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Showing posts from January, 2024

My Dog is Allergic to Chicken, What does that Mean?

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  My Dog is Allergic to Chicken, What does that Mean? When a dog is allergic to chicken, it's typically allergic to the specific proteins found in the chicken muscle meat. Allergies in dogs, as in humans, are caused by an immune system reaction to certain proteins that it mistakenly identifies as harmful. Proteins are complex molecules that play critical roles in the body. They are made up of smaller units called amino acids. Amino Acids are the building blocks of proteins. There are 20 different amino acids that can be combined in various sequences to form a protein. Different amino acids are present in muscle meat, organ meat, fat and eggs Here's a breakdown of why a dog allergic to chicken might not be allergic to chicken fat, chicken organ meat, or eggs: Chicken Fat: Chicken fat is quite different from chicken muscle in terms of its protein content. Fat, by its very nature, contains significantly less protein than muscle meat. Since the allergic reaction is trigger...

What is Gently Cooked Dog Food and Why it May be Better than Kibble?

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    What is Gently Cooked Dog Food and Why it May be Better than Kibble? Gently cooked dog food refers to a type of dog food that is prepared using lower temperatures compared to traditional kibble. This method of cooking is believed to preserve more of the natural nutrients found in the ingredients. Here are the key differences and potential benefits compared to traditional kibble: 1.       Nutrient Preservation : Cooking food at lower temperatures helps retain more vitamins, enzymes, and other nutrients that might be destroyed or diminished during the high-heat processing of kibble. 2.       Quality of Ingredients : Gently cooked dog foods often emphasize the use of high-quality, whole-food ingredients. This can include real meats, vegetables, and fruits, offering a diet closer to what dogs might eat in the wild. 3.       Digestibility : Because of the minimally processed nature of gently ...

What are Warming and Cooling Proteins and How do They Impact Dogs

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  What are Warming and Cooling Proteins and How do They Impact Dogs   “Warming proteins" and "cooling proteins" are terms often used in the context of traditional Eastern nutrition philosophies, particularly Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). They refer to the supposed thermal properties of various foods and how they affect the body. Warming Proteins: are believed to have a warming effect on the body. They are thought to increase the body's energy and blood circulation. Examples might include red meats like beef or lamb. In dogs, warming proteins are sometimes recommended in colder climates or for dogs with certain health conditions that might benefit from increased internal warmth and energy. Cooling Proteins : Contrarily, these are believed to have a cooling effect on the body. They are thought to be beneficial in reducing inflammation and cooling down the body. Examples might include white meats like chicken, pork, whitefish or duck. For dogs, cooling ...