Carnivore Corner

Enzymes are biological molecules responsible for thousands of chemical processes in nature that sustain and support life. Most enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts for thousands of metabolic reactions in the mammalian body. They play a major role in the digestion and absorption of food. Complex starches and proteins are broken down into smaller molecules that can be digested in the intestines. Several enzymes can form metabolic pathways, each enzyme working in a specific order to complete vital cellular processes. Enzymes help maintain the homeostasis of the body and if there is a mutation, change, or termination in production, the disease can occur. It is important to provide your pet with live enzymes every day for a body that functions at its best.

All raw foods contain a unique set of enzymes. Heating food denatures live enzymes, destroying vital “keys” that “unlock” nutrients and make them available within cells. It is important to understand how enzymes are utilized within the body to see how important they are in maintaining health. Every organ, every tissue, and all the trillions of cells in the body depend upon the reactions of enzymes and their energy factors. Nutrition cannot be explained without describing the part that enzymes play. Unfortunately, live enzymes are not considered essential when it comes to the manufacturing of processed foods. As more research becomes available, it becomes clear that enzymes cannot be excluded from a healthy diet. A species-specific approach to feeding will naturally provide animals with the correct enzymes for the healthy function of all cells in the body.

The senior years of your pet’s life are some of the best, give your senior the treatment that they deserve! Whether you’re switching your pet from commercial foods, or your pet is getting older and has always been on raw, there are things you should know when caring for your aging family member. As your pet grows older, his/her diet may need to be adjusted. Age, in part, is the product of oxidization on a cellular level. A raw diet contains high levels of antioxidants which help to slow the oxidation process and the process of aging. Below, the dietary possibilities for senior pets are discussed.

Switching a Senior to Raw

Dogs and cats that are beginning to show their age (eg. decreased energy, arthritis or stiffness in the joints, hearing/vision loss, etc.) can greatly benefit from a natural diet. The process of oxidation can cause a plethora of issues in old age and while it can’t be avoided, it can be slowed so that your pet can age gracefully and comfortably. Many pet owners report a noticeable increase in energy after switching their older pet to raw and a reduction in symptoms of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions associated with old age.

All of the below nutrients are found in a balanced raw food diet. Biologically appropriate sources for each are listed. Ask us for help on building a balanced diet for your pet.

Amino Acids

Amino acids are organic compounds that combine to form proteins. They are essential for several biological processes including growth, repairing body tissues, neurotransmitter transport, and biosynthesis. There are 10 essential amino acids that dogs cannot produce on their own and therefore must obtain from the diet and there are 11 for cats. For dogs, the essential amino acids are; Arginine, Methionine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Isoleucine, Threonine, Leucine, Tryptophan, Lysine, and Valine. For cats, the list is the same except for one addition: Taurine.

Sources:

Arginine: Elk, beef, buffalo, ostrich, kangaroo, venison meat, spinach

Methionine: Pheasant, turkey, quail, beef, elk, ostrich

Histidine: Venison, beef

Phenylalanine: Quail, beef, turkey

Isoleucine: Pheasant, beef, chicken, turkey

Threonine: Beef, pheasant, quail, turkey, venison, elk, chicken, rabbit, buffalo

Leucine: Beef, pheasant, turkey, quail, elk, chicken, buffalo

Tryptophan: Elk, pheasant, turkey, quail, rabbit, buffalo, chicken, spinach

Lysine: Beef, turkey, pheasant, elk, chicken, venison, rabbit, buffalo

Valine: Beef, pheasant, turkey, quail, duck, lamb

Taurine: Heart, liver, all muscle meat

Infant carnivores and expecting mothers have special dietary needs that can be addressed easily with a raw pet food diet. The raw diet is so nutritious that pregnant/lactating mothers and growing animals don’t need excessive supplementation. Certain foods can be added to provide extra nutrients needed during these times.

Expecting mothers will need smaller meals as their bellies become full of babies. Her stomach will not have as much space to expand so feeding 3-4 small meals per day is more appropriate than one or two larger ones. Pregnant dogs and cats will also need extra folic acid and vitamins to help their babies grow. Giving foods that naturally contain these nutrients will ensure your pet is absorbing them and staying healthy during this demanding life process. The liver is the most natural source of folic acid for carnivores as well as dark leafy green vegetables. The mother’s body will also need extra essential fatty acids, best given in the form of cold-pressed salmon, mackerel, or sardine oil. Contact us or your vet to find out how much oil is appropriate for your dog or cat’s weight and health status.

Diet plays a major role in the health and wellness of domestic animals. It is the cornerstone of health and its effects on the cells of the body over a lifetime are significant. Improper nutrition can deplete the body and cause dysfunction in many forms. Systemic dehydration is a leading issue with animals that are fed commercial diets and can lead to diseases in all organ systems. Below the most common health problems associated with domestic carnivores are discussed.

We can help! Once your pet has been examined by a veterinarian, we can suggest the best course for feeding your pet. Nutritional supplements can also be useful and, in some cases, conventional measures too.