THE RISKS OF FEEDING DOGS CANNED FOODS

There are a number of reasons why I don’t recommend feeding dogs out of a can. Firstly, the contents are not fit for humans and the pet food industry lacks adequate regulation compared to human-grade foods. Another reason is that commercial foods do not usually meet the nutritional requirements of dogs and consuming foods out of a can could not be further from their natural diet. A further reason is that all canned foods contain Bisphenol A (BPA), which has been proven time and time again to increase cancer risk in dogs (and other animal species, including humans if they consume canned food on a regular basis).

This is just one clinical trial that was conducted on BPA when dogs were fed tinned dog food:

Bisphenol A (BPA) in the serum of pet dogs following short-term consumption of canned dog food and potential health consequences of exposure to BPA.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely present endocrine disruptor chemical found in many household items. Moreover, this chemical can bioaccumulate in various terrestrial and aquatic sources; thereby ensuring continual exposure of animals and humans.

For most species, including humans, diet is considered the primary route of exposure. However, there has been little investigation whether commercial-brands of dog foods contain BPA and potential health ramifications of BPA-dietary exposure in dogs.

We sought to determine BPA content within dog food, whether short-term consumption of these diets increases serum concentrations of BPA, and potential health consequences, as assessed by potential hematological, serum chemistry, cortisol, DNA methylation, and gut microbiome changes, in dogs associated with short-term dietary exposure to BPA. Fourteen healthy privately-owned dogs were used in this study. Blood and fecal samples were collected prior to dogs being placed for two-weeks on one of two diets (with one considered to be BPA-free), and blood and fecal samples were collected again. Serum/plasma samples were analyzed for chemistry and hematology profiles, cortisol concentrations, 5-methylcytosine in lymphocytes, and total BPA concentrations. Fecal samples were used for microbiome assessments.

Both diets contained BPA, and after two-weeks of being on either diet, dogs had a significant increase in circulating BPA concentrations (pre-samples=0.7±0.15ng/mL, post-samples=2.2±0.15ng/mL, p<0.0001). Elevated BPA concentrations positively correlated with increased plasma bicarbonate concentrations and associated with fecal microbiomealterations.

Short-term feeding of canned dog food increased circulating BPA concentrations in dogs comparable to amounts detected in humans, and greater BPA concentrations were associated with serum chemistry and microbiome changes. Dogs, who share our internal and external environments with us, are likely excellent indicators of potential human health concerns to BPA and other environmental chemicals. These findings may also have relevance to aquatic and terrestrial wildlife.

“Short-term feeding of canned dog food increased circulating BPA concentrations in dogs”.

Please consult me for advice on a nutritionally-balanced natural diet for your dog. I offer online and phone consultations to pet owners all around Australia and New Zealand and can provide nutritional advice as well as offer herbal medicines and nutrient supplements to support and maintain your dogs well-being*.

As the correct nutrition is critical for the long-term health of your pet, feeding them a healthy, balanced diet may just prolong their life!

Yours In Great Health,

Want to keep up to date on the latest in dog health? Join me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DogNaturopath

Disclaimer: The information provided is not intended to replace any veterinary or medical advice or treatment.

* Treatment advice will only be provided with the approval of your veterinarian.

Reference:  Koestel ZL1, Backus RC2, Tsuruta K2, Spollen WG3, Johnson SA4, Javurek AB5, Ellersieck MR6, Wiedmeyer CE7, Kannan K8, Xue J8, Bivens NJ9, Givan SA10, Rosenfeld CS11. Bisphenol A (BPA) in the serum of pet dogs following short-term consumption of canned dog food and potential health consequences of exposure to BPA. Sci Total Environ. 2016 Dec 5. pii: S0048-9697(16)32627-4. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.11.162.