If my dogs eats raw meat, it will make him thirsty for blood and killing?
• Myth. Now that is an urban legend.
Dogs can’t eat garlic?
• Myth. Dogs can eat garlic in healthy quantities.
• Garlic is natures antibiotic. Anti-fungal. Anti-viral. Garlic (in higher doses) can be toxic (it is related to the onion family) but it works in the pets digestive system the same way it does in humans, beneficially. An anti-oxidant supporting the immune and cardiovascular systems. Dogs seek out wild garlic in nature.
• Garlic is not suggested for cats and can be toxic as they do not have the enzymes to break down the garlic.
Grains are a common product in pet food, so it’s good right?
• Myth and Truth. Grains are difficult for some breeds to digest. Although some breeds can assimilate grains very well. Dogs don’t require the high carbs found in grains. Although grains can contain protein, it’s low quality, then grains requires cooking thus degrading nutrients even more. It’s not natural. You won’t see a dog grazing in a wheat field. Although, dogs are domesticated, and their human keepers have been feeding grains for a few generations. While dogs can absorb some grains, it provides little nutritional value.
Carbohydrates and starches are good for my pet right?
• Myth and Truth. Starch is a carbohydrate with several glucose units attached to it. Dogs obtain their carbs (energy) directly from fat and protein, not from carbs and starches that are then broken down into glucose. Although, some breeds can assimilate carbs and starches well. It’s important to note: Humans can ‘carb stack’, that is, fuel up on pasta for example before a huge race. Dogs cannot ‘carb stack.’ Dogs turn all carbs, from any source into energy, and do not store it for later energy. Different dog breeds require different amounts of carbs. Some breeds can assimilate carbs well, others can’t. Pet food manufactures don’t test on every breed. It’s important to know, one breed may assimilate a carb/starch more readily than another. If a breed is from Ireland for example, potatoes and flax are common dietary sources of carbs. A breed from China, may have been acclimated to rice.
• Common carbs and starches found in pet foods are: potatoes, sweet potatoes, rice, corn etc. A fact: Dogs don’t have the enzyme in their saliva to break down carbs and starches, thus forcing the pancreas to produce more of the enzyme to break down the carbs and starches.
Protein is the most important part of your dogs meal.
• True. Filled with good amino acids, protein is one of the most important ingredients on the dog food list. Although, some pets are becoming victims to part of the meat industry, consuming hormones, antibiotics and pesticides, just like their human counterparts.
I should supplement with Vitamin C?
• Unlike humans, a dogs liver manufacturers all the Vitamin C that it needs if he has a balanced diet.
I have to de-worm my dog regularly on a raw diet.
• Myth & Truth. Always consult with your Vet about de-worming. Garlic (a natural anti-biotic), removes excess mucus in the intestinal track (worms thrive in mucus), thus providing an un-friendly worm environment. Garlic combined with raw bones and brewers yeast is Natures natural way of de-worming. Consult with your Vet regarding de-worming.
All freeze-dried foods are raw.
• Myth. Freeze dried foods can be cooked as well.
Feeding raw meat and bones is dangerous.
• Myth & Truth. It is possible to choke on a bone. It is possible for a pet to break or chip a tooth. Supervise your pet while feeding. Never feed cooked bones as they can splinter and cause internal damage or even death.
An animal can overeat and become obese, just like humans.
• True. Obesity can result if an animal is overeating, because they are overcompensating and eating more because of a nutritional deficient diet. Have you ever seen an overweight wild animal that eats true to their environment?
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