Quality Ingredients Whole Grains in West Coast Canine Life Premix

During the last few years, numerous new commercial “grain free” dog foods have been introduced to the market, including a variety of raw diets. Many owners, concerned about the grains used in their dog’s food, along with the amounts of grains used, have turned to grain free products, believing their dogs do not need grains.

Unfortunately, as a result, an alarming number of clients’ dogs are now being treated for liver and kidney disease, along with other disorders, including heart problems, gastrointestinal issues, a variety of different types of skin diseases, and sadly, cancer. From notes and information collected from clients, many were feeding a diet very high in protein. Some of these diets included inferior grains and gluten, while others had no grains at all.

A whole foods balanced diet, tailored to meet individual needs, plays a very important role in the longevity of your dog. We encourage a whole foods diet, and caring for the “whole dog". This includes using supportive veterinarians and health care practitioners who embrace the feeding of a whole foods diet, along with alternative methods that complement traditional veterinary care, for example, new vaccination protocols that recommend minimizing their use, whenever possible.

Grains used in commercially made dog foods are often of inferior quality and not fit for human consumption. Grains most often chosen are corn, wheat, and soy. They are a cheap and economical source of protein. Further, vegetable concentrates, such as corn and rice glutens, are inexpensive sources of protein that may be added, to boost the protein percentages, in lieu of using more expensive meat proteins. Whole grains have powerful health benefits, including cancer-fighting potential, simply because they are whole functional foods.

A whole grain consists of three parts, its endosperm (starch), bran and germ. When a whole grain is refined, its bran and germ are removed. It is these refined inferior grains that are often found in commercial dog foods. The antioxidant content of different whole grains reinforces the message that a variety of grains should be included in your dog’s diet.

Research reported at the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) International Conference on Food, Nutrition and Cancer, by Ruiz Hai Liu, MD, Ph.D, and his colleagues at Cornell University, have demonstrated that whole grains, such as rice, contain many powerful phytonutrients. "Different plant foods have different phytochemicals," he said. "These substances go to different organs, tissues and cells, where they perform different functions. What your body needs to ward off disease is this synergistic effect - this teamwork - that is produced by eating a wide variety of plant foods, including whole grains."

It is interesting to note that CoQ10 is also found in WHOLE GRAINS.CoQ10 is used to protect the heart and other organs. Zinc, which happens to be found in whole grains, helps skin to heal. We always use organically grown whole grains in our products. In order for any crop to be labelled "organic," stringent testing of soils for contaminants, including arsenic, must be passed. WHOLE ORGANIC BROWN RICE

Organic whole brown rice is high in fibre, vitamins and minerals, and it is gluten free. It contains potassium, protein, iron, thiamine, and niacin. Whole brown rice contains IP6 (inositol hexaphosphate), the very thing we buy in health food stores as a cancer supplement. Whole organic brown rice is not a commonly allergenic food and is not known to contain measurable amounts of goitrogens, oxalates, or purines. In fact, the hypoallergenic (low-allergy) nature of whole organic brown rice makes it a grain alternative commonly recommended by healthcare practitioners. Whole brown rice is an excellent source of the trace mineral manganese, and a good source of the minerals selenium and magnesium. It is grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Whole brown rice supplies complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, and B vitamins and beneficial fibre, to help maintain a healthy digestive tract and promote normal stools. Potassium, which helps to balance body fluids, and regulates acid/alkaline base, muscle and nerve impulses, is also found in whole brown rice.

WHOLE ORGANIC OATS are considered one of the world's healthiest foods. They are nutrient dense and provide sustained energy. Oats contain manganese, selenium, tryptophan, phosphorus, vitamin B1, dietary fibre, magnesium, and PROTEIN. They help to lower cholesterol levels, and are recommended for those with heart disease and diabetes. Oats, oat bran and oatmeal, contain a type of fibre called BETA-

GLUCAN. Beta- glucan significantly enhances the human immune system's response to bacterial infections and it also stabilizes blood sugar levels. Oats contain an antioxidant and have a higher proportion of fat and protein than most other grains. Oats' high silicon content makes them beneficial to bones and connective tissues, and also supports the healing of wounds and skin disorders. They also soothe the digestive and nervous systems. Oats are a vital canine food. Their iron content helps to cleanse the intestines of impurities. Oats are a proven vital food for stud dogs and brood bitches. The famous collie dogs of Scotland and other hill regions of Great Britain have always been reared on oatmeal porridge.

WHOLE ORGANIC THAI JASMINE RICE A small amount of Jasmine rice is added to our Premix as it is high in insoluble fiber which aids in digestion, complex carbohydrates which provide energy and keep a dog feeling full longer and vitamins and minerals that have a number of different benefits. Jasmine rice is also a fat-free food. Jasmine white rice is known to help sooth and heal an irritated gut when gastrointestinal issues are present.

Herbs and Spices in west Coast Canine Life Premix

Alfalfa is a source of chlorophyll, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium. It is a natural anti-inflammatory. Alfalfa is also considered a tonic, kidney cleanser, and alkalinizer of the whole system, and contains 8 digestive enzymes.

Carob is rich in natural sugars and contains all the principle minerals and vitamins such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, silicon, magnesium, vitamins B1 and B2, niacin, some vitamin A and protein. The large carbohydrates act as a thickener to absorb water, thus helping to eliminate diarrhea, while the tannins bind to toxins helping to inactivate them.

Acadian Sea Kelp provides iodine to the body for correct functioning of the thyroid gland, which influences overall health, metabolism, skin and coat. Kelp may also contribute to good pigmentation. Kelp contains some protein, is rich in iodine, calcium, sulphur, magnesium, iron, copper, phosphorus, sodium and potassium, as well as vitamins A, B, E and D. Kelp also contains mannitol, a gentle purgative and bile stimulant, small amounts of lecithin, a phosphorus compound thought to be of great importance in the knitting of broken bones, especially in the older dog, and some carotene, a precursor to vitamin A production.

Ginger is the premium anti-nausea herb, and is well tolerated by dogs of all ages. It acts as a digestive tonic and relieves stomach and intestinal gas. Ginger stimulates digestive juices and helps to expel worms. It's also great in helping to treat our own colds and sore throats. Marjoram is a great herb for circulation, muscles, and joints that has a fortifying and warming effect. Marjoram helps the respiratory system, the genito-urinary system, supports the immune system, and helps the nervous system. Marjoram also helps the digestive system, by reducing constipation and flatulence, and helps to expel poisons from the body. Parsley is rich in iron and vitamin C, and contains provitamin A. It also contains calcium, phosphorus, and manganese. Parsley is known as one of our most concentrated food sources. Oregano contains carvacrol and thymol, which gives it fungicidal and anti-parasitic properties. It also helps to settle flatulence, and it stimulates the flow of bile. It is a strong antiseptic herb.

Cinnamon was first used medicinally in Egypt and parts of Europe as far back as 500 BC. It is reported to help with digestive problems, including nausea and diarrhea.

Turmeric has been proven to have liver-protective qualities. In addition to its liver-helping effects, turmeric also has anti-cancer properties, anti-inflammatory properties, anti-microbial characteristics, cardiovascular system benefits and intestinal benefits (decreases gas formation).

Decaffeinated Green Tea contains high levels of substances called polyphenols (catechins) known to possess strong anti-oxidant, anti-carcinogenic, and even antibiotic properties. Studies suggest that regular consumption of green tea can reduce the incidence of a variety of cancers.

Shitake Mushroom powder contains lentinan, which stimulates the immune system and helps the body mount a defense against cancer, viruses, and fungal infections.

Rosemary is an excellent remedy for flatulence and other digestive disorders, including those that are secondary to general nervousness, excitability, or irritability. Rosemary is considered to be a calming agent, and a heart tonic. Rosemary acts as a natural barrier against food borne bacteria, and it also has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Rosemary acts as a natural preservative.

Garlic has antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, and research tell us that it is safe to add to a dog’s diet in small quantities. It is an immune enhancer and contains Vitamin A, iodine, phosphorus, potassium, and selenium.

Compiled by Joanne Fraser , Founder of West Coast Canine Life