Nutrient Requirements for the Cultivation of Optimal Health in Dogs and Puppies

1 Comment March 22, 2019 The Holistic Canine

Puppies and adult dogs require essential micro nutrients in very specific amounts for proper growth and development, cellular function and methylation, epigenetic gene expression, metabolism, tissue and organ function, skeletal maintenance and repair, brain development and function, and so much more. The cultivation of optimal health should be the goal of every pet parent with diet being the foundation stone for that goal.

The following nutrient list is based on the NRC’s recommended allowance (RA) as found in “Nutrient Requirements of Dogs & Cats,” Merck Veterinary Manual, and FEDIAF, The European Pet Food Industry Federation. I have added to the nutrient requirement list the remaining vital nutrients that the NRC and FEDIAF have not listed. These missing nutrients are irrefutably essential to health and life. It is my belief that these missing nutritional components are one of the biggest factors driving canine disease, cancer, and the increasing mortality rate.

The following list is based on my own research. The missing yet very-much-essential nutrients are required for the prevention of chronic disease, the cultivation and maintenance of optimal health, and increased longevity in dogs. Everything in BOLD is either my addition (missing essential nutrients from the NRC list) or is a modification.

The nutrient requirements below are per every 1,000 kcal consumed.

Mobile phone users, please click on the PDF link for proper nutrient table alignment.

Nutrient	Adult Dog	Puppies
Vitamin A B₁ Thiamine B₂Riboflavin B₃Niacin B₅Pantothenic Acid B₆Pyridoxine Biotin¹ Folate B₁₂Cobalamin Choline Vitamin C² Vitamin D₃ (cholecalciferol³) Vitamin E Vitamin K₂ (menaquinone⁴)	380 RE → 16,000 RE 0.56 mg 1.4 mg 4.25 mg 4 mg 0.4 mg 2.5 mg 68 mcg 8.75 mcg 425 mg 40 mg 3.4 mcg → 20 mcg 7.5 mg 410 mcg	380 RE → 3,750 RE 0.34 mg 1.4 mg 4.25 mg 4 mg 0.4 mg 2 mg 68 mcg 8.75 mcg 425 mg 40 mg 3.4 mcg → 20 mcg 7.5 mg 410 mcg

Nutrient	Adult Dog	Puppies
Calcium Phosphorous Potassium Sodium Chloride Magnesium Iron Copper Zinc Manganese Iodine Selenium Molybdenum⁵ Silica⁶ Sulfur⁷	1,200 mg 1000 mg 1,250 mg 250 mg 400 mg 190 mg 9 mg 1.8 mg 20 mg 1.5 mg 220 mcg 90 mcg 45 mcg 118 mg 1.75 mg	3,000 mg 2,500 mg 1,300 mg 550 mg 720 mg 150 mg 22 mg 2.7 mg 25 mg 1.7 mg 220 mcg 90 mcg 40 mcg 118 mg 2 mg

1 Biotin is an essential vitamin (also known as vitamin H) that is required for proper growth, muscle development, digestion, skin health, health of the coat and fur, for the prevention of allergies and allergic conditions, among others. Thus, I believe it belongs in the list for required nutrients. Biotin deficiency is most often the cause for skin disorders as well as skin and allergic conditions including itching. There is a popular concern about feeding raw eggs to dogs due to the enzyme avidin. Avidin is found only within the egg white; therefore, feeding dogs egg whites without the yolk is never recommended. Because the yolk is rich in biotin, feeding whole eggs has not been implicated in biotin deficiency. Nevertheless, I prefer to offer dogs biotin-rich egg yolks regularly (and even daily) while feeding the egg white only on occasion. Cooking the egg white will deactivate the enzyme.

2 While dogs can manufacture their own vitamin C, the amounts produced are not sufficient for the prevention of disease or health maintenance. Clinical observations have found that stress and illness are the greatest causes for vitamin C depletion in dogs. According to Bob Griswold and Nancy Kerns for Whole Dog Journal, “Stress is the best-known cause of vitamin C depletion in dogs. Physical stress comes in many forms: gestation, lactation, growth, hard work (dogs used for herding, hunting, tracking, etc.), vaccinations, injuries, tail-docking or ear cropping, or illness. Emotional stress, whether caused by relocation, weaning, or demanding training, can also deplete this reserve. In fact, researchers can measure the level of stress a dog experiences by measuring the degree of depletion of the vitamin in the dog’s blood. Conversely, many studies have found that dogs (as well as humans) that are supplemented with vitamin C show greater resistance to disease, and a better ability to recover from injuries or illness.” Thus, it is my professional opinion that dogs must receive dietary sources of vitamin C daily or receive a whole-food source vitamin C supplement.

3 Dogs must receive vitamin D₃, cholecalciferol, the natural form of vitamin D for optimal absorption. Vitamin D₂, ergocalciferol, does not function in the same way as naturally occurring vitamin D. Utilization is poor causing ergocalciferol to accumulate in the body running the risk of overdose with fatal toxicity. In addition to hypervitaminosis, D₂ can exacerbate malabsorption issues and conditions leading to complications and further conditions. Thus, it is my professional opinion that dogs receive only cholecalciferol from food sources, and if needed, a Vitamin D₃ supplement for infants (human-grade) in a 400 IU dose.

4 There are two natural forms of vitamin K. K₁ (phylloquinone) is plant-source vitamin K and is absorbed at a rate of LESS THAN 10% in humans. Based on this information, absorption in dogs would be next to nil. K₂ (menaquinone) is an animal and bacteria-source of vitamin K that experts and scientist believe is better absorbed. Based on this, K₁ is not a recommended source for dogs. Dogs, therefore, require menaquinone which is only found in animal foods and fermented foods.

5 Molybdenum is essential for life. Evidence based on extensive research over the last twenty years is conclusive that this trace mineral is essential for optimal health. Without sufficient molybdenum, health will suffer. This trace mineral is essential for a number of bio-chemical processes, optimal cell function, the development of the nervous system, the activation of digestion enzymes, is a cofactor for the utilization of iron (especially important in dogs), it partners with riboflavin for the production of hemoglobin, is required for nitrogen metabolism, and more. Molybdenum is found in bones, liver, and kidney, ideal food sources for dogs.

6 Silica is essential, period. Dr. Barbara Hendel is quoted as stating, “Silica is the most important trace mineral for human health.” Now imagine this for dogs which have a great need for collagen elasticity in all their connecting tissues, tendons, and cartilage. With the high rate of joint deterioration, hip conditions and dysplasia, arthritis, and cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease in dogs, silica is not an option. Silica is essential for bone growth (initiates bone growth in puppies), connective tissues, collagen, ligaments, and cartilage, it stimulates DNA synthesis in osteoblasts, and is required for tissue detoxification (aluminum especially). Silica is found in bones, connective tissues, and diatomaceous earth (DE). Feeding bones is essential to the health of a dog. Adding food-grade DE to meals is an excellent supplement for silica with the added bonus of worm prevention.

7 Sulfur is vitally important to dogs which require large amounts of amino acids. Sulfur is essential for bones and bone density, joints, is the dominant component of connective tissues, is a natural anti-inflammatory, is necessary for cell, tissue and organ function, promotes the transportation of oxygen across cell membranes, and more. Bone, connective tissues, meat, fish, eggs (especially the white), and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) supplements are dietary sources of sulfur for dogs.

The Many Faces of Raw Feeding

Leave a comment March 14, 2019 The Holistic Canine

Choosing your method of DIY raw feeding

There are several models and methods of feeding your dog a raw diet. However, following one specific model can be too limiting making if difficult to meet nutritional requirements without having to resort to heavy supplementation. Becoming familiar with the various raw models is an important step for knowing how best to provide for your dog’s nutrient needs.

How Should You Feed Your Dog? Carnivore vs. Omnivore

There are several models and methods of DIY raw feeding that can be followed. And behind those models and methods lie some pretty convincing philosophies and interpretations of what science has shown us about our canine companions. There are two extreme views that exist; and from my own research and education, both extremes have several shady areas that do not stand as factual. Before you can decide how and what to feed your dog, you must understand what dogs are designed to consume. Let’s take a look at these two extreme views.

Pure Carnivore
One philosophy that is hugely popular in the UK and Australia and has spread throughout Europe and to the USA is the strict carnivore model. This philosophy interprets a dog’s anatomy as purely carnivore and sees the physiology as strictly carnivore as well. While you cannot ignore the fact that a dog’s anatomy is undeniably carnivore, it isn’t quite so cut-and-dry when we examine the physiology.

Many adherents to the strict carnivore model teach that dogs do not produce salivary amylase; therefore, they conclude, dogs are strict carnivores as only omnivores produce salivary amylase. Now, in their defense, I am only part of a minute handful of people who are actually aware of the study that detected tiny amounts of salivary amylase in Beagles[1]. Herbivores, you may be surprised to learn, do not produce salivary amylase either, and yet sensitive tests have also detected it in lambs. So take both those findings for what their worth. So, yes, this is true in a sense. However, their teaching starts to go south when proponents of this view start to make claims that are clearly not proven.

It is taught that a dog’s pancreas is “strained” when carbohydrates of any kind are ingested as this requires that the pancreas must produce amylase enzyme. Carbohydrates are defined as vegetables, fruits, starches, sugars, grains, and legumes. While any organ can be strained from overwork, the function of the pancreas is to produce hormones and enzymes; therefore, normal function would not “strain” an organ. However, just like in humans, when the organ is abused (key word here) by excessive consumption of inappropriate foods, then yes, the organ will be overburdened and damage often occurs. Both the NRC and AAFCO do not list carbohydrate requirements because both know that dogs have absolutely no requirement for carbohydrates. So are the carnivore purists correct?

If this were a fact, then the high-carbohydrate commercial diets over the past one hundred years would have mass murdered millions of dogs. And since this wasn’t or isn’t the case, that in itself is proof that their claim in not entirely true. However, dogs have developed numerous health conditions, chronic disease, joint deterioration, cancer, and increased mortality at an alarming rate. So maybe there is some credibility to their claim? The answer is yes. Let’s look at the other extreme view to see why.

Omnivore
There is a large group of raw feeders and proponents of homemade cooked dog food that claim dogs are omnivores. This is the view held by the major commercial dog food manufacturers and even many veterinarians. However, the dog food companies have an agenda: dog food sales. When an agenda enters the equation, you know darn well that agendas and philosophies start to be touted as fact.

The omnivore theorists point to the fact that dogs do in fact produce pancreatic amylase. Recently, many have groped at the exhaustingly misinterpreted AMY2B gene in domestic dogs that codes for amylase enzyme. It is taught that because dogs have anywhere from four to thirty copies of the AMY2B gene, unlike their close cousin the wolf who has a mere two copies (dog DNA is only 0.2% different from the wolf), dogs, therefore, have evolved to life with humans and have turned into omnivores. Sounds factual since dogs can in fact eat high carbohydrate diets without immediate consequence (other than obesity) and dying immediately. Yet, how can we explain the rapid rise in chronic disease that just so happens to parallel human disease and the increased mortality rate in the modern canine?

The answer lies in the correct understanding of epigenetic gene expression and adaption. Dogs have simply adapted through epigenetic gene expression to survive with humans. This adaptation potential is within the DNA of ALL canines, including wolves. (Adaptation potential is actually encoded in every living being.) The exposure to high carbohydrate diets with humans turned “ON” the gene expression within dogs that codes for amylase enzyme. Each consecutive generation of domestic dog, therefore, passed the code onto their offspring until a select few breeds developed higher numbers of the gene than others. Epigenetic gene expression is common knowledge within the scientific community, but not among lay people who misinterpet scientific papers and articles (not to mention read with a biased eye). Gene expression is directly affected by diet and environment. Dogs simply adapted to life with humans. Understand that adaptation is a survival mechanism that in no way equates to thriving.

So, what was it exactly that drove the raw food movement initially? Sadly, canine disease and the increasing mortality rate. So how did this happen if dogs evolved into omnivores? Let’s be real here. Dogs are clearly anatomically NOT omnivores. This simply cannot be denied. Their teeth, jaw and jaw movement, neck, body structure, and digestive tract are in no wise omnivorous. If adaptation changed canines into omnivores, then their anatomy would have followed suit. And clearly, that is not the case. Physical (anatomical) changes are absolutely essential if something as serious as food sources has changed. One has only to look at Charles Darwin’s Galapagos Island finch study [2, 3]. The finch has coded within its DNA a genome that codes for beak shape. The finch has the adaptation ability to change beak shape entirely as a direct result of available food source and environmental conditions. The gene expression is turned “on” depend upon outside conditions. And conversely, the gene expression can be turned “off” and the beak returns to the original shape. This is observed in the offspring of the following generations as gene code expression is passed on to future generations.

Have dogs changed anatomically? Not in the least. While selective breeding plays a role in appearance and size, dogs are still structurally carnivores. They have simply adapted and increased a mere ONE gene code as a direct result of the diet offered to them by their human companions, nothing further. So what is the verdict?

Dogs are neither obligate carnivores nor are they omnivores.

Dogs are FACULTATIVE CARNIVORES. Period.

What does this mean? Biology states that facultative carnivores are “able to live under a range of external conditions” for survival purposes in the absence of their species-appropriate diet and environmental conditions.

How should you feed your dog? Like the facultative carnivore that they are!

[1] https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/…/10.…/s12917-017-1191-4

[2] https://explorable.com/darwins-finches

[3] https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2015/02/150211-evolution-darwin-finches-beaks-genome-science/

Should You Follow a Raw Model or Ratio?

There are several models for canine raw feeding as well as helpful ratios that can be used as guidelines for creating balanced meals. The two most popular models are Prey Model Raw (PMR) and BARF (biologically appropriate raw food). The most popular ratio guideline is 80/10/10 or 80/10/5/5 which pertains to the ratio of flesh to organ and bone in whole prey. From these original models and ratios, raw feeding has evolved. To learn more about models and ratios, read my article “Simplifying the Raw Food Models.”
https://theholisticcanine17.com/…/simplifying-the-raw-food…/

Many people tend to follow trends, the advice of friends or people close to them, or stick with what is popular. But when it comes to feeding your dog, trends, well-meaning advice, and popularity is not necessarily on the table as a good option. Nutrition is serious business. Knowing and understanding how to create meals using a model or ratio as your guide is essential to the health and wellbeing of your dog that may just have a serious impact on longevity.

While some dogs do exceptionally well on a BARF model diet, some just plain don’t. Simple as that. And where many so-called canine “nutritionists” make extremist statements such as “PMR is an unbalanced diet plan,” you absolutely cannot deny that there are generations of dogs doing exceptionally well on PMR and living to incredible ages. Also, simple as that. And, have you noticed that some dogs live to an impressively old age on kibble? As hard as that may be to swallow, it is true. Sadly, others do not and their lives are one suffering experience after another. The truth is, dogs are facultative.

Dogs are undoubtedly (and impressively) nutritionally-versatile creatures. But it is for this reason that dogs are among the most nutritionally abused animals on the planet (next to humans). The most critical question to ask is: just because dogs can be nutritionally abused without immediate consequence, does this mean they should be? I pray your answer is wholeheartedly NO.

Let me go back to the question I have posed in the section title: “Should you follow a raw food model or ratio?” What is your answer? Is there an answer? Being that my expertise is orthomolecular nutrition science coupled with my doctoral research on species-appropriate diets in humans and animals, I believe there is a definitive answer.

SPECIES-APPROPRIATE. End of story.

Species-appropriate Raw Diet

I won’t lie, I used to be a BARF model purist. As a human nutritionist, I see the value in plant-based diets (this does not mean vegetarian) and have witnessed health return to people of all ages and conditions, including stage 4 cancer. Naturally, I see incredible value in organically grown produce. How can we not share that value with our canine companions? But as time went by and my experience, research, and education expanded, I could no longer deny that PMR feeders were experiencing exceptional results and producing offspring that lived to almost unbelievable ages. Just take a look at Thomas Sandberg’s results in his own dogs and in his Long Living Pets Research Project (which, btw, my six dogs are a part of). Thomas, like myself, is a board certified holistic health practitioner and practicing naturopath…and also a PMR feeder and teacher. And he is reversing cancer! Results are results, they can’t be denied.

So what am I saying? No, I did not cross the street to the PMR purists, but nor do I adhere to BARF. I have realized that nutrition is based on each individual dog and blending the two models has produced incredible results…including cancer therapy (more on that in the future as I have an on-going study). My stance is strictly species-appropriate nutrition plans.

After reviewing the many research results on zero and low-carbohydrate diets in endurance dogs that the NRC reported on in their work “Nutrition Requirements of Dogs and Cats,” I realized that carbohydrates really do not have much value. Nor do they for humans. Since I am known as the “weight loss guru” in my human nutrition practice, I realized that I should take that same strategy to the dogs. What strategy? Low-carb nutrition plans. Since dogs have no requirement for carbohydrates, as is stated by the NRC and AAFCO, why would we need to add them when the studies showed that the zero and lowest carb diets produced the better athletic performance in the test dogs? Unlike protein and fats that have multiple vital purposes and functions, carbohydrates have but one…energy, something that fat supplies as well as protein (via gluconeogenesis in carnivores). Nothing else, no other need, and non-vital.

What do facultative carnivores eat? Prey. And when prey is in short supply, their incredible facultative adaptability allows them to survive (intended for short periods, mind you) on scavenged food, human garbage, berries and other fruit, grasses, and not much else. We need to focus on species-appropriate foods that are easy to digest, offer the highest nutrient absorption rate, and the absence of anti-nutrients that prevent nutrient absorption.

The focus of your dog’s nutrition should be species appropriate foods. Not a model, not a ratio, but foods that are best for dogs. See my article entitled “The Importance of Species-appropriate Foods for the Cultivation of Optimal Health.”
https://theholisticcanine17.com/…/the-importance-of-specie…/

Focus on your dog’s NRC nutrient requirements (which does not include carbohydrates) and create meals around those needs. Protein and fat from fresh raw mammal and poultry flesh, organs and offal, and raw meaty bones (and don’t forget fish and crustaceans!) should be your main focus. And if your dog can adequately digest, without ANY difficulties, some vegetables, seaweeds, and ground seeds in small percentages, these can offer additional value. Note, I emphasize SMALL. Fruit can be an option, but is not always appropriate. I have had enough experience to know that fruit tends to be the main cause of itching, ear conditions, and yeast overgrowth, among other issues. Fruit, like in human nutrition, needs to be offered and consumed apart from mealtime. Again, fruit should not be fed in meals, but as treats.

Never force your dog to eat vegetables and fruits. These are optional and often your dog knows that he or she cannot digest them and/or they are making them feel yucky. Be observant and examine stools. Stools are your window into the internal workings of your dog’s digestion. My six dogs do eat vegetables on occasion and once in awhile they will get berries for treats. But all in all, they don’t want them. Your dog can help you to learn quite a bit about canine nutrition. Pay attention! And when in doubt, ask a professional.

The Mystifyingly Astounding Microbiome

2 Comments March 8, 2019 The Holistic Canine

Long lasting health begins in your dog’s gut!

If our goal is to cultivate optimal health in our dogs, than every pet parent’s focus must be turned to their dog’s microbiome. Just like us, our dogs contain a vast and complex array of microorganisms that in-and-of-themselves make up its own distinct system. The amount of genetic information contained within the microbiome is immense. But what is most incredible is the commensal relationship that your dog shares with his/her microorganisms. The microbiome is teeming with bacteria, viruses, and fungi that are essential for the correct and peak functioning of digestion, immunity, and brain function.

Intriguingly, “germs” generate fear which is blaringly obvious by the frantic quest for immunity against the perceived deadly strains of microbes. Doctors and veterinarians warn against the dangers of pathogenic microbes and push antibiotics and vaccines. Additionally, warnings against the dangers of feeding raw meats and organs to dogs and cats is filling the internet. But recent understanding of the microbiome is only now beginning to show that those “germs” are required for immunological homeostasis [1]. The microbiome is the very defense mechanism that not only protects against deadly pathogenic organisms, but drives immunity and health cultivation. In fact, seventy percent (70%) of your dog’s immune cells reside in the gut alongside the microbiome. Incredibly, a unique communicatory partnership exists between the gut (immune cells and microflora) and the brain [2]. The microbiome is your dog’s dominant military defense against the proliferation of pathogenic organisms as well as the foundation of immune response, nutrient absorption, mental poise, hormone balance, and the forces behind the cultivation of optimal health and healing.

As a result of this exciting science, the popularity among probiotic and prebiotic supplements has increased and will continue its wave of popularity as a greater understanding of the microbiome continues to come to light. But are these supplements really all that beneficial and worth the expense? In short, no. Continually feeding your dog a probiotic supplement is a fruitless endeavor and waste of money [3]. If your dog is recovering from a gut issue, a week or two on probiotics can be quite helpful, but that is its limitation. Realize that you are introducing hundreds of thousands of a mere three, maybe ten, species of bacteria to your dog’s microbiome that should contain upwards of 30,000 species of microorganisms. Attempting to cultivate a microbiome with a mere three to ten species creates imbalance. Your dog’s gut should look like a tropical rainforest alive and flourishing with tens of thousands of biological species, not a desert or mere field with a few species of plants and insects. Do you see the difference? This very difference is what makes one dog healthier and stronger than another. Forget the probiotic supplements and focus on cultivating the microbiome the way nature intended.

Every dog, like every human being, is born with their unique and active microbiome which begins within the womb and is further enhanced during whelping via the birth canal of his or her dam. Dam’s milk begins the nourishment of the body, the immune system, the brain, and the internal microflora. How soon pups are weaned, what food they are weaned onto, and what chemicals are introduced into their tiny bodies can either support or damage their vital, dynamic, and maturing microbiome. This can set them up for a life of health and vitality or a life of health crises and a decreased life expectancy.

We must all understand this important detail: the health and longevity of the modern canine begins with the breeders. Responsible breeders will never breed dogs with genetic abnormalities or from breeding lines with high mortality rates. Nor will they breed without the appropriate veterinary and DNA testing to certify health. An additional step that is critical to future offspring is to prepare breeding dams (and sires) before any litter is even considered for the sake of both mama and pups. Providing potential dams with a species-appropriate raw food diet and cultivating optimal health through holistic health care strategies are necessary to nurture and strengthen her microbiome for the benefit of both her and the offspring. Searching for a naturally-rearing breeder is highly recommended if your desire is to grow a healthy dog with a greater chance of resilience to illness and disease, especially if longevity is your ultimate goal.

What about those dogs who were not the product of a carefully selected breeding program? The focus of pet parents who are the guardians of these precious canines must be on the proliferation of an active and vigorously health-cultivating microbiome if health and longevity is on their radar. This is essential! Knowing where and how to nourish the microbiome is priority, especially in puppies. This begins with providing a species-appropriate diet that is raw and teeming with not only macro and micronutrients, enzymes, coenzymes, factors, cofactors, and numerous other vital constituents, but also microorganisms. Your dog NEEDS to receive microorganisms from the outside in order to build and strengthen his/her microflora colony.

The microbiome is alive, dynamic, and in communication with your dog’s brain. A weak and imbalanced microbiome can contribute to numerous health and mental concerns. Dysbiosis, the term for an imbalanced microbiome, is a serious and growing concern that decreases nutrient absorption and leaves your dog vulnerable to potentially pathogenic bacteria and viruses that a healthy microbiome should easily accommodate. If pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and fungi are cultivated within the gut, your dog will be nearly defenseless against so-called “germs” with the added bonus of mental instability. Dysbiosis leads to acute illness, immune disorders, sensitivities and allergies, gut inflammation, colitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, anxiety, hyperactivity, aggression, depression, and a whole host of other potential health and mental crises. Dogs with dysbiosis are in dire need of correcting, establishing, and proliferating their microbiome with beneficial microorganisms. How is this done?

To cultivate a strong and healthy microbiome flourishing with as many as 30,000 species of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, implement the following strategies:

Offer a varied and balanced species-appropriate raw diet.
Get your dog out into the fresh air, especially where nature is abundant. Exercise them and stir up the grasses, soil, and trees. Microorganisms enter your dog’s body through their noses and via their fur and skin.
Soil is abundant in microflora and dogs love to dig and stick their noses into their dirt holes. Give your dog an opportunity to be in the soil. Soil enriches the microbiome. Allowing your dog to eat his food outside on the lawn is also a great way to introduce microorganisms.
The environment offers a wealth of microflora. Take your dog on hikes to different areas to allow for the greatest possible exposure to microorganisms. Many holistically minded breeders and pet parents that prefer to avoid vaccines do this to expose their dogs to pathogens for the main purpose of creating true and lasting immunity. While pathogens are not the main goal of increasing the species load and strengthening of the immune system, they are required, as stated above, to establish immunological homeostasis.
Offer raw and/or soured raw milk as this contains a wealth of beneficial bacteria. Also, consider offering foods that have been subjected to “wild fermentation [3].” If you want to feed your dog fermented foods, make sure you are either fermenting foods at home using the wild method or do not offer at all. Most fermented foods are not species-appropriate and may cause intestinal upset. Yogurt is not recommended as most products contain carrageenan and other thickening agents. Stick with kefir or cottage cheese that has nothing added.
Water can also contain microflora. Although offering your dog purified or filtered water is advisable for regular in-home drinking water, dogs also love to drink out of mud holes, streams, ponds, and even toilets. This is not my recommended source for regular exposure, but it is immensely effective. While it is possible that a few dogs with weakened immunity may pick up a pathogen, most dogs will suffer no-ill effect.

Never has science been so exciting! We are discovering that life is a symbiotic dance among biological entities, a partnership that assists and serves for the ultimate goal of optimal health and vitality.

[1] The mammalian virome in genetic analysis of health and disease pathogenesis, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRVxTBuvChU

[2] The brain-gut-microbiome axis, http://www.greenmedinfo.com/article/brain-gut-microbiome-axis

[3] Dr. Zach Bush, MD, triple board certified physician and leading expert on the microbiome; https://zachbushmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Why-Probiotics-Dont-Always-Work-EG-BB-edit.pdf

Maintaining Your Dog’s Health through Daily Examinations

Leave a comment March 5, 2019 The Holistic Canine

Regular health assessments and keeping an eye on your dog’s poop could mean the difference between health and serious illness or disease

Feeding your dog a fresh raw species-appropriate diet that is balanced and varied is the foundation for optimal health cultivation along with maintaining peak cellular performance and organ function throughout the entirety of your dog’s life. While diet is the foundation for health and health maintenance, there are numerous other factors that can contribute to the breakdown of health or inability to build health within the body. Environment, stress, chemical exposure, mental stimulation, vaccines, parasites, exercise and daily activities, fresh air, and water type, for example, all play a major role in either contributing to health or to the breakdown of health. For this reason, paying careful attention to your dog and being observant of changes is vitally important if your desire is to maintain peak cellular function and keep physical, mental, and emotional stress to a healthy minimum.

While it would be wonderful if our dogs could verbally communicate any health concerns, pain, difficulties, fears, and changes, the burden is, unfortunately, left to our observing eye. Along with yearly exams from a holistic or a functional-medicine veterinarian, observing and examining your pet daily is also important. This can be done easily while petting your dog, during regular grooming sessions, when out on walks or in the yard for exercise & “potty” breaks, at mealtimes, and even when your pet is sleeping or lounging around. Take note of any changes or unusual behaviors. Your daily observations and exams should include the following. Look for:

Skin

dryness/dandruff
redness
itching/scratching/biting skin
raised red bumps
raised red and inflamed patches
hot spots
hair loss
odor
oily or greasy skin
fleas and ticks
sores and broken skin
clear discharge, oozing or pus
crusty areas
lumps under the skin

Coat

dry coarse/brittle fur (some breeds have coarse fur, for this I refer to atypical)
oily or greasy coat
lackluster
balding whether in patches or in one particular area
excessive shedding
odor
flea poop
crusty and clumped together fur

Food

increase or decrease in food intake
sudden pickiness
lack of interest in mealtime
difficulty swallowing
gagging
vomiting after meals
swelling around mouth, nose, eyes
sudden weight loss
sudden weight gain

Water

increase in water intake without increase in urination
excessive urination
excessive thirst
stark decrease in water intake
choking after drinking

Oral

tooth loss
red swollen gums
bleeding gums
tooth or gum infection
cracked tooth
bad breath
dry gums
difficulty chewing
excessive salivation/drooling
having difficulty eating or inability to eat

Eyes & nose

discharge from eyes or nose (may be clear, white, yellow, thin, or thick)
squinting eyes/sensitivity to light
excessive sneezing
dry nose
redness around eye membrane
stark change in eyesight
formation of eye cloudiness or cataracts

Ears

odor
redness
itching
shacking head consistently
holding head to one side
holding one or both ears in odd position
shying away when head is touched
difficulty hearing

Paws

redness on toes or pads
sores between toes or on pads
cracked or bleeding pads
torn, cracked, or infected nail
odor
nails that are too long (this is important for correct posture and gait!)
brittle peeling nails
lumps or growths on toes or pads

Activity

fatigue
appearing depressed or withdrawn
lack of energy or motivation
sudden decrease in daily activity
sleeping more
lack of interest in daily activities or family dynamic
grunting when getting up from lying down
sudden increase in activity coupled with hyperactivity, anxiety, whining, acting “clingy,” pacing, increased water intake

Exercise

refusing walks
difficulty maintaining normal walking distance
less activity in the yard
having difficulty running
limping
lameness
panting excessively (when heat is not an issue)
loss of interest in playtime
coughing, gagging

Respiratory

breathing heavily
panting excessively
coughing/gagging
wheezing
deep sighing
short quick breaths
mucous or phlegm discharge from mouth and/or nose

Body

wincing, whining, or grunting when touched or pick-up
grunting when getting up from lying position
inability to step up, jump up, or jump down
no longer using stairs or walking slowly up stairs
masses or hard lumps under the skin or in deep tissue
holding head down
holding head to one side, stiff neck
joint pain or swelling
changes in bark or vocal sounds

Mental

sudden aggression
sudden possessiveness
growling when approached or touched
shying or flinching when about to be petted or touched
not wanting to be bothered
anxiety
chewing on household items
destructive behavior
peeing in or marking house or kennel area
pooping in house despite being house broken
suddenly ignoring commands
bullying
fear or sudden shyness

So what now? If you discover your dog has any of the concerns or conditions listed above, it’s time to pay close attention. Be aware of any additional changes or further developments. Some of the concerns and conditions above can advance rapidly within 24 hours while others may have been there or have been occurring for months before you noticed. Some of the more minor issues often rectify themselves within 24 to 48 hours. But how will you know if a concern is serious? When in doubt, contact your licensed veterinary professional at the earliest possibility.

One of the best ways to look for potential health concerns is by observing your dog’s stools on a daily basis. As unpleasant or disgusting as this may sound, your dog’s poop is a window into the “goings-on” and internal functioning of your dog’s body. I cannot stress enough how important it is to pay regular attention to stools. There are three indicators to observe, 1) consistency, 2) color, and 3) odor. All of these are clues that can give you important information about organ function, system health, nutrient absorption, food sensitivities, dietary imbalances, digestive issues such as incapability and insufficiency, internal parasites, inflammation, chronic conditions, cancer, and more.

Your dog’s stools should be fully formed, nearly odorless, slightly moist, and a chocolate brown to slightly “orangish” color. You should not see any undigested food or particles, mucous, a muddy or greasy appearance, parasites, blood or any other color unless something was consumed that would naturally cause color change. Nor should there be a strong offensive odor.

Consistency, color, and odor are often windows into the internal functioning of your dog’s body. These signs may be indications of an acute issue or something bigger brewing that can spell illness or disease. Let’s take a closer look at stools to learn what can be gleaned from consistency, color, and odor. The lists below begin with the most minor causes that will rectify themselves (likely with minor adjustments on your part) to the most serious that require a trip to the veterinarian.

CONSISTENCY

Oily/greasy/slimy stools

Too much dietary fat
Consumption of cooked fats (this can cause pancreatitis)
High consumption of plant fats (many dogs cannot digest or utilize plant fats)
Fat malabsorption
Intestinal inflammation
Bowel infection
Giardia
Small bowel bacteria overgrowth
Biliary issue
Pancreatic insufficiency
Pancreatitis
Pancreatic disease

Pebbles, hard stool

Too much bone
Feeding dry kibble/food with insufficient moisture (can lead to a chronic state of cellular dehydration)
Not enough food intake
Low water intake
Feeding insoluble fiber
Feeding too much fur
Acute dehydration
Hip dysplasia and arthritis pain in hips, legs, or back can create bowel movement difficulty due to inability to hold the correct squat position (dogs in pain may hold back evacuating their bowels)
Obstruction, impaction
Chronic dehydration

Muddy

Dietary change
Consumed something disagreeable
Food intolerance or sensitivity
Intestinal inflammation
Rectal polyps
Pancreatic strain or insufficiency
Beginning of a liver condition
Viral infection
Giardia
Tumor(s)

Watery, diarrhea

Dietary change
Too much organ meat
Transition to raw that was too fast
Food sensitivity, intolerance, or allergy
Stress
Consumed or drank something with pathogenic bacteria
Intestinal inflammation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Giardia or parasites
Small intestine bacteria overgrowth (SIBO)
Viral infection (parvo)
Pancreatic insufficiency
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Liver condition
Tumor(s)
Cancer

Mucous coated formed stool

Intestinal irritation
Food sensitivity or allergy
Bowel inflammation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Acute colitis
Chronic colitis

Mucous with mushy stool

Consumed something disagreeable
Food sensitivities with intestinal irritation
Parasites
Food allergy
Bowel inflammation
Viral infection, Parvo
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Acute colitis
Chronic colitis
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

COLOR (and appearance)

White chalky, pale yellow chalk

Too much bone (constipation is a possibility if not reduced)
Too much calcium (this is dangerous if consistent)

Pale

Gallbladder blockage or issue
Biliary issue
Liver condition

Yellow

Bile, food intolerance
Biliary condition
Giardia
Liver condition

Orange

Consumed food such as carrots and pumpkin puree
Biliary duct condition
Liver condition

Green

Consumed foods such as spirulina, greens powder, pureed leafy greens
Gallbladder concern

Grey

Biliary condition
Blocked bile duct
Gallbladder concern
Pancreatic condition
Liver condition

Red

Severe food intolerance
Rectal fissure or injury
Large intestine bleeding
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (severe)
Internal bleeding in the lower GI tract
Bleeding intestinal ulcer
Ruptured intestinal tumor
Perforated bowel
Cancer

Black, tar-like

Small intestine bleeding
Internal bleeding in the upper GI tract
Parasites (intestinal) infestation
Intestinal infection
Ulcer
Internal bleeding in upper GI tract
Polyps
Tumor(s)
Cancer

Speckled (white or tan)

Parasites
Tapeworms
Roundworms

Food particles

Consuming food that cannot be digested
Feeding foods that are not species-appropriate

Foreign objects or particles

Swallowed pieces of a toy
Swallowed chewed-up sticks, whole pebbles, stones, etc.
Pica

ODOR

As strange as this may sound, the odor of your dog’s stools can indicate a very serious health condition. Now, I am not suggesting you smell your dog’s bowel movements because in the case of smelly dog poop, you do not need to be too close to get an unpleasant whiff. You will know immediately as soon as the poop hits the air. “Ode de poo-poo” will fill your surroundings with its malodorous fragrance. What can these potent stink-bombs indicate?

Malabsorption (very common!)
Food sensitivities or allergies
Consumption of a non-edible
Intestinal inflammation
Worms
Parasites
Bacterial infection
Viral infection
Colitis
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Cancer

And the not-so-obvious

Kidney disease
Heartworm
Gallbladder condition
Pancreatic condition
Heart disease
Thyroid disease

Daily examinations are a necessary part of health maintenance. While these concerns and conditions cannot be verbally expressed, the above signs or symptoms are the blaring alarm that something is amiss. The burden is left to us. Occasional changes in poop is normal and is rarely ever a need for concern. However, if stool changes have not cleared up in a day or two or is consistently abnormal, it’s time to seek professional health care advice, support, testing, and intervention. In the case of a virus, such as Parvo, or a bacterial infection, time is of the essence. If you suspect your dog may have a health concern, call your holistic veterinarian immediately to schedule an appointment. Don’t wait until it’s too late.