In recent years the trend has been to give our pets grain free food saying they do not eat that in the wild. So I wanted to know exactly why and found an article in Whole Foods magazine (march 2016) that made sense. The article “Putting Your Best Paw Forward” by Maxine Bogle told me that pets who eat large quantities of grains long-term can get metabolic upsets, chronic illness and bouts of inflammation.
It seems that once they eat grains, the “pancreas begins to secrete larger amounts of the enzyme necessary to process carbs (amylase) and insulin, the hormone necessary to balance the elevated blood sugar resulting from the metabolism of grains.” Since pets don’t readily secrete enough amylase this causes insulin to be released and the blood sugar levels drop. The result is the adrenals release cortisol which can elevate blood sugar and lead to diabetes. It can also cause high blood pressure that can result in thinning of the skin and coat, decreased bone and muscle mass and cause them to be more susceptible to infection.
This doesn’t say that cold turkey on grains is the answer to all their problems, and some can tolerate grains better than others. Therefore, its best to consult a vet who is up-to-date on this subject and get their advice for your furry family member.
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