PROTEIN DEFICIENCY

One of our readers subscribed to an online book about canine nutrition and she sent us a section on protein deficiency.  As owner of a breed in which skin problems and spinning or tail chasing are not uncommon, she was concerned.

Barbara J. Andrews © TheDogPlace April 2009 - The report stated there are eight signs of protein deficiency which include:

Ø      Slow growth Ø      Weak or deformed bones Ø      Chronic skin and ear infections Ø      Epilepsy Ø      Cancer Ø      Spinning or tail chasing Ø      Aggression Ø      Timidity

I replied to her with the following:

Skin infections (the dog’s Achilles’ Heel when allergies and toxins are involved), epilepsy (a catch-all term for any form of seizures), spinning, and to some degree, behavioral changes, could be caused by protein deficiency but unless the dog were half starved, such symptoms are much more likely to be caused by the toxins, contaminants, and preservatives contained in commercial dog foods. 

It is most unlikely that any dog fed commercially processed dog food could suffer from protein deficiency.  Pet Food manufacturers strive to out-do each other as regards protein content labeling.  Even allowing for poor quality protein, a dog that eats commercially prepared dog food will not suffer from protein deficiency.

It should be noted that excessive protein levels can be detrimental to dogs with certain health conditions.  The key is probably what the book stresses, feeding natural, wholesome, complete protein.

Here’s what the book didn’t say.  Due to lack of regulation in the pet food industry, “meat meal” and “digest” may contain dogs, cats, and other domestic pets (Dog Eat Dog) rendered from veterinary pickups.  Such “meat” would include euthanasia drugs and an accumulation of chronic-treatment drugs such as cortisone.

Commercial foods may also contain antibiotics, hormones and growth stimulants administered to livestock and poultry, any one of which can cause the “protein deficiency” symptoms listed above.

No dog owner will forget the (2008 pet food recalls) due to (melamine contamination).   There have been other highly toxic substances similar to anti-freeze added to dog food in order to boost protein or other analysis levels.  Ingredients that any self-respecting, well fed dog would summarily reject (Corn Is For Cows) are routinely added to raise protein levels and bulk up the food.

As a student of nature and human health, I’ve revised our own canine nutritional program many times over the past 52 years because “times change” as does the manufacture of processed foods.  In the 80s, I was close friends with the President/CEO of a major dog food brand.  What I learned about the dog food industry was shocking and more shocking is that now in the age of the internet, much of it is common knowledge among breeders and yet the average owner still doesn’t know.

Much of this, by the way, applies to commercially available human food… My advice is:

Ø Feed a variety of steroid and hormone-free raw meat, i.e. poultry, beef, venison, sheep, and chicken to insure against protein deficiency.  Note: Never give cooked pork, fish, or chicken bones, or any other bones which when cooked, may splinter.

Ø Feed boneless cooked or bone-in canned fish, including herring and sardines which are mercury-safe and high in Omegas.  Whole-food, in this case fish, is always better than incomplete protein or something “made from” whole food such as fish oil.

Ø Feed boiled or scrambled eggs and occasional organic cottage cheese, buttermilk, and cheese (not “cheese product”).

Ø Feed cooked brown rice, oatmeal, and whole wheat noodles for bulk.

Ø Feed well-washed * (white vinegar) cooked fresh veggies, generous portions of broccoli, peas, green beans, carrots, etc.

Ø Feed fresh, peeled or well-washed fruit such as grapes, applies, and bananas but see below* 

Ø Feed occasional wheat-based baked kibble or biscuit **   Never feed “extruded” or corn-based pet food!

* See a list and information on which fruits and vegetables are most heavily sprayed with pesticides.

** See Breeder/Judge Sharon Newcomb's secret diet based on meat, kibble vs extruded pet foods.

And lastly, whether house dog or kennel dog, you must allow access to clean, untreated fresh grasses or use an inside planter designed for house cats.  Expand your IQ with Instant Information - ii Why Dogs Eat and Need Grass

http://www.thedogplace.org/Nutrition/Protein-09042_Andrews.asp

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