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Sunday, June 16, 2013

Hills Science Diet K/D

Hills Science Diet K/D Canine Renal/Kidney Diet
Please read attached, “Mythology of Protein Restriction for Dogs with Reduced Renal Function” (compendium on continuing education for the practicing veterinarian) (also applies to cats) for additional information.
Ingredients -
Brewers Ricethe dried extracted residue of rice resulting from the manufacture of wort (liquid portion of malted grain) or beer.”  This ingredient is stripped of its nutrients, and is an inexpensive filler, devoid of nutrients, including protein.
Pork Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid) – Pork fat is generally “lard” rendered from the small intestine.  It contains enough protein to sustain life but not enough to thrive on. Depleting carnivores of protein theoretically would decrease the load on the kidneys (however, attached documentation proves otherwise) but will damage the other organs and contribute to long term dis-ease such as bone, heart, ligament/tendon, and digestive damage, etc.
Dried Egg Product – Egg is the most nutritious ingredient in this food, however egg is a common allergen and AAFCO definitions state that there is no requirement for freshness or quality on egg “product.”
Flaxseed – Whole flaxseed is a source of virtually indigestible fiber and is a common allergen.  Ground flaxseed easily goes rancid without proper preservatives. Dogs and Cats are incapable of assimilating the Essential Fatty Acids from flaxseed if not in a DHEA version, however, even in the best of cases the assimilation is 60% making this a minimally nutritious ingredient.
Corn Gluten Meal – Corn is the most Genetically Modified food in the United States today. High on the glycemic index (sugary), it spikes insulin secretions aggravating diabetic and pancreatic conditions.  Corn is also the number one cause of Aflotoxin poisoning (causes liver failure) and recalls in pet foods.  Aflotoxins are thought to be one of the most toxic chemicals ever found.  Corn is also one of the most common allergy producing ingredients you can feed any dog.
Chicken Liver Flavor - The way this ingredient is listed they are not saying that this flavor is derived from Chicken… rather it is saying it is a chemical compound containing unknown ingredients (often including MSG) that tastes like Chicken… no meat.  The kidney’s, being filtering organs, must process and filter all chemical contaminants that enter the system.
Powdered Cellulose - Cellulose is plant fiber, powdered down is sawdust.  Sawdust is obviously high in fiber and will assist with decreasing protein values but is not nutritious. 
Dried Beet Pulp - Most beet pulp products swell in your pets’ stomach.  This allows them to feel fuller when the ingredients in their food are actually starving their cells.  Beet is also high in fiber.
Iodized Salt  - Sodium increases water consumption.  When people are diagnosed with kidney or bladder stones, bladder or kidney infections, or kidney failure they are “prescribed” to increase their water consumption to break up stones, decrease infection and assist in filtering toxins from the system and decrease the load on the kidneys and bladder.  Salt additions to your pets diet force your pet to drink more water but also cause mineral imbalances that can negatively affect the kidneys, adrenals, bones.
Lactic Acid, Calcium Carbonate (added to synthetically rebalance lost minerals from poor nutrition), L-Lysine, Potassium Chloride (added to synthetically rebalance lost minerals from poor nutrition),, Potassium Citrate, Choline Chloride, Calcium Sulfate(added to synthetically rebalance lost minerals from poor nutrition),, vitamins (L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement (often source from GMO soy and preserved with Propylene Glycol… a derivative of antifreeze), Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement (second most common cause of recalls)), Vitamin E Supplement(often source from GMO soy and preserved with Propylene Glycol… a derivative of antifreeze), L-Threonine, Taurine, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), L-Tryptophan, Magnesium Oxide, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid, Phosphoric Acid, Beta-Carotene, Rosemary Extract. - Many companies use a pre-packed synthetic vitamin mix (that is literally labeled with a skull and crossbones) so they can meet the AAFCO minimum requirements to be labeled “complete and balanced” without ANY testing to verify that the food is nutritious. As people sadly found out during the Melamine recall that resulted in a $25 Billion lawsuit (that Science Diet was involved in), synthetic ingredients can be contaminated, unbalanced and unsafe.  To see how toxic synthetic supplements can be please view http://www.natureslogic.com/pdf/vitaminmineral.pdf
Why would my vet recommend this food if all this is true?
Veterinarians will admit that they are only required to take one nutrition class in college, and it is only 8 hours long.  What they may or may not know is that this class is actually funded by, and the literature is provided by, Science Diet (The Mark Morris Institute).  They aren’t trying to give bad information but they don’t know any better unless they do their own research. Please ask us for additional documentation if you would like.
Symptoms of food allergies include chewing of the feet and legs, diarrhea and digestive disturbances, skin and haircoat loss, anxiety and behavioral problems, yeast, and ear infections, etc.  Ask for more information.
www.api4animals.com “What’s Really In Pet Food”
Check back soon to read first hand accounts of how this product makes a healthy difference for pets.