Comments on: Good Fat, Bad Fat and the Myth of Low Fat Diets: Your Dog Needs Fat! http://30minvetconsult.com/blog/2008/04/21/good-fat-bad-fat-and-the-myth-of-low-fat-diets-your-dog-needs-fat/ Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:11:29 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Lorena Sikorski http://30minvetconsult.com/blog/2008/04/21/good-fat-bad-fat-and-the-myth-of-low-fat-diets-your-dog-needs-fat/comment-page-1/#comment-630 Lorena Sikorski Mon, 12 Jan 2009 02:35:38 +0000 http://30minvetconsult.com/blog/2008/04/21/good-fat-bad-fat-and-the-myth-of-low-fat-diets-your-dog-needs-fat/#comment-630 Dr. T. You may remember that our big Doberman (110 lb), Lou has dilated cardiomyopathy. He has been on 2 different medications over the last year and a half, with some success. It has slowed the progression of the disease, but not stopped it. He is checked every 3 months by a canine cardiologist who is tracking his disease via echocardiograms. At Lou's most recent echo, last week, he had a significant improvement. His heart output function returned to 25% - it had been at 18% and steadily decreasing. We had noticed it too. During our last trip his physical activity level suddenly increased; he could play and take longer walks without getting as fatigued. The cardiologist's comment was 'it looks like the medication is finally kicking in'. I didn't think much about it until later. He's been taking the same meds - no changes. The only variable that has changed since the last echo is that we've added Udo's oil. I noticed our other dogs coat has dramatically improved as well. Both dogs had been taking other oil products which did not have such noticeable results. Bunny and I have also been taking it and it is the only oil tablet that I've been able to take without tasting it later. Udo's book will be next on my reading list. Thanks so much for keeping up on the research and for your excellent recommendations. Lorena n' Bunny Dr. T.
You may remember that our big Doberman (110 lb), Lou has dilated cardiomyopathy. He has been on 2 different medications over the last year and a half, with some success. It has slowed the progression of the disease, but not stopped it. He is checked every 3 months by a canine cardiologist who is tracking his disease via echocardiograms. At Lou’s most recent echo, last week, he had a significant improvement. His heart output function returned to 25% – it had been at 18% and steadily decreasing. We had noticed it too. During our last trip his physical activity level suddenly increased; he could play and take longer walks without getting as fatigued. The cardiologist’s comment was ‘it looks like the medication is finally kicking in’. I didn’t think much about it until later. He’s been taking the same meds – no changes. The only variable that has changed since the last echo is that we’ve added Udo’s oil. I noticed our other dogs coat has dramatically improved as well. Both dogs had been taking other oil products which did not have such noticeable results. Bunny and I have also been taking it and it is the only oil tablet that I’ve been able to take without tasting it later. Udo’s book will be next on my reading list. Thanks so much for keeping up on the research and for your excellent recommendations.
Lorena n’ Bunny

]]> By: Sharon http://30minvetconsult.com/blog/2008/04/21/good-fat-bad-fat-and-the-myth-of-low-fat-diets-your-dog-needs-fat/comment-page-1/#comment-502 Sharon Thu, 16 Oct 2008 13:32:36 +0000 http://30minvetconsult.com/blog/2008/04/21/good-fat-bad-fat-and-the-myth-of-low-fat-diets-your-dog-needs-fat/#comment-502 What about these oils for a dog with chronic pancreatitis? I feed her a homemade diet with vitamin supplements and bone meal. Usually white meat chickem and turkey. Very difficult to find a diet for this disease. Thank you! What about these oils for a dog with chronic pancreatitis? I feed her a homemade diet with vitamin supplements and bone meal. Usually white meat chickem and turkey. Very difficult to find a diet for this disease.
Thank you!

]]> By: War On Cancer Part IV — Cancer Prevention Game Plan for You and Your Dog! http://30minvetconsult.com/blog/2008/04/21/good-fat-bad-fat-and-the-myth-of-low-fat-diets-your-dog-needs-fat/comment-page-1/#comment-410 War On Cancer Part IV — Cancer Prevention Game Plan for You and Your Dog! Thu, 21 Aug 2008 05:37:57 +0000 http://30minvetconsult.com/blog/2008/04/21/good-fat-bad-fat-and-the-myth-of-low-fat-diets-your-dog-needs-fat/#comment-410 [...] *Note: I use Udo’s Oil 3-6-9 Blend by Flora which contains the seed sources listed above. It is believed that dogs (and some humans) may lack a necessary enzyme needed to convert the parent fat alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) into the omega-3 fats (EPA and DHA). That means dogs and some people may have a limited ability to derive omega-3’s from flax seeds or walnuts. Therefore, animals that make omega-3 fats from the parent fat (ALA) can be eaten to obtain the omega-3 fats. FYI: Wild caught fish (consume ALA by feeding on algae), grass (contains ALA) fed cattle — not grain fed feedlot beef — and chickens (that are fed more natural diets containing ALA) can all make omega-3 fats. Many health enthusiasts are popping fish oil capsules like candy or like me, eating a lot more sushi — which I find much more enjoyable! For a more thorough discussion on why you need to supply good fats in your dog’s diet, please refer to an earlier post Good Fat, Bad Fat And Myth Of Low Fat Diets. [...] [...] *Note: I use Udo’s Oil 3-6-9 Blend by Flora which contains the seed sources listed above. It is believed that dogs (and some humans) may lack a necessary enzyme needed to convert the parent fat alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) into the omega-3 fats (EPA and DHA). That means dogs and some people may have a limited ability to derive omega-3’s from flax seeds or walnuts. Therefore, animals that make omega-3 fats from the parent fat (ALA) can be eaten to obtain the omega-3 fats. FYI: Wild caught fish (consume ALA by feeding on algae), grass (contains ALA) fed cattle — not grain fed feedlot beef — and chickens (that are fed more natural diets containing ALA) can all make omega-3 fats. Many health enthusiasts are popping fish oil capsules like candy or like me, eating a lot more sushi — which I find much more enjoyable! For a more thorough discussion on why you need to supply good fats in your dog’s diet, please refer to an earlier post Good Fat, Bad Fat And Myth Of Low Fat Diets. [...]

]]> By: Claudia Werner http://30minvetconsult.com/blog/2008/04/21/good-fat-bad-fat-and-the-myth-of-low-fat-diets-your-dog-needs-fat/comment-page-1/#comment-319 Claudia Werner Sat, 05 Jul 2008 15:21:06 +0000 http://30minvetconsult.com/blog/2008/04/21/good-fat-bad-fat-and-the-myth-of-low-fat-diets-your-dog-needs-fat/#comment-319 I love all the info.I'm trying to find the best way to feed my 2 Chihuahuas they are very picki eaters I love all the info.I’m trying to find the best way to feed my 2 Chihuahuas they are very picki eaters

]]> By: What To Believe? Who Can You Trust? http://30minvetconsult.com/blog/2008/04/21/good-fat-bad-fat-and-the-myth-of-low-fat-diets-your-dog-needs-fat/comment-page-1/#comment-267 What To Believe? Who Can You Trust? Sat, 17 May 2008 16:04:57 +0000 http://30minvetconsult.com/blog/2008/04/21/good-fat-bad-fat-and-the-myth-of-low-fat-diets-your-dog-needs-fat/#comment-267 [...] function of every cell in the body—a simple fact you share with your dog. That’s why knowing which foods will promote health (and what to avoid!) can make all the difference in the world to your dog’s state of health. I [...] [...] function of every cell in the body—a simple fact you share with your dog. That’s why knowing which foods will promote health (and what to avoid!) can make all the difference in the world to your dog’s state of health. I [...]

]]> By: Dr. Terifaj http://30minvetconsult.com/blog/2008/04/21/good-fat-bad-fat-and-the-myth-of-low-fat-diets-your-dog-needs-fat/comment-page-1/#comment-208 Dr. Terifaj Thu, 01 May 2008 13:51:46 +0000 http://30minvetconsult.com/blog/2008/04/21/good-fat-bad-fat-and-the-myth-of-low-fat-diets-your-dog-needs-fat/#comment-208 Despite all the warnings of fish containing some amounts of mercury, many human health advocates (including the American Heart Association) continue to recommend that we eat fish 2-3 times per week. Why? Fish remains an excellent source of protein and a natural source of the essential omega-3 fatty acid derivatives: EPA and DHA. Surly we would all fare better if mercury had not found its way into our oceans to be gobbled up by marine life—but our land animals and the crops we eat aren’t free of pesticides and other chemicals either. Sadly, the best we can do is limit our exposure to the toxic dumpsite we all live in. Whenever possible, choose organic produce, free range livestock allowed to graze on their native diets and join the Go Green movement! As an informed consumer, select from five of the most commonly eaten fish that are low in mercury: shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish. Surprised to know that albacore ("white") tuna has more mercury than canned light tuna? Stay away from: shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish. These fish contain the highest levels of mercury. Since I don’t eat red meat (ethically opposed to inhumane production practices), eating seafood makes me somewhat of a pseudo- vegetarian. As for my dogs, they too are eager seafood eaters. To be on the safe side, we limit our fish dinners to about three per week. Gone fishing! Despite all the warnings of fish containing some amounts of mercury, many human health advocates (including the American Heart Association) continue to recommend that we eat fish 2-3 times per week. Why? Fish remains an excellent source of protein and a natural source of the essential omega-3 fatty acid derivatives: EPA and DHA.

Surly we would all fare better if mercury had not found its way into our oceans to be gobbled up by marine life—but our land animals and the crops we eat aren’t free of pesticides and other chemicals either. Sadly, the best we can do is limit our exposure to the toxic dumpsite we all live in. Whenever possible, choose organic produce, free range livestock allowed to graze on their native diets and join the Go Green movement!

As an informed consumer, select from five of the most commonly eaten fish that are low in mercury: shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish. Surprised to know that albacore (“white”) tuna has more mercury than canned light tuna? Stay away from: shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish. These fish contain the highest levels of mercury.

Since I don’t eat red meat (ethically opposed to inhumane production practices), eating seafood makes me somewhat of a pseudo- vegetarian. As for my dogs, they too are eager seafood eaters. To be on the safe side, we limit our fish dinners to about three per week. Gone fishing!

]]> By: Lorena Sikorski http://30minvetconsult.com/blog/2008/04/21/good-fat-bad-fat-and-the-myth-of-low-fat-diets-your-dog-needs-fat/comment-page-1/#comment-133 Lorena Sikorski Thu, 24 Apr 2008 22:50:30 +0000 http://30minvetconsult.com/blog/2008/04/21/good-fat-bad-fat-and-the-myth-of-low-fat-diets-your-dog-needs-fat/#comment-133 Thanks for the info. One more thought. What about the mercury level in fish - is it OK for the dogs to have fish more than once a week? Our guys love fish but I've been cautious about making it their regular dinner. What are your thoughts? Lorena Thanks for the info. One more thought. What about the mercury level in fish – is it OK for the dogs to have fish more than once a week? Our guys love fish but I’ve been cautious about making it their regular dinner. What are your thoughts?
Lorena

]]> By: Dr. Terifaj http://30minvetconsult.com/blog/2008/04/21/good-fat-bad-fat-and-the-myth-of-low-fat-diets-your-dog-needs-fat/comment-page-1/#comment-120 Dr. Terifaj Wed, 23 Apr 2008 18:32:10 +0000 http://30minvetconsult.com/blog/2008/04/21/good-fat-bad-fat-and-the-myth-of-low-fat-diets-your-dog-needs-fat/#comment-120 Good question Lorena. Ultra EFA oil (only sold by vets) is a blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids but also contains two fatty acid derivatives: EPA and DHA supplied by using fish oils. Both of these important fatty acids, EPA and DHA, can be chemically made by the body from alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). In the 3-6-9 blend, Udo uses flax seed oil (not fish oils) as the source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)—the essential omga-3 fatty acid that must be supplied by the diet. Both oils contain similar sources of omega-6 fatty acids. In dogs (and some humans), the enzyme needed to make this conversion—changing ALA into EPA and DHA—may be absent or too low to make optimum amounts. Fish oils supply a natural source of both EPA and DHA and may be recommended when higher amounts are desired to achieve therapeutic effects. I like to use them when treating certain skin problems and kidney disease. It is also one of my favorite supplements for senior dogs—helping with immune function, arthritis and the brain. It is OK to experiment with the different oils and see what works best for your dog. My dog’s love the taste of real fish and get 2-3 servings per week of canned sardines, salmon or mackerel. See if your dog is a fish lover too! Good question Lorena. Ultra EFA oil (only sold by vets) is a blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids but also contains two fatty acid derivatives: EPA and DHA supplied by using fish oils. Both of these important fatty acids, EPA and DHA, can be chemically made by the body from alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). In the 3-6-9 blend, Udo uses flax seed oil (not fish oils) as the source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)—the essential omga-3 fatty acid that must be supplied by the diet. Both oils contain similar sources of omega-6 fatty acids.

In dogs (and some humans), the enzyme needed to make this conversion—changing ALA into EPA and DHA—may be absent or too low to make optimum amounts. Fish oils supply a natural source of both EPA and DHA and may be recommended when higher amounts are desired to achieve therapeutic effects. I like to use them when treating certain skin problems and kidney disease. It is also one of my favorite supplements for senior dogs—helping with immune function, arthritis and the brain.

It is OK to experiment with the different oils and see what works best for your dog. My dog’s love the taste of real fish and get 2-3 servings per week of canned sardines, salmon or mackerel. See if your dog is a fish lover too!

]]> By: Lorena Sikorski http://30minvetconsult.com/blog/2008/04/21/good-fat-bad-fat-and-the-myth-of-low-fat-diets-your-dog-needs-fat/comment-page-1/#comment-112 Lorena Sikorski Tue, 22 Apr 2008 23:01:02 +0000 http://30minvetconsult.com/blog/2008/04/21/good-fat-bad-fat-and-the-myth-of-low-fat-diets-your-dog-needs-fat/#comment-112 Hi Dr. T: Good article. Is the UDO oil to be used instead of the Ultra EFA oil that you recommended for our dogs or with it? Lorena Hi Dr. T:

Good article.

Is the UDO oil to be used instead of the Ultra EFA oil that you recommended for our dogs or with it?

Lorena

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