VitaHound » Dog Nutrition

Canine Nutrition

Staff — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 07:00:38 +0000

Biochemistry, molecular biology, cellular biology, and physiology are the
detailed sciences of animal structure, function, and growth. The complexity of researching nutrition at these levels is way to complicated for an individual to use in constructing a healthy diet for their dog. The information derived from the different sciences is best implemented by understanding the curative and preventative findings, then employing the use of the appropriate nutrients found to benefit a dog’s health and well being. Insufficient improvements in your dog’s health may be adequately addressed by simply substituting substances that are not working for other relevant nutrients. Physical vitality and the ability to maintain the highest level of health is exceedingly possible, but is somewhat of an art. VitaHound has constructed its site to be the most effectual approach for discovering what your dog requires for optimal health, allowing your pet to experience their natural peak physical vitality.

Organic Compounds Both Construct And Sustain Living Organism

_{There Are Four Categories:}

CARBOHYDRATES
Simplex
Complex

LIPIDS
Fatty Acyls
Glycerolipids
Glycerophospholipids
Sphingolipids
Sterol Lipids
Prenol LipidsSaccharolipids
Polyketides

PROTEINS (major types)
Antibodies
Contractile
Enzymes
Hormonal
Structural
Storage
Transport

NUCLEIC ACIDS
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
Ribonucleic Acid RNA

Carbohydrates – The principal nutrient derived from carbohydrates is glucose, the simple sugar (monosaccharide) or blood sugar that is metabolized by nearly all known organisms is derived from glucose. A majority of food categorized as carbohydrates contain glucose which possesses the substance polysaccharide. A dog’s digestive system is responsible for converting glucose so it can be utilized by the body, first it is processed in the small intestine where the polysaccharides are broken down into monosaccharides these molecules supply energy for various functions in the body. The liver is then responsible for further breaking down monosaccharides into glycogen which is stored by the body for later energy needs. The substance glucose is essential for energy, this energy is used by cells, tissue and organs to function properly. The means by which the body derives energy and synthesizes the other molecules it needs from the fats, carbohydrates and proteins (food) we feed our dogs, is the process of metabolism. It is imperative to include a quality supplement in your dog’s daily feeding that contains high quality nutrients that support a dog’s metabolism, the promotion of healthy nutrient assimilation is step one in bolstering your canines ability to prevent disease and improve the health of their various organ systems. A dog’s oral health is the second aspect of the canine digestive system that determines a dog’s lifelong level of health. Modern oral hygiene care for dogs reduces the conditions that lead to unhealthy teeth and gums and may cause chronic disease that afflict dogs in their senior years.

Lipids – fats (lipids) are highly digestible and the main source of stored energy for dogs. One gram of fat provides 2.4 times the energy of one gram of protein or carbohydrates. Fat is also essential for the proper absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K. Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are two groups of low-saturated fats that are known as essential fatty acids (EFA) and are crucial to maintaining a dog’s good health. Circulating fatty acids provide substrate for energy production, linoleic acid is a member of the omega-6 group and is considered to be the bodies primary metabolite. The other group of essential fatty acids is the omega-3 fatty acids, for example Alpha-linolenic acid. Fatty acids are the molecular building block of fats which effect the bodies inflammation control, GI support, and specific to dogs is healthy skin, coat and eyes. There are three omega-3 EFA’s dogs should have, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Dogs lack the ability to manufacture ALA and must get their required amount via their diets. ALA is vital to a dogs skin and coat health, tissue repair, immune system strength and reproduction function. Given the importance of a healthy coat and skin to a dogs vitality, it is essential that a dog supplements contain a ALA. A premium source of ALA is flax seed, additionally this substance is a high quality fiber.

Protiens – are composed of the elements carbon (C), oxygen (O), hydrogen (H), and nitrogen (n). They have a variety of uses in the body, including serving as a source of energy, as substrates (starter materials) for tissue growth and maintenance, and for certain biological functions, such as making structural proteins, transfer proteins, enzyme molecules, and hormone receptors. Proteins are also the major component in bone, muscle, and other tissues and fluids. Proteins are formed by the linking of different combinations of the twenty common amino acids found in food. Of these, ten are essential for the human in the synthesis of body proteins (eight are essential throughout a human’s life, whereas two become essential during periods of rapid growth, such as during infancy). Dog health originates at the cellular level, via metabolism and biochemical regulation of energy. These processes are the bases for life and involve catalytic proteins called enzymes.

Nucleic Acids – control cell repair and cell reproduction processes that are encoded within the structural make-up of nucleic acids. DNA strands are responsible for maintaining the cell’s genetic information, while RNA strands work to coordinate cell processes according to these genetic instructions. RNA molecules are also involved in manufacturing the proteins needed by the cell for normal function. In order to coordinate all of these processes, the RNA nucleic acids reside in the cytoplasm that surrounds the nucleus, while DNA strands are located in the nucleus of the cell. The ribosome is a complex particle that makes the thousands of proteins that are required for the structure and function of each living cell. Specifically, the ribosome translates the genetic code of nucleic acids known as messenger RNAs into chains of amino acids that make up proteins. The 30S ribosomal subunit recognizes messenger RNA and insures that the sequence of information in the RNA is correctly copied into a protein. The 50S subunit performs the chemical steps involved in linking together amino acids to form proteins. The 30S and 50S subunits work together to generate proteins in all living cells. Supplementing the diet with nutrients such as Bifidobacterium thermophilum which contain ribosome particles that are not destroyed in the intestinal tract but live and function as probiotics. The abundance of probiotic substances compete with pathogens in creating cells, this competition decreases the creation of cell that cause infections and viruses and increase antibody cells. This process is the bases of your dogs immune system.

Omega Fatty Acids

Staff — Sun, 09 May 2010 04:15:39 +0000

Fatty acids are specific types of polyunsaturated fats , these fats are identified as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). These lipids have an important role in the prevention and the therapy of different animal pathologies. PUFAs biological effects on a dog’s health are best understood by understanding the biochemistry aspects of the fats. As with many nutrients the name represents some of its molecular structure, hence the number in the name of the main fatty acids: omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 represent the location of the first double bond from the methyl group. The Omega -3 fatty acid most prominent fats are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapnetaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The most prominent Omega-6 fats are linoleic acid (LA), gamma linolenic acid (GLA), dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), and Arachidonic acid (AA). It is essential that omega-3 be combined with omega-6 fatty acids, the mixture of 4 parts omega-3 to 1 part omega-6 allows the nutrients to function in a healthy manner.

Healthy Diet for Dogs

Staff — Sat, 08 May 2010 08:07:55 +0000

A healthy diet for dogs is quite different than their owners. Man’s best friend has been domesticated roughly fifteen thousand years, their divergence from the wolf has altered the canine carnivore into a loveable omnivore, so the food sources of a dog can be similar to humans but the nutrients needed from those foods are still wolf like. Protein is still the most important organic compound to dogs, the major organ systems of canines rely heavily on the amino acids derived from the synthesis of protein. A healthy diet for dogs focuses on a dog’s requirement for constant muscle and tissue development. Dogs require no vitamin C along with similar nutrients derived from fruit; therefore fruits need to be left out of a dog’s diet. A healthy diet for dogs requires the knowledge of all the nutrients that fall between the imperative protein to the irrelevant vitamin C, owners can acquire this knowledge from forums such as VitaHound.com that are dedicated to the research of dog nutrition.

Water

Staff — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 05:53:53 +0000

Nutrition is a complex subject, so if there is a way to master sixty percent of the stuff your dog’s body requires to be healthy it would be great advantage. Ninety percent of a cell is composed of water while sixty percent of a dog’s body is water. Therefore it is vital your dog has unlimited access to water, a dogs ability to get a drink anytime they fill the urge is important, you do not want your dog obtaining habits that limit his drinking because of their restricted access to water. Water functions as a solvent (a substance that other substances dissolve in), as a lubricant, as a conduction system for transportation of vital nutrients and unnecessary waste, and as a mode of temperature regulation.

Ultimate Dog Nutrition Research

Staff — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 04:31:27 +0000

VitaHound is currently researching the most effective supplements used in aiding third world populations improve their health. The people in these countries suffer from malnutrition due to dreadfully poor options when it comes to their food sources, a majority of dogs diets face similar nutrient deficiencies, commercial dog food creates a similar situation for a dogs health as people in countries with poor food sources. Protein energy malnutrition (PEM) is the term used to describe over 500 million people. The best scientific research back by government size budgets have been developing solutions for the problem of malnutrition. VitaHound has utilized this research to aid its pursuit of the best nutritional supplements for hounds.
The physical indication of PEM are less dramatic with dogs due to the amount of food they consume, our hounds bodies are able to acquire the limited amounts or nutrients based on the volume even when the quality is seriously lacking of essential nutrition. While individual circumstances can play a roll in mal nutrition primary PEM needs the extreme conditions of the traditional 3rd world areas of the globe, in all other countries the type of PEM would be classified as Secondary PEM. Symptoms of secondary range from mild to severe, and can alter the form or function of almost every organ in the body. The malnutrition leads to chronic disease that remain inactive, many dogs will not receive veterinary care until an acute illness presents itself, by then a lot of the damage is irreversible. Indications of PEM are anemia, leucopenia, lowers resistance to infection.

Wolves

Staff — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 23:32:40 +0000

Wolves are the largest memeber of the dog family. These guys are Ferocious predators of animals such as elk and deer. Their appetite for meat is legendary. Wolves are believed to be the ancestors of all domestic dogs, so how do you think you hounds diet compares to his very close cousin.

Taurine Supplements are Usually Required in Present Day Dog Diets.

Staff — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:14:07 +0000

As our society was moving from the farms and rural America to cities and their suburban neighborhoods the food industry became more mechanized and high volume packaged off-the-supermarket-shelf orientated. At the same time the American dog became more of a household pet than its predatory meat eating predecessors. We started to treat our dogs as part of the family. Anything including diet that was good or convenient for humans was good enough for good old Rover.

The commercial dog food manufactures in the great American capitalistic way took full advantage of this environment. They quickly transitioned from meat based canned dog food to higher profitable high volume dry processed food. Instead of containing higher cost real meat they started using meat “by-products” and grain fillers such as corn and wheat glutens and soy protein. These ingredients virtually eliminated many critical dog nutrients including the amino acid taurine.

They were able to do this with taurine because it is classified as a “non-essential” amino acid. This means that it does not have to be obtained directly through the dogs diet, the dog (as in humans) can internally manufacture the substance. Taurine can be synthesized by dogs from cysteine in the liver and from methionine elsewhere in the body. There must be, however, sufficient quantities of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) present in the body. Recently however clinical research has shown that very few dogs cannot synthesize the taurine or at least produce enough to satisfy basic dog nutrition needs. Breeds shown to be especially at high risk of deficient taurine levels with fed a low meat diet are cocker spaniels, golden retrievers and newfoundlands. Overall coincidentally diseases such as liver disease, epilepsy, diabetes, and heart disease have increased dramatically in the domesticated dog.

Some basic facts about the benefits of taurine are:

It is one of the most plentiful amino acids in the body and thus provides many benefits. Potassium is an important mineral needed by the body for balancing acids, nerve impulse transmission, and enzymatic reactions. Taurine helps the cells to hold onto the needed potassium. Managing this in the tissues of the heart along with helping to control the heart beat makes it one of the most important amino acids in the heart.

It is also involved in the control of the release of neurotransmitters in the brain. This is believed to help prevent epileptic seizures. By helping to control cholesterol in the bile it is very effective in averting gall stones. Also being very high in white blood cells it promotes a proper immune system.

A serious problem with dogs and taurine deficiency is the fact that there is no way of telling if your dog is actually deficient or not. The only guaranteed way is to have a biopsy of the heart tissue. This is expensive and most veterinarians do not recommend it. They might suggest blood tests but they are inconclusive without really telling you the level of taurine in the actual cells and tissues.

Dosages range from 200mg to 2000mg per day best taken 2 to 3 times a days.

Taurine is found naturally in milk, meat, fish, eggs, and sea vegetables such as kelp and seaweed. As for meat (not meat meal or by-products) chicken is best with beef pretty good second and lamb a distance third. Overall in a supplement kelp is probably the best “bang for your buck” since it contains all 21 amino acids and is also rich in minerals and many vitamins. Adding the needed taurine to your dogs diet is reasonably safe with a natural supplement.

Synthetic taurine is produced in large quantities and is supplied equality to the pharmaceutical market and the pet food/supplement market. Make sure you follow the recommend dosage. As always you should consult your veterinarian for your particular dog.

The research staff at Vitahound recommends a natural supplement over the synthetic products.

As mentioned in a previous post taurine has become increasing popular in energy drinks sometimes containing as much as 1000mg per drink. Studies are mixed on its use in this manner with some countries banning its use.

Dog Nutrition Products

Staff — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 08:04:54 +0000

VitaHound has researched a variety of its sources to determine how long owners should expect their dogs to live. VitaHound recently commissioned a professional research team specializing in dog and cat research. Heading up our project was a 30 year expert in animal surgery and dog trainer obedience. The numbers for expected life spans are determined by the breed. Very large dogs are expected to live 9-12 years, medium size such as labs 12-14, and smaller dogs such as terriers 14-16 years. Our research has found dog nutrition products will dramatically improve a dogs health, but improving the life span of a dog has more to do with the level of activity during a dog’s life. The ability of a dog to remain active is dependant on the avoidance of wearing out of joints/bone disease, cancer, tumors, heart disease, diabetes etc. VitaHound believes owners who are truly interested in their dogs nutrition should first focus on the dogs digestive system. Dog supplements provide the probiotics a dog’s digestive system needs to be healthy, bestowing the vitality a dog needs to remain active as they age. This activity in later years will lend a hand in extending you hounds life beyond the norm. Dog nutrition products such as supplements will endow your much loved hound a healthy full life.

Dog health care still relies on anecdotal claims; natural dog food has never been in a position to provide the research necessary to establish standards about proper dog diets. Individual nutrients do have enough research to validate measurable benefits to a dog’s health. Dog nutrition products make dog health care a reality for owners seeking a healthy life for their dog. VitaHound is an enthusiastic forum for the devoted dog owner, so please visit often, we know you will value this organization.

Dogs Eating Grass

Staff — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 06:02:12 +0000

A common explanation for dogs eating grass is they do it to relieve digestive problems, there is no data to support this. In fact it seems they may eat grass because they like the tast.