The Ketogenic diet, or Keto for short, is a diet plan that might be labeled as trendy; however, the Keto diet might actually be healthy not only for you, but also for your canine companion. Like the Atkins diet, Keto followers eschew carbohydrates; however, unlike the Atkins diet, one cannot have just any food, so long as it is not high in carbs. Rather, the Ketogenic diet focuses on the intake of proteins and “healthy” fats. For humans, this is meat as well as nuts, lentils, and such. However, when one is attempting to incorporate Ketogenic habits in order to feed one’s dog, finding the source of those healthy fats and proteins might be somewhat challenging.
First, let’s focus on why the ketogenic diet is thought to be healthy.
By definition, the Keto diet is low carbohydrates and high fat. Again, some carbohydrates are allowed in the Keto plan; however, the fats included in the diet are meant to be healthy fats that promote heart health as well as other benefits. A ketogenic diet is the purposeful intake of foods that cause the body to produce ketones. By eating very few carbohydrates, the body tends to burn the carbs for fuel first, then turns to fat when glucose (the effect of eating carbs is a rise in blood sugar as there is more sugar in the body system. Next, the body burns the excess fat in the body for energy; however, certain parts of the body – such as the brain – can not run solely on the molecules produced by drawing one’s fuel from fat or a fatty diet. Once the body burns off the few carbohydrates available to it as the Keto dieter takes in food, the body will then turn to fats for fuel. Again, because certain body organs do not run properly solely on the fuel from fats, the liver produces ketones which the body then recognizes as carbohydrates for energy. For both humans and canines, this typically provides an almost immediate benefit in weight loss. Ironically, though, those who try the keto diet find themselves with more energy! This is likely the result of the individual forgoing carbohydrates and the body responding by using fat for fuel. The process of the body utilizing fat rather than carbs for fuel is known as ketosis, or a form of starvation. However, one cannot live indefinitely in starvation mode. Yet, the ketogenic diet promotes the release of ketones without truly starving the body of nutrients.
Where canines are concerned, ketogenic dieting is pretty much the same principal as when a human undertakes this form of indefinite fasting. Canines are actually more adaptable to this type of diet than humans, in fact! Canines are natural carnivores. This means that the ketogenic diet is actually quite natural for a dog. Experts say that ketogenesis is a natural process for dogs.
Previously we mentioned that the keto diet provokes the production of ketones, a chemical compound that is naturally present in the liver of most mammals, especially humans and dogs. These acidic compounds are released when the body begins to break down fats for fuel. Both dietary fat and adipose fats are broken down in order to produce fuel for the body. Ketones become fuel for the body, and they move through the bloodstream creating energy for the body.
Changing your dog’s diet to one that is considered ketogenic is actually not a tough undertaking; it really only involves making a few changes to your dog’s diet. Most experts state that once you have switched your dog’s diet to a ketogenic one, your dog will begin producing ketones anywhere from a few days into the diet up to three weeks from the beginning of the diet. Not only will Fido produce the ketones, he will also experience a high number of ketones produced during this time frame. This, again, leads to the state of ketosis that is somewhat natural to the canine.
How do most individuals implement a ketogenic diet for their canine companion?
Although it is not required, most pet parents will switch from a commercially made dry dog food to homemade foods that are high in good fats and protein as well as low in carbohydrates. Foods to avoid include fruits, rice or pasta, bread (including biscuits) – basically anything that is a starch or sugar. However, pet parents can’t just decide to up their dog’s meat content and expect to see the correct results. There is a science to the ketogenic diet, which includes a certain ratio of fats, proteins and complex carbohydrates.
The properly planned ketogenic diet is seventy percent healthy fats, such as fish and lentils; five percent complex carbohydrates (brown rice, wheat bread, etc.); and twenty five percent proteins (chicken and other poultry). Experts also recommend using the leafy greens available for vegetables. Some experts recommend a form of fasting between meals in order to effect ketosis. Again, some of these dogs may experience a phenomenon known as keto flu.
Keto Flu is a condition in which the dog feels muscle weakness, low energy, and possibly even aches and pains as a result of adopting the Keto diet. However, the Keto flu usually passes in a matter of days. Why would individuals want to give their dog a special diet rich in proteins and healthy fats? Dogs that are diabetic or have been diagnosed as insulin resistant are especially cited as canines that will benefit from a ketogenic diet. In addition, senior dogs that have been experiencing a type of senility associated with their age are said to see an improvement in symptoms. Dogs of any age with a weight problem will also benefit from a ketogenic diet, as those who start off on this dietary journey are said to lose weight. By making a few simple dietary changes, you can put Fido on a keto diet much like your own! The benefits are amazing!
Will Corrente is a career entrepreneur and trusted authority and expert in the dog care industry. Will has over 15 years of experience as the owner and operator of Very Important Paws Dog Resort in West Palm Beach, FL. Copyright 2020 k9vitatherapy.com