herbal teas you can read here. Prior to giving your dog or cat herbs make sure you check all cautions, drug interactions, and any conflicts with your dog's or cat's current medical condition, if he/she has any condition. Also note some herbs that are fine for dogs are not safe for cats - make sure you check first.
Homemade Dog and Cat Food
for
Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ and Cats ^._.^
For a nutritionally complete homemade dog food you can take a look at this recipe.
Honey – unpasteurized (raw)
organic
for
Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ and Cats ^._.^
Unlike the negative impacts on health caused by other sweeteners, organic unpasteurized honey that has not undergone any heating
process does offer many health benefits. Organic unpasteurized honey (bee
pollen and propolis) when provided in the proper dosage offers many health
benefits for dogs. You can read this article
for an example of the benefits derived from including organic unpasteurized
honey in your dog's diet, dosage and cautions.
Liver and other organ meats -
small amounts are beneficial
for
Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ and Cats ^._.^
Liver and other organs are an essential component of a species appropriate diet for dogs and cats. Organs are a rich source of nutrients and essential
amino acids. Liver should represent 5% of a dog and cat's daily intake of animal protein. Another secreting organ (i.e. brain, kidney, pancreas, spleen, testicles, thymus gland), should represent an additional 5% of the daily animal protein intake.
Mushrooms
for
Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ and Cats ^._.^
Medicinal mushrooms can help support your dog and cat's health. More about the health benifits of medicinal mushrooms, and a mushroom broth recipe for dogs and cats here.
Nuts
for
Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ and Cats ^._.^
Raw almonds, pure almond butter, pure fresh or dry coconut flesh, pure coconut water when offered in small amounts daily are a good source of supplemental nutrients
for dogs. All peanut butter including pure, organic is NOT good for dogs. Find out why here.
Nutraceuticals
for
Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ and Cats ^._.^
(Food
or parts of food that provide health or medicinal benefits when ingested
this includes food and parts of food used to prevent, treat, remedy illness and
disease)
For example:
Honey
(organic, unpasturized)
etc.
Raw Food Diet
for
Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ and Cats ^._.^
A properly desinged, balanced raw food diet is the best diet for your dog and cat.
However, if the
ingredients used are not examined for their actual quality and value the raw
food diet can be seriously compromised.
- Raw, species
appropriate food (i.e. fresh meat, fresh bones) when:
- From a truly good source
- When stored properly
- When prepared properly
- When selected properly
- Is the best diet for your dog and cat.
- However if the origin of the raw
food, its preparation. etc. is not safe then the end product - the raw
food is not safe either.
- If the source of the raw meat is
an animal that came from a large factory farm, or from a smaller farm
that is not organic in its practices...
- The animal (chicken, cow, lamb,
etc.) was fed a diet that included:
- GMO
corn, GMO
soy
- Antiobiotics
- Growth Hormones
- All of the above are toxins,
some are carcinogens
- All of these substances end-up
in your dog's and cat's system when they ingest the food
Seeds
for
Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ and Cats ^._.^
Some seeds are very good for most dogs and cats…here are a few examples:
Anise
seeds (beneficial and medicinal properties);
Chia
seeds (omega-3 fatty acids);
Flax
seeds (omega-3 fatty acids);
Fennel
seeds (beneficial and medicinal properties);
Sesame seeds or tahini (omega fatty acids, vitamin and mineral rich).
Starchy seeds such as amaranth, quinoa and millet are NOT appropriate for dogs and cats and should NEVER be included in the diet. Read more here.
Vinegar – specifically organic
unfiltered unpasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) and Cococnut Sap Vinegar
for
Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ and Cats ^._.^
Organic unpasteurized, unfiltered ACV and as well coconut sap vinegar offer a long list of health benefits and
is safe for most dogs and cats when added to the daily diet in the correct
dosage. Allow your dog and cat to self-select supplemental food items such as ACV, never force them to take items they do not want. Learn about self-selection here.
Read about ACV here. Read about coconut sap vinegar here.
6.0 Holistic Support
Holistic Wellness Services and Holistic Behaviorist Services
Holistic Wellness and Behaviorist Services
Do you need holistic advice to support your companion animal's health and well being? Become a client. Book your consultation. My professional holistic nutrition, wellness and behavioral services are available to you:
🌿 Holistic Wellness Services for Dogs and Cats 🐕 🐈
🌿 Holistic Behaviorist Services for Dogs 🐕
My Holistic Client Services are Available Worldwide:
🇺🇸 USA
🇨🇦 Canada
🇬🇧 UK and other European countries
🇦🇺 Australia and other Oceania countries
🇭🇰 Hong Kong and other Asian countries
🇨🇷 Costa Rica and other Central American countries
🇪🇺 European countries
🇹🇹 Trinidad and Tobago and other South America countries
🇿🇦 South Africa and other African countries
🇸🇪 Sweden and other Nordic countries
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Available Holistic Consultations and Sessions:
📱 FaceTime
📱 Facebook video or voice calling
💻 Skype 📱 WhatsApp
📞 Phone
📧 Email
🚶🏻♀️ In-Person
Menu of Holistic Wellness Services for Dogs and Cats 🐕🐈
For more information go here.
✅ Maintain Health, and;
✅ Address Health Issues and Conditions:
✓ Treatment and Remedy
✓ Pre-Surgery holistic support protocols
✓ Post-Surgery holistic healing protocols
✓ Pre-Vaccine holistic support protocols
✓ Post-Vaccine holistic support protocols
✓ Natural Insect and Parasite Prevention
✓ Natural Treatment for Insect, Parasite Infestation, Co-Infection, Disease
✅ Custom Designed Whole Food Diets - raw or gently cooked, and;
✅ Advice and Recommendation:
✓ Premade Diets - raw, dehydrated, freeze dried
✓ Supplemental Fresh Foods - raw, gently cooked
✓ Super foods
✓ Treats - raw, dehydrated, freeze dried, gently cooked
✓ Herbs
✓ Alternative Medicines
Menu of Holistic Behaviorist Services for Dogs 🐕
For more information go here.
In-person Sessions - available locally
Voice and Video Sessions - available worldwide
✓ Obedience Training
✓ Behavior Modification
✓ Psychological Rehabilitation
Affiliations to Companies
✓ None.
✓ I don't sell food or supplements.
✓ I'm not aligned with any companies.
✓ I choose to maintain my objectivity in selecting best-solutions for my individual client's needs.
Contact me
karen@ottawavalleydogwhisperer.ca
Article and graphics by Karen Rosenfeld
7.0 If You Think Your Dog or
Cat Is Suffering from Poisoning
Food, chemicals, insect/snake
bites...
The following provides a list of some of the interventions that
they may ask you to do, they may also request that you bring your dog in ASAP.
To induce vomiting,
give your pet 3% Hydrogen Peroxide (1 tablespoon per 15 pounds of the dog’s
body weight) with an eye dropper, syringe, or turkey baster by dribbling the
liquid onto the back of his tongue or into his cheek pocket until swallowed.
Collect any vomit and take it, along with the poison container or other
substance that you think you dog may have ingested and take it to the
veterinarian
To dilute caustic poisons
such as pine oils, detergents, bleaches, and swimming pool chemicals, feed your
dog large quantities of water, milk, or egg whites. Activated charcoal (or even
burned toast) may be recommended to absorb insect repellents like DEET.
To remove absorbed poisons...absorbed
poisons are substances that get on your pet’s paws and coat and are absorbed
through the skin. Road salt is one of the most common of such substances and
can cause serious and lethal damage over time. Remember your dog walks, on lies
on and licks the floor - don't use chemical based cleaners to clean floors,
other horizontal or vertical surfaces that your dog comes into contact with.
Absorbed poisoning can happen through ingestion when the animal grooms himself.
For oil-based toxins (petroleum products) use a gentle dish washing liquid like
'Dawn'. Dust or vacuum powdery poisons away because water can activate certain
toxins. If the poison is in your dog’s eye, carefully flush the eye with water
or a sterile saline solution. To remove toxins from a dog's paws you can use
the following Foot Soak Recipe...
Warm Water and Iodine - Foot Soak Recipe, To Remove Toxins
Iodine
is non-toxic for dogs (but should not be ingested, just used topically) and is
anti-fugal and anti-viral. To remove toxins (road salt, herbicides, fertilizers
or pesticides) from the surface of your dog’s paws - this soak can also be used
to reduce itchy, inflamed, and other wise irritated paws…
- Fill the container you are using
with warm water;
- Add enough iodine to make the
water turn the colour of ice tea;
- Have your dog stand in or
otherwise keep their paw in the water/iodine solution for 30 seconds
- Then pat your dog’s paws dry.
‘Inhaled poisons’
include aerosol sprays, carbon monoxide, gases, and other fumes inhaled by your
pet that you may not consider poison to dogs because you use them safely on a
regular basis. Quickly get your dog into fresh air and administer Rescue
Breathing if necessary.
For snakebites,
carry your dog if at all possible, to prevent increased circulation of venom
throughout his body via walking. Get him to an animal emergency centre ASAP.
For insect bites,
administer 1 mg of Diphenhydramine (i.e. Benadryl), an antihistamine, per pound
of your dog’s body weight. Applying a
cold pack to the bite can alleviate swelling, but immediately seek professional
medical help if you detect breathing problems. You can also wipe or spray the
bite with Apple Cider Vinegar.
If you think your dog is suffering from symptoms related to
poisoning from any of these foods, plants or chemicals call your veterinarian
or contact a pet poison control centre right away.
Wow, this is a great list. I thought I knew all of the items and I'm surprised to see eggs on here. I have friends who feed their dogs fried eggs everyday (I know you wrote raw eggs). We feed our dogs fried eggs every now and then as a treat.
ReplyDeleteWe don't feed our dogs raisins (because they're dried grapes) but we do give them a few craisins every now and then, which probably isn't the best idea, because it's processed food - hence, sweeteners.
Thanks for giving me something to think about.
The pet poison hotline's website says garlic is more poisonous than onion???
DeleteYes Jennifer - that is what they say. But they are wrong. The pet poison help-line (it is ASPCA's), although helpful in many ways(which is why I provide it)does have errors in its list. One such error is its false assessment of garlic. This is the true story regarding garlic http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.ca/2012/06/garlic-for-dogs-health-benefits.html
DeleteThe problem is that the ASPCA veterinarians are allopthically trained so they know little to nothing about food and diet - they are trained to do emergency medicine...http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.ca/2013/05/conventional-practitioners-of-modern.html
They have some other serious errors as well...for example...
They say corn is ok for your dog when in fact the corn used in dog food is anything but ok for your dog. This is the reality regarding corn http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.ca/2013/06/corn-corn-derivatives-very-bad-for-your.html
They say artificial food colouring is ok for your dog when it is in actual fact a known carcinogen.
There are also other errors on their list as well.
Thank you for providing this list...it is so informative and there are a lot of things are it that I did not know about so I am thankful for the list....
ReplyDeleteThank you for this list...it was very informative....there were so many things on it that I did not know about...so I am thankful for this list...
ReplyDeleteI'm so thankful I've browsed on this list. it's so helpful and informative. now i'm knowledgeable on what not to give to my little boy. Thanks a lot.
ReplyDeleteWow so many things to think about not feeding your dog, I was surprised to see eggs as when my dog was poorly the vet had told me to keep him on eggs (scrambled) chicken, tuna and pasta, I most definitely will be looking at ingredients and additives in my dogs food and have saved the list, many thanks for sharing this useful information with many pet owners :-).
ReplyDeleteCooked eggs are fine - it is raw eggs that can pose a health risk. Check this out for a very nutritious dog treat recipe - scrambled eggs, with cheddar cheese and coconut oil...
DeleteHome Made, DIY Healthy, Natural Dog Treats - Recipes and Health Benefits
You can choose the recipe that best suits your dog's needs...
http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.ca/2012/07/homemade-diy-natural-healthy-dog-treats.html
If you are interested in knowing more about really bad additives in dog food and grooming products, check these articles out too...
How to Choose a Good Kibble for Your Dog
Diet plays a big role in a dog’s ability to maintain a healthy immune system. If you are feeding your dog commercial dog kibble, knowing how to choose a quality dog kibble is essential for your dog’s health and well being…
http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.com/2012/02/how-to-choose-good-kibble-for-your-dog.html
Dog and Pet Shampoo - Unsafe, Harmful Ingredients to be Avoided
Dogs are exposed to so many toxins and carcinogens these days. Every additional unsafe ingredient we expose our dogs to creates a heavier toxic load on our dog’s system. Talking about unsafe ingredients in pet shampoo may seem trivial if you only bath your dog once in a blue-moon…but it is best to remember that you should look at toxic loading in broad perspective...
http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.ca/2012/07/dog-and-pet-shampoo-unsafe-harmful.html
Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Toothpaste, Oral Rinse and Dental Chews
Brushing your dog’s teeth on a daily basis, or at least several times a week; and or use of an oral rinse on your dog’s mouth is very important...but please don`t fall for the attractive packages and eye-catching words 'natural', 'safe', etc...
http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.ca/2012/05/ingredients-in-dog-toothpaste-oral.html
Cheers, Karen
Hello- I just made dog treats for my dog Scottie, but was out of garlic (which I usually use), so googled "spices for dogs" and found your site. How lucky!!! The biscuits are just out of the oven and they are seasoned with just a touch of ginger and a touch of basil (not too much). He is waiting anxiously as they need to cool before he may enjoy one...or two.... (Other ingredients in the biscuits.... whole wheat flour, ground flax, wheat germ, egg white, natural peanut butter (no sugar), and a little water to bind it all together). Thanks for all the information- I can't wait to investigate other topics... -Diane (Green Bay, Wisconsin)
ReplyDeletePaw-hugs Dianne ❀ᵔᴥᵔ❀
DeleteDogs don't handle dairy products well at all and they should be avoided.
ReplyDeleteActually MJA that is not true :>) Dairy products such as cottage cheese, yogurt, kefir, hard cheese such as cheddar, swiss, mozeralla are very good for dogs and the majority of dogs will not get sick from these dairy products. I have 10 dogs ( http://www.ottawavalleydogwhisperer.com/My-Pack_My-Pack.html#.UVI33VfKSHc ) that vary in breed and size, from a 4lb Pomeranian to full size German Shepherds and they all get dairy products (yogurt, cottage cheese and cheese)on a daily basis. Many of my clients also feed their dogs these food stuffs as I do. Such foods can contribute much to a dog's health.
DeleteIn fact prior to the popularity of highly processed commercially manufactured dog food, these dairy products noted above where a typical part of many dogs diets. And statistics show that dogs were much healthier back then. You should take a look at these articles to understand more...
Dental Health
http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.ca/2012/05/vitamins-minerals-foods-that-support.html
Probiotics
http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.ca/2012/05/diy-probiotics-for-your-dog.html
Fresh Foods
http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.ca/2012/02/fresh-whole-food-for-your-dogs-health.html
Great list ! people should be more aware of these foods dogs can and can not eat .
ReplyDeleteAwesome info. Thanks! What should I do if my dog eats household items? Toys, crayons, pens, stuffed animals (all the stuffing), stones, wood - pretty much anything. 4year old Golden Retriever - we adopted him less than a year ago.
ReplyDeleteHi Nicole - I work with a lot of clients whose dogs do as yours is doing. Usually a dog that is doing this is in an over-excited state most of the time - excited is their normal, the taking and eating of such objects is a symptom of anxiety which results form the inability to calm and relax. I teach these clients hoe to put structure into their dog's life, how to direct their dog. The dog I worked with today had the same issue. The dog had to be taught to relax. Go to my index page and read my articles on communication and behaviour :>)
DeleteWonderfully detailed list, thank you! I'm trying to transition my dog out of dry/canned food, seeing as how the ingredients are terrible and she barely even eats it now. Attempting to give her homemade food, I've started feeding her brown rice with gravy (from a powdered mix packet) which is the only way she eats anything now. I've heard from a fellow dog owner that cooked corn and chicken hearts/liver are also safe for dogs. Is this true?
ReplyDeleteHi Marissa,
DeleteGrains are not part of a dog's natural diet and cause many short and long-term health issues for dogs. Commercially made gravy is also not a good thing to feed her as it is high in sodium, many contain food coloring, artificial flavours, chemical based preservatives = toxins, carcinogens and species inappropriate food stuff.
If you want to make her food try this grain-free recipe - http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.ca/2012/06/home-made-diy-dog-food-recipes-grain.html She is highly unlikely to reject it and if you read the comments under the article you will see that people have great success with it.
Corn is seriously bad for dogs, read why here http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.ca/2013/04/corn-and-soy-are-very-bad-for-your-dogs.html
As for liver - a very little piece a day is fine but feeding your dog large amounts of liver is actually not good for your dog.In addition the liver is part of the bodies filtering system for toxins, so if the liver you are using is from factory farm chickens you are increasing your dogs intake of toxins.
Thank you so much! I will try the grain-free recipe :] I feared there would be too much sodium in the gravy and have read that large amounts of corn are dangerous; I'm glad I was able to get your opinion on the matter so quickly. Thank you again!
DeleteMy dog 1 year old (box/lab)just ate 1 orange crayon, should I be concerned? she has never chewed on anything like this before
ReplyDeleteIf it was just one crayon she will be fine :>)I would, however advise you to go to the index page of my website and start reading my articles on communication and behaviour. While this behaviour may be a -one-time thing it is more likely that she is starting to develop anxiety due to lack of direction and structure which she requires. Cheers, K
DeleteIs fresh coconut ok to give a dog and if so how much a day?
ReplyDeleteYes you can give some fresh coconut i.e. small dog a up to tbs, medium dog up to 2 tbs, large dog up to 3 tbs. Basically use the coconut as a treat/supplement as it should not form a major portion of the dogs diet. Be careful as a chunk of coconut can be a chocking hazard - best to mice the coconut. Coconut oil is very good for them http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.ca/2012/02/coconut-oil-is-good-for-your-dogs.html
DeleteWhat about fruits and vegetables? What kinds are good for dogs and what kinds do they typically like?
ReplyDeleteYou can find an extensive list including how to prepare and serve for optimal nutrient absorption in this article http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.ca/2012/02/fresh-whole-food-for-your-dogs-health.html
DeleteIs it ok to give my dog egg shells? Are there any benefits in egg shell such as Calcium?
ReplyDeleteHow much Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids does a dog need? I saw you said a 2:1 ratio, but what percentage would that be (as written on a bag of dry dog food?)
My dog is around 65 lbs and is at a healthy weight, he eats 3 cups of food per/day
Egg shell may be added to food as a source of calcium. To see an example of how eggshell is prepared and used as part of a balanced homemade dog food take a look at this recipe http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.ca/2012/06/home-made-diy-dog-food-recipes-grain.html
DeleteIf you are feeding your dog a processed dry dog food you should not be adding eggshell.
Look at the nutritional analysis on the bag of food you are feeding your dog. Here is an example from one of Purina's veterinarian prescribed prescription diets...
Total Omega-3, 0.27%
Total Omega-6, 2.51%
The ratio of omega-3 to Omega-6 in this particular dog food is
1:9 it should be 2:1 - the ratio is way off of target.
The ratio of Omega 3 to 6 varies depending on the brand and product.
I would recommend that you supplement your dog's diet with -
1/2 tsp of Norwegian Cod Liver Oil, or Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil;
2 heaping tbs of ground flax seed;
Mix both into his dog food.
Hi, what should I do if my dog got into some grapes?
ReplyDeleteGet your dog on a milk thistle supplement from your local health food store or pharmacy
DeleteJust wondering about ginger. My 4 month old kitten pinched a ginger nut biscuit out of the packet. Will it affect her in any way? Thanks
ReplyDeleteGinger is not toxic to cats or dogs, and in-fact ginger is often used to mediate certain health issues.
DeleteSome nuts are toxic to both dogs and cats. If the nuts were peanuts r almonds for instance I would not be concerned. If the nuts were walnuts - toxicity could occur.
If there was very little nut in the cookie your kitten should be fine.
Cheers, Karen
Good morning! The information you have provided is so valuable!! I am really enjoying of of the articles I read.
ReplyDeleteWhat are your thoughts about using quinoa in my pup's food? I prepare him whole foods. No kibble. The thing that is great about quinoa is the protein content, and it technically isn't a grain because it isn't in the grass family. I know that it is higher in iron. Would that pose a problem for my Silky? He's a big guy for his breed. 14 pounds 8 months old.
Thank you.
Hi JRC, no I don't recommend feeding your dog quinoa although yes it is a seed not of the grass family. Yes quinoa is high in iron, however as part of a home made diet for dogs it is better to use spinach as a source of iron. Quinoa, although higher in protein than grains, falls short of the higher protein levels in beans such as lentils and chickpeas. You would be far better making this balanced grain-free recipe which includes many whole foods and herbs... http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.ca/2012/06/home-made-diy-dog-food-recipes-grain.html
DeleteCheers, Karen
I recently stumbled upon your blog when I was researching mange and homemade dog food to boost their immune system. I'm currently fostering a 6 month old yellow lab who's been rescued twice due to sarcoptic mange the first time and both sarcoptic and demodectic the second time. After following advice from your blog she has completely transformed from an ill, practically hairless puppy to a lively, energetic ball of love. Her fur has began to come back in the 17 short days she's lived with me. I hope and pray to make this little angel part of my family once she is completely well and released for adoption. Cher and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts!! Without your blog I don't know what I would've done to help this sweet girl with her healing process.
ReplyDeleteAww - so glad that Cher is better :>) Pawhugs to both of you, Karen
DeleteHello. Being vegan, I prepare my own nut milk from almonds, brazil nuts and coconut, and I usually give the leftover meat from the milk preparation to my dogs on their food, in quantities that do not exceed the 15% ratio to the total amount of food. But I'm not sure if it is ok to give them these frequently or if the quantities are high. Also, are pistachios good or bad for them? Thanks for all the helpful info!
ReplyDeleteHi Ana,
DeleteCoconut, almond and Brazil nuts - (human food grade and free of aflatoxins - which is what you are using), in small daily quantities are fine for dogs that do not have medical conditions that conflict with the high fat and trace silica found in nuts. My dogs get a little finely ground peanuts daily, they also get coconut oil daily. Brazil nuts have many beneficial qualities but are one of he tree nuts that are quite high in fat. 15% ratio to food is a little on the high side though - I would recommend that you reduce that unless your dogs are not getting good fat from other sources - i.e. your dog`s are vegan. If your dog;s are getting fat from poultry, meat or fish, from fish oil or seed oil (i.e. flax oil) and/or from dairy such as yogurt definitely reduce the nut/nut milk intake to a lesser daily amount. My dogs get coconut oil every day, they also get 100% pure natural peanut butter and a little finely ground peanuts mixed with ground pumpkin seeds but the amounts that they get represent a very small amount of their daily food intake as they get fats from other sources as well (poultry, fish, yogurt, cheese). If your dog;s are getting fat from other sources as mine do you should be reducing their nut intake to a tbs or two for large dogs and less for smaller dogs.
Cheers, Karen
Thanks very much! Since what I'm using is the nut milk leftovers (the flesh that is left after taking the milk out of the nuts) I thought maybe most of the fat stayed in the milk, but maybe the same happens with most of the nutrients? So the best option I think would be to reduce the quantity (though the 15% I mentioned just represents a part of one of the meals my dogs get). I give my dogs olive and coconut oil on their food daily, and will also give them flax seed oil. One of the meals is home-made following the guidelines I've learned from you :) (thanks for that, I'm actually really thankful for all I've learned here from you since I feel it has improved our lives with our dogs in many ways). The other meal is kibble, not so happy about that but it's a bit hard for me to prepare them both daily meals (we have 5 dogs), and also it is a way for them to get meat protein. Not sure about the real benefits though, since the kibble we can usually afford is not the best, as it contains grains and lacks nutrients from natural sources. Would you recommend to chose a full home-made diet? My concern is the lack of meat since it's hard for me to get and prepare it for them. I give them eggs though, a couple of times a week, and also suplement with Udo's Choice Pet Essentials (the best one I can afford).
DeleteThanks in advance,
I really wish you the best for the year to come :) and all the blessings for you and your family (that includes of course, your beautiful furry family)
Hi Ana -
DeleteI have 11 dogs to feed so I make very large batches of food and freeze enough to last a few weeks at a time - you might want to do the same.
The grain-in food dry food actually detracts from health and is a leading cause of ailments and chronic health issues. The meat in the dry food has been so overly processed the nutrient value is very degraded, as well the meat is cooked at high temperatures which cause the formation of carcinogenic substances in the meat. So yes I would recommend a balanced homemade diet as opposed to the dry dog food.
Thank you for the good wishes - best of health to you and your five - cheers, K
Can i add some unsalted canned tomatoes/sauce/paste into homemade dog diet?
ReplyDeleteTomatoes are high in lycopene - lycopene has many health benefits. However Tomatoes are very high in pesticide residue - being one of the most pesticide dosed vegetable/fruit crops. So use organic.
DeleteHi. I am unsure about potatoes, and im not talking about sweet potatoes, im talking about russet potatoes, Idaho potatoes, etc. Thank you so much for your time and research.
ReplyDeleteHi David - potatoes are OK for dogs
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteMy dog takes Joint MAX (Hypoallergenic Granules) and I was disappointed to notice it contains "Natural Molasses Flavour"
She gets about 1/2-1 teaspoon a day (less than the daily dose for her size). I don't think it's really enough to be incredibly detrimental, but should I scrap it anyway?
She also gets turmeric daily for arthritis, along with 2-3 other supplements (Canine Complete Joint Mobility, and Tricox Chews). Any thoughts?
Thanks for your time. Your blog is a bible!
Two of the products you are using contain toxins, carcinogens, known allergy triggers and otherwise inflammatory ingredients - listed and hidden.
DeleteMy 22 lb dog ate 1/2 lb or so of mixed nuts! Cashews, almonds, brazil nuts, pecans and pistachios. I induced vomiting with hydrogen peroxide. Should I also use activated charcoal? I have some ground up but not sure if this will help with high fat food and how much should I mix in water?
ReplyDeleteThank you
Better just to give her some milk thistle and/or dandelion
DeleteThank you! I just got back from the health food store with milk thistle and dandelion root, powder. I think my dog threw up most of the nuts, and he is behaving very normally. He is running all over the place and looking for food. It is ok to feed him his regular raw meats, etc. and give both the milk thistle and dandelion together? Can I send you a donation for your help?
DeleteThank you
Give 4 to 5 small meals rather than 1 or 2 large meals until the nuts 'pass' - will take 2 or 3 poops to do that. Give the two herbs together with food. And, yes if you would like to make a donation there is a donation by PayPal button on this page. cheers, K
DeleteLOVE your website! Thanks for sharing all this awesome natural health information. More people are learning the truth about conventional pet rearing and turning to the natural path instead. The results it gives are fabulous!
ReplyDeleteHi I just came across your site and was amazed at how much information there is. Thank you for that I definitely learned a few things. I would love to know what your thoughts are on Acana dog food. We were buying our food from the Vet and even though we were assured the food was good we were not at all impressed with the list of ingredients. While looking after my nieces dog who eats Acana I would constantly find my dogs sneaking some of his food they love it and the ingredients seem to be good. Thanks
ReplyDeleteThere are no 'good' dry highly processed pet 'food' products - there is simply terrible, bad and less bad. Acana and Orijen (both made by Champion Pet Foods) contain a large quantity of legumes, used instead of grains. Grains and legumes are used by the pet food industry as fillers - fillers to bulk up the food product making it cheap to produce while maintaining very high profit margins supported by intensive and manipulative marketing. Grains and legumes are not appropriate for dogs and are not part of a dogs natural diet. A dogs natural diet consists of muscle meat + organ meat + good fats and a small amount of appropriate plant material (i.e. greens, berries, herbs). Legumes contain a particularly inflammatory type of lectin protein responsible for causing multiple inflammatory issues and disease in dogs.
Delete