There have been some interesting developments in the area of dog and cat
nutrition in the mainstream
of research. Although not a surprise to
me, I am delighted to report that the findings are very compatible with my
personal recommendations. (The only difference is that the researchers probably
spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to figure out what I learned watching the
Discovery channel.) Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine's
Department of Oncology (cancer research) has found that high carbohydrate diets
are conducive to the growth of tumors and should be avoided in dogs and cats
with cancer. They recommend diets high in protein and fat. A major pet food
manufacturer has begun an advertising campaign for their new food for senior
dogs. Their contention is that older dogs do better with more protein than
previously thought. The higher protein level increases energy and vitality.
If one understands that by nature carnivores eat a high protein, low
carbohydrate diet, the results of these studies could have been easily
anticipated. Based on my understanding of carnivore nutrition, these have been
my recommendations for several years. The main difference being that I don't
wait until a pet produces a tumor or reaches a certain age to implement the
proper feeding program. I strongly believe that my dietary recommendations have
increased the quality and perhaps the quantity of life of many pets with cancer
(and many other conditions) as well as many older pets. Unfortunately the pet
food manufacturers will likely never succeed in producing a truly healthful
diet. The reasons for which I hope the rest of this article will make clear.
When I graduated from veterinary school, I thought I knew a lot about health
and disease. I was half right. I learned a great deal about disease. I was
taught pitifully little about health. Removing symptoms and restoring health are
not the same. Drugs and surgery eliminate symptoms yet they weaken the body
further, resulting in chronic conditions. As a result of such medical practices,
the health of our pets is getting worse. More chronic diseases ranging from
allergies to cancer afflict our beloved companions than ever before. The use of
processed pet foods plays a major role in this trend. By nature, dogs and cats
are designed to eat other animals such as birds, rabbits and squirrels. This
means that their natural diet consists primarily of animal tissues namely, meat,
organs, glands, bones and a small amount of vegetable matter found in the
intestinal tract of prey. In addition, all of these ingredients are only eaten
in the raw state. Raw foods contain enzymes that assist in digestion and
absorption of nutrients. It is only in the past few decades that dogs and cats
have been given cooked foods.
When raw foods are processed into pet foods, the molecular structure is
altered and enzymes are destroyed. These changes make them difficult to digest.
The result is stress on the digestive system, especially the pancreas. Stress on
the immune system occurs as a result of absorbing incompletely digested foods
which stimulate the body's defenses. Canned, dry and home cooked foods produce
these detrimental effects. The best quality nutrition for dogs and cats is all
raw foods, the way nature intended. The risks associated with feeding raw meat
e.g. salmonella are easily outweighed by the benefits. Healthy carnivores are
naturally able to deal with germs and parasites. Currently, there are thousands
of dogs and cats on raw foods around the world, yet I have not heard of one case
of salmonella as a result. The long term risk of chronic disease does not make
the use of processed foods worthwhile. I have used the following recipe in
virtually all of my patients over the past 2—3 years with impressive results.
This is approximately the amount of food needed to feed a pet weighing 15—30
lbs. Adjust the amount according to the size of your pet and his or her
individual needs. Generally, one meal daily is adequate if the pet is allowed to
eat its fill. I use the same formula for dogs, cats and ferrets.
Recipe
1/2 lbs. raw beef, chicken, lamb, turkey, venison, occasionally seafood or
eggs
1/4 tsp. powdered kelp or other sea vegetables
rounded 1/2 tsp. EggShellent Calcium
1/2 cup pureed raw veggie mix: carrots, zucchini, sprouts, broccoli, celery,
parsley, cucumber, beets, other green leaves
1/2 tsp. of spirulina, barley powder, wheat grass juice powder, bee pollen or
green food supplement such as PetiGreens
In addition to the above mandatory ingredients, there are three strongly
suggested supplements.
1. A high
potency digestive supplement containing digestive enzymes and digestive
bacteria
2. A supplement containing a variety of gland and organ concentrates
3. A liquid, ionic trace mineral supplement
Some pets need additional oil in their diet. If your pet does, try 1/2 — 1
teaspoon of high quality fish oil.
If stools are too firm with the above recipe, try adding one of the following
items: 1 teaspoon wheat bran, 1/2 teaspoon ground flax seed or ground psyllium
seed.
Leave meat in large chunks. Initially, you may need to use ground or diced
meat to help pet adjust. A piece of organic liver is advised 1—2 times per week.
If your pet is sensitive to diet changes, start with small amounts of raw foods
and increase slowly. Food may be made in batches and frozen. RAW bones
are important for healthy teeth (see dentistry
article). To introduce bones, allow your pet to have one for 10—15 minutes every
few days and observe digestive function. Increase access time as pet adapts.
Don't forget to always have fresh purified water available. If using
distilled or reverse osmosis water, add liquid ionic trace minerals. The
preceding recipe is not meant to replace consultation with a competent
professional. Raw food diets entail certain risks (but so do pet foods!!)
Holistic veterinarians seek to strengthen pets, enabling them to heal
themselves. The first step is almost too obvious: FEED PROPERLY! Pets
need a natural feeding program rich in raw foods and enzymes. NO pet food
is 100% complete. (Most aren't even close!!) Your pet deserves better! Your pet
will look and feel better and your vet bills will decrease significantly.
This recipe is for informational purposes. It is not intended to replace consulting with a professional. Raw food diets entail certain risks (so do processed pet foods!)
- Russell Swift, DVM, Classical Homeopath