When it comes to feeding your beloved furry 4 legged family member, its important choosing the right pet food. You can choose between commercial dry or canned food, home cooked or feed commercial raw, cooked or dehydrated.

This article will provide you with the basic information you need to consider when choosing the right pet food.

Biologically appropriate

Like Humans, pets need to eat food that best suites their biological characteristics; This in known as “Biologically appropriate food”. Experts claim that a balanced diet for dogs should contain between 70-80% protein sources, fats and bone and around 20-30% carbohydrates. The diet for cats needs to contain around 90-95% protein sources, fats and bone and only 5-10% vegetables.

Take a look at the labels of dry commercial foods; You can immediately see that they are too rich in carbohydrates. The macro nutrients analysis on the labels show that on average foods contain – 26% protein, 15% fat and 55% carbohydrates.

This means, that most dry foods don’t come even close to the recommended macro nutrients; Hence, they aren’t biologically appropriate.

In addition, dry foods contain less than 10% moisture, compared to raw or cooked foods which contain above 60%. This fact is especially important for cats. Research shows that feeding cats exclusively on dry foods may cause chronic light dehydration; Which in time put excess stress on the kidneys and eventually lead to decrease in kidney functioning.

Affects of heat on food

The two main commercial food manufacturing methods are extrusion and retort. Both methods use high temperatures (over 160 degrees Celsius) which cause tremendous affects on the ingredients quality.

Research conducted by the National Institute for Cancer, John Hopkins University and Queen Elizabeth hospital in London showed that cooking meat in high temperatures creates 17 Carcinogenic compounds. These are collectively called heterocyclic amines (HCA’s). These cancer causing ingredients interfere with the bodies genetic structure.

Another research showed that heat processing causes a combined reaction between the sugars and amino acids. This reaction is called the Maillard Reaction. The Maillard Reaction affects availability of amino acids, enzyme activity, and absorption and utilization of metals. Also, it is responsible for creating heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAA’s) which are cancer and mutating causing compounds.

In 2002, researchers in Sweden and the U.S had discovered that heating carbohydrate rich foods creates a compound called acrylamide. Research showed it causes genetic mutations, neuro toxic affects and cancer.

Artificial ingredients in pet food

Researchers found that the preservatives BHA and BHT cause breakage in the genetic code, mutations and deviations in chromosomes. Also, they increase the risk for tumors and cause cancer in lab animals. Although forbidden for use in some countries in Europe, they are still popular in the U.S. At times, these compounds may be hiding in the ingredients list; In places like different meals, such as chicken meal or by product meals.

Carrageenan is a compound produced from algae and is used as a stabilizer and thickener for canned foods. May cause ulcers in the digestive tract and cancer.

Ethoxyquin is another problematic preservative. It is linked to infertility, deformed offspring, ulcers in the liver, kidneys and bladder.

MSG is commonly used as a taste enhancer. It is a chemical transmitter which may cause damage to brain cells and also connected to obesity and allergies.

These are just a fragment of the artificial ingredients found in pet foods. Other include antimicrobial compounds, fortifiers, stabilizers and more. The most commonly used synthetic ingredients are the added nutrients. As a pet owner its important that you read and understand pet food labels. 

Today, we can find more and more data linking these ingredients to different health issues; Such as hyperactivity, fearfulness, stomach ulcers, colitis, IBD, cancer and more.

Synthetic nutrients vs natural nutrients

Heat processing destroys the natural vitamins and minerals found in the food ingredients. So, pet food manufacturers need to add them back artificially in order to meet nutritional requirements.

Your pets body absorbs synthetic nutrients differently than natural ones. Simply because real food contains not just a single nutrient, rather a range of vitamins, minerals, supporting compounds and enzymes. All of them together enables optimal use by the pets body. Without this complex system, the body cannot use the synthetic nutrients as efficiently. Therefore, a micro dose of a whole food nutrient is much more functional and effective than a mega dose of the pure synthetic version. For example, a single carrot contains about 200 nutrients and phytonutrients, all working together in order to be absorbed best by the pets body.

Moreover, because the molecular structure of synthetic nutrients is different, your pets body regards them as drugs. So, they may interfere with the bodies metabolic activity in the long run. Fat soluble vitamins (K, E, D and A) may even be dangerous as they can accumulate in the liver and fat tissue and cause toxicity. This is because pet receive a concentrated mega dose of the vitamin instead of a micro amount from whole foods.

What about water soluble vitamin C and B? These vitamins are not stored by the body rather get secreted in the urine. But does this fact makes them safer?

Contrary to popular belief, research testing the affects of vitamin C on sporting dogs, showed that vitamin C actually increases oxidative stress on the muscles. This in turn, damages immune system activity and decreases its ability to resist infections and disease.

Longevity genes

My final point refers to consumption of mega doses of synthetic nutrients from an evolutionary point of view. Your pets bodies are equipped to receive maximum nourishment from minimum food. Researchers believe that this is due to “Longevity genes”. Longevity genes are meant to increase the animals ability to survive when food is absent; By upgrading the bodies ability to utilize energy from food, strengthen muscles and coping with stress and hunger.

This means that anything which causes excess or imbalance in the pet’s body, may be toxic or infectious to it. And, if we look at dry or canned foods, they have excess everything. Excess carbohydrates, preservatives, synthetic ingredients. They are overly dry, too processed. Dry and canned foods don’t provide a balanced nutrition as nature intended for our pets.

 

In my professional opinion, commercial dry and canned foods are simply not meant for pets consumption. They are wrong for them in every aspect. As a pet owners, its your obligation to be informed and make the right nutrition choices.

I’m always happy to answer any question

 

 

*this article was written for Wild at heart – Raw pet food delivery – https://www.wildatheartpets.com/ , http://www.facebook.com/WildAtHeartRaw/.

Refrences

Unlocking the canine ancestral diet: healthier dog food the ABC way

Gomez-Cabrera MC, Domenech E, Romagnoli M, Arduini A, Borras C, Pallardo FV, Sastre J, and Vina, J. Oral administration of vitamin C decreases muscle mitochondrial biogenesis and hampers training-induced adaptations in endurance performance. American Journal Clinical Nutrition. 2008 Jan; p. 87(1), p. 142-9.

Davies KJ, Packer L, Brooks GA. Biochemical adaptation of mitochondria, muscle, and whole-animal respiration to endurance training. Arch Biochem Biophys 1981; p. 209, p. 539-54.

Chi-Tang Ho. Maillard Reaction and Health Aspects. Mol. Nutr. Food Res. 2006, p. 50, p. 1099 – 1100.

Timothy A. Allen, David J. Polzin and Larry G. Adams, “Renal Disease”, small animal clinical nutrition, 4th edition, Walsworth publishing company, 2000, p. 582.

Facts about Vitamin A and Carotenoids, from the National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements.
Schultze R. Kymythy, Natural Nutrition for Cats

Chassaing, B. et al. Nature http://www.dx.doi.org/10.1038/nature14232 (2015).

Gomez-Cabrera MC, Borras C, Pallardo FV, Sastre J, Ji LL, Vina J. Decreasing xanthine oxidase-mediated oxidative stress prevents useful cellular adaptations to exercise in rats. J Physiol 2005;567:113-20.

Chemicals in Meat Cooked at High Temperatures and Cancer Risk -https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/cooked-meats-fact-sheet

Marshall RJ, Scott KC, Hill RC, et al. Supplemental vitamin C appears to slow racing greyhounds. J Nutr 2002; p. 132.
Vitamin A Toxicity from http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/newsletter/2008-december.shtml

The history of pet food is very interesting and very important for you pet owners to know. It might come as a shock but commercial pet foods didn’t exist 30,000 years ago when dogs first met man. Allow me to take you on a journey on how commercial pet foods had entered our pets lives.

Dogs are thought to had been domesticated about 30,000 years ago. But, commercial dog food was first introduced only 160 years ago. Dry kibble, as we are familiar with today, entered only around the 1950’s. Until that moment, dogs and cats had eaten what their owners ate – stews, left over meats, grains and vegetables.

First stages of commercial pet food

Around 1860, an English man names James Pratt had invented the first dog biscuit. His biscuits were made from vegetables, animal blood, wheat and beet pulp. Other companies, seeing the interest in this product, started creating their own version of it. And so, at around 1890, commercial pet treats started to be widespread in the U.S.

After world war I, mass production of canned dog food from horse meat had started. Also in those years, started the production of canned cat food. And around 1930, began the first production of dry kibble for dogs made from different flours.

At 1946, dry foods reached a market share of 85%. At those years there were two kinds of dry foods, Biscuits or crumbles.

After world war II, when the economy started to blossom, people could afford to buy quality pet food. So, in the 50’s and 60’s many companies saw the potential and started adding manufacturing lines for pet foods, along their human lines. Among these companies were General Foods®, Quaker Oats®, Campbell’s® Soups, Mars®, Lipton®, Post®, Carnation®.

Second stage of industrialized pet food

The next innovation arrived in the late 1950 with the extrusion manufacturing process by Purina. The final product was lighter then with previous manufacturing processes, which gave the feeling that you receive more for your money. Extruded kibble needed to contains large amounts of starch, in order to combine the ingredients and hold its shape. Above this, nutrients were added and sprayed in order to compensate for their loss due to the double high temperature cooking.

Pet food manufacturers started to market their kibble as “complete and balanced”. They advertised that feeding human food and left overs to pets was dangerous. At 1964, the pet food manufacturers organization started a campaign warning pet owners about the risks of feeding table scraps; And the importance of feeding pets only commercial processed foods.

The next step was the distribution of veterinary prescription pet food through veterinarians. This started with Hill’s® (bought buy Colgate Palmolive®) after its parent company massive success in marketing tooth pastes through dentists. This marketing technique sends pet owners the message that pet nutrition is complicated; So, they should leave it in the hands of professionals. And, that veterinarians are the only ones who really know what pets need to eat.

Natural nutrition trend

There is a growing movement toward natural, raw, home cooked pet food. This movement isn’t new, but it is growing every year. Some pet owners have been feeding natural food for decades. Refusing to follow the marketing messages of the pet food companies. Also, there is a growing number of commercial companies which manufacture natural food in different methods.

Preparation methods of natural pet foods include frozen raw, pouched cooked, dehydrated and baked foods. Each of these foods try to mimic they way they perceive pets had eaten before the introduction of processed foods. Commercial natural foods are based mainly on meat, vegetables and fruits and may contain quality grains. Usually, because of the minimal processing, the ingredients preserve their original nutritional values.

In recent years, you can see an increase in the natural nutrition trend; Mainly due to increase in human awareness to the affect foods has on health and wellbeing. And the awareness to the ingredients present in processed foods. Moreover, there is the support of part of the veterinary community to encourage natural feeding after seeing the results of a daily feeding of industrialized foods.

 

In conclusion, commercial pet food wasn’t here from the beginning of time. Kibble and canned food isn’t what our pets had been eating since they were domesticated. Most of their lives they had eaten real homemade food. Until people and companies realized that they can make a profit from selling by products wrapped up in a bag labeled pet food. And scaring owners into thinking they don’t know what’s best for their pets.

Remember, Dogs and cats are biologically equipped and meant to eat real food, not processed. Think about it, industrialized foods have only been around for 160 years. We are now starting to see the result of these foods on our pets health, in the form of food sensitivities, allergies, more infections, cancer, diabetes and more.

If you have a question, feel free to contact me.

 

Most people make the distinction between human food to pet food. They believe that we need to eat vegetables, meat and grains and pets should only eat kibble or canned food. Rather, the truth is that food is simply food. There isn’t such a thing as people food.

Think about it, even commercial pet food started its life as chicken, potato, corn, etc. At the beginning, pet food WAS real food. This means that you CAN give pets “human” food; You just need to know what to give and how.

I’m not here to convince you to make the switch to human food completely; Of course it would be great if you do 🙂

This article simply emphasizes the importance of combining some human food into your pets diet.

Why adding human food to pets diet?

Everybody believes that commercial pet food is complete, balanced and contains everything pets need. Truth is, things aren’t that simple. Its true that commercial pet food undergoes testing so manufacturers can declare its complete and balanced. But, recipes can change and relying on just one recipe for life can cause some nutritional deficiencies. Variety is important.

Adding human food to pets diet will provide crucial nutrients in their whole natural form. Rather the synthetic ones in the commercial food. Pets bodies process and absorbs complete nutrients in an optimal way; Unlike their synthetic version.

Also, commercial pet food is highly processed. Some say its one of the most processed foods on the planet. it contains a wide range of chemicals, preservatives and synthetic ingredients which doesn’t contribute to optimal health.

Lastly, kibble is DRY food; And the body needs fluids in order to survive. Hence, adding any human food will enter some needed fluids to the diet. These fluids support all bodily systems, mainly the kidneys and urinary tract.

What can you add?

I can say, in general, that ingredients that are heathy for us, are healthy for our pets. Meaning, vegetables and fresh fruits, whole grains, fresh low fat mea, fish, etc. Fresh fruits and vegetables are filled with fluids and loaded with nutrients and fiber.

For example, a slice of melon or a handful of frozen berries would make a wonderful snack on a warm day.

Lean meat such as chicken breast or fish fillet provides high quality protein with excellent digestibility.

whole grains provides fiber and many nutrients. So, these needs to be limited, especially for diabetic digs. Cats don’t need any grains in their diets.

What to avoid?

Fatty foods contribute to increased calorie intake but also raise the risk for Pancreatitis. It’s best to avoid giving pieces of fat larger than 1cmX1cm for every 10 kg of the pets body weight.

Also, avoid feeding spicy foods or those with high levels of salt. Pets diet aren’t equipped to handle seasoned foods such as black pepper, paprika, BBQ, etc. Spices may cause diarrhea, nausea and abdominal cramps.

You can read the entire list of poisonous foods for dogs right here.

How much to human food to add?

You need to remember that if you are feeding commercial food, that its currently balanced and should provide for daily nutritional requirements. So, everything you give extra is only an addition. This addition, above adding nutrients, also adds calories. Extra calories, which aren’t used by sport and play, accumulates in the pets body in the form of fat.

As you don’t want to cause weight gain and risk obesity; Its important that you don’t feed extra food over 10% of the daily feeding quantity. If you do feed over, make sure that you reduce the same quantity from the commercial food. And, that the natural food you provide is balanced and contains protein, fats, nutritious carbohydrates, vegetables and fruits.

This chart will provide you with some guidelines as to the maximum amount of natural food you may give per day; This is if you only feed it s a snack. If you want to offer a complete meal, to replace a commercial one you are currently feeding, please contact me and I will explain further.

(Calculated by 10% of the daily caloric intake)

Pets body weight            amount to add

2.5 kg                                 4.5 grams

5 kg                                     8 grams

10 kg                                   14 grams

20 kg                                  26 grams

30 kg                                 32 grams

40 kg                                40 grams

 

How to feed natural food?

If your pet had never eaten natural food, I recommend adding it gradually. For example, start by offering some cooked chicken or cooked plain rice. This is in order to get the pets digestive tract accustomed. Your pet may experience a bit of diarrhea or a sensitive stomach for a day or two; But don’t let this deter you as most times it stops rapidly.

You need to remember a simple rule – If food goes in looks the same on the way out, it didn’t get digested. For example, seeing a piece of carrot in the stool.

You can feed fruits fresh, as do some vegetables like cucumbers or tomatoes. Grains and vegetables such as sweet potato or carrots needs to be fully cooked. I also recommend mashing them or putting them in a food processor.

In order to avoid your pet begging during meal time, its best to offer the food after you had done eating or at a different time completely.

 

To sum things up, giving your pet real natural food is important. Each time you reduce your pets exposure to commercial food, you are minimizing the risk for illness.

But remember, your pet isn’t a garbage disposal! Don’t feed anything that you wouldn’t eat yourself. If that chicken thigh smells a bit off, don’t give it to your dog.

You can feed natural food as a snack or as a complete meal, just do it correctly. Feed just ingredients which are safe for your pet, measure your quantities and a combination of ingredients that will provide a range of nutrients.

And remember, I’m here to answer any question and guide you.

 

As a pet owner, you need to consider a lot of information when determining how and what to feed your beloved pet. How much to feed? Where to keep the food? When to feed and more….Here are my pet feeding tips to you.

In my opinion, these are the 10 basic topics you need to consider.

 

1. Constant availability of fresh water

You need to have fresh water available for your pet at all times. Your pet needs to drink varied amounts of water according to different factors, which include: life stage (for example, increased thirst during pregnancy), activity level, surrounding (being in a closed apartment during the summer time) and type of food (dry food causes increased thirst as opposed to fresh). Also, keep in mind that many cats prefer drinking from a water fountain or other source of moving water.

2. Consideration for specific needs

When choosing your pet’s food, you need to consider a number of different factors:
Age – Aging pets need food with higher digestibility in smaller quantities and with more antioxidants. Puppies need larger quantities of highly nutritious food divided into more meals per day.
Activity level – Active pets need food with higher caloric content than “couch potato” pets.
Sensitivities – Your pet shouldn’t receive food and treats which include ingredients they have sensitivity for.
Weight – Pets on weight loss programs should receive food with higher fiber content and less caloric value.
Health status – You need to take into account specific health issues, for example a formulized diet for kidney failure or damaged liver.

3. Food quantity

Many pets these days are suffering from obesity or are considered overweight, due to over feeding and lack of activity. Keeping your pet at proper weight contributes to its welfare and health.
Remember that feeding amounts written on the labels are only a recommendation and it’s up to you to adjust the quantity according to your specific pet needs.
I believe that most often, weight by number isn’t a true and accurate measurement and in order to know if your pet is in proper weight is to check its body condition score. Which means – look and feel your pet – run your hands on its abdomen, rib cage and chest and see if you feel excess fat and look if you can see a waist line or is your pet sausage shaped. The ideal condition is for it to have a thin layer of fat and be shaped.

4. Feed a complete and balanced diet

In order to avoid nutritional deficiencies, you need to feed a complete and balanced diet. This can be of course any type of food.
Usually you can find a statement on commercial foods that they have been formulated to be complete and balanced. If you don’t see a statement, this means that the food is meant for complementary feeding only. You can read extra information on how to understand food labels in this article.

If you are feeding a home cooked or raw diet, you need to follow a strict recipe formulated by a nutrition professional in order to assure that the diet is varied and complete.

5. Storage of food

Dry food needs to be stored in a sealed container at a dry and cool environment, away from direct sun light. If you leave commercial food bags open, they can accumulate moisture and become moldy or get infected by bugs. Canned food needs to be stored away from direct sun light.

You can store cooked and raw food in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3 days. You can freeze the food for up to 6 months.

6. Feeding times

Pets love and strive on routines and it’s also true for their bodily systems including the digestive tract. When food arrives at regular hours, the body knows how to manage its nutrients intake and direct it as needed to the different organs.

I recommend feeding at least two meals a day, one in the morning and one at the evening. Smaller meals allow for better digestion and nutrient absorption.

In addition, between meals, its beneficial to give a snack. Long hours on an empty stomach can lead to a feeling of nausea due to the activity of bile fluids.  Sometimes this can solve incidents of early morning vomiting.

7. Feeding bowl and food preparation hygiene

Like we wash our utensils and plates, it is very important to wash and clean your pets feeding bowls on a daily basis. This is ten times more important if you are feeding raw or cooked food. In this case I recommend washing the bowl after the pet had finished eating because any leftover pieces of food can attract bugs and be contaminated by pathogens.

Furthermore, you need to take extra precautions and follow proper hygiene instructions especially if of you are handling raw food. For example, cleaning the work area and tools, washing hands before and after touching the food, don’t thaw meat out on the counter, and more.

8. Snacks

Any snack and treat you feed over the recommended daily amount will add calories, so remember to adjust the overall feeding quantities accordingly. I recommend that the treats will only be up to 10% of the daily feeding amount. My recommendation is feeding raw and natural treats such as fruits, vegetables and meat.

9. Share with your vet nutritional changes and feeding habits

Any change in your pets feeding habits like loss of appetite, increased thirst or selective eating can signify a health concern that needs to be addressed. You need to track nutritional changes and if they persist over 24 hours, share the information with your vet.

10. Listen to your pet

It’s important to follow after your pet’s physical state and bodily functions; these will provide you with indications about how your pet reacts to its food. Quality food will bring your pet to be vital, with soft and bright fur, healthy skin, good teeth and healthy stool.
Remember, your pets smell and instincts are spot on, listen to them, if it doesn’t want to eat its current food anymore, check to see if you need to make any changes.

 

In conclusion, you can see that there are many issues you need to consider regarding feeding your pet. There is more to it than just placing some type of food in a bowl. I hope you enjoyed reading my pet feeding tips and now have some food for thought 🙂

And remember, for any question, feel free to contact me.

We know that for humans, specific foods and nutrients produce specific changes in the chemical balance of the brain. These in turn affect both mood and performance. But are the same rules apply to our dogs? Let me explain about nutrition and dog behavior.

Tryptophan

Tryptophan is an amino acid found in protein foods like meat, chicken and fish, and its a precursor of serotonin. Serotonin is a brain chemical associated with feelings of relaxation and calmness, regulates sleep cycles and sensitivity to noise and touch.

Pets absorb tryptophan by eating protein. Another way is by consumption of carbohydrates which raises tryptophan levels in the blood/brain. Diets made mainly from protein sources and low in carbs can cause a shortage of tryptophan. This situation occurs because other amino acids found in protein overcome tryptophan and pass more effectively into the brain. Therefor, lower levels of tryptophan and thus serotonin.

Low levels of Serotonin are associated with increased aggression, especially defensive aggression, and decreased impulse control in dogs. They can also cause dogs to exhibit signs of anxiety, fearfulness and all together be restless.

One study indicated that a diet with high protein concentration (32%) increased fear induced territorial aggression in dogs compared to low (17%) and medium (25%) protein concentrations. It didn’t however affect dominance aggression or hyperactivity. Another study reinforced this point and showed that a low protein diet or a tryptophan supplement reduced dominance aggression, territorial aggression and hyperactivity in dogs.

Simple carbohydrates

As I stated before, feeding carbohydrates raises the level of serotonin which induces relaxation and calmness. This means that a diet with a high carbohydrate ratio may suit dogs who suffer from anxiety or aggression.

In addition, high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets may induce a serotonin deficiency; This in turn could trigger, in some dogs, carbohydrate cravings in order to correct the imbalance. These dogs may not only exhibit destructive behaviors around the house, in their search for food, but sometimes also signs of aggression.

Carbohydrates are transformed into simple sugars by your dogs body. Hence, diets containing large quantities of simple carbohydrate (like many commercial dog foods) cause an increase in blood sugar levels. These in turn can trigger behaviors such as anxiety, hyperactivity, low self control, irritability and fearfulness.

You are probably asking yourself, “to feed or not to feed carbohydrates?”. My advice is to feed balanced amounts of complex carbohydrates. These will allow availability of Tryptophan yet regulate sugar levels in the blood.

Energy surplus

Each dog has its own dietary and energy needs according to his activity level, health status, age and other personal considerations. Excess energy (Caloric) intake is stored as fat tissue by the body. Therefore, constant intake of excess energy will lead in the long run to weight gain.

Obesity is a major health and welfare issue for dogs. It affects their ability to run, jump and play, which may put a damper on their mood. Furthermore, it may lead to serious health issues such as diabetes, cancer and arthritis. These in turn may cause dogs to feel depressed, sluggish, irritable, and less calm.

Energy restriction

When we put dogs on a diet and restrict their energy intake, we could cause them significant frustration. This can manifest as different behaviors such as increased chewing, pawing, licking and holding objects in mouth.

When dogs are put on a diet, they are being fed below the recommended maintenance nutritional needs. Meaning, the body receives less energy than it should in order to operate at a certain minimal level. So, the dogs body starts to conserve energy by lowering its activity level.

Studies showed that dogs given energy restricted diets started showing aggressive behaviors such as snaps, bites, focused barking and fighting. These behaviors decreased significantly as the time on the diet grew longer.

Dietary fiber

Adding dietary fibers to dogs on a weight loss program provides feelings of fullness for longer periods of time. Hence, decrease their hunger and consequently decrease destructive and negative behaviors.

Specific deficiencies

There are some nutrients that the lack of them may result in certain behaviors:

Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) – compulsive behavior, coprophagia, neural issues.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) – irritability, aggression, low reflexes.
Calcium – fearfulness, irritability, anxiety, disorientation.
Magnesium – aggression, muscle spasms, difficulty learning and memory problems.
Manganese – irritableness, allergies, deafness.

These deficiencies can only be known once conducting a blood test and so it’s always better to talk to your vet if observing behavioral changes.

Common food additives

Studies have linked the presence of certain chemical compounds in pet food to problematic behaviors:

Artificial ingredients such as thickeners, binders, food colorings – lack of concentration, difficulty sitting still, fearfulness, and hyperactivity.

Preservatives such as BHA, BHT and Ethoxyquin – allergies, hyperactivity, neurotoxin – irrational fears, aggression, fearfulness and are highly linked to cancer.

Pesticides and chemical fertilizers from grain ingredients – aggression, irritability and they are considered as cancer causing agents.

In addition, the liver is responsible for filtering the toxins our dogs consume. According to Chinese medicine, once the liver can no longer control the quantity of toxins it receives, dogs will demonstrate behavior of fear and aggression.

Physical aspects

Many dogs suffer from allergies or sensitivities, either topical or digestive, which are connected to the food they eat. These manifest in symptoms such as itching, scratching, licking, excessive thirst, abdominal pain or cramping, nausea or loose stool. As a result, dogs become restless, irritable and hyperactive.

In order to handle these behaviors, we first need to tackle the base problem which is the sensitivity. Usually this is done by a food change.

 

In conclusion, nutrition has a great influence on your dogs behavior and mood. Some diets may cause him to be restless, aggressive and hyper, while others make him feel relaxed, content and easy to handle.

Once you know these dietary behavioral links, you will be able to spot if change is needed. A simple change in diet may improve not only your dog’s quality of life, but yours as well.

A proper diet for your dog should be one with quality protein, fresh vegetables and balanced complex carbohydrates. Of course, without artificial compounds and as close to his natural dietary needs as possible.

If you have any questions, you are welcome to contact me.

 

*this article was written for Wild at heart – Raw pet food delivery – https://www.wildatheartpets.com/ , http://www.facebook.com/WildAtHeartRaw/

 

References for nutrition and dog behavior

B. Spring in Nutrition and the Brain. J.J. Wurtman and R.J. Wurtman, Editors, Volume 7, pp. 1-47. Raven Press, New York, NY, 1985
Onnie J. Spring, Ph.D., Harris R. Lieberman, Ph.D., Geoffrey Swope and Gail S. Garfield, EFFECTS OF CARBOHYDRATES ON MOOD AND BEHAVIOR, Nutrition Reviews, Volume 44, Issue Supplement s3, Version of Record online: 27 APR 2009

Harju C. , Dietary Impact on Canine Behavior, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, pp. 4-9.

Bosch, G., Beerda, B., Hendriks, W.H., van der Poel, A.F.B., Verstegen, M.W.A. (2007). Impact of nutrition on canine behavior: current status and possible mechanisms. Nutrition Research Reviews, vol. 20, pp.180-194.

Bosch, G., Beerda, B., Beynen, A.C., van der Borg, J.A.M., van der Poel, A.F.B., Hendriks, W.H. (2009c). Dietary tryptophan supplementation in privately owned mildly anxious dogs. Applied Animal Behavior Science, vol. 121, pp. 197–205.

Volhard, W. and Brown, K. DVM. The Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog, Howell Book House, NY, 1995.

Morrison, R., Penpraze, V., Beber, A., Reilly, J.J., Yam, P.S. (2013). Associations between obesity and physical activity in dogs: a preliminary investigation. Journal of Small Animal Practice, vol. 54, pp. 570–574.

McDonald, P., Edwards, R. A., Greenhalgh, J. F. D. and Morgan, C. A. (2002). Animal nutrition, 6th ed. Pearson Education Limited, United Kingdom. pp. 55-71, 32-53.

Madras, B.K., Cohen, E.L., Fernstrom, J.D., Larin, F., Munro, H.N., Wurtman, R.J. (1973). Dietary Carbohydrate Increases Brain Tryptophan and Decreases Free Plasma Tryptophan. Nature, vol. 244, pp. 34–35

Dodman, N.H., Reisner, I., Shuster, L., Rand, W., Luescher, U.A., Robinson, I., Houpt, K.A. (1996). Effect of dietary protein content on behavior in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, vol. 208, pp. 376–379