chronic disease in pets

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Not all home prepared diets are created equal

Many common health problems can be prevented or alleviated with a healthy diet.  A poor diet can have a deleterious impact on health.

Home prepared, species appropriate diets are the healthiest diets for our dogs and cats but, they must be balanced or you run the risk of nutrient deficiencies or excesses which can equally cause serious health problems.

A diet of primarily chicken necks or chicken wings is not a balanced diet.  A bowl of raw pork ribs is not a balanced diet.  Cooked meat with grains and carrots is not a balanced diet.  There are as many ways to do this wrong as there are ways to do this right.

Dogs and cats have different nutritional needs so please be sure to learn about those differences before you start making pet foods.  Also, not all information on the internet is from reliable sources so be careful of whose advice you are following.

If you are not able to provide a varied, balanced, nutritious, fresh food diet to your animals please consider purchasing a high quality, commercial raw food.  At least you will be providing the proper nutrients!

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Why processed foods are bad for us all

The pet food industry is slowing beginning to shift because the consumer is rightfully forcing changes.  As I’ve watch the industry trends over the years and as I speak to more and more pet parents, it’s becoming obvious to me that people are relying on common sense, doing their own research, and not just giving into the word of veterinarians or pet food companies when making decisions.  People are definitely becoming more aware and involved, especially when it comes to feeding their companions.  I’m happy to see more interest in home prepared foods as I truly believe it is the best diet for all of us.  This enables us to select the freshest ingredients and customize a diet specific to our needs.  It provides the best nutrition for overall health and longevity, it costs less money upfront, and it saves money down the road in health care costs.

Fresh, raw, whole foods are in their natural states and offer the most amount of enzymes, vitamins and minerals which leads to proper digestion, a strong immune system and improved overall health.

Commercial, processed foods may be convenient and easy to use but, most are made with inferior ingredients and are not healthy at all.  People are now realizing the negative impacts these products are having on their animal’s well-being.  Many dogs and cats are suffering needlessly and many are dying well before their time.  There are several contributors to overall health, but diet and proper nutrition are the foundation and must be addressed as the first part of any wellness plan.  Animals as well as humans were not designed to thrive on inferior, artificial, poor quality, species inappropriate ingredients and for most, when these are things consumed, they will trigger health issues over time.

Processing modifies or removes important components of food, like nutrients, fiber, and water which then changes the way they are digested and assimilated in the body.  Unlike whole foods, which contain a mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, fiber, and water to help you feel satisfied, processed foods stimulate dopamine which can lead to excessive hunger and weight gain.  Refined carbohydrates found in processed foods also break down into sugar which increases insulin levels and can contribute to chronic disease.  Another concern with processed foods are with the use of genetically modified ingredients which have been linked to reproductive issues as well as other health concerns and we are just beginning to understand the effects of this.

Food additives are another problem and many have been linked to cancer, autoimmune disease, kidney, liver, thyroid, gastrointestinal problems and many more health issues.  Below are some of the common additives that are often found in processed foods:

Nitrates and Nitrites in meats such as hot dogs, deli meats and some pet foods and treats.  These can turn to nitrosamines when combined with heat and become carcinogenic.

Potassium Bromate is often used in flours and baked products and has been shown to cause kidney and nervous system damage.

Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) are banned in several countries but, still used here in the USA in some foods.  These have been known to cause cancer, allergic reactions, thyroid changes and other endocrine system reactions.

Artificial Flavors are usually manufactured in a lab and when listed on food packaging, we really have no idea what it is.  It could actually be a blend of many additives so it’s hard to gage the impacts on the body until a negative reaction occurs.

Artificial Colors currently approved for use in the USA are linked to a wide range of health issues from cancer to hyperactivity and allergy like reactions and these are commonly included in many foods.

These are just some of the common additives that are used in human as well as pet foods and treats but, there are several others that are equally disturbing.  They are usually added to processed foods to aid in processing, preserving and enhancing the look and/or flavors of the product.

The best part of whole, fresh foods is they don’t need additives to make them look or taste good.  Those grown or raised using good, healthy farming practices are delicious on their own.  Unlike preserved foods, they do have a shorter shelf life.  They also require proper handling but, they usually are consumed quickly because they taste so good, it’s hardly a concern.  Humans and pets alike will be much better off consuming fresh, quality foods.  A properly balanced, species appropriate diet is the starting point of wellness for us all.

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Leaky Gut Syndrome

Leaky gut syndrome (intestinal permeability) can affect animals in a similar manner as it does people.  When the intestinal lining develops spaces between cells, food, toxins and bacteria are able to get through the intestines and into the bloodstream.  This can then result in digestive issues, bacterial overgrowth, and inflammation.  Since the body is not fully absorbing all the nutrients being supplied, the immune system is weakened and a vicious cycle within the body takes place.  This is often the root cause of many diseases such as itchy skin, ear infections, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders.

Causes of leaky gut syndrome are many and include a diet of highly processed and grain based foods, vaccinations, steroids, chlorine, chemical dewormers, chemical flea & tick treatments, antibiotics, and stress.

This can be a challenge but, the good news is with time, the gut can be repaired.  First you must stop causing further damage so replace the processed, grain based foods with a fresh, preferably raw food diet that does not include any grains at all.  Remove all sugars and dairy from the diet.  Reduce vaccinations and stop or at least limit the use of chemicals and pesticides.

Once you have stopped causing damage, these foods should be added into the diet to help repair the gut and replenish the good bacteria;  kefir (goat’s milk or coconut), fermented foods, bone broth, and coconut oil.  Also add a good probiotic and digestive enzymes to the animal’s food prior to feeding.  Healing herbs such as slippery elm, marshmallow, and turmeric can also be added to help reduce discomfort and help heal the body.

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Disease Causing Agents

There are many causes of disease and each individual is vulnerable to different things.  Toxins that negatively affect one person or animal may affect another completely different or not at all.  Also, the threshold of the accumulative effects of toxins and other stressors on the body also varies by individual.

A few of the most significant disease causing agents that are harmful to humans as well as our dogs and cats are listed below:

Vaccines – these can damage the immune system by overstimulating and weakening the body.  All too often pets have reactions shortly after receiving vaccinations, such as rashes, swellings, allergies, auto-immune diseases, and cancer.

Toxic Chemicals – these can be released into the air and absorbed into the body.  The list is many, but some common ones include household cleaners, yard chemicals such as fertilizers, weed killers and pest repellents and certain plastics used in bowls, toys, and beds.  As well as additives and coloring agents often found in processed foods.

Heavy Metals – these are found in the environment, our foods, and used in vaccinations and have been proven to damage the nervous system.

The following is just some of the ways in which we can help our pets and reduce our exposure to these disease causing agents which have been proven to cause harm:

•   Reduce the use of vaccinations in your dog or cat.  Evaluate your risks based on your exposure and give only the core vaccinations needed.  When you do vaccinate, never do more than one at a time and wait at least two weeks between vaccinations to give the body a chance to recover.  Run titers annually thereafter to verify immunity.  Additional booster shots will not protect your pet any further.

•   Eliminate chemical insecticides and replace with nontoxic alternatives.  There are many natural insect repellents for home use and for topical use on humans as well as dogs and cats.

•   Stop using herbicides altogether, not only are you putting your own family at risk, you are also putting everyone around you at risk.  There are natural alternatives to help eliminate weeds and turn your grass green.

•   Avoid products that contain BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin, GMOs and others.  Start eating and providing your pets with fresh foods instead of processed.  Use organic and locally sourced products whenever possible.

As general good practice you should increase your intake and provide your pets with detoxifying foods (appropriate amounts based on species, size, age, health condition,… of course) such as raw leafy greens, apples, garlic, and fresh herbs.

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Herbs Can Work Wonders for Chronic Disease

Chronic diseases (those that continue past several months or those that cannot be cured by the traditional medical system) can affect animals just as they can affect humans.  In traditional medicine, medications and/or surgery are often recommended to help manage the disease symptoms.  Generally this approach requires long term use of pharmaceutical drugs and often times the drugs have side effects that are equally as bad, and sometimes worse, than the original symptoms.  This form of treatment addresses the symptoms, but not necessarily the cause of the problem and is temporary at best.  When it comes to surgery, it’s my opinion that once you cut the body open, it’s never quite the same.  So unless it’s required, such as in the case of a life or death emergency, the pros and cons as well as alternatives should be carefully considered before moving forward.  Just remember once you go forward with surgery, you can never go back.

Holistic healthcare focuses on diet, nutrition, and supplements to build a strong immune system and a healthy body, with the goal of minimizing disease.  With a solid foundation and the help of herbal remedies as needed, the body can heal itself in amazing ways if disease does occur.  When the root cause of the problem is correctly identified and addressed properly, true healing from within can take place.

Over the years, I have experienced how herbs can reduce and often eliminate the symptoms of chronic disease where man-made medications have failed and how they help the body to heal itself, all while others said it was not possible.  You can do your own research and you will find incredible stories of those who have cured debilitating diseases, cancer, and other life threatening conditions by nourishing the body and using natural treatments appropriately.

I think it’s important for us all to remember, our animals depend on us to provide for them.  If you think something isn’t quite right, it probably isn’t.  If your dog or cat is behaving out of character or shows signs of discomfort (restlessness, hiding, panting, not eating, growling, going to the bathroom in the house or outside the litterbox,….) something is probably not right.  Even if your veterinarian cannot find anything specific or if the tests don’t indicate a particular problem, you should be persistent and follow your instincts until you can pinpoint the issue.

If you are giving your pet medication and you are not seeing improvements, you need to challenge why it’s a good idea to continue.  If you are told surgery is the only option, but you are not sure it makes sense, challenge this thought process.  If all else fails and the veterinarian cannot offer you anything but medications and/or surgery and you are not comfortable with those ideas, seek help from a “true” holistic veterinarian or a pet nutritionist.  There are always natural alternatives, and if we are persistent enough, we will find a successful solution.  Herbal treatments are often disregarded by the mainstream as “unproven” or “unsafe”, but those of us who use them on a daily basis know that when used correctly the results are nothing short of amazing.