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VETERINARY HOLISTIC HEALTHCARE
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Infosheets and Insights

Infosheet: Natural Food Diet

3/1/2020

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​Good nutrition is vital in helping your pet to stay healthy as it provides the building blocks that the body needs to function optimally. After changing to a natural diet many animals show a remarkable improvement in their general wellbeing and often, ongoing health problems can begin to resolve. 

​DOGS:

  • 50 – 70 % good quality raw meat – chicken, lamb, fish.
  • RAW egg three times a week.
  • RAW chicken necks or RAW marrow bones should be fed at least 3 times a week as well as 1/5th organ meat (kidneys, liver (COOK OFFAL)).
  • 30% vegetables (and fruit) variety is best.  These can be lightly steamed or blended. Green leafy vegetables, carrots, pumpkin, kumera are great vegetables to include.

Carbohydrates such as pasta, rice (brown, ideally), quinoa may be used to bulk up the food BUT are not essential. Many dogs do not need gluten, soy or corn in their diets as these can trigger health related issues in some animals.

​CATS:

  • 90% good quality raw meat, fish and eggs
  • Organ meat (20%) of the meat can be included
  • RAW chicken wings/necks or whole small fish (sardines etc) 3 times a week to provide bone.  
  • 10% vegetables, steamed, mashed and mixed with the meat

FEEDING A BALANCED DIET IS VITAL, OTHERWISE A GOOD QUALITY COMMERCIAL FOOD OPTION MAY BE A BETTER CHOICE.
WHEN INTRODUCING A NEW DIET THIS IS BEST UNDERTAKEN GRADUALLY OVER A 2 TO 3 WEEK PERIOD.

IMPORTANT POINTERS:
  • The amount to feed your pet varies according to their activity level and health status.  It is usually 2-3 % of the animals’ bodyweight daily. i.e. a 5kg cat or dog should get 100-150g per day.  Monitor your animals body weight and adjust the amount accordingly. (feed less if they are gaining weight and more if they are losing condition).
  • Organic and Free-Range products are preferred.
  • Young growing animals need diets that are completely balanced for their individual needs, it is vital that this is done under supervision, otherwise a good quality commercial option may be a better choice for the first 9 - 12 months.
  • RAW bones are very important to provide important minerals (especially Calcium) and vitamins as well as help to keep animals teeth clean. PTO for more information on the risks associated with feeding bones.
  • Egg yolk should ideally be fed raw to preserve the vitamins and important fatty acids, but eggs in any form are a valuable asset to an animal’s diet.
  • As part of a balanced diet, organ meats such as liver and kidney should be fed at a ratio of 20% of the meat component of the diet. Heart mince/diced is especially important for cats as it contains high levels of taurine (essential for cats) as well as other valuable nutrients.
  • High quality vitamin, mineral and essential fatty acid (EFA) supplements are recommended for optimal health. A good all-rounder is ‘My Beau’ which is high in vitamins and EFAs. In addition, whole green foods such as Spirulina and Chlorella supply valuable minerals and phytonutrients.
  • Other supplements may be beneficial to aid various health conditions e.g. Glucosamine for arthritis, co-enzyme Q10 for heart conditions, etc.
  • FOODS TO AVOID AS THEY ARE POTENTIALLY TOXIC ARE RAISINS, GRAPES, ONIONS, MACADAMIA NUTS AND CHOCOLATE.

SOME ISSUES TO BE AWARE OF REGARDING THE SAFETY OF FEEDING RAW FOOD ARE:

  1. THE SAFETY OF FEEDING RAW BONES – these are usually OK as long as the bones are raw (cooked bones splinter) but for those animals that tend to gulp their food down it is recommended that the bones be either too large for them to swallow (they need to be chewed) or that they are crushed into the food. Occasionally some dogs do not tolerate bones (they can vomit), in these cases the bones may need to be crushed up and introduced into the diet gradually.  Over time the tolerance should improve.
  2. BUGS can with bugs such as E.coli and Salmonella, which should not be a problem if the meat is fresh or frozen.  Cats and dogs have a greater tolerance for these organisms compared to humans. ALWAYS PRACTICE GOOD HYGIENE STANDARDS.  Take extra care with raw foods if someone in the household has a compromised immune system, as they could be potentially be more vulnerable to food borne pathogens.
  3. PARASITES such as hydatids, sheep measles are killed after freezing raw meat at -10 degrees Celsius for 7 days. It is illegal to feed raw offal to dogs, please cook offal when feeding dogs.

SOME FURTHER POINTS TO BEAR IN MIND:

  • Heat destroys vitamins and antioxidants contained in raw food. 
  • Certain animals may benefit from a likely cooked meal depending on their health status and constitution.  

LET FOOD BE YOUR MEDICINE!

RECOMMENDED FOOD STOCKISTS:

Not all meat available for animals is a good quality product. It’s important to buy high quality and reputable products.
  • Raw Essentials – www.rawessentials.co.nz  ‘including raw feeding advice and support".  
  • K9 Naturals and Feline Naturals – www.k9natural.co.nz
  • Ziwi Pets – www.ziwipets.com  ‘peak nutrition without compromise’
 
This information is available as a factsheet attached, you are welcome to download it. 
​
- Dr Jacqui Snell, Veterinary Holistic Healthcare
natural_food_diet.pdf
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Infosheet: Fleas! A Natural Approach

3/1/2020

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It is so important to understand the ‘Life Cycle of the Flea’ if we want to eradicate this pest from our environment.

There are four stages – the egg -> larva -> pupa -> adult.
Depending on different environmental conditions the whole life cycle can take ONLY a COUPLE of weeks to many months.
Each female flea generally lives from two to three months and in this time she can lay about 40 eggs per day. Multiply that by 90 days and we get 3600 eggs from ONE flea!!!!
​
We can experience a FLEA APOCALYPSE!!!!!!!!!

How can we stage a WAR ON FLEAS?

The adult flea mainly lives on our pets.  The eggs either drop off the coat into the environment or are laid in warm dark places, such as the carpet. The eggs develop into larvae and then form a cocoon; if the conditions are not right for hatching the pupae can remain in the cocoon for months and even years.  The emerging adult will hatch from the cocoon when stimulated by vibrations, rising carbon dioxide and heat from the hosts/pets bodies.
The cocoon is the most resistant stage to most of our chemical weaponry or our WAR on fleas.
The adult flea itself generally represents less than 5% of the total flea population in your environment – that is concerning!!!

HOW TO ERADICATE FLEAS NATURALLY:

  • A pet that has a good quality diet will generally be healthier and less affected by fleas.
  • Animal Control: 
  1. Regular grooming of the animal with a flea comb to remove fleas.  
  2. Bathing weekly with gentle shampoos.  
  3. Natural treatments with certain organic non-synthetic essential oils can help to repel fleas (owner prescribing is cautioned, certain essential oils can be toxic to animals).  For example Lemon and Tea-tree oils are toxic in cats. Limonene has been associated with serious toxicity in dogs and cats. 
  4. Diatomaceous earth can be used topically, but must be used regularly.  Caution with dust inhalation and coat drying.  
  5. Topical patch testing is always advised with any new product on animals.
  • Environmental control is vital.  Regular vacuuming, the use of Borax salts (environmental ONLY) or Diatomaceous earth on the carpet (care with dust inhalation!).  BORAX SALTS can last up to one year in your carpet or upholstery. 
  • Repellent Herbs such as lavender around the bedding, or planting fennel or sage near a kennel or cattery.
  • Wash bedding in a ‘HOT’ cycle in the washing machine, rinse in cold water with 10 drops of natural eucalyptus or lavender oil.
  • Pyrethrum derived from the chrysanthemum flower is one of the safest insecticides. These compounds are found in many of the veterinary control products. CARE WITH CATS, PYRETHRINS CAN CAUSE TOXICITY IN CATS.
  • A humidifier plus warmer temperatures, will hasten pupae hatching. 
  • Outdoor control can be difficult. Some natural treatments that can be utilised in areas that are frequented include diatomaceous earth and ‘beneficial nematodes’ such as Nemastar. (https://www.bioforce.co.nz/shop/products/nemastar/x_sku/nemastar.html)
The main secret to controlling the FLEAS is in the FREQUENCY of treatments and maintaining a coordinated attack on all areas of the life cycle.
I believe your companion animal’s health is well worth the extra time involved in maintaining a flea free environment the natural way! This information is available as a fact sheet attached, you are welcome to download it.

Disclaimer:

The information contained in this document is not intended to replace guidance from your veterinarian. The above remedies can be safely used alongside veterinary treatment. In the case of an emergency you should consult your veterinarian.

- Dr Jacqui Snell, Veterinary Holistic Healthcare
natural_alternatives_for_flea_control.pdf
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Infosheet: A Natural Approach to Skin Disease

3/1/2020

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​It is important to understand the cause beneath the myriad of skin complaints that are evident in our beautiful animal companions.

Many skin problems respond well to conventional treatments, yet there are frustrating reoccurring cases where natural support can provide additional treatment modalities often working alongside conventional treatments.

A diagnosis is essential and referral to a dermatologist is often recommended. (Immunotherapy – allergy vaccination specifically for your dog can be valuable).

We find that many of the cases that are presented to us suffer from allergies (potentially to food, environmental allergens), skin infections (bacteria, yeast) and parasites as common causative agents.

Skin conditions can be exacerbated by diet, hormonal disorders, environmental factors and poor immunity.

THE NATURAL APPROACH TO DERMATITIS:

  • A natural diet is generally recommended, this may be followed by an elimination diet if a food allergy is suspected or diagnosed.  Simply removing substances such as preservatives, colouring agents and cereals can often help. 
  • Gut health is paramount; dysbiosis (microbial imbalance) and leaky gut may also be considered as an underlying cause.
  • Immune system support is also addressed
  • Diet – adding high-quality fatty acid supplementation that includes antioxidants, zinc and vitamins 
  • Herbs can support many skin diseases, their clinical actions often can provide anti-allergy, anti-bacterial, detoxification, immune, gastrointestinal and stress relief.  There are many research papers supporting these claims.  Herbal formulas are individualised for each patient and it is recommended that a qualified practitioner prepares the formulas.  Good manufacturing practices and herb-drug interactions are important considerations.  They are generally a very safe treatment modality.
  • Bathing, shampooing and rinsing are other supportive therapies.

WHAT CAN YOU DO – HOLISTIC APPROACH?

  • Avoid known allergens or suspected allergens. 
  • You can add essential fatty acids such as fish oils and a vitamin supplement (discuss doses with your veterinarian) to support the skin health.
  • Use eco-friendly products for household cleaning and washing
  • Some options which can potentially soothe inflamed skin are as follows:
  1. An oatmeal bath (1 cup of oatmeal in a sock and squeeze into water till it turns milky), soak the feet for 10 minutes twice daily.  Three drops of pure lavender oil (eg absolute essential oil), can be added to the bath.
  2. Green tea can relieve itching. Make a concentrated tea with hot water, then add cool water and apply topically with a sponge.
  3. Epsom salt bathes with cool water for 5 – 10 minutes to relieve itching.
  4. Topical aloe vera gel can be applied directly to the skin that is inflammed.

These treatments may support your animals health using a natural, safe and effective approach to encourage the body’s own incredible healing abilities. This post is also available as a fact sheet, please find it attached if you would like to download it. 

Disclaimer:

The information contained in this document is not intended to replace guidance from your veterinarian. The above remedies can be safely used alongside veterinary treatment. In the case of an emergency you should consult your veterinarian.


- Dr Jacqui Snell, Veterinary Holistic Healthcare
a_natural_approach_to_skin_disease.pdf
File Size: 160 kb
File Type: pdf
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