News & Views
- © 2023 Graham Hines MRCVS - 07903286439 Contact Me 0
In the UK we have the annual firework displays soon approaching in early Novemeber, these will be repeated for new year. ~Many many dogs and some cats never mind wild animals are terrified of these bangs and flashes. How can we reduce the fear?
Every year dogs are sacred tiles, run away in fear I have had a dog run over and killed by a train, very year the are road traffic accidents brought in to Vet'sNow and other out of hours providers many have life changing injuries or die. We try to limit firework use, persuasion just does not seem to help irresponsible or ignorant individuals will continue to use fireworks and to be honest do you remember being trilled by them as a child. We just have to put up with them and mitigate the affects as best we can.
More too follow
I read a fascinating article today in the Guardian Newspaper which has set me thinking about the pet food industry, how it operates and most interesting of all perhaps the preferences our pets have for foods.
You should read the article ideally when you have time The Guardian is a premium newspaper in the UK and this is today's Long read. The journalist Vivian Ho has visited both Mars facility in the Midlands (Waltham) and also Honeys raw feeding facility and manufacturing plant, also in England, where she spoke to Jonathon Self.
If you want to read more of Jonathon's feeding recommendations you can buy his Natural Feeding Handbook on our site.
The things I find particularly interesting about the article and I thought I would comment on:
Some aspects of the pet food industry I am very concerned about are touched on in the article. The 'research' carried out at Mars Petfood's facility been going on for years, they are very used to visitors and selling them the wonderful processes. I remember well my visit as a veterinary student in about 1980 there and we were all wined and dined- a first start in the indoctrination process, perhaps or valuable nutrition training?? All through my career we have been 'educated' in nutrition by one Pet Food Company after another. Mars own Pedigree, Wiskas Royal Canin vet specific range of pet foods but also own Banfield Hospitals in the USA and Linnaeus vet groups in the UK and elsewhere and more see Mars Veterinary Site. Ms Ho touches on this and got the response from Linnaeus "In addition to producing food, companies such as Mars fund a number of veterinary schools and clinics, which, raw food advocates claim, push the companies’ products on trainee vets and pet owners, regardless of pet health. (“When any of our veterinary professionals provide nutrition advice, they have the freedom to recommend the best product for that pet, regardless of brand,” said a spokesperson for Linnaeus, a veterinary group that’s part of Mars Veterinary Health."
Today I also got an email from "The Purina Institute"
Who owns Purina? The second largest pet food Co here in the UK. Another sweetie corporation based in the US although of Swiss origin: Nestle see wikipedia, they want to invite me to learn about nutrition - Purina Institute Microbiome Forum Round Table 2024 - Changing Paradigms in DIARRHEA (sic) Management Have a read of the Institute website perhaps you will see what I mean I hope. Unbiased education in pet nutrition is rare in the veterinary industry if there is a vacuum someone fills it.
So that is two of the major Pet Food Companies, there is a third the third largest in the UK is not a Confectionary company no Colgate Palmolive "Colgate-Palmolive Company is an yet another American multinational consumer products company headquartered in New York City. The company specialises in the production, distribution, and provision of household, health care, personal care, and vet products" Wikipedia . They own HILLS Pet Nutrition. So many of our nursing staff have qualified in Nutrition through Hills Pet Nutrition and have medals and certificates to prove it. This company more than any other trained many vets and pet owners about nutrition in pet, brought out "prescription diet" as a term. You do not of course need a prescription but we can charge more.
I remember visiting veterinary educational conferences in the UK, USA and Europe. The massive marketing budgets, advertising displays and gifts to veterinarians of these three corporations never failed to impress - larger than big Pharma at times but its is the way they educate my profession that disturbs me the most with these institutions.
Of course you need a research department to stop the rickets, and vitamin deficiencies which as is in the article were common in 60's puppies fed unbalanced commercial dog foods. After all to get adequate nutrition from ultra heat processed, dried foods made from by meat industry by-products and cheap cereals is a skilled process. To avoid to many scandals such as these on Hills wiki page:
One Prescription Diet line and five products of the Science Diet line were involved in the 2007 pet food recalls for their inclusion of melamine tainted wheat gluten received from China.
On January 31, 2019, Hill's recalled 25 varieties of its canned dog food, because of elevated levels of vitamin D, due to a supplier error. Vitamin D overdose in animals can cause irreversible kidney damage and eventually death.[17] On February 12, 2019, San Francisco law firm Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP filed a class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California against Hill's on behalf of affected owners for distributing dog food which contained potentially toxic levels of vitamin D.
To be fair these problems are very rare I must say and can occur with all food companies from large corporations to the take away cafe up your road. If you use cheap ingredients from all over the world these things happen. In particular trying to feed a carnivore on a diet containing a large proportion of vegetable derived diet is a challenging enterprise which is IMO why these companies spend so much on R&D. It is so much easier to feed real meaty foods that are not ultra heat treated and get a healthy pet.
If one wants to feed humans or our pet carnivores on a diet rich in vegetables the it must be cooked for us to be able to digest it. Raw squash, cereals or potatoes will be very poorly converted into energy.
Now cooking gets you more calories in a shorter time from starchy foods greatly benefiting humankind's ability to survive in the world but it does reduce some micronutrients, enzymes and vitamins in the food in particular in the Ultra high temperatures needed to produce a kibble. Raw food is comparatively easy to get a balanced healthy diet from because of this. Not what the 'educators' above would have you believe who tell pet parents and veterinarians how hard it is to balance a home produced diet, how likely it to get imbalances in vitamins, proteins, minerals. Of course is possible but so much less likely than in a mucked about with commercial pet food IMO.
Excessive heat treatment is needed if a dry kibble is going to keep without freezing.
Ms Ho has also briefly touched something so important in how we feed our pets. Our perception of what they desire ..
A person can let you know directly what food they like, and why; not so a cat. Florence (her cat) cannot tell me that she prefers to graze rather than eat big meals – something I only realised somewhere between the second and third wet food brands we tried. Nor can she tell me that she actually enjoys the feel of the kibble on her gums – a theory I’ve been running with for the past few months. So we’ve gone back to kibble, though in the morning I give her a bowl of hand-shredded boiled chicken as well. She’d be happy with just kibble – I know this now. Even so, every morning I carefully shred another chicken breast – just in case.
She felt Florence actually preferred kibble "enjoys the feel of the kibble on her gums " and did not feed raw or even home prepared foods even after talking to Jonathon Self at Honeys Real Pet food. Actually it does seem very difficult to persuade a cat, in particular, that raw is preferable to kibble if they have been fed kibble a long time.
I found this article interesting
The other thing I worry about and is touched on here. Because of environmental issues, food animal welfare and the climate crisis we should be eating and rearing less meat we are told and it makes sense. If land is limited we can produce perhaps 10 times the calories growing grains such as wheat or rice per hectare of land we are told.
Now Mars are claiming that the "meaty" protein parts of their foods are produced from the human meat industries' by products or waste. Do I believe them are they telling some truth!! Of course they are correct to an extent nutritious meats like lungs, hearts and even livers would otherwise be wasted so all good. (It the excessive processing holistic vets do not like) but does this argument really wash.
or keeping only herbivores as pets. Now there is something to ponder? lets hear your comments
Pancreatitis
Read more at Nutrition expert Dr Conor Brady’s website
www.dogsfirst.ie
If your companion has been diagnosed with pancreatitis then this would be my advice. However you should always consider the professional who has seen your dogs advice
1. Feed little and often
Fasting was once recommended for pancreatitis in dogs. This is no longer the case. When your dog is recovering from acute pancreatitis, it is best to feed smaller, easily digestible meals, little and often throughout the day. While still recovering, you will want to keep the fat reasonably low. The following proteins (if tolerated by the dog) would be recommended for this period, organic where possible –
Consider feeding “DIY” for a while – this way, you know exactly what you are feeding, and there are no “hidden” fats that there may be in cheaper
Once the dog has fully recovered from acute pancreatitis, you can start introducing “fattier” meats – remember,it’s carbs, NOT fat, that causes pancreatitis – yes, fat will cause issues during acute pancreatitis. There will always need to be some vigilance; monitoring your dog is essential, but they do not necessarily have to stay on a low or no-fat diet forever.
2. Remove all aggravating / inflammatory factors
Now that your dog has fully recovered, don’t rattle the cage – you need to address all the causes that may drive inflammation in your dog. The list is long….
Additions For Pancreatitis In Dogs
1. Pancreas IN small amounts, perhaps 5% of the diet of fresh pancreas could be beneficial IF YOUR BUTCHER can source it You can get freeze dried but at the moment I do not have a brand I could recommend
There are lots of things that you can include on top of this diet that is sure to help them at this point. As your vet is unlikely to stock most of them, you can try the local health store for some, but I think most are easiest found on Amazon;
2. Digestive Enzymes
I strongly recommend a digestive enzyme mix of lipase, tripase and amylase for a dog with pancreatitis. I recommend Pet Plus certainly perhaps Lypex https://amzn.to/3se5huK
These are particularly important if your dog is suffering from exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), as they will give the pancreas less work to do and the brand. Dose him according to size, and sprinkle on food. If feeding some fresh pancreas, you will not need digestive enzymes.
3. Probiotics
I recommend you include some probiotics in their diet for at least a month while we get him right. They will help reset their digestive system, which will be in disarray. A healthy gut microbiome is a healthy animal, and it’s not to be forgotten.
Full-fat probiotic yoghurt or kefir are good additions, aiding the digestive process, but we’re unsure just how much gets through the dog’s strong digestive acids. Fidospore if really acute attack. Natural probiotics are found in healthy organic soils (teaspoon daily) on surface of grasses - let him chew a bit when out
4. Omega 3
Omega 3 fatty acids are excellent at reducing inflammation. The ACVN recommend a therapeutic dose of 700mg of combined EPA and DHA per 10kg of dog to help alleviate some of the more painful symptoms of pancreatitis, I would keep it going in to help avoid its occurrence in the future. Fish and flax oils perhaps but.
Algal oil is a a great choice and much more sustainable. Once they are recovered from the acute bout of pancreatitis – feed fresh oily fish like sardines and sprat; they don’t need a lot, and as little as 100g a week for a 15kg dog would be a start.
5. Herbs
Dr Steve Marsden's has developed a herbal combination ADOPTREX which we are proud to be the UK distributor for This should in my opinion be used as well as the recommendations above
FAQ
1. Is chicken and rice suitable for dogs with pancreatitis?
The short answer to this is chicken – yes, rice – absolutely not! Remember, we are avoiding carbohydrates, so rice is a very bad idea for all dogs, especially for dogs with an already inflamed pancreas!
2. Can raw dog food cause pancreatitis?
As discussed above, your dog needs to come off the carbs and eat a fresh diet; I highly recommend this diet. However, not all raw dog food is created equally. Higher fat content in some cheaper pre mades may be an issue.
Also, it is essential to be aware of any intolerances your dog may have to certain proteins. This can cause inflammation which will put the pancreas under pressure. Remain vigilant with your dog and any sign of itching, soft stools, vomiting, diarrhoea etc; an elimination diet may be needed here.
3. Will my dog recover from pancreatitis?
Yes, they absolutely can and do, providing you take evasive action now. Our experience shows that the gross amount of pancreatitis dogs and cats are mysteriously suffering today is entirely localised in the dry-fed community.
The issue evaporates once fed an appropriate fresh diet, and all chemical products are eliminated. Enzyme readings return to normal after a few months. The pancreas is expected to recover, and clients have these dogs back eating all the usual foods a normal healthy dog will. So hang in there; you’re giving them the best fighting chance.
More reading:
https://www.bellaandduke.com/learn/dog-health/pancreatitis-in-dogs/
https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/manage-pancreatitis-in-dogs/
This Recipe is based on the original recipe by Dr Doug English an Aussie Veterinary Surgeon
Please note that some turmeric suppliers have begun to sell "raw" turmeric powder. You'll know it's raw if you see that wording on the packaging or their advertising. If the brand you buy is advertised as raw, you will need to extend the cooking time to at least 30 minutes(not the 7-10 minutes mentioned in the recipe). In the past, turmeric has always been cooked in the process of converting it to a powder. Some vendors are now skipping that step in order to appeal to "raw food" practitioners. This is still fine to use, but it does require the longer cooking time to provide sufficient digestibility. Raw turmeric is poorly digested, so little of the active components are available for absorption before it's excreted.
INGREDIENTS:
• 1/2 cup (125 ml / 60g) turmeric powder
• 1 cup water (250 ml) plus extra water in reserve, if needed
• 1/3 cup (70 ml) coconut oil (use raw, unrefined, cold-pressed)
• OR linseed oil (flaxseed)
• OR olive oil (use virgin / extra virgin)
• 2 - 3 teaspoons freshly cracked (ground) black pepper
Note: the amount of pepper has been increased since May 2016, on Doug English’s recommendations and review of greater success in a large number of cases using the extra pepper. Reduce pepper if you cannot tolerate it. The absorption of turmeric will still be improved by cooking it and adding oil, but it will be less effective without the pepper.
Cracked pepper and ground pepper refer to the same thing. How finely it's ground is up to the user. If you like to have crunchy bits of pepper in your golden paste, then grind it less finely. If you don't (and that's probably most of us), grind it more finely.
You have probably heard of bone broth and its benefits, and you might have even purchased it for your dog.
Alexanders Natural make it near to us and there are now a number of suppliers in the UK. Making your own gives you control over the ingredients that you use, which is particularly important if your dog has any food sensitivities or allergies.
Bone broth also provides several essential nutrients, making it yourself can save you money, and it’s easy to make!
To read more about its uses see elsewhere on the website.
Bone broth has several health benefits for dogs, as it contains collagen, gelatine, minerals, and plenty of protein. It can provide dogs with extra hydration and enhance their appetite. It can also boost their immune system and decrease inflammation.
It’s known to improve gut health and is beneficial for dogs with leaky gut syndrome. It can even detox the liver, provide joint support, and be good for the skin and coat.
Ingredients:
Bones: You’ll need bones, of course. It’s up to you what kind of bones you want to use. If your dog is a big fan of beef, opt for beef bones. You can also throw in a mixture of bones, such as chicken feet, pig’s feet, and beef marrow bones. It’s a good idea to include bones with joints.
Water and (apple*) cider vinegar: To create the broth, you’ll need to cover the bones in water and add a small amount of vinegar with apple cider vinegar being the best option. The vinegar helps extract healthy minerals from the bones and collagen from the connective tissues. (* You could use wine or pear)
Vegetables: Like with the bones, you can add any dog-safe vegetables that you want. Carrots and celery are great options.
Herbs: You can add culinary herbs such as sage, rosemary but use late in the cooking process.
Equipment
You’ll need to have the right cooking equipment before you start. One of the best ways to make bone broth is in a slow cooker because it has a long cooking time. But you can also use a stock pot or instant pot.
That said, this recipe is geared for a slow cooker, which you might want to consider purchasing if you don’t have one, especially if this won’t be the only bone broth that you make. Making a good bone broth might take 24 hours, so leaving a slow cooker turned on overnight is the safer option.
Once the broth has chilled, take it out, skim off the fat layer, and discard. You’ll know that you’ve done a great job if you’re left with a jelly-like substance like that shown below.
You can store the broth in the pot that you cooked it in or in a container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
You can also put it in an airtight container and keep it in the freezer for 3 months, Freeze in single meal portions.
If your dog hasn’t had bone broth before, start them out with a small amount. It is rich in collagen, which can lead to loose stools until they get used to it.
Start with just 1 or 2 tablespoons on their food, and then work up to 2 tablespoons for every 5 kilograms body weight.
When appetite is lost or after diarrhoea it is an ideal first food for dogs and cats as well
If he suffering from Leaky gut - search the site - chronic recurring diarrhoea perhaps an itchy skin; try some broth (I would also use Cessorex and Adoptrex herbs)
How can you use it other than sickness
You can freeze it in ice cube trays for hot summer days. Give your dog refrigerated jelly broth by the spoonful.
Warm up the broth, and serve it over your dog’s regular food.
Give your dog a small bowl of bone broth.
If your dog isn’t a big water drinker, add a small dash to their water bowl.
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