A Historic Herbal Adventure

Germany is a country that has a rich history. Every time I step out my door I discover a new detail in the city that illustrates tradition and custom. Old barn buildings are maintained in their original form and are nestled within villages. Town halls boost medieval architecture and churches stand majestic and proud, weathered by time and use.

This weekend my husband and I took a ferry from Radolfzell to an island called the Reichenau Island. This beautiful, relatively small peninsula (we walked the circumference in only a few hours) was admitted into the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites as the "Monastic Island of Reichenau"in 2000. It is being protected for its 'cultural landscape giving an outstanding testimony to the religious and cultural role of a great Benedictine Monastery in the Middle Ages.'

Today, this island is known for its vast organic vegetable gardens that supply fresh produce to local markets. The island maintains a slower pace and is covered by a web of footpathes and trails. With each turn you find a green house or blooming field rich with life. The shores are littered with fishing boats and the beaches have little cafes to enjoy a warm drink. Vacant barrels, boats and buckets are filled with flowers and the air is damp with the smell of soil and pollen.

An old fishing boat transformed into a beautiful container for flowers

Best of all, are the well-preserved churches that display monastic architecture from hundreds of years ago. Of particular interest, was a church's garden that we stumbled upon almost by accident. From reading a small, modest sign we were able to discern that this garden was a re-creation of a garden built between the years 830 to 840 by a monk named Walahfrid Strabo. He had built this garden in order to provide medicinal and cooking herbs to the monastery as well as ornamental plants for decorative use. The garden was rebuilt in 1991 according to Strabo's design complete with surrounding cloister walls.

The Herb Garden on the Reichenau today is a replica of the garden planted in the 11th century

While walking through this garden I couldn't help but think of my love for herbs and their extensive functions. It is fasinating to imagine this monk planting sage, peppermint, oregano and roses. Our world has changed, but these plants, I'm sure, have remained very much the same. We tasted the peppermint, it was strong, sharp and delicious. I wonder if this herb had been also used to soothe upset stomaches, as it is used today.

One of many vegetable gardens on the Reichenau Island

When leaving the island I became overwhelmed with a sense of belonging. I am just one person in a world of billions and yet, after my experience on Sunday, I feel more connected than ever. I was reminded of the quote,

 "after you die, everything you ever owned doesn't matter, and everything you ever did, does."

By planting a garden of common herbs and plants this monk made his place in the world and reminded us of the importance of herbal wellness and health. Our time on this planet might be fleeting, but herbs and plants will continue to support us, heal us and delight our taste buds. It is an insight that I am grateful for, and now, more than ever, am I excited to nurture a garden of my own.

Fresh is BEST; 3 reasons processed food could be harming your dog

 “The living testimony exemplified in the many people and animals who thrive on diets that include plenty of fresh raw vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and other foods is enough to convince me that a diet of cooked foods alone will not maintain your pets in top-notch condition. Moreover, my clinical experience over the last 27 years confirms this. The difference in many animals given a home-prepared, raw food diet after eating processed foods most of their lives is nothing short of amazing.”

This quote from Richard Pitcairn’s book Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Cats and Dogs, embodies my belief surrounding fresh food. It is such a relatively simple topic and yet, I think that it is the lack of fresh, whole foods in our diet, and that of our dogs, that is contributing to numerous health problems. We eat processed breakfast bars instead of fresh pieces of fruit, boxed cereal instead of whole, complex grains and frozen, breaded fish or chicken instead of fresh, organic meat from our local farmer. We feed our dogs dry pieces of kibble that have travelled from other provinces or countries, been stored in warehouses and sat in our closet, instead of feeding fresh, whole foods.

To clarify, this is not a blog about the evils of the commercial pet food industry. Nor is this a blog advocating that a raw food diet is the only sane way to feed your pet. My argument is that we all, including our dogs, need whole foods in our diet in order to thrive.

I would like to talk briefly about how pet food is made in our society. In order for kibble to take on the uniform, compact shape that is does, it must go through an extrusion process. Step one of this process occurs through the action of a hammer mill grind. This grind processes truckloads of ingredients  into particles the size of course flour. Next, these ingredients are blended together with a ribbon mixer which uses computer software and scales to ensure the food is mixed in correct proportions. The final step before entering the extrusion machine is to precondition the food by mixing all the wet and dry ingredients together with hot water and pressurized steam. The hot steam begins the cooking process and causes the starches to gelatinize. Finally the food is ready for extrusion. To visualize the extrusion machine, picture a massive metal tube with a screw driver inside it. The preconditioned food is pushed through this machine while being heated to extremely high temperatures. Most, if not all, of the nutrients are destroyed during this process. The mixture exits the extruder through a die that makes uniform kibble pieces which immediately expand when mixed with open air. They puff up to 50% of their size. The final step is called enrobing, where the food is hardened by dryers. While drying, synthetic nutrients are sprayed on (to replenish the lost nutrients) as well as rendered fats to add palatability. The food is then bagged and delivered to various distributing companies around the country.

An example of the extrusion process. Extrusion machines are used for the manufacturing of plastics and pet food.

Three reasons processed foods might be harming your dog

Enzymes

Enzymes are proteins that are used to facilitate a variety of functions in the canine body. They are acquired by two sources; organs within the body and the diet. Common digestive enzymes are amylase, protease and lipase which are used breakdown carbohydrates, proteins and fats into smaller, absorbable compounds. Enzymes allow the food that we feed our pets to be utilized and absorbed for energy. (for an article on the digestive anatomy of dogs click here)

Enzymes denature when heated and therefore are non-existent in processed dog foods. Without enzymes in the food, the body must work harder to produce enzymes which utilize energy. After a few years of feeding only processed food devoid of live, active enzymes, the organs, such as the pancreas and intestine, become susceptible to disease. Nutrients were designed to be eaten in a fresh format with live enzymes and co-nutrients that aid in their utilization within the body.

These days our dogs are being diagnosed with allergies, arthritis, skin disorders, bowel disease, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, cancer and immune diseases, all of which enzyme supplementation are recommended for treatment. To be proactive against the onset of disease, supply enzymes in the diet with fresh, unprocessed food.

Carcinogens

Carcinogens are a fact of life in our world. They are defined as anything that aggravates, promotes or causes cancer. These carcinogens can come in many forms such as smoke and chemicals, however recently, they are being found in pet foods.

Dr. Demian Dressler wrote the book the Dog Cancer Survival Guide which is widely recommended by veterinarians and canine professionals to help guardians care for their dog with cancer. He highly recommends feeding a raw or lightly cooked balanced diet. He writes,

“The high temperatures used to heat food change it enough to produce chemicals called heterocyclic amines, which are known to be extremely potent carcinogens.  Another carcinogen that can be created by applying high heat to food – especially starchy food like the corn found in many commercial dog foods is acrylamide. This carcinogen has recently become the subject of intense study.”

Foods cooked below 212⁰F do not produce carcinogens and unfortunately if your dog’s food is processed, it is cooked at far higher temperatures. There are agencies that regulate carcinogens in pet food, however they do not consider the by-products of manufacturing, such as extrusion, ingredients. Feeding your dog a processed diet could be exposing your dog to the onset of cancer.

The Nature of Kibble

Chronic kidney failure is a disease that affects a large number of dogs. It used to be only older dogs that were being diagnosed, but now juvenile renal disease is noted in over twenty difference breeds. Feeding a processed, dehydrated diet could be contributing to chronic renal failure.

Veterinarian Karen Becker put it nicely in saying: “feeding a balanced, species-appropriate diet instead of commercial pet food will supply your dog’s body with the fundamental nutrition he requires for the health of every organ and system in his body, including his kidneys. Low quality, highly processed pet foods – in particular dry kibble, which lacks the moisture content and quality protein pets need -- are being linked to many of the degenerative diseases seen in pets today.”

When Dr. Becker says ‘species-appropriate’ she is referring to fresh, whole foods that wolves naturally eat in the wild. These foods have a moisture content of seventy to eighty percent and will keep your dog hydrated and healthy.

Conclusion

Many dogs live long lives on processed food, but numerous dogs also suffer from chronic ailments. My childhood dog Maggie lived her entire life on a processed diet and we were advised by our veterinarian not to feed her fresh food (table scraps). She lived till the ripe age of fourteen, however she suffered from chronic ear infections and arthritis. Would fresh food have helped her? I think so. Fresh foods are filled with bio-available vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that likely, she needed. I know one thing for sure, and that is, it would not have done her harm.  Please keep in mind that I’m not recommending to throw out your dogs processed food and replace it with a random assortment of fresh food. My message is simply; fresh is best.

Choosing what to feed your dog is a personal decision based on your experiences, your dog and what feels right for the both of you. When writing about the 7 steps to blissful dog ownership I wrote about the bond you create with your dog when you prepare their food with love and healthful nutrients. It is an unbeatable feeling to feed your family a wholesome and delicious meal. This statement is also true with your dog, as you, their guardian, have complete control over what they eat. Feeding your dog fresh, whole foods will be a rewarding experience for both of you.

 “Dogs, like people, need fresh whole foods. In the past ten years, many long-term studies have shown that vitamins, minerals and antioxidants from whole foods are more nutritious than the synthesized or refined forms found in most dog foods.”  Steve Brown, author of See Spot Live Longer

A traditional German wurstsalat!

As many of you know, I am currently in Germany visiting my husband's family. We live on the shore of the lake of Constance, very close to the Swiss border.

I wanted to share a recipe for a traditional German dish that I have grown quite fond of. This dish is called a wurstsalat, and it is a staple feature on almost all restaurant menus. It is a cold salad customarily served with bread, a crisp beer and sometimes a boiled egg.

The 'wurstsalat' translates into 'sausage salad' in english. Its main ingredient is shredded preserved pork that is tossed with pickles, cheese and onions. This salad bears the brunt of many jokes as the word 'salad' is associated with a light and healthy meal. Instead, this particular salad, boosts soaring levels of salt and fat while often served with a variety of carbohydrates. That being said, life is all about balance, and since my husband and I have been eating with a healthy conscience all week, I feel free to prepare this meal for dinner tongiht (in fact it is marinating in the fridge as I type this). As the saying goes, "When in Rome..."

Due to its popularity, packets of this special sausage are sold pre-cut in German grocery stores. I bought two of these packets for my salad tonight in hopes that there will be plenty leftover for lunch tomorrow.

To make this in Canada, or anywhere other than this particular region of Europe, look for Lyoner sausage and cut them into thin, uniform strips. A meal for four requires about four to five cups of sausage. The rest of the salad ingredients are as follows:

5 large pickles (thinly diced)
1 medium diced red onion
1 medium diced red pepper (this is not traditional, just my way of adding vitamins)
4 thick slices of Emmentaler cheese, cut into small, thin slices
Large loave of crusty bread

Dressing
3 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp white vinegar
1 tbsp mustard
pepper

Mix all ingredients together with the sausage thoroughly. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least four hours. Serve with a cold lager, a bowl of boiled eggs and endless bread.

Tonic Tuesdays: Dandelion

This week’s tonic herb is the dandelion plant (Taraxacum officinale). I wanted to write about this plant because lately I’m reminded of it every time I step outside. It seems to be able to survive everywhere, but not only does it survive, it thrives! It has bright green leaves, a vibrant yellow flower and a strong, long root that perseveres in many gardens. In short, the dandelion is a plant that we see often, but frequently don’t recognize for its beneficial properties.

Let’s start with a little history. The dandelion plant was cultivated and revered by early European settlers. It was quick and easy to grow and considered a cure-all tonic for common ailments. In 1831, the dandelion plant was incorporated into the U.S. Pharmacopoaia as a broad spectrum tonic but with the development of allopathic medicines in the following years its usage slipped to the sidelines. Recently, the dandelion has come back into the spotlight as alternative methods gain favour.

The Leaves

The dandelion plant can be broken into two parts; the leaves and the root. The green leaves are referred to as a bitter tonic; a tonic that stimulates digestion and settles the stomach. These tonics are traditionally consumed before a meal in order to stimulate gastric secretions and improve nutrient absorption. The dandelion leaf is also a potent diuretic, which increases urination and aids in the removal of waste from the body. By flushing waste, dandelion gently cleanses the liver, kidneys and digestive tract thereby increasing function and performance.

Nutrient Content

Dandelion leaves are packed with nutrients. One cup of chopped leaves contains over twice the amount of protein, vitamin A, vitamin C and calcium to that of spinach. It is also rich in iron, potassium, magnesium and folate. The impressive nutrient content of this herb has brought it into organic markets and restaurants as a unique and healthy addition to soups and salads.  For your dog, small additions of this herb will promote overall health and harmony within the body. The best methods are finely chopped, pureed or steeped. They are bitter, so mix well with the food or soak in a broth for added palatability. The best time of year to harvest dandelion greens is in the spring when they are fresh and sweet (sort of). For long term storage, you can dry them out and use the dried flakes in a steeped broth or in their crumbled form. Remember to be sure they are completely dry and free from mold.

The Root

Conversely, the root of this plant is best harvested in the late fall when all of the nutrients have concentrated in the ground. Dandelion root is a fantastic liver tonic as it gently stimulates bile production and increases circulation within the liver. As the liver is the primary organ for filtration, supporting it will boost your dogs energy and immune system. Clean your harvested roots thoroughly and serve fresh or dried. Remember that dogs cannot breakdown cell walls so be sure to thoroughly pulverize the plant in order to free its nutrients.  

The most important thing to remember about dandelion is that they are safe to use. Your dog cannot overdose, however, when supplying any herb to a diet use common sense. Only small additions are required to provide healthful benefits, whereas large amounts could be refused or cause digestive upsets (just like they would for us!). Don’t forget to add some of these fabulous herbs to your meal as well!

For a great dandelion salad recipe (for humans!)

For the complete nutrient content of dandelion click here

Lentil and bacon spring salad

Salads are one of my favourite meals to prepare for dinner. They are light, versatile and packed with nutrients. I know this is a blog about canine nutrition, but I figure that if you are interested in nutrition for your dog, then like me, you are also interested in nutrition for yourself and family!

Ingredients

Sesame, sunflower and pumpkin seeds

2 big handfuls of baby arugula (about 2 cups)

1 medium red pepper

1/2 red onion

1 large carrot, grated.

A handful of sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds, raw (not salted)

6 strips of bacon

2 tbsps chopped parsley

1.5 cups gourmet organic lentils, cooked in a pinch of salt and diced herbs
(I have tried both organic lentils and normal lentils and the taste difference to me is incredible. Organic lentils are by far superior in texture and taste.)

Dressing

¼ cup olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic  reduction (or just plain balsamic vinegar, but I like the sweetest of the reduction as it offsets the bitterness of the arugula)
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 cloves garlic minced

Instructions.

Mix all the salad dressing ingredients together and let sit while preparing the rest of the salad.

Cook lentils until tender. Let cool. Cook bacon until nice and crispy.

Wash arugula and put a large handful onto each plate. Decorate with strips of red pepper, parsley, grated carrot, thinly sliced red onions and the seeds. This is my favourite part and I always take my time to make it look nice. Add the bacon and then sprinkle the lentils all around the plate. Cover with dressing and enjoy with a nice malbec!

Nutritional content:

Serves 2
Calories per serving: 621
25 grams protein, 42 grams carbohydrates, 40 grams of fat
This salad is a great source of folate, iron, potassium, vitamin A and vitamin C

Enjoy!

Supplements (part 1)

Supplementation are a rapidly growing area of the health and wellness industry. They are marketed in our pet stores, health stores, grocery stores and in our food products. I once gave a consultation to a dog whose owner was a cancer survivor. She told me without hestitation that she swore by supplements and believed they are what helped her beat cancer.

As someone that trusts in the power of nutrients and food, my approach to supplementation is that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. A healthy dog eating a balanced, bio-available diet, should not need supplementation. A healthy diet will provide all the vitamins, minerals, omega 6’s and other various nutrients that the body needs to function smoothly. That being said, we live in a world that is getting progressively filled with chemicals and carcinogens, and supplements can help to arm ourselves, and our pets, against the harmful effects.

For that reason I like to divide supplements into two categories.

Category 1: Proactive Supplements; support the immune system and organs

Category 2: Target Supplements; specific additions into the diet that are used to address a specific health concern. Ie pancreatitis, irritable bowel (category 2 supplements will be outlined in a blog later on)

PROACTIVE SUPPLEMENTS

Fish Oils & Vitamin E

We all know about omega 3 fatty acids and their fantastic health benefits. If you don’t and are interested, please check out my website. The ideal ratio of ingested omega 3 to omega 6 is 1:1 to 1:4. The problem is that our diets, and that of the animals we eat, are extremely high in omega 6 fatty acids and this offsets the balance. This is, in part, a result of an agriculture industry that no longer produces food naturally. Omega 6 fatty acids are extremely high in plant oils such as corn and soy. Studies show that  the meat of grass-fed cows (grass is rich in omega 3s) have a ratio of 1:1 omega 3 to omega 6 fatty acids.  Cows fed corn and soy (the vast majority) produce meat in the range of 1:20.

A great website to read about this topic is www.tendergrassfedmeat.com

The best source of omega 3 is from cold-water fish such as mackerel, white fish, herring or salmon. Another great source is cod liver oil which has 20 grams of omega 3 per 100 grams of food (compared to 1.5 grams of omega 3s in herring or salmon). I caution the use of cod liver oil however as it is also very high in vitamin A and vitamin D, which are the two vitamins that are accumulated in the liver and are toxic at high levels. Another high source of omega 3 is flax seed oil, however only 7-15% of the omega 3  is available to the canine body as it needs extensive conversion. The best source is wild, fish oil which can be found in your local health food store.

When supplementing with fatty acids it is always wise to also add vitamin E. Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that prevents the peroxidation of lipids within the cellular membranes. Basically, it protects the omega 3 that you are supplementing, but in this process, it is destroyed. Supplementing the diet three to four times a week with vitamin E will reduce any risk of a deficiency developing.

Joint Supplement

These days approximately 20% of adult dogs are afflicted with arthritis and that number is on the rise. Supplementing early with glucosamine and chondroitin is a great proactive approach to preventing the onset of arthritis as these compounds block the action of cartilage destroying enzymes and promote the cartilage producing cells.  If your dog is already showing signs of arthritis, glucosamine can help support the joint mobility and repair the collagen damage. Raw meaty bones are a great source of natural glucosamine and chondroitin , however they are not suitable for all dogs (Kya looks at a chicken neck like it’s a worm) and in that case there are great liquid alternatives available. Green Lipped Mussels is an example that I’ve been trying recently with great results.

Green Food

I love green foods. I’m not sure why, but something about even the word, green, sounds healthy and revitalizing. Am I a product of marketing or what? Green foods include kelp, spirulina, alfalfa, barley or wheat grass and your tonic herbs.  Green foods support and gently cleanse respiratory, digestive, renal, hepatic and circulatory systems. They are proven to have potent antiviral, antimicrobial and anti inflammatory properties.  They are generally inexpensive to purchase (or grow in some cases) and they will make your dog feel great!

Introducing Tonic Tuesdays

Herbs have been a passion of mine ever since I was a little girl. My family and I would spend our summers at our family cabin in Red Bay Ontario where we were immersed in nature. I spent a large portion of my time up there pouring over old herb books fantasizing about curing my family from imaginary ailments with tinctures and teas. I read about the calming effects of chamomile, the fortifying properties of hawthorn and the purifying benefits of nettle. I grew a herb garden with my mother which helped me to appreciate the challenges of organic gardens as well as added dimension and flavour to our family meals.

It is therefore a natural progression that my interest in herbs cross paths with my love of dogs. In fact after reading many books and watching several educational videos on the topic I feel confident that common herbs can be used to strengthen the immune system and increase overall health.

To be clear, I am not a herbalist and I am therefore not recommending doses of herbs for medicinal purposes. My objective with herbs and Tonic Tuesdays is merely to illustrate ways in which you, as a dog owner, can fortify your pet’s diet and boost his overall health. In fact, each new herb that I introduce weekly can also be added to your personal diet as there is no better method of receiving vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients than from their natural, whole sources.

What is a tonic herb?

Gregory Tilford, a well known veterinary herbalist, defines tonic herbs as a herb that strengthens the body’s natural healing functions. A formal definition states that it is any substance that balances the biochemical and physiological events that comprise the body systems.

A tonic herb must be free of side-effects and have no adverse reactions in small amounts. A tonic herb gently supports the organ systems (or sometimes a specific organ) which overtime improves its function and in turn, promotes overall health and wellness. In short, tonic herbs are not a quick fix. They are a method of supporting and improving a nutritious and natural diet.

Remember that when sourcing herbs for your dog, seek out organic, local growers. Our purpose in using tonic herbs is to increase health and wellness and we can’t accomplish this if we’re feeding herbs filled with chemicals and pesticides.

Without further ado, this week’s tonic herb is a spring of parsley!

Parsley is best served fresh, in either a chopped or pureed form. Parsley supports the immune system, freshens breath and can increase joint mobility. I recommend a teaspoon of parsley for a small breed dog and up to one to two tablespoons for a large breed dog. Remember, you cannot overdose your dog on parsley, as excess parsley will just be excreted. That being said, dogs are not herbivores and will likely not enjoy eating a salad for dinner. Therefore, use a reasonable amount and enjoy the benefits!

For a detailed article on the benefits of parsley click here