It’s always nice when you look at the ingredient list on the back of your dog’s food bag and actually see the names of ingredients you can pronounce!  And spell!  This is only the first week of this year’s A to Z blog challenge and already I’ve written about ingredients like dicalcium phosphate and Enterococcus faecium.  Although I love writing, spelling has never been my strong suit.  Needless to say, I was thankful for copy and paste this week, so I didn’t have to spell Enterococcus faecium over and over again!  Now flaxseed I can do.

This post is part of our 2023 April blogging from A to Z Challenge!  Join us this month as we go through the alphabet, A to Z, learning more about some of the ingredients that are commonly (or not so commonly, in some cases) found in our dog’s food!

What is Flaxseed?

Flaxseed, as the name suggests, are the seeds of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum).  The seeds are small and either brown or yellow.  They have a somewhat nutty flavor and are considered to be a superfood for humans (and dogs?).

Photo via BastienM. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

Why is Flaxseed Added to Dog Food?

Flaxseed has a number of benefits for both people and dogs.  When added to dog food, it can act as a fiber and plant protein source, and also provides valuable nutrients such as omega fatty acids, antioxidants, magnesium, choline, manganese, thiamine, and phosphorus.

Cons of Feeding Flaxseed to Dogs:

Although the flaxseed itself is considered safe, in moderation, for dogs, feeding too much can lead to flaxseed poisoning.  Raw flax contains cyanogenic glycosides.  Although most of the toxin is removed during processing, overdosing on flaxseed can lead to cyanide poisoning.  Symptoms most commonly include vomiting and diarrhea, but can also include paralysis, difficulty walking, rapid heart rate, lethargy, seizures, and shortness of breath.

Dogs should not be fed raw flax for this reason.  If your dog is on any medication, especially anticoagulants, insulin, or blood pressure medication you should speak with your vet before offering supplemental flaxseed.  It’s also important to note that some dogs can be allergic to flaxseed.

Benefits of Feeding Flaxseeds to Dogs:

• Digestive Aid: Flaxseed is high in fiber, which can help maintain a healthy GI tract.
• Nutrients: Flaxseed contains nutrients such as magnesium (bone health), manganese (helps nutrient absorption), choline (liver and brain function), thiamine (metabolism and nerve function), and phosphorus (bone health).
• Skin & Fur Health: The omega fatty acids in flaxseed can help promote a healthy skin and coat.
• Immune Support: Antioxidants in flaxseed help support the immune system, and may even be able to help prevent cancer!
• Reduced Inflammation: The omega fatty acids in flaxseed have also been shown to help reduce inflammation, including inflammation occurring in the joints due to arthritis.

So What’s the Verdict on Flaxseed?  Is it Safe as a Dog Food Ingredient?

Flaxseed is safe, and can be quite beneficial, to dogs as long as it’s offered in moderation and your dog isn’t allergic to it.  Luckily, when feeding a dog food that contains flaxseed as an ingredient, you shouldn’t have to worry about overdosing.

Comment below!  Does your dog food contain flaxseed?

Do you give your dogs probiotics, or maybe even take them yourself?  A healthy gut is everything!  Did you know that some dog foods contain pre and probiotics already in the food?  Making our lives easier, if effective, since it would eliminate the need to provide an additional probiotic supplement.  Are probiotics in dog food actually effective?  Today we’re going to look at one bacteria in particular, Enterococcus faecium.

This post is part of our 2023 April blogging from A to Z Challenge!  Join us this month as we go through the alphabet, A to Z, learning more about some of the ingredients that are commonly (or not so commonly, in some cases) found in our dog’s food!

What is Enterococcus faecium?

Photo Credit: Janice Haney Carr. Public domain image.

Enterococcus faecium is a gram-positive bacteria commonly found in the GI tract of humans and other animals.

Why is Enterococcus faecium Added to Dog Food?

Enterococcus faecium is an example of what is referred to as a “good bacteria” when it comes to the GI tract of dogs.  It’s commonly used in probiotic supplements designed for dogs.  Probiotics are given to dogs for similar reasons as humans take them.  They are thought to promote GI health, help treat GI issues, reduce inflammation, strengthen immune health, and promote general health.

Enterococcus faecium in particular can be a good choice of probiotic bacteria to add to dog food due to its ability to survive in extreme conditions.

Cons of Feeding Enterococcus faecium to Dogs:

There is some concern that Enterococcus faecium from dogs may be able to cause illness in people.  Because it is so resilient, Enterococcus faecium seems particularly prone to becoming antibiotic resistant.  Studies, such as this one conducted in 2009, have shown that dogs can be carriers of antibiotic resistant strains of Enterococcus faecium.  This is of particular concern to dog owners who are immunocompromised in any way.

There is also some debate on whether probiotics added to dog food actually survives processing.  Although Enterococcus faecium does seem to do better than other strains of bacteria.  This study, conducted in 2003, determined that…

Overall, commercial pet foods that claim to contain probiotics appear to contain very low numbers of viable organisms, and often do not contain the species listed on the label. Whether this relates to improper addition of organisms during processing, failure to survive processing, or poor viability during storage is unclear.

Benefits of Feeding Enterococcus faecium to Dogs:

Enterococcus faecium can help to keep our dog’s GI tracts healthy.  Supplementing with probiotics can be especially beneficial during times of stress or after a course of antibiotics.  Studies have shown that Enterococcus faecium in particular stimulates the immune system of dogs.

So What’s the Verdict on Enterococcus faecium?  Is it Safe as a Dog Food Ingredient?

Enterococcus faecium’s propensity to become antibiotic resistant is concerning.  It is generally thought to be safe when used as a probiotic for dogs, but care should be taken if you, or someone in your family, is immunocompromised.  Enterococcus faecium is commonly present in the GI tract of dogs even when they are not supplemented with the bacteria, however.  

If your dog requires probiotics to help deal with a health issue, it’s important to remember that your dog’s food may not actually contain the amount of viable probiotics that it promotes on the bag.  Supplementing with a stand alone probiotic is recommended.

One thing I always try to make clear when I write posts about food (or food ingredients) for dogs is that amounts really do matter!  I feel like I write, over and over again, that moderation is key.  Too much of anything, even water, can be a bad thing!  Some dog food ingredients are perfectly safe in the small amounts that they’re found in our dog’s food but would be potentially dangerous in larger amounts.  Another thing that I find myself repeating often is that you really have to feed the dog in front of you.  Dogs tolerate different foods and ingredients differently.  There is no “one size fits all” option when it comes to feeding our dogs!

This post is part of our 2023 April blogging from A to Z Challenge!  Join us this month as we go through the alphabet, A to Z, learning more about some of the ingredients that are commonly (or not so commonly, in some cases) found in our dog’s food!

What is Dicalcium Phosphate?

Dicalcium phosphate, chemical formula CaHPO₄, is also known as dibasic calcium phosphate or calcium monohydrogen phosphate.  It is a mineral compound that is usually manufactured from cow’s milk.  As the name suggests, supplemental dicalcium phosphate can be used as a source of both calcium and phosphate.  Dicalcium phosphate is commonly added to human foods such as enriched flour, breakfast cereals, and noodle products.  It is also added to toothpastes because of its ability to help prevent tartar.

Why is Dicalcium Phosphate Added to Dog Food?

Dicalcium phosphate is added to some pet foods, including dog foods and treats, mainly as a source of calcium.  Calcium is as important for our dogs as it is for us humans.  Namely, proper calcium levels are required to maintain healthy bones and teeth, as well as to support the nervous system and heart.  Phosphorus, which is also present in dicalcium phosphate, is required for proper kidney function.  It also supports muscle and motor function, and the processing of energy.

Dicalcium phosphate is also sometimes added to dry dog foods and treats to help give the food its texture.  Dicalcium phosphate helps make kibble hard and dry.

Cons of Feeding Dicalcium Phosphate to Dogs:

When supplemented in appropriate amounts, dicalcium phosphate is thought to be a relatively safe compound for dogs.

However, dicalcium phosphate cannot absorb water.  It is difficult for some dogs to absorb, and is thought to potentially contribute to the formation of kidney stones, especially if fed in excess.

Benefits of Feeding Dicalcium Phosphate to Dogs:

Calcium, and the proper calcium to phosphorus ratio, is important for dogs.  Dogs require both calcium and phosphorus for their bodies to function properly.  If a dog food is lacking in these nutrients, adding dicalcium phosphate can be a way to safely supplement the food.  As long as it’s not supplemented in excess, dicalcium phosphate can help support your dog’s bone and teeth health.  It also supports proper protein synthesis and supports other body functions such as the nervous system and the heart.

So What’s the Verdict on Dicalcium Phosphate?  Is it Safe as a Dog Food Ingredient?

In the case of dicalcium phosphate, moderation is key!  Dicalcium phosphate is thought to be safe source of both phosphorus and calcium as long as it’s not fed in excess.  If your dog is prone to developing kidney stones, or suffering from other health conditions, this may be an ingredient you’d want to research further.  However, for a healthy dog, I wouldn’t personally go out of my way to avoid feeding food supplemented with dicalcium phosphate.

Pet food companies will often times cater their recipes to specific pet life stages.  With dog food, for example, it’s not uncommon to find formulas for puppies, adult dogs, and seniors all made by the same company.  Usually, there will be some minor changes between the formulas.  Senior dog food, for example, may be less calorie dense since senior dogs are not usually as active as their younger counterparts.  Senior dog foods will often also contain supplements to help deal with common old dog issues, such as joint pain or cognitive decline.

This post is part of our 2023 April blogging from A to Z Challenge!  Join us this month as we go through the alphabet, A to Z, learning more about some of the ingredients that are commonly (or not so commonly, in some cases) found in our dog’s food!

What is Chondroitin Sulfate?

If you give your dog, or yourself, a joint supplement you may already be familiar with chondroitin sulfate.  Chondroitin sulfate is a chemical that is an integral component of cartilage.  Cartilage is the connective tissue that helps to cushion and protect the joints.  When cartilage in the joints breaks down, it leads to the painful condition known as arthritis.

Supplemental chondroitin sulfate is usually manufactured from animal sources, such as from cow, pig, shark, bird, or fish cartilage.

Chondroitin Sulfate image by Yikrazuul. Public Domain Image.

Why is Chondroitin Sulfate Added to Dog Food?

Chondroitin sulfate is added to dog food to help support joint health.  It is most commonly seen on the ingredients list of food marketed for joint health or towards senior dogs.  Supplemental chondroitin sulfate is thought to help improve cartilage and joint health.

Cons of Feeding Chondroitin Sulfate to Dogs:

While chondroitin sulfate is pretty safe when offered to dogs in moderation, there is some contention as to whether or not it actually helps improve issues associated with cartilage degradation.  According to VCA Animal Hospitals…

A recent study at the University of Montreal…failed to demonstrate a significant benefit of a chondroitin nutraceutical on gait in 71 dogs with osteoarthritis over 60 days.  Clinical experience likewise suggests that some dogs and cats may appreciably benefit from chondroitin administration and others not at all. It is difficult to anticipate which animals are most likely to respond.

Benefits of Feeding Chondroitin Sulfate to Dogs:

Because chondroitin sulfate does seem to be beneficial for some animals, with very little risk that animals will react poorly to it, it doesn’t hurt to try chondroitin sulfate if you have a pet experiencing joint discomfort.  In some dogs, chondroitin sulfate does seem to help relieve inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.  Chondroitin sulfate is safer for dogs than other types of arthritis medication, such as NSAIDs.

So What’s the Verdict on Chondroitin Sulfate?  Is it Safe as a Dog Food Ingredient?

I give my own senior dog, Kitsune, joint supplements including chondroitin sulfate.  I would not worry about feeding him a dog food that contained chondroitin sulfate as an ingredient.  As long as it’s offered in moderation, chondroitin sulfate is a very low risk ingredient for dogs.  Arthritis is, sadly, a common ailment in senior dogs.  Dogs who do benefit from chondroitin sulfate supplementation may be able to avoid potentially more dangerous drugs for longer.

Comment below!  Does your dog’s food contain chondroitin sulfate?  Do you give your dog(s) any type of joint supplement?

What do you feed your dog?  Did you spend time researching the ingredients in your dog’s current food before selecting it?  I’ve always strived to feed my two dogs, Kitsune the Papillon and Fenrir the Alaskan Klee Kai, healthy diets.  But I have to admit that I haven’t always been super aware of what all the ingredients in their food are, and what they each do.  Researching and learning more about specific ingredients used in dog foods, and their potential pros and cons, has been really eye-opening for me!

This post is part of our 2023 April blogging from A to Z Challenge!  Join us this month as we go through the alphabet, A to Z, learning more about some of the ingredients that are commonly (or not so commonly, in some cases) found in our dog’s food!

What is Beet Pulp?

Beet pulp is the byproduct that’s left over after the sugar is processed out of sugar beets.  It’s commonly used as fodder for horses in the form of dried flakes or compressed pellets.  Beet pulp is very fibrous and is, apparently, comparable to grass hay.  I don’t know much about horses, but did you know that beet pulp is sometimes used as an ingredient in dog foods?

Why is Beet Pulp Added to Dog Food?

The main reason beet pulp is added to dog food is because of its high fiber content.  Beet pulp is a good source of both soluble and insoluble fiber.  Fiber helps to promote good bowel health.

Cons of Feeding Beet Pulp to Dogs:

Although, the benefits of beet pulp as a source of fiber for dogs is somewhat up for debate.  In a 2018 study titled Beet pulp in dog food, researcher Anton Beynen shared that…

[S]tudies in dogs suggest that the changeover to a diet rich in beet pulp increases rather than decreases stool volume. This could be considered disadvantageous to many dog owners….Beet pulp lowers macronutrient digestion and expands stool bulk. Other indicators of canine gut function are not convincingly improved.

In addition, a 2016 study titled Dietary beet pulp decreases taurine status in dogs fed low protein diet, researches concluded that…

BP [beet pulp] may contribute to a decrease taurine status in dogs by increasing excretion of fecal BA [bile acids] and decreasing protein digestibility, thus decreasing the bioavailability of sulfur amino acids, the precursors of taurine.

Why does a dogs taurine levels matter?  Taurine is an amino acid essential for, among other things, proper cardiac (heart) function.  For a couple of years now there have been ongoing concerns that certain diets may negatively impact dog’s taurine levels, causing a potentially life threatening condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy.

Benefits of Feeding Beet Pulp to Dogs:

The main proponents of adding beet pulp to dog food seem to be the dog food companies themselves, who tout the ingredient as a high quality fiber source.

So What’s the Verdict on Beet Pulp?  Is it Safe as a Dog Food Ingredient?

Before doing research for this post I figured beet pulp would be a pretty neutral ingredient in dog food.  Not super nutritious, but not harmful either.  It certainly is a source of fiber that may be beneficial to dogs struggling with certain GI issues.  Beet pulp in dog food can help a dog feel full, without adding a lot of excess calories.

However, the studies on beet pulp and taurine are a bit concerning to me personally.  Since the potential link between diet and dilated cardiomyopathy was first announced I made sure to avoid dog foods that contained peas, lentils, pulses, and potatoes in excess.  Until recently, I wasn’t aware that beet pulp may also play a roll in decreasing taurine levels in dogs.

The complete story about dilated cardiomyopathy as it potentially relates to diet is still being written.  More research needs to be done.  I’ve spoken with pet owners and experts on both sides of the fence.  Some who say you should avoid taurine lowering ingredients to be safe, and others who feel that, so far, the connection between certain ingredients and dilated cardiomyopathy isn’t strong enough to convince them to avoid certain dog foods.  I usually err on the side of caution when it comes to my own dogs.  But this is something you’ll probably want to research more before coming to a conclusion for yourself.

Comment below!  Does your dog’s food contain beet pulp?  Is it an ingredient you feel safe feeding, or one you avoid?

Alfalfa in dog food?  Alfalfa reminds me more of my house rabbit keeping days.  Imagine my surprise when I was scanning the list of ingredients on the back of a dog food bag and saw ‘alfalfa meal’ listed!  So what, exactly, is alfalfa?  Why is it used as an ingredient in some dog foods?  Is it an ingredient you should avoid or is it beneficial to feed our dogs?  Read on to find out!

This is our first post for the 2023 April blogging from A to Z Challenge!  Join us this month as we go through the alphabet, A to Z, learning more about some of the ingredients that are commonly (or not so commonly, in some cases) found in our dog’s food!

What is Alfalfa?

Photo Credit: Ayotte, Gilles. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

Alfalfa, scientific name Medicago sativa, is a perennial flowering plant in the legume family.  Alfalfa plants resemble clovers.  It eventually develops small purple flowers that are actually quite pretty.

Alfalfa is commonly farmed for grazing animals, to make hay, and as a cover crop.  In countries outside of the US, alfalfa may go by the name lucerne.  As I learned, again, in my rabbit keeping days, alfalfa hay is higher in minerals, fat, and protein than grass-type hays.  Because of its higher fat content, and because the higher amounts of calcium in alfalfa can cause bladder sludge in rabbits, alfalfa is not usually recommended as a staple in the diet of adult rabbits.  But enough about rabbits, what about dogs!?

Why is Alfalfa/Alfalfa Meal Added to Some Dog Foods?

Hay isn’t usually an ingredient associated with dogs!  So why is alfalfa or alfalfa meal used in some dog foods?  As I mentioned above, alfalfa is rich in nutrients, including protein, calcium, and also potassium, magnesium, beta-carotene, and vitamins A, B12, C, D, E, and K.  When it comes to dog food ingredients, alfalfa is cheap.  It’s certainly cheaper than meat.  Adding alfalfa meal to dog food can be a cheap way to increase the protein content.

Cons of Feeding Alfalfa to Dogs:

In that way, alfalfa meal can be seen as a filler ingredient in dog food.  It increases the protein level without having to use more expensive ingredients, namely meat.  The protein in alfalfa and other plants, however, is not the same as the protein your dog would get from a meat source.  Meat provides amino acids that plants don’t contain.  There are a couple of other potentially concerning components of alfalfa…

• Alfalfa is also known to contain phytoestrogens.  Phytoestrogens, or plant estrogens, can act as endocrine disruptors that can lead to health issues.
• It also contains vitamin K, which can act as a natural anti-coagulant.  Owners with dogs who suffer from anemia should take note.
• Coumarin is a chemical naturally found in alfalfa that can impact liver health in large amounts.
• Saponin is another chemical found in alfalfa that can cause GI issues in dogs.
• L-Canavanine is present in the seeds of alfalfa, and is toxic to dogs.
• Alfalfa flowers, like other flowers, contains pollen that can trigger allergies in dogs.

Benefits of Feeding Alfalfa to Dogs:

Despite those cons, there are also some benefits to feeding alfalfa to dogs…

• Alfalfa is a natural anti-inflammatory and has been shown to help relieve the symptoms of arthritis and other inflammatory issues.
• Alfalfa is good for kidney health.  It can act as a natural diuretic and helps deal with overly acidic urine.
• Alfalfa contains saponins that can help your dog absorb fat-soluble nutrients.
• The chlorophyll in alfalfa can help improve your dog’s breath and dental health.
• Alfalfa is, once again, rich in beneficial nutrients.
• Alfalfa is thought to help protect the body against carcinogens that can cause cancer.

So What’s the Verdict on Alfalfa?  Is it Safe as a Dog Food Ingredient?

The vitamin K content is alfalfa is only really a concern for dogs suffering from anemia.  Coumarin and saponin shouldn’t cause any issues unless you are feeding your dog alfalfa in extreme amounts.  Luckily, commercially produced alfalfa meal doesn’t usually contain flowers or seed heads, so that eliminates the risks of allergies caused by pollen and the toxic effects of L-Canavanine.

Most of the cons of feeding alfalfa are essentially eliminated as long as it’s being fed in moderation.  Alfalfa can provide some benefits, although in most cases it’s probably being added to dog food as a way to boost protein, and maybe nutrient, levels on a budget.  Essentially, alfalfa meal used in dog food can be categized as a filler.

But that doesn’t necessarily make it bad.  The senior brand dog food I often buy for my 14 year old Papillon, Kitsune, contains alfalfa meal.  I still consider the kibble to be a high quality brand.  Kitsune does really well on it, and has had zero issues with the alfalfa meal or any of the other ingredients in the food.  It’s all relative, and the name of the game is moderation.  A dog food that contains other, high quality, ingredients and also contains a bit of alfalfa meal is probably just fine.  Remember, you have to feed the dog in front of you.  What works well for one won’t necessarily be the “perfect” food for all.

• Selecting the Best Dog Food Based on Your Dog’s Individual Needs (What I feed My Own Dogs)
• Why I Don’t Generally Recommend Specific Dog Foods
• Dog Treat Recipes
• “People” Food Dogs Can Eat!

Comment below!  Did you know that alfalfa meal is sometimes used as an ingredient in dog food?  Do you currently feed your dog a food that contains alfalfa?