 Missy’s Story As you all now, everything has a purpose and a story… When Missy was three years old, about 8 years ago, in the middle of winter, she got into an accident where she suffered a hip fracture. We think someone ski-doing on the property passing by might have accidentally hit her by not seeing her. I had at the time just read about the repairing effects of the AFA E3 Live algae, and knew that although she was an already picky eater (this was right before I switched her and her brother over to raw food), she would now definitely not eat, now that she was in pain (even with medication), so what I did was I made up a concoction of a complex that had this very special algae in it, and syringed it into her twice a day. Poor Missy had a green beard and a green chest for weeks! I knew I had to get it into her, as she was barely eating the amount she was supposed to, and she was in dire need of nutrients. To our amazement, within two weeks, she not only recovered, but bounced back, which that in and of itself was an understatement. She was even back to jumping our fence, and running around like she was a puppy again- we were just simply amazed. After that, I switched her and her brother over from kibble and wet food to raw, where they really began to thrive! I knew there was something very special about this algae, and 8 years later, Missy’s Chance is born- This truly gave her the chance to not only recover, but to thrive!  The Formula Missy's Chance is a 6-ingredient complex of: Phytoplankton 400mg Spirulina 320mg E3 Live AFA 150mg Wheatgrass Powder 50mg Red Marine Algae 40mg Rose Hips 40mg Missy’s Chance is a complete phyto-nutrition formula that will work as a functional whole food in the body, which will then send healthy messages to the epigenome to signal healthy gene expression. This is an essential formula to any diet, whether you feed your pets dry, wet, cooked or raw. Functional nutrients, which means it is jam packed with bioavailable healthy promoting vitamins, minerals (both macro and trace minerals), antioxidants, phytonutrients (chemicals that are in plants), and so much more! Phytonutrients work in a variety of mechanisms in the body in a very synergistic way, including; -Enhancing cell to cell communication -Enhancing immune response -Converting to vitamin A (retinol) -Repairing DNA damage -Detoxifying carcinogens -Liver support -Brings oxygenation to blood cells -Promoted apoptosis (causing cancer cells to die) *A special note regarding minerals: One of the most brilliant doctors in the health industry has said that minerals without being bound to proteins aren’t a bioavailable source to the body, so the very best bioavailable minerals in the world come from plants. Macro minerals are; Calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus and potassium. Micro minerals are; Copper, iron, zinc, manganese, and iodine. This formula is great for:
Short term effect: Fast nutrition, better health, repair, more energy, anti-inflammatory. Long term effect: anti-aging, longevity, vitality, stronger immune system.
Moira getting in on the photo shoot- She loves Missy's Chance!  Phytoplankton: This complete whole source of marine phytoplankton is a complete nutrition that goes directly to the cells, one can call it ‘cell food’, as it does not need to be broken down in the G.I. tract. A highly bioavailable source of nutrition, it is a single celled organism that is jam packed with phytonutrients, full complete profile of amino acids, trace minerals, chlorophyll, EPA, fatty acids, protein, carotenoids, antioxidants, vitamins and so much more!! Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA E3Live): This is the star ingredient in this formula, and this is why there is no other pet supplement on the market like Missy’s Chance! AFA is a blue-green algae that has been around for a very long time, it is one of the most primitive life forms on earth. It embodies a whole host of vitamins, including B-vitamins, antioxidants A, C and E, minerals, trace minerals, phytonutrients, amino acids and essential fatty acids. It has been shown to have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-cancer and antioxidant properties. One of the key active components to AFA is phycocyanin, which attributes to its immune boosting effect. Phycocyanin is what gives this incredible algae its blue pigment, whereas the green pigment rejuvenates and strengthens blood via its rich chlorophyll content, the blue pigment strengthens immune function. This potent free radical scavenger helps to prevent disease, inhibit inflammation and revs up stem cell production. The blue pigment is also a COX-2 inhibitor, and this particular enzyme is highly dominant in cancer cells. McGill University researchers found that AFA consumption in humans led to rapid changes in immune cell trafficking. In fact, just two hours after consuming 1.5 grams of AFA, 40% of the immune system’s natural killer cells migrated from the blood stream to the tissues to work on. An additional study in chickens showed that chickens that were fed the blue-green algae had greater anti-tumor cell activity compared to those that went without. AFA is also highly rich in carotenoid antioxidants such as lycopene, beta carotene, lutein, which helps to prevent disease and reduce inflammation. Also, a wonderful source of EPA and DHA omega-3s, which further helps to reduce inflammation, strengthen and stabilize cell membranes, speed up healing and assist in production of white blood cells that eat up bacteria in the body, and produce pathogen fighting antibodies. AFA is also an excellent source of heme iron, which is required by the body for the production of antibodies, as well as zinc, which increases natural killer cells, increases macrophages activity and is responsible for the reproduction of DNA. It also helps the body to detoxify heavy metals and balances blood sugar. On top of everything, AFA is also one of the highest natural sources of PEA (phenylethylamine). This antioxidant works through the endocannabinoid system, where it has a positive effect on mood, and overall feelings of well being. PEA also improves attention span, concentration, memory and stress.  Spirulina: This wonderful ancient, blue-green algae grows in warm, fresh water, and takes its name from the spiral shape of its strands! Spirulina gets its deep green color from chlorophyll and its blue color from phycocyanin (C-PC), a strong antioxidant compound with anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-cancer and hepato-protective qualities (liver protecting properties). Phycocyanin (C-PC) possesses potent antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. It has been shown to selectively inhibit pro-inflammatory COX-2 Pathway, which is extremely important as it relates to cancer, because COX-2 activity increases malignant tissue. C-PC, much like EPA & DHA, has been shown to suppress the COX-2 enzyme, decreasing inflammation and pain of osteoarthritis. In a study done in 2000, (Reddy et al., 2000), C-PC was even shown to be an even more potent COX-2 inhibitor than a class of NSAID drugs introduced by a couple major pharmaceutical companies. In a 2013 and 2009 study, spirulina was shown that it was a rich source of important nutreints like, chlorophyll, carotenoids, phytonutrients, B-complex vitamins including B-12 and vitamin E, vitamin K, a very wide array of bioavailable minerals, gamma linoleic acid, and superoxide dismutase (a powerful free radical scavenger). Spirulina is also very high in protein, at anywhere between 65% to over 70% protein, which is actually more protein per weight than by any other food. Just an oz. of spirulina can equal to be 16 grams of protein. The protein in spirulina is actually way more bioavailable than (up to 4x more) than beef per gram! Protein is important because it provides the structure for joints, bones, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, muscle fibers, organs and collagen. An alage where you get both micro and macronutrients! Wheatgrass: Wheatgrass is also another wonderful source of nutrients, such as, vitamins, minerals (both macro and micro), proteins, chlorophyll, enzymes and phytonutrients. Wheatgrass is not only nutritive, but it is also detoxifying, especially in the intestines, which is the largest hollow space in the body. It can also aid in digestion, and helps the body break down food and absorb nutrients, thus increasing energy. Wheatgrass is also very safe to give with cancer patients, as a 2015 study showed that wheatgrass has anti-cancer properties, while helping the immune system. A 2017 study Trusted Source found that wheatgrass has an inhibitory effect on proliferation of cells in oral cancer. This means it may stop the cells from multiplying and spreading. It may be due to its high chlorophyll content. Wheatgrass may also lower myelotoxicity that is caused by chemotherapy. Myelotoxicity reduces bone marrow function and can increase your risk for infection. Red Algae: Red algae is in this formula predominantly for it’s unique anti-aging properties. Naturally high in vitamin C, red algae is wonderful for skin cellular health. Naturally a great source of a full spectrum of minerals, (both micro and macro). Red algae is also chalk full on wonderful vitamins, minerals, amino acids, special antioxidants called polyphenols that are very powerful and anti-aging, thyroid health, gut health, immune system health and bone health. Red algae contains mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), sulfated polysaccharides, carotenoids, and polyphenols which provide protection against UVB and UVA rays. It is also said to contain both vitamin C and vitamin A, the former of which has been shown to be hydrating, treat inflammatory skin conditions and promote collagen production. Rose Hips: Rose hips were added to this wonderful formula for the bioflavonoid component, which is another class of phytonutrients, including anthocyanin, which give berries their pigment. Very potent antioxidants that helps to protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals, which research shows it can block tumor activity. Rose hips are extremely high in vitamin C, catechins, quercitin, and ellagic acid, and a diet rich in these compounds can help lower inflammation and oxidative stress. Bioflavanoids were strategically added to this formula to help further with absorption of the wonderful components these greens have to offer. It makes this already highly bioavailable formula even more bioavailable.  Not all greens supplements are created equal, we all know the saying, ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away’, but not if that apple is a GMO product and laced with pesticides. This product was tested for contaminants and heavy metals, potency testing, microbiology contamination testing, is 100% human grade, in a glass jar, and harvested only from pristine environments. To buy Missy's Chance click here. 
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‘Inflamm-aging’, a word coined from inflammation and aging. Is all inflammation bad and does all inflammation lead to aging? The answer is no. Inflammation in acute circumstances is not a bad thing, in fact it is necessary for the body to heal and repair. Inflammation is a very natural response to triggers such as injury, chemical toxins, microbial infection, free radical damage, etc. However, chronic inflammation at the cellular level is something that should not happen, and if left untreated, can lead to premature aging and even diseases such as auto-immune diseases. Chronic inflammation occurs when the tissues and organs receive inflammatory mediation messages that cause them to over react, and as a result, don’t complete the inflammatory cycle. A big part of keeping inflammation in check is to modulate cytokine activation, essentially, we do this by promoting and keeping T-helper cell balance (more on that later). T-helper cells are a class of lymphocytes that help with the immune system response to inflammation and different threats to the body. A balanced profile of T-helper cells is crucial for immune defenses and tissue homeostasis. When one system in the body is compromised, it can set others off as well. For instance, we know that there is a strong gut-brain axis, and there is also a gut-lung axis as well, everything in the body in interconnected. When there is chronic inflammation happening, there is also free radical damage going on as well, and the right type of anti-inflammatory components such as antioxidants will be necessary. The most common type of inflammation I see is in the gut, and no wonder, with inflammatory ingredients found in pet food like corn and wheat gluten, with meat meals (which are not digestible by the way). When there is inflammation in the body, it actually shortens the telomeres of DNA strands, which can lead to premature aging, the good news is that there are also herbs like astragalus that have been shown to lengthen DNA telomeres.  When There Is Stress In The Body
A stressed pet is an inflamed pet. What stress does is it actually shortens the length of telomeres in the body, and just feeds inflammation in the body. Stress promotes higher Th2 levels and lowers Th1 levels, which increases Th17 levels in the body which then increases self-tissue response. To help mediate T-helper cell balance, one would first look into rebalancing healthy Th1 cell activation and modulate the Th2 immune response and balance immune function at the cellular level. For example, during dysbiosis, the intestinal lining becomes a factory for making inflammatory cytokines. The appropriate response to that, is to raise the natural killer cells in the body to combat that. By working in different stages, once T-helper cells are supported to be in a balanced state, it also promotes a balanced immune response. A proper T-cell polarization will not only help to resolve inflammation, but also with killing tissue infection, hollow organ infection (G.I., lung, sinus, bladder), and quieting autoimmunity response. Here are just a few examples of what this does long term to the body if left unchecked; -Allergies -Autoimmune diseases -Arthritis -Cancer -Cognitive issues -Diabetes -Heart disease -Gastrointestinal issues -Kidney and liver disease -skin disorders -UTI disorders Just to name a few! To really understand aging, we have to first see that it is simply not just an automatic result of time passing, rather the result of reversible events that happen in all cells, regardless of the tissue or organ system to which they belong to. There are things that accelerate this process, and there are also things that work the opposite way. For example, did you know that by supplementing with an oil such as an omega-3 that has gone rancid you are actually promoting free radical damage in the body? (side note: make sure you buy your supplements from highly reputable companies). What does this mean? Physiological stress= Inflammation =accelerated aging! This is why quality foods and supplements are so important. Quality foods meaning a species appropriate diet (feeding your pets what they were designed to eat), no GMOs, no antibiotics or growth hormones in food production animals, free of pesticides and any synthetics and fillers. We know that sugar ages us and promotes inflammation, and that is not any different for our pets. Foods that promote inflammation and aging in pets are; -High glycemic carbs -High starch carbs -Low quality proteins -GMOs (Genetically Modified Foods) -A high processed diet that contains chemical additives, artificial colors and preservatives. -Gluten -Sugars -High lectin type foods such as lentils, peas, etc. -Wheat -Soy -Corn… …all these foods prematurely ages our pets, let’s also remember that dogs and cats are carnivores, so these types of foods are not appropriate to feed any way. We as pet guardians want to make sure we do everything we can to slow down aging, which also means keeping inflammation in check. I believe in order to do that, we must first feed functional foods that promote happy and healthy cells, foods that serve as antioxidants, enhance immune system response and cell to cell communication, detoxify carcinogens, repair DNA damage, cause cancer cells to die, and feed easy to digest foods, some examples are; -High quality proteins -Cruciferous vegetables such as; broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage brussel sprouts and bok choy -Greens that are high in phycocyanin and phytonutrients such as; spirulina, AFA E3 Live algae, wheatgrass, barley grass, phytoplankton -Foods high in vitamin C such as berries, apples and rosehips in moderate amounts -Gluten free grains such as quinoa or millet -Bone broth -Quality bee products such as; honey, pollen, propolis and royal jelly -Healing herbs such as slipper elm, Licorice root, curcumin, garlic (in moderate amounts), ginger -Herbs that have been shown to lengthen telomeres such as andrographis and astragalus -Medicinal mushrooms -Red algaes like astaxanthin -Cold pressed oils I am also a very firm believer in detoxing, the right way of course, to lighten the load of the body and the immune system of toxins like heavy metals and pesticides. I believe a heavy toxin load can also accelerate aging, and promote inflammation in the body. When fed and supplemented appropriately, your pets will just thrive throughout their lives and radiate good health, in fact, it is not uncommon for my customers to report to me saying that when strangers meet their senior pets, they just can’t believe they are as old as they are! Now that has to feel good, and don’t we all want that for our pets?
FIV can be divided into three stages:
1) Acute infection/stage (3-6 months):Usually very mild symptoms of recurrent fever, anorexia, lethargy and lymphadenopathy. 2) Subclinical infection/stage (months to years):Usually no clinical signs shown in infected cats, but the disease is progressing. 3) Chronic clinical infection/stage (months to years): The clinical signs and symptoms are;
The best way to prevent this disease is by avoiding having your cat come into contact with wild and feral cats, and sufficiently making sure your cat’s immune system is in tip top shape. Some ways to get your cat’s immune system functioning sufficiently (and by keeping it that way) are;
This is a progressive disease, and the average (so far recorded) lifespan from diagnosis to death is about 5 years. As mentioned, the best preventive it to limit or avoid contact with wild feral and free-roaming cats, and to test all new additions to the cat’s household. FIV has not been found to grow in human cells, so it is not contagious or infectious to humans. Always consult your vet prior to starting any new diet/supplement regimen, especially if your cat is on medications. Canine Viral Distemper (CVD) is a disease classified as a pansystemic disease.
It is a highly contagious and viral disease of canines and other carnivores, that being said, depending on the strain of the virus, it varies in virulence from mild to fatal. Although the name suggests it only effects dogs, CVD can effect cats as well as other carnivores such as ferrets. Although the disease can infect pets of all ages, the most common age range is between 3 to 6 months of age. CVD is a paramyxovirus that is one of a group of RNA viruses that are predominantly responsible for acute respiratory diseases, and are usually transmitted through airborne droplets. Most routine cleansing agents and disinfectants such as bleach can destroy the virus, including heat, in the environment. Transmission: CVD is transmitted through aerosolization of body secretions. The virus has several strains and varies in virulence from mild to fatal, which suggests that the severity will be dependent on the animals’ immune system. Clinical signs of infection are usually associated with the presence of secondary infections, although encephalitis and other neurological signs may be caused by the direct effect of the virus on neurons. Clinical Signs: -Fever -Cough -Pneumonia -Mucopurulent nasal and ocular discharge -Anorexia -Vomiting -Diarrhea -Dehydration -Ataxia, circling, blindness -“Chewing gum” seizures (clonus) -Muscle twitching -Abdominal pustules -Hyperkeratosis of foot pads -CDV is the most common cause of seizures in dogs younger than 6 months. Diagnosis: Physical examination and history at your vets’ office, which may include a serology (rising titers in paired serum samples). FA test to detect the virus in epithelial cells that are collected from the conjunctiva (or other mucous membranes). It’s also important to note that neurological signs can appear within weeks or even years after the actual infection. Treatment: According to AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association), there are no cures for distemper, only a vaccination prevention program. However, treatment typically consist of supportive care and efforts to prevent secondary infections and mitigate symptoms such as control vomiting, diarrhea, and combat dehydration by administering fluids. Natural Alternatives: Although there is no cure for CVD, these natural remedies might help to assist the immune system;
If you notice any one of the above signs and symptoms, or suspect your pet has contracted distemper, seek veterinary assistance immediately.  What is this funny sounding word and why is it special enough to be included in our probiotic? What is it and how does it work? Larch is a special type of plant fiber (highest concentration in Larch tree bark) and a specific polysaccharide that ferments in the gut and colon, as it is resistant to digestion by enzymes in the upper GI tract and helps the good bacteria grow (such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillis acidophilus), while inhibiting the bad bacteria in the gut, which then produces short chain fatty acids like butyrate and propionate. This wonderful plant fiber has been traditionally used as natural medicine, not just for the benefit of the digestive tract, but it has been used for colds, infections, ear infections, and has been shown to prevent cancer cells in the liver from growing. There are numerous studies published on Larch for immune health, one study published in 2016 has shown that larch, “…is capable of enhancing natural killer cells and macrophages as well as the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In humans a clinical study demonstrated that larch arabinogalactan increased the body’s potential to defend against common cold infection. Larch arabinogalactan decreased the incidence of cold episodes by 23 %.” The study cited also showed various objectives in the trial, including immune responses after vaccinations with blood serum levels tested showing immunoglobulin levels. “The researchers demonstrated that the preparation selectively enhanced the antibody response to vaccination against Streptococcus pneumoniae and observed an increase in pneumococcal IgG antibodies of various pneumococcal antigens.”. “These results taken together suggest that larch arabinogalactan can improve immunity by decreasing infections and improving immunoglobulin response following a standardized immune challenge. Doses used in these trials suggest that larch arabinogalactan may improve immune response at a dose as low as 1.5 g/d taken for several weeks; however, more consistent results have been obtained at a dose level of 4.5 g/d over several weeks. This was seen both on vaccine models and on infection-prevention models.” Interestingly enough, larch is broken down and then absorbed through numerous pathways in the body, including GALT tissue (Gut Associated Lymphatic Tissue), and via portal veins, thus producing Butyrate, Acetate and Propionate in the body.  Larch can, similarly to other gut-fermented polysaccharides, potentially act indirectly through the microbiota dependent mechanisms i.e. rebalancing gut composition, which produces short-chain fatty acids, and/or have a direct effect on the immune system after passage from the gut lumen through the GALT.  An in vivo study on dogs showed that supplementing with larch arabinogalactin at an oral dosing for 10 days showed increase in the number of circulating white blood cell counts, namely neutrophils and eosinophils (a type of disease fighting white blood cell).
In conclusion, we have strong evidence showing how larch has its effects both directly and indirectly on the immune system, and its efficacy on the microbiome make it a fantastic prebiotic. There are also studies showing its efficacy towards; asthma, liver disease and cancer, constipation, ear infections, flu and pneumonia. No matter what your pets’ diet, supplementing with larch has its advantages, and we encourage you to try it especially if your pet is prone to digestive disturbances and immune challenges. Matty’s Blend contains 490mg/scoop of Larch as well as other wonderful prebiotics! Tip: Larch is amazing for our feline friends as well- Matty’s Blend can be safely administered to cats. Cited Reference: Research article- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4828828/  It is well known that over 70% of the immune system is in the gut, the microbiome really is the heart and core of our health and our pets are no different. Ways for our pets to have a healthy microbiome:
So, why feed the microbiome?
What Is Peyer’s Patches? We all know that the lymphatic system is part of the immune system, but what if I told you that there is lymph tissue in the gut! Known as Peyer’s Patches, there is lymph tissue in the small intestine, also known as GALT (Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue). The primary function of the small intestine is the digestion and assimilation of food and nutrients, and during this process it will also be exposed to food antigens, bacteria, viruses, fungi and other pathogens. More than 70% of the immune function in the body is in the Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue a.k.a GALT. Located in the intestinal lining, GALT consists of lymphocytes, macrophages, Peyer’s Patches, and lymph nodes. Back to Peyer’s Patches, technically lymphoid follicles in the small intestine, they consist of a layer of specialized epithelial cells, called M cells, which are above follicles containing B and T lymphocytes. M cells trap antigens from the gut, similar to the action of the rest of the immune system, and present them to the lymphocytes in the follicles below, which offers an efficient immune response to invading pathogens or food antigens. Cool eh? So as we can see, our gut health is pretty important, and that is no exception to our pets! But wait, there is more… Nourishing of this special gut associated lymphoid tissue has other benefits such as;
The gut is also the largest hollow space in the body, where toxins can accumulate, fester and weigh down the immune system, which is another reason why we need to make sure our pets have a healthy microbiome. In comes Matty’s blend…  Matty’s Blend
This formula was exclusively tested and shown to improve gut barrier function and exhibit anti-inflammatory effects in the gut tissue. Probiotics exert their beneficial effects through various pathways, including production of inhibitory substances and short chain fatty acids, enhancing the growth of favourable endogenous microbes, shifting the composition of gut microbiota, competition of epithelial colonization sites and stimulating host immune responses. In addition, lactic acid bacteria are known to produce a variety of antimicrobial agents, such as acetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, ethanol, lactic acid, and bacteriocins, which can inhibit the growth of certain spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms. There are many pet probiotics on the market, and not all are created equal. Some have sugars and fillers added to them, and others have really good sounding ingredients in the blend, that actually end up canceling out the effectiveness of the species of probiotic, and some are just simply not enough of a dose for it to be effective. Matty’s blend is yeast and sugar free, no fillers, and no unnecessary ingredients that compromises the probiotic blend. Every ingredient was specifically chosen because it helps the colonization of the blend, not hindering it. Matty’s probiotic blend has been tested to exert beneficial effects in the gastrointestinal tract of dogs leading to an increase in fecal consistency. Pair it with synergistic prebiotics (that won’t compromise the species blend) and you have a winning symbiotic formula. “No matter what protocol is chosen, nourishing, supporting and stabilizing the gut is the heart of every protocol”. –L.J.  Just saying the word ‘Fast’ can put some people in a frenzy, especially when it comes to their pets. Fasting is very healthy and beneficial to the body, it gives our system that ‘re-boot’ it needs, a chance to get rid of dead tissues, cells, and toxic buildup, cleansing us from the inside out. The body was designed to use these sick cells and debris for fuel while we are in fast mode, which is how we can go periods of time without taking in food. The truth is that wolves and coyotes self-fast in the wild, sometimes by choice, sometimes not, but all in all, fasting is very beneficial for the immune system. There are many studies also showing that fasting promotes longevity and reduces inflammation, in fact, Mount Sinai researchers discovered that fasting reduces inflammation and other chronic inflammatory diseases without affecting the immune system’s response to acute infections. ‘ “Caloric restriction is known to improve inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, but the mechanisms by which reduced caloric intake controls inflammation have been poorly understood,” said senior author Miriam Merad, MD, PhD, Director of the Precision Immunology Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Working with human and mouse immune cells, Dr. Merad and colleagues showed that intermittent fasting reduced the release of pro-inflammatory cells called “monocytes” in blood circulation. Further investigations revealed that during periods of fasting, these cells go into “sleep mode” and are less inflammatory than monocytes found in those who were fed.’ (Dietary Intake Regulates The Circulatory Inflammatory Monocyte Pool. 2019. Merad). Not only that, fasting has been shown to regulate hepatic cells and other organs in the body, including the microbiome. Who shouldn’t fast?
How often? General guideline is once a week, either intermittent or full day fast. There are actually many different ways to fast your dogs, and there is no one size fits all. One way of fasting is to fast all meals for an entire day. Another way is to fast intermittently, which means fasting only one meal that day. Another way, which I sometimes employ is to just throw my dogs a bone that day, or fast them from meat, and only feed them vegetables.
I would say the best way to begin fasting is by beginning slowly, and see how your dog does, perhaps that’s by fasting for only one meal a week and going from there. We now know that the benefits of fasting outweigh the negative, it might be challenging in the beginning to see what works best for your dog (and you), because it can also be psychologically challenging for some pet guardians to employ it, perhaps thinking that they are starving their dogs, but dogs were made to fast, because that is how they used to survive in the wild. Food for though.  The world we currently live in is not the same as it was say, 50 years ago, or even 10 years ago! The environment around us is constantly changing, whether we see it or not, between EMFs (electromagnetic fields), lead in our water supplies, and God knows what else, it is imperative we lighten the toxin burden our pets carry, especially when they are or were not on the best diet, and are on medications. It is also important to note that there are many types of toxicity, such as; energetic toxicity to humeral toxicity, to connective tissue toxicity, and of course, lymphatic toxicity. All of these will require a different way and level of detoxification. So, here are 5 important reasons why our pets need to detox: 1. Immune system health- Did you know that your pets’ immune system will be burdened, and thus not function the way it’s supposed to if your pets’ toxin levels are high? You might notice that in certain seasons every year your pet gets inflamed again, and has ‘allergies’, this is just a hindrance of the immune system, yes there are certain things like pollen that can exasperate the immune system, but the question really should be, “Why is my pet reacting to everything, and why is it this bad?’. If the immune system in hindered by a heavy toxin load, it can’t function optimally. Picture a donkey walking uphill, and now picture a donkey walking up hill with 10 bags of rocks strapped to it. The donkey walking uphill represent a ‘task’ or a hurdle for the immune system, for example, spring. Spring is a season where everyone’s immune system takes a hit, because it is a radical change of season in Canada, the ice and snow is melting, and things are warming up. Now, if you are carrying a high toxin load, that is the donkey walking uphill with all those heavy bags, it makes its job a lot harder, and this is where some people actually get sick, or become reactive to everything. The same goes for our pets. Once the toxin load gets lighter, and organ systems are corrected, your pets’ immune system will function like that free donkey.  2. G.I. health- Your pets’ G.I. system is a hollow space, which can be a breeding and hoarding ground for undigested food wastes, toxins, bacteria, parasites and even viruses. Often times I am found saying, ‘No gut, not pet!, it really is the center of our being, and theirs also. In fact, 70% of the immune system is in the gut! Homo exogenous toxins such as heavy metals can burden the gut by eroding the gut lining, hence causing leaky gut, also scarring important detoxing organs such as the liver, kidneys and gall bladder, which can cause symptoms such as pancreatitis, dysbiosis and other conditions as well. While doing a detox regimen, or even before, I always make sure the gut is stabilized, so it can handle detoxification. 3. Organ health- There is a staggering line of evidence that shows that North Americans have one of the highest percentage of NAFLD (Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) in the world! And you guessed it, so do our pets! But why? What is surfacing in our environment that is causing this? What is our pet foods sprayed with? What is used here that is banned in other places in the world like Europe? One word- Pesticides! Pesticides, such as the ones routinely used on our pets (more on that later), and glyphosate that are sprayed liberally on our crops, are corrupting our metabolic system that directly affects and attacks the liver and kidneys. These types of toxins can actually get inside of the cell, hijacking the cell and destroying the mitochondria! This is one of the reasons we have more energy after a detox, and become sluggish when our bodies are burdened. If you think pesticide exposure is no big deal, let me just remind you of what your liver is responsible for: -Anti-microbial protein production -Clotting factor production -Complement protein production -Lipid metabolisms -Antigen presentation -Album production -Glycogen storage -Cholesterol metabolism -Endotoxin removal -Acute phase response -Detoxification Just to name a few! There are some doctors that actually say the liver makes up 60% of the immune system. When pesticides like glyphosate poison the liver, the immune system is dead! Now, when you pets’ bodies are so taxed that their immune systems are totally shot, to add insult to injury, everything gets labeled and diagnosed with ‘allergies’, and they are prescribed a medication that suppresses the immune system. I have found this to be very bothersome, and so, my mission to educate pet guardians continues until there is that ‘Aha’ moment. 4. Medications & vaccines- These are exogenous toxins your pets are exposed to yearly and even seasonally. Perhaps you are surprised I am brining this up, or perhaps not, but it is a fact that flea and tick medications are pesticides, and it is a fact that it is so toxic, in fact, that even YOU as the handler have to use gloves when handling this type of medication. If you come in direct contact with it, your next call should be poison control, and you yourself should go on an extensive cleanse/detox protocol. So, the question becomes, how is this affecting our pets? The answer- big time. Exposure to these types of toxins is very different, and can be a direct cause of auto-immune diseases, seizures, and so much more. All vaccines have mercury in it, labeled medically as Thimerosal, it is a mercury-based preservative in vaccines. Mercury is a heavy metal and classed as an exogenous toxin (meaning coming from outside-in). Limit over vaccinating, any good vet will or should tell you that, also not a terrible idea to set your pet up with success by doing a detox before and after a vaccine administration. As for the flea and tick medications, why risk your pets’ health when there are so many natural alternatives to choose from that won’t harm your pets’ metabolic system? Contact us to learn more about safe and effective flea and tick preventatives.  5. Hormone & genome health- The body is basically made up of hormones and proteins, DNA and RNA. Hormones basically tell the body what to do, and what genes to turn on and what genes to turn off. When the body is toxic, it can impair and even mimic certain hormones (such as estrogen), and when this gets uncontrollably high, it can lead to auto immune diseases. One way for the body to trap toxins is by encapsulating it, and you will find this in the form of ‘fatty lumps’ and even cysts. Recycled proteins and toxins that the body is unable to catabolize will end up being a ‘part of the body’ in this way. Faulty genetic copying of RNA and DNA can lead to cancer in the worst and extreme case. Personal experience has taught that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and the sooner we can mitigate the toxic load on our pets, chances would be higher of preventing disease and adding back life to years. Where to begin? Begin by not exposing your pets to unnecessary toxins, including pesticides, heavy metals, and be mindful of the chemicals used in the home. Offer filtered (but not alkaline) water, and a fresh, whole food diet that is free of any round up like glyphosate. Offer botanicals and herbs once in a while such as milk thistle, dandelion and nettle. We love supplements like NAC (N-Acetyl-Cysteine) because it is extremely effective in detoxing the major organ extremities, such as liver, kidneys and lungs, and is highly effective in detoxing heavy metals from the body as well, and is a precursor to glutathione, the body’s most powerful antioxidant. It is even used as a treatment in European hospitals in cases of acute poisoning! Contact us to learn more or to book a consultation for your pet(s).  Based on the title of this article, you will be quickly reminded that owning a pet is not always glamorous! Purging and the ability to purge, either through vomiting or diarrhea, is very imperative, in fact, if purging is discouraged, it may impact your pets overall health and vitality. So, why would your pet purge or want to purge? Purging is a quick way of your dog or cat getting rid of something in the body that doesn’t belong, it can either be hidden toxins or chemicals, incompatible foods, hair balls and miscellaneous objects. Purging is also a useful mechanism to discharge the body of any internal parasites, bacteria, and infections. If it is an infection, the expelled product will look like a ‘whitish’ froth. If it is a thick, mucous substance that usually indicates that it has been coating harmful chemicals that have remained undigested in the gut. The more toxic a pet is, the more will come out, and as I always say, “better out than in!”. Self-Purge Sometimes a dog or cat will want to self-purge, this is followed by them selecting specific ‘remedies’ to help utilize them to purge. This can often be seen when they eat grass when they are outside, and it may take several days for them to purge everything out, from both ends. But how about when it is winter and there is no access to grass?  You can actually offer your pet natural ‘remedies’, where if they select it (self-selection), it means they are wanting and needing to purge. You will know if your pet is selecting a remedy to purge versus simply wanting is as a snack by them taking in large amounts of whatever it is you offer. Coconut oil is a great remedy to help your pet purge, it is often selected to help detach mucous, as many toxic chemicals don’t pass through the gut, so instead the body will produce mucus to coat and to protect itself. Foreign objects like wood and even stones can pass through by purging this way. If your pet suffers from pancreatitis, I would caution against using coconut or any oils for purging purposes. Other helpful ‘remedies’ are; spirulina, wheatgrass, and barley grass.  When it comes to purging, sometimes a condition can get worse before it will get better, and be prepared when after you offer these remedies, as things will of course come out, so be prepared.
Case study: A beautiful long haired cat named Molly, who grooms herself as a good cat should. There will be odd periods of time where it looks like she is actually coming down with something, only to severely improve after she purges all the hair balls out. If there is ever a delay in the purging process, it appears that her immune system will get temporarily compromised. That is why purging is so important, as it is the body’s’ way of making sure that the toxin load in the body stays to a minimal amount. If your pet is not in need of purging, then they will not select any of the remedies listed, or at least not in significant quantities.  Eggs are one of nature’s most wonderful little power houses of nutrition, both for us and our beloved pets. Nutrition: Whether it be chicken, quail or even duck, eggs are packed full of bioavailable nutrition, such as;
You might notice and recognize some of these nutrients as supplements, and you would be absolutely correct- that’s how nutrient dense eggs are! Source: Now that being said, not all eggs are created equal, and I would know, being a farmer myself. When you buy eggs that are from say, chickens who are kept indoors 24/7, caged and stressed, you better believe that will transfer to the egg, same goes with feed. If the chickens are fed a GMO and pesticide laden feed, then the pesticides will make its way to the egg. Similarly with us, a pregnant woman has to be very mindful the moment she finds out that she is pregnant, what products, herbs, and even essential oils she can topically use or not, because it will make its way to the baby. You’re going to want to look for eggs that came from ‘happy’ chickens, who are free to roam and range, and this is where most people I find don’t ask- but ask the farmer what they feed the birds, whether its chickens, quail, or duck and geese- it will make all the difference in the world. Everyone advertises ‘Farm Fresh Eggs’, and yes of course, every egg comes from a farm (there are no city eggs), but how the chickens are raised, and what they are raised on should be on every egg buyers’ mind.  How to feed/prepare eggs to your pets: Now, You can feed eggs to your pets a number of ways, the best way of course is raw, but if your pet can’t tolerate raw eggs, then the next method is to lightly cook it, where the egg is still a bit liquid or raw-like, not solid all the way. Poaching is also a good way to feed eggs to your dogs and cats. Make sure though, that however you do feed eggs, to keep the yolk whole, as that is the best way to keep the nutrients intact, scrambling will alter and deteriorate the nutrient profile of the egg. Also, be sure to be mindful of calories, when you do treat your pet to a fresh egg, be sure to cut back on their regular food a bit, as to not overfeed. The average range to feed your pet an egg is 1-3x/week, of course this is a guideline, and you should ultimately do what works best for your pet. Author’s tip: Don’t forget about the shells! They are packed with bioavailable minerals and other nutritious components you won’t want your pet to miss out on!   |
AuthorLucy is an avid pet mom; with dogs, cats, goats and horses to keep her busy! All of her pet 'kids' are fed a species appropriate diet with proper supplementation so she can watch them thrive. Her expertise and experience lie in nutraceutical supplementation and is a health advocate for proper diet and nutrition. Her other passions in life are schutzhund and equestrian riding. 
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