I ran across this article recently; I found it a valuable resource and a MUST read for ALL pet owners!

Worst pet food ingredients

The following list of pet food ingredients and ratings was created by a cooperative effort between pet food formulator Dr. Lisa Newman, N.D., Ph.D. (www.Azmira.com), Mike Adams (www.HealthRanger.org) and the non-profit Consumer Wellness Center (www.ConsumerWellness.org). Mike Adams and the CWC analyzed the ingredients of 448 popular pet food products sold in the United States and organized them by frequency. Dr. Newman then provided a nutritional analysis and comment for each ingredient.

salt (1 stars) found in 69% of pet food products analyzed
Used to cover up rancid meat and fat, can cause kidney and heart disease, hypertension — used to encourage cats to drink, source of sodium chloride.

sucrose (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Sugar –leads to hyperactivity, addiction to food (sugar rush), weight gain.

partially hydrogenated soybean oil (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Cases digestive upset, premature aging.

tetra sodium pyrophosphate (1 stars) found in 7% of pet food products analyzed
Is a rust stain remover used in cleaning products (TSP)!!!! Why is it in food? Emulsification of rendered animal fats! Very toxic, causes nausea and diarrhea.

corn syrup (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
A “sugar” that causes diabetes, weight gain, hyperactivity, fearful behavior, ill health.

corn (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Inexpensive feed-grade can include moldy grain or fungus which has cause death.

yellow 5 (1 stars) found in 7% of pet food products analyzed
Artificial color, a salicylate which can be become deadly to cats with extended use.

blue 2 (1 stars) found in 5% of pet food products analyzed
Carcinogenic, artificial color.

blue 2 and other color (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Carcinogenic.

eucalyptus oil (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Not an essential oil meant for ingesting!

sodium bisulfate (1 stars) found in 4% of pet food products analyzed
Used as disinfectant!

smoke flavor (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Indicates flavor which can potentially become carcinogenic, retards bacteria on rancid meat.

dried meat by-product (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Can include tumors and diseased tissues, rancid trim pieces and innards of various animals.

dried plain beet pulp (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Pure sugar filler — leads to weight gain, hyperactivity and feeds arthritis.

sea salt (1 stars) found in 5% of pet food products analyzed
Used to cover up rancid meat and fat, can cause kidney and heart disease, hypertension — used to encourage cats to drink, source of sodium chloride.

salmon meal (1 stars) found in 5% of pet food products analyzed
Concentrated source of protein and a few fatty acids (oil has been pressed out) but can add mercury to the diet.

salmon (1 stars) found in 6% of pet food products analyzed
A source of protein and fatty acids which can add mercury to the diet.

dried whey (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Can encourage allergies, cheap protein source from cow’s milk.

dicalcium phosphate (1 stars) found in 26% of pet food products analyzed
Can become toxic to body — texturizer in can food.

ethoxyquin (a preservative) (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
The most carcinogenic preservative, most in industry have stopped using it except very cheap, poor quality foods.

sodium chloride (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Table salt — used to cover up rancid meat and fat, can cause kidney and heart disease, hypertension — used to encourage cats to drink.

fish (1 stars) found in 4% of pet food products analyzed
Non-descriptive, probably rancid and of poor quality. Can have high levels of mercury.

rice hulls (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Cheap filler, can be harsh on intestines.

rice gluten (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Can encourage diabetes, a poor protein source/filler.

rice flour (1 stars) found in 11% of pet food products analyzed
Cheap filler, causes bowel distress and can lead to diabetes in dogs.

rice bran (1 stars) found in 12% of pet food products analyzed
Cheap filler, can lead to digestive upset.

rice (1 stars) found in 7% of pet food products analyzed
Cheap filler, can cause diabetes in dogs, often indicates poorest quality possible.

red 40 and other color (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Is a carcinogen.

red 40 (1 stars) found in 6% of pet food products analyzed
Artificial color, carcinogenic.

red 3 (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Carcinogenic color.

rabbit by products (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Includes tumors, ears, carcass, etc.

egg product (1 stars) found in 6% of pet food products analyzed
Cheap source of protein, waste product of egg industry, free of shell.

soybean hulls (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Cheap filler, harsh on intestines.

DL-alpha tocopherol acetate (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Synthetic source, non-nutritive.

sugar (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Sugar?!! Leads to diabetes, hyperactivity and obesity. Can feed arthritis. BAD.

DL-alpha tocopherol acetate [source of vitamin E] (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Synthetic source, non-nutritive. Used generally as a “natural” preservative.

dried animal digest (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Flavor enhancer. Is non-descriptive, digest is rendered animal tissue, including rancid or diseased parts.

starch (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Cheapest form of carbohydrates causes weight gain and poor digestion, filler.

dried beet pulp (1 stars) found in 10% of pet food products analyzed
Waste product. Cheap filler/fiber-causes sugar rush/addiction to food, hyperactivity and allergies.

dried beet pulp (sugar removed) (1 stars) found in 25% of pet food products analyzed
Waste product. Cheapest, most common filler used, still contains enough sugar residue to cause problems such as hyperactivity and blood sugar imbalances.

dried brewers yeast (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Can become toxic to liver, waste product of beer and ale industry.

dried capsicum (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Cayenne powder, can burn stomach.

sodium carbonate (1 stars) found in 11% of pet food products analyzed
Neutralizer for rancid fats, similar to lye.

dried cellulose (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Very harsh on digestive tract, suspected to include cardboard or peanut hulls.

dried grape pomace (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Grapes can be deadly to dogs.

soy hulls (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Can cause bowel irritation, cheap filler.

soy flour (1 stars) found in 8% of pet food products analyzed
Cheap source of grain protein, filler, can cause bloat/death in dogs.

sorbitol (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Sweetener and binder.

sodium tripolyphosphate (1 stars) found in 9% of pet food products analyzed
Used as rancid meat preservative.

menadione dimethylpyrimidinol bisulfite (source of vitamin K activity) (1 stars) found in 5% of pet food products analyzed
Least beneficial source of Vitamin K activity needed for proper blood clotting.

sodium phosphate (1 stars) found in 9% of pet food products analyzed
Non-digestible source of phosphorous (vital to maintaining acid/alkalinity pH).

sodium nitrite (for color retention). (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Potentially highly carcinogenic.

sodium nitrite (for color retention) (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Potentially highly carcinogenic.

sodium hexametaphosphate (1 stars) found in 5% of pet food products analyzed
Cheap source of phosphorus can become deadly to dogs — emulsifier, texturizer.

propylene glycol (1 stars) found in 4% of pet food products analyzed
Adds sweetness to food, used in antifreeze! Some preservative action, possible carcinogen.

soybean mill run (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
This is the sweepings off the floor-cheap filler, poor source of protein.

manganous oxide calcium iodate (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Often used in bleaching tallow.

fish oil (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Non-descriptive type of fish can include rancid source of “throw away” catches.

iodized salt (1 stars) found in 7% of pet food products analyzed
Used to cover rancid meats and fats, get cats to drink more – causes kidney dysfunction, hypertension.

iron oxide (1 stars) found in 12% of pet food products analyzed
Can be cultivated from rust!

L-alanine (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Non-essential amino acid used as supplement in heavy grain-based foods but causes cancer in lab mice.

lamb by-product (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Contains everything internal but the muscle meat including diseased tissue, tumors, etc.

onion powder (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Can be deadly to dogs, non-nutritive.

onion extract (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Onions can be deadly to dogs.

liver (1 stars) found in 8% of pet food products analyzed
Non-descriptive source can include any mammal tissue, too much liver can become toxic to the body when used in dry foods, used as flavor, minimal source of iron.

L-lysine monohydrochloride (1 stars) found in 8% of pet food products analyzed
Poor source of Lysine (essential amino acid found in meat), cheaper to use for food enrichment for grain-based foods.

pasta (wheat flour) (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Cheap, gimmicky filler that can cause allergies, feeds arthritis.

magnesium oxide (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Has caused tumors in lab rats, antacid.

peanut hulls 10.8% (source of fiber) (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Can harm the digestive tract, cheap fiber.

maple syrup (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Sugar, causes weight gain, hyperactivity, feeds cancer and arthritis, should not be used in food or supplements, only treats.

meat and bone meal (natural source of calcium) (1 stars) found in 4% of pet food products analyzed
Non-descriptive indicates 4-D meat, cheapest source, can include diseased tissues plus bone meal can not be digested and assimilated as calcium!

meat and liver meal (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Can include tumors and diseased tissues, rancid trim pieces and liver of various animals, concentrated.

natural and artificial flavors (1 stars) found in 5% of pet food products analyzed
Poor quality of flavor additive, artificial flavors can be carcinogenic.

natural and artificial chicken flavor (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Artificial flavors can cause severe illness, become carcinogenic.

monosodium phosphate (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Used as emulsifying agent.

meat by-products (1 stars) found in 18% of pet food products analyzed
Non-descriptive indicates 4-D meat, cheapest source, can include diseased tissues (tumors) and organs.

molasses (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Added to foods or high on the list of supplements creates blood sugar imbalance, causes diabetes, hyperactivity, best used in treats, not foods or supplements.

modified starch (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Cheap source of carbohydrates, filler, causes digestive upset.

modified food starch (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Non-descript source can be from any grain, causes allergies, weight gain and poor digestion, filler.

lysine (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Indicates heavy soy-based food which dogs can die from unless they have lysine to help digest it, best to avoid this diet unless soy is missing.

fresh chicken by-products (organ meat only) (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Indicates poor quality hidden behind “organ meat only” and “fresh” still by-products which can include diseased organ tissue.

sorbic acid (a preservative) (1 stars) found in 6% of pet food products analyzed
A mold and yeast inhibitor.

propyl gallate and citric acid (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Chemical preservative, can cause digestive upset, stomach irritation, deceptive adding with natural Vitamin C.

propionic acid (a preservative) (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Potentially harmful mold inhibitor.

powdered cellulose (11.1% source of fiber) (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Suspected to include recycled cardboard.

powdered cellulose (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Cheap filler/source of fiber, suspected to include cardboard, causes irritable bowel problems.

poultry liver (1 stars) found in 4% of pet food products analyzed
Cheap source of liver flavoring, non-descriptive, often includes diseased tissues. Can become toxic to body.

poultry fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) (1 stars) found in 9% of pet food products analyzed
Non-descriptive, can be any foul, often rancid prior to preserving with Vitamin E (gimmicky, to cover poor quality fat used).

poultry fat (preserved with BHA) (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Non-descript fat, possible carcinogenic preservative.

poultry by-products (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Ground up carcasses, can include dead, diseased foul, all internal parts void of healthy meat, includes feet and beaks.

poultry by-product meal (1 stars) found in 9% of pet food products analyzed
Ground up carcasses, can include dead, diseased foul, all internal parts void of healthy meat, includes feet and beaks, concentrated.

hydrochloric acid (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Corrosive ingredient used as modifier for food starch, gelatin, as a pH adjuster and conversion of corn starch to syrup.

food starch (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Non-descript source can be from any grain, causes allergies, weight gain and poor digestion, cheap filler.

fish oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) (1 stars) found in 10% of pet food products analyzed
Non-descriptive, cheap “fish” source, often rancid prior to preserving with Vitamin E (gimmicky to cover poor quality oil).

glycerin (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Sweetens food, used as humectant (keeps food moist), interferes with nutrient assimilation.

glycerine (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Sweetens food, used as humectant (keeps food moist), interferes with nutrient assimilation.

glyceryl monostearate (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
An emulsifier (breaks down fats), lethal to lab rats, still under investigation by FDA.

glycine (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Non-essential amino acid used as antacid, indicates very poor quality food.

ground corn (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Is not “whole ground,” this is misleading, often indicates poor quality, can cause allergies.

pork liver (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Cheapest source of flavoring, some iron, hard to digest. Liver can become toxic to the body.

pork by-products (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Can contain non-human-edible parts, diseased organs and tissues, pork’s not the best meat for pets.

phosphoric acid (1 stars) found in 12% of pet food products analyzed
A sequestering agent for rendered animal fats — implies poor quality fats are used, source of phosphorous.

ground rice (1 stars) found in 17% of pet food products analyzed
Filler — has been linked to diabetes, always indicates white rice, not whole grain but usually floor sweepings from rice industry.

petrolatum (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Vaseline! Mild laxative effect when ingested. Petroleum is a carcinogen.

poultry (1 stars) found in 4% of pet food products analyzed
Can include any foul, non-descriptive, often includes diseased meat, non-human grade.

caramel (1 stars) found in 9% of pet food products analyzed
Sugar-based adds to hyperactivity, or can be prepared by ammonia process associated with blood toxicity in lab rats.

cellulose powder (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Harsh on bowels, suspected to include recycled cardboard.

beef tallow (preserved with BHA) (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
One of the worse kinds of fat, chemically preserved with potential carcinogen. Often produces allergies.

beef tallow (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Tallow, includes old restaurant grease, is very hard to digest, leads to diarrhea, premature aging.

beef by-products (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Can include any internal part of the cow other than the meat, often from 4-D, rancid sources.

calcium chloride (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Used as a source of calcium but can cause digestive upset, heart issues.

calcium propionate (a preservative) (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Chemical. Potentially carcinogenic, antifungal.

calcium sulfate (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Plaster of Paris! Firming agent.

beef tallow preserved with BHA and mixed-tocopherols (source of vitamin E) (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Terrible source of fat, chemically preserved with potential carcinogen but uses “Vitamin E” to mislead consumer. Indicates very poor quality product.

whole rice (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Indicates poor quality white rice which can cause diabetes in dogs.

water (1 stars) found in 6% of pet food products analyzed
Used as non-nutritive filler in food. UGH!

caramel color (1 stars) found in 11% of pet food products analyzed
Sugar-based or can be prepared by ammonia process associated with blood toxicity in lab rats.

venison by-products (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Contains all meat not fit for human consumption, diseased organs, tumors, promotes premature aging.

vegetable oil (1 stars) found in 5% of pet food products analyzed
Non-descriptive source of fat, contains saturated fat which is hard on the body, causes premature aging.

beet pulp (sugar removed) (1 stars) found in 4% of pet food products analyzed
Fiber/filler, stills contains enough sugar for rush/addiction to food and hyperactivity.

turmeric (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Gimmicky spice to aid digestion.

brewers yeast extract (saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation solubles) (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Liquid left over from brewery process, condensed. Can become toxic to the liver.

cellulose (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Harsh on bowels, suspected to include recycled cardboard. Can also be crushed peanut hulls.

turkey by-product meal (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Can include carcass, feet, beaks and diseased turkey organs, tumors.

cane molasses (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
SUGAR!!! Leads to weight gain, hyperactivity and feeds arthritis, best used in treats, not supplements or foods.

wheat middlings (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Sweepings off the floor causes allergies and digestive upset.

beet pulp (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Sugar-filled fiber/filler, can lead to hyperactivity and diabetes. Can be addicting to some pets.

beets (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Implies whole beet is more nutritious than beet pulp alone but still contains sugar which can lead to weight gain, diabetes, hyperactivity.

BHA (a preservative) (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Chemical. Highly carcinogenic preservative.

Chicken by-product (1 stars) found in 5% of pet food products analyzed
Ground up carcasses, diseased internal organs, beaks and feet.

wheat starch (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Poor carbohydrate source causes allergies.

dextrose (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Sugar, feeds cancer, causes hyperactivity, weight gain.

beef tallow preserved with mixed-tocopherols (source of vitamin E) (1 stars) found in 4% of pet food products analyzed
Beef tallow can be used restaurant fat! Misleading with “natural” Vitamin E preservative added. Indicates very poor quality product.

bacon flavors (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Does not say “natural” so it’s possibly artificial, can be a carcinogen.

wheat gluten (1 stars) found in 28% of pet food products analyzed
Poor protein source, used as a cheap, non-nutritive filler — causes allergies.

bone meal (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Non-digestible source of calcium can lead to digestive upset. Can be from 4-D sources.

wheat flour (1 stars) found in 18% of pet food products analyzed
Poorly digested filler, can cause allergies and bowel problems.

wheat bran (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Indicates poor quality food, can cause allergies, best to have whole wheat.

brewer’s rice (1 stars) found in 31% of pet food products analyzed
Waste product from breweries, cheap, non-nutritive filler can be harsh on intestines and lead to diabetes.

brewers dried yeast (1 stars) found in 34% of pet food products analyzed
Waste product (used for flavoring, protein, B-vitamins) which can become very toxic to the liver causes allergies and arthritis.

water sufficient for processing (1 stars) found in 10% of pet food products analyzed
Robs protein from can food since it is used as non-nutritive filler instead.

brewers yeast (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Waste product (used for flavoring, protein, B-vitamins) which can become very toxic to the liver causes allergies and arthritis.

wheat mill run (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Sweepings off the floor, causes allergies, digestive upset and feeds arthritis, leads to premature aging.

corn oil (preserved with TBHQ) (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
TBHQ contains petroleum-derived butane, can be carcinogenic.

corn gluten (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Highly allergenic, adds sugar, is a poor protein source, interferes with digestion.

yellow 6 (1 stars) found in 4% of pet food products analyzed
Artificial color, potentially carcinogenic food colorant.

corn gluten meal (1 stars) found in 31% of pet food products analyzed
Waste product, cheap, non-nutritive filler but used as protein source — can cause allergies and sugar imbalance.

titanium dioxide color (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Potentially carcinogenic artificial color used as white pigment.

titanium dioxide (1 stars) found in 7% of pet food products analyzed
Potentially carcinogenic artificial color used as white pigment.

animal fat (preserved with vitamin E) (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Non-descriptive source indicates 4-D fat, regardless of “natural” preservative it is rancid, often from diseased tissue. Misleading to be preserved with vitamin E.

animal fat (preserved with vitamin E mixed tocopherols) (1 stars) found in 10% of pet food products analyzed
Non-descriptive, cheap animal source, often rancid prior to preserving with Vitamin E (gimmicky to cover poor quality fat).

animal fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Non-descript source, often rancid to begin with, regardless of natural preservative use afterwards, misleading.

animal fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid) (1 stars) found in 5% of pet food products analyzed
Non-descriptive fat! Can be anything rancid or 4-D (dead, dying, disabled, diseased) regardless of natural Vitamin E and C preservatives. Misleading.

yellow 5 and other color (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Possible carcinogens.

thiamine hydrochloride (1 stars) found in 4% of pet food products analyzed
Cheapest, poorly assimilated source of Thiamine, Vitamin B-1, needed for nervous system and mental attitude.

corn starch (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Terrible filler, causes several health issues including allergies.

corn starch-modified (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Poor source of nutrients, protein, filler, binder.

animal fat (preserved with BHA/BHT) (1 stars) found in 4% of pet food products analyzed
Non-descriptive fat source, indicates 4-D source chemically preserved with carcinogens.

tallow (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Causes poor health, disrupts digestion, can include rancid restaurant grease. Very bad fat source!

animal fat (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Non-descriptive source indicates 4-D fat chemically preserved, difficult to digest, potentially carcinogenic.

animal digest (1 stars) found in 13% of pet food products analyzed
Rendered, by chemical and/or enzymatic process, non-descriptive animal tissues used for flavor.

corn grits (1 stars) found in 5% of pet food products analyzed
Poor source of protein and carbohydrates, filler.

chicken by-products (organ meat only), fresh (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Can be poor quality hidden behind “organ meat only” and “fresh” still by-products which can include diseased organ tissue, tumors.

yeast culture (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Flavoring, source of protein, potentially toxic to the liver.

trace minerals (potassium chloride) (1 stars) found in 4% of pet food products analyzed
Source of potassium to balance pH, small intestinal ulcers may occur, indicates lack of well-rounded supplementation.

chicken flavors (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Indicates artificial flavor which can be a carcinogen.

trace minerals (sodium tripolyphoshate) (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Cheap, potentially harmful source of phosphorous indicates lack of well-rounded supplements.

artificial flavor (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Can become carcinogenic. Produces allergies.

chicken by-product meal (1 stars) found in 23% of pet food products analyzed
Ground up carcasses, internal organs, beaks, feet. Concentrated.

Note: “Gimmick” or “Gimmicky” means this ingredient is listed on the label in order to hype the product to human buyers, but is usually not present in large enough quantities to be effective in any meaningful way.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – University of Minnesota researchers developed and tested a cancer drug that they believe could someday help patients live longer and with fewer side effects.

You wouldn’t know it walking into a room full of playful pups at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, but all are battling cancer. Now, many of their owners now get to spend significantly more time with them.

“We just never expected it was going to work as well as it did,” said Jaime Modiano, a U of M Vet School researcher, who along with his colleague Antonella Borgatti, led a study treating dogs with HSA Sarcoma, a fast-spreading incurable cancer.

University of Minnesota researchers developed and tested a cancer drug that they believe could someday help patients live longer and with fewer side effects.   (Photo: KARE 11)

They used a drug called eBAT, developed by another U of M professor. The results amazed them.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited in my life,” Modiano said.

Only 30 percent of dogs who get this cancer survive six months after being diagnosed. But if given the drug, 70 percent have lived that long.

And one of the dogs treated with eBAT four years ago is still alive. Modiano calls it unprecedented. The bigger picture in this study is what this breakthrough could mean for people. 

“The hope is that we’ll be able to translate this drug for human use,” Borgatti said.

“This drug has potential to help people with a wide variety of cancers,” Modiano said.

The canine HSA Sarcoma is very similar to forms of sarcoma in people. The professors are optimistic it will work as well as it did with the dogs — extending life, with fewer side-effects than other drugs on the market.

“Our goal and our vision is to create a world where we no longer fear cancer. And every time we create a new treatment that creates hope, we help to reduce the fear of cancer,” Modiano said.

(© 2017 KARE)

Article Sources:

http://www.kare11.com/news/health/u-of-m-cancer-breakthrough-amazes-researchers/408391305

http://www.ksdk.com/news/health/u-of-m-cancer-breakthrough-amazes-researchers/408529378

http://mct.aacrjournals.org/content/early/2017/02/13/1535-7163.MCT-16-0637

Article Preface

  Working in the Veterinary Industry in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s I witnessed in what is my opinion an over enthusiasm for vaccinating dogs and cats. Over the following almost 4 decades this has grown from an over enthusiastic approach by the Veterinary Industry to a cult like obsession. I watched dogs and cats contract illnesses and conditions that did not make sense; not being a Veterinarian myself my thinking and loyalty was not bound to a set of prescribed notions of what was happening. The link (while anecdotal) was pretty clear to me; the amount and frequencies of vaccines being given must have a “cause and effect” association.

Although my background and experience told me I shouldn’t,  I still followed my Veterinarians advice when it came to puppy series, primary core vaccines and yearly boosters. I watched my own medium size working dogs, tiny and large breed dogs of others getting the same exact dosages of vaccines including the rabies vaccine.  I watched puppies being given their full puppy series at 5 to 7 weeks old and witnessed the aftermath of these practices.

I speak to dog and cat owners daily  who regale horror stories of the devastating effects of over vaccination. Dogs who have been diagnosed with Autoimmune Disease and were sent home to die because their Veterinarian did not understand what had caused this condition or why the dog was inflicted with the condition.

I am truly not writing this to besmirch any Veterinarian; they have a tough job to do and for the most part do their jobs well. However the Veterinary Industry and the Pet Industry apparently has no understanding of cause and effect. You overload an animal with chemicals and medications there WILL be a cause and effect and unfortunately it will lead to very unpleasant outcomes.

The article I am sharing with you below triggered my memories and experiences; it seems that my conclusions (ones which I adamantly hold to this day) almost 40 years ago are starting to be born out through studies and other anecdotal supporting evidence. I’m not saying that vaccinations are bad or that you should not vaccinate your dog or cat. I am saying that it is high time for common sense to step in a stop the egregious practices of over vaccinations and bring it to a screeching halt… enough dogs and cats have been needlessly harmed!

I encourage you to read the article below and take it seriously; what has happened in the past cannot be changed; however we can darn sure change what happens from this day forward!

A Hidden Vaccine Side Effect That Many Pet Owners (and Vets) Never Suspect

By Dr. Becker

Recently I ran across a sad, maddening news article discussing an increase in autoimmune disorder diagnoses by veterinarians. According to the article:

“Similar to humans, autoimmune disorders in dogs can happen suddenly. But what’s different is the condition is just recently being heavily researched in dogs because they’re dying from it.”¹

The article discusses a 7-year-old dog named Toby who stopped eating regularly, was losing weight and became lethargic to the point of immobility.

Toby’s veterinarian immediately suspected an autoimmune disorder — a disease in which the immune system, designed to protect the body, begins attacking it instead. I’m not sure why the dog’s vet suspected an autoimmune problem right off the bat, since Toby’s symptoms can have many different causes.

Had he recently vaccinated Toby? And how many vaccinations had the dog received in his seven years?

Toby’s health was quickly declining. His veterinarian did a complete blood workup and ultrasound to check for cancer, enlarged organs and other abnormalities. Autoimmune disorders are diagnoses of exclusion, meaning all other possible underlying causes are ruled out first.

And tragically, once the diagnosis is finally made, traditional veterinary medicine has little to offer because from their perspective, “there is no known cause.” Whereas holistic veterinarians have linked vaccines to autoimmune disorders for decades, the conventional veterinary community just can’t seem to get there.

As for poor Toby and other pets like him, according to veterinarian Scott Campbell, who was interviewed for the article:

“You have about a 7 out of 10 chance that your pet is going to get better, but the reality is that this isn’t going to happen anytime soon. Sometimes multiple blood transfusions are needed, which can be costly.” ²

The article wraps up by stating that Toby is “pulling through,” though his treatment is far from over. His owner seems resigned to the fact she may never know what caused his illness.

And then there’s this. Veterinarians the news writer spoke with “said testing is getting better and said it’s a learning process where they get more information with every case.” Too bad the learning process apparently doesn’t involve erring on the side of caution and foregoing unnecessary vaccine boosters.

Pets With Autoimmune Disease Are Suspicious for Over-Vaccination

Since this was just a short online news article and video put together by a local television station, I really didn’t expect an in-depth analysis of the rise of autoimmune diseases in pets. However, a glaring omission in the coverage is any mention of Toby’s vaccine status.

Any discussion of a diagnosed autoimmune disease in a pet should include information about vaccinations. We need to know how often the dog has been vaccinated, for what and how recently he received a vaccine(s).

Toby’s owner seems unaware of the connection between vaccines and autoimmune diseases in pets, which suggests her veterinarian hasn’t raised the issue with her, which leads me to believe that if Toby survives, there’s a good chance he’ll be vaccinated again in the future.

That’s not good news for Toby or any animal dealing with an autoimmune disorder.

Researchers Have Long Suspected a Link Between Vaccinations and Autoimmune Disease

Back in 1999, a team of researchers in the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology at Purdue University conducted a series of experimental studies to determine if vaccination of dogs affects the function of their immune system and results in autoimmune disease. In the study introduction, the authors wrote:

“There has been a growing concern among dog owners and veterinarians that the high frequency with which dogs are being vaccinated may lead to autoimmune and other immune-mediated disorders (Dodds, 1988; Smith, 1995).

The evidence for this is largely anecdotal and based on case reports. A recent study observed a statistically significant temporal relationship between vaccination and subsequent development of immuno-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) in dogs (Doval and Ciger, 1996).

Although this does not necessarily indicate a causal relationship, it is the strongest evidence to date for vaccine-induced autoimmune disease in the dog.”³

The Purdue researchers set out to evaluate whether vaccination at a young age causes alterations in the immune system of dogs, including the production of autoantibodies that could lead to autoimmune disease.

Whereas antibodies are produced by the immune system to defend the body by attacking invading pathogens such as bacteria and viruses, autoantibodies are produced by a confused immune system and attack the body itself.

Study Revealed Significant Immune System Abnormalities in Vaccinated Dogs

The study followed a group of vaccinated and a group of unvaccinated dogs for 14 weeks after the first vaccination.

The researchers discovered that the group of vaccinated dogs (but not the unvaccinated group) developed autoantibodies to several crucial, naturally-occurring biochemicals in their own bodies, including albumin, cardiolipin, collagen, cytochrome C, DNA, fibronectin and laminin.

None of the vaccinated dogs developed an autoimmune disease during the 14 weeks of experimental studies; however, they were still under 6 months of age when the study concluded. This is long before autoimmune diseases develop clinical symptoms.

The researchers concluded, “It is likely that genetic and environmental factors will trigger the onset of clinical autoimmune disease in a small percentage of the animals that develop autoantibodies.”⁴ You can read the full study here.

Fact: Too Many Dogs Are Receiving Too Many Vaccinations

A revved-up (overly-stimulated) immune system, which is both the goal and result of vaccines, can set the stage for disorders in which the immune system mistakes the body’s own organs for foreign invaders, and attacks them. Autoimmune diseases can affect a wide variety of tissues in the body, including blood, joints and muscles, nervous system, thyroid, adrenal glands, kidneys, liver, bowel, reproductive organs, eyes, skin and mucous membranes.

While a safe, individualized vaccination program is important for every pet, research shows that dogs and cats absolutely do not require annual re-vaccinations to keep them protected from disease.

However, even though feline and canine vaccination guidelines have been modified in recent years, too many veterinarians still recommend annual (or even more frequent) re-vaccinations, and too many pet parents comply. According to Dr. Jean Dodds, world-renowned pet healthcare and vaccine expert:

“ … [T]he truth is that once your dog has completed his puppy series (or kitten series for cats) for the core vaccines, there is a good chance his body will maintain immunity to these diseases for life.

Yet, many well-intentioned people continue to follow the advice of some eterinarians and give their adult dogs and cats annual (or even semi-annual) vaccine boosters. This can result in over-vaccination and a variety of potentially damaging — and in some cases, even life-threatening — adverse reactions (referred to as ‘vaccinosis’).⁵

Dodds covers the two most common types of vaccines, modified live-virus (MLV) vaccines and killed vaccines, here, where she also lists the dog breeds at highest risk for vaccine-related diseases.

The Canine Vaccination Protocol I Recommend

Veterinary vaccine expert Dr. Ronald Schultz suggests the ideal scenario is to titer pregnant females to determine the exact time maternal antibody levels will fall in their pups and vaccines will be effective to immunize the litter.

This is optimal, because we can completely avoid giving ineffective vaccines, which occurs when puppies still have high levels of maternal antibodies that prevent vaccines from stimulating antibody production. This is a common issue when puppies are vaccinated between 5 and 8 weeks of age.

In many cases, one well-timed vaccine can stimulate adequate protection, but knowing when to give the inoculation is critical. However, for many people who rescue puppies this won’t be possible, so we must guess when maternal antibodies are gone and give two or three inoculations to stimulate antibody production. During this “window of opportunity” for infectious diseases, the puppy’s immune system is vulnerable.

I recommend giving one parvo and distemper vaccine between 9 and 12 weeks of age and a second parvo and distemper four weeks later when the puppy is between 13 and 16 weeks old. There are some breeds (e.g., Rottweilers and pit bulls) that may benefit from an additional parvo booster at 18 weeks of age, a recommendation Dodds suggests.

Alternatively, some holistic veterinarians like me are pushing the second booster back to 16 to 18 weeks of age instead of giving a third parvo vaccine. Any physical changes that occur after any vaccine should be immediately addressed. I use homeopathy to counteract any potential vaccine reactions, but there are other methods of detoxification that other practitioners use.

Schultz suggests titering for parvo and distemper from two to four weeks after the last puppy shot to assure the immune system responded adequately. Most holistic vets (including me) prefer to wait and give a rabies vaccine at 6 months of age.

If the puppy wasn’t titered two to four weeks after her last puppy shot, then titering at one year is advisable, and every three years thereafter. Dodds suggests boosting certain breeds again at 1 year of age, but I would only advise this if a dog’s titer at one year is negligible.

As for the non-core vaccines, for example, canine flu vaccines, bordetella, Lyme and leptospirosis, I don’t recommend any of them. Several non-core vaccines are only available in combination with other vaccines, some of which are core. I recommend you check with your veterinarian to insure no non-core vaccines are being piggy-backed on the core vaccines your dog receives.

Most traditional veterinarians don’t carry single vaccines (just parvo) or even minimally coupled vaccines (distemper and parvo together), so ask to see the vaccine vial before assuming your pet is only receiving one or two agents at a time. Under no circumstances should a dog with an existing disease or illness, especially an autoimmune disorder, be vaccinated for anything.

Article Source: http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2016/10/15/autoimmune-disease-dogs.aspx

*** BLOG UPDATE ***  –  November 2017

Since we first published this blog post January of 2017, we have developed, tested and successfully launched a formula specifically to help dogs who are susceptible or already have DM!

Why use our (DM) Defense and Support Formula?

This formula is based on the already successfully proven benefits of Healthy Joint Formula which has helped dogs reduce the effects of Degenerative Myelopathy.  This new formula provides all of the proven benefits of Healthy Joint Formula with the added scientifically confirmed benefits of the highest quality Spirulina.

Spirulina delivers 60% protein and an excellent source of vitamins A, K1, K2, B12, iron, manganese and chromium. A rich source of health-giving phytonutrients such as carotenoids, GLA, SOD and phycocyanin and contains:

• 2800% more beta-carotene than carrots
• 600% more protein than tofu
• 3900% more iron than spinach
• 280% more antioxidants than blueberries
• 550 times more powerful than vitamin E
• 800 times stronger than CoQ10
• 6000 times greater than vitamin C
• 11 times stronger than beta-carotene
• 550 times more powerful than green tea catechins

Description:

Degenerative Myelopathy is a devastating disease. Affected dogs develop weakness in the rear legs and gradually become paralyzed. Eventually they can’t control their bowels and lose motor control on the entire upper half of the body. This degenerative process can take anywhere from six months to three years.

There is ongoing research for this disease and there is evidence suggesting that Degenerative Myelopathy is an inflammatory autoimmune disease. There is a nerve sheath (called myelin) that surrounds and insulates the nerve fibers of the spinal cord and is necessary for the conduction of nerve impulses. What happens in Degenerative Myelopathy is the dog’s own immune system cells attack the spinal cord sheath. This creates an accumulation of inflammatory cells locally and the chronic inflammation destroys the myelin sheath, leading to progressive nerve tissue damage. The damage typically begins in the middle of the back and this is where the most severe damage can be found. The nerve damage results in loss of voluntary and involuntary motor control. Some neurologists compare Degenerative Myelopathy in dogs to Multiple Sclerosis in humans.

Commonly Affected Breeds

There are about 43 breeds that have been found to have the defective gene responsible for Degenerative Myelopathy. The breeds most often affected include;

• German Shepherd
• Boxer
• Chesapeake Bay Retriever
• Rhodesian Ridgeback
• Irish Setter
• Dalmatian
• Weimaraner
• Great Pyrenees
• Samoyed
• Briard
• Siberian Husky
• Miniature Poodle
• Standard Poodle
• Bernese Mountain Dog
• Kerry Blue Terrier
• Golden Retriever
• Wire Fox Terrier
• American Eskimo Dog
• Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
• Pug

Diagnosis

The diagnostic tests that are normally performed are blood work (including a thyroid panel) and spinal X-rays. Other tests may include an electromyogram (EMG), MRI or CT, myelogram, and spinal tap to help rule out other spinal diseases, such as Intervertebral Disc Disease, spinal cord tumors, Degenerative Lumbosacral Syndrome, and Degenerative Joint Diseases as in Dysplasia.

If your vet highly suspects Degenerative Myelopathy, a blood sample can be submitted to the veterinary school at the University of Missouri to test for the mutant gene – or dogs can be screened with a cheek swab sample.

Symptoms

Degenerative Myelopathy initially affects the rear legs first. The dog may start to drag a foot on walks and the owner can hear or see this. The two middle nails on that weak paw may be worn down. Eventually, a lack of coordination and wobbliness in the gait is seen and the reflexes will slow in the hind feet and legs. Soon afterward, the thigh muscles will start to atrophy and the tail may be limp.

As the disease progresses, the dog will have difficulty standing for long periods of time and getting up from lying down. Fecal and urinary incontinence inevitably follow. The rear legs become so weak that the dog will need assistance to get up and he will have trouble holding a position to defecate or urinate (affected dogs often walk and poop).

As the disease progresses, the front limbs will start to become affected and weaken as well. Normally, the dog is so debilitated by this point that most patients are euthanized because of poor quality of life. Thankfully, this disease is not painful but there may be compensatory issues that will eventually cause discomfort since the dog’s biomechanics will change and tissues will be overused.

Holistic Treatments

There is no conventional veterinary medicine treatment for Degenerative Myelopathy. Holistic veterinarians use their skills and modalities to improve the quality of life. There is no need for pain meds (usually) or steroids. Treatments that do help and are readily available include acupuncture, exercise, diet and nutraceuticals.

• Acupuncture can help by stimulating the nervous system. More than likely, electroacupuncture will be used. The acupuncture needles are inserted and then small electrodes are connected to a few needles to create a microcurrent between them. This drives the acupuncture effect deeper and is very beneficial for paralyzed or partially paralyzed patients. This is performed once or twice a week for a few sessions in a row. 
• Exercise is probably the most important modality for affected dogs. The nervous system has to be constantly stimulated to keep the nerve impulses firing. There is now documentation showing that physiotherapy can improve symptoms and prolongs the length of time that the dog remains mobile.
• Hydrotherapy is the safest and most effective form of exercise for these patients. Free swimming and underwater treadmill therapy have many advantages to the nervous and musculoskeletal system and the properties of water make it the safest form of exercise.

Walks and structured therapeutic exercise are very important to maintain balance and proprioception, flexibility of the joints, keep muscles toned, and maintain good circulation. Eventually, a cart may enable the dog to remain active and maintain its quality of life once weakness or paralysis of the hind legs sets in.

The Importance of Nutrition

• A balanced nutritional protocol will support the body and help control inflammation and regulate the immune system. First and foremost, the quality of protein needs to be evaluated. The higher the bioavailability of the protein, the better off the dog will be. The digestion process takes a lot of energy and creates a lot of heat which is not what the body needs, so the less work the intestines have to do, the better. Since Degenerative Myelopathy is potentially a problem with an over-reactive immune system, you want to give your dog anti-inflammatory ingredients. One of the most profound and effective is PUFAS (polyunsaturated fatty acids). They are required (essential) in the diet because they are not produced by the body. The most important is Omega-3 essential fatty acid from fish oil because it gets broken down to anti-inflammatory prostaglandins.
• Inflammation anywhere in the body creates free radicals which are unstable electrons that can cause damage to cell DNA and cause cell death. Antioxidants can neutralize the free radicals and help maintain proper levels. Some antioxidants beneficial to Degenerative Myelopathy-affected dogs or to help prevent the development of the disease are: ascorbic acid (vitamin C), vitamin E, vitamin A, carotenoids, selenium, glutathione peroxidase, super oxide dismutase, coenzyme Q 10, S- Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAMe), N-Acetylcysteine, and taurine. Most of these antioxidants are found in fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Another important ingredient, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), is an effective anti-inflammatory substance that is naturally found in protein from red meat, poultry, eggs, legumes, garlic, onions (but not for dogs!), Brussels sprouts, asparagus, kale and wheat germ.

Lecithin is composed of fatty substances and phospholipids which make up a portion of the nerve cell wall membrane. It may provide building blocks for the myelin sheath and nerve tissue in the spinal cord. Most unprocessed nuts, unprocessed grains, unprocessed soy, and eggs contain lecithin.

Dr Kruger Pet Supplements Helps Dogs with DM utilizing  All Natural, Organic, NON-GMO, Human Grade Quality Ingredients !

 Since 1986 Dr Kruger Pet Supplements has been providing supplements that help a dog achieve and maintain proper health and natural balance as required by nature. Our customers with breeds that have a predisposition to Degenerative Myelopathy or have already developed this disease utilize the Healthy Skin & Coat Formula and our Canine Degenerative Myelopathy Formula to assist in addressing the issues that Degenerative Myelopathy is noted for in dogs.

As a preventative measure; customers start their puppies (after 6 months of age) on these formulas to build up their bodies and immune system. This will help your dog by providing the necessary systems support through its life.

After being diagnosed with Degenerative Myelopathy;  customers start their dogs on these formulas to improve the quality of life for their dogs. Provide the dogs with the systems support, immune support and mobility support that is most critical for a dog with  Degenerative Myelopathy.

Dosage Recommendation;  You never want to exceed 1 ½ scoops (teaspoons) per one cup of food. The most common way it is given;

1 full scoop of Canine Degenerative Myelopathy Formula and ½ scoop of Healthy Skin & Coat Formula per one cup of food.

3 Golden Rules that lead to success using any of the Dr Kruger Pet Supplements Formulas

1. The formulas are dosed based on the amount of food your pet eats per meal; this is the only true way to determine the proper amount of supplement/s your pet should be getting. Your goal is to get your dog up to 1 full scoop per one cup of food and your cat up to the equivalent amount of supplement/s based on the amount of food being fed.
2. This will not work if you are trying to give supplements to more than one pet in a “free feeding” environment. This is based on predictive feeding as explained above.
3. You must follow our dosage instructions; your pet must have the supplement/s on every meal; skipping days or only giving the supplement/s on one meal a day (unless your pet only gets one meal a day) will not be sufficient for the supplement/s to do their job properly.

 For more information about Dr Kruger Pet Supplements Formulas go to http://www.drkruger.com
Article sources:  A Natural Approach to Managing Degenerative Myelopathy Holistic Care – By Dr Julie Mayer;  Dr Kruger Pet Supplements – www.drkruger.com

Chances are you own a pet that’s been neutered or spayed the conventional way. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, (ASPCA), 83 percent of pet dogs are, and many undergo one of these procedures before 6 months of age.

That’s likely what your veterinarian recommended or it’s your local shelter’s requirement for adoption.

But here’s the stark truth about these procedures:

Once your dog is spayed or neutered, his or her organ systems will struggle for the remainder of your dog’s life to create and maintain a healthy balance of hormones.

I know that sounds harsh. Sadly, it is. I learned the truth about spaying and neutering the hard way at the expense of my patients’ well-being.

Spaying and neutering are the only two procedures taught in veterinarian schools for animal birth control and the vast majority of veterinarians remain entrenched in these traditional, permanently crippling practices.

Please don’t get me wrong… I am pro-sterilization.

I now use sterilization techniques that achieve the same desired end result but preserve normal endocrine function and don’t disable our pets. However, know I am in the minority.

The veterinary profession isn’t about to change its spay and neuter recommendations anytime soon, so, sadly, pets will continue to suffer their ill effects.

This somber truth has made me more determined than ever to find an effective way to support the endocrine function and hormonal balance of dogs everywhere.

How Early Neutering or Spaying Puts Your Dog’s Endocrine Function at Risk

Your dog’s endocrine system consists of tissues and glands that release hormones into the bloodstream. A big part of your dog’s hormonal endocrine balance comes from hormones made in the testicles (in males), the uterus and ovaries (in females).

When a female dog is spayed, both her uterus and ovaries are removed. Neutering removes a male dog’s testicles.

With either procedure, no consideration is given to the hormones produced by these organs – such as estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Both spaying and neutering remove all of the normal sex hormone-secreting tissues.

And here’s the problem… Just because your pet is now desexed doesn’t mean his or her body doesn’t need sex hormones.

Your dog needs a certain level of circulating sex hormones for normal biologic functioning throughout life. And they’re needed in the right proportions.

When the sex organs and their hormones are taken away from a still-developing young dog’s body, it can affect everything from the brain to the bones.

And because these sex hormones are so vital, your pet’s body struggles to get them however it can…

Without ovaries or testicles, the task of producing sex hormones falls onto your dog’s adrenal glands. They are the only tissues remaining that are capable of producing these hormones.

Over time, this takes a toll on your dog’s adrenal glands. They must do their own work plus the work of the missing organs. It’s very difficult for these tiny little glands to keep up with the body’s demand.

Desexing Plus These Everyday Hazards Can Create a Double Whammy for Your Pet

We live in a toxic, polluted world, and that’s especially so for your dog. He or she may:

• Sleep in a dog bed that’s been treated with flame-retardant chemicals
• Drink water that’s chlorinated and fluoridated from plastic water bowls
• Romp in grass at the park that’s been treated with pesticides
• Eat food that’s been treated with chemicals
• Eat food packaged in plastic containers

Surprisingly, these chemicals – a class of chemicals known as endocrine disruptors, which include DDT, BPA, dioxin, PCBs, lead, triclosan, phthalates and arsenic – affect your dog’s hormones as does neutering and spaying.

Just like with spaying and neutering, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, or xenoestrogens can reduce your dog’s hormone production as well as the release of hormones from the endocrine glands.

Because these endocrine disruptors mimic estrogen hormones, they can lead to an imbalance of hormones in your pet’s body.

Combining these two factors – desexing your pet and everyday exposure to potentially harmful chemicals – can create an even greater burden on your dog’s adrenal glands.

The Effects of Missing or Imbalanced Hormones on Your Dog’s Well-Being

What can happen with time, too, is the adrenal glands begin to over secrete hormones like cortisol – the fight-or-flight hormone – and estrogen, progesterone and testosterone precursors to keep up with the body’s demand.

This can lead to a potential toxicity or hormonal imbalance in your male or female dog.

Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone are essential components of your dog’s endocrine system. So what can happen if your pet has too little or too much hormone production?

These are just some of the potential effects:

• Shortened lifespan
• Adrenal issues
• Bone growth and development issues
• Ligament and hip issues
• Urinary issues
• Immune system imbalances

A recent retrospective study analyzing the records of 90,090 patients, from 1995 to 2010, revealed a significant impact on immune function.

Neutered males had a greater incidence of skin and gut issues, and immune and hormonal effects.

Spayed females, compared to intact female dogs, showed a “significantly greater” risk of immune issues.

The researchers concluded that sex hormones are indeed crucial for optimal immune function in dogs.

In addition to these physical effects, there may also be behavioral effects from early spay and neuter procedures.

Studies show a higher incidence of noise phobias, fear-based behavior, aggression and unwanted sexual behaviors.

Many dogs who have been neutered or spayed may not show signs of physical, mental or behavioral issues, at least not for the first few years of their lives. But don’t assume they have escaped ill consequences…

7 Signs Your Dog’s Endocrine System May No Longer Be Coping

As your dog reaches middle age and beyond, there may be warning signs that your dog’s adrenal glands can no longer keep up with the extra demand. Your dog may be running either too low or too high in certain hormones or suffering from an imbalance.

Behavior issues like excessive fear and anxiety are often the first signs that may appear. But any of these changes can signal a potential issue:

• Increased thirst and urination
• Urinary incontinence, or urine leaking
• Lethargy
• Hair loss, thickened skin and hyperpigmentation
• Behavior changes, including confusion and depression
• Agitation, aggressiveness
• Weight gain

Without a doubt, hormonal imbalances can affect your dog’s health, comfort and quality of life. And as you can see from this list, the effects aren’t limited to just one part of her body…

By helping to maintain a proper balance of your pet’s hormones, you support your dog’s physical health and her mental and emotional health as well.

Let me tell you what I learned from my mentor, a top animal endocrinologist, a decade ago… It changed the way I ran my practice and it turned around the health and well-being of thousands of animals. I still follow his advice today and continue to see remarkable changes in dogs’ physical health, personalities and demeanor.

Straight From Tennessee… The World’s Top Endocrinologist’s Hormone Balancing Protocol

It seems like the most logical way to balance hormones would be to use hormone replacement therapy, right?

Most traditional veterinarians have little experience or knowledge about hormone replacement.

However, functional medicine practitioners in the veterinary community, like myself, are big believers in the benefits of balancing sex hormones naturally.

Rather than using actual hormones (which can be tricky), I like to use their raw materials to support hormonal balance.

I learned about this protocol from Dr. Jack Oliver at The University of Tennessee Clinical Endocrinology Service. Sadly, Dr. Oliver passed away in 2011, but for years he was my mentor – and the expert advisor who turned my practice around.

His protocol consisted of two ingredients that have been shown in studies to balance cortisol and other hormones, while lowering strong estradiol (estrogen) levels:

1. HMR (7-hydroxymatairesinol) lignans (from Norway Spruce) – Unlike flax lignans, the HMR plant lignan converts to enterolactone (acts as a “good” phytoestrogen) by gastrointestinal bacteria immediately upon ingestion, and is then completely and quickly absorbed from the GI tract.
2. Melatonin – This valuable hormone modulates other hormones and promotes healthy cortisol and estradiol (estrogen) levels. Works synergistically with lignans to support beneficial estrogen metabolism.

Early on, I discovered I had some stubborn cases of elevated estrogen levels that did not respond to Dr. Oliver’s original two supplements.

Based on my own research, I started adding in Diindoylymethane (DIM) for additional benefits.

A major active metabolite of Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), DIM is a constituent of cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower. It plays many useful roles in the body, but it’s been shown to promote beneficial estrogen metabolism in both males and females.

For many of my patients, DIM, combined with HMR and Melatonin, was the missing link…

This is a very good question and one that I can fully address here…
 
We are the only “Veterinary Grade, Therapeutic Supplements” company in the world. Our supplements are all Nutritionally Dense with High Potency, All Natural, Organic, NON-GMO, High Human Grade Quality Ingredients.
 
While we our company name says “Pet Supplements” our formulas are far beyond common pet supplements. These supplements achieve a level of wellness and prevention that puts our company and our formulas in our own category in two industries;
 

1. Pet Supplements
2. Veterinary Medicine 

We are the only Pet Supplements company in these categories and rise to the highest level of quality and results that no others have been able to achieve. Dr. Charles Kruger DVM founded this company in 1986 following proven and repeatable science and all of our formulas follow that simple approach to this day.

Those of you who have met us or have spoken with us by phone or through the internet you will note that we do not readily throw out supplement recommendations without taking a preliminary history on your pets health. This is no different than any Veterinary professional would do when you bring your pet into their clinic for treatment. We have to be sure that we understand your pet’s specific health issues and situation before we can recommend one or more of our supplements to help your pet regain its health.

This is why you are only able to purchase our supplements from us either online or directly at a dog show and through qualified Veterinary Clinics. Yes… I did say “qualified“. Veterinary clinics (Doctors and Staff Members) must go through a mandatory initial training on our formulas and agree to mandatory continuing education training on our formulas. These mandatory requirements are designed to keep these clinics as up to date as possible on our field results and findings on all our formulas.

We also offer and deliver to our Veterinary Resellers “free” case consultation services to help them choose the correct supplement protocol for those cases that fall outside of the norm.

Pet stores that have a zillion products on the shelf and have no vested interest in selling you the best product for your pet, they will sell you whichever product you are interested in purchasing. They have to pay for all of that inventory and they are more interested in moving that inventory as quickly as possible. They have a higher level of employee turn over and they have no interest in keeping their staff trained at the level we insist upon of our resellers. Also pet stores do not typically have a Veterinarian on staff.  I am not saying that Pet Stores are bad… I am just explaining the reality of their business.

Our continued focus in 2020 and beyond is to bring in more Veterinary Clinics as Authorized and Trained Resellers so that we can have more locations for you to be able to pick up your favorite supplements without having to wait on shipments to arrive in your mailbox.

If you want your primary Veterinary Clinic to become a reseller of our formulas then please talk to them, encourage them to contact us and we will take it from there!