Sunday 22 August 2010

diets for weight loss for dogs

I was researching the use of cold cooked potato for weight loss in dogs, because I've read it's a good weight loss food for humans - cooked potato that has been allowed to cool, not warm or hot cooked potato. Here's a quote from the European Food Information Council:
A small amount of the starch in potatoes resists digestion (this is called ‘resistant starch’): this particularly occurs when potatoes are eaten cold after being cooked, such as in a potato salad. Resistant starch acts in the body in a similar way to fibre.
I think the effect is that the person has a feeling of fullness after eating, and isn't so hungry, yet the body can't digest the cold potato, so doesn't gain weight.

However, I'm not going to feed potato to Penny until I know more about this, as I've never fed her potato before.

And I came across a site that looks useful, because it discusses the value of home-prepared meals without the angst that sometimes accompanies this topic. The author, who appears to be a vet, with a PhD, also says that if you're going to buy prepared foods, you should buy the reputable ones from a vet, because at least you know a properly qualified staff of nutritionists works for the company. I suppose that is logical. Interestingly, he says something that I've always thought should be true, that since dogs have lived with us for about thirty thousand years, they've adapted to the same sort of diet as we eat. (With notable exceptions such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, garlic, onions, macadamia nuts, tomatoes and avocado.)

I thought the discussion of eggs was interesting - he says eggs should be eaten cooked, not raw, which is news to me. Also, he discusses the fact that we need to assess the danger of high level of mercury in fish against the nutritional value of the omega-3 fatty acids.

The discussion of the best proportions of fat, protein and carbohydrates is one of the clearest I've read.

11 comments:

i said...

Didn't know potato helps in weight loss. You are right about the feeling of fullness effect of eating it. Does that explain why it's used in some dog kibbles, especially those with high protein, grain free content?

Molly the Airedale said...

I eat sweet potatoes LOTS these days but mom says that you're referring to white potatoes probably. We've had a sample of them but not many.

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

parlance said...

Serendipity, I didn't know potato was used in high-protein, grain free kibble. I'll make sure to read the labels on packets in the shop (out of interest).

parlance said...

Maggie and Mitch, Penny loves sweet potatoes. I wonder how digestible they are for dogs?

Sue said...

Sweet potato is good for dogs, especially if they have intestinal problems. I cut mine in chunks, zap them for a minute in the microwave, then feed them as treats. I also cook them into their stew. Samba eats Blue Buffalo fish and sweet potato kibble.

I specifically asked my vet about the frozen blueberries and he said they get the same benefits from frozen as from fresh. They're good for the brain and we all need help in that area. Tests have shown that the not only delay the aging of the brain , but in some cases can actually reverse it. He gave me an eight page printout of the results of tests done on rodents.
Sue

Unknown said...

Mine love when I basically dehydrate stips or chips of the sweet potatoe in the oven! Their gain free kibble uses sweet potatoes as the carb, its a 1:1 ratio - 1 carb 1 protein. That is the rule of how I make their food as well.

We did the underwater treadmill the last 4 weeks and haylie loves it!! I hope that it went well for yall. She has lost 4 pds in 3 weeks already! only 6 more to go!

parlance said...

Sue and Hound Girl, you are convincing me I have to start using sweet potato as treats! It's been quite a problem as to how to reward her without weight gain. So thanks!

Yep, Hound Girl, Penny also seemed to like the underwater treadmill. I'm going to come across to your blog and see if you've posted about the treadmill. Maybe I missed it.

Sue, I love frozen blueberries and have them most mornings on my cereal, so I guess I'd better be generous and share with Penny.

i said...

Yes, you can check out the labels. Potatoes such as russet and sweet potatoes.

Happy has a sensitive stomach so a lot of the brands out there doesn't agree with her except certain premium brands. She's currently on Innova. I know many would encourage raw diet but with my work nature, that is not very convenient especially when I have to board her. So kibbles it is.

What is Penny on?

Slavenka said...

I learned something new today, so I wish to thank you all.

parlance said...

Slavenka, I learned a lot today, also. That's why I love getting comments - there are so many people around the world who know so much about dogs.

parlance said...

We have Innova here in Australia, I think, Serendipity. I'll have a look at it.