Rick Woodford - Feed Your Best Friend Better: Easy, Nutritious Meals and Treats for Dogs

Feed Your Best Friend Bettercopyright 2012 by Rick Woodford. Photography copyright 2012 by Alicia Dickerson Griffith. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of reprints in the context of reviews.

Andrews McMeel Publishing, LLC

an Andrews McMeel Universal company

1130 Walnut Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106

www.andrewsmcmeel.com

ISBN: 978-1-4494-1035-3

Library of Congress Control Number: 2011932641

Book design by Holly Ogden

Photography by Alicia Dickerson Griffith,www.fourleggedphoto.com

The information contained in this book is not intended to replace regular visits with a qualified veterinarian or to diagnose deficiencies or diseases in your pet. Before starting your pet on a special diet or supplementing your pets food, always check with your veterinarian about your pets specific needs. The information and recipes in this book are intended to benefit dogs as part of a healthy diet in conjunction with veterinary supervision, and while every effort was made to assure that the information and recipes are nutritionally sound and balanced for dogs, the author and publisher are not liable for any adverse effects your dog may experience while on these diets.

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Ensuring that the body receives the right amount of nutrients is important for both dogs and humans; its only that the proportions are different for each species. Veterinarians are often cautious about endorsing home-cooked meals because they suspect the average recipe may be missing many of the vitamins and minerals necessary for good health. While there are some vitamins and minerals that need to be supplemented, some are actually manufactured within your dogs body and others can be met through modest servings of fresh foods. The following is an overview of the nutrients necessary for good health, their functions, and examples of how they are met through fresh foods.

While the category of proteins earns most of the attention when talking about dog food, its the amino acids that make up proteins that are truly important. In the digestive system, acids and enzymes break the proteins consumed down into amino acids, which are then utilized by the body to create cells, muscles, hormones, antibodies, blood, and even other amino acids. Of the 22 amino acids that a dogs body needs, 12 can be synthesized from other amino acids in the diet. The remaining 10 are called essential amino acids and need to be supplied in sufficient quantities for the bodys functions. Protein sources are measured for how readily they are absorbed and utilized on a scale of biological value. Eggs earn the top rating of 94 percent, followed by fish at 76 percent, and beef at 74 percent; most grains earn values in the 60 percent range. The higher the quality of a protein source, the less protein needs to be consumed. When it comes to energy, the bodys preferred source is fat and carbohydrates. When excess protein is consumed, some of the amino acids can be stored, although not to the extent of fat and carbohydrates. Too much protein puts additional stress on the kidneys, so dogs fighting illnesses should follow their veterinarians recommendation for protein content. The recommendation for the average adult dog is 18 percent protein, whereas growing puppies, working dogs, and lactating bitches require 28 percent.

The essential amino acids all take part in the aforementioned bodily functions, but some have special purposes:

• Arginineplays a role in cell replication and growth, so growing animals need more. Also aids in the detoxification of ammonia created by the digestion of proteins and stimulates the production of urine to carry away excess nitrogen.
• Histidineplays a role in transporting oxygen through the blood.
• Isoleucineonly known function is in the creation of proteins.
• Leucineassists in the synthesis of proteins and in preventing muscle from degrading.
• Lysinediets heavier in grains have lower concentrations; however, the more protein in a diet, the more lysine is needed to utilize the protein consumed and synthesize other necessary proteins.
• Methioninenecessary for replication of DNA and RNA and for the synthesis of cystine, which is a major component of hair.
• Phenylalaninecontributes to the color of black hair, to creating the amino acid tyrosine, and to thyroid function.
• Threoninesupports healthy skin, healing of wounds, and the immune system.
• Tryptophanbelieved to have an effect on the neurotransmitters that reduce aggression.
• Valineactive in the transportation of fats and the creation of milk.

The daily recommended amount of protein and the essential amino acids for a 40-pound dog can be met by pound of chicken breast, which provides only 15 percent of the dogs necessary calories per day, leaving plenty of room for adding the right fats, vegetables, and even some grains in the diet.

Another amino acid, taurine, is synthesized by dogs using the methionine and cystine in the diet. Although there is not an established requirement for dogs, breeds that are predisposed to heart conditions, as well as Newfoundlands and cocker spaniels, can benefit from supplementation either by powdered formulations or through the inclusion of fish in the diet.

While most nutrients have a set requirement, carbohydrates are the one nutrient for which it is really up to you as a pet owner to decide how much your dog receives. Dogs do not have a biological requirement for carbohydrates, and theyre quite happy with a bowl full of meat for dinner. However, there are many reasons why including grains and vegetables are beneficial as part of a meal:

• As a source of energy, carbohydrates are more readily used than protein and lower in calories than fat.
• Carbohydrates slow digestion, allowing other nutrients more time to be absorbed and keeping your pet feeling fuller longer.
• Carbohydrates are a good source of essential vitamins, minerals, and the antioxidants that are not present in proteins or fats.
• Carbohydrates are less expensive than protein.

The growth and production of grains and vegetables have less of an impact on the environment, requiring less land, water, carbon emissions, and fossil fuels to deliver the same amount of calories as protein sources.