According to Dana Scott of Dogs Naturally Magazine:
“Pet food companies are recognizing our desire to move away from harmful grains. And why wouldn’t we? An overwhelming percentage of dogs suffer from yeast and skin disease.
“Grains and other starches have a negative impact on gut health, creating insulin resistance and inflammation” says holistic veterinarian, Dr Jodie Gruenstern of Dr. Jodie's Natural Pets. “It’s estimated that up to 80% of the immune system resides within the gastrointestinal system; building a healthy gut supports a more appropriate immune response. The importance of choosing fresh proteins and healthy fats over processed, starchy diets (such as kibble) can’t be overemphasized.”
Yeast is a fungus that’s always present on pets as part of the normal flora of the body, both internally and externally. When the immune system becomes over burdened, or when the dog is fed starchy foods, the yeast will proliferate in the hair follicles and throughout the body. Hence a giant out break of itching!
Only one problem though!
Starches are found not only in grains like rice, corn and wheat, but AS WELL in grain-free items like potatoes, tapioca, peas and sweet potatoes for example – all of those ingredients currently found in grain-free goods.
You see, there’s one really big problem with kibble: manufacturers can’t make it without starch. That starch is not only cheap to source, but it’s necessary to hold the kibble together. Without starch, your bag of grain-free dog food would be a bag of dust.
Regardless of what definition manufacturers want to classify their pet foods as, those grain-free foods, expensive veterinary allergy foods and super premium foods all have one common denominator: lots of starch!”
“Mother Earth gave us, as a species (human or pet), eight hormones to raise blood sugars and only ONE hormone (insulin) to lower it.” - Dr. Richard Patton, Animal Nutritionist
Think about it for a moment: Is nature trying to tell us something?
Today, the average human consumes at least half a pound of sugar a day. We are experiencing a disease epidemic. Our pets, unfortunately, are consuming these same carbohydrates. Almost 60% of North Americans and their pets are overweight. Diabetes and heart disease are up in both humans and pets. The cancer rate is 1 in 2 men and 1 and 3 women; the same goes for dogs and cats.
