Articles of Interest
5 WAYS TO DETOX YOUR DOG THIS SPRING
From DOGS NATURALLY, April 25, 2021
Our world is pretty toxic. Especially for dogs.
Toxins are literally everywhere. In our food, our water and the air we breathe.
That picture is even worse for dogs.
They're over-vaccinated, eat processed kibble and are soaked in flea and tick chemicals. And don't forget any minor complaint gets a round of antibiotics.
There are lots of ways to minimize your dog's toxic exposure. For instance: stop giving unnecessary vaccines, feed real, whole foods, use natural pest repellents and don't give every course of antibiotics your vet recommends for things like diarrhea, UTIs or ear infections.
Even if you do those things ... you can't avoid the toxins that are all around us ...
That's why detox is so important. So we might as well dive right in. And hang on to your britches ... this first tip can be hard to get your head around.
#1 FAST YOUR DOGIn the wild, your dog wouldn't get to eat every day. So giving him one day a week where he doesn't eat is actually really good for his body. It gives the digestive system a break and allows his body to detox.
Learn more about how to properly fast your dog here.
#2 CLEANSE THE LIVERYour dog's liver is one of his major detox organs. The liver's main job is to get toxins out of his body. So if the liver stops working ... you'll start to see a decline in your dog.
To keep your dog's liver functioning efficiently you can use these natural remedies ...
SULFORAPHANESulforaphane is a substance found in cruciferous veggies like broccoli, Brussel sprouts and kale. And it has some powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits. It actives your dog's Nrf2 pathway that helps reduce chronic inflammation. And if you read last week's email ... you'll know that chronic inflammation is responsible for most diseases ... including cancer.
Because sulforaphane triggers some important parts of the liver's detox process. And it also activates enzymes that protect your dog's cells from damage from carcinogens and other toxins.
MILK THISTLEAlso called silymarin, milk thistle is a herb that can help the liver process toxins and avoid damage. It stimulates the renewal of liver cells and helps cleanse the organ.
Use milk thistle if your dog has been exposed to extra toxins. But use caution, milk thistle should not be given long term. Give for 3-6 weeks and then take a break.
For instructions on how to properly give your dog sulforaphane and milk thistle click here.
#3 SUPPORT THE KIDNEYSAnother important detox organ is the kidneys. Kidneys have the important job of filtering out waste and excess fluid from your dog's body.
If they can't keep up? They fail. And that can be life-threatening.
These herbs can help keep your dog's kidneys working smoothy ...
FEED PARSLEYParsley has gentle diuretic properties that can help keep your dog's kidneys operating smoothly. As an added bonus it can also prevent urinary tract infections and may ease arthritis pain.
TRY DANDELION Dandelion leaves are also a natural diuretic that will keep kidneys flowing. If you don't spray your yard with chemicals you probably have a supply outside your back door. But make sure they are properly prepared before you give them to your dog.
FRESH WATERMaking sure your dog has lots of fresh water is crucial. Give your dog fresh spring or filtered water. Never use unfiltered tap water. And make sure to clean and freshen up your dog's bowl daily so the slime doesn't build up.
#4 SUPPORT THE GUT A strong gut is also important for your dog's detox process. Why? Because one of the main ways toxins leave your dog is through his poop.
That means your dog's gut is part of the process. It doesn't just digest food and that's it. It also produces hormones and bile required for digestion. And, it absorbs nutrients from food and is essential to your dog's ability to fight disease ... because your dog’s immune system starts with a healthy gut.
Your dog's gut is lined with trillions of bacteria that make up his microbiome. And the microbiome helps metabolize toxins from unhealthy gut bacteria.
This means that giving pre- and probiotics is important to keep his gut working smoothly, and to keep toxins on their way out. To choose a good probiotic look for types like Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Bacillus and the "good" yeast Saccharomyces boulardii.
#5 DETOX THE SKIN People forget about the skin. But your dog's skin is the biggest organ of elimination. Give your dog a regular, deep brushing with a natural bristle brush to get the old dead skin cells and hair out of the way.
Let your dog swim in spring or fresh water if you can. And give the occasional cleansing bath, but no more than a few times a year. Too much bathing can strip your dog's skin of important oils.
For a special detox bath recipe from Dr Dee Blanco click here.
Every day your dog faces toxins. But these five simple tips can help keep your dog free of toxin build-up.
OMEGA FATS: THE INFLAMMATION FIGHTERSFood can have medicinal properties. You read that right ... food can and should be your first line of defense against disease for your dog.
Of all the functional foods you can give your dog, omega fatty acids are arguably the most important. Omega fats are potent anti-inflammatories and benefit all of your dog's cells and organs.
Every chronic disease is linked to chronic inflammation … so it’s important that your dog has inflammation-fighting foods in his meals every day.
There are 2 main types of omega fatty acids that are important for your dog:
Omega-6 fats include Linoleic acid (LA), Gamma linolenic acid (GLA), Dihomo linoleic acid (DGLA), and Arachidonic acid (AA). Omega-6 fats often get forgotten about because they are viewed as inflammatory. But when balanced correctly, omega-6 and omega-3 fats will bring some great health benefits to your dog.
The other type of fat you want in your dog's bowl is omega-3 fatty acids. You should look for names like Alpha linoleic acid (ALA), Stearidonic acid (SDA), Eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA), Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and Docoxahexaenoic acid (DHA).
When we think of fatty acids, we tend to think fish oil, which is a good source of EPA and DHA. But fish oil ONLY contains EPA and DHA, so you may want to add other forms of fat. And you’ll get bonus points if you add oils that are sustainable, which fish, krill and calamari oil aren’t.
Here are some common sources of omega fatty acids to consider:
BRAINS AND EYESBrain and eyes are not only a good source of EPA and DHA, but they’re rich in trace minerals and other fatty acids.
GREEN LIPPED MUSSELSGreen lipped mussels are a good source of EPA and DHA. Unlike fish oil, they also contain potent anti-inflammatory fats including ETA and SDA. And they can also be sustainably grown in clean New Zealand waters.
HEMP SEED OILNot to be confused with hemp oil, nutritional hemp seed oil is a decent and sustainable choice for dietary fats. It’s rich in trace minerals and a good source of GLA, but your dog won’t get much DHA from it.
AHIFLOWER OILThe newest player in the omega fat space, Ahiflower is rich in SDA and GLA and converts well to ETA, DGLA, EPA and DHA. This fat has shown a lot of success in dogs for its anti-inflammatory properties.
If your dog is struggling with any health issues, evaluating his diet is a critical place to start. Food can give your dog's body the tools it needs to build a strong immune system, fight off disease and live a long, happy life.
Learn more about functional foods here >>
From DOGS NATURALLY, April 25, 2021
Our world is pretty toxic. Especially for dogs.
Toxins are literally everywhere. In our food, our water and the air we breathe.
That picture is even worse for dogs.
They're over-vaccinated, eat processed kibble and are soaked in flea and tick chemicals. And don't forget any minor complaint gets a round of antibiotics.
There are lots of ways to minimize your dog's toxic exposure. For instance: stop giving unnecessary vaccines, feed real, whole foods, use natural pest repellents and don't give every course of antibiotics your vet recommends for things like diarrhea, UTIs or ear infections.
Even if you do those things ... you can't avoid the toxins that are all around us ...
That's why detox is so important. So we might as well dive right in. And hang on to your britches ... this first tip can be hard to get your head around.
#1 FAST YOUR DOGIn the wild, your dog wouldn't get to eat every day. So giving him one day a week where he doesn't eat is actually really good for his body. It gives the digestive system a break and allows his body to detox.
Learn more about how to properly fast your dog here.
#2 CLEANSE THE LIVERYour dog's liver is one of his major detox organs. The liver's main job is to get toxins out of his body. So if the liver stops working ... you'll start to see a decline in your dog.
To keep your dog's liver functioning efficiently you can use these natural remedies ...
SULFORAPHANESulforaphane is a substance found in cruciferous veggies like broccoli, Brussel sprouts and kale. And it has some powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits. It actives your dog's Nrf2 pathway that helps reduce chronic inflammation. And if you read last week's email ... you'll know that chronic inflammation is responsible for most diseases ... including cancer.
Because sulforaphane triggers some important parts of the liver's detox process. And it also activates enzymes that protect your dog's cells from damage from carcinogens and other toxins.
MILK THISTLEAlso called silymarin, milk thistle is a herb that can help the liver process toxins and avoid damage. It stimulates the renewal of liver cells and helps cleanse the organ.
Use milk thistle if your dog has been exposed to extra toxins. But use caution, milk thistle should not be given long term. Give for 3-6 weeks and then take a break.
For instructions on how to properly give your dog sulforaphane and milk thistle click here.
#3 SUPPORT THE KIDNEYSAnother important detox organ is the kidneys. Kidneys have the important job of filtering out waste and excess fluid from your dog's body.
If they can't keep up? They fail. And that can be life-threatening.
These herbs can help keep your dog's kidneys working smoothy ...
FEED PARSLEYParsley has gentle diuretic properties that can help keep your dog's kidneys operating smoothly. As an added bonus it can also prevent urinary tract infections and may ease arthritis pain.
TRY DANDELION Dandelion leaves are also a natural diuretic that will keep kidneys flowing. If you don't spray your yard with chemicals you probably have a supply outside your back door. But make sure they are properly prepared before you give them to your dog.
FRESH WATERMaking sure your dog has lots of fresh water is crucial. Give your dog fresh spring or filtered water. Never use unfiltered tap water. And make sure to clean and freshen up your dog's bowl daily so the slime doesn't build up.
#4 SUPPORT THE GUT A strong gut is also important for your dog's detox process. Why? Because one of the main ways toxins leave your dog is through his poop.
That means your dog's gut is part of the process. It doesn't just digest food and that's it. It also produces hormones and bile required for digestion. And, it absorbs nutrients from food and is essential to your dog's ability to fight disease ... because your dog’s immune system starts with a healthy gut.
Your dog's gut is lined with trillions of bacteria that make up his microbiome. And the microbiome helps metabolize toxins from unhealthy gut bacteria.
This means that giving pre- and probiotics is important to keep his gut working smoothly, and to keep toxins on their way out. To choose a good probiotic look for types like Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Bacillus and the "good" yeast Saccharomyces boulardii.
#5 DETOX THE SKIN People forget about the skin. But your dog's skin is the biggest organ of elimination. Give your dog a regular, deep brushing with a natural bristle brush to get the old dead skin cells and hair out of the way.
Let your dog swim in spring or fresh water if you can. And give the occasional cleansing bath, but no more than a few times a year. Too much bathing can strip your dog's skin of important oils.
For a special detox bath recipe from Dr Dee Blanco click here.
Every day your dog faces toxins. But these five simple tips can help keep your dog free of toxin build-up.
OMEGA FATS: THE INFLAMMATION FIGHTERSFood can have medicinal properties. You read that right ... food can and should be your first line of defense against disease for your dog.
Of all the functional foods you can give your dog, omega fatty acids are arguably the most important. Omega fats are potent anti-inflammatories and benefit all of your dog's cells and organs.
Every chronic disease is linked to chronic inflammation … so it’s important that your dog has inflammation-fighting foods in his meals every day.
There are 2 main types of omega fatty acids that are important for your dog:
Omega-6 fats include Linoleic acid (LA), Gamma linolenic acid (GLA), Dihomo linoleic acid (DGLA), and Arachidonic acid (AA). Omega-6 fats often get forgotten about because they are viewed as inflammatory. But when balanced correctly, omega-6 and omega-3 fats will bring some great health benefits to your dog.
The other type of fat you want in your dog's bowl is omega-3 fatty acids. You should look for names like Alpha linoleic acid (ALA), Stearidonic acid (SDA), Eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA), Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and Docoxahexaenoic acid (DHA).
When we think of fatty acids, we tend to think fish oil, which is a good source of EPA and DHA. But fish oil ONLY contains EPA and DHA, so you may want to add other forms of fat. And you’ll get bonus points if you add oils that are sustainable, which fish, krill and calamari oil aren’t.
Here are some common sources of omega fatty acids to consider:
BRAINS AND EYESBrain and eyes are not only a good source of EPA and DHA, but they’re rich in trace minerals and other fatty acids.
GREEN LIPPED MUSSELSGreen lipped mussels are a good source of EPA and DHA. Unlike fish oil, they also contain potent anti-inflammatory fats including ETA and SDA. And they can also be sustainably grown in clean New Zealand waters.
HEMP SEED OILNot to be confused with hemp oil, nutritional hemp seed oil is a decent and sustainable choice for dietary fats. It’s rich in trace minerals and a good source of GLA, but your dog won’t get much DHA from it.
AHIFLOWER OILThe newest player in the omega fat space, Ahiflower is rich in SDA and GLA and converts well to ETA, DGLA, EPA and DHA. This fat has shown a lot of success in dogs for its anti-inflammatory properties.
If your dog is struggling with any health issues, evaluating his diet is a critical place to start. Food can give your dog's body the tools it needs to build a strong immune system, fight off disease and live a long, happy life.
Learn more about functional foods here >>