GENERAL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION FOR DOGS Links to Additional Nutritional Information By Kim Christopher for RAOT, INC. Proper diet is among the more important considerations in the health maintenance of your pet and essential in the management of many diseases. To feed correctly, a knowledge of dietary nutrients and their availability is important. In order to live, a dog must eat. How long the dog lives, as well as health, immune system, behavior and temperament, the ability to reproduce successfully and to recover from trauma, all depend on what is eaten. An animal that eats well lives a long life, coping with everyday stresses and strains. One that eats poorly is unhealthy and with age will begin to suffer from chronic diseases. In order to build a proper nutritional diet, you need six building blocks: protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and water. The quality of these building blocks and the ratio of one to another helps to determine the usability of a food to your pet. Every cell in a dog's body needs fuel. Fuel comes from food, which is converted to energy. The quality and quantity of energy your dog's needs to be able to run, play, work and live a long and healthy life depend on the quality and quantity of food you provide. Nutritionists measure fuel in terms of how much energy it produces. They use the term calories to measure energy produced by individual foods. If the calories provided in dog food are sufficient, your dog's body will be able to produce energy for growth, maintenance, the production of enzymes and the ability to fight disease. If the correct calories are not provided, you will produce an inferior dog, poor in health and short lived. A dog fed incorrectly will experience stress. That stress will manifest itself in the weakest part of the body. It may be runny eyes, ear infections, skin problems, crooked teeth or diseases of the bones and kidneys. Stress may manifest itself in an inability to breed, conceive, have a full term pregnancy, whelp easily or lactate properly. Dogs that are shy or afraid of thunderstorms or who show unprovoked aggression may also be exhibiting stress symptoms. Most people have no idea what's in their dog's food. If their dogs pick at the food, people will change to another food, trying to find the one just right for their dog. Dogs are carnivores, or meat eaters. Their teeth are formed to pull flesh apart. They have simple stomachs and a short digestive tract, ideal for digesting meat. Cereal and vegetable proteins are not as readily digested by the dog. While they have adapted to digesting these proteins, they have to eat a greater quantity to get the necessary nutrients. More food means more expense and more stool waste. Dogs prefer a food high in animal protein, over cereal protein, to make them healthier and to perform better. At the very core of the dog's health and fitness are amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and are necessary for life. If you are feeding an unsupplemented food, high in cereal and vegetable proteins, chances are that your dog has an animal protein deficiency. Diseases that may result include: 1. skin and chronic ear infections 2. reproductive, heart, kidney, liver, bladder, thyroid and adrenal gland malfunctions 3. some forms of epilepsy 4. some forms of cancer 5. rage syndrome 6. spinning or tail chewing 7. lethargy 8. aggression 9. timidity 10. lack of pigmentation 11. inability to think or act clearly 12. lack of appetite 13. excessive shedding, and 14. gastrointestinal upsets Proteins are composed of amino acids, of which 10 or 11 are essential and can only be obtained through what the dog eats. In a commercial dog food, protein is provided by combining animal sources, such as meat, by-products, chicken, cheese, milk, fish, turkey or lamb, together with grain sources, such as corn, wheat, rice and soy. The sum of these proteins appears on dog food packages as crude protein. Many amino acids are available only from animal protein sources, and if grains are the main source, a dog may develop one of the animal protein deficiency diseases listed above. The need for amino acids in the diet changes during differing life stages, climate and season changes, trauma or stress. When these stresses are experienced, your dog's food should contain extra animal protein. By observing your dog carefully, you can pick up signs of amino acid deficiencies. Many will be found on the feet and one or more of the toes or toenails that are brittle can signal a protein deficiency. Pimples, skin discolorations and crooked whiskers are also deficiency signs. The essential amino acids in dogs are: arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. Arginine - Found in animal protein and peanuts. Needed for regeneration of liver, increases of muscle mass, immune response to bacteria, viruses, and tumor cells. Stimulates urea cycle and thymus, inhibits mammary tumors. Histidine - Found in animal and plant proteins. Needed for red blood cells, bone formation, and functioning of gastro-intestinal tract. Prevents corn and wheat allergies, right ear inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, loss of sexual power. Isoleucine - Found in animal protein, soy, beans, legumes. Needed for hemoglobin formation, proper respiration, muscle function. Prevents keto-acidosis, calculae, blood in urine, hepatic disease and kidney failure. Leucine - Found in animal protein and soy. Needed for wound healing of skin and bones, digestive tract function, weight control, liver and kidney function and prevents colon spasms. Lysine - Found in animal proteins, garbanzo beans and comfrey. Needed for control of: helplessness, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, anemia, depression, herpes, hypoglycemia, separation anxiety, proper absorption of calcium, bone growth, formation of collagen, which makes up cartilage and connective tissue, brewers yeast allergies and crooked whiskers. Methionine - Found in egg yolks, some animal proteins and grains. Needed for production of sulphur. Prevents fat build up in the liver, fat allergy, genetic metabolic diseases, renal and calculi, aging, increasing production of lecithin which controls cholesterol build up, antioxidant and neutralizer of toxins, hair growth, natural carrier of trace minerals, especially selenium and keeps system acidic. Phenylalanine - Found in milk, grains, liver and fish. Needed for brain to make norepinephrine, improves memory, reduces depression, inhibits eating, need increases with age. prevents swollen glands, thyroid problems, tumors on mucous surfaces, anal gland impaction, raises blood pressure, intensifies and prolongs body's natural pain killing ability, together with Methionine treats genetic/metabolic diseases, and reduces pain from muscular or ligamentous irritation. Threonine - Found in some animal proteins and grains. Needed for lipotropic factor which prevents fatty build-up in the liver, constituent part of collagen, elastin and enamel. Prevents fat allergy, indigestion, intestinal malfunction, fluid on ovaries, difficult heat cycles, inflamed uterus and sore throat. Tryptophan - Found in fish, chicken, eggs, beef, milk, soybeans, and corn. Needed for sleep, controls emotions and promotes calmness, perception of pain, lifts depression/anxiety, reduces blood pressure, fats, and cholesterol. Raises histamine levels, growth hormone stimulant, aides in B-complex absorption, and produces Niacin. Prevents arthritis, joint dysfunction and dermatitis on front feet and back of neck. Inhibits hyperactivity, obsessive/compulsive behavior, rage syndrome and spinning in circles. Valine - Found in parts of beef liver, chicken, some fish, parsley, milk, wheat, and yeast. Needed for preventing inflammation of lower throat and rectum, cell deterioration, red skin in patches, spitting up blood, mental/nervous upsets, insomnia, kidney failure, and hepatic disease. Animal proteins can be supplemented to your dog's diet but should not exceed more than ten percent of your dog's total diet. Animal protein supplements are: Raw meat, raw liver, cooked lamb, pork or venison, cooked chicken, cooked fish, milk, whole eggs including shells cooked for 5 minutes, yogurt, kefir, cottage cheese and goat's milk. Fat is necessary to provide energy as well as supple skin and a good hair coat. Fat is also needed in order for other nutrients to be absorbed. Every cell in the body contains fat, which transports the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. It helps in the digestion of vitamin D, needed for the utilization of calcium in the body. Fats keep cells strong to protect them from invasion from microorganisms and damage by chemicals. They play an important part in the healthy functioning of the nervous system and in the manufacture of steroids. Internally, fat protects the vital organs from trauma and temperature change by providing padding and insulation. Fatty tissues also help to regulate body temperature. There are two kinds of fat. One is the kind obtained from animal tissues (saturated fats) and the other from plants (polyunsaturated fats). Animal fat provides energy for the dog and is identified on the dog food package as poultry fat or beef tallow. Poultry fat from turkey or chicken is very digestible and it contains fatty acids necessary for a glossy coat. Beef tallow is less digestible and does not contain concentrated forms of energy that your dog can eat, providing twice the energy of protein and carbohydrates. Fat from plants comes in the form of vegetable oils such as corn, wheat germ, sesame seed, lecithin, soybean and safflower oils. The three ingredients in fat that contribute to skin and hair coat are linoleic acid, linolenic acid and arachidonic acid. These fatty acids are essential for a healthy life and are available only through what your dog eats. Saturated fats are used for energy, flavoring to increase the palatability of food. Saturated fats can be found in beef, pork, lamb, poultry, eggs and dairy products. Deficiencies of saturated fats can include a lack of energy, heart problems, improper growth, dry skin and cell damage. Excessive quantities can lead to obesity, mammary tumors and cancer of the colon and rectum. Polyunsaturated fats contain essential fatty acids. They are used for transportation of fat soluble vitamins, blood clotting and calcium transportation. Deficiencies of polyunsaturated fats can include course, dry hair, improper growth skin lesions on the belly, thigh, and between the shoulders, thickened skin, horny skin growths, skin ulcerations, skin infections, and poor blood clotting. The life stage of your dog will affect how much fat is needed. A young growing dogs needs fat in order to stimulate growth and to maintain a healthy skin and coat. Adult dogs that lead a sedentary life need less fat in their diet and quickly become obese if the diet is not adjusted to their needs. Working dogs, on the other hand, need a high-fat diet. Older dogs, because of their reduced exercise levels, will need a lower-fat diet than younger dogs. The best combination for your dog is a food that contains a mixture of animal fat and vegetable fats. Your dog gets energy and the essential fatty acids from both sources. Fat in the food you feed should constitute between 5 and 20 percent of the dry weight of the total diet. All fats, both vegetable and animal, must be preserved to prevent rancidity. Dog food manufacturers have a choice of which preservatives to use. They can use natural preservatives such as vitamins E and C, or they can use synthetic preservatives such as BHA, BHT or ethoxyquin. The natural preservatives do not change the food and become an integral part of it, allowing the cells of the body to become stronger and to resist penetration. They have a shorter shelf life, generally 6 to 8 months, than do foods preserved chemically, one year from date of manufacture. Foods containing BHA, BHT or ethoxyquin have longer shelf lives but the continued feeding of these foods may in some cases cause long-term health problems for your dog. Be aware that these chemical preservatives have been linked to cancer in humans. Carbohydrates come in two forms, simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates come from grains such as wheat, corn, rice, oats, soy and millet. They break down into starches and sugar when properly cooked. Complex carbohydrates come in the form of various fibers such as brans, hulls and peanut shells from the outside of plants plus pulps and pomaces from the inside of plants. A small amount is needed for proper digestion and stool formation. Nutrients are obtained from both sources but most come from simple carbohydrates. If carbohydrates are a major part of your dog's diet, the time and energy needed for digestion increase, the dog performs less well, large amounts of stool are produced, and a protein deficiency disease may develop. Dogs have evolved as meat eaters and although they need some grains, their health and longevity will be better served on a diet containing more animal protein than protein from grains. The reason the majority of dry dog foods contain such large amount of cereal grains is that grains are a cheap source of nutrients. Carbohydrates provide an economical source of energy in the diet of dogs. If a dog food label lists in order by weight: Chicken, wheat, soy, corn and rice. This food is not a "chicken-based" food but is a cereal-based food. Allergic reactions to grains are common in dogs. The most common grain allergies are to corn, wheat, soy, rice and rye. The least common allergies to grains are to oats, buckwheat, millet and quinoa. Many nutrients in cereal are "bound up" and not available for the dog during the digestive process. This is especially true of soy and cottonseed. Grains contain residues of fertilizers used on the fields where they grow and insecticides sprayed on the plants. These chemicals can induce allergies. Amino acids from animal protein sources can help counteract allergies to grains when fed in the proper proportion. Grains are divided into two different groups: acid base grains and alkaline base. How acidic or alkaline those grains are will determine palatability and overall health of internal organs and skin. A diet too alkaline will tend to produce inflammation of the kidneys and urinary tract, resulting in diseases that produce stones or calculi and, more commonly, cystitis. A diet too acidic will produce mucousy stools, the coughing up of phlegm and runny eyes. Both can create vomiting and diarrhea. Determining when gain is acid based and which is alkaline based is confusing. Depending on what part of the grain is being used and where it was grown can cause the acid or alkaline base of a grain to vary. You can check to see if the food you are feeding your dog has the correct acid/alkaline balance. Put a pH strip into your dog's urine first thing in the morning. You can also test your dog's saliva. The pH of your dog's urine and saliva should be within the 6.2 to 6.5 range. If the result is substantially different from what it should be, you need to change your dog's diet. ACID BASE - Barley, Wheat, Oats, Rye, Most breads ALKALINE BASE - Millet, Buckwheat, Soy, Sprouted grains, Quinoa GRAINS IN THE MIDDLE - Brown Rice (leans to the acid side), Corn (leans to the acid side, depending on which part of grain is used) Vitamins release nutrients from ingested food and provide energy to the body. Some vitamins are fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and other are water soluble vitamins (B and C). Fat soluble vitamins can be stored by the body in fatty tissue and the liver. Water soluble vitamins are excreted daily and cannot be stored. Both types of vitamins are needed by the body. Many vitamins are destroyed by temperatures over 118 degrees Fahrenheit. Dog food processing temperatures are well above this level. if care is not taken to compensate for these losses, food that is deficient in vitamins and minerals is produced. Some companies use a micro-encapsulation process to avoid the destruction of vitamins and minerals in the manufacturing process. They also add extra vitamins and minerals to compensate for the loss. Vitamin A - Fat soluble. Needed for eyes, appetite, bond remodeling, nerve functions, skin, hair, teeth and gums, as well as building resistance against respiratory disorders. Vitamin A is available in oil form (fish oil) which is fat soluble or beta carotene, which is water soluble. Vitamin A is stored by the liver, so avoid using high doses for long periods of time. Deficiencies of vitamin A can lead to eye diseases, deafness, inability to grown, skin lesions, nerve damage and susceptibility to infection. Deficiencies can lead to cravings for carrots, yellow fruit, green leafy vegetables, liver, eggs and milk products. Vitamin D - Fat soluble. Needed for proper absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which promote bone growth. Aids in strengthening of teeth and the absorption of vitamin A. Used in the treatment of eye conditions. Vitamin D is now recognized as a hormone that can be synthesized from exposure to sunlight. Found in plant and animal tissue. Vitamin D2 is the synthetic form and D3 is the natural form, which occurs in fish oils. Needs to be taken with vitamin A, and is more effective when taken with choline, vitamin C, essential fatty acids, calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D is stored by the body. Deficiencies of vitamin D can lead to rickets, imbalance in calcium and phosphorus levels and osteoporosis. Vitamin D deficiencies can lead to cravings for fish, milk and dairy products. Vitamin E - Fat soluble. Vitamin E is an antioxidant, helps prevent rancidity, dilates blood vessels and improves circulation. Prevents scar tissue from forming and aids in the healing of burns and sores. Helps prevent blood clots and retard the aging process. used successfully in the treatment of sterility, heart disease, arthritis in old dogs, leg ulcers and hypoglycemia. Prevents weak or dead puppies, and the weakness of skeletal muscles. Vitamin E is stored in fatty tissues. It is destroyed by rancid fats or ultraviolet light. Deficiencies of vitamin E can lead to the destruction of red blood cells, muscle degeneration, reproductive disorders, heart and circulation problems, plus some anemia's. Can also cause retinal degeneration, edema, lack of appetite, depression, heart and renal disease. Available in mixed tocopherols, also found in some dairy products and liver. Deficiencies can lead to cravings for lettuce, celery, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, brussel sprouts, alfalfa, and whole wheat bread. Vitamin K - Fat soluble. Essential in the blood-clotting factor, prothrombin. Vitamin K1 and K2 are made by the body from naturally occurring bacteria in the intestines. Vitamin K3 is the synthetic kind found in dog foods, listed as menadione sodium bisulfite complex. Deficiencies can cause diarrhea, and colitis can be systematic. it helps prevent massive hemorrhages, internal bleeding and nosebleeds. Deficiencies can lead to cravings for yogurt, alfalfa, egg yolk, safflower and soybean oils, kelp, green leafy vegetables, fish, cabbage, kale and cauliflower. Vitamin C - Water soluble. Needed for healthy teeth, gums and bones. Strengthens all connective tissue. Speeds would healing and promotes capillary integrity. Helps provide immunity to disease. Helps bring down temperatures. Should always be used in conjunction with steroid therapy. Helps maintain the correct pH balance for the urinary tract, thus reducing the symptoms of cystitis and other bladder infections, helps keep the whole digestive system acidic. Vitamin C is a detoxifier and diuretic, and anti-fatigue vitamin and anti-oxidant. Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin that passes through the body in about 4 to 8 hours. Overdosing can be judged by bowel tolerance, too much creates a runny stool. Helps in the absorption of other vitamins, especially B-complex vitamins and amino acids. Vitamin C in the form of calcium ascorbate because it is buffered is the most gentle form of vitamin C and produces the least incidence of allergic reactions. All vitamin C should be stored in a cool, dry place out of the light to stop the oxidation process, which renders it useless. The dog's body manufactures vitamin C, the levels of which are quickly depleted when small amounts of stress are experienced. Deficiencies can lead to urinary tract and skin infections, bladder stones and poor immune system. Deficiencies can lead to cravings for tomatoes, cantaloupe, watermelon, raspberries, and certain grasses and weeds, especially goldenrod. Vitamin B-Complex - Water soluble. As co-enzymes, they promote biochemical reactions acting with enzymes to change carbohydrates into glucose, which provides energy. Necessary for fat and protein assimilation. using a complex tablet is more effective than using an isolated part of the B-complex as the action of each vitamin depends on the amount of the other in the body. Water soluble, flushes through the body in 4 to 8 hours. Must be replaced daily. Deficiencies can lead to constipation, skin conditions, neuritis, hair loss and early graying, increased cholesterol levels, weakness of back legs, loss of appetite, stool eating, poor immune system, attracting fleas and other parasites, stress, fatigue,, anxiety, nervousness, edema, heart disease, and poor reaction to vaccines. Deficiencies can lead to cravings for liver, milk, eggs, brewer's yeast, wheat bran, wheat germ, kelp, molasses, kidneys and heart. Minerals, together with vitamins, make up less than 2 percent of any formulated diet for dogs. They are the most crucial of nutrients. Minerals do not contain calories or energy themselves, but they assist the body in the production of energy. Although the dog's body can produce some vitamins, it cannot make minerals. Like vitamins, minerals function like coenzymes, enabling the body to perform its activities quickly and accurately. They are needed for the proper composition of body fluids, the formation of blood and bone and the maintenance of a healthy nervous system. Minerals are stored primarily in the body's bone and muscle tissue. Between 50 and 88 percent of minerals are lost during food processing and can cause mineral deficiencies. While some minerals are not destroyed by heat, many of them are water soluble and are e lost during the cooling process. Minerals are either elemental or chelated. Elemental means they come from the earth and are composed of chemical molecules that cannot be reduced to simpler substances. They are basic constituents of all living matter and they exist in an inorganic form in the earth. Chelated minerals are suspended in an amino acid or other organic substance, which makes them easier for the body to absorb. Minerals are also available in water, "hard" water containing more minerals than "soft" or treated water. There are approximately 176 essential minerals, which are divided into macro minerals and trace minerals. The eight macro minerals are calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, chloride, sulfur, magnesium, and silicon. The nine trace minerals are iron, zinc, copper, cobalt, iodine, manganese, chromium, molybdenum and selenium. Minerals are absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. They fine-tune levels of other nutrients to obtain maximum body function. They are eliminated through the kidneys into the urine, or though the liver, bile or other digestive secretions. Some minerals can be toxic if fed in large amounts. it is unwise to separate or supplement with one mineral along for any length of time because of the chain reaction produced in the body with other nutrients. if supplementation is necessary, look for a mixture of vitamins and minerals from a natural source rather than a chemical source that contains minerals not easily broken down and absorbed. Calcium - Comes in the form of oyster shell, dolomite, bone meal, calcium chelated with amino acids, calcium gluconate, calcium carbonate, calcium iodate, dicalcium phosphate, calcium orotate, and calcium lactate. Needed for proper bone and teeth formation, proper heart function and normal clotting of blood. helps to maintain correct balances of sodium, potassium and magnesium, Needed for the utilization of phosphorus and vitamins A, D, and C. Calcium is most crucial during the third and fourth months of growth. Calcium deficiencies can lead to muscle cramps, porous or fragile bones, rickets, hip problems, lameness, brittle nails, joint pains, tooth decay, gingivitis, loss of teeth, nervousness, mental depression, irritability or aggression, kidney stone formation, calcification of soft tissues, toxemia in pregnancy, anxiety, muscle twitching, palpitations, insomnia, and confusion. Deficiencies can lead to cravings for milk, cheese, eggshells, and most raw vegetables, dandelions, brussel sprouts, sesame seeds, almonds, walnuts, millet, comfrey, yogurt, sardines, blackstrap molasses, dried fruit, parsley and kelp. Phosphorus - Is the second most abundant mineral in the body. It is essential to calcium metabolism. It is necessary for proper bone and teeth construction and is contained in every cell in the body. It is used by the body in the digestion of protein. It helps kidney functions and acts as a buffer for acid in the body. Helps regulate muscle contractions, and converts some of the B vitamins to enzymes. Needs to and converts some of the B vitamins to enzymes. Needs to be taken with correct amounts of calcium and magnesium as well as vitamins A and D. ?Deficiencies can lead to rickets, weight loss, stiff joints, bone pain and fragility. Poor tooth or jaw development. Some skin disease, arthritis, tooth decay, loss of memory, failing eyesight, cataracts, and excessive shedding. Deficiencies can lead to cravings for milk products, cheeses and eggs, meat, chicken, fish, turkey, whole grains, brewer's yeast, wheat germ and bran. Magnesium - Needed for the transport of sodium and potassium. Half the magnesium in the body is combined with calcium and phosphorus to assure strength of bones and teeth. The rest is found in body tissues, muscles, and red blood cells. It helps with the utilization of vitamins B and E, fats and other minerals. It is helpful in reducing cholesterol levels, and in the treatment of nervousness, neuromuscular problems, and depression. Magnesium chelated with amino acids or in the form of orotate seems to be the easiest to absorb, followed by less digestible forms such as magnesium oxide, bicarbonate and carbonate. More effective when taken with vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, and protein. Deficiencies can lead to loss of appetite. Overextension of front legs, aggression, irregular muscle movements of hind legs, muscle twitching, restless sleep, convulsive seizures and changes in potassium levels in the body, kidney stones, gallbladder stones, epilepsy, impaired protein assimilation and calcification of the joints. Deficiencies can lead to cravings for kelp, almonds, apples, cooked and raw green leafy vegetables, figs and safflower oil. Potassium - Comes in the form of sulfate, chloride, oxide or carbonate. An alkaline-based forming mineral, it is a electrolyte that carries electrical energy to the body. Together with sodium it is responsible for maintaining proper fluid balance in the body's cells. Regulates the heart muscles and blood pressure. Helps in enzyme action and regulates blood pH level. Helps the body in eliminating waste through the kidneys and helps purify the blood. It is an aid in the treatment of certain milk and cheese allergies. Deficiencies can lead to fatigue, edema (swelling), water retention, low blood sugar, poor growth, restlessness, paralysis of the neck and the forepart of the body, muscular paralysis, lesions to the heart and kidneys. Depletion occurs during stress, diarrhea and vomiting. Use of Prednisone, ACTH, Digitalis or Lasix (diuretics) will deplete potassium levels in the body. Deficiencies can lead to cravings for bananas, potatoes, green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, mint leaves, bee pollen, alfalfa, tomatoes, parsley, rice bran, dried apricots and dates. Sodium - Acts as an electrolyte together with potassium and chloride. comes in the form of salt or sodium chloride. Found in the fluids surrounding cells as well as inside cells and bones. Helps in the proper function of muscles and nerves and preventing heat prostration. Keeps water level in the body constant and prevents dry skin and loss of hair coat. Prevents exhaustion and fatigue. Contributes to the formation of saliva and digestive enzymes. Prevents water retention. Has been credited with retarding aging by neutralizing waste products and eliminating them through the lymph system. Eliminates fermentation of foods in the gastrointestinal tract. More efficient if fed with Vitamin D and potassium. Low sodium diets can lead to a depletion of potassium in the body. Deficiencies can lead to allergies, especially in hot weather when the appetite is suppressed. Watery discharge of the eyes, diarrhea, increased gas, arthritis of the left knee and sciatica of the left side. Nausea, muscle weakness, heat exhaustion, mental apathy and respiratory failure. Deficiencies can lead to cravings for kelp, celery, carrots, spinach, okra, apples, strawberries, asparagus, beets, cucumbers, plums, radishes, Swiss chard and turnips. Iron - Comes in the form of ferrous sulfate or ferrous carbonate and iron amino acid chelate. Necessary to produce hemoglobin and myoglobin and certain enzymes. Needed to prevent anemia, and for proper protein metabolism. Soy protein adversely affects absorption of iron. More effective if taken with folic acid and Vitamin B12. Easily digested from meat sources and is found in beef, liver, and other organ meats, pork, lamb, chicken, shellfish, egg yolks, and salmon. Less available from grains. Enriched grains contain iron in the ferrous state and are poorly digested. Deficiencies can lead to anemia, pale skin, fatigue, brittle nails, shortness of breath, depression, red and inflamed tongue, low blood pressure, rheumatism of the back legs, dizziness, infertility, and rubbing the head on the right side near the eyes. Deficiencies can lead to cravings for liver, molasses, kelp, yellow dock, beets, green vegetables, brewer's yeast, wheat bran, wheat germ, parsley, millet, prunes, raisins, eggs, lamb, pork, lentils, peanuts, brown rice, ripe olives, chicken, artichokes, broccoli, whole wheat bread and cauliflower. Copper - Required to convert iron into hemoglobin. Necessary for the function of the amino acid tyrosine, used for the production of the pigmentation factor for hair and skin. Essential for the utilization of Vitamin C but interferes with the absorption of zinc. Can be found in the form of amino acid chelate or copper sulfate. Necessary for the central nervous system. Promotes red blood cell production in bond marrow and increases respiration of tissue. It controls histamine, which limits allergic inflammatory reactions. it is found in whole wheat, some other grains, beans, peas, liver and seafood. Digestibility depends on zinc, cobalt, and iron levels in the body. deficiencies can lead to anemia, loss of hair, poor respiration, premature graying, lack of pigmentation, low blood pressure, reduced thyroid function, reduced immune response, reduced activity of white blood cells and reduced thymus production. If your dog is suffering from hypothyroidism, test the copper levels in his blood to see if the food you are feeding contains enough or too much copper. Check whether the copper can be eliminated from your dog's system, especially in Bedlington and West Highland White Terriers. Deficiencies can lead to cravings for green leafy vegetables, liver, whole wheat products prunes, raisins, almonds and beans. Manganese - Comes in the form of manganese amino acid chelate, or manganous oxide. Manganese helps activate enzymes necessary for the body's proper use of biotin, Vitamin B1 and Vitamin C. Needed for normal bone structure. Important for the formation of thyroxin, the principal hormone of the thyroid. Also needed for the reproductive and nervous systems. Used to treat deafness and to control allergic reactions to rice. Used in the treatment of arthritis. Large amounts of calcium and phosphorus will interfere with the absorption of manganese. it activates arginase, an enzyme that helps to form urea in the body. it acts as an anti-inflammatory and has been used to counteract fatigue, poor memory, nervousness, irritability and dizziness. Deficiencies can lead to decreased glucose tolerance, poor pancreatic function, sterility, poor growth during pregnancy and poor lactation. Associated with poor bone and cartilage growth as well as spinal disc degeneration. Together with amino acid and zinc deficiencies, has been associated with "spinning" in Bull Terriers. Deficiencies can lead to cravings for eggs, whole grain cereals, green leafy vegetables, peas and beets. Iodine - Prevents goiter and is necessary for a healthy, functioning of the thyroid gland. Needed for proper growth and development, protein digestion and energy metabolism. Affects how vitamins are broken down as well as protein, cholesterol and carbohydrates and how they are used in the body. Best absorbed from natural sources rather than salt. Found in iodized salt and kelp. Deficiencies can include all those common to hypo- or hyperthyroidism: weight gain, blackened skin, decreased resistance to infection, feeling cold, inability to regulate body temperature, mammary tumors. Deformities such as thick tongue, short broad head, wide nose, short bodies, heavy extremities, delayed shedding of puppy teeth, hairlessness, dullness and timidity. Deficiencies can lead to cravings for kelp, Swiss chard, turnip greens, watercress, pears, pineapples, artichokes, citrus fruit and egg yolks. Fluorine - Sodium and calcium fluoride. To prevent mottling of the enamel of young adult teeth and tooth decay. Helps to reduce bone loss. Deficiencies can lead to pitted adult teeth, which happens when the enamel is being formed. Tooth decay and possible bone fractures in older animals. Deficiencies can lead to cravings for oats, milk, cheese, carrots, garlic, beet tops, green vegetables, cabbage and watercress. Abundant in sea water and naturally hard (mineralized) water. Selenium - (Sodium selenite) Vitamin E and selenium are more effective together than each is alone. Antioxidants are used by males for correct functioning of the reproductive organs. Needs to be replaced when using the dog for breeding, as selenium is stored in the testes and lost in the semen. Effective with Vitamin E in treating lameness in older dogs. Helps to neutralize certain carcinogens and provide protection against cancer of the gastrointestinal tract. Used in the treatment of dandruff. Together with iodine, necessary for correct thyroid function. Can be used with vitamin E and is toxic in large doses. Deficiencies can lead to liver problems, muscle degeneration, premature aging, heart disease, muscular dystrophy, long-term deprivation has lead to cancer of the gastrointestinal tract. Research has shown that vitamin E and selenium deficiencies are more widespread in animals than had been realized. It is added to most dog foods in the form of sodium selenite. Deficiencies can lead to cravings for bran, tuna, tomatoes, broccoli and brewer's yeast. Sulfur - Not mentioned in the NRC guidelines separately as it is contained in many food substances, especially protein. It is present in four amino acids and in some B vitamins, and is abundant in meat, fish, dairy products, eggs, molasses and some vegetables. It is absorbed by the small intestine and stored in all body cells, especially the skin, hair and nails. Dogs fed vegetarian diets may be deficient in sulfur. Helps prevent skin disorders, eczema, and dermatitis. Painful joints helped by bathing in water high in sulfur. Another form of sulfur called MSM (Methylsufonyl methane) has become available for use in the treatment of allergies. Deficiencies can lead to skin conditions or coat discolorations. Deficiencies are seen when diets are deficient in animal protein and when intestinal bacteria is depleted, evident after prolonged use of antibiotics. Zinc - Zinc amino acid chelate or zinc oxide. Needed for proper growth. Involved in many enzyme systems. Helps the liver to detoxify poisons. Needed for healthy skin, hair, and nails. Helps in the formation of collagen and improves wound healing. Helps in protein digestion and has some anti-oxidant function. It supports the immune system, improves antibody response to vaccines and regulates white blood cells. Cataracts also have been helped by using zinc, and many eye medications now contain zinc. Zinc is more effective when used along with copper, B-complex, Vitamin A, calcium and phosphorus. Deficiencies can lead to skin lesions on the abdomen and extremities. Eye diseases, dry eye, fatty changes in the liver and gallbladder, kidney damage and inflammation of the skin. White tipping, browning out or red tinges in the fur of solid-colored dogs. Spinning in Bull Terriers is partial associated with a zinc deficiency plus deficiencies in manganese and amino acids. Parasites can cause zinc depletion, which in turn affects the ability to absorb food. Premature aging, dwarfism, cataracts, epilepsy, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, lack of appetite, diabetes, immune suppression, infections, male infertility, learning disabilities, toxemia in pregnancy, environmental sensitivities and allergies are all related to Zinc Deficiencies. Deficiencies can lead to cravings for beef, liver,, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, tuna, peanuts, whole grains. Water is the most important nutrient. An animal can survive after losing almost all of its glycogen and storage fat and half of its protein, but a 10% loss of total body water causes serious illness; a 15% loss results in death. Water is used by dogs for all digestive purposes, both the breaking down and absorption of nutrients, as well as maintenance of body temperature. It helps to detoxify the body and transport toxic substances out of the body through the eliminative organs. It is also used to keep the acid levels of the blood constant. The kind of food you feed will determine how much water your dog needs. Dry food contains very little moisture, about 10 percent. It is calculated that your dog needs about a quart of water for every pound of dry food eaten. Soft-moist foods contain about 23 to 40 percent water. A dog fed only canned food, which contains up to 78 percent moisture will drink much less. The more alkaline the food, the more you dog will drink to maintain the acid-alkaline balance in the body. A very general rule of thumb is that primarily cereal based foods produce a more alkaline urine, and foods high in animal proteins produce a more acidic urine. Try putting a pH strip into your dog food to test the acidity. It needs to be between 6.2 and 6.5. Look for a food that satisfies your dog with the least amount of bulk (cereal) so that the smallest amount of water is needed. Generally, a healthy dog drinks only what is needed. Water consumption can increase out of habit, increased salt or electrolyte intake, or anything that increases body water loss, such as increased physical exertion, increased body temperature, pyrexia, lactation, diarrhea, hemorrhage, or polyuria. For practical feeding proposes, water of good quality should always be available. An exception is during persistent vomiting. In case of persistent vomiting, a period of approximately 24 hours with nothing consumed orally is recommended. Decreased water intake may result from reduced availability, improper temperature, or poor quality. If you notice your dog is suddenly drinking more water than usual, it could be a sign of kidney or bladder infection. Found in all cells and fluids of the body, they are specialized protein substances that speed up and create chemical reactions. Killed at temperatures above 118-170 degrees Fahrenheit, they are not available in commercial dog foods. They are necessary for all digestion to take place. A study done in Sweden showed that cooked, dry dog food took more than 15 hours to break down and clear the stomach. Semi-moist food took between 8 and 9 hours and raw food was already passing into the intestines 20 minutes after ingestion, and cleared the stomach in 4 1/2 hours. This study showed that when the body is provided with the correct enzymes it can digest food in very little time. If the body's systems of enzymes are depleted, the stomach takes much longer to break down food. If various organs and glands are continually robbed of their own enzymes, which must be utilized to digest food, the body eventually breaks down. By supplementing with enzymes the amount of time needed for digestion is reduced. Currently 1/3 of the body's energy is required in the process of digestion. Aging is directly related to enzyme depletion. Protease, lipase, cellulase, and amylase are plant enzymes that break down protein, carbohydrates, and fats in the acidic environment of the stomach. Cellulase breaks down cellulose, the source of fiber in many dog foods. Pepsin and rennin are other enzymes found in the stomach. These enzymes break down protein from meat and milk sources into useable amino acid chains. Pancreatin, the pancreatic enzyme, derived from the animal's pancreas, breaks down food in the alkaline environment of the small intestine. Other digestive enzymes are acidophilus, bromelin, and papain. Enzyme deficiencies can lead to cravings for raw foods, and grazing on grasses and weeds. Lactobacillus Acidophilus is a natural bacterium that lives in the intestinal tract. Acidophilus is killed when antibiotics are used, thus leaving an environment ideal for the growth of yeast and fungi. These grow to create diarrhea, flatulence and constipation. If the natural bacteria are not replenished, fungus can grow in the lungs, vagina, mouth and on the front and rear paws. FORMS OF COMMERCIAL PET FOODS: Currently there are three major forms of commercially produced pet foods available. They are: Dry, Soft/Moist, and Canned. Dry foods are by far the most popular food for both dogs and cats. The cost of feeding a dry food is approximately one- to one-third that of feeding a canned or soft/moist food of equal quality. Dry dog foods are more popular than soft/moist and canned foods due to the fact they are less expensive to feed, they may be fed free choice, and their abrasive effect reduces the accumulation of dental tarter, promoting healthier teeth and gums. Dry pet foods do have some disadvantages. They are less palatable than soft/moist or canned foods for dogs. Another disadvantage of dry foods is that only dry ingredients can be used in their formulation. Harsh drying can reduce the nutrient content and digestibility of some ingredients. This restricts the ingredients available for use in dry foods. Dry foods also tend to have lower digestibility than soft/moist and canned foods, as well as a shorter shelf life. Of the three types of pet foods, dry foods then to be the lowest in essential fatty acids because of the small amount of fat and type of fat frequently used (beef tallow). Look for foods containing chicken fat or poultry fat for a better quality fat source and a higher concentration of essential fatty acids. The general rule when feeding a dry food is to look for a good quality, premium dry food. Many of these are as high or higher in caloric density, digestibility, fat and essential fatty acids as canned or soft/moist foods. Look for dry foods that contain a higher percentage of animal proteins than cereal grains. Find out if the food has been feed tested by the manufacturer to ensure it meets the nutritional dietary requirements for your pet. Soft/moist foods require no refrigeration, have a fairly long shelf life, and may be fed free choice. Most soft/moist foods are quite palatable and, when purchased as individual portions, cost about the same as feeding canned foods. Soft/moist foods have a very high energy digestibility of the carbohydrate portion, which is composed of corn syrup and propylene glycol used to provide antibacterial and antifungal stability of foods and retention of moisture. A major advantage of soft/moist foods is that more ingredients, including fresh animal tissues can be used in formulation. However, to minimize cost and make the soft/moist foods more cost competitive, they often contain mostly cereal proteins. Canned foods are generally more palatable and digestible than dry foods but are more expensive per unit weight of dry matter. Approximately 75% of the content of a canned pet food is water, as compared to an average of 9% in dry foods and 35% in soft/moist. An advantage of the canned form is that either dry or wet ingredients can be used in formulation. These products usually contain more fat and thus provide more calories per pound of dry matter than most dry foods. This makes them desirable when energy needs are high. Since the foods are cooked at a lower temperature (120 degrees), there is less nutrient depletion as compared to dry foods. Many lower quality canned foods use a higher cereal base , usually extruded soy flour colored with red and brown dyes to resemble the texture and appearance of meat or liver. The high protein content of gourmet-type canned foods requires the animal to use protein as a major energy source. Extensive protein catabolism has been shown to cause renal damage, for this reason these foods are not recommended for long-term feeding. Pet food labels carry potentially useful information. The items required on all pet food labels are: 1. the product name, 2. the net weight, 3. the guaranteed analysis containing at least the minimum amounts of crude protein and fat and the maximum amounts of moisture and crude fiber. Additional guarantees are optional but must be located in the guaranteed analysis panel. 4. a list of ingredients in descending order of predominance by weight, 5. the name and address of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor, 6. the words "dog food" or "cat food," and, 7. a statement of the nutritional adequacy or purpose of the product, i.e. growth, puppy, adult, maintenance, senior, lite formula, etc. The guaranteed analysis does not guarantee that the product contains the amount listed, it only guarantees the tolerances the manufacturer claims the product meets. For example, if the label claims the product contains a minimum of 10% protein, it could have 15% protein without being in violation. The list of ingredients may be helpful, although it too has some shortcomings that limit its usefulness in evaluating pet foods. The ingredients are supposed to be listed in order of predominance by weight. However, this is an unenforceable regulation as it is generally impossible to determine the presence or absence of a specific ingredient, or the amount of each ingredient present, by examining or analyzing the finished product. A few generalities about the list of ingredients may be helpful as they may give an indication of the nutritional content and quality of the food. An animal protein should be one of the first two ingredients in a canned food, and one of the first three ingredients in a dry food. Canned dog foods fed long-term as the main diet should contain at least one cereal grain in the list of ingredients. Listing different forms of the same ingredient separately (e.g. ground corn, kibbled corn, flaked corn, etc.) suggests a purposeful misrepresentation of the product's ingredient contents. The presence of nutrients in a diet does not always mean they can be absorbed and utilized by the body. A diet composed of shoe leather, motor oil, vitamins and minerals will analyze to meet the National Research Council nutrient recommendations for dogs or cats, but would obviously not be a good diet. Thus, the claim balanced, complete, adequate, or guaranteed to meet or exceed all NRC nutrient recommendations has little meaning. However, if the claim is substantiated by successful feeding tests according to established protocols, it is a useful method in evaluating the product for nutritional adequacy. A letter to the manufacturer asking which method was used to substantiate the label claim should provide the necessary information. There are two major types of pet foods: homemade and commercially produced. Most pet owners prefer the convenience, lower feeding costs, better performance, and fewer problems associated with feeding commercially produced foods. About 92% of pet owners in the United States feed their pets commercially prepared foods as the main part of the diet. A number of different types of commercially produced pet foods are available. These include: 1. Generic, 2. Private label, 3. Those marketed in grocery or feed stores called "popular" brands, 4. Those marketed in pet stores or veterinary clinics called "premium" brands. There are certainly individual company and product exceptions, but, in general, the quality of the food increases from generic to premium brands. Generic pet foods are those which carry no brand name. They are usually produced and marketed locally or regionally to reduce transportation costs. Generic pet foods consist of the least expensive ingredients available in that area. Private label pet foods are usually marketed by grocery chains under their house brands. These pet foods are produced by manufacturers on a least-cost basis according to the specifications of the marketing company. Because the incentive of the manufacturer is to produce the least expensive product possible, in order to obtain the order, there is little concern for the nutritional content and consistency of the product. The manufacturers of these foods are focusing on a cost basis. What may be a cheap source of protein or fat used to formulate pet foods one week, may not be as cost effective another week and different, cheaper ingredients may be used to obtain the protein and fat percentages in the diet. Fro this reason most popular pet foods are variable formula diets. The ingredients used vary, depending on availability and cost. In contrast, many premium brand pet foods are produced from fixed formulas, i.e. the ingredients are not varied on cost. As a result, these foods are more expensive per unit of weight. However, because they are frequently higher in nutritional density and availability, less food is needed, which partially offsets the higher cost. A good quality premium pet food, designed for the purpose for which it's being fed, and fed as the animal's sole diet, is most likely to maintain optimum health. The problem becomes one of identifying a good quality product. WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS LISTED ON DOG FOOD PACKAGES? Meat - The cleaned flesh of slaughtered cattle, swine, sheep or goat. It may only be straited skeletal muscle, tongue, diaphragm, heart or esophagus. Meat Byproducts - Fresh, nonrendered, clean parts of slaughtered . Includes, but is not limited to, lungs, spleen, kidneys, brain, livers, blood, bone, partially defatted fatty tissue, stomachs and intestines freed of contents. Poultry Byproduct Meal - The ground rendered clean parts of the carcass of slaughtered poultry, such as necks, feet, underdeveloped eggs and intestines. Meat Meal - A rendered meal made from mammal tissues. Meat meal may not contain more than 14% indigestible materials. Lamb meal must be made from lamb parts; meat meal can be made from cattle, swine or goats. Meat and Bone Meal - Rendered from mammal tissues including bone. Only 14$ can be made of indigestible materials. Animal Byproduct Meal Made by rendering animal tissue that doesn't fit any of the other ingredient definitions. Poultry Byproducts - Nonrendered clean parts of carcasses of slaughtered poultry such as heads, feet, and viscera (guts). Animal Digest - A powder or liquid made by taking clean and non-decomposed animal tissue and breaking it down using chemical or enzymatic hydrolysis. Dried Whey - The product obtained by removing the water from whey. Barley - At least 80% sound barley and must not contain more than 3% heat-damaged kernels, 6% foreign matter, 20% other grains or 10% wild oats. Barley Flour - Soft, finely ground and bolted barley meal obtained from the milling of barley. Brewer's Rice - The dried extracted residue of rice resulting from the manufacture of wort or beer and may contain pulverized dried spent hops in an amount not to exceed 3%. Brown Rice - Unpolished rice after the kernels have been removed. Corn - Unspecified corn product. Corn Bran - The outer part of the corn kernel, which little or none of the starchy part of the germ. Corn Germ Meal - Ground corn germ which consists of corn germ with other parts of the corn kernel from which parts of the oil has been removed and is the product obtained in the dry milling process. Corn Gluten - The part of the commercial shelled corn that remains after the extraction of the larger portion of the starch, gluten and germ. Corn Gluten Meal - The dried residue from corn after the removal of the larger part of the starch and germ and the separation of the bran by the process employed in the wet milling. Corn Ground - The entire ear of corn ground, without husks, with no greater portion of the cob than occurs in the ear corn in its natural state. Ground Yellow Corn - Same as above except the corn used is yellow in color. Ground Whole Brown Rice - The entire product is obtained by grinding the rice kernels after the hull has been removed. Rice Bran - The pericarp or bran layer and germ of the rice. Soybean Hulls - Consists primarily of the outer covering of the soybean. Soybean Meal - Obtained by grinding the flakes or chips remaining after removal of most of the oil from dehulled soybeans. Soybean Mill Run - Composed of soybean hulls and such bean meats that adhere to the hulls. Whole Wheat Ground - Ground whole kernels. Whole Flour - Wheat flour together with fine particles of wheat bran and wheat germ. Wheat Germ Meal - Consists chiefly of wheat germ together with some bran and middling or short. Wheat Mill Run - Course wheat bran, fine particles of wheat bran, wheat shorts, wheat germ, and wheat flour. When choosing a food for your pet, make sure the food meets the following guidelines: 1. Does your food have a balance of plant and animal proteins and additional amounts of egg, liver and fish to provide a balance of all essential amino acids? If not, are you supplementing your dog's diet with amino acids? 2. Are the main ingredients in your dog's food from an animal protein source? Remember, dog's digest and use animal proteins more efficiently than those of a cereal base. 3. Does your food use either poultry or chicken fat for a fat source that is more digestible and higher in fatty acids or are they using a less digestible, poorer quality fat source, such as beef tallow or animal fat? 4. Has the manufacturer conducted feed tests to ensure the nutritional adequacy of the food and that there are no long term feeding deficiencies in the diet? 5. Does the manufacturer use micro-encapsulated vitamins and chelated minerals to protect vitamins and minerals during processing and make them more available to the body during the digestive process? 6. If the manufacturer is not adding additional quantities of vitamins and minerals to replace what is lost during processing and if they e not using micro-encapsulated vitamins and chelated minerals, are you supplementing your dog's diet with vitamins and minerals? 7. Are you adding digestive enzymes to your dog's food daily to replace what the body naturally depletes or prolonged usage of antibiotics will deplete? 8. Is your food the correct pH to maintain a healthy urinary tract - between 6.2 and 6.5? 9. Does your food use natural fat preservatives like vitamins E and C, or chemical preservatives such as BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin, that are know to cause cancer in humans? 10. Many behavioral disorders can be traced to foods that contain high amounts of food colorings and preservatives. Soft/moist and commercial foods are the worst in these areas. 11. Does your dog show signs of dietary deficiencies? Does it have watery eyes, ear infections, skin allergies and problems, crooked teeth or nails, brittle nails, diseases of the bones and kidneys, inability to breed, conceive, have full term pregnancies, lactate property, skin or hair discolorations, lethargy, lack of appetite, excessive shedding, or gastrointestinal upsets? If you answered "yes" to one or more of the above questions, you may want to consider trying a different food. General Info: http://www.canismajor.com/dog/nutrit1.html Building blocks of canine fitness: http://www.canismajor.com/dog/nutrit2.html Building Blocks of Canine Nutrition: http://www.canismajor.com/dog/nutrit2.html Diet & More: http://www.canismajor.com/dog/nutrit4.html Food Comparison Chart: http://home.hawaii.rr.com/wolfepack/food.html Dog Food: http://home.att.net/~wdcusick/dog_food.html Basics to consider: http://home.att.net/~wdcusick/011.html Food Pets Die For: http://www.pet-expo.com/trivfood.htm#1 http://www.canismajor.com/dog/iamssym1.htmlMilk composition/ Colorado State University: http://classes.aces.uiuc.edu/AnSci308/milkcomp.html Obesity in dogs: http://www.canismajor.com/dog/obese.html Papers/ lectures/Colorado State University: http://www.cvmbs.colostate.edu/clinsci/wing/enteral.html PetDIETS.com http://www.petdiets.com/ Polluted Pet Food: http://www.nexusmagazine.com//Petfood.html Preparing Your Dog's Food: http://www.canismajor.com/dog/nutrit3.html Purina: http://www.purina.com How much should I feed my dog? Calculator: http://qcpp.aol.com/petsmart.com__C/www.petsmart.com/pfc/foodcalc?op=dshowinp Alternative diets and holistic treatments: http://www.canismajor.com/dog/altern1.html Diet Connection to Major Illnesses: http://www.canismajor.com/dog/iamssym1.html Obesity in dogs: http://www.canismajor.com/dog/obese.html Special Diet Recipes for various health conditions: http://www.luitpold.com/ BalanceDiet - Supreme Canine Nutrition: http://www.balancediet.com/ The Iams Company Home Page: http://www.iams.com/ Purina Pet Care Center: http://www.purina.com
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