holistic health for animals

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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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Why do we need to supplement the diet?

Most commercial pet foods provide the minimum amount of nutrition to maintain adequate health.  Factor in the contamination of our environment along with the chemical additives in many commercial products and it is clear that excellent health cannot be sustained with minimal nutrition.  Many home prepared diets are not well-balanced and the amount of nutrition the body requires is hard to get through food alone.  In addition, our soils are not as fertile as they once were.  Thanks to commercial farming and agrochemicals the soils have degraded over time.

Many recent studies show that individual nutrients at supplemental dosages (higher than those found through diet alone) have significant effects on the prevention and treatment of a number of diseases and even serious illnesses such as cancer and heart disease.

A supplemental program should be based on the individual needs of the animal and it’s always best to get input from a qualified practitioner because it is possible to create health problems due to over supplementation.  The breed, overall health, age, activity level, diet, stress and other factors must be considered when designing the program.  Supplements come in powders, capsules, and tablets.  The easiest way to give supplements to animals is to mix it into the food at the time of feeding.  Powders are mixed directly into the food at the time of feeding.  Capsules can be opened and mixed into the food, and tablets can be crushed and mixed into the food.  In addition, if the animal will take it, they can be given directly by mouth.

Remember, when thinking about making changes to improve health, the first step is to improve the diet because high quality, wholesome foods are the basis of nutrition and overall health.  A healthy, balanced diet is the foundation which will be supported by everything else.

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Holistic and herbal treatments for pets

The main difference between holistic treatments for animals and Western medicine is how diseases and/or symptoms are viewed.

Veterinarians who follow Western medicine solely, tend to look at a disease in isolation, and a “cure” is geared towards the removal or suppression of its symptoms as quickly as possible.  In other words, a “quick-fix” is usually the approach.  Very often antibiotics are given and these tend to be overprescribed.  Some veterinarians prescribe them to treat not only bacterial infections, but also for viral infections, digestive issues, skin irritations, and a variety of other illnesses as well.  The problem with this approach is unless the antibiotic prescribed is actually known to be affective against the illness, the problem is not likely to be resolved and if it is, it’s probably coincidental.  More than likely the symptoms may subside for a while but they generally return, and often much worse than before treatment.  Frequent use of antibiotics can greatly weaken our pet’s immune system, which will lead to more health problems in the future.

Holistic practitioners look at the animal as a whole which includes body, mind and “life spirit” in order to determine the underlying cause of disease.  Treatments are aimed at strengthening the diseased organ system, regulating and boosting the immune system, and returning the body functions to a state of normalcy for long lasting health.

Many illnesses, including cancer, are a result of a breakdown in the immune system.  Herbs are often a good choice because they contain numerous chemical constituents which can have medicinal effects when used properly.  The medicinal properties of specific herbs can regulate and normalize specific activities of the organ systems.  Often times when herbs are used in combination, they have synergistic effects and can offer long term benefits.

Precautions when using herbs:

  • Herbs usually act much slower than Western medicine and can take at least 60-90 days before any significant improvements are seen.
  • While herbs can be better and gentler than conventional medicines, it is not advisable to use herbs in the place of veterinary consultation, particularly in the event of a serious or life-threatening condition.
  • Herbs are best used to support and improve the general physical wellbeing of our pets.  They are best used for treating chronic diseases and are not the preferred means of treatment in emergency situations.
  • It is important that we obtain the best quality herbs from reputable and trustworthy sources.
  • While there are lots of safe herbs for use in our pets, there are also some that are not safe for dogs and cats so it’s best to work with a knowledgeable and experienced holistic practitioner.
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Holistic care for pets

Holistic or alternative medicine is primarily based on common sense and has been used safely and effectively for thousands of years.  A holistic approach to animal wellness is a more natural, basic, and simpler approach than many conventional treatments.  We start by looking at all aspects of health (mind, body, spirit, and environment).  We use nutrition as a foundation (preferably a biologically appropriate diet for cats and dogs) and develop a health plan that works to bring the whole patient back in balance. This unleashes the body’s own healing power and the path to wellness begins because the body knows what to do from here.  When all aspects of health remain in balance an individual will thrive, they have the ability to resist disease, and they respond well to the challenges of life.

Proper nutrition, working with foods for healing and immune strength, herbal treatments, massage, homeopathy, chiropractic, and acupuncture are just some of the various holistic modalities available to both animals and humans.