MODDIE LAMBERT

Clearly, there are not many commercial companies who are going to start adding these delicious things into our dogs diet, but some do sell them individually which is fantastic if you are treating specific problems with diet.

 

So how do we make sure that our dogs and cats are getting the correct nutrients in their diets?

 

It is hard enough to encourage most new raw feeders to give their dogs tripe, which in my opinion is one of the most nutritional foods a dog can have and is perfectly balanced in calcium/phosphorous.

 

Raw green tripe is lower in fat, is an excellent source of protein and has a calcium to phosphorous ratio of 1:1, which is perfect for dogs! Raw green tripe is full of living digestive enzymes and healthy pre and probiotics, too! White tripe has little nutritional value to a dog as it has been bleached! Raw green tripe is full of:

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• Calcium that is essential for bone structure and controls muscle and nerve function.

• Phosphorous - helps form bones and teeth, helps muscles, kidney and heart to function correctly.

• Amino acids - 70% in green tripe which are not available in muscle meat, these include:

• Leucine which promotes muscle recovery and repair after activity

• Proline which support the production of cartilage and heals wounds.

• Aspartic acid which boosts antibody production.

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It also contains all the fatty acids needed in the diet - omega 3 and 6.

 

Raw green tripe is full of lactobactillis acidophilus which keeps the gut healthy and is naturally full of probiotics, it is also packed with digestive enzymes - dogs do not produce the enzyme needed to break down cellulose - these nutrients are found in tripe.

 

A quick breakdown of vitamins and minerals in tripe based on 100 g serving:

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• Calcium 69.0mg

• Iron 0.6mg

• Magnesium 13 mg

• Phosphorous 64 mg

• Potassium 67.0mg

• Zinc 1.4 mg

• Copper 0,1mg

• Manganese 0.1mg

• Selenium 12.5 mcg

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Green tripe also helps to heal the gut flora if a dog has been taking regular antibiotics and of course I would always try to find organic lamb tripe as it is more likely to have been fed correctly and lived in a field, rather than beef which may have been fed antibiotics, grain and lived in a barn and is often a great deal higher in fat – lamb tripe is approximately 6.1% but some commercial company’s produce beef tripe that is 18.84% - so always check the fat content.

 

To sum up I believe that there is no perfect diet for any dog, but based on the dogs I have been involved with, adding more tripe to their diet works absolute wonders for me and takes down the bone content for dogs who do not cope with 10% bone, but does not take out the much needed calcium.  It does not smell great I admit, but if it is fresh, it makes a huge difference and should only smell like a farmyard!

 

 

• Spirulina

  • This algae is 60% protein. It is high in GLA (Gamma Linolenic acid), which is an essential fatty acid. GLA is an anti-inflammatory and can inhibit the growth of certain cancers. 

  • It contains vitamin C, B complex, and E, carotenoids, chlorophyll (which helps purify the blood), and phycocyanin. It is a highly digestible food and nutrient dense.

  • A powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system. It is especially beneficial for older dogs – it can help slow down aging and prevent cancer.

  • Has strong anti-inflammatory properties; therefore, it is good for different kinds of inflammations that frequently occur in dogs, such as skin problems (e.g. atopic dermatitis, eczema, etc.), arthritis, colitis, IBD, etc.  

  • A rich source of essential fatty acids, it promotes healthy skin and coat. Since the protein source from spirulina can be easily and readily absorbed into the blood stream without the body having to work too hard, spirulina is perfect for sick dogs and dogs who are suffering from appetite loss.

  • Feeding older dogs spirulina can also help support their aging eyes and lowers their chances of developing cataracts and glaucoma.

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• Psyllium Husk 

  • A natural soluble dietary fibre and aids in supporting the function of a dog’s digestion and bowels. 

  • Helps with both diarrhoea and constipation.

 

• Slippery Elm

  • ​The soft and stringy part of a slippery elm tree, safe and non toxic and helps settle, soothe and lubricate the stomach lining and ideal for dogs who suffer from ulcers, colitis and inflammatory bowel problems. 

  • Also helps with urinary pH and bacterial infections.

 

• Nuts and seeds

  • Hemp seed hearts - very nutritious for dogs and packed with essential fatty acids, GLA and ALA (Gamma Linolenic acid and alpha-linolenic acid) High is good fats and protein.

  • Sunflower seeds – full of vitamin E, plus B6 and B9.

  • Pumpkin seeds – different to hemp as provide a different fatty acid profile.  Full of magnesium, manganese and tryptophan.

  • Almonds – high in vitamin E,  magnesium and manganese

  • Seeds and pips from apples, avocados, cherries, peaches and plums can be toxic and cause intestinal blockage and are NOT to be added, although some companies do add apples! Macadamia and black walnuts are also toxic to dogs.

  • Dogs do not have the ability to breakdown and digest plant matter like an omnivore can. They don’t have the salivary enzymes for carbohydrate digestion and their jaws are not designed for grinding plant ingredients, so nuts and seeds need to be milled or ground.

  • Soaking seeds and nuts reduces the phytic acid levels for optimum absorption.  Phytates are substances that carnivores cannot break down because they lack phytase, the enzyme necessary to process phytic acid.  They also bind minerals, calcium, zinc, iron and magnesium – so if used, it is essential that they are milled or ground.  If fed whole they will come out whole!  Also not good coming out whole as look like a worm (sesame in particular) If used, nothing with seasoning, salt or roasted – only RAW!

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