We have had a few queries asking why we do not add L-carnitine to our protein packs as concerned dog owners have read that it is one of the requirements in a plant-based homemade diet for dogs.
Firstly, what is L-carnitine?
L-carnitine is a natural substance found in food, mainly meat. However, it is not considered an essential nutrient because the body can make it from the amino acids lysine and methionine.
L-carnitine is the nutrient that transports fatty acids to the mitochondria for use as a fuel source and research shows that muscle carnitine levels are rapidly depleted during exercise and muscular activity.
Our packs contain valuable marine phytoplankton that is rich in the amino acid lysine, and we add organic lupine protein and pumpkin seed protein powder that are both good sources of the sulphur amino acids one of which is methionine. There is L-carnitine added to the All-In-Veluxe supplement that we use as well in our packs but in a smaller quantity as the products used in our protein packs are so nutrient rich. Bananas are another source of lysine used in our Umami Recipe.
Why do we supplement with taurine?
The only research that seems to have gone into feeding plant-based or ‘alternative diets’ in dogs, mentions a lack of taurine as a possible cause of dilated cardiomyopathy. Sadly much of this research appears to have been done by the large corporate pet food companies, but as this is the only research everyone reads about, it is worth just supplementing.
Excess taurine is excreted by the kidneys, not stored in the body so it is not harmful if oversupplemented.
Is excess l-carnitine harmful?
Reported oversupplementing of L-carnitine in people includes symptoms such as nausea, diarrhoea and stomach cramps. With these statistics in humans and knowing that our protein pack ingredients already contain the precursors to L-carnitine with methionine-rich maize/polenta and lysine-rich marine phytoplankton, we have chosen to not oversupplement and add in extra.
Bronze Age dogs ate little meat
Fascinating article showing how Bronze Age dogs ate little meat and had to feed on cereals instead
The most effective Omega 3’s for your dog
We recommend these Omega 3 capsules above the other brands as they …..
What can go wrong when choosing to homecook?
I have been contacted by so many owners feeding their dogs plant-based and some of their dogs have had issues with painful urinary crystals…..
Worries about colitis in your dog?
Colitis is one of the most common conditions that we see in dogs with digestive issues
Spring Supplement Special
We have frozen our prices to pre-Brexit levels for the next 6 weeks only and while stocks last. Please no more than 2 tubs per owner!
Do dogs on a vegan diet live longer?
We have Bramble the dog who wanted to live forever as proof that vegan diets help our pets live longer healthier lives
Will a vegan dog food diet affect my dog’s behaviour?
Owners of dogs on plant-based diets do report that their pets appear happier and calmer
Top Vegan Dog Dental Chews
Which dental plant-based chews are advised by our vet and which should you avoid?
Rupert had crystals from eating Benevo
Rupert suffered from an extremely painful urinary tract infection and blood in his urine which ultimately led to him needing surgery
New Year’s Intentions
We have chosen to share dear little Simba’s weight loss story and the advice given as it may echo your own experience
Vet Reflections Of 2020
They say that to be truly happy, you need to have gratitude and I have to end the year with thanks to these wonderful people (and dogs)
Wispa’s guilty pleasures
We live in a zero carbon house. Wispa seriously offsets our carbon savings!
