Truth about corn
Corn is a carbohydrate. Carbohydrates are sugars. There are complex carbs and there are simple carbs. Refined white sugar is a simple carb, which means it is basically pure rocket fuel. Corn is a complex carb, which means the rocket fuel is released more slowly into the body. Corn, of the complex carb world is more "simple" than many of its complex cousins, like sweet potatoe. Sugars cause the glycemic index in the body to spike and then plummet. Instant fuel that is quickly burned off, basically. Complex carbs burn slower and last longer. If your dogs diet consists mainly of ground yellow corn, your dog is getting quick "highs" followed by a dramatic "crash" every time he eats.
Check out the ingredient label on your dogs food. Many of the inexpensive kibbles host corn as the first (most abundant) ingredient item. Think of this like feeding your kids hamburgers smothered in high-fructose corn syrup. Not a healthy way to be, yet many dogs live life this way. Is it any wonder there are more health issues with our canine friends? If we lived off meaty candy bars day in and day out, believe me, we'd be sorta nuts and ill feeling, too.
My recommendation is once you've figured out your dogs food ingredients, consider going lower glycemic. Although the kibble you convert to will be a bit more costly, you will find you won't need to feed as much of it because it's not full of "empty fillers" like corn. Fecal material will be less as well.... and probably gas production. Remember, corn is an inexpensive filler and makes producing the dogs food more economically viable to the company.
Herbs 101
If your dog is pregnant or lactating ~ consult an herbalist for animals before adding any herb to your dogs diet.
Grass isn't your dogs first choice in herbs... it's just easy to obtain and works like Pepto. Natural dried herbs added to their kibble will delight you in their palatability and 2-3 weeks later you'll start noticing improvements in the overall well being as well as a rich luster and feel to their coat.
Dandelions ~ If you have a lawn you probably have Dandelions. A generous amount of steamed dandelion leaves is an easy herb to add that has a nice flavor. It's also good for human consumption but I understand the aversion to eating something you typically mow.
Rosemary is so easy to grow, smells heavenly and is as good for your dogs as it is for you. Rosemary is both an anti-spasmodic, an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory containing salicin, a natural pain killer. It also strengthens heart and liver and stimulates circulation. I gather rosemary along with all the other herbs I steam, cutting them into bits and steaming till tender. I add this to the homebrew I cook... but it can also be kept in the refrigerator and added at each mealtime. ~ Do not give to pregnant or lactating dogs.
Sage is one of my favorites and fresh seems to make the hugest difference over commercially dried varieties. It has astringent and antiseptic properties. Not all sages are safe for doggies, artemisia sages should not be used internally. ~ Do not give to pregnant or lactating dogs.
Garlic - This can be grown or purchased in large containers in "minced" form. Either preserved in water or oil is fine. Dogs benefit from olive oil, same as we do. Garlic is a potent antibiotic, antiseptic and expectorant. Excellent for treating cough and respirator issues, mucus buildup and infections. It also helps repel skin parasites. Best combined with basil, parsley, oregano and thyme. .....I add a generous amount of garlic to my homebrew at the time of cooking. Garlic helps repel parasites. ~ Not for use in dogs under one year of age. May cause diarrhea (discontinue use if it does).
Mint family (including Catnip): all members of the mint family are excellent for soothing digestive disturbances, including gas, colic, indigestion and other internal aches and pains. This is also true for humans: Tums contains aluminum (which has been suggested to play a role in dementia). Historically Catnip was used for indigestion and colic in babies, personally speaking: when we experience tummy upset the sufferer goes outside and picks some catnip and eats that. Catnip his much more effective than it's commercial counterpart ~ and there's no aluminum in it. I add a large amount to my homebrew mixture for the doggies.
Chamomile flowers offer a gentle sedative safe for even young animals. It can be used to help alleviate anxiety, insomnia and indigestion. There have been tests to suggest a reduction in aggressive behavior in animals as well. Also a great choice for flatulence. ~ Do not use on pregnant or lactating animals. Note - some dogs are allergic to Chamomile. Consult an herbalist before use.
How to add herbs:
As a poultice to external areas, brewed to make a tea, dried, steamed.
I add my herbs in two forms: My fresh herbs are minced, steamed (and allowed to cool) and mixed in with their raw diet (what I call "Homebrew"). I retain the water from steaming and add that to the homebrew as well. ... I also purchase prepared dried herbs (specifically formulated for dogs) that are added at the time of feeding according to the manufacturers directions. These dried herbs contain plants I either have no interest in growing, or ones I simply can not find for growing in the garden.
~
Nestle's coat has always been dry and dull with flaky, dry, delicate skin. Recently he showed balding along the top-line of his tail coupled with a dramatic reduction in tail feathering. For a long-haired Dachshund, his coat wasn't looking good at all. His reactive way of being doesn't help matters in that stress effects the entire body.
Nestle began an herbal regiment about 6 weeks ago. It took two weeks for physical signs to emerge. His fur has gone from brittle, washed out and dull to being rich in color with a deep luster and soft, supple feel. His semi-bald tail is beginning to fill in with new growth and I add daily TTouches along his tail to promote blood flow to the area, helping to further stimulate the hair growth.
He's a bit calmer, too. This I can attribute to many things, herbs being an important part of that puzzle. TTouches and ground work finish out the puzzle for a whole dog doing very well in finding his inner calm. It's a process. I'm eager to share any new results once the chamomile blooms and I can add blossoms to his diet.... carefully.
If you're considering herbs for your dog, go for it. When in doubt, consult an herbalist on what to use and how much. For beginners, parsley, catnip, dandelion are safe.
Nestle enjoys his time with Linda Tellington-Jonesfounder of TTouch
No comments:
Post a Comment