Title: Anatomy of a Carnivore | |
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Date Posted:01/26/2009 9:56 PMCopy HTML Anatomy of a Carnivore By Lew Olson • Spring 1999 Newsletter This article is written to
address the current confusion of the dietary needs of the domestic dog. The dog
has been a companion to humans for at least 10,000 to 14,000 years, although
current molecular data shows that the dog may be much older. Our domestic dog is
closest genetically to the wolf, and they differ in only 1% to 2% in their gene
sequences. This is quite significant, as dogs differ from coyotes by 7.5% and
even further from jackals and foxes. Wolves and domestic dogs also have
identical digestive tracts.
There are some differences
in dogs and wolves, according to Ray Coppinger, a
professor of biology at Some of this is believed to
have evolved due to humans selection of dogs. Humans
tend to prefer more submissive dogs, that carry more neoteric, or immature features. It is felt submissive dogs
would adapt better in human families, and humans preferred the less threatening
look of a dog that carried juvenile features.(wagging high carried tail, larger
eyes and licking the owner)
It is also interesting to
note that all domestic dogs, from the Wolves are members of the
carnivore family, known as canis lupus. The domestic
dog is also of the carnivore family, known as canis
familiaris. The book, "The
Carnivores", written by R. F. Ewer (lecturer in biology at the Some typical features
common to carnivores are a large mouth opening, a single hinge joint that lays in the same plane as the teeth, and a large primary
muscle on the side of the head for operating the jaw. The teeth are short and
pointed, made for grasping and shredding. These teeth come together to give a
cutting motion and act like shears. The teeth and mouth of the carnivore are
developed to swallow food whole, not for chewing or crushing. Carnivores do not
have digestive enzymes in their saliva. Humans have amylase, which helps to
begin to break down complex carbohydrates. The dogs
digestive tract is one-third to one-half the length of an omnivore. This
shortness is designed for adaption for quick, muscular digestion of raw meat and
bones. Carnivores have a much higher concentration of hydrochloric acid in the
stomach for break down of proteins and to kill any dangerous bacteria. Their
stomach acidity is less than or equal to pH 1 with food in the stomach, while
humans are pH 4 to 5.
This raises the question of
what is the best food for carnivores, according to their digestive tract and
physiology. Dogs, as carnivores, have difficulty digesting grains and other
complex carbohydrates. With the lack of digestive enzymes in the mouth, complex
carbohydrates are not predigested, and take a long time to break down in the
stomach, and small intestine, if they break down at all. Most of the complex
carbohydrates pass through undigested, and create large stools in the dog. It is interesting to note
that dry dog foods are mainly cereal, consisting of a large part of corn, wheat,
rice and soy. While dog food companies would have you believe that grains are a
good source of protein, the fact is that dogs have a very difficult time
digesting and utilizing protein from carbohydrates. Studies show dogs do best on
animal protein, and the higher the quality, the better the protein is
assimilated. The poorer quality proteins create a stress on the dogs kidneys and it makes proper nutritional digestion
difficult. Dr. David Kronfeld reports that carbohydrates are most important for
dogs in two situations: puppies just coming off the mothers milk (which is 12% carbohydrates) and the lactating
bitch, who needs three times the usual turnover of blood glucose for production
of milk. He goes on to state that "no carbohydrates need be provided in the diet
for pups after weaning or adult dogs, not even for those subjected to hard work.
The liver is easily able to synthesize sufficient glucose (from amino acids
derived from protein and glycerol derived from fats) for transport in the blood
and utilization in other tissues." He also goes to state that he feels the high
carbohydrate content in dog foods is what contributes to coprophagy (stool eating), and hypoglycemia. Dr. Kronfeld does state that of all the grains, oatmeal is
resistant to milling, and since it is available in flaked form, it makes the
best choice for dogs, as it has a higher protein and fat content.
Cooking animal protein also
changes many of the amino acids chains, and makes some of the amino acids they
need unusable or destroyed. Dogs' need for amino acids differ from humans, and
raw meat contains many or most needed for good tissue health, immunity and good
coat and skin for carnivores.
Lastly, cooking and
processed foods, such as dog foods, creates difficulty in digestion. It can take
up to 15 hours to digest processed foods, while fresh foods digest in about 4 to
6 hours. The longer food stays in the system, the greater chance of allergies
and digestive upsets.
Commercial dog foods did
not become available until the late 50's and early 60's. The draw of processed dog foods for the public are mainly
convenience, and good marketing. Dog food companies began to convince the public
that dog foods were complete in nutrition, and balanced. They also used
marketing and advertising to convince the public that canine nutrition was
complex, and only a dry, scientifically formulated diet could give their dog
complete nutrition. Prior to that time, people gave their dogs scraps, raw meat,
eggs and bones. The digestive enzymes and bacteria found in fresh food helped
dogs digest food better, and built stronger immune systems. These necessary
nutrients are not found in processed foods, as the processing and cooking
destroys them. Dogs began to develop coat, skin and allergy conditions. They
also begin to show dental problems, as their teeth are not designed for chewing,
but for tearing and swallowing. Raw meat and bones contain enzymes and acids
that help keep teeth clean, and also help to develop good musculature in the jaw
and head. Most of the fat used in
processed foods can easily go rancid, and need preservatives to help maintain
their integrity. Many of these preservatives have been found to be detrimental
to the dogs health and immune systems, most commonly
ethoxiquin, BHA and BHT. These can inhibit the
production of white blood cells, lower the immune system and block the
absorption of glucose. Also lacking in processed foods are the Omega-3 fatty
acids, necessary for good coat and skin health. These fats cannot withstand the
long shelf life of processed foods.
Fat is crucial to
carnivores, in maintaining and creating energy, and to produce glycerol. While
humans require some carbohydrates for energy and endurance, carnivores need
fats, both animal and plant, for creating glucose and developing stamina. I hope that this article
has created some "food for thought" for your dog's diet. There are several ways
to improve your dog's diet, including adding fresh food to kibble, cooking fresh
foods, or feeding a completely raw diet. I recommend some books to learn more
about this, and at the end of this article I have listed a few. This is not a
complete list, there are several currently written on this topic. These will
provide a place to start for understanding which foods help canine health, how
to prepare them, and references for common questions. Diet may not add
longevity, but it can certainly add health and vitality for the duration of the
life, and decrease health problems and vet bills. "Give Your Dog A Bone," by
Dr. Ian Billinghurst, D.V.M. "Grow Your Pups With Bones," by Dr. Ian Billinghurst D.V.M. "Holistic Guide For A Healthy Dog," by Kerry Brown D.V.M. and Wendy Volhard "Natural
Health for Dogs and Cats," by Dr. Richard Pitcairn D.V.M.
Also see further sources on
my links page References Nexus Magazine Report:
What's Really in Pet Food,
http://www.nexusmagazine.com/articles/petfood1.html Case, Linda P. MS, Carey,
Daniel P D.V.M. and Hirakawa, Diane A, Ph.D., Canine
and Feline Nutrition, Mosby Press 1995
Cohn, Jeffery: How Wild
Wolves Became Domestic Dogs, Bioscience, Vol 47, December 1997
Ewer, RF: The Carnivores,
Kronfeld, DS Ph.D. Dsc, MVSc: Protein Quality
and Amino Acid Profiles of Commercial Dog Foods: Journal of the Londale, Thomas D.V.M.: Pet Foods Insidious Consequences
Mestel, Rosie: Ascent of the Dog: Discover, October,
1994. Mills, Milton R MD.: The
Comparative Anatomy of Eating Simpson, JW SDA BVM&S
Mphil MRCVS, Anderson, RS BVMS Ph.D. MRCVS and Markwell, PJ, Bsc, BvetMed MRCVS: Clinical Nutrition of the Dog and Cat,
Blackwell Scientific Publications, 1993
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