Post by sherazad on Mar 24, 2013 7:37:36 GMT -5
Date: Sat, 23 Mar 2013 22:09:26 +0100
From: Cynthia and Ed <cynicked@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: high protein food
In response to Eyke's query about a high protein diet we have a differing viewpoint on the levels of protein vs carbohydrate related to health & nutrition.
We feed our Deerhounds a combination of raw/cooked food with a higher proportion of raw food, in the forms of meat protein and vegetables (greens and some fruit, garlic). Our dogs are fed what many would consider a high protein diet as the main component of their daily food intake is meat in the forms of chicken (backs, frames and ground), beef, lamb, fish (sardines, salmon, mackerel, etc) and organ meats. They also receive probiotics which we feel is an essential mainstay for all dogs (we believe that a healthy digestive track is key to superior health); this is done primarily through homemade kefir and yogurt (calcium, phosphorus and protein). We offer soluble carbohydrates (i.e. rice, oats or barley flakes) and/or high quality grain free kibble occasionally (one to two times per week).
It is also well documented that protein should be the primary component of a dog's diet.
"Dogs need protein to thrive, it has even been established that protein requirements for senior dogs increase as they age. Even responsible dog food manufacturers confirm: “While it was once thought that too much protein could cause problems, any concept of reducing protein in today’s pet foods is clearly tied to reducing ingredient costs, rather than to any concern for the health of dogs and cats.” While it is established that limiting phosphorus and sodium intake is necessary for the management of kidney failure, protein restriction does not significantly effect the progression of the disease. Dr. Kenneth C. Bovée describes using dietary protein as a nutritional management approach in dogs suffering from kidney disease as a medical myth. The common belief that moderate and high protein diets cause kidney disease is also unsubstantiated." (http://www.optimalpetfoods.com/blog/the-high-protein-myth-and-kidney-disease-in-dogs-2020.html).
There are a number of accepted and reliable sources online that document the benefits of a high protein/fat diet. Dogs do not become overweight by eating a high protein/high fat content diet. High caloric intake and low energy output will create an overweight dog. We feel strongly that different protein sources should be offered as not all protein is created equal. Balance (through protein, vegetables, etc.) over time is the key.
As a former athlete (sprinting and football) and someone who has 'fast twitch' muscles, I believe that a high protein diet is intrinsic to the training and performance of any sprinting mammal.
All canine muscle fibers are able to use anaerobic and aerobic sources of energy. The canine muscle does not contain Type IIB fast twitch fibers which means they rely primarily on anaerobic sources of energy, i.e., they can sprint for longer periods without oxygen. (http://rrcus.org/rhodesianridgebackhealth/Documents-PDFs/FeedingForAgility.pdf)
The issue of fast twitch fibers and the effect of a high protein diet on performance is out of context. It is not about diet, it is about training. A good, balanced diet and good, effective training are the key here.
"Optimum performance is dependent upon the dog’s athletic potential, its conditioning level and
its methods of training. Athletic potential is dependent upon the performance requirements of
the athletic event and the amount of inherited potential with which it was born to perform that
event. When the dog is conditioned properly to perform an event, its energy and thoughts are
focused towards performing the tasks of the event." (http://www.ncanewfs.org/health/pdfs/K9SportsMed.pdf)
People shouldn't be afraid to feed their dog a high protein or high carbohydrate diet. Nothing healthy is inherent in an "exclusive" diet. Common sense dictates that balance is key. We feel that we get the most balance from making our dogs' food with an eye to their protein needs, based on variety, quality and maintaining the integrity of the original source.
Ed
From: Cynthia and Ed <cynicked@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: high protein food
In response to Eyke's query about a high protein diet we have a differing viewpoint on the levels of protein vs carbohydrate related to health & nutrition.
We feed our Deerhounds a combination of raw/cooked food with a higher proportion of raw food, in the forms of meat protein and vegetables (greens and some fruit, garlic). Our dogs are fed what many would consider a high protein diet as the main component of their daily food intake is meat in the forms of chicken (backs, frames and ground), beef, lamb, fish (sardines, salmon, mackerel, etc) and organ meats. They also receive probiotics which we feel is an essential mainstay for all dogs (we believe that a healthy digestive track is key to superior health); this is done primarily through homemade kefir and yogurt (calcium, phosphorus and protein). We offer soluble carbohydrates (i.e. rice, oats or barley flakes) and/or high quality grain free kibble occasionally (one to two times per week).
It is also well documented that protein should be the primary component of a dog's diet.
"Dogs need protein to thrive, it has even been established that protein requirements for senior dogs increase as they age. Even responsible dog food manufacturers confirm: “While it was once thought that too much protein could cause problems, any concept of reducing protein in today’s pet foods is clearly tied to reducing ingredient costs, rather than to any concern for the health of dogs and cats.” While it is established that limiting phosphorus and sodium intake is necessary for the management of kidney failure, protein restriction does not significantly effect the progression of the disease. Dr. Kenneth C. Bovée describes using dietary protein as a nutritional management approach in dogs suffering from kidney disease as a medical myth. The common belief that moderate and high protein diets cause kidney disease is also unsubstantiated." (http://www.optimalpetfoods.com/blog/the-high-protein-myth-and-kidney-disease-in-dogs-2020.html).
There are a number of accepted and reliable sources online that document the benefits of a high protein/fat diet. Dogs do not become overweight by eating a high protein/high fat content diet. High caloric intake and low energy output will create an overweight dog. We feel strongly that different protein sources should be offered as not all protein is created equal. Balance (through protein, vegetables, etc.) over time is the key.
As a former athlete (sprinting and football) and someone who has 'fast twitch' muscles, I believe that a high protein diet is intrinsic to the training and performance of any sprinting mammal.
All canine muscle fibers are able to use anaerobic and aerobic sources of energy. The canine muscle does not contain Type IIB fast twitch fibers which means they rely primarily on anaerobic sources of energy, i.e., they can sprint for longer periods without oxygen. (http://rrcus.org/rhodesianridgebackhealth/Documents-PDFs/FeedingForAgility.pdf)
The issue of fast twitch fibers and the effect of a high protein diet on performance is out of context. It is not about diet, it is about training. A good, balanced diet and good, effective training are the key here.
"Optimum performance is dependent upon the dog’s athletic potential, its conditioning level and
its methods of training. Athletic potential is dependent upon the performance requirements of
the athletic event and the amount of inherited potential with which it was born to perform that
event. When the dog is conditioned properly to perform an event, its energy and thoughts are
focused towards performing the tasks of the event." (http://www.ncanewfs.org/health/pdfs/K9SportsMed.pdf)
People shouldn't be afraid to feed their dog a high protein or high carbohydrate diet. Nothing healthy is inherent in an "exclusive" diet. Common sense dictates that balance is key. We feel that we get the most balance from making our dogs' food with an eye to their protein needs, based on variety, quality and maintaining the integrity of the original source.
Ed