by Terri Symonds Grow

Just as with our own diets, water, protein, carbohydrates, and fats are the basic building blocks of a good diet for our pets. Yet, these are only the starting point for our pets’ healthy diet, vitamins and minerals too are essential. Because vitamins and minerals are so necessary, AAFCO (Association of Animal Feed Control Officials) has set recommended daily levels like our RDAs formulated by the FDA. It is important to understand that these levels, the same guidelines commercial food manufacturers are required to follow, are not intended for promoting optimum health, but are only the amounts needed to prevent deficiency in the “average” pet.

Ideally, quality prepared foods would provide our animals with a healthy diet, completely balanced. Yet, what is considered complete and balanced? And as each animal is different, can we expect one nutritional diet formula to suit every pet’s need? Active and working dogs, pets under stress, on restricted diets, fighting illness, recovering from surgery, or on medication may need higher than normal amounts of nutrients. In today’s polluted environment, our pets may need additional nutrients yet without the additional calorie intake as our pets’ activity levels are decreasing. Cooking and processing also destroy nutrients, making it more difficult to get even the recommended vitamin levels. Studies have shown that larger dosages of vitamins can help improve function to enhance health. But here again balance is necessary as a nutrient excess can produce symptoms similar to a deficiency.

Vitamins regulate the metabolism and assist the biochemical processes that release energy from digested foods. There are two types of vitamins: water-soluble that must be replenished daily, such as Vitamins C and B-complex, or fat-soluble that are stored for longer periods of time in fatty tissue and the liver, such as Vitamins A, D, E and K. At the same time there are two groups of vitamins: synthetic and natural. Synthetic are produced in laboratories to mirror their counterparts found in nature. Natural vitamins are derived from food sources. Chemically there are no differences, however the synthetic supplement contains only the isolated vitamins, which works well in a deficiency situation. Natural supplements often contain other nutrients not yet discovered and may offer more benefits as with whole foods.

Minerals are needed for the proper chemical balance of our pet’s body fluids, the formation of blood and bone, the maintenance of healthy nerve function, and the regulation of muscle tone. There are two groups of minerals: bulk (macrominerals) which include calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, and trace minerals (microminerals) that include boron, chromium, copper, germanium, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenium, selenium, silicon, sulfur, vanadium, and zinc. As with vitamins, supplemental minerals should be taken in balanced amounts, otherwise they may not be effective and can be potentially harmful. For example too much zinc depletes copper or excessive amounts of calcium affects magnesium absorption.

Whether you are seeking to correct a deficiency, supplement a commercial diet or boost nutrient density, it is important to recognize that vitamins and minerals work synergistically. In other words, there is a cooperative action between supplements promoting absorption and assimilation. This means that it’s not simply the replacement or increase of a vitamin or mineral, which may be ineffective or dangerous, but a balancing act between supplements for the most effective nutrient assimilation. For example, high doses of an individual B vitamin have been shown to cause depletion of other B vitamins. This is why in most instances, a balanced vitamin and mineral supplement should be taken in addition to any single supplement.

From home-prepared recipes to commercially prepared foods, a growing range of options now offers pet owners convenience and reassurance for bettering their pet’s diet. Supplementing with vitamins and minerals helps enable your pet’s immune system to function to its fullest potential. Nutritional supplements are now developed for pets in a range of forms for a range of health applications to eliminate the dosage questions and risk of using human supplements. Multi-vitamins flavored for greater palatability are available for cats and dogs in chewable treat tablets or powders for mixing in foods. Natural supplements made from whole foods and herbs are now more readily available in formulations for pets. Discuss your pet’s diet with your veterinarian and get him/her started on a healthier, nutritionally balanced diet based on your pet’s individual needs.

© Copyright 2002

By Gregory L Tilford, Herbalist

With all the hoopla generated by a booming herbal products industry, it’s easy to find ourselves lost in a sea of “scientifically-proven” herb supplements. Certainly, whenever progress is made in the scientific validation of herbs, great new possibilities unfold. But if we wish to use herbs at their full potential, we must be careful not to get caught up in a whirlwind of hype. If we do, we may fail to see the true breadth of an herb’s usefulness. Sometimes the greatest attributes of a popular herb are overshadowed by whichever of its uses have received the best press.

For example, Ginkgo biloba is aggressively marketed as a medicine that can increase blood circulation to the brain and improve mental clarity in persons and animals suffering from various forms of dementia. This is backed up by dozens of scientific studies, and indeed, ginkgo can help the brain. But did you know that the mechanisms by which ginkgo accomplishes these feats, make it broadly useful throughout the entire body, not just the brain? In fact, ginkgo was used by the Chinese as a digestive and kidney tonic for thousands of years before brain attributes were discovered by modern scientists.

From the perspective of a holistic herbalist, the brain attributes of ginkgo are only a segment of what the herb really has to offer. Ginkgo can help strengthen the structural integrity of blood vessels and improve blood delivery to oxygen-dependent tissues of the extremities, digestive organs, the kidneys, and even the eyes. This means that ginkgo is useful in a wide variety of applications - from the treatment of arthritis to kidney failure. Ginkgo is also useful as a nutritive adjunct to assist the transport of blood-carried nutrients, such as those provided by various other herbs, like nettle, dandelion, or burdock.

One of the pitfalls of evaluating herbs from only what the headlines read is that most scientific studies compare herbs with conventional medicine, meaning the focus of most studies is centered on what an herb can or cannot do in the treatment of a specific ailment. As a result of this, herbs are treated as “plant drugs” by most of the scientific community, and their broader food values are largely overlooked. The herbalist who views health from a whole body perspective sees herbs as something unique to both food and medicine. Herbs are not drugs, nor are the simple foods. Instead, the holistic herbalist sees herbs as something in between. Simply put, herbs provide the body with special measures of support that bridge the gaps that may exist between what a body receives from diet, and what it needs in terms of added systemic assistance.

For example, an animal that does not fully digest and assimilate its food and cannot put on body weight may benefit from the support of powdered Yucca schidigera root. When added in small amounts to the animal’s food, the herb will help improve the absorption of nutrients in the intestine, thus optimizing the nutrient value of the food. Dandelion or burdock root on the other hand, may serve to improve the liver’s production of bile, enzymes, and various other biochemicals, which are critical to digestion and the transport of nutrients throughout the body, while at the same time adding a rich diversity of vitamins and minerals to the animal’s diet. This makes dandelion and burdock especially useful in animals suffering from chronic constipation, arthritis, skin problems, or other disorders that may be associated with deficient liver function.

In addition to their capacity to improve the body’s utilization of the food it receives, many herbs contribute their own rich sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Unlike many high-potency vitamin supplements that have the potential to over-load the body with excess nutrients, nutritive herbs do not place added burden upon the liver, kidneys and digestive system. Instead, herbs provide their nutritional values in food-like form that the body can freely digest and utilize. This makes nutritive herbs especially useful for animals that have malabsorption problems - such as elderly dogs and cats, and those who suffer from food allergies or the long term effects of antibiotic therapies or intestinal parasites. In other words, nutritive herbs can help provide special measures of added support, without contributing stress to an already over-stressed body.

© Copyright 1999

By Barbara Fougere, BSCBVMS (HONS) IVAS CERT

Pet nutrition is a vital and important topic for all concerned pet owners because optimal nutrition underlies optimal health. The understanding of the nutritional requirements of dogs and cats is an evolving science. Much, but not all, is known about what these companion animals need. The bottom line is that there is no one diet that suits every pet. Each animal is individual. There are biochemical differences, differences in genetic make up, environmental differences, different levels of activity, exposure to pollutants, toxins, emotional stresses and so on. All these factors can impact upon your pet’s health and nutritional requirements.

There is also much debate about what constitutes a proper diet for dogs. Some veterinarians recommend home made diets, raw or cooked, diets based around raw meaty bones, diets based on organic meats and vegetables, diets without grains, others suggest natural prepared foods, or commercial dog foods and many veterinarians recommend premium quality pet foods. What is the right way? The answer is simple, there is more than one way to feed a cat or dog!

Many people say that the best way to feed a companion animal is the natural way. The ancestors of our dogs would naturally have consumed the whole body of their prey-bones, flesh, internal organs, gut contents, skin, hair, feathers, all of which would have provided the right balance of nutrients to sustain them. In today’s society this is no longer an option for most of us. Meaty bones are not a substitute for a whole carcass; vegetables are not the equivalent of gut contents of prey. However they can be supplemented appropriately to form a balance diet.

Many prepared pet foods provide excellent nutrition in a safe and convenient form. They are balanced and complete and simple to feed. The trends in pet foods today, in response to peoples concerns, wrongly or rightly, are that more and more natural preservatives systems are being used. Colourings are being reduced in pet foods or are not used at all. Ingredients that have both nutritional value and improved health characteristics are experiencing more widespread use, examples are probiotics and essential fatty acids.

I generally advise those owners who like to feed their pets on prepared foods to look for the best quality they can afford. Generally better quality ingredients cost more, but the results are worth it. I also suggest they provide their dogs with an appropriate raw bone or alternative two to three times weekly, along with about 20% of the weekly diet, being fresh meat, some fruits and vegetables for variety.

I have seen many animals suffering from poor health because of poor quality pet foods or ‘natural’ diets based on meat, bones, pasta and vegetables, or some other home made combination under supplied with minerals, protein and vitamins or in the wrong ratios. I have also seen very healthy animals on the same diets! It is amazing how relatively flexible pets are in being able to adapt and survive on just about any diet.

My experience as a holistic veterinarian and one who has had several years experience in the pet food industry is that many people who choose to feed home made diets need some help in balancing them. This is a challenge, and we can learn from all the research that is available on the nutritional requirements of dogs and cats. Deficiencies or excesses in the diet can take a long time before they become apparent. Many people have seen improvements in the health of their animals through some minor modifications and addition of particular supplement.

The key to a long healthy and vital life is to look at health in the whole perspective. Nutritionally we need to provide the right balance of nutrients, the right amount of energy in the food (kcal), and make educated feeding choices. Ultimately the decision is a personal one, based on experience, personal eating preferences, what you read (critically-don’t believe everything that is written), the health of your pet and your veterinarian’s advice. The health and well being of your companion animal is dependent not only on nutrition but the total care you provide-the best diet, health care, environmental conditions, exercise and love you can provide.

© Copyright 2000

by Terri Symonds Grow

In light of the recent pet food recalls, deciding what pet food is safe and appropriate for your companion animal can be challenging. Selecting a healthy diet, whether commercial or homemade, is a personal decision that should be made with knowledge, understanding and veterinary guidance. Some people are turning to home-prepared diets made from organic ingredients and free-range meats, but this may not be practical for many busy pet owners. So what should you consider when choosing a commercially prepared pet food?

1. Understand your pets’ needs. Cats are carnivores. Whether it’s an indoor or outdoor cat, the primary ingredient in your cat’s diet must be meat, poultry or fish protein. Dogs are omnivores. They don’t require as high percentage of meat protein in their diet as cats, but the first ingredients on the label should still be meat, poultry or fish. The specific product formula must consider your pet’s health history, activity level, food allergies and medical conditions.
2. Look beyond the glossy packaging. Labeling guidelines allow manufacturers to highlight specific ingredients even when they make up only three percent of the formula. Learning to read and understand the ingredient panel on the back of the package enables you to have more control over your pet’s diet and health.
3. Ingredients are in descending order. AAFCO (American Association of Feed Control Officials) and FDA label regulations require pet food manufacturers to list ingredients by weight in descending order; the first ingredient has the highest weight percentage in the product formula. When comparing ingredients, it is important to remember that weight includes the water content of the uncooked ingredients. For example, a product with chicken listed first and rice second may have less meat protein than a product with rice listed first and chicken meal second because the weight of the chicken includes water in the first product.
4. When parts add up to more than you think. The placement and abundance of grains on the food label is important and often misleading. Some companies incorporate a number of different grains or list parts of grains separately on the label so that the meat, fish or poultry contents appear to be the primary food ingredient. (It’s known as grain fractioning.) But if weighed together, the grains would outweigh the meat protein content. Why is this an issue? An abundance of grains in a pet’s diet is considered a contributing factor to obesity and chronic diseases.
5. Decipher by-products and meal. Meat by-products can include parts other than meat, such as heads, feet, necks and intestines. A single protein meal, such as chicken meal, is made from a clean combination of flesh and skin with or without bone. It is important to also understand that there are grades of meals-the higher the grade, the less bone content. Perhaps this may explain why your cat or dog can benefit from chicken meal, but have an adverse reaction to chicken by-product meal.
6. What you won’t see on the label. Unfortunately, FDA and AAFCO labeling requirements and restrictions prevent quality pet food manufacturers from promoting their use of human grade ingredients on the label or packaging. Once any ingredient is processed in a pet food plant, it is pet food regardless of the quality of ingredients. For information on your pet’s food, check the manufacturer’s website, contact their customer service, or talk to your veterinarian or knowledgeable pet food retailer.
7. Consider natural, holistic or organic food. Choosing a natural food takes some understanding of preferred ingredients. Natural is an elusive term and foods that claim to be natural may not be an appropriate diet for your companion animal. For example, soy is a natural ingredient, but can be problematic for cats and dogs in excess. Holistic foods were founded on the premise of using more whole, unprocessed ingredients cooked slowly at low temperatures to preserve nutrients, yet this term can also be misused. Organic foods can be a good option, but to meet organic requirements and keep costs down, organic pet foods often contain higher amounts of grain.
8. Understand that pet food shouldn’t be purchased on price alone. Quality pet food manufacturers place their foods in veterinary clinics and retailers that understand and respect the efforts they have invested in their products. In many cases these will be specialty pet food retailers, such as independent pet stores, health food stores and health oriented grocery stores, that offer in-depth knowledge of ingredients and manufacturers. Don’t assume these foods are more expensive or that the most expensive is the best for your companion. Once you’ve learned to read and understand a pet food label, you will know how to evaluate and compare products.

* Written by Terri Grow, owner of PetSage, a natural and holistic pet retailer based in Alexandria, Virginia.

© Copyright 2007

“Canine taste tester, Jerry, tired of waiting for cooking class samples.”

To achieve a proper balance of proportions, follow the recipes and provide a variety of ingredients to meet your pet’s nutritional needs. Cats particularly need high levels of meat protein and do best when fed a variety of meats over the course of a week. Raw meat is beneficial because cooking can destroy some of the essential minerals, for example, the taurine needed by cats. When food is cooked, it’s important to add these elements in supplement form. A dog’s diet is a little more forgiving, but it’s important to remember that each animal is an individual and what works for one may not work for another. Discuss any diet changes with your veterinarian first.

Basic Dog Food Recipe

Preparation 1 - Cooked Meat Meal:

Combine meat, liver, rice and veggies in a deep pot with enough water to cook the rice. Cook on low heat until water is almost completely absorbed by the rice, then remove from heat. Add supplements to the food after it is cool and mix thoroughly. Yields 2 lbs; protein 32 %, fat 33 % and carbohydrate 33 %.

Preparation 2 - Raw Meat Meal:

Cook vegetables and rice together as above. Cool and add supplements. Prior to each meal, combine equal portions of the rice mixture with the raw meat. Or alternatively, cook only the rice with a little meat for flavor, and add supplements when cool. Then add equal portions of raw meat and finely chopped veggies at each meal. Follow raw meat safety recommendations when choosing meats and preparation.

Calcium Note:

We recommend Animal Essentials Calcium, which is high in bio-availability and low in phosphorus. When using this product, only one teaspoon is required. Calcium carbonate is unnecessary if bones are included in the diet.

Additional recommended daily supplements:

• A balanced multi-vitamin with vitamin B-complex
• A balanced antioxidant with vitamins A, C and E
• Kelp, a rich source of vitamins, minerals and trace elements
• Egg yolk or nutritional yeast (not brewer’s yeast) for natural vitamin B-complex

Use supplements created for animals when possible; species specific is best. Avoid those with added dextrose, sugar or artificial flavoring.

NOTE: These recipes are used with permission from The Pet Lover’s Guide to Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats by Barbara Fougère, BVSc. They meet the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) guidelines. Modifications have been made to the original recipes to clarify preparation. The recipes and information are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to replace professional advice from your veterinarian. Any questions about your animal’s health should be directed to a professional animal health care provider.

“Diva has no objections to being served homemade meals.”

To achieve a proper balance of proportions, follow the recipes and provide a variety of ingredients to meet your pet’s nutritional needs. Cats particularly need high levels of meat protein and do best when fed a variety of meats over the course of a week. Raw meat is beneficial because cooking can destroy some of the essential minerals, for example, the taurine needed by cats. When food is cooked, it’s important to add these elements in supplement form. A dog’s diet is a little more forgiving, but it’s important to remember that each animal is an individual and what works for one may not work for another. Discuss any diet changes with your veterinarian first.

Basic Cat Food Recipe

Preparation 1 - Cooked Meat Meal:

Combine meat, liver and veggies in a covered pan and cook at low temperature to protect nutrients. Stir occasionally to blend flavors. Do not overcook. Cool and add supplements. (*Taurine must be added to the recipe when the meat is cooked as heat destroys taurine. Recommended daily dose of taurine is 250mg daily.) Divide entire food mixture into 10 parts, each one meal for an 8-lb. cat.

Preparation 2 - Raw Meat Meal:

Steam vegetables and finely chop. Mince the raw liver and meat, and combine with vegetables. Add supplements. Divide whole mixture into 10 parts, each one meal for an 8-lb. cat. Addition of taurine is not required when feeding meats raw.

Calcium Note:

We recommend Animal Essentials Calcium, which is high in bio-availability and low in phosphorus. When using this product, only one teaspoon is required. Calcium carbonate is unnecessary if bones are included in the diet. Follow raw meat safety recommendations when choosing meats and preparation.

Additional recommended daily supplements:

• A balanced multi-vitamin with vitamin B-complex
• A balanced antioxidant with vitamins A, C and E
• Kelp, a rich source of vitamins, minerals and trace elements
• Egg yolk or nutritional yeast (not brewer’s yeast) for natural vitamin B-complex

Use supplements created for animals when possible; species specific is best. Avoid those with added dextrose, sugar or artificial flavoring.

NOTE: These recipes are used with permission from The Pet Lover’s Guide to Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats by Barbara Fougère, BVSc. They meet the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) guidelines. Modifications have been made to the original recipes to clarify preparation. The recipes and information are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to replace professional advice from your veterinarian. Any questions about your animal’s health should be directed to a professional animal health care provider.