Nutrition and your Pet

Dec 14, 2012 by lauren

Nutrition for your Pet

Here at THK I have focused on the health of ourselves, but what about the health of our pets? I have actually been receiving pleas for help in regards to animal health, so I think it’s time to delve into the world of pet nutrition. Yes, you heard me… pet nutrition.

In my previous job I had the pleasure working with some of the top holistic veterinarians in the country, and was able to pick up quite a few things that I wanted to share with you all today. You may be wondering what exactly a holistic veterinarian is… and I will tell you – a veterinarian that uses nutrition and alternative healing methods to treat their four legged patients, instead of the typical Western standard of care.

Just for a fun tidbit before we get into the nitty gritty, one of my FAVORITE stories I heard was from a doc that worked with organic dairy farmers. She started having the cows fed flax seeds, and as a result, they significantly (almost to the point of no existence) reduced their methane gas emissions! Talk about what an impact on global warming that is!

Reducing Methane Naturally

Anyways, back to the lesson

In this day and age animals are developing similar conditions to humans such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, eczema and seizures, and it is no surprise when we look at the quality of food. It is in the animal’s DNA to hunt and eat wild game, as well as to graze on plants such as grass for specific health needs. So why do we think that it is normal to feed them synthetically created “dog food” with names such as “kibbles and bits,” which contain soy, preservatives, corn syrup, colors etc.? Do we think just because these animals are now domesticated they no longer need the same very basic fuel that they relied on since the beginning of creation?

This is a very serious question that we are now just starting to address once our favorite friends are becoming sicker and sicker and turning up with problems like eczema, allergies and hair loss. Just like us humans, we need to readdress their diet and feed them what they really need to be healthy, and that is REAL food. Therefore, the following are some guidelines for feeding and supplementing your animal to ensure they express their healthiest form, or to allow them to recover from their current state of illness or disease.

Changing Diet, Changing Health

What to Feed Dogs and Cats

From the veterinarians I have worked with, they have said that the best diet is raw. This would include fresh food made from scratch, including raw eggs, meat, vegetables and bones (if available). A typical ratio per meal is 1/2 raw meat and/or raw eggs, and 1/2 vegetables (such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, green beans). In addition, feed your animals ONLY purified water.

I goal is to feed them 100% raw food, however, if a dog has consumed cooked food (such as commercial dog food) for a long period of time, the dog may have a weakened digestive tract and it may be wise to slowly transition the dog back to raw food (rather than jumping into a 100% raw diet). This could be started with lightly steamed vegetables instead of raw.

Avoid feeding the dog red meat as hamburger (which usually contains the worst meat scraps, including ground up diseased parts); use whole, unground meat (or ground yourself); avoid all cooked meat; use organic, grass-fed only. Use raw, organic eggs – avoid cooked eggs.

Avoid all “dog food” in cans or bags unless they are live-source, raw, hypoallergenic, organic brands. Conventional dog food is typically from low-grade, highly questionable meat byproducts and food sources with added coloring and toxic preservatives, not to mention synthetic nutrients that are difficult to assimilate. Especially be wary of food that contains “ethoxyquin,” a toxic preservative which can cause liver damage.

Image by Lawrence Manning

Sunlight Exposure

So we know how much we love to sunbath, but have you thought about your pup? Be sure that your dog or cat receives at least 1/2 hour of sunlight daily (preferably more). This is very important to their health, and should not be overlooked. In addition, they should spend at least some time over healthy ground (grass, sand, dirt) to receive the earth’s healthy Schumann frequencies. These frequencies provide negative ions that are necessary for discharging harmful positively charged materials in the body. Yep, they are JUST like us.

Sunlight!

Additional Nutrients for Optimal Health and Healing

Just like us, animals also need additional nutrition for optimal health. It is vital to increase their nutritive state if they are overcoming any sort of health problem or illness. Therefore, adding supplement powders and superfoods into their diet is often very important. By adding these much needed nutrients you will be able to improve the mood, coat, dental health and energy of your animal – results verified from the vets themselves *Remember only organic, raw, high quality brands should be used.

• Greens Mix Powder: 1 to 3 tsp/day (supplies broad-spectrum, live-source vitamins/minerals including trace minerals and every nutrient needed to sustain life). Make sure to use a high quality, raw brand.
• Colostrum Powder: 1 to 3 tsp/day (supports a healthy immune system, high energy and vitality)
• Flax Oil or Flax Seeds: 1 tbs/day (critical Omega 3 fatty acids needed for a healthy brain, kidneys and a shiny coat. In cows this has been shown to reduce the production of methane gas)
• Nutritional Yeast 1 to 3 tsp/day (the ultimate vitamin B complex, glutathione supplement needed for liver detoxification and almost every function. Has shown to reduce or eliminate the presence of fleas)
• Unheated, Raw Sea Salt: 1 tsp daily (unheated raw sea salt needed for natural HCL production. THE disinfectant that has shown to take care of parasitic infections and skin irritations)

Super Nutrition

Special Conditions

Now here are some fun nutrition tips that I picked up. These brilliant veterinarians utilized FOOD-Based Nutrition to deal with quite serious conditions with animals. In particular, I remember one who was working with horses, who witnessed literally miracles with her colts by using colostrum powder. In addition, she also typically used a product called OsteoVen by Premier Research Labs for their hooves – great success! So here is a bit of a compilation of products as a guide.

*Always consult with a holistic practitioner

Renal Failure: 

Cardio ND by Premier Research Labs: immune-specific support for the kidneys

RenaVen by Premier Research Labs: helps clear kidney waste and support kidney function

Parasitic Infection:

Unheated Sea Salt: 2 tsp in the food and water daily (increases HCL production – a natural disinfectant)

Broken Bones:

Colostrum Powder: supports the immune system

OsteoVen by Premier Research Labs: provides the key minerals and nutrients needed for the bone. In addition, contains anti-infective properties.

Diarrhea:

Colostrum Powder: 1 tbs daily mixed in Papaya juice

Using Nutrition to Heal

Heart Worm:

Cardio ND by Premier Research Labs: immune specific formula with garlic, cayenne, hawthorne, motherwort etc.

Unheated Sea Salt: 1-2 tsp daily. Increases HCL production, natural disinfectant.

Urinary Tract Infection:

Oregano Oil: broad-spectrum, anti-infective.

Head Trauma:

NeuroVen and CereVen by Premier Research Labs: nutrition specific to the neurological system.

Fleas:

Nutritional Yeast: Rich in B Vitamins, especially B1, which has shown to be a natural insect repellant.

Unheated Sea Salt

Skin Concerns:

Flax Oil: natural source of fatty acids

Unheated Sea Salt

Colostrum Powder: Increases the immune system, rich source of MSM, and contains immunoglobulins.

<3

Now let’s keep the conversation going by sharing your best holistic treatments for your favorite pets! Since not all animals are the same and I am personally not an expert, there is always room for suggestions and improvements. Is there a diet that you have found to work well or a great success story that we should all hear about? Write below!

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♥ Your best 2 legged friend,

THK

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