Brenda Khan
A dog's diet is one of the biggest contributing factors to chronic inflammation, which is the cause of most chronic health problems in dogs today. Processed pet food diets and over-medicating are two of the factors that lead to disease by stressing a dog's body and immune system. An anti-inflammatory diet for dogs can help prevent and lower the risk of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases, obesity, metabolic disorders, bone, muscular and skeletal diseases, and
Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Dogs
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Prevent and lower the risk of chronic diseases in dogs |
| Foods to include | Raw meat, cruciferous vegetables, dark leafy greens, cucumber, celery, coconut, berries, apples, fish, beef, poultry, pork, eggs, alfalfa, ginger, turmeric, green tea, green-lipped mussels, oregano, basil, parsley |
| Foods to avoid | Commercial kibble, grains, lectins, rancid or oxidised fats |
| Other recommendations | Plenty of fresh air and exercise, probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids |
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What You'll Learn
The dangers of commercial kibble
Commercial kibble is often packed with fillers, artificial additives, and low-quality ingredients that can trigger inflammation in dogs. Many kibbles are high in carbohydrates, which can lead to obesity, a major contributor to inflammation. The high-heat processing methods used in making kibble can destroy essential nutrients and create compounds that promote inflammation.
Kibble is generally made by cooking or boiling waste products to form a slurry, which is then dehydrated and extruded, forming pellets. This process is similar to the creation of fast food for humans, which we know can have negative health repercussions when consumed in large quantities. The Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction that occurs during the extrusion process, leads to the production of toxic and pro-inflammatory compounds such as acrylamide and Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs). AGEs have been linked to various diseases in dogs, including diabetes, obesity, kidney and cardiovascular issues, vascular dysfunction, connective tissue disorders, skin problems, allergies, cataracts, osteoarthritis, and neurodegenerative diseases.
The meat sources in kibble are often of poor quality, consisting of leftover or rejected meat derivatives. This results in a lack of good quality protein, which is essential for a dog's diet. Obesity is the most common nutritional disease in dogs, and dogs fed a commercial kibble diet are more likely to be overweight than those on a raw food diet.
To promote a healthy and anti-inflammatory diet for your dog, consider switching from commercial kibble to high-quality, nutrient-rich pet food. This can include raw or lightly cooked whole foods, such as those offered by Acabonac Pet, which provides a range of raw dog food products made from 100% grass-fed beef, pastured pork, pastured lamb, and pastured chicken.
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Benefits of a raw food diet
Diet is one of the biggest contributing factors to chronic inflammation in dogs. A raw food diet can help prevent this inflammation and its associated diseases.
Raw diets are higher in antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and some flavonoids. Antioxidants are a main line of defense in the fight against free radical damage and inflammation. Heating food results in cooking toxins such as acrylamides and nitrosamines, which cause oxidative stress and are carcinogens.
A raw food diet can also help your dog maintain a healthy weight. Research indicates that dogs fed a commercial kibble diet are more likely to be overweight than dogs fed a fully or partially raw food diet. Obesity has been linked to the increased production of pro-inflammatory molecules in the body, which can lead to a state of chronic inflammation and diseases such as cancer.
Some dogs may also have better digestive health on a raw food diet. One dog owner reported that one of her dogs had chronic digestive problems, but tolerated the raw diet better.
Proponents of raw food diets also claim that they improve a dog's breath and coat. While some sources attribute this to the high-fat composition of the typical raw diet, others suggest that it is due to the higher levels of certain nutrients in raw food.
It is important to note that there are risks associated with raw food diets, and many mainstream veterinarians disagree with them. The raw food may contain bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria, or toxigenic E. coli, which can be dangerous to both dogs and their owners. Additionally, there is a lack of evidence that raw food diets improve the quality of dogs' lives or reduce the incidence of health problems.
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The importance of gut health
A dog's diet has a direct impact on their gut biome, which in turn affects their immune system. For example, studies have shown that deficiencies in Faecalibacterium are associated with inflammatory bowel disease in dogs. Diet is one of the biggest contributing factors to chronic inflammation in dogs. Chronic low-grade inflammation often goes unnoticed in the short term but can lead to an increase in degenerative diseases in the long term.
Processed pet food diets and over-medicating are two of the factors that lead to disease by stressing a dog's body and immune system. Obesity has also been linked to increased production of pro-inflammatory molecules in the body, which can lead to chronic inflammation and diseases such as cancer. Commercial kibble diets are often linked to obesity in dogs, and diets high in vegetable oils such as safflower, sunflower, canola, and soybean oil can cause disproportionately high levels of omega-6 fatty acids, contributing to low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress.
The good news is that there are many anti-inflammatory foods that can be incorporated into a dog's diet to prevent and lower the risk of chronic diseases. These include natural whole foods such as oily fish (a great source of omega-3 fatty acids), fruits and vegetables, and dietary fibre. A raw or whole food diet has been shown to lead to lower levels of pro-inflammatory markers and higher levels of anti-inflammatory markers in dogs.
Probiotics are important for balancing the microbiome in a dog's gut, supporting the healthy bacteria that fight pathogenic bacteria that can lead to inflammation and disease. Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory that can be added to a dog's food to reduce and prevent chronic inflammation. Ginger is another spice that can help decrease inflammation and nausea in dogs.
By focusing on gut health and including anti-inflammatory foods in a dog's diet, pet owners can help prevent chronic inflammation and improve their overall health and wellbeing.
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Natural anti-inflammatory foods
Diet is one of the biggest contributing factors to chronic inflammation in dogs. A natural, whole foods diet can help to reduce inflammation and prevent chronic diseases.
- Fish — a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory effects. Oily fish such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel are a good source of the omega-3 fats EPA and DHA, which are known to have potent anti-inflammatory effects.
- Fruits and vegetables — most berries are high in anthocyanidins, which are anti-inflammatory and create the red and blue pigment in many fruits and vegetables. Red cabbage, apples, and broccoli are also good sources of anti-inflammatory compounds.
- Herbs and spices — turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory that contains curcumin, a compound that fights off inflammation and supports overall well-being. Ginger is another spice that can help reduce inflammation and nausea in dogs.
- Cruciferous vegetables — broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and collard greens are anti-inflammatory and loaded with vitamins and minerals.
- Dark leafy greens — spinach is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, promoting overall vitality.
- Cucumber — a low-calorie, hydrating snack with anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Select proteins — beef, poultry, pork, and eggs contain selenium, which can help curb inflammation.
- Probiotics — these support the healthy bacteria that fight pathogenic bacteria that can lead to inflammation and disease.
- Celery — this popular anti-inflammatory food for humans works just as well for dogs, reducing inflammation around the joints after an injury.
- Coconut — known to reduce inflammation due to the presence of lauric acid.
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How to identify trigger foods
To identify trigger foods that cause inflammation in dogs, it is important to first understand the common causes of inflammation. Diet is one of the biggest contributing factors to chronic inflammation in dogs. When dogs are fed a pro-inflammatory diet over a long period, there is an increase in degenerative diseases.
Foods that are high in saturated fat, salt, or sugar can cause inflammation. This includes dog treats, cheap dog food, or table scraps. Processed foods that are full of artificial flavourings and preservatives can also be a trigger. Foods with a high grain or gluten content can cause inflammation in some dogs due to an intolerance or allergy. Dairy products such as cheese or milk can also cause inflammation due to their high-fat content or lactose intolerance. Any food that triggers allergic reactions should be avoided.
In addition to dietary factors, environmental triggers such as air pollution, viruses, or allergens can also cause inflammation in dogs. Lifestyle stresses and emotional stressors can also play a role. For example, a house move, improper care, or the introduction of a new pet can upset a dog's immune system and trigger an inflammatory response.
To identify specific trigger foods, it is important to monitor your dog's diet and observe any signs of inflammation. Inflammation can manifest as redness, heat, swelling, and pain around tissues and joints. It can also lead to digestive issues, constant itching, and fatigue. If you suspect that your dog is experiencing inflammation, consult with a veterinarian to determine the specific trigger foods and develop an appropriate anti-inflammatory diet plan.
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Frequently asked questions
An anti-inflammatory diet for dogs is one that helps to prevent and lower the risk of chronic diseases by adding anti-inflammatory foods to a dog's diet on a regular basis. This can include a raw food diet, which has been shown to help dogs maintain a healthy weight and reduce inflammation and disease risk.
Some anti-inflammatory foods that can be included in a dog's diet are:
- Turmeric
- Ginger
- Fish
- Cruciferous vegetables (e.g. broccoli, cauliflower, kale)
- Dark leafy greens (e.g. spinach)
- Cucumber
- Berries
- Celery
- Coconut
- Apples
An anti-inflammatory diet for dogs can help to prevent and lower the risk of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders, bone and muscular diseases, and cancers. It can also help to improve a dog's overall health and well-being by reducing inflammation and providing important nutrients.
Inflammation is a natural and necessary response that a dog's immune system initiates to protect itself against harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, irritants, or injuries. However, chronic inflammation can be uncomfortable and painful for dogs and can lead to various health problems, including joint pain, redness, or swelling.
Some signs that a dog may be experiencing inflammation include joint pain, redness, or swelling. Other signs may include digestive issues, such as runny, mucousy, or smelly poop, and difficulty maintaining weight.
