- History;
- Lactose Tolerance in Dogs and Cats v.s Lactose Intolerance;
- Worried About Your Dog or Cat Gaining Weight?
- Plain Natural Yogurt and Kefir;
- Health Benefits;
- How to Choose a Good Product
- Cheese;
- Health Benefits;
- How to Choose a Good Product
- DIY Treats;
- FAQ
Some
organizations and companion pet owners/ guardians are quite adamant that dairy
can never be anything but detrimental to a dog’s and cat’s health. But is the
outright condemnation of dairy as part of a dog’s or cat’s diet right or wrong? In my opinion they are wrong...
History
A Glimpse
Back in Time
Dairy products have been fed to dogs and cats for many centuries.
Kefir is one good example…
2000 years ago, the shepherds of the Caucasian
Mountains
developed Kefir, a fermented
dairy product made from the milk of cows or goats. The dogs that accompanied
the shepherds of the Caucasus Mountains where fed fresh kefir as part of their
daily diet.
Prior to the mass popularization of commercially manufactured
grain-based dog and cat food (during and prior to the 1950’s), people fed their
companion animals real food, ‘people food’, including dairy products. At that
time dogs lived twice the life-span that they do today.
Lactose
Tolerance, Lactose Intolerance
Dairy
products are not tolerated well by all pets as some dogs and cats are lactose intolerant;
However
the majority of dogs and cats do not have an adverse reaction to all
dairy products.
My ten dogs eat grass fed sourced Keifr or raw unpasteurized Goat's milk daily. You can also include the following in your dog's diet as a treat, or meal topper...
- Cheese
- Cottage Cheese
- Yogurt
My two cats
eat a little cottage cheese on occasion. Sometimes they also eat a piece
of cheddar cheese. My cats have never been ill as a result of eating these
dairy products.
Best Dairy Foods for Lactose Tolerant Dogs and Cats
For
those dogs and cats that are not lactose intolerant, plain all natural Yogurt,
Kefir, raw unpasteurized goat's milk and certain
types of real cheese (as opposed to cheese food, i.e. processed cheese slices, cheese whiz, etc.) can offer many health benefits when provided in proper
amounts on a daily basis.
The
Best Dairy Foods for Lactose Intolerant Dogs, Cats
Many dogs and cats that are lactose intolerant can eat cheese
as most of the lactose is removed during the process of making cheese.
Worried About Weight Gain?
Including reasonable daily amounts of cheese in your dog’s or
cat’s daily diet will not cause weight gain nor heart problems.
Studies have confirmed that good saturated fat is not
associated with obesity and heart disease and is instead associated with
improved heart health. A species
appropriate diet for dogs should include about 30% good quality fat in a ratio
of 2 parts Omega-3
fatty acids to 1 part Omega-6
fatty acids.
The beneficial qualities of dairy products exponentially increases
if the dairy is from organic pasture fed animals. Pasture fed dairy provides:
- Omega-3 fatty acids in a balanced ratio, and;
- Does not contain the toxins (i.e. antibiotics and steroids, pesticide residue from eating GMO corn, etc,) found in dairy obtained from concentrated animal feeding operations – CAFO raised animals.
Plain,
Natural Yogurt, Kefir, Raw Goat's Milk…
Health
Benefits
- A very good source of probiotics;
- An excellent source of calcium, iodine and vitamin D;
- An aid infighting periodontal disease;
- Can help protect your dog from illness when your dog or cat is on a course of antibiotics;
- Antibiotics kill both the good and bad bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract (GI Tract), leaving the immune system suppressed. Probiotics re-populate the god bacteria;
- Recent findings by researchers at UCLA have confirmed that the presence of good bacteria in the GI Tract are important for proper brain function. UCLA decided to test this theory on humans as previous research on non-human animals had shown linked changes in gut flora to changes in affective behaviours. You can read about the study here.
- Good source heart healthy omega fatty-acids;
- Helps prevent parasite infestation and related diseases;
- Typically
one tablespoon of kefir contains 5 billion beneficial bacteria. As a rich and
concentrated source of beneficial bacteria the probiotics found in Kefir
contribute to health in a wide variety of ways:
- Contains a substantial amount of B Complex vitamins, Calcium, vitamin A, Vitamin D, magnesium, phosphorus;
- Contains tryptophan, and essential amino acid;
- Helps prevents illness;
- Is easily digestible;
- Is excellent for the immune system;
- Natural antibiotic and anti-fungal properties;
- Promotes anti-cancer and anti-tumor activity in the body;
- Promotes the faster healing of wounds.
- You can read more about kefir here.
How
to Choose a Good Yogurt or Kefir Product
- What you do want in the yogurt…
- Bacterial cultures i.e.
- Bifdobacterium lactis;
- Lactobacillus acidophilus;
- Lactobaciullis casei;
- By the way, you may notice that some dry dog food contains these and other bacteria. Unfortunately probiotic organisms (good bacteria) found in commercial dry dog food is not viable (live and active). These organisms cannot survive the processing and heat that is used to cook and then form the kibble. The inclusion of probiotics in dry dog food is just a sales gimmick which does not deliver any actual value to your dog’s diet.
- Cream, and/or;
- Milk or partially skimmed milk;
- Milk protein concentrate;
- That’s it! Nothing more. Don’t bother paying more for yogurt that has ‘added probiotics’, as this is another gimmick and scam. A good quality yogurt and kefir (like the one in the picture) naturally generally have more probiotics than those that advertise ‘added probiotics’.
What you don’t want in yogurt, kefir or cottage cheese…
- Agar-Agar;
- Artificial food colors;
- Artificial sweeteners;
- Carageenan;
- Corn Starch;
- Gallan Gum;
- Gelatine;
- Tapioca;
- Lecithin;
- Modified Corn Starch;
- Modified Rice Starch;
- Potassium Sorbate;
- Salt - see "salt" under cheese further below and here;
- Sugar;
- Etc.
Recommended Daily Intake of Kefir, Yogurt, Raw Goat's Milk
- Yogurt
- 1x to 2x per day:
- X-Small size dogs and cats - 1 tsp to 1 tbs
- Small dogs - 1 tbs to 2 tbs
- Medium size dogs - 1/8 cup
- Large dogs - 1/3 cup
- Extra large dogs - 1/2 cup
- Kefir
- 1x to 2x per day:
- X-Small size dogs and cats - 1 tsp to 1 tbs
- Small dogs - 1 tbs to 2 tbs
- Medium size dogs -1/4 cup
- Large dogs - 1/3 cup to 3/8 cup
- Extra large dogs - 1/2 cup
As with any new
foodstuff that you introduce to your dog’s diet you should go slow. The
probiotics in kefir are highly concentrated so give your dog’s system time to
adjust. For the first few days to a week cut the recommended dosage in half.
This will avoid stomach upset as your dog’s system adjusts to the increased
quantity of good flora in their GI tract. You can bring the daily dosage up to
the recommended amount over the space of a few days to a week or two.
Cheese
Natural Cheese
- Natural cheese, like Kefir is a fermented dairy product;
- Natural cheese requires very few ingredients:
- Milk;
- Full Spectrum Salt - i.e. sea salt, Himalayan salt, NOT common table salt or iodized salt - read more about salt here. Salt is used as a ripening and preservation aid, also for taste.
- Rennet (an enzyme), and;
- A starter culture (the making of yogurt and kefir also require a starter culture).
Processed cheese food (cheese
slices, cheese spray, squeeze cheese from a tube/bottle):
- Is not good for your dog.
- Processed Cheese Food is an-over processed ‘food’ that is made from pasteurized dairy and non-dairy ingredients it does not have the same health benefits of real cheese and includes additives that are not good for your dog – i.e. artificial food colour.
Health Benefits
Built-in Synergy
- Cheese contains Calcium, Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K2 – in order for these vitamins to provide the maximum benefit to the body all three need to be consumed together for efficacy.
pH Balance for Oral Health
- Eating cheese in an aid in fighting periodontal disease;
- Eating cheese drops the pH level in the mouth;
- Lower pH levels help fight plaque, protects tooth enamel and erosion of teeth;
- Cheddar cheese contains the highest levels of alkali making it the best cheese for attaining better pH levels in the oral cavity.
- Cheese is a very good source of vitamin K2;
- Vitamin K2 is important for heart, brain, bones and more;
- Calcium is beneficial for bones and blood but it is not beneficial when deposited in the arteries and muscles – vitamin K2 controls where calcium goes or does not go in the body;
- Fights cancer,
- Protects nerve cells from oxidative stress;
- Slows progression of conditions such as Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome – CDS (also known as Senile or Old Dog Syndrome – the canine version of Alzheimer’s disease);
- Promotes the maintenance of healthy bone density;
- To ensure the best bioavailability (absorption rate) K2 is best combined with fat – a combination that naturally occurs in cheese;
Calcium
- Cheese is an excellent source of calcium;
- The calcium in cheese helps to support oral health in dogs, along with bone and blood health;
Protein
- Cheese is a good source of high quality protein and important amino acids;
- Cheese is a source of good fats;
- Dogs need high quality saturated fats (Omega-6 fatty acids) and Omega-3 fatty acids;
- Required to support skin, coat, ligaments, heart, optimal brain function, and more, you can read more about good fats here and about the negative impacts of insufficient levels of omega-3 fatty acids here;
Essential Minerals
- Such as phosphorus and zinc.
Essential vitamins (in addition to
calcium)
- Such as A, B2 (riboflavin), B12, and D.
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
- CLA is a metabolism booster – helps to prevent weight gain and treat obesity;
- A powerful cancer inhibitor/fighter;
- Helps to limit allergic reactions to foods;
- Promotes health of the circulatory system.
Choosing a Good Cheese For Your Dog or Cat
The
following cheeses are good choices:
- Soft Cheese:
- Cottage Cheese;
- Harder Cheese:
- Cheddar cheese;
- Colby cheese ;
- Edam cheese ;
- Gouda cheese;
- Hard goat cheese;
- Mozzarella cheese;
- Swiss cheese.
Cheese
made from the milk of pasture-fed cows (goats, etc.) v.s. grain-feed animals:
- Has about five (5) times the CLA found in cheese made from grain-fed animals;
- Contains much higher amounts of calcium, beta-carotene, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, D and E.
Raw
cheese made from the milk of pasture-fed animals:
- Retains natural enzymes that increase the nutritional value of the cheese.
Recommended Daily Intake of Cottage Cheese
- Small size dogs and cats - 1 tsp to 1 tbs
- Medium size dogs - 1 tbs to 2 tbs
- Large dogs - 2 tbs to 3 tbs
- Extra large dogs - 4 tbs to 6 tbs
Recommended Minimum Daily Intake of Harder Cheese
- Small size dogs and cats - 1 ounce
- Medium size dogs - 1 1/2 ounce
- Large dogs -2 ounces
- Extra large dogs - 2 1/2 ounces
- What about the maximum daily dose of harder cheese?
- Cheese is beneficial when it remains a portion of your dog's daily food intake, but it should not make up the 'lion's share' of your dog's diet;
- Maximum amount of cheese provided on a daily basis should remain around double the minimum intake (minimum intake - dose as noted above).
DIY Nutritious Treats Made with Yogurt and Cheese
- DIY Smoothies & Frozen Treats for Dogs – Nutrient Rich Refreshing Relief During Hot Weather - recipes and health benefits here.
- Homemade DIY Natural, Healthy Cheese-included Dog Treats - Recipes and Health Benefits here.
FAQ – is the ASPCA’s stance on Feeding Pets Dairy Food Right or Wrong?
The ASPCA’s list ‘People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pet’, the ASPCA says that...
“Because pets
do not possess significant amounts of lactase (the enzyme that breaks down
lactose in milk), milk and other milk-based products cause them diarrhea or
other digestive upset.”
In my opinion as evidenced by the information I have provided
further above:
The ASPCA’s statement is:
The ASPCA’s statement is:
- Misleading, and;
- Too broad in its context.
On
the ASPCA’s list ‘(poison
control, ask the expert) People Food’, the ASPCA says that “dairy products may cause stomach upset in some dogs”. Read the
ASPCA’s full comment here.
In
my opinion this is a more reasonable statement – although in the absence of
additional information it really can discourage people from taking advantage of
the many benefits that can be gained from including some dairy products in your
companion animal’s diet – as evidenced by the information that I have provided
further above.
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 countires
🇦🇺 Australia and other Oceania countires
🇭🇰 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 european countries
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Available Holistic Consultations and Sessions:
📱 FaceTime
📱 Facebook video or voice calling
💻 Skype
📞 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
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 countires
🇦🇺 Australia and other Oceania countires
🇭🇰 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 european countries
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Available Holistic Consultations and Sessions:
📱 FaceTime
📱 Facebook video or voice calling
💻 Skype
📞 Phone
🚶🏻♀️ 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