How Diet Affects the Immune System of Your Pet

What is the immune system and how is my pet’s immune system different than my own?

The body of your dog or cat is filled will a natural defense called the immune system.  They get sick or have allergy issues when the immune system is compromised as do, we as humans. There really is no difference in theory.
 A strong immune system protects dogs and cats from everything from allergens to cancer cells. Veterinarians believe that a weak immune system plays a key role in causing disease. Antibiotics fight infection, but they don’t affect whatever weakened the immune system in the first place. Therefore you must find the cause of what is affecting the body’s defenses. Repeated antibiotics or steroids weaken the immune system, which in turn causes the dog or cat to be more susceptible to other allergens.

How can we strengthen the immune system?

Diet, stress and exercise, play the biggest roles in determining whether pets get sick or stay healthy.

Let’s look deeper into the cause…….

Many pets eat subpar commercial foods which are loaded with artificial dyes, preservatives, and additives. Canines and big cats in the wild only eat natural foods consisting of mainly meat protein, and stomach content (berries, greens etc.) of their prey. This is what their systems are designed for. Domesticated pets in our lives eat most commercially prepared foods that contain corn, wheat and chemicals that their bodies simply aren’t meant to handle. These ingredients can trigger an immune response that can make pets sick.  Their digestive track has evolved to digest certain kinds of foods. Certain ingredients that have been added by manufactures put a strain on the body.  It is especially hard on the kidneys and liver because these organs cleanse the body of impurities.

Protein that does not come from a true meat source, is not useable protein for a dog or cat.  Many commercial pet foods use corn, wheat, pea protein, rice, or potato for their major source of protein.  It is cheaper for them, meaning more profit. It is not a digestible protein therefore, the protein percentage listed on the label is not what your dog or cat is really getting even though a meat is listed first on the label.  The FDA does not regulate the label in this way.  Just because the first ingredient is the highest percentage, does not mean it equals the protein listed on the label.  I like to use this example to explain: If the first ingredient is a meat source and is 10% of what is in there, the next three ingredients can be grains or carbohydrates each at 9.8, 9.5 and 9 % thus making your protein consist of an undigestible source.  It also, sets your dog or cat up for chances of itching, yeast, skin and ear infections from the amount of carbs that their body must find a way to deal with. It also works the organs harder while digesting things not meant to be digested by your pet.
  The immune system is designed to attack foreign invaders such as those found in these foods. If the immune system sees them as threats, it will create a defense and release histamines. They can trigger itching, infection, vomiting or diarrhea.  The immune system is designed to defend your pet against allergens, bacteria, viruses, toxins and parasites that can invade their body. Long term imbalances of the immune system can lead to things like allergies, diabetes, cancer, kidney problems, tumors, neurological conditions, respiratory illness, skin infections and more.

What are antibodies?

  The most important part of immunity are antibodies. Antibodies are germ-fighting proteins. The only time your pet can make enough antibodies is when she is healthy and eating a food her body can digest without ingredients that weaken the immune system.
 Holistic minded veterinarians believe that diets consisting of highly processed foods of questionable nutritional quality, are one of the main reasons pets get sick. Holistic care always includes changes in diet, regardless of other treatments your vet may recommend. Sometimes the only change needed is a protein source. 

What ingredients should you avoid in your pets’ diet?

Dogs and cats alike should not be eating corn or wheat, dye or artificial flavors. Corn and wheat are equal to cardboard for your pet.  It fills them up with no nutritional value.  Worse yet, it causes a flare up in the immune system as it tries to digest it. 

Meat by products, usually chicken, are the “by the chicken products” such as feet, feathers and beak. Little or no real meat and no digestible protein for your pet. 

Excessive grains in dog food also means little digestible protein. 

Cats must be grain free.  Grain of any kind for a cat compromises their urinary system by absorbing the moisture needed to digest it.

Dogs can eat either good grain, low grain, reputable food company food or grain free of the same quality.   The FDA has completed its study on grain free dog foods and has concluded that there is no link to DCM heart issues.  This study was prompted by companies such as Purina and Hills Science Diet as they tried to compete with better brands of pet food.

All pet food is not created equally.  You want to do your research and find a holistic mom and pop type pet supply store that can help.  Quality of ingredients, the percentages of carbs, and the right source of digestible ingredients are key.  You never want to see the dye, or artificial flavors. These are immediate hits to the immune system as it fights to figure out what to do with it.

Will this cost me more?

The answer is no.  The bag will cost a bit more, the amount you feed is less.  The vet bills will be much less, and the over all health, including coat, and energy will be far better.  I have never, in 18 years of doing nutritional counseling, met someone that said I wish I had not made the change to better food for my pet.

Working with a certified pet nutritionist who can help you through a complete diet work up and process of elimination is the most effective way to narrow down your pet’s nutritional needs.  Proper nutrition will build a strong immune system and ensure the best quality of life for your pet.  As always, you can reach out to us for a private consultation for your pet.

Annette Clark

Certified Pet Nutritionist, Pet Allergy Specialist, Master Groomer

Private Consultation:

Contact – Naturally Holistic Pets