MYTH BUSTERS
by: Mark E. Rogers
There are many myths about companion animal health and nutrition. Some of these myths are amusing, make you laugh, and walk away smiling. Many are of them are just wrong or dangerous and jeopardize the quality and longevity of our best friend’s lives. The origins of these myths are varied, and often obscured in anecdotal clouds of here-say and folklore. But origins are unimportant. What is important, is looking to the best available scientific evidence and research findings to dispel these myths and protect the health and well being of our faithful companions, provide them the best environment and nutrition so they can thrive, and not let the many animals lives that have been given up for a better understanding of their needs to have been done so in vain. For after all the world is Not flat and the Moon is Not made of cheese.
MYTH - “Dogs are not true carnivores.”
FALSE - Dogs and Cats ARE Carnivores!
The anatomical features of carnivores are:
SHORT , SIMPLE , & ACIDIC DIGESTIVE TRACTS. Protein and fat from animal source are quickly and easily digested – hence the short digestive system of dogs and cats.
The ability of dogs and cats to secrete hydrochloric acid is also exceptional. To facilitate protein breakdown and kill the bacteria found in decaying meats, dogs and cats are able to keep their gastric pH around 1-2.
SHARP TEETH (designed for slicing meat, not grinding plants). Carnivores have elongated teeth designed for tearing and killing prey.
Their molars are triangular with jagged edges that function like serrated-edged blades that give a smooth cutting motion like the blades on a pair of shears.
JAWS MOVE VERTICALLY unlike herbivores and omnivores that grind their food by side to side chewing, the jaws of dogs and cats operate vertically to provide a smooth cutting motion, and open widely to swallow large chunks of meat.
NO AMYLASE IN SALIVA. Amylase in saliva is something omnivorous and herbivorous animals possess, but not carnivorous animals like dogs or cats.
As amylase is not present in saliva, the burden is entirely on the pancreas to produce the amylase needed to digest carbohydrates.
Feeding dogs as though they were omnivores or herbivores makes the pancreas work harder in order to digest the carbohydrate-filled foods (instead of just producing normal amounts of the enzymes needed to digest proteins and fats).
Several key anatomical features separate dogs and cats from omnivores and herbivores, while clearly classifying them as carnivores with an adaptation for an almost exclusively meat based diet.
Dogs & cats posses a short, simple gastrointestinal tract. Because meat is easily digested (relative to plants) their small intestines are short.
A high concentration of stomach acid helps quickly break down proteins (Carnivores have a stomach acidity of about pH 1 - compared to humans at pH 4 to 5).
A large mouth opening with a single hinge joint adapted for swallowing whole chunks of meat.
Short and pointed teeth designed for grasping, ripping and shredding meat (not grinding grains).
Teeth and jaws designed to swallow food whole (not for chewing or crushing plants).
Adapted to break down protein and fat from meat (not plants or grains), the
saliva of dogs and cats does not contain the digestive enzyme amylase.
Carnivores don‘t chew their food. Unlike carbohydrate-digesting enzymes, protein-digesting enzymes cannot be released in the mouth due to the potential of damaging the oral cavity (auto digestion).
Therefore, carnivores do not mix their food with saliva—they simply bite off huge chunks of meat and swallow them whole.
Where the notion that dogs are omnivores ever started is unclear. The FACT is that they are Not omnivores they ARE carnivores and should be treated and fed as such!
MYTH - “High protein diets will burn up or destroy my dogs kidneys.”
FALSE - Not only is there no scientific evidence to support this claim, there are numerous scientific studies that demonstrate diets containing high quality animal protein have no deleterious effect on canine or feline kidney function. 1-6 High protein diets are far more biologically appropriate then diets low in protein (< 30%). Since Dogs and Cats ARE carnivores, protein and fat are what they are biologically designed to eat. Further, numerous studies have shown that except in extreme cases of very advanced kidney disease and renal failure, low protein diets can cause more harm then good.4-6 Low protein diets may extend the life of animals whose normal kidney function has dropped below 25% of normal but unfortunately, at that stage little to nothing that can be done for the animal except to make its remaining time as comfortable as possible.
1. Mythology of Protein Restriction for Dogs with Reduced Renal Function
Kenneth C. Bovée, DVM, MMedSc
Department of Clinical Studies School of Veterinary Medicine University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Supplement to Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian Vol. 21, No. 11(K), Nov. 1999.
2. Robertson JL, Goldschmidt M, Kronfeld DS, et al: Long- term renal responses to high dietary protein in dogs with 75% nephrectomy. Kidney Int 29:511–519, 1986.
3. Delmar R. Finco et. al. Effects of Aging and Dietary Protein Intake on Uninephrectomized Geriatric Dogs Am J Vet Res. 1994 Sep;55(9):1282-90
4. Delmar R. Finco et. al. Protein and Calorie Effects on the Progression of Chronic Renal Failure in Cats American Journal of Veterinary Research vol 59 (5) may 1998
5. Peter J. Markwell BSc, BVetMed, MRCVS Dietary Management of Renal Failure in the Dog and Cat WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition, UK
6. The Eleventh Annual Canine Medicine Symposium May 10-11, 2008 - UCDAVIS
Denise A. Elliott, BVsc, PhD, DACVIM, DACVN Nutritional Management of Renal Disease: Myths, Realities, and Tips for Success
MYTH - “High protein diets fed to puppies lead to rapid bone growth and skeletal disease especially in large breed dogs, e.g., Great Danes.”
FALSE - There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that high protein diets cause rapid growth of any kind. In fact, it was demonstrated as early as 1991 that high protein diets have nothing to do with rapid bone growth and did not contribute to osteochondrosis specifically in Great Dane puppies.1 On the contrary, a diet high in quality animal protein increases the palatability and aids in restricting the fat content of foods without the inclusion of unnecessary carbohydrates. It has been shown that higher protein to calorie ratios are even more important for puppies and kittens then for adult animals. The proteins and fats need to be high quality to ensure a high degree of digestibility and bioavailability of essential amino acids and essential fatty acids. The primary cause for non-genetic skeletal abnormalities in large breed dogs is overfeeding.2-4 Providing energy and nutrition in excess of need is the cause of rapid growth rate, and the source of energy, protein, fat, or carbohydrate, is of less importance then the total metabolizable energy fed. No correlation has ever been made between growth rate in puppies and achievement of full growth potential in adult dogs.2-5 Home cooked or prepared meals can often be more at fault, though their nutritional value can be far superior, then commercially available foods due to the simple fact that the total metabolizable energy is more difficult to determine accurately.
Energy requirements for dogs and cats can be determined with a fair degree of confidence. The energy requirement calculations take into account several variables that are beyond the scope and intent of this discussion. The reader is referred to reference 5 for a detailed description and simple to follow instructions to determine the approximate energy requirements for their animal. This is of critical importance in light of the current discussion to ensure that growing puppies( especially large breeds) and kittens nutritional needs are met without overfeeding. This is unquestionably the most prudent practice, a lean dog is far healthier then an over fed dog, and this is the best measure to prevent skeletal and muscular disease related to over nutrition. Unfortunately, their is no magic formula, and certainly no magic food formulation available that can be fed according to generalized feeding guidelines. Each dog is an individual. The responsible animal owner can and should make the relatively small investment in time and energy required to provide their growing animals with optimal nutrition in the correct proportions to the best of their ability. Do not fall prey to superstition, fear, myths, and emotion.
The calculated energy requirements alone should not be used as the sole determinant of how much food should be fed. They do provide a solid, scientifically based starting point and useful tool to help prevent to rapid a growth rate and weight gain in the growing animal.
1. Nap RC, Hazewinkel HAW, Voorhout G et al. Growth and skeletal development in Great Dane pups fed different levels of protein intake. J Nutr 1991; 121: S107-113.
2. Encyclopedia of Canine Clinical Nutrition, Pibot P., Biourge V. and Elliott D.A. (Eds.). International Veterinary Information Service, Ithaca NY, Last updated: 17-Jul-2008; A4211.0708
Main Nutritional Imbalances in Osteoarticular Diseases
H.A.W. Hazewinkel1 and J. Mott2
1Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands. 2South Pasadena, CA, USA.
3. Proceeding of the NAVC
North American Veterinary Conference Jan. 8-12, 2005, Orlando, Florida
NUTRITION AND DEVELOPMENTAL ORTHOPEDIC DISEASES IN LARGE BREED DOGS
Allan J. Lepine, PhD
4. Proceeding of the SEVC Southern European Veterinary Conference
Oct. 17-19, 2008 – Barcelona, Spain
ORTHOPEDICS
Growth Abnormalities: The Role of Nutrition
Prof. Dr. med. vet. J. Zentek
5. National Research Council of the National Academies (NRC). Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats(2006). The National Academies Press, Washington D.C. Ch. 3 & Ch. 11.
MYTH - “Older dogs need less protein.”
FALSE - While older dogs energy requirements tend to decrease, their protein requirement increases by as much as 50%! 1 Not only is protein restriction in older dogs not necessary it can be very debilitating leading to age related loss of lean body mass and contribute to early mortality.
1. Pet food safety: dietary protein. Laflamme D.P. Top Companion Anim Med. 2008 Aug;23(3):154-7
MYTH - “Dogs (and cats) need carbohydrates (sugar) for energy.”
FALSE - Neither has a requirement for carbohydrates (NRC, AAFCO). Although both utilize glucose for a variety of biological functions including energy they have no dietary requirement since they can produce all they need from the metabolites of protein and fat through a process called gluconeogenesis. Glucose is stored in the liver of animals as glycogen, a polymer of glucose, and is released and utilized under the control of the pancreatic hormone glucagon. Insulin, another pancreatic hormone, is used to lower blood glucose and promote its storage in the liver, glucagon is used to raise blood glucose levels and promote its release.
Fluctuations of blood glucose levels that result from eating high starch (plant polymer of glucose) foods especially those with a high glycemic index, tax a carnivores pancreas to release both amylase to digest the starch and insulin to sequester the resulting glucose from the blood stream. This in turn can lead to storage of excess sugar as fat not lean body tissue, and promote diseases such as obesity and diabetes.1 The more biologically appropriate energy source for dogs is fat.2-4 While carbohydrates are not in and of themselves bad, they are not a natural component of a carnivores diet and therefore their inclusion in there diet such be kept at a minimum.
1. Patrick Nguyen, Henri Dumon, Vincent Biourge and Etienne Pouteau, Glycemic and Insulinemic Responses after Ingestion of Commercial Foods in Healthy Dogs: Influence of Food Composition, J. Nutr. 128: 2654S–2658S, 1998.
2. Theriault DG, Beller GA, Smoake JA, et al. Intramuscular energy sources in dogs during physical work. J Lipid Res 1973; 14:54-61.
3. Hammel EP, Kronfeld DS, Ganjan VK, Dunlap HL. Metabolic responses to exhaustive exercise in racing sled dogs fed diets containing medium, low, or zero carbohydrate. Am J Clin Nutr 1976; 30:409-418.
4. Reynolds AJ, Fuhrer L, Dunlap HL, Finke M, Kallfelz FA. Effect of diet and training on muscle glycogen storage and utilization in sled dogs. J Appl Physiol 1995; 79:1601-1607.
MYTH - “Canned food has less protein and fat then dry food.”
FALSE - Canned foods and raw foods have more fat and protein then the majority of dry foods. To accurately compare canned, raw, and dry foods they must all be on a level playing field. That means you must compare the protein, fat, and carbohydrates on a dry matter basis. Canned and raw foods are typically between 65 and 85% water where dry foods are only 10-12% water. To make an accurate comparison you must remove the water content from the formulation then compare the % composition of each nutritive ingredient. This is easy to accomplish. Recall that the listed percentages on the label are as fed. since the total contents must equal 100% simply remove the % moisture and recalculate the % of the ingredient now based on a dry matter amount. So in a can of food that lists protein as 10%, fat as 8%, and moisture as 78% the calculations are as follows: 100 - 78 = 22. So 10(p) ÷ 22 = 45% protein, 8(f) ÷ 22 = 36% fat, on a dry matter basis. In a dry food that lists protein as 28% and fat as 14% and moisture as 10% the calculation becomes: 100 - 10 = 90. 28(p) ÷ 90 = 31% protein, 14(f) ÷ 90 = 15.5% fat, on a dry matter basis. This type of comparison can be made between any foods whose moisture content and as fed ingredient % are known.
What about the missing ingredient carbohydrates(sugar)? This can easily be estimated by the following equation. First, remember fiber is a form of carbohydrates and second, the ash content if not listed can be estimated to be no more then 8%. This will get you within about 1-3%. So in a typical grain free food: 100% (total) - 10% (water) -32% (protein) - 18% (fat) - 8% ash = 32% carbohydrates = (SUGAR)! That means in a 30 lb bag of food there is ~10 lbs of SUGAR! - Food for thought!
MYTH - “Gastric Dilation Volvulus (BLOAT) is caused by - dehydrated raw foods, cereal based foods, high protein foods, citric acid, and/or a host of other food related issues.”
FALSE - Gastric Dilation Volvulus GDV or Bloat is NOT caused by any of these! While the exact cause or causes of GDV are not clearly known or understood, Dr. Glickman at Purdue University who is considered one of the foremost experts on this often fatal condition has over the past 30 years identified several causative factors and ruled out others. Dogs with narrow deep chests are at greatest risk for GDV as are those with a history of the condition in a first degree relative. Other causative factors include but are not limited to; eating large meals once daily, eating from raised bowels, high speed of eating, eating less canned foods, fewer snacks, temperament - aggression toward people or other dogs, stressful situations. Factors that DO NOT contribute to the incidence of GDV are; feeding cereal based foods, dry food moistened with water, supplements, vitamins, multiple animal households, other pre -existing diseases, vaccinations, citric acid, raw food. One recent study has determined that the only food related causative factor is a 2.4 fold increase in GDV for dogs fed a dry food listing oils or animal fat as the fourth ingredient “can predispose a high risk dog to GDV”.1 The only two effective preventative measures to date are to avoid breeding effected animals and those that have an effected first degree relative, and surgical tacking - or gastroplexy.
1. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association January/February 2006 vol. 42 no. 1 28-36
The Effect of Ingredients in Dry Dog Foods on the Risk of Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus in Dogs
Malathi Raghaven DVM, PhD, Nita W. Glickman MPH, PhD and Lawrence T. Glickman, VMD, DrPH.
2. GASTRIC DILATATION/VOLVULUS SYNDROME IN DOGS Greg Marsolais, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVS, Small Animal Surgery 2007Reviewed and updated 12/25/2008 by Mitchell A. Robbins DVM, Diplomate ACVS - ACVS Article available on web
3. Proceedings of the 34th World Small Animal Veterinary Congress WSAVA 2009 São Paulo, Brazil - 2009 GASTRIC DILATATION VOLVULUS: WHAT’S NEW? Theresa W. Fossum DVM, MS, PhD, Diplomate ACVS Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine, College Station, TX 77843-4474
4. Encyclopedia of Canine Clinical Nutrition, Pibot P., Biourge V. and Elliott D.A. (Eds.). International Veterinary Information Service, Ithaca NY Last updated: 8-Jan-2008; A4203.0108
The Most Common Digestive Diseases: The Role of Nutrition
A.J. German1 and J. Zentek2
1Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom. 2Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Berlin, Germany.
MYTH - “Beet pulp turns my dogs coat red.”
FALSE - The beet pulp used in pet food formulations is colorless and has NO effect on coat color. The truth is that tyrosine (an amino acid) deficiency NOT beet pulp is responsible for the so called red coat syndrome.1-2 Tyrosine is a key precursor of the skin and hair pigment melanin. Insufficient amounts of tyrosine can lead to a lightening of the coat of dark colored dogs and cats due to lack of sufficient melanin synthesis. Supplementation of free tyrosine above the AAFCO minimum requirements can alleviate this syndrome.
More importantly, dietary fiber inclusion in pet food formulations has been shown to improve intestinal health, specifically the large intestine, and increase nutrient absorption.2-3 Often called prebiotics because they feed the intestinal microflora and produce small chain fatty acids (SCFAs) which improve fecal composition and the health of the large intestine mucosal membrane. Combinations of prebiotics and probiotics offer many advantages to the overall health of the GI tract of companion animals and beet pulp and rice bran appear to be optimal fiber (prebiotic) sources for this purpose.4
1. Proceedings of the 27th WSAVA Congress 2002 Biourge, Renauld Sergheraert, Red Coat Syndrome: A Dietary Cause
2. Fabienne Dethioux, Nutrition, Skin Health and Coat Quality, Veterinary Focus, Vol18 No 1, 2008.
3. Kelly S. Swanson, Christine M. Grieshop, Elizabeth A. Flickinger, Laura L. Bauer, JoMay Chow, Bryan W. Wolf, Keith A. Garleb and George C. Fahey, Jr. Fructooligosaccharides and Lactobacillus acidophilus Modify Gut Microbial Populations, Total Tract Nutrient Digestibilities and Fecal Protein Catabolite Concentrations in Healthy Adult Dogs, J. Nutr. 132: 3721–3731, 2002.
4. G. D. Sunvold, G. C. Fahey, Jr, N. R. Merchen, E. C. Titgemeyer, L. D. Bourquin, L. L. Bauer and G. A. Reinhart Dietary fiber for dogs: IV. In vitro fermentation of selected fiber sources by dog fecal inoculum and in vivo digestion and metabolism of fiber-supplemented diets, J ANIM SCI 1995, 73:1099-1109.
MYTH - “Obese dogs and cats should be fed low protein, low calorie diets.”
FALSE - It has been repeatedly demonstrated that the best dietary management for both obese dogs and cats is to feed high protein, low carbohydrate diets.1-5 This dietary protocol along with regular exercise is the best method for not only achieving the desired weight loss but also ensuring the animal retains and even gains the more desired lean body mass. Although the weight loss observed through high protein low carbohydrate diets, is at a slightly slower rate then that observed with reduced calorie high carbohydrate diets the resulting body tissue is of a more desirable lean muscle to fat ratio. The animals appetite is more correctly satiated by the more biologically appropriate food - protein. Sugar causes a blood sugar rise and crash that makes the animal believe it’s hungry when in fact its energy requirements have been met. This makes weight loss more difficult to achieve for the owner and animal alike. Finally, and just as importantly a high protein diet will greatly reduce the risk of the obese animal developing the many debilitating illnesses associated with obesity especially diabetes.
1. Marianne Diez, Patrick Nguyen, Isabelle Jeusette, Claire Devois, Louis Istasse and Vincent Biourge Weight Loss in Obese Dogs: Evaluation of a High-Protein, Low-Carbohydrate Diet J. Nutr. 132: 1685S–1687S, 2002.
2. Dorothy P. Laflamme, DVM, PhD Steven S. Hannah, PhD Increased Dietary Protein Promotes Fat Loss and Reduces Loss of Lean Body Mass During Weight Loss in Cats Intern J Appl Res Vet Med • Vol. 3, No. 2, 2005
3. Tiffany Linn Bierer and Linh M. Bui High-Protein Low-Carbohydrate Diets Enhance Weight Loss in Dogs J. Nutr. 134: 2087S–2089S.
4. Patrick Nguyen, Véronique Leray, Henri Dumon, Lucile Martin, Brigitte Siliart, Marianne Diez and Vincent Biourge High Protein Intake Affects Lean Body Mass but Not Energy Expenditure in Nonobese Neutered Cats J. Nutr. 134:2084S-2086S, August 2004.
5.Geraldine Blanchard, Patrick Nguyen, Constance Gayet, Isabelle Leriche, Brigitte Siliart, and Bernard-Marie Paragon, Rapid Weight Loss with a High-Protein Low-Energy Diet Allows the Recovery of Ideal Body Composition and Insulin Sensitivity in Obese Dogs, J. Nutr. 134: 2148S–2150S, 2004.
MYTH - “Only prescriptive diets should be fed to diabetic dogs and cats.”
FALSE - As controversial as this may sound current scientific research would say NO! The current research available in this area indicates that high protein low carbohydrate diets, first and foremost, are the best choice for both diabetic cats and dogs.1-5 A quick review of the most popular prescriptive diets for dogs and cats will show anyone looking at these foods that they DO NOT fit this criteria!. In cats over 50% of the animals fed high protein low carb diets were able to completely stop receiving insulin injections and >30% of those still receiving injections were able to reduce their dosage. In dogs similar results have been observed.2 Diabetic diets for cats and dogs should be carefully tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual as many other debilitating conditions can arise and occur concomitantly with diabetes. Many animals also suffer from obesity, see above, and other conditions that require special attention. However, the overwhelming body of evidence shows that diabetic animals like people should restrict their carbohydrate (SUGAR) intake! This is especially true for carnivorous animals (cats and dogs) which are not designed to consume carbohydrates. Just because they can eat carbohydrates does not mean they should! One popular and very expensive prescriptive “diabetic diet” which will not be named lists the following information - you be the judge!
Ingredients: Rice, ground corn, chicken meal, powdered cellulose, corn gluten meal, wheat, natural flavors, chicken fat, rice hulls, monocalcium phosphate, vegetable oil, potassium chloride, guar gum, calcium carbonate, salt, choline chloride, taurine, vitamins [DL-alpha tocopherol acetate (source of vitamin E), biotin, D-calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin A acetate, niacin supplement, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), riboflavin supplement (vitamin B2), folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement], trace minerals [zinc oxide, ferrous sulfate, copper sulfate, manganous oxide, calcium iodate, sodium selenite], rosemary extract, preserved with natural mixed tocopherols and citric acid.
per 1000 kcal
Protein g 67.4
Fat g 31.2
Crude Fiber g 34.9
Total Dietary Fiber g 63.5
Carbohydrate g 142.4
Since protein and carbohydrates have an equal number of calories per g (~4 kcal/g) you can see this diabetic food has more then twice its calories from sugar then from protein (570 vs 270)!
1. Renee Rucinsky, DVM, ABVP (Feline) (Chair), Audrey Cook, BVM&S, MRCVS, Diplomate ACVIM-SAIM, Diplomate ECVIM-CA, Steve Haley, DVM,Richard Nelson, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM, Debra L. Zoran, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVIM, Melanie Poundstone, DVM, ABVP AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats, Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association 2010; 46:215-224.
2. Deborah S. Greco, Dietary Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs and Cats: Part of the 2009 Nestlé Purina Veterinary Symposium Publication Jun 1, 2009.
3. Jacquie S. Rand, Linda M. Fleeman, Heidi A. Farrow, Delisa J. Appleton, and Rose Lederer, Canine and Feline Diabetes Mellitus: Nature or Nurture? J. Nutr. 134: 2072S–2080S, 2004.
4. Encyclopedia of Canine Nutrition: L.M. Freeman and J.S. Rand Diabetes Mellitus: Nutritional Strategies Last updated: 31-Mar-2008; A4206.0308.
5. Geraldine Blanchard, Patrick Nguyen, Constance Gayet, Isabelle Leriche, Brigitte Siliart, and Bernard-Marie Paragon, Rapid Weight Loss with a High-Protein Low-Energy Diet Allows the Recovery of Ideal Body Composition and Insulin Sensitivity in Obese Dogs, J. Nutr. 134: 2148S–2150S, 2004.
MYTH - “Serological (blood) tests can be used to determine food allergies in dogs.”
FALSE - It has been known for decades that blood tests and skin test are inaccurate to the point of being USLESS for determining food allergies in companion animals.1 Only strict elimination diets followed by single protein ingredient provocation and rescue protocols can be used to accurately determine true food allergies. Many food allergies are more correctly termed food sensitivities and can be alleviated when the underlying allergy or other immune system debilitating condition has been treated. Food allergy in dogs is estimated to be quite low <10% of all animals. However, the incidence of dermatological allergic conditions has been shown to be greater in counties that have small animal dermatology practices.2
1.Proceedings of the Southern European Veterinary Conference - SEVC Sep. 30-Oct. 3, 2010, Barcelona, Spain Dermatology, Peter J. Ihrke, VMD, Diplomate A.C.V.D.
2. Marie Sallander*, Josefina Adolfsson, Kerstin Bergvall, Åke Hedhammar and Ane Nødtvedt The Effect of Early Diet on Canine Atopic Dermatitis (CAD) in Three High-Risk Breed The Open Dermatology Journal, 2009, 3, 73-80.
MYTH - “My dog/cat is allergic to chicken fat, or other animal fat, all grains, etc.”
FALSE - Allergic responses can only be to proteins or small molecules that either bind to cell surfaces or circulating proteins in the blood stream. Food allergens must be proteins that are stable to heat, strong acid, and the action of protease enzymes and meet specific size criteria that allows them to pass through the lumen of the small intestine. See any general biology text on allergies.
