DCM (Dilated cardiomyopathy) is a heart disease. During this disease, the heart becomes enlarged and does not function the way it should. If a dog has DCM both chambers of the heart (upper and lower) becomes enlarged. When this happens, it forces one side to be damaged more severely than the other. With the lower chamber enlarged it makes it difficult to pump blood to the lungs and the rest of the members. As this goes on, fluid begins to build up, causing the lung to drown in the fluid. Soon after this, the heart can stop from (CHF) or congested heart failure.
DCM, when it comes to dogs, does have a pattern. It seems to affect dogs that are between the ages of 4-10. It also seems to be common in Boxers, Great Danes, and Dobermans. Other notable names are Scottish Deerhound, Irish Wolfhound, Saint Bernard, Afghan Hound, and Cocker Spaniel.
Common diets within these sets of dogs are potatoes, legumes, and pules, which are the seeds of legumes. These are all either starches, protein, and fibers that are found in the foods of these dogs. These pet foods contain phytates along with lectins that are found in legumes. Reports show that the dogs had large amounts of these foods over time, causing their reaction.
What are Phytates?
Being carnivores, dogs can't break down Phytates just as in some cases, experts argue humans can't break down the same substances as well.
Blurring the lines with Dog Food
While reports are saying that they don't know what is causing this reaction, that it could just be a genetic occurrence. That seems to affect larger breeds and some small breed as well. You have reports such as this from the University of Kansas, where a professor stated this.
A Kansas State professor said that, “It seems beans are well tolerated on all levels. When it comes to the beans being digested in large quantities, the dogs are fine. The professor went on to also say that the beans were a success. These ingredients can be a substantial success in foods".
Yet another case where the pet food industry has tried to toe the line when it comes to profit. What they think it is suitable for dogs. The industry keeps trying to see how much poison they can feed a dog before he is unhealthy. The test subjects the industry used (12 Beagles) didn't show any signs of disease. That changed when they raised the levels of the beans. The industry sees this as a good thing. They can keep the price low and give the dog’s protein through a plant-based diet. This will also help them replace meats in vegan foods for dogs. Here again, they made another money motivated choice and not about the health of the dogs.
What is the Extrusion Process?
The extrusion process is a process that manufacturers take their dog food through. Most of the dry pet food goes through this process. They mix large amounts of raw ingredients. The next step is to heat under pressure and shearing; they then force feed the mixture through a spiral. Combining the mixture with a die from the extruder machine, create the final product, the Extrudate, which is the result of the product looking like a ribbon cut and dried.
The temperature in this process is about 400 degrees. The mixture goes through the temp for five minutes. This is what creates the chemical and physical changes in the mixture. This process is not the only change. There are changes on a molecular level that's altered as well. Another dangerous thing that this causes is the massive amounts of Carcinogenic loads. In a nutshell, this is what the pet food industry says is healthy for the dogs and pets alike.
- Beans in small amounts are safe to give to dogs
- Beans are perfect for their extrusion process.
- Beans are another source of protein aside from meat in dog food.
The takeaway from this is the process and mixtures that are introduced. Are tested to show the levels of healthy and unhealthy results in favor of the industry. This shows that dogs and pets alike didn't evolve to consuming beans. This was an industry-led plan that is succeeding. Furthermore, the study and research that has been undergone. Has been nothing more than a way to show that the industry can indeed make money. At the same time, feed the medical system more money as well. When the dogs get sick, the owners will need to take them to the VET an issue the industry caused.
The takeaway from this is the process and mixtures that are introduced. Are tested to show the levels of healthy and unhealthy results in favor of the industry. This shows that dogs and pets alike didn't evolve to consuming beans. This was an industry-led plan that is succeeding. Furthermore, the study and research that has been undergone. Has been nothing more than a way to show that the industry can indeed make money. At the same time, feed the medical system more money as well. When the dogs get sick, the owners will need to take them to the VET an issue the industry caused.
Foods That are Good for Your Dog
Carlotta Cooper, who is the Vice president to (SAOVA) Sportsmen's Animal Owner Voting Alliance. Has multiple pieces talking about things you can do to help your dog. According to Carlotta Cooper, here are but some of the foods that are recommended for your dog's long life.
- Purina Pro Plan
- Royal Canin German shepherd adult dry food
- Health Extension Grain
- Purina Pro Plan Sports
- Hill Science Diet
- Sport Dog Food
- Castor & Pollux Natural Ultramix
- Eukanuba Breed
- Holistic Select
In conclusion, a lot of the pet industry suppliers are aware of this. They rely on the pet owners to be naive and just think, "It’s good for me so its good for the pet as well." Don't allow yet another industry to play with your thoughts. Educate yourself and help save your dog.
