Does Your Dog Food Contain Flame Retardants?

Flame Retardants at High Levels in Pet Dogs, Study Finds

ScienceDaily (Apr. 26, 2011) — Indiana University scientists have found chemical flame retardants in the blood of pet dogs at concentrations five to 10 times higher than in humans, but lower than levels found in a previous study of cats.

Their study appears this month in the journal Environmental Science & Technology. Authors are Marta Venier, an assistant research scientist in the School of Public and Environmental Affairs, and Ronald Hites, a Distinguished Professor in SPEA.

Venier and Hites explore whether pets could serve as "biosentinels" for monitoring human exposure to compounds present in the households that they share. Dogs may be better proxies than cats, they say, because a dog's metabolism is better equipped to break down the chemicals.

The study focuses on the presence of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the blood of dogs and in commercial dog food. PBDEs have been widely used as flame retardants in household furniture and electronics equipment. The compounds can migrate out of the products and enter the environment.
"Even though they've been around for quite awhile, we don't know too much about these compounds' toxicological effects on humans or animals," Venier said. "The bottom line is that we still need to keep measuring them, particularly in homes."

PBDE mixtures made up of less-brominated compounds are regarded as more dangerous because they bioaccumulate in animal tissues. These mixtures were banned by the European Union and were voluntarily removed from the U.S. market in 2004, but remain in the environment. Mixtures with more-brominated compounds remain in use in the U.S. but will be phased out by 2013.

Venier and Hites report on an analysis of flame retardants in blood from 17 pet dogs, all of whom live primarily indoors. They also examined samples of the dry dog food that made up the pets' diet, attempting to determine if food was a major source of PBDE exposure.

The average concentration of PBDEs in blood from the dogs was about 2 nanograms per gram, about five to 10 times higher than the levels found in humans in the few studies of human exposure that have been done in North America.

In dog food samples, the researchers found PBDEs at levels averaging about 1 nanogram per gram. That is much higher than levels found in meat and poultry sold as food for humans, suggesting the PBDEs in dog food may result from processing rather than from the food sources.

A 2007 study by Venier, Hites and several co-authors found concentrations of PBDEs in house cats that were 20 to 100 times higher than levels found in humans. A 2010 article by Venier, Hites and two Clemson University researchers also reported high levels of PBDEs in nesting bald eagles.
Venier said the evidence shows dogs metabolize the compounds more rapidly than cats. A previous study showed that dogs produce an enzyme that breaks down organochlorine pesticides, and a similar mechanism may be at work with brominated compounds.

The current study also detected newer flame retardants that have come onto the market as PBDEs have been removed, including Dechlorane Plus, decabromodiphenylethane, and hexabromocyclododecane. The chemicals are largely unregulated but pose concerns because they are structurally similar to organic pollutants that have been linked to environmental and human health effects.

"The concentrations of these newer flame retardants were relatively low compared to the PBDEs," Venier said, "but the fact that they are new and not regulated suggests their levels are going to increase in the future."

###

Today's article was suggested by Flint River Ranch Dog Food. Flint River Ranch Dog Food is a wholesome, nutritious dog food made with fresh ingredients in the United States.

***

Keep Your Dog Healthy in Summer

Keep Pets Happy, Healthy in Summer

(Adapted from Saturday, July 16, 2011 Issue of the Daily Inter Lake, Kalispell, MT)

Most people view their pets as an extension of the family.  Therefore, pet parents are interested in the best ways to ensure their dogs, cats, birds or small mammals are healthy and happy.

It doesn’t take much to keep a pet healthy, but these steps are essential for the well-being of the animal.  An individual who is not able to provide the general care for a pet – whether financially or emotionally – should reconsider bringing a pet into the household.

1.     Choose healthy foods.  Many commercially prepared foods are full of fillers and sugars instead of fresh meats and grains.  Although it may cost a bit more, pet food that is primarily good quality meat and grains with minimal preservatives or artificial colorings can keep a pet in better form. Diet can affect health in a number of ways, including energy levels and coat appearance.

2.      Keep fresh water handy.  All animals should be given fresh water that is routinely changes.  Bacteria and viruses can multiply in water that is left sitting around.  Plus, there may be other contaminants in unfiltered water that’s left stagnant.

3.      Exercise your pet.  All animals need exercise to be healthy.  Exercise helps to keep weight in check, banish boredom and ensure that the systems of the body all get pushed to their potential.  A dog that does not get to exercise may become destructive.

4.      Consult with a veterinarian.  Routing health checkups should be part of keeping a pet health.  Not only does the vet give annual vaccinations that can prevent common diseases, but also the vet will examine the animal to diagnose or catch illnesses early if a pet is not acting normal, consult the vet.

5.      Groom the pet regularly.  Some animals groom themselves.  Others can use the help of nail clipping, bathing and fur cutting to keep in top form.  Matted fur can pull at the skin and cause irritation.  Dogs and cats may lick or bite at a wound and cause more trouble.  Long nails can impede a bird’s ability to hold food or a perch.  In general, a clean pet is a happy pet.

6.      Know pet dangers around the house. Pet proof the home just as one would baby-proof it.  Keep chemical products locked up so they cannot be consumed.  Certain products smell sweet and inviting to unsuspecting pets, but consumption can be deadly.  Even certain house plants can be toxic if eaten.

7.      Avoid “people” food.  Certain fruits and vegetables can be supplemented in pet’s diet (consult with a veterinarian). However, on the whole, limit the amount of human food that pets eat.  It may not provide the nutritional value of the animal needs and can contribute to obesity.  Foods like raisins, grapes, onions, and macadamia nuts can be toxic to dogs and cats, and should be avoided.

8.      Show interest in the pet.  A pet needs a certain level of interaction to be content. Discipline, affection and exercise with a pet parent are key components of animal health.

###

For a quality, holistic dog food that does not contain added chemical preservatives, artificial colors or flavors, choose Life's Abundance Dog Food.

Be Aware of Puppy Mills

Puppy Mills 
Dog Breeding requires excellent breed knowledge and outstanding responsibility by reputable breeders. Unfortunetly, dog breeding (and cat breeding too for that matter) is often exploited as a profit making business with the sad consequence of cruel treatment of bitches and puppies who are kept in inhumane conditions.

Bitches are expected to breed many litters.  In some cases, once they are no good for breeding, they are cruelly destroyed.

The litters produced can be unhealthy and have health challenges. Puppies are often taken away from their mother before they should be so they are denied socialization skills by their mother and litter mates.  (It is the opinion of many breeders that puppies should still be with their mother and litter mates until at least 8 weeks old.)

What's the difference between Backyard Breeders and Puppy Mills/Farms?

Backyard Breeders practice random or ignorant dog breeding on a small scale.

Puppy Mills or Puppy Farms are large dog breeding operations, and the people who own them are known as puppy millers/farmers.

Backyard Breeders and Puppy Millers are usually motivated by profit. (For example, Backyard Breeders don't realize that the hobby of animal breeding practiced on a small scale is not usually profitable when one considers the cost of health maintenance, healthy food choices and pregnancy care.)  Often times, Backyard Breeders and Puppy Millers are ignorant of selective breeding goals and techniques.  They aren't even familiar with the breed standard of their chosen breed of dog. Sometimes they are cruel and abuse animals because they are only concerned with profit.

Look Out for the following:

Unethical Backyard Breeders and Puppy Millers want your money, so, they will tell you what you want to hear. The may tell you that the puppy is registered, which it may not be. They may tell you they have a certificate to prove that the puppy is registered but the certificate will not be signed or have the breeders name on it.

Be aware of outlets offering more than one or two breeds. When visiting the seller note the surroundings. Visit the puppy more than once. Ask to see the pedigree papers and ensure the breeder's name is on the certificate.

The breeder should want to know about you too. They will want to make sure the puppy is going to a good home.

Ask to see the puppy with its mother - be very suspicious if you can't.

Think carefully before buying and do not buy the puppy because you feel sorry for it.

If you trade with an unscrupulous breeder, you will be supporting their trade.

Think before you buy from a pet shop. Purchasing dogs, especially those claimed to be purebred, from a pet store is strongly discouraged by reputable breeders and animal shelters.

While many pet stores claim to purchase dogs from "local breeders" instead of puppy mills, this is often untrue. Most reputable breeders do not sell animals to pet stores. The phrase "local breeder" may also refer to backyard breeders.

Reputable breeders raise their animals in humane conditions, provide good socialization and often formal training, and adhere to the breed standard.

They are knowledgeable about major health problems associated with their breed.  They are knowledgeable about the principles of genetics and they frequently undertake specific matings to produce or refine particular desirable characteristics in their dogs.

They are sensitive to the requirements of their breeding adults — who may also be breeding for performance champions. Reputable breeders frequently screen potential customers rigorously, and usually provide a pedigree and health guarantee with their puppies.

Always get proof of Kennel Club registration.

###

This post was suggested by a Lifes Abundance Dog Food field rep who got the information from dogarticles.org.

A quality, wholesome food is critical for your new puppy's health.  We recommend a holistic dog food such as Life's Abundance Pet Food.

***