Dog Food and Fats

Is it possible that the rise in hypothyroidism in certain dog breeds might be the result of diets low in saturated fats? Since 1996, dog breeders have noted that this condition has become common enough to test their breeding stock for. While some veterinarian practitioners believe that there might be a genetic predisposition towards hypothyroidism other experts claim that its cause is directly related to the commercial kibble fed to dogs. 

The hypothyroidism question might be a matter of which came first — the chicken or the egg? A dog will pass on to its offspring any weaknesses in its genetic code. When generations of dogs are fed a steady diet of dried kibble their bodies are placed at risk to develop hypothyroidism. Why? Because commercially produced dog food contains primarily polyunsaturated fats. These fats are not conducive for the absorption of certain vitamins, particularly vitamin A, D, E and K.

Vitamin A is a huge player in the body’s ability to kick on its immune system. This wonder vitamin gives the body its ability to fight off cancer and it helps prevent the thyroid gland from shrinking. As the thyroid gland shrinks it begins to lose its ability to function and hypothyroidism sets in. When vitamin A is coupled with vitamin D, the result is a dynamic duo that work together to increase thyroid hormone circulation within the body. But both vitamin A and vitamin D need saturated fat for absorption through the intestine before the body can utilize it.

Although there is no conclusive evidence that a diet lacking saturated fats causes hypothyroidism, it is certainly worth avoiding this condition by providing pets with a wholesome diet that contains a variety of organic food— including quality animal protein and fat. This becomes even more important if you own a dog breed with a genetic predisposition towards this disease. Dog breeds at greater risk for hypothyroidism are: Akitas, American cocker spaniels, Beagles, Boxers, Briards, Brozois, Doberman pinschers, German shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Great Danes, Irish setters. Labarador retrievers, Old English sheepdogs, Rottweilers, and Shetland sheepdogs.

Unfortunately it is often difficult to tell if your dog has hypothyroidism because its symptoms are common to many other diseases. Keep in mind that as your dog ages, he becomes more prone to this condition. That’s why it’s important to start them off with the right type of diet. Variety is key. Supplement your dog’s dried kibble with healthy servings of organically raised meat because it contains the fat your dog needs to absorb certain vitamins. Additionally, provide your pet with cod liver oil at each meal. There are many brands available made specifically for pets. My personal favorite is Nordic Naturals Pet Cod Liver Oil for Dogs & Cats.

About the Author:

Gyvel Young is a journalist, published author and a certified canine nutritionist.

Sources:

Articles

Nockels CF, Ewing DL, Phetteplace H, et al. Hypothyroidism: an early sign of vitamin A deficiency in chickens. J Nutr 1984;114:1733-6

Oba K, Kimura S. Effects of vitamin A deficiency on thyroid function and serum thyroxine levels in the rat. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 1980;26:327-34

Books

Pottenger, Francis Jr. (1983). Pottenger’s Cats: A Study in Nutrition. California. Price-Pottenger Nutrition Foundation, Inc.

Is your Pooch Fat? Has your Kitty Developed a Paunch?

Pet obesity is on the rise. Not just in the United States but in other countries such as Britain. The evidence is clear: like their human caretakers cats and dogs are becoming more and more rotund. According to Hills clinical evidence reports, over 50% of dogs in the UK are overweight. In the United States the numbers are lower: approximately 25% of the U.S. pet population is either overweight or obese. Interestingly enough, Hills research reports that 76% of pet owners think their pooches or kitties are at a healthy weight.

One in every four pet owners admit to never exercising themselves or their dogs. This coupled with the fact that pets often become surrogate children lends itself to over-pampered pooches and kitties. Extra helpings of food, or the wrong type of food, can quickly pack on the weight. A cat’s or dog’s life expectancy is already short. Added fat around the heart and vital organs will only reduce its lifespan. Not only that, but the quality of life will be curtailed by stress on heart, liver, and joints. Indeed, several diseases specific to diet are associated with obesity. Consider the risk: diabetes, heart disease, skin disease, respiratory problems, lowered immunity, and arthritis.

Humans tend to think of food as a source of love. It’s so easy to hand out a treat or a piece of food from your plate. The appreciative grin on your dog’s face is reward in itself. The purr of your cat lets you know that you are amazing! Yet, feeding your pets additional snacks is damaging. One dog biscuit or one cat treat is the equivalent of a small meal. Let’s face it, most pet owners feed their pets snacks throughout the day. Feeding your pet quality snacks is not the problem. But if you are like many pet owners, a potato chip here and there, a French fry, a piece of burger, or in the case of a cat, a slice of salmon, can quickly become the road to weight gain; particularly when this snacking habit is combined with lack of exercise.

Despite words of admonition from veterinarians and health conscious holistic practitioners there is a myriad of internet mis-information that glorifies fat pets. The rolly-polly pet is portrayed as cute and cuddly. Nothing could be further from the truth. There is nothing cute or cuddly about killing a pet with food. It is a slow death that will eventually result in large veterinarian bills and a poor-quality life for the animal.

Fortunately for owners who take their pets’ health seriously there are solutions. Exercise as well as reduced calories can effectively erase the extra pounds. Additionally, when pooches and their pet parents exercise together their bond is strengthened. There are many types of exercise that are fun for both the pet and his human: walks, hikes, swimming, games of fetch, and jogging. Just 30 minutes a day can make a huge difference in your dog’s weight control.

Unfortunately, cats do not go jogging or walking with their humans. However, there are methods of stimulating cats to exercise. Cat “fisher” toys are poles with a feathered “bait” hanging on the end. These are very successful in luring cats into their natural hunter mode. Dangling a feather, or a string, in front of your cat will quickly engage him into running and leaping over furniture. Do this several times a day and you will discover how fun it is for yourself and at the same time it’ll be great exercise for kitty.

Obviously a pet parent will need to be cruel to be kind. That is, you will have to withhold those extra helpings of food, snacks, and treats. It’s the only solution. Keep in mind that this is actually going to give your dog an extra two to three years of good quality life with you. A cat’s lifespan can be increased by up to five years! And in the long run, isn’t having your beloved pet around longer, more important than the instant gratification they receive from a tasty morsel?

About the author:

Gyvel Young is a journalist, published author, and a certified canine nutritionist.

Dog Flu? Is your Pooch at Risk?

It’s known as canine influenza virus and it’s causing quite a stir among dog owners. The dog flu, known as H3N8, does not affect humans. It is however quickly spread from dog to dog. Originally this virus affected only horses, or so it was thought, until a pack of greyhounds turned up with it in 2004.

The outbreak on the East Coast and Colorado has caused alarm among pooch pet parents. And that is understandable, after all , who wants to see their beloved Fido go through the misery of the flu? The good news is there is a vaccine that was approved in May. It doesn’t prevent your furry canine from getting the flu but it does reduce the severity of the symptoms. This vaccine is administered in shots given two weeks apart.

But is it really necessary to vaccinate your dog or to be concerned? Apparently not if you live in Texas. The doggy flu has not hit Texas—yet.

Dogs who are at high risk for this flu are dogs who are enrolled in doggy day care or who are boarded at the kennel. Dogs who travel extensively are also at risk.

The good news is that if your dog is the typical household dog who goes for walks around the neighborhood and who rarely has social contact with strange dogs the risk of contracting dog flu is very low.

What are the symptoms of doggy flu? The same as any human flu: runny nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, and fever. Your veterinarian can do a test to see if your dog has the H3N8 virus.

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