Labrador Retriever Dogs Blog

Have you read about this?  Research conducted at Texas A&M University indicates that suggestion omega 3 for puppies is a good idea.  As with human infants, the fatty acids support the puppies’ neurological development.

Docosahexaenoic acid or DHA is one of the polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids.  The only dietary sources in our world today are seafood and fish.  When we ate wild game and fowl, those may have been sources.  But, our livestock and poultry do not provide the necessary omega-3s.

In the wild, dogs would eat raw food and bones.  There are some veterinary scientists who believe that bones and raw foods are the best diets for dogs.  They call it the “barf” diet.

From another point of view, protein is what the animals would mostly eat.  They might eat fish, too.  While it is true that nothing they ate would be cooked, they would also be more likely to get diseases from eating the raw foods.  That’s one of the reasons that we cook our food.  It kills bacteria, worms, parasites and viruses.

There are many points of view to consider, when it comes to doggie diets, but there is little doubt that suggesting omega 3 for puppies is a good idea, once they are weaned.  Until they are weaned, as long as their mother’s are well-nourished, they get everything that they need from her.

Another study at Texas A&M concerned puppies fish oil omega 3 fatty acids and retinal or visual development.  That study compared the retinal development of puppies born to dogs fed diets containing different kinds of omega-3s.

In vegetable oils, the omega-3 present is alpha-linolenic acid or ALA.  No DHA is present.  The findings of the study supported the importance of DHA omega 3 for puppies.  The researchers found that the visual development of the ones born to dogs fed DHA was superior to those fed ALA, only.

These findings are similar to those seen in human infants.  When the mother’s get enough DHA during pregnancy and while breast-feeding, their visual acuity develops faster.

So, while mammals are different in many ways, in some ways they are the same.  Their nutritional requirements for normal brain and nervous system development are similar.  For normal healthy development good nutrition is a requirement.

What’s the best kind of DHA omega 3 for puppies?  Dosage is the main concern.  A dog weighing 40 pounds would need only about 500mg per day.  A 20 pound dog would only need about 250mg.  So, a pup might need only 100mg.

Most human supplements contain about 1000mg, which would be appropriate for a dog weighing 40-60 pounds.  Dogs over 60 pounds might need more.

It is important not to go overboard with this kind of supplement.  Too much can interfere with normal blood clotting, which would be a problem if there were an injury or the dog needed surgery.

Now that you know this, talk to your vet concerning a dosage of omega 3 for puppies that are very small.  And, be sure to choose a good brand.

Whole prey= a whole animal that is fed to a carnivore.  (NOTE: When someone says “whole prey” they usually mean frozen-thawed, pre-killed whole prey.  HOWEVER, whole prey can refer to either live prey animals or frozen-thawed prey animals. USUALLY if someone is feeding live whole prey they will call it “live prey” or “live whole prey”)

Live prey= a whole prey animal that is STILL LIVING when it is fed to a carnivore.

Raw meaty bones (also known as RMB)= Raw bones with raw meat on them, or  raw bone-in meat such as chicken legs, chicken wings, turkey necks.

Muscle Meat (also known as MM)= Raw, BONELESS muscle meat, such as chunks of boneless pork, beef, turkey, etc.

Offal (also known as organ meat)= Any internal organs, such as gizzards, liver, panceras, brain, lung, etc

Now there are several types of NATURAL diets.  Natural diet is an umbrella term that can be used to describe the following types of diets:

BARF (biologically appropriate raw foods, or bones and raw food, or born again raw feeder)= A type of raw diet popularized by Dr. Ian Billinghurst.  This diet focuses on feeding an animal a mix of raw meat bones, muscle meat, organ meat, ground raw meat, and ground veggie matter.

Raw Diet Based on the Prey Model= A type of raw diet that focuses more on replicating the parts of a whole animal.  This type of diet recommends feeding approx 75% flesh (muscle, skin, tendon, ligament, fat, etc) 15%- edible bone and 10% organ (similar to the proportions of a whole prey animal.  This IMO is a better diet then a BARF diet.

Whole prey diet= A type of natural diet that focuses on feeding all or primarily whole prey animals.  These animals are whole animals (such as mice).  Most whole prey feeders usually feed frozen-thawed animals and NOT live animals.

You've started bloating and retaining water, and now feel more uncomfortable and larger than ever! What is this – you've been on your diet and exercise plan for two weeks and now this?

To answer this question, one must realize that bloating is a completely natural response to sudden changes in your body. With a Exercise Routine, especially if you haven't had a regular routine in place, and are suddenly working out with high intensity, it can actually throw your body into a bit of a state of shock – your body interprets the extra stress as a physical emergency, and beings to try to stockpile necessary nutrients (which would also explain protein cravings directly after a workout as well!) and water. Another aspect is quite simple: you've worked your muscles hard, and now they've become inflamed. One thing to really keep in mind is that when you're starting your Exercise Routine, you're moving muscles in ways that they're not used to. This causes minor rips and tears, which causes the muscle to inflame to try to stabilize itself while it heals.

Solutions to exercise-related swelling:

Drink at least 64 oz of water per day, and make sure to drink before and after a workout. I've found that if I try to drink water during a workout, I get nauseated. So, what I do to combat this is take a mouthful of water and swish it around in my mouth before swallowing. It's refreshing enough to keep me going, and also keeps me from barfing.

Make sure to eat a small snack before a workout. My Wii Fit is constantly recommending bananas – not only are they a great source of easily-burned carbs, but they've got potassium, which can help reduce swelling and cramping. Read the rest of this entry »

The raw food diet is as much a life-style as an eating plan; a naturalistic approach which excludes, in addition to cooked and animal foods, processed and refined ingredients.

In the ever-hungry quest for new fads and health panaceas, the raw food diet, with adherents such as Woody Harrelson and Donna Karan, is growing in mainstream popularity. Unlike many other bandwagons however, raw foods (also referred to as ‘living foods’), offer unarguable health benefits and one can reap rewards even as a 50% dabbler. To be a 100% extremist takes commitment, discipline and education and is best introduced gradually to avoid the overwhelm of inevitable detoxification.

A food is essentially ‘raw’ if it is kept below 115 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature above which enzymes are destroyed. Eating raw food ensures an opulent intake of nutrients, fibre, healthy oils and life-giving enzymes. Raw food is much more easily digested, taking half to a third of the time of cooked food, around 24-36 hours compared to 40-100 hours. Raw vegetables and fruits, are also predominantly alkaline so help to optmize the pH balance of the body (around 60-80% alkaline foods being recommended for a healthy internal environment resistant to disease).

Sprouts, raw juices and superfoods are favoured in a raw food diet, and dehydrating ‘ovens’ effectively concentrate the flavour of certain raw foods to assist in the creation of a mind-boggling array of as-cooked dishes. I’ve eaten a raw food pizza that unbelievably contained no wheat, no cheese and no cooked ingredients! It tasted delicious and I was stumped to figure out what it was actually made of!

Raw Power

Raw plant foods are healthy, regenerative, cleansing, energising, predominantly alkaline, and packed with vitamins, minerals, healthy oils, enzymes and antioxidants that promote health, beauty and longevity. As well as enhancing digestion and protecting against aging and disease, a raw food diet has noted weight loss benefits and promotes clear, beautiful skin.

The benefit of raw food becomes even more apparent in view of the effects cooking can have on constituents in food

The Effects of Cooking

Arthur Baker writes in Awakening Our Self-Healing Body, ‘Overly cooked foods literally wreck our body. They deny needed nutrients to the system since heat alters foodstuffs such that they are partially, mostly, or wholly destroyed. Nutrients are coagulated, deaminized, caramelized and rendered inorganic and become toxic and pathogenic in the body.’

The indigestible end products of cooked foods can linger in the gut, clogging the intestines and interfering with healthy elimination. They can cause a build-up of toxins, mutagens and carcinogens. Carbohydrates ferment, proteins putrefy and fats become rancid, creating free radicals that enter the blood stream.

Lipufuscin, the ‘aging pigment’, is an example of a waste product created from damaged proteins and fats. It accumulates in the skin and nervous system and is visible as brown ‘liver spots’ on the skin and eyes.

Toxic by-products and excess free radicals from cooked foods can weaken the immune system and accelerate the aging process.

Enzymes

Cooking destroys enzymes in our food. These delicate, heat sensitive proteins can destabilise at temperatures as low as 115 degrees Fahrenheit, hence even light steaming can render them inactive.

Enzymes, so abundant in a raw food diet, are highly functional catalysts involved in various health-regulating tasks in the body, such as breaking down food in digestion, delivering nutrients, carrying away toxic wastes and strengthening the endocrine and immune system. All living cells contain enzymes which function in cooperation with other minerals. As there is not an unlimited supply of enzymes, eating them in our food lifts the burden off organs to produce digestive enzymes which allows a greater use of enzymes for other metabolic purposes, freeing up more energy for the performance of other tasks.

Nutrients

In cooking food we can loose up to 97% of water-soluble vitamins (B and C) and 40% of fat-soluble vitamins (namely A, D, E and K).

Proteins

Heat denatures proteins, modifying their molecular structure and rendering them unusable. The bacteria in the gut feeds upon undigested proteins that tend to putrefy, giving rise to toxins. Raw foods provide healthy, readily available protein in greater supply without unwanted residue.

Fats

As oils are heat, light and air sensitive, heating can destroy the goodness of the and can alter molecules generating toxins and free radicals. Unrefined oils that are cold-pressed contain all their natural healthful substances (olive oil for example is rich in phytonutrients, flaxseed oil a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and so on). They should be kept refrigerated in dark sealed containers.

Fibre

Fibre is essential for health and helps to flush out the intestines, scrubbing them clean and aiding elimination. With cooked food fibre becomes a soft substance, loosing its brush-like quality. It can partially rot, ferment and putrefy in the gut, causing toxins, gas and heartburn.

Super Raw

Eating superfoods enhances a raw food diet even further. Superfoods are the most potent, antioxidant rich, nutrient dense, disease fighting, anti aging, beautifying, mood enhancing, immune boosting foods on the planet. Raw superfoods ensure an optimum intake of nutrients and phytochemicals for ultimate health, beauty and longevity.

Raw Food Diets For Dogs and Cats

A raw food diet for dogs and cats is natural and species-appropriate. Not only does it provide a rich supply of nutrients, antioxidants and enzymes, but ensures a move a way from low grade, inappropriate, highly processed and toxic ingredients found in commercial pet foods that can damage your pets health. If embarking on a homemade raw food diet for your pet (sometimes referred to as BARF – Biologically Appropriate Raw Food), thoroughly research the area first as nutritional balance is essential.

One of the many responsibilities that come with owning a dog (or being owned by one, depending on your particular outlook) is feeding that dog. There is a relatively new fad diet called the BARF Diet for Dogs. The acronym stands for Bones And Raw Food. Your canine friend eats raw dog food.

The concept is this: before humans got involved with their fancy cans of gourmet dog food and what are essentially bags of meat-flavored dry cereal, dogs happily ate all things raw, and managed to not choke on bones, or get sick on greenery. Developed by Dr. Ian Billinghurst, a veterinarian from Austrailia, the BARF Diet for Dogs claims to improve the overall health of your furry friend by reducing periodontal disease, strengthening the immune system, providing exercise while eating, reducing or eliminating anal sac issues, and improving the psychological health of your dog.

With all these benefits, what could go wrong with the BARF Diet for Dogs? The primary concern is that raw food has a much greater potential for deadly bacteria than cooked food. This bacteria can not only be deadly to the one on the raw dog food diet, but also to the humans living in the same space. Many families with young children might balk at having raw meat and bone remnants hanging around ready to be used as a make-shift teething toy.

Another concern with raw dog food is that raw bones, like cooked ones, can perforate the gastrointestinal tract of even the sturdiest of ogs, forcing emergency surgery onto the unsuspecting dog and his family. The risk of bacterial contamination becomes even more severe.

Yet another concern with an all raw dog food diet, whether it is the BARF Diet for Dogs or another label, is that of parasites. Parasites thrive in raw food, and many dogs are susceptible to them.

There are also other dietary concerns that might not be met through an all raw dog food diet. High phosphorous content in raw meat can and does often impede calcium absorption, which dogs need for their bone strength, just like humans. Many vets also are concerned with skin health, anemia issues as well.

Still another consideration in determining whether the BARF Diet for Dogs, or other raw dog food diets are right for your pet is the question of if it is even wise to feed dogs solely according to what their ancestors needed. Dogs of decades and centuries past, and current cousins of dogs, such as wolves and coyotes, all eat raw dog food, but does that mean that their domesticated counterparts should or need to do so? Dogs living in the wild are used to all the bacteria found in scavenging for food, but most domesticated dogs have never been exposed to more than the smallest morsels of raw meat, and usually that comes from a scrap of fatty tissue cut off a steak before a human cooks it. This table scrap raw dog food is a far cry from traditional canine scavenging.

No matter what you decide for feeding your dog, don’t make any decision without consulting with the dog’s veterinarian. As with human fad diets, the BARF Diet for Dogs sounds good on paper, but should only be initiated after careful research and consideration for other alternatives.

Like most dog owners, you probably assume that commercial dog foods with brand names that are easily identifiable – Purina, Iams, Pedigree, etc. and surely you would not give your dog something harmful. Unfortunately, after lots of careful observation and tracking it has been found that dogs fed commercial foods, both wet and dry, from the cheapest brands to the so-called “premium” brands are weak with less life span than those dogs who were fed vegetarian diets, as well as those fed raw meat and bones known popularly as the BARF Diet.

Undoubtedly the best possible diet to feed your dog is raw meat and bones with an occasional Wet feed made up of vegetables, fruits, and organ meat that will lead to three amazing results: much better overall health, excellent dental health, and longer life spans. If you recall the past food habits of dogs you will find that they evolved eating prey the pack took down and feeding the carcasses raw! They did not have processed commercial food from bags or cans, cooked meats or vegetables, fruits, and grains.

This is the fact every dog owners should concentrate and plan the diet accordingly for their dog. Many owners bear a common fear over the bones getting caught in their dog’s throat or splintering and cutting them internally. There is a solution for it and that is stop feeding your dog with a cooked bone and especially chicken bones. Raw chicken cages are ideal because they provide a good balance of meat and bone but at the same time remember not to feed your dog always with chicken instead alter their diet by supplying some pork and some beef now and then to vary their protein sources a bit and remember to mix up a slop of green veggies, carrots, apples, bananas, and some raw livers or hearts at least twice a month. It is recommended to have your pet checked for allergic reactions to any food and then plan the diet.

The raw meat and bone diet should be prescribed for your dog for 60 days. A meat and bones source that is close to a 50/50 meat-bone ratio for example chicken breast cages are ideal, or you can also try pork necks or beef ribs from any grocery store. If you do not see any noticeable improvements in your dog then it is better go back to his former diet and if you find healthier coat, more energy, better teeth, excellent blood work-ups then you can conclude the main idea behind the success of the raw meat and bones diet which imitate what dogs naturally fed on for tens of thousands of years.

The BARF (“Bones and Raw Food” or “Biologically Appropriate Raw Food”) diet is a system of holistic nutrition which is championed by Dr Ian Billinghurst who is an Australian vet. Dr. Billinghurst has published several books on health and nutrition. The best known of these is called “Give Your Dog a Bone”. The BARF Evolutionary philosophy is at first glance an attractive one; it seems to be truly natural because it tries to emulate the lifestyle of the dog in the wild.

But, after due consideration I am of the opinion that the BARF theory, like the emperor’s new clothes, does not stand up to critical inspection.

The BARF or “Evolutionary” Diet is based on the principle that domestic dogs should be fed on a diet which replicates as closely as possible the diet of the wild dog. According to Dr Billinghurst domestic dogs have been fed on processed (cooked) foods for only approximately 70 years and this is not a long enough time to adapt to cooked foods.

To replicate the diet of the wild dog he recommends that all carbohydrate should be avoided and pet dogs and cats should be fed on a diet based on raw meaty bones and raw vegetables . Dr Billinghurst insists that because of this evolutionary history the BARF DIET is the ONLY correct way to feed the modern domestic pet dog.

The problem with the evolutionary argument is that domestic dogs bear little relationship to the original wild dog. Very early in their association it is likely that man selected and bred those animals which suited his purpose e.g. guarding, hunting, more docile, less independent – even better suited to the food provided by man.

There are practical reasons why the diet of the wild dog is not automatically suitable for the domestic dog. The modern dog and its lifestyle bear no similarity whatever to the wild dog. We provide shelter in heated houses, they do not have to forage or compete for food, they eat every day, and they have little exercise compared to a wild dog.

Many dogs have dietary sensitivity which means that they need a highly digestible diet, low in protein and low in fat. I can’t see how that could be achieved with a BARF diet.

Modern farm livestock is reared in such a way that the fat content, even in “lean” meat is very high. So a diet high in meat will inevitably be high in fat too.

The Carbohydrate Question

According to Dr Billinghurst dogs cannot digest carbohydrate. In reality, the dog has very sophisticated, sensitive and efficient mechanisms for breaking down carbohydrate and ensuring its absorption. This could not have evolved if carbohydrate was detrimental.

But, according to BARF, carbohydrate causes so many health problems e.g. inflammatory disease such as pancreatitis. While it is true that low-quality or refined carbohydrate may be undesirable, what vet has not recommended chicken and rice to treat gastro-intestinal disease?

There are other major flaws with the BARF philosophy. One which flies in the face of the facts is the assertion that raw food is more digestible and that cooking destroys that digestibility. Simple common sense and experience tell us that cooking actually increases digestibility. Increasing the digestibility of the food is an important way of treating bowel disease and problems of malabsorption. Cooking does this.

I suspect that any success claimed for the Raw Food system is due to a much more mundane explanation than its grandiose but erroneous philosophy. This is that any benefits are due to the avoidance of ingredients which cause dietary intolerance.

My main criticism of the BARF philosophy is its self-righteousness.

BARFism puts forward a flawed theory with a certainty which bears comparison to religious fundamentalism; it brooks no dissent. It advocates a system which is impractical and does not fit well into the lifestyle of present society, denying the possibility of alternatives, thereby condemning those pet owners, the majority, to feelings of inadequacy for failure to follow its teachings.

If you are considering switching from commercial pet food to a BARF diet, then you probably have plenty of questions.  This article is not intended to promote the diet or tell you what to feed your pet.  Instead, it is intended to help you with how to safely feed your pet.  There are things you can do around your home to keep your family safe from bacteria, and there are things you can do to help your pet transition to the diet.  Bottom line:  if you have any questions, then talk to your veterinarian.

Before you implement any sort of diet, you should consult your veterinarian.  Your vet can help you slowly introduce the diet, so that you don’t shock your pet’s system.  Before you see the vet, then conduct a little research on your own.  Consider the pros and cons of the diet, so you can have an educated conversation with the vet.  If your veterinarian does not support the BARF diet, then find out why.  You may want to seek a veterinarian who is more open to your desires and concerns.

The first question many new BARFers have has to do with where the meat comes from.  Since your pet will consume parts of the animal that you may not wish to consume, there is no reason to purchase expensive meat from the supermarket.  Often, the best place to go is the butcher.  Talk to the butcher about discounted possibilities, since the meat your dog loves may be thought of as “waste” to the butcher (this includes chicken necks, chicken carcasses, fish heads, etc.).

One of the first dangers of the BARF diet that opponents point out is a bacterial concern.  Raw food can contain E. coli, Salmonella, and other harmful bacteria.  However, the bacteria can also be found in multiple areas of your home, including your bathrooms and kitchen.  Your pooch’s body will be able to handle the natural amounts of bacteria that are found in the food.  However, you should still practice normal “meat” safety precautions.  If it’s more than a few days old (depending on the type of meat), then throw it out.  Even if your pet’s system can handle the food, it’s better to be safe than sorry.  When you handle the meat, then you should always wash your hands afterwards.  Any surface that the meat touches, whether it’s your countertop or refrigerator shelf, should be thoroughly disinfected.  Basically, use any health precautions with your pet’s meat as you would your own. 

Another concern about the diet is bone consumption.  You’ve probably heard for years that you are not supposed to feed your pet chicken bones since they are easily frayed.  Well, remember that BARF is a raw diet.  Raw bones are actually ideal, because they are easier to chew and less likely to fray off.  But, you should not feed your pet cooked bones!  Some owners ask if the bones should be ground up first.  For most pets, grinding the bones is completely unnecessary.  But, this is something that you should discuss with your veterinarian, since it is sometimes needed. 

If your dog is a food inhaler, then you have probably witnessed how quickly a bowl of kibble can vanish.  Unfortunately, commercial dog food does not require your pet to thoroughly chew his food.  One great thing about the BARF diet is that you pet has to somewhat work to eat, so he is forced to slow down and chew.  But, if you are worried about your pet inhaling the bones and possibly choking, then make sure you monitor your pooch in the beginning.  Feeding him large items, such as an entire chicken neck, will help slow his chewing.  If needed, feed him one piece at a time until you are sure he has eating under control.

Before you start a BARF diet, make sure you consult your veterinarian.  Then, talk to your local butcher about getting the meat you need; there may be a huge discount involved.  Even though feeding your pet raw meat is fairly easy, you still need to practice health and safety precautions:  always wash your hands and disinfect any surfaces that may have come in contact with the food.  In the beginning, make sure your dog isn’t inhaling his food, but rest assured knowing that the uncooked bone is slowing him down!

It used to be simple to feed your dog. You would buy some kind of dry dog chow and throw in some table scraps. As veterinary science became more advanced, veterinarians began to study nutrition. They realized that, just as for people, diet has a big impact on overall health. It became clear that grain based, processed dog food was not adequate to support a dogs health. There are now many high quality, meat based dog foods available with no artificial colors or fillers.

Now, another type of diet is becoming more popular. It is the BARF diet. This refers to bones and raw foods, or biologically appropriate raw food. The person behind this trend is Dr. Ian Billinghurst. Proponents of the BARF diet believe that, as dogs are descendants of the wolf, dogs will benefit from eating the way wolves eat in the wild. They believe that wild animals thrive because they do not eat processed food.

The BARF diet consists of 60% raw, meaty bones, 25% meat from organs, such as kidney, liver, tripe and brains. They also include fish and chicken carcasses. 15% of the diet is made up of vegetables and grains. In order to make sure the dogs get all the nutrients they need, proponents of the BARF diet supplement this raw food with oils, such as cod liver and flax seed oil, as well as vitamins, kelp powder and yogurt. I do not quite understand why, if this diet is so superior to high quality, commercial dog foods, there should be a need to add supplements. I doubt the healthy wolves in the wild supplement their diet.

Read the rest of this entry »

It’s probably not too surprising that many of us take our dogs health for granted. We probably don’t mean to do it. It just kind of happens by accident. We expose them to things or feed them food with ingredients that we wouldn’t eat or expose ourselves to. We rush out and take our vitamins, eat healthy food do things like giving ourselves a liver cleanse. We then turn around and feed our dog food with questionable ingredients or even expose them to second hand smoke. It’s just a matter of becoming more aware of what we are exposing out pets to. After all, we want them to live a long and health life. So think about it next time you are shopping for pet food or taking your dog in public or even buying them a toy. Read the label and think about exactly what you are giving them.