Extra tomorrows

Recent medical treatment advancements and nutritional product improvements, are allowing our four legged family members to live well -- longer. While every dog needs all our love and attention, senior pups have special needs.

Regular exercise, even if it is less exuberant, is a must as activity can postpone or diminish the effects of many maladies that can impact their golden years. We all need to watch our weight and that goes for our dogs as well. If they are healthy, keeping their protein levels up will maintain their muscle mass and help support their joints as quality chicken meal contains Glucosamine and Chondroitin. Feeding them smaller portions two or three times a day will reduce digestive stress and level off their blood-sugar levels defending them against diabetes and pancreatitis.

Maintaining their immune systems will give them extra tomorrows. Supplementing their diets with a vitamin, mineral and antioxidant mix that includes Omega 3 fatty acids will do the same for them and it does for us and from my point of view, they deserve all the care we can give them -- and I include my puppies in all of this – an ounce of prevention and all that. After all, they are family. Speaking of family, regular check-ups with your vet are must do’s.

Wellness is a mission.  Working at it will assure you of their tomorrows.

Amino acids, are not only calming to dogs, but the sources of those proteins influences their attitudes.

Many of us have been limiting the amount of saturated fats and proteins in our diets to improve our health and keep our weight in check. I asked veterinarian Alan Schulman if going vegetarian was a good idea for dogs and here is what he had to say;

“Amino acids are found in proteins, and dogs, as carnivores, need animal based proteins. Plant proteins lack some of the amino acids, which dogs, as carnivores specifically need. This includes l-taurine (for heart health), and l-carnitine (also for the heart and organ health).”

What I did not know was that source and quantity of protein affects their attitudes producing a calming effect, while supporting their organs, skin, coat and eyes. My dogs, Magoo, Starr and Hannah are so different from one another in their breed, size and personality, but they all eat the same formulas; Grrr-nola Natural and Bow Wow Breakfast Food for Dogs with 27% animal proteins supplemented with amino acids. I’m all for living well.

THE INFLUENCE OF NUTRITION ON AGGRESSION – Alan Schulman DVM

Aggression is a topic that has been much investigated in behavioral research. Despite the large number of publications dealing with this subject, many aspects are still not understood. Recent studies have provided new endocrine and neurophysiologic insights into the underlying mechanisms resulting in the expression of aggression. In the past, the steroid hormone testosterone was believed to be the main endocrine activator of aggressive behavior and its expression rate. However, the importance of testosterone seems to lie in its neuromodulatory function, especially in the regulation of overall dominance and competitive aggression. In turn, unrestrained aggression, impulsivity and risk-taking behavior are associated with low central serotonin activity. Other centrally active molecules, such as vasopressin or dopamine are also key players in mediating aggressiveness. In a social context, aggression is mostly applied in competitive processes to obtain access to limited resources such as food and mating partners, or for the defense of resources. Intriguingly, diverse forms of aggression are probably triggered by environmental factors such as the availability and quality of food.

Clinical evidence indicates that, for some persons, diet may be associated with, or exacerbate, such conditions as learning disability, poor impulse control, intellectual deficits, a tendency toward violence, hyperactivity, and alcoholism and/or drug abuse, and behaviors associated with delinquent behavior.   Recent studies of the relationship between diet and behavior involving offender populations have yielded evidence that a change in diet can result in significant reduction in aggressive or antisocial behavior. Much as humans feel offended at certain things and resort to aggression, dogs too respond similarly. Just as certain foods do not suit humans, there are many foods that should not be fed to dogs. There’s more to antisocial behavior than nutrition, but I would argue that it is an important missing link.

Recently, dietary recommendations have included reducing total protein intake to control aggression, blaming aggression on not having enough fat in the diet, and trying to prove that adding tryptophan to the diet will curb aggression. With regard to the effect of total dietary protein content on behavior in dogs, the results of one study suggest that a reduction in dietary protein content is not generally useful in the treatment of behavior problems in dogs, but may be appropriate in dogs with territorial aggression that is a result of fear. Fear-aggressive behavior was significantly reduced in dogs fed a low (17%) protein diet when compared to medium (25%) and high (32%) protein diets. This same study concluded that dietary protein had no effect on dominant-aggressive dogs. This study confirmed numerous earlier studies linking high protein levels with different types of aggression. The speculation is that high protein levels in the food provide an over-abundance of amino acids, essentially crowding out the amino acid tryptophan. Tryptophan is essential for seratonin production, which has a calming and stabilizing effect on canine behavior.  Newer studies are trying to prove that tryptophan can help reduce aggression because of its relationship with the production of serotonin, which in turn helps produce calmness. For dogs with dominance aggression, the addition of tryptophan to high-protein diets or change to a low-protein diet may reduce aggression. For dogs with territorial aggression, tryptophan supplementation of a low-protein diet may be helpful in reducing aggression.

Amino acids are found in proteins, and dogs, as carnivores, specifically need animal based proteins. Plant proteins lack some of the amino acids, which dogs, as carnivores specifically need. This includes l-taurine (for heart health), and l-carnitine (also for the heart and organ health). When dogs get a full complement of amino acids, it is not only calming to them, but helps support their organs, skin, coat, eyes and brain. Meat is also rich in B vitamins and minerals, including iron (which is lacking in plant based foods). Therefore, dogs, being carnivores, need high quality protein derived from animals to remain calm and keep blood glucose levels stable. In a process called glyconeogenesis, amino acids and fats are converted to glucose. When dogs are fed low amounts of animal based protein, they use carbohydrates for energy. But this type of energy is not consistent and the blood sugars fluctuate, by going up and then falling. This, in turn, creates mood swings. Creating glucose from animal based proteins and fats creates a stable blood sugar level, which keeps a dog calm and focused. Feeding a dog a diet high in carbohydrates, especially starches and grains, will simply create less focus and blood sugar spikes. Additionally, when carbohydrates are higher than 35% of the diet, they have the potential to protein starve the dog, in that the dog, being a carnivore, is not getting all the amino acids necessary to sustain and maintain healthy organs, brain function, and healthy coat and skin. Therefore, one of the reasons your dog may be acting hyperactive, unfocused and out of control may be the predominantly grain based kibble that you might be feeding him. Actually, grain based diet should never be fed to a dog. It can ruin his digestive system because it is not his natural diet. As mentioned previously, the biological and physiological basis of this is related to blood sugar levels. Not only do high carbohydrate diets lead to wild swings in blood sugar levels, they can lead to insulin resistance and the development of diabetes mellitus. If you look at it from an evolutionary perspective, dogs evolved from wolves.  While they are not obligate carnivores, they consume only minimal quantity of grains, roots and fruits, usually in the form of the already partially digested paste and juices in the intestines of their prey.  In the wild if you see wolves and dogs eating an herbivore prey that they have killed, you may notice they first go for the stomach area of the carcass. That is where they will find roots, fruits, grains, seeds, leaves and berries. 

Fats are also a component needed for calmness. Not only is fat satiating (helps make a dog feel full) and helps ward off dehydration, but it also contains essential fatty acids, the most important of which is DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Research has shown dogs that display more aggressive tendencies have lower blood serum levels of DHA. It is important to give dogs animal based sources of DHA (such as fish oils), as dogs have difficultly converting the ALA found in plant based oils.

Other ingredients in dog food are suspected of causing aggressive behavior, but have not been extensively studied. Some experts suspect soy protein, which contains plant estrogens, may upset hormonal balances, thus causing hyperactivity and aggression. Some research has focused on the long-term effects of synthetic food colorants and preservatives on the physical and mental well-being of dogs. Feeding a high-quality dog food with few additives and natural preservatives alleviates some of these concerns. In conclusion, I would recommend a diet of highly bioavailable animal proteins, fat and Omega 3 fatty acids to help dogs remain calm and stable. While food and diet may certainly affect canine behavior, including aggression, merely changing the diet is only part of the solution. Enlist the help of a qualified trainer or behaviorist if you are concerned about your dog's aggression.

Breakfast for Dogs…

We thought that was a really original and smart idea. If breakfast was the most important meal of our day, why wouldn’t that be true for our dogs as well? With that idea in mind we started the All American Pet Company. A simple, but very powerful idea supporting our dog’s wellness.

The only question; was it true?” We asked our good friend and talented veterinarian Alan Schulman of the Animal Medical Center of Southern California, to research breakfast and multi-meal feedings of dogs for us. This is what the good doctor had to say:

The size and frequency of meals are fundamental aspects of nutrition that can have profound effects on health and longevity. Excessive energy intake has been associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers and is a major cause of disability and death in industrialized countries. On the other hand, the influence of meal frequency on health and longevity is somewhat unclear.  A better understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms by which meal size and frequency affect health may lead to novel approaches for disease prevention and treatment.

There is, however, an emerging consensus among veterinarians that feeding your dog twice or even three times a day is preferable to feeding your dog once a day. By dividing meal time into several events during the day, you reduce the amount of food per mealtime and balance out the digestive activity of your dog. By using multiple feedings per day rather than one single large feeding, you help your dog better align his caloric requirements with energy needs throughout the day. No longer does your dog go through one long cycle of digestion and energy conversion as he digests a huge quantity of food. Instead, your dog is more continuously digesting and converting food throughout the day, which is healthier and better for him or her. By breaking up the total amount of food into multiple meals you may find that your dog has more consistent energy and has more balanced behavior throughout the day.  What is important, however, is not feeding too soon before or after exercise. At the very least, this practice can cause discomfort, and it could lead to serious, even life-threatening complications.

As energy and nutrient requirements depend on the stage of life of your pet, the level and type of exercise, the duration of exercise, environmental factors, the presence or absence of underlying medical conditions, and individual variations, it is crucial that owners determine the dog's individual food ration by closely monitoring the dog's body condition and weight and adjusting food intake as appropriate. There is obviously no one best way to feed every dog considering their variations in size and conformation, age and activity levels. In brief, a dog’s lifecycle can be broken up into a number of stages (puppy, 6 month-1 year or juvenile, young adult, adult, senior). Additionally, in many of these stages the dog may be a professional working dog, a professional athlete, a weekend warrior, or going through gestation and/or lactation. Depending upon your pet’s stage of their lifecycle and activity levels, it is important to set and achieve weight goals and healthy meal planning. By understanding the nutrient requirements of your pet, you will be able to fuel their body correctly to maintain appropriate energy levels, a healthy weight and athletic performance efforts.

A few examples can illustrate why in most situations it’s best to feed your dog multiple meals per day.  Large and giant breeds of dog should be fed multiple smaller meals per day to decrease the incidence of “bloat” or gastric torsion, a medical and surgical life-threatening emergency. In these breeds, feeding a large meal immediately before or after exercise can lead to a dilatation of the stomach and its eventual twisting on its axis and ensuing hypovolemic, endotoxic and cardiac shock if not treated appropriately and aggressively. Small breed dogs may have a hard time eating enough food to meet their needs in a single large meal. Many toy or small breeds (especially when they are puppies) are predisposed to developing hypoglycemia because they are less able to store and mobilize glucose. Also, toy breed puppies have more brain mass per body weight compared to other breeds and therefore need more glucose for brain function. For these reasons, if you have a toy breed dog, it is better to feed them smaller more frequent meals a day to avoid hypoglycemia.

In summary, one of the most important ways to prevent a wide variety of dog diseases and conditions is through proper diet and nutrition. Just like with our own bodies, proper dog nutrition is a huge factor in disease prevention and overall well-being. What goes into your dog’s body directly affects his physical and mental well-being – while no one food or feeding regimen works for all of the animals all of the time, multiple meal feedings can help avoid some of the most common diet-related conditions. Finally, it must be recognized that nutrition is a dynamic scientific discipline, and the recommendations made today can change tomorrow. None the less, at the present time, feeding appropriately sized, smaller meals more frequently is preferable to feeding one single larger meal to the majority of the canine pet population.

Thank you Alan. It is so nice to learn that on occasion, a women’s intuition can also be proven to be a clinical truth affirming that living well is the best revenge.

 

Living well is a radical idea

The promise I made myself entering the dog food business (AAPT) was to make a difference. I did not want to make just “another” dog food, but one that truly contributed to a dog’s wellness. So I asked my friend Alan about canine nutrition as he regularly sees both healthy and sick dogs.

Alan Shulman, DVM says; “Healthy dietary nutrition is perhaps the most vital component of a strong immune system, because this system relies on multiple nutrients to function properly. Nutritional deficiencies or excessive intake of particular nutrients may suppress the immune system and increase the risk for disease.”

I asked the doctor if the right food formula can enhance the level of “wellness.” Here’s his response:

“While it is difficult to enhance a normal functioning immune system, there are things that you can do to protect and strengthen the immune system of your pet during periods of illness or in the face of chronic disease. There are two major changes you can make in your pet’s diet to help their immune system. First, you can enrich their diet with antioxidants and second, you can make sure they are getting enough nutrients and micronutrients. Antioxidants are vitamins and minerals, found in foods and also available as supplements, that removes harmful oxidants from the bloodstream. Oxidants, also known as free radicals, are among the toxic byproducts produced when food is turned into energy. They are also byproducts of cigarette smoke, pollution, sunlight exposure, and many other environmental factors. Free radicals are capable of damaging DNA and suppressing the body's immune system. Free radicals also play an important role in the development of many diseases.”

All American Pet Company Grrr-nola Natural and Bow Wow Dry Breakfast Cereals contain effective levels of various antioxidants, but supplementing our formula with products from Alan’s store could make a significant difference if you smoke or live in an area where the air quality is compromised.
Pass it on.

I’m all about living well and want no less for my dogs.

I would like to introduce Dr. Alan Schulman.

Alan Schulman is a renowned Board Certified Veterinary Surgeon. While he is particularly known for his orthopedic, neurologic, and reconstructive surgical expertise, he performs a broad spectrum of thoracic, cardiovascular, and soft tissue surgery for his general practice and referral clientele. Dr. Schulman’s extraordinary skills and intuitive powers regarding veterinary medicine and surgery have won him intense loyalty throughout the community -- And that includes me,  Magoo, Hannah and Little Starr.

While Dr. Schulman’s clientele reads like the who’s who of the entertainment industry, his practice thrives because of the unquestionable confidence and passion with which he treats each and every animal. For this reason, and many others, Dr. Schulman (http://www.animalmedicalcenter.com/)  is consistently sought out for his expert advice and endorsement for various animal related issues. His passion and talents for high quality veterinary care has awarded him the highest recognition within his profession.

And that is why Dr. Schulman will be joining the All American Pet Company (AAPT)  family as an advisor beginning March 1st. I’ve always believed that asking the right questions can be just as important as having the right answers when you want your dog to live better, longer.

Lisa, live well.

Getting onto retail shelves is a complicated time and people intensive process.

Without the tremendous support of our retailers we would be unable to bring our products to the marketplace. Recognizing the challenges that we faced, we have been fortunate to have the Delhaize Group behind us for the retail launch of the All American Pet Company.

The U.S. is the largest market for Delhaize Group which is the parent company for the Food Lion supermarket banner. At the end of 2009, Delhaize Group operated 1,607 stores under different banners in the U.S.  With 2009 revenues of $19.0 billion, Delhaize U.S. is the third largest supermarket operator by sales on the east coast of the U.S. and the first major account to carry our Grrr-nola Natural and Bow Wow Breakfast lines of heart-healthy dry dog foods.

Food Lion sold our product off the shelf sending us reorders within days of our first shipments.  With so positive a consumer reception for our brand, we can only anticipate building a strong consumer franchise for all our product lines.  

Because our dogs have become members of our family, we want them to have the life affirming nutritional benefits we enjoy daily – now they can.

Lisa – Live well.

In celebration of a strong heart

While Valentines’ Day comes but once a year, I celebrate the love I share with my dogs everyday. Some years ago when I discovered that millions of dogs are susceptible to a variety of heart conditions, and millions more are all ready afflicted with conditions that will impact their quality of life and lifespan, I was determined to make a difference.

As might be expected it has taken years to find a natural intervention that could allow dogs to live better and live longer, but my amino acid supplemented heart-healthy Grrr-nola Natural and Bow Wow Breakfast dog foods are coming to the nation’s retailers.

The sweetest Valentines' is a strong and healthy loving heart.

Lisa