>CANINE NUTRITION- WHAT A DOG REALLY WANTS TO EAT
>
> What Your Dog Really Likes...and Needs
>
>
>
>"Although the mind and the outward appearance of our modern dog has changed
>dramatically, the internal workings, including the entire digestive system,
>and the way the food is utilized for growth, maintenence, repair and
>reproduction, is fundamentally the same as it's wild ancestors."
>
>Dr. I. Billinghurst
>
>
> Many people hear conflicting advice regarding raw foods
>for dogs. Cooking destroys vitamins, particularily the B complex ones.
>Cooking destroys enzymes and anti-oxidants and results in proteins becoming
>indigestible. It causes the loss of amino acids. Cooked foods cause dental
>problems.
> Raw foods have their own set of myths. Some people feel
>that raw meat will make their dog aggressive. Others think they need to
cook
>the food to kill parasites or prevent their dog from getting dangerous
>bacteria. Some people just can't believe their best friend and buddy
>is...actually, a meat eating carnivore.. or is that ominvore? For a select
>group, the thought of handling raw ingredients is just too disgusting.
> For a dog to reach full, vital health, he must be fed a
>raw whole foods diet. Whole foods will provide maximum energy, a full
>spectrum of vitamins and minerals, essential fatty acids, life-giving
>enzymes high complex carbohydrates and proteins - the building blocks of
>life.
>
> VEGETABLES & FRUIT
>
> Plants capture sunlight energy and store it in the
>molecular structures of sugars, starches, proteins and fats. This stored
>energy, is the energy needed to live. When eating leaves, stems, flowers or
>roots of these plants, the sunlight energy stored within (chlorophyll) is
>released through oxidation into the dog's body providing the 'life energy'
>needed to live. Meat that is consumed is either made from plants
(herbivore)
>or from flesh made from plants (carnivore).
> In a natural state, dogs would instinctively search out
>plant foods needed to balance their diet. They would also receive vegetable
>matter from the stomach of game they caught. Vegetables and fruits are
>important for adding vitamins minerals and fiber. They must be fed raw, but
>not in chunks or whole, to be fully digested and utilized. Plant cells are
>surrounded by a cellulose covering that although the herbivore can digest,
>dogs cannot. For the plant matter to become nutritionally available, the
>contents of each cell has to be released from the cellulose wall
surrounding
>it. Cooking achieves this, but more than half the vitamin C present, as
well
>as B complex vitamins and enzymes are destroyed. Cooked vegetables fed as
>leftovers lose nutritional value through oxidation. Vegetables should
>resemble the inside of at least one of a cow's stomachs to really impress
>your dog's digestive system!
>
> To give your dog a variety of nutrients, combine several different types
>when preparing them.
>
>Vegetables - Asparagus, Beans (string), Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts,
>Carrots, Cabbage, Celery, Cauliflower, Dandelion greens, Fennel, Kale,
>Parsley, Parsnips, Pumpkin, Sweet Peppers, Pumpkin, Rutabaga, Seaweed,
>Spinach, Sprouts, Squash, Tomatoes, Turnip, Yams...
>Fruits - Apples, grapes, bluberries, bananas, melons, peaches, plums,
pairs,
>raisins, avacado.
>The over consumption of vegetables that are high in oxalates may interfere
>with calcium absorption and cruciferous vegetables with thyroid function.
>Onions contain antioxidant, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and anticancer
>properties, however, they are perhaps best not fed to dogs or only in
minute
>amounts.1
>This will not become a problem if you rotate what you feed. To properly
>prepare vegetables and fruit for your dog's diet they must be put through a
>food processor, grinder or juicer. Both the pulp and juice must be
>incorporated.
>
>DAIRY... GOATS, COWS AND CHICKENS
>
> Milk and milk products are not essential in a dog's
>diet, but can be used occasionally to provide some variety. Undomesticated
>dogs do not get milk once weaned and they would never milk a cow. But as
>long as a dog has no intolerances, dairy can form some interesting meals
>that they will enjoy. If milk is used, it should be raw (unpasterized)
where
>it would still contain it's own enzymes. Cow's milk contains about 3.5%
fats
>and goats milk about 4% fats. Goats milk is richer than cow's milk in short
>chain fatty acids, making it easier to digest than cow's milk.2 Milk from
>both cows and goats is low in essential fatty acids because of
>EFA-destroying bacteria in their stomachs. Milk may have the potential to
>cause diarrhea for some dogs, but many seem to be fine once adapted to it.
>The addition of eggs, canola oil and honey increases the protein and fat
>content which may counteract loose stools. It also makes it similar to the
>fat, protein and energy levels in the milk of a lactating bitch. Another
>dairy product to be recommended is yogurt. This probiotic contains the
>living 'friendly' bacteria found in the intestines. Use natural, organic if
>possible, without sugar or additives.
> Eggs are a whole food, and regarded as the 'perfect
>source of high quality protein'. The entire egg; raw, shell and all, should
>be included in the diet. Some people have been told not to feed the whites
>of the egg as they contain avidin which binds with the B vitamin biotin,
>causing a deficiency. This myth can be put to rest, as the yolks contain
>biotin which naturally balances the egg. Eggs contain sulphur and zinc
>(important for healthy skin), vitamin A and ....biotin. Whole eggs contain
>about 11% fat. The yolk contains 30% fats with the white being fat free.
The
>quality of an egg is only as good as what the chicken was fed so try to buy
>free-range, organic eggs when possible.
>
>MEATS, FATS AND OILS...
>
> "Between the fresh, raw foods the ancestors of our pets ate in the wild,
>and the canned, kibbled convenient foods we now feed them, there is a world
>of processing that creates an enormous nutritional gap. Neither pet foods
>nor pet food supplements bridge this gap completely".
>
>Udo Erasmus
>
> MEATS
>Proteins come from both plant and animal (high biologic) sources. The
>building blocks of protein are the amino acids. The dog needs 23, but can
>only make 13. Therefore 10 must be supplied in the diet. Complete proteins
>that contain these amino acids are found in organ and muscle meats. Meat
>supplies fat, protein, water, energy, vitamins and minerals. Dogs can live
>without it, but ideally, they should have it in the diet for optimum
health.
>Meat should always be fed raw as cooking it decreases protein digestibility
>and destroys essential fatty acids, amino acids and enzymes. Meat should
>never be fed exclusively as it could potentially cause calcium deficiencies
>and numerous other health problems. Growing puppies fed an all meat diet
can
>become deficient in calcium quickly.
> Common meats used to feed dogs include chicken, beef,
>turkey, rabbit, lamb and organ meats such as liver, heart or kidney.
Organic
>is preferable, but can be difficult and expensive to obtain. Try to
purchase
>the best quality human-grade meat possible. Beef muscle meat is popular,
and
>although it is an excellent source of quality protein, chicken and turkey
>are higher in essential fatty acids, lower in protein and can be fed raw
>including the bone.Lamb can also be fed on the bone, however, beef bones
are
>hard and are better for recreational chewing than eating. Fish so long as
>it is fresh can be used, but many are polluted with heavy metals. It has
>been suggested that raw salmon not be fed.The bulk of a biological diet
>should be formed with raw meaty bones, either whole or as a mince. Muscle
>meats, either ground or in chunks can be fed on occasion to provide
>nutritional variety.
> Organ meats should form part of the diet but not in
>large amounts. They are a good source of many essential nutrients including
>vitamins, particularily B, minerals, protein, essential fatty acids, and
>zinc, with liver boasting excceptional concentrations of vitamin A. Organ
>meats should always come from a fresh, reliable source as they store all
the
>toxins from the animal they came from. Organic would of course be the best
>choice.
>
>FATS & OILS
>
> The function of fats is important, supplying more than
twice
>the number of calories per gram than carbohydrates or proteins. Besides
>supplying energy and valuable nutrients, fats act as carriers for the fat
>soluable vitamins A, D, E, and K. Fats aid in the absorption of vitamin D
>and make calcium available to tissues, bones and teeth. Body fat provides a
>protective layer from injury and environmental temperatures. Fat tissues
>store energy reserves on which the dog's body can draw from between meals,
>during increased physical activity, sleep, pregnancy etc.. Diets high in
>healthy fats but also rich in minerals and vitamins reduce degeneration.
>Antioxidant vitamins C, E and B Complex along with carotene, sulphur,
>selenium, zinc and maganese are important for preventing fatty acids from
>oxidizing.
> There are three types of fats: triglycerides,
>phospholipids and sterols. Triglycerides are named as such, because they
>consist of three fatty acid molecules joined to a glycerol molecule.
>Phospholipids are a chemical arrangement of the elements phosphorus and
>oxygen (phosphate) and two fatty acids attached to glycerol, which make up
>less than 5% of the total fats found in foods and within a body system.They
>are major structural components of cells and intracellular membranes with
>lecithin as the most well known member of this class of fats. Sterols are
>the fats which pertain to cholesterol, vitamin D and testosterone.
> Triglycerides are the main types of body fat and make up
95%
>of the fats consumed. These are the fats in which energy is stored for
>future use and act as reserves for essential fatty acids. Fatty acids
differ
>in two ways: in chain length, pertaining to absorption and in saturation,
>referring to saturated (SaFAs) and unsaturated (UFAs). Polyunsaturated
fatty
>acids (PUFAs) are usually liquid and are found in sources including flax,
>safflower, sunflower, hemp, borage and sesame. Monounsaturates (MUFAs) are
>found in olive, almond, and peanut oils as well as coconut and palm kernel.
>Saturated fatty acids are those that are hard and come from animal sources
>such as beef, lamb, poultry, eggs, butter, milk and cheese.
> There are two 'essential fatty' acids. These fats must be
>obtained from foods as they cannot be made from the breakdown of other
>substances within a body.Their names are linoleic acid (LA) omega6 and
>alpha-linolenic acid (LNA) omega3. LA is the polyunsaturated fatty acid
>previously referred to in oils such as safflower and sunflower. LNA or
>superunsaturated, is found in hemp and flax oils. (An omega3 is referred to
>as 'superunsaturated' to distinguish it from the omega6 EFA) A third fatty
>acid called arachidonic acid, was thought to be essential, but it can be
>made from LA so it is considered an EFA derivative.Omega6 deficiencies
>include eczema-like skin eruptions, loss of hair, liver and kidney
>degeneration, behavioral disturbances, failure of wound healing, sterility
>in males, fetal absorption, arthritis conditions, and growth retardation.
>Omega3 deficiencies include weakness, impairment of vision and learning,
>motor inco-ordination, behavioral changes, dry skin, some immune
>dysfunctions and a low metabolic rate. It is essential that both omega3 and
>omega6 should be used in combination as a balance. Life and health depends
>on these fatty acids.
> When feeding a diet, which closely mimics that of nature,
it
>should be recognized that the fat and fatty acid content of domesticated
>meat is somewhat different than that of 'lean' wild animals. Beef contains
>between 18 and 41% saturated fats and lamb between 20 and 40%. Beef omega6
>EFAs at about 2% and lamb at 3%. On the otherhand, venison and moose
>contains 2-5% fat, with wild sheep containg 5% fat. Pork fat contains up to
>10% omega6 and a little omega3, but is undesirable because it's saturated
>fats run between 35 and 60%.Wild pigs are at approximately 3% fat. In
>contrast to beef, lamb and pork whose muscle meat is marbled with white
>fats1 throughout, poultry carry the bulk of their fats directly under the
>skin and contain 15 - 25% omega6 EFA's and a fat content of 14 - 17%. Young
>birds are leaner than older ones, but still higher in fat content than
their
>wild counterparts.
> Diets high in saturated and altered fats interfere with
>essential fatty acid function and health. Refined carbohydrates combined
>with saturated fatty acids can prevent absorption of vitamins and minerals
>necessary for fat digestion and metabolism. Fat and protein diets should
>contain 1/3 to 1/2 essential fatty acids or essential fatty acid
>derivatives. Both essential fatty acids are present in flax, hemp and fish
>oils. Beef, lamb and pork are poor sources.
>Studies to determine requirements for humans has not been carried out. It
is
>supposed that males require more than females.Omega3 levels can be
>determined by how the skin and coat feels. Skin should feel soft, smooth
and
>pliable. Skin that feels dry requires more EFA-rich oil. Coats should
appear
>glossy, luxuriant and full, depending on the breed. Cold weather climates
>may increase the requirement.
>The oils you feed your dog must be raw, fresh-pressed and kept
refrigerated.
>These oils cannot be heated. Heat turns EFAs into trans-fatty acids, which
>become dangerous to health.
>
>1White fats and oils are nutritonally equivalent to refined white sugars
and
>flours. They cannot be properly digested and metabolized, they reduce
>vitamin and mineral storage leading to deficiency of essential nutrients.
>SUGGESTED READING
>Fats that Heal: Fats that Kill
>Author Udo Erasmus
>Alive Books
>Since its first publication, Fats and Oils, Udo Erasmus has
>become an internationally recognized authority on the subject.
>
>NUTRIENTS
> Some knowledge of nutrients is of value for
>understanding good nutrition. Nutrients are present in the foods we feed
our
>dogs and contain chemical substances that function in one or more ways.
Some
>vitamins and minerals have special connections, but they are all
>interrelated either directly or indirectly. When adequate amounts are not
>obtained, there is a defieciency which may cause numerous ailments.
Although
>dogs as a species may need similar nutrients, individual requirements may
>differ. The following nutrients should be made available to your dog,
either
>through the food he eats and barring these being imperfect, through
>supplementation.
>
>VITAMINS
>
> Natural vitamins are organic food substances found only in
>living plants and animals. They are present in varying quantities in
>specific foods and are necessary for proper growth and maintenance of
>health and prevention of disease. With a few exceptions, the dog's body
>cannot make its own vitamins. They must be supplied by the food or by
>supplements, but eating whole foods cannot be stressed enough. There are
two
>types of vitamins. Water soluable includes vitamin C and B complex. These
>vitamins cannot be stored in the dog's body. Over feeding of water soluable
>vitamins does not cause toxicity as any excess is excreted. Fat soluable
>vitamins include vitamins A, D, E, A and K. These vitamins can be stored in
>the system and should not be given in excessive amounts. The exception to
>this would be vitamin E, where human studies have concluded that large
>amounts would cause a rise in cases of high blood pressure to those
>susceptible.
>
>B Complex
> The B complex vitamins are vital for energy production,
>the nervous system, development and maintenance of the immune system. Some
>function as antioxidants while others maintain healthy coat, skin and sweat
>glands. They are involved in and essential for all aspects of the system's
>functioning. It is supplied in organ meats, eggs, meat and vegetables. This
>vitamin may be of service to dogs that are under stress, have a poor
>appetite, are nervous, or that have been maintained on processed foods.
> A common source for B vitamins is Brewers Yeast. This
is
>a controversial supplement due to the low quality yeast used in many
>products. Allergic reactions, usually seen through overly itchy skin are
>common, especially to dogs that are prone to yeast sensitivities.
>
>Vitamin C
> Some experts will say that dogs don't need vitamin C as
>they are capable of synthesizing their own.This antioxidant is one of the
>best for overall good health and is an important addition to the diet.
Dog's
>can produce approximately 40 milligrams of vitamin C per day, providing
they
>are healthy. Signs of deficiency are impaired digestion, dry hair, poor
>lactation, skin disorders, painful joints, slow healing and fractures.
>Vitamin C maintains the collagen formation of muscles, tendons and
>ligaments; skin and bone. It acts against viruses and bacteria. Most
>importantly it stimulates the immune system to resist disease. Vitamin C is
>absorbed through the mucous membranes of the mouth, stomach and small
>intestine. The larger the dose, the less is absorbed. Therefore smaller,
>more frequent doses would be beneficial. The intestinal absorption of iron
>and calcium is increased by vitamin C.
>
>Vitamins A, D, E, & K
> The fat-soluable vitamin A is required by every part of
>the dog's body and every process in it. One of the richest natural sources
>is fish liver oil, which is classified as a food supplement. Eggs, meats,
>dark leafy green and yellow or orange vegetables are other excellent
>sources. It plays a role in reproduction, vision, the immune system,
>maintenance of the mucous membranes and normal functioning of the adrenal
>glands. Vitamin A prompts the secretion of gastric juices that are
necessary
>for proper digestion of proteins. Toxicity is possible, since the dog's
body
>stores vitamin A.
> Vitamin D, coined the sunshine vitamin, is important
for
>strong bones and the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. A fat-soluable
>nutrient, it can be acquired either by ingestion or by exposure to
sunlight.
>A unique aspect of this vitamin is that it functions much like a hormone as
>it targets organs such as the kidneys, intestines, the brain, pancreas,
skin
>and bones. Its particular job is to promote bone mineralization, however,
>excess vitamin D may lead to over calcification of the bones and soft
>tissue, such as heart, lungs and muscles. One of the best sources for
>vitamin A & D is cod liver oil which can be easily added to the dog's food.
> Vitamin E (tocopherol) is composed of a group of
>compounds called tocopherols. Seven forms exisit: alpha, beta, delta,
>epsilon, eta, gamma and zeta. Of these alpha is the most potent form and
has
>the greatest nutritional value. Vitamin E is an antioxidant and prevents
>saturated fatty acids and vitamin A from breaking down and combining with
>other substances that may become harmful in the body. Fats and oils are
less
>susceptible to rancidity than those devoid of
>vitamin E. It is of great importance in energy production, playing an
>essential role in cellular respiration of all muscles. Vitamin E prevents
>both the pituitary and adrenal hormones from oxidation and promotes proper
>functioning of linoleic acids and unsaturated fatty acids. Excessive
amounts
>are excreted in the urine.
> Vitamin K has appropriately been called the band-aid
>vitamin for its role in blood clotting. This vitamin, along with vitamin D,
>manufactures a protein that binds to mineral crystals that collect in the
>bones. It is also involved in a body process in which phosphate, when
>combined with glucose, is passed through the cell membranes and converted
>into glycogen, a form of fat that is stored in the body and necessary for
>energy needs. Vitamin K is needed for normal liver function. Some natural
>sources are kelp, alfalfa, green plants and vegetables, eggs, yogurt and
>molasses. Safflower, fish-liver and other polyunsaturated oils also contain
>vitamin K. Deficiencies usually result from inadequate absorption or the
>inability
>to utilize this vitamin in the liver.
>
>MINERALS
>
> Minerals are nutrients that exist in the body and food in organic and
>inorganic combinations. There are seventeen known minerals that are
>essential in nutrition. They are used in the bones, teeth, muscles, glands,
>body fluids and for correct functioning of the cells. Calcium, chlorine,
>phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, sodium, silicon and sulphur are known as
>macrominerals and are present in relatively high amounts. The other
minerals
>are termed trace minerals and are present only in the most minute
>quantities. Minerals co-exist with vitamins and their work is
inter-related.
>
>Calcium
> Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body with
>approximately 99% being deposited in the bones and teeth. The remaining 1%
>is responsible for the soft tissues, intracellular fluids and blood. To
>function properly, calcium must be accompanied by magnesium, phosphorus and
>the vitamins A, C, D, and research is now suggesting vitamin E. There are
>many types of calcium supplements available on the market. Bonemeal, the
>favorite in dog food recipes, contains absorbable calcium, but may be
>contaminated with lead. Calcium Chloride is irritating to the intestinal
>tract. Calcium phosphate interferes with the absorption of other nutrients
>when included with other supplements. Dolomite is not the easiest to
absorb.
>Calcium gluconates, lactates and citrates are absorbed well enough, but
they
>are lower in strength. One of the most effectively absorbed forms of
calcium
>is the chelated form. Studies show that when a mineral attaches to an amino
>acid during digestion, the amino acid carries the mineral across the
>intestinal wall and into the bloodstream. However, minerals that do not
>attach to the amino acids become bound to phytic acids (from grains), which
>prohibit their absorption. Amino acids are found naturally along the
>intestinal wall and act as receptors for minerals. The two elements are
>drawn together, and although a mineral may be in the right position, it may
>not become attached as similar minerals compete for the same amino acid
>carriers. If the minerals are being moved along with a mass of food, they
>may be carried out with no chance to attach. Calcium absorption is
>inefficient with only 20 to 30% ingested being absorbed. The best sources
of
>calcium are natural, organic food sources.
> The major function of calcium is to act together with
>phophorus. The calcium state of the bones is constantly fluctuating
>according to the diet and the needs of the dog's body. Calcium assists in
>the process of blood clotting and prevents accumulation of acids and alkali
>in blood. It affects hormone secretions, nerves, muscle growth and muscle
>contraction. It regulates the passage of nutrients in and out of the
>cellular walls. If concentrations of calcium are too high, hormones and
>vitamin D ensure that calcium is deposited and stored in the bones. When it
>is too low, the kidneys, slow secretions in the bones, which control the
>release of needed amounts and the intestine encourages absorption. Calcium
>stored in the bones supplies the blood and diet does not affect this.
>However, a chronic deficiency in the diet will diminish storage in the
bones
>after several years.
> When it is needed within the system, calcium is absorbed
>more effectively; therefore the greater the need and the smaller the
dietary
>supply, the more efficient the absorption. Phosphorus is needed with
calcium
>to give firmness to bones. If excessive amounts of either mineral is
>received, that excess cannot be used efficiently. In hyperparathyroidism,
>too much is taken from the bones. When excessive amounts of fat or protein
>combine with calcium, an insoluable compound is formed which cannot be
>absorbed. When oxalic acid found in spinach, beet greens, swiss chard, kale
>and rhubarb are combined with calcium, it makes another insoluable compound
>which may form into kidney stones. Feeding these foods as part of a variety
>should not cause this problem. Large amounts of phytic acid present in
>grains also inhibits absorption. Calcium needs acid for proper
assimilation.
>If acid is not present in some form in the system, the mineral is not
>disolved and cannot be used as needed. Instead it may build up in tissues
or
>joints as deposits, leading to a variety of problems.
> Calcium deficiencies are uncommon in dogs receiving a
>proper diet. Severe deficiency results in abnormal heartbeat, and
>convulsions, extreme cases in slow blood clotting or hemorrhage. Moderate
>cases may lead to muscle cramping, joint pains, weak nerves, skin problems.
>Too much calcium will decrease absorption of zinc and iron, and interfere
>with the nervous sytem and muscular functions. An excess in the blood
causes
>calcium rigor.
>
>Phosphorus
> Phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral and is
>found in every cell. The balance of calcium and phosphorus is needed for
>both these minerals to be effective. Phosphorus is important in the
>utilization of carbohydrates, fats, and protein for growth, maintenance and
>repair. It is also necessary for the production of energy. It stimulates
>muscle contractions including those of the heart. Unlike calcium, about 70%
>of the phosphorus ingested in foods is absorbed. Absorption depends on the
>presence of vitamin D and calcium. Excessive amounts of iron and magnesium
>can interfere with absorption by forming insoluable phosphates. If
>phosphorus content is high, calcium may not be absorbed. It would be
>extremely uncommon for a dog to become deficient in this mineral.
Phosphorus
>is regulated by the kidneys, which control urinary excretion.
>
>Magnesium
> Seventy percent of the magnesium supply is located in
>the bones, together with phophorus and calcium. The other 30% is found in
>soft tissues and body fluids. Magnesium promotes the absorption of other
>minerals. It aids during bone growth and is necessary for proper
functioning
>of muscles and nerves, including the heart. It is associated with
regulation
>of body temperature and is needed in the conversion of blood sugar into
>energy. Magnesium helps to utilize vitamins C, E and B complex. Evidence
>suggests that the balance between calcium and magnesium is especially
>important. If calcium intake is high, magnesium needs to be high also or a
>deficiency will result. The amounts of protein/phosphorus and vitamin D
also
>influence the magnesium requirement. Toxicity is minimal as the kidneys
have
>the ability to ecrete excesses.
>
>Potassium
> Potassium is necessary for normal growth. It stimulates
>the nerve impulses for muscle contraction and preserves proper alkalinity
of
>body fluids. It aids in keeping skin healthy and stimulates kidneys to
>elimate poisonous wastes. Poatassium and sodium must be in balance. If
there
>is an excess of sodium it will deplete the system's conversion of it's
>potassium supply. Excesses are excreted through urination. Deficiencies may
>cause nervous disorders, constipation, slow and irregular heart beat and
>muscle damage. Early symptoms include general weakness, bone fragility,
poor
>reflexes, and soft muscles.
>
>Sodium
> Sodium (salt) is an essential mineral found in
>extracellular fluids. About 50% of the dog's body fluids contain sodium and
>the remaining amount is found within bones. Together with potassium, sodium
>helps regulate water balance within the system and is also involved in
>muscle contraction and expansion. A natural diet will supply all that is
>needed.
>
>Sulphur
> Sulphur occurs widely in nature and is present in every
>cell of animals and plants. It is called nature's 'beauty mineral' as it
>keeps coats glossy and skin clean. Sulphur is found in the B vitamins,
>thiamin and biotin and perhaps this is why eggs are such good skin food.
>Sulphur disinfects the blood and resists bacteria. In the liver, sulphur
>stimulates bile production and detoxifies toxic substances including
>pollution and radiation. It is valuable in the treatment of arthritis.
>Sulphur is important in relation to protein, it is found in insulin, the
>hormone that regulates carbohydrate metabolism and plays a part in tissue
>respiration where oxygen and other substances build cells and release
>energy. Excesses are excreted in the urine and feces. Sulphur requirements
>are met when protein intake is adequate.
>
>Silicon
> This mineral is present in the tissues of the skin,
>fingernails, bones, lungs, trachea, lymph nodes, tendons and aorta. The
>lungs have the highest concentration. Proper levels are essential during
>growth. Silicon is presently not known to be an essential trace mineral for
>humans, but it has been shown to be in animals. Silicon works with calcium
>to make strong bones. It is needed for connective tissues such as tendons
>and cartilage; blood vessels, nails, skin and coat. It is non-toxic unless
>inhaled. A beneficial form of silicon is the herb horsetail.
>
>Chlorine
> Chlorine occurs mainly in compound form with sodium or
>potassium. Small amounts are found in the skin, gastric mucosa, muscle and
>nerve tissue, with slightly larger amounts in the bone and connective
>tissue. Chlorine regulates acids and alkalinity in the blood and maintains
>pressure that causes fluid to pass through cell membranes. It stimulates
>hydrochloric acid which is needed for digestion of protein and fiberous
>foods. It stimulates the liver to function as a filter, cleaning wastes out
>of the system. Chlorine is provided by salt and kelp. A deficiency can
cause
>loss of hair coat, tooth loss, poor muscle contraction, adrenal
>insufficiency and acidosis. In animal studies a deficiency resulted in
>growth retardation. All symptoms disappear if chlorine is replaced in the
>diet. Diets sufficient in sodium and potassium provide adequate chlorine.
>Trace elements are needed in very small amounts. Excess intake of these
>minerals can affect the absorption of another. The need for trace minerals
>has not been determined for dogs. If the diet ingredients come from quality
>sources, there should be enough in the food and no requirement for
additonal
>supplementation.
>
>OTHER NUTRITION ADDITIONS
>
>Kelp is one of the best natural sources of iodine. It is rich in B complex
>vitamins, vitamin D, E and K, calcium, magnesium and trace minerals. Kelp
is
>known to boost the immune system and kill bacteria.
>Molasses is a good source of minerals and vitamins especially the B
complex.
>It contains more calcium than milk, with one tablespoon containing 100
>milligrams of calcium, more iron than many eggs and more potassium than any
>food. It also contains vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper.
>Yogurt is milk that has been fermented by a mixture of bacteria and yeasts
>that form a custard-like product. It is necessary for the health of the
>intestine. It contains the B Complex vitamins, a reasonably high percentage
>of vitamins A and D; and protein. It aids digestion and controls the action
>of the intestine, stimulating the kidneys. The bacteria in yogurt is a
>natural antibiotic, as well as being beneficial in treating arthritis,
>constipation, diarrhea, kidney disorders and skin diseases.
>Apple Cider Vinegar is rich in pectins, vitamins, minerals (and trace
>minerals), and contains beneficial enzymes and bacteria. An old folk
remedy,
>it has been used for decades to restore and normalize acid levels
internally
>and externally, aid digestion, improve stamina and prevent muscle fatigue.
>Used externally it soothes itchy or infected skin and hot spots.
>Garlic is a member of the onion family. It is the world's oldest medicine,
>working as a powerful antibiotic against bacteria, parasites and viruses.
It
>contains many antioxidants and anti-cancer compounds.
>
>1The American Journal of Veterinary Research (1992) reported that
>onion-induced oxidation of canine red blood cells has caused severe
>reactions in some dogs, even those who consumed small portions of the
>vegetable.
>2 Fats That Heal: Fats That Kill - Short chain fatty acids make up less
than
>10% of the total fatty acids found in butter and milk fat. Short chain fats
>are easily digested and produce energy.
>
>Suggested Reading:
>Give Your Dog a Bone
>Author: Dr. I. Billinghurst
>Invaluable information for a more complete understanding of canine
nutrition