September 24, 2009
Many studies have shown the direct correlation between diet and academic performance in children to the point that no one questions that a good diet equates to improved grades. Though less scientific research has been done on the relationship between nutrition and dog training, there is ample anecdotal evidence that the relationship between eating and performance is no less true and what research that has been done is convincing enough that dog trainers and behaviorists should not ignore the connection.
An animal’s diet affects its ability to learn because its diet impacts the efficiency of its brain, especially the efficiency of the body’s neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are electric chemical secretions that transfer instructions from cell to cell. There are several different types of neurotransmitters and they each have a different effect on the behavior of the animal. The dog produces neurotransmitters with the help of important nutrition obtained through its normal diet. Dopamine and serotonin are two key neurotransmitters. Dopamine is used by the dog’s body to help coordinate motor skills, attention, reinforcement and reaction time and it has an impact on the brain’s mood area where “good feelings” originate. Serotonin helps regulate arousal levels and helps regulate moods and the sensation of pain.
If animals have a poor quality or inadequate diet, especially if they are malnourished, the body becomes stressed. Dogs can actually become undernourished even if it receives ample quantities of food if they are fed a low quality diet. Poor quality foods use Ingredients like corn and fillers which can decrease the level of serotonin in the brain because of low tryptophan and high tyrosine. The body needs tryptophan to help manufacture serotonin and dopamine while tyrosine inhibits the manufacture of serotonin. It is also important that an animal is fed a high quality and nutritionally complete diet to ensure all essential amino acids are available to the body. Amino acids influence synthesizing neurotransmitters. If neurotransmitters become imbalanced then the chemical balance in the brain is affected which in turn affects the animal’s mood, impulses, reactivity and impulse control.
Dog Trainers need to understand that if the neurotransmitters are transferring too much dopamine then an animal can become agitated, impulsive and over reactive. On the other hand, if dopamine levels are too low an animal can become under reactive. Likewise, too little serotonin can result in anxious behavior, obsessions and difficulty in learning and can also reduce an animal’s impulse control. Low impulse control can lead to frustration. When animals are frustrated they are less able to inhibit aggression. Studies show that reduced levels of serotonin can actually increase aggressive behavior.
So when training a dog, especially when consulting on a behavioral problem, always consider the whole dog, a holistic approach. Consider its diet, environment, general health and any other factors that may influence its behavior. And by ensuring that your client is fed a high quality food you can reduce that possibility that diet is working against you.
To learn more about pet food and the necessary quality of ingredients visit http://www.DogSmithPremiumPetfood.com and watch a short educational video.
Niki Tudge is the owner and founder of The DogSmith, America’s Dog Training, Dog Walking and Pet Care Franchise. You can reach Niki via email at NTudge@888dogsmith.com or through the company website http://www.888DogSmith.com
July 22, 2009
For those who watched their companion animals suffer more than two years ago, after the worst pet food recall in American history, the pain is still fresh. A resolution of sorts, however, is near at hand.
Two of the individuals central to the contamination that afflicted thousands of dogs and cats submitted guilty pleas to numerous misdemeanor charges and a single felony charge. The married co-owners, Stephen and Sally Miller of ChemNutra, were originally scheduled for sentencing on June 16th, but that was postponed and, as of the date of this newsletter’s submission for publication, has yet to be rescheduled.
The Miller’s were indicted for their actions of knowlingly distributing more than 800 tons of melamine-laced wheat gluten imported from China in more than a dozen shipments. The couple passed off these tainted goods as high-grade protein ingredients, selling it to several of the largest producers of canned pet food and ultimately resulting in the recall of over 150 different brands of pet food.
While the maximum sentence would be two years in prison without parole and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines, those who have wished for a punishment equal to the crime may be disappointed by the upcoming decision. Prosecutors handling the case have signalled their openness to leniency, recommending that the court impose a $25,000 fine against ChemNutra, $5,000 each against the Millers, and sentence the Miller’s to three years of probation each.
It is worth noting that ChemNutra is just one of the 20-plus companies required to contribute to a $24 million compensation fund, the outcome of a class-action lawsuit brought by families affected by the recall. How much ChemNutra paid into this fund is not a matter of public record, and may never be made known.
July 14, 2009
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July 12, 2009
Cat’s bellies being cut to see the effect of feeding them fiber, puppy kidneys were intentionally chemically damaged, parts of dog’s intestines removed to study the effect of fiber, cats forced into kidney failure to study the effects of protein. Do you know if the company you buy pet food from is still involved in cruel animal testing? A great read with references to the journal of Science and Journal of veterinary research is “Food Pets Die For” written by Ann. N Martin.
Thank goodness I made a choice four years ago to purchase pet foods from a company that does not engage in these kinds of practices.
Visit
http://www.dogsmithnutrition.com/
Learn more about holistic pet foods supported by scientific research and formulated by Dr Jane Bicks
Take the challenge and compare your cat or dog food to a premium food
July 11, 2009
The DogSmith Community Radio Station Hosts Dr Jane Bicks the formulator of Life’s Abundance Pet Food and Pet Care Products. Listen to the radio podcast recording and learn more about how these products are changing the lives of pets and their owners by offering affordable premium holistic foods, supplements, treats and grooming products. To learn more about these products visit www.dogsmithnutrition.com
Click here to listen to Dr Jane
http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=52317&cmd=tc
July 11, 2009
Corn & wheat are not good sources of carbohydrates for dogs & cats, not only do they frequently promote allergic responses but they are hard to digest. The mold that causes problems for animals has a direct affinity for corn & wheat. A premium holistic pet food will use alternate sources of carbohydrate such as whole potatoes and brown rice. Toxic molds do not tend to grow on these ingredients and they are easier on a pet’s digestive system.
Corn and grain are usually added to commercial pet food because they are a cheap ingredient and contribute to the total protein content even though they have little or no value to the animal. There is a big difference in getting adequate protein and optimum protein. If the protein source cannot be digested properly then the animal is not going to receive the correct level of nutrition and this will be reflected in the skin, coat and general demeanor of the animal.
When formulating a] dry pet food you must have some sort of carbohydrate to form the kibble. A good quality pet food uses just enough and a good quality carbohydrate to make a good kibble and no more. Dogs cannot digest grains adequately and cats being obligate carnivores have very few enzymes to digest carbohydrates.
Visit http://www.dogsmithnutrition.com
learn more about individual ingredients and how they contribute to the health of your pet
June 27, 2009
Many pet food companies say they do not put ethoxyquin in thier pet foods. What they fail to mention is that thier meat suppliers put it in the meat before they ship the meat to the pet food company. Ethoxyquin is highly toxic to animals
June 27, 2009
Understanding labels on pet food. Meat by products can contain all kinds of body parts including those infested with liver flukes. Meat-meal is protein sent to the pet food companies from rendering plants, plants that have picked up dead animals from all kinds of facilities. I would have to censor this to tell you which of our favorite animals also go to these rendering plants when they are deceased
June 27, 2009
BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are preservatives added to a wide variety of processed foods to keep them from going rancid or changing flavor, odor, and color, especially those foods containing oil or shortening. Though widely used by food manufacturers, despite the fact that safe alternatives are available, many research studies indicate BHA and BHT are carcinogens. The FDA considers these additives safe, but the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer considers BHA to be a possible carcinogen and it is listed as such by California State.
Studies dating back to 1974 have shown that BHA and BHT increase the risk of cancer, accumulate in body tissue, cause liver enlargement, and can retard the rate of DNA synthesis and cell development. The fact that BHA and BHT accumulate in body tissue is of special significance to the health of our pets since they tend to eat the same diet day after day. Dr. Janet Starr Hull believes that BHA and BHT are unnecessary additives to our food and should be avoided because they may cause cancer.
In addition to the physical health risks, many animal behaviorists, veterinarians and animal trainers believe there is a direct link between diet and dietary additives and behavioral problems (John Fisher 2003). Though no research studies have been done in this area there is significant anecdotal evidence that this is true in many cases. Writing for MSN Health & Fitness, Jean Weiss includes BHA & BHT as food additives to avoid.
There are several food manufacturers supported by nutritional experts that also believe that pet food should be free of BHA and BHT. As a pet parent it is worth taking a few minutes to educate yourself on what should be in, and what should not be in your pet food. That way you can purchase the most appropriate pet food for you four legged friend.
Bibliography
Fischer. J 2003 Think Dog Trafalgar Square Publishing Vermont
Starr Hull, Janet. “CSPI Reports Food Additives to Avoid: BHA & BHT” Sourced http://www.detoxprogram.net/ June 6th 2009.
Weiss, Janet, sourced http://health.msn.com/nutrition/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=100204508&imageindex=1 June 7th 2009
Visit http://www.nutritiouspetfood.com and watch the short video “Do you really know what’s in your pet’s food?” Then compare your current food to an alternative premium holistic pet food for dogs and cats. Your pets will thank you with a healthier, longer life.
June 27, 2009
Another press release on problems found in 8 commercial pet foods. The problem is nobody is testing the food batches. With Life’s Abundance each batch of food is tested by the product formulator, plus only humane grade ingredients are used and no by-products or meat meal.
If you are using commercial pet food you need to start looking at buying a product that is a premium holistic product, from a reputable company with no recall history.
