Affordable Raw Nutrition for the Canine Athlete and Show Dog
From Miller's Anatomy Of The Dog, 2nd Edition, W. B. Saunders Co., page 112: "Bone is about one third organic and two thirds inorganic material. The inorganic matrix of bone has a microcrystalline structure composed principally of calcium phosphate."
Bone, then, is composed mainly (two-thirds) of calcium phosphate. The calcium and phosphorus ratios and total amounts in the diet are very important factors, especially in rapidly growing, large breeds. The results of ongoing research clearly document that the unique nutritional needs of the large breed puppy are best provided by a diet matrix containing a minimum of 26% protein (high quality, animal-based source), a minimum of 14% fat, and 0.8% Calcium and 0.67% Phosphorus. Also the ideal amount of calcium in the food is 1.0 to 1.8 percent of the dry weight of that food. Low quality dog foods often contain 2 and even 3 percent of the dry weight as calcium. This is due to the large amount of ground bone in the meat, poultry or fish meal. Diets with high amounts of "meat and bone meal" may surpass the optimal percentage of Calcium.
Excerpt from an article by Dr. T.J. Dunn Jr. DVM : When early man found out that the canine, if captured very early in life, could be trained to do man's bidding, the destiny of the canine was changed forever. Humans found ways to breed the canine companions for specific jobs, such as hauling, hunting or retrieving. And coat color became important when "modern" humans got interested in status symbols and prized possessions. Body size and shape became important because the humans who were hunting prey needed specific types of canines to assist in the hunt. One type of canine would be better suited to chase down elk and another body type would be best at digging rodents from their earthen dens. That's why, in the world of dogs, we have today all sorts of body types and sizes.
What didn't change, though, through all those centuries of breeding for specific body and coat types was the internal configuration and function of organ systems. The general pattern of teeth, stomach, intestines, kidneys, liver, heart and other mammalian organs stayed the same. If you were to take a look at the internal organs of a Saint Bernard, a wolf, or a Chihuahua you'd see that they are arranged, shaped, and function in identical ways! With such differences in body size, color and shape it doesn't seem possible that they originated from a common ancestor and share the same internal anatomical and biochemical machinery.
Modern man has modified a number of characteristics of the canine. But there's one thing man has not altered... the basic nutrient requirements of the dog. Dogs need today essentially the same nutrients that their predecessors required eons ago. That is precisely why there has been so much notice given to the practice of feeding dogs (and cats, too!) raw meat and other unprocessed foods. There is ample proof that today's pet dogs and cats DO NOT thrive on cheap, packaged, corn-based pet foods. Dogs and cats are primarily meat eaters; to fill them up with grain-based processed dry foods that barely meet minimum daily nutrient requirements has proven to be a mistake. And the fact that some pet foods have artificial colors and flavors added simply reveals the trickery needed to coax dogs and cats into consuming such material.
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Excerpt from txbeef.org article on nutritional values of beef: Beef is a power pack of nutrients. A 3 oz. serving of beef is an excellent source of protein, zinc, vitamin B12, selenium and phosphorus and a good source of niacin, vitamin B6, iron and riboflavin. This is quite a nutritional bargain for the small calorie investment . Beef is the #1 food source of protein, zinc and vitamin B12 according to a study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association (May 1998, Volume 98 Number 5) Beef supplies high-quality protein, complete with all nine essential amino acids. Beef is one of the most important dietary sources of iron. A 3 oz. serving of beef contains as much iron as 3 cups of raw spinach. Beef contains significant amounts of the B-complex vitamins, riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, B6 and B12.
Vets sound off on commercial dog foods:
"There are many reasons why the commercial pet foods have never been close to a dog's natural diet. Those reasons include the fact that they are based on grain, and that they are cooked." -- Dr. Ian Billinghurst, B.V.Sc.(Hons), BSc.Agr., Dip.Ed.
"Science Diet & Hill's dog & cat food products are not good diets. They use chemical preservatives that have been shown to cause problems in some animals & they use by-products, which are words on the ingredient label that need to be avoided at all costs. -- Dr. Charles E Loops,
"Healthy cats & dogs can eat just about any meat & survive, if not thrive. Their stomachs contain high concentrations of hydrochloric acid & digestive juices & their digestive tracts host an abundance of beneficial bacteria, making it difficult for harmful bacteria to survive." -- CJ Puotinen, The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care
From the British Journal of Small Animal Practice:"A growing number of vets state that processed pet food is the main cause of illness and premature death in the modern dog and cat. In December 1995, the British Journal of Small Animal Practice published a paper contending that processed pet food suppresses the immune system and leads to liver, kidney, heart and other diseases. This research, initially conducted by Dr Tom Lonsdale, was researched further by the Australian Veterinary Association and proven to be correct." -- Canine Health Concern
"Despite our domestication of the canine and feline and the fact that a Chihuahua may not look much like a wolf, the truth is that we haven't changed their gastrointestinal systems. Cats and dogs are carnivores, designed to eat meat, bones and the intestinal contents of their prey." -- Dr Susan Krakauer DVM
"Dogs should eat raw food - raw meat and bones, vegetables and fruit. If they were meant to eat processed, sterilized food, they would have evolved with tin openers instead of dew claws." -- Nick Thompson BSc.(Hons), BVM&S, VetMFHom, MRCVS.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Raw meaty bones promote health." -- Dr. Tom Lonsdale, DVM
"Dingoes and feral cats keep themselves healthy by eating whole carcasses. The closer you come to this ideal for pet dogs and cats the better." -- Dr. Tom Lonsdale, B.Vet.Med.
"Dogs and cats need raw meat to be really healthy and even the best processed foods cook their good ingredients, & most commercially available foods, even the expensive ones, use the cheapest ingredients (that means dead, diseased and decaying meat & by-products)." -- Christina Chambreau, DVM
"Salmonella has even been found in samples of commercial pet foods & treats. Bacteria is not a problem for a pet with a strong immune system, & a strong immune system is encouraged by eating species-appropriate raw food." -- Kymythy Schultze, CCN, AHINatural Nutrition for Dogs & Cats, The Ultimate Diet, pg. 15.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided here is not intended to replace or override the advice of your veterinarian. ..........NUFF SAID!!!!!!
