As so many studies have already shown, dogs can easily digest starch (i.e. the plant-based carbohydrate storage unit). They even produce the enzyme in their mouths to begin the digestive process – we are quite sure that many of you have seen the long strings of saliva hanging from your dog’s mouth when they smell something irresistible?
The rest of the starches can then be processed in your dog’s small intestine. Calculations have revealed that they can digest about 99 % of plant-based starch if provided to them in a suitable form.
It is so important to blend or carefully mash any homemade food that is fed to your dog to ensure that all valuable nutrients can be absorbed adequately.
A fascinating study proved how mutations in key genes occurred allowing increased starch digestion in dogs relative to wolves. These results indicate that early ancestors of modern dogs could thrive on a diet rich in starch which was a crucial step in the early domestication of dogs (interesting reading if you required further proof that dogs digest starches).
So please don’t worry about feeding your dog a purely plant-based. As always, the key is a balance of nutrients and taste to keep your dogs healthy and happy!
I learnt about ‘Millenials’
My son represents a true ‘Millenial’ as I learn from one of the lectures I attended at Vetfest that was given by the Head Nurse at Fitzpatrick Referrals
I meet ‘Supervet’ Noel Fitzpatrick!
He is such a lovely man and I felt a little ‘starstruck’ when I stopped to speak to him about what he had said in one of his talks
My friend is going to be fine
Today’s chance meeting could not have been more different – she was smiling and back to her cheerful lovely self
I put a needle cap with euthatal in my mouth!
It is June and all the roadside poppies are out – they calmed my anxiety by their sheer beauty on my drive in to work
Laughter is the best medicine
The afternoon was filled with a heady mix of happiness and nostalgia and camaraderie for what we had been through in the morning
I tried yoga for the first time
I tried yoga for the first time and loved it – followed it up with a delicious vegan burger
Elephants never forget
It was both beautiful and emotional to witness and every year around this time I wonder why a small grey cloud hangs over me
A fascinating article
This enlightening article published in the New Scientist May 2020 may change the way we think about what food choices we make for our pets and ourselves
Abiding by a client’s wishes
I felt all their pain – the euthanasia was so very poignant as Pippa licked her owner’s nose as she was being told how much they loved her
Turmeric latte after park run
As vets we deal so much with death and illness and not being able to make your own loved ones better when we know how to make animals better plays heavily on us as professionals
Mindful eating
No thought for what I was eating or how much….and never actually tasting the sweets or chocolates or biscuits I was bingeing on!
Salted caramel easter egg
A long emotional day at work today….couldn’t resist the reduced easter egg at Tesco garage!
