Hold the Kefir!

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Kefir has gained recent popularity for pets, but is it all it’s cracked up to be? Science says it’s iffy. The reasoning behind that is that the most common commercial kefir products either did not have the bacterial species it claimed to have, did not have adequate population of those bacteria or the products were mislabeled. Some products even had spelling errors on their packaging!

The most concerning of all was that the website and packaging of many of these products made a wide range of health claims, none of which are supported by the companion animal literature. This doesn’t mean that feeding kefir to your pets is bad per se, but it DOES mean we need to hold pet food companies responsible to safe manufacturing and food handling practices!

https://academic.oup.com/jas/article-abstract/98/9/skaa301/5904066?redirectedFrom=fulltext

Science of ‘Sense’ – how does your pet see the world?

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There has always been debate about how and what dogs and cats can see. The reality? Dogs & cats don’t see as clearly as humans, and they’re lacking in the color department. However, they can see movement better than we can.

Learn Something New

I was feeding Performatrin: Now what do I do?

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‘House-brand’ or just marketing?

Large chain stores and online retailers such as Pet Valu, Chewy, Pet Smart, Costco and Petco have their own ‘in-house’ brands of dog food to help build customer loyalty. In reality all these ‘house brands’ are essentially a mimic on top selling pet foods under their private label or “house brand”. Their product is a literal copycat of top-selling foods in the marketplace and does not provide anything more superior to what is available to your local pet store. Sales associates are trained to direct consumers to their house brand because they make more money by selling you their brand.

If you were a Pet Valu customer and was persuaded to purchase their ‘exclusive’ line of food, Performatrin you may be finding yourself in a bit of a pickle seeing as how all US Pet Valu stores are closing. The silver lining is that you may be able to find a suitable or even better replacement for Performatrin while also helping support your local economy. Please, before jumping to Chewy, PetSmart, Petco or Amazon – visit your local pet retailer. You’ll be surprised to see a plethora of innovative and unique products, often for competitive prices.

At first taste, an exclusive line of food from an upscale retailer may appear to have everything you would want in a pet food – quality ingredients made by a small company with a passion for pets. Now with the announcement of Pet Value shutting all stores in the US in the midst of the COVID 19 pandemic, all of the appealing aspects of an exclusive food are no longer so appetizing. In fact, lines that are exclusive only to one chain, or store are usually known as ‘private label’. In short, most private label brands, despite marketing claims, are not all they’re made out to be. In fact, most do not even analyze their final formulations or products to verify they are complete and balanced!

What is private label?

Private label isn’t always a dirty word – but it can be in several contexts. While there are lot of examples, I’ll try and break it down simply. For example, private label could mean the following:

  • A generic formulation of food that exists as several brands, all with differing packaging. However, the ingredient labels and guaranteed analysis will typically read the same.
  • A proprietary formulation that is generally made by a large pet food manufacturer (who also makes several other brands), but packaged solely for one customer, or set of customers.

The reality is that there are only a handful of dog food manufacturing facilities in the U.S. This means that multiple, privately-owned brands of food can be manufactured under the same roof, often with the same ingredient sourcing. This is because ‘pooling’ of ingredients results in reduced costs. Other aspects to consider are cost of the facility, machinery, staffing as well as safety and quality certifications. There are several brands that own their own facilities, but that also doesn’t automatically translate to a superior product. Many high-quality products are manufactured in both situations – as a consumer you have to know what questions to ask to determine which products those are.

Why are private label brands problematic?

Private label brands can be problematic as a consumer because if the retailer who had exclusivity to that product closes their doors (e.g. Pet Valu), it leaves you without an avenue to continue getting your pets food. In addition, these private label brands may market themselves as transparent, when in reality they are very good at hiding pertinent information regarding the food formulation, adequacy testing and sourcing. This leaves you, the consumer, woefully unaware of potential issues – or risking not being able to contact the actual company or manufacturer if a problem arises.

Transparency?

Aside from barriers to purchasing these foods (e.g. if a retailer goes out of business), these brands also come with some potential risks – such as lack of nutritional adequacy or validation. As of the date of this article, none of the brands mentioned below were able to provide us with a full 3rd party nutritional analysis or digestibility study.

Don’t believe me? Keep reading and we’ll look at some of the more common “house-brands” and see if you can find them at another retailer.

  • Pet Valu: Performatrin (although with their closing, it wouldn’t be unusual to find it offered on Amazon)
  • Chewy.com: American Journey
  • PetSmart: Authority
  • Petco: WholeHearted
  • Amazon: Wag
  • Tractor Supply: 4Health
  • Costco: Nature’s Domain (Kirkland)

How do I find a transparent brand?

While small businesses love your loyalty, it is unfair for them to force loyalty by persuading you to purchase a product you can only get at one location, or chain. As a consumer it is always beneficial to purchase products that are available elsewhere in case the situation should arise. That said, there are numerous quality brands that are ‘independent only’ which are vastly different than the shade of a private label because these brands tend to be more transparent, and accessible.

‘Independent only’ (local neighborhood pet store) brands are typically companies with adequate product development teams, more transparency behind the product and have greater brand stability. As a consumer, it gives you a real company to contact in the event of a problem, or if you have a question. Whereas a private label may leave you with the impression the retailer is responsible for the product – misleading on all fronts.

Personally, as a retailer, I would not put my name on something as ‘my own’ if I did not have nutritional adequacy and digestibility testing done on the final product. Leaving the formulation and validation of pet foods to those qualified to do so is something consumers and retailers should both be holding brands accountable to. The pet food market already has a low barrier to entry, with one of the largest problems being that anyone can formulate pet food and sell it in todays market – even without credentials.  It’s also good to ensure that all brands have policies and procedures that require all products be held from distribution until they are confirmed to be free from contaminants and pathogens (e.g. melamine, salmonella etc.)

What can I switch to?

The good news is that there are numerous high-quality brands on the market today that you can easily switch your pet to regardless of sensitivities, preferences, age, or any other factor. The sobering point for you is likely the fact that you’ve been paying top dollar for a brand that is very similar, if not identical to other easily accessible products. If you feed as if you’ve been misled, it’s because you have.

Your local independent retailers are ready and willing to help you find a suitable or even better-quality replacement. However, in the meantime, I encourage you to do your own homework by reaching out to pet food companies and asking questions about who their food is formulated by and in what facility it is made in. This may help to broaden your horizons for pet food options. If you’d like to know more about the ‘right’ questions to ask, and what typical answers may mean (or not mean) click here: 5 Ways Pet Owners Can Improve Pet Food.

Curious to switch? Let us know what you were feeding, and we will happily identify an equivalent or better food when you stop by.

The Big Miss: Is No-Hide® Actually Rawhide?

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A ‘consumer advocate’ recently stirred up drama from July 2017 re-circulating an article (figure 1) claiming that Earth Animal No-Hide® treats were rawhide, again. This was on the heels of the announcement of a class-action lawsuit (figure 2) against Earth Animal Ventures (EAV) questioning the ingredients and sourcing of No-Hide® products. I didn’t think I would have to address this issue, but apparently, I do since misinformation and cherry-picked information from the original chain of events keeps circulating (if it’s on the internet it must be true, right?). Consumers and retailers alike need to see the situation for what it is, so I’ll also write this from both a retailer and consumer standpoint to provide the level of transparency I hold others to. As you read this, you’ll understand that both sides have significant issues. In fact, No-Hide® being (or not being) rawhide is hardly the issue. Instead there is a pervasive lack of transparency and misinformation from both the consumer advocate side and EAV.

Read more

Grain-Free Pet Food Diets | What to Know Before Switching

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The benefit and necessity of grain-free pet food have come under scrutiny in recent years due to an FDA investigation due to a potential association with a canine heart disease known as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). As a result of this potential association, many have been told there is no scientific evidence to support the use of grain-free foods in canines and felines, or that these foods do not provide any benefit over grain-inclusive foods. For the most part, grain-free refers to kibble, although some have also categorized various canned, freeze-dried, and raw diets under the ‘grain-free’ umbrella. But are these claims accurate? Let’s find out:

 

Grain-free foods don’t provide benefits?grain free dog food kible

The pet food industry’s switch to grain-free was not fueled by a problem with the grains themselves or grain allergies like most believe. The largest pet food recalls in history was due to melamine and cyanuric acid contamination of ingredients coming from China. The short version of the 2007 recall is that wheat gluten and rice protein were intentionally combined with melamine for its high nitrogen content. Higher amounts of nitrogen can cause the protein content of an ingredient to test higher than it actually is. Since cyanuric acid was present, and the combination of melamine and cyanuric acid is likely the reason the recall was so deadly – not the melamine on its own. This series of events fueled the consumer trend of wanting grain-free pet food.

Other Concerns

Another major factor absent from the discussion on grain-free vs. grain inclusive diets for people – and pets – is the contamination of grains with herbicides, pesticides, mycotoxins, and fertilizers. This has become an increasingly large concern since the mid-’90s in both the human and animal food supply. Numerous peer-reviewed articles are detailing the disruption many of these agricultural contaminants have on normal gut bacteria function.1,2 In fact, available literature suggests that humans are becoming increasingly intolerant to grain and grain products for exactly these reasons (e.g. wheat & gluten sensitivity & celiac disease in humans).

We are learning that disruption of vital gut bacteria balance can have devastating effects on the health of the host, including diabetes, obesity, autoimmune disease, cancers, GI issues, and even DCM.3–5 Could the contamination of grains in pet food be one reason why many pets experience improvement of various issues with the change from grain-inclusive to grain-free? Could be.

Ultimately the phrase ‘there is no evidence to support the use of grain-free foods’ doesn’t mean there is not a benefit. It simply means that we have a major gap in research into companion animal nutrition and that we easily forget our recent history. On the contrary, we don’t have evidence to support that feeding grains to canines or felines are any more healthful than feeding grain-free diets. Evidence only shows that it meets minimal (known) nutritional standards, not that pets thrive on these processed diets. In short, canine and feline nutrition fields are far behind the knowledge we have in livestock and human nutrition.

 

Are ALL grain-free foods the same?

Many veterinarians and pet owners automatically lump grain-free cans, fresh food, raw food, and freeze-dried products as ‘grain-free’. While this is technically correct – there are stark differences that make these foods different from their kibble counterparts.

Regardless of whether we are feeding grain-free or not, we need to consider the high temps kibble and canned foods are heated to during the manufacturing process. This high heat creates Maillard Reaction Products (MRP) which is the name for a series of reactions that is the product of sugar (carbohydrate) and protein when heated. These are also known as AGE’s or Advanced Glycation End Products.

MRP’s are responsible for the nutrient loss and associated with diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, loss of cognitive function, allergies, periodontal disease, and chronic inflammation.6–12 This can mean things like arthritis, skin, and ear issues, an old injury that keeps resurfacing, bloating, IBS, etc. Also, there is a large amount of research to suggest that they are carcinogenic and accelerate aging.13,14

  • Heterocyclic amines are MRPs from cooking protein that increases with elevated cooking temperature. This phenomenon is more pronounced in meat than fish – and these increase with temperature and dryness of meat or meat products15.
  • Acrylamides are a chemical that forms naturally from starchy foods during high-temperature cooking. According to the European Food Safety Authority evidence from animal studies shows that acrylamides are genotoxic and carcinogenic: they damage DNA and cause cancer. And since we know so little about animal nutrition is it possible that much of the disease we’re seeing – including DCM – has at least something to do with the MRP’s that are in dry and/or canned pet food? Is it a coincidence that freeze-dried, fresh, and raw options do not have as many associated issues as their processed counterparts? Maybe.

 

Allergic to Grains? Probably Not (sorry, not sorry)

Pet food can be made of everything from rendered unfit foods for human consumption to ingredients that are 100% organic and probably better than the food we feed ourselves. I’m not necessarily here to split hairs on ingredients and in the types of ingredients that are in our pet’s food. Because is it these ingredients that are causing the problem? Or is it something else? – These are the questions that the experts seem to avoid entirely. When a dog experiences issues related to food, we are quick as a society to turn over the bag and blame an ingredient or set of ingredients. However, those ingredients as listed are likely not the problem – rather the quality, processing agents, AGE’s and contamination of these ingredients (e.g. herbicides, pesticides, etc.); something you will never find listed on a label.

 

More Important: Nutrient Availability & Digestibility

The digestibility of food is altered as it is processed, mixed with other ingredients, and heated. That said, canned and kibble foods by definition will have varying levels of nutrient availability and digestibility than their lesser processed counterparts. The ingredients (or set of ingredients) that make up a food could be the most nutrient-dense food available – but if they are not digestible by the cat or dog then those ingredients are irrelevant. In short, this means that it is important to ask your pet food company for their digestibility and nutrient analysis to determine if their food is adequate for your pet. Learn more about what questions to ask and why here.

 

About the author: Nicole Cammack

Nicci is the owner of award-winning NorthPoint Pets & Company, in Connecticut. She is also the Founder & CEO of Undogmatic Inc. Her undergraduate and graduate education includes biology, chemistry, business, and nutrition. She has worked in the pharmaceutical industry on multiple R&D projects and has had the privilege to learn from leading international figures in the human and pet health industry. She regularly lectures at national conferences, including federal, state, and municipal K9 events. Her current research involves identifying pathogenic risk factors and transmission among raw fed pets through a comprehensive worldwide survey.

www.northpointpets.com

www.undogmaticinc.com

 

References:

  1. Van Bruggen AHC, He MM, Shin K, et al. Environmental and health effects of the herbicide glyphosate. Sci Total Environ. 2018;616-617:255-268. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.10.309
  2. Aitbali Y, Ba-M’hamed S, Elhidar N, Nafis A, Soraa N, Bennis M. Glyphosate based- herbicide exposure affects gut microbiota, anxiety and depression-like behaviors in mice. Neurotoxicol Teratol. 2018;67:44-49. doi:10.1016/j.ntt.2018.04.002
  3. DeGruttola AK, Low D, Mizoguchi A, Mizoguchi E. Current Understanding of Dysbiosis in Disease in Human and Animal Models. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2016;22(5):1137-1150. doi:10.1097/MIB.0000000000000750
  4. Galland L. The Gut Microbiome and the Brain. J Med Food. 2014;17(12):1261-1272. doi:10.1089/jmf.2014.7000
  5. Yoshida N, Yamashita T, Hirata K. Gut Microbiome and Cardiovascular Diseases. Diseases. 2018;6(3). doi:10.3390/diseases6030056
  6. Jandeleit-Dahm K, Cooper ME. The Role of AGEs in Cardiovascular Disease. doi:info:doi/10.2174/138161208784139684
  7. Pion PD, Kittleson MD, Thomas WP, Skiles ML, Rogers QR. Clinical findings in cats with dilated cardiomyopathy and relationship of findings to taurine deficiency. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1992;201(2):267-274.
  8. DCM: add taurine to grain-free dog foods, say scientists. Accessed May 15, 2019. https://www.petfoodindustry.com/articles/8162-dcm-add-taurine-to-grain-free-dog-foods-say-scientists?v=preview
  9. DACVIM CDSBM. Breed-specific variations of cardiomyopathy in dogs. dvm360.com. Accessed May 15, 2019. https://veterinarynews.dvm360.com/breed-specific-variations-cardiomyopathy-dogs
  10. Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs. vca_corporate. Accessed May 15, 2019. vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dilated-cardiomyopathy-dcm-in-dogs–indepth
  11. Medicine C for V. FDA Investigation into Potential Link between Certain Diets and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy. FDA. Published online June 27, 2019. Accessed June 29, 2019. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/news-events/fda-investigation-potential-link-between-certain-diets-and-canine-dilated-cardiomyopathy
  12. Freeman LM, Stern JA, Fries R, Adin DB, Rush JE. Diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs: what do we know? J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2018;253(11):1390-1394. doi:10.2460/javma.253.11.1390
  13. Prasad C, Imrhan V, Marotta F, Juma S, Vijayagopal P. Lifestyle and Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) Burden: Its Relevance to Healthy Aging. Aging Dis. 2014;5(3):212-217. doi:10.14336/AD.2014.0500212
  14. Turner DP. Advanced glycation end-products: a biological consequence of lifestyle contributing to cancer disparity. Cancer Res. 2015;75(10):1925-1929. doi:10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-15-0169
  15. Jägerstad M, Skog K, Arvidsson P, Solyakov A. Chemistry, formation and occurrence of genotoxic heterocyclic amines identified in model systems and cooked foods. Z Für Leb -Forsch A. 1998;207(6):419-427. doi:10.1007/s002170050355

How To Switch Your Cat’s Food

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Have you ever tried to switch your cat to a new food without success? This is actually a common problem with cats, so rest assured you’re not alone! Switching your cat’s food can be stressful for you and your cat. Before you start there are a few important things to consider.  Switching your cat to a new food can be a challenge, but with careful planning, you can increase the chances of a successful transition. In this guide, we will provide you with practical tips to introduce a new food to your cat without stress.

Tips for a Smooth Cat Food Transition

  • Relax. Believe it or not, getting stressed before you even switch the food can also stress out your cat. Be sure to set the right tone by not drawing extra attention to mealtime or making a big deal about the new food.
  • Be sure to have 3+ weeks of your cats’ regular food on hand, this will be enough to fully transition.
  • Begin with clean bowls or feeding platters. You should be in the habit of washing bowls daily to prevent unhealthy bacteria from building up.
  • Believe it or not, bowls should be made of glass, USA food-grade ceramic, or a safe plant-based material. For more on this click here: Is Your Pet’s Healthy Food Being Served In A Toxic Bowl?
  • Cats can actually develop an aversion to food based on the size of their feeding bowl. Bowls for food and water should be wide and shallow so cats’ whiskers do not hit the sides of the bowl. This is a phenomenon called whisker fatigue and it leads people to believe their cat is picky when in reality it may be that the bowl is irritating them. In fact, saucers or plates are actually best!
  • Decide what you’re going to switch to, as there are countless options. Consider protein, texture, sourcing, and any health conditions at play. Textures of canned/wet food include pate, shredded, or stews. For raw food, some can be chunky or finer in texture.

Week-by-Week Transition Plan:

how to switch cat food

Week 1: 

You will only use a pea-sized amount of the new food at each meal. If you are using cans or pouches you can try and store them in the fridge for 2-3 days. However, most cats do not like cold food. Be prepared to throw away a fair amount of cat food in your first 1-2 weeks. If you are using raw food, it becomes a little easier as you can thaw small amounts at a time since many raw cat foods come in convenient little kibble-sized pieces that thaw quickly. Regardless, be sure that when you offer the food to your cat that it is at room temperature.

Simply take a pea-sized amount and spread it thinly and evenly along the entire bottom of the dish you are using. Then, take your normal food (kibble or wet) and put it directly on top.

Notes for Success

At this point, it is important to not mix the food. The small amount in the bottom of the dish is to simply introduce the aroma of the new food, and not necessarily get them to consume it. Serve the meal as you normally would without making a big deal about it. Be sure that you do not hover or stare at your cat – simply go about your activities as you normally would. Cats tend to pick up on energy and stress, and you want to avoid introducing any new variables.

It is normal for your cat to not eat any of the new food or maybe leave and return to the dish a few times before eating their regular food. Again, try not to make a big deal about any new behaviors. They should be used to the smell of the new food within a few days. You may find them even starting to lick the bottom of the bowl and clean the dish by the end of the first 5-7 days. This is a good sign, however, be sure not to increase the new food too quickly as to avoid digestive upset.

Pro Tip:

By day 3-4 of week 1 you may choose to take one teaspoon of warm water into the dish prior to adding your regular food if your cat is showing interest in the new food. This can promote an appetizing smell and help to increase moisture intake. At the same time recognize that this is the most critical week, be sure not to rush! Patience is key!

Week 2:

By this point, your cat should have shown some interest and consumed some of the new food at the bottom of the bowl. At this point, you may increase the wet food to 1-2 teaspoons. Repeat a similar process at week one making sure the food is room temperature, with the new food on top. If your cat has seemed to like the added water, you may continue to add it.

By day 4-5 of week two, you may increase the food another small amount as long as they are consuming what you are already given.  Now is the time to consider cutting back on the dry food by a similar volume.

Weeks #3 & #4:

By this time your cat may be only interested in the new food, which is perfectly ok!  If this is the case, there may or may not be a little bit of loose stool as a result of the cat’s decision to switch to the new food abruptly. This should subside within a day or two as their system adjusts.

If they are still consuming both foods, then you can continue increasing the new food and decreasing the kibble as each day progresses. As mentioned above, the entire process can be slow and take 3-4 weeks or more!

Sometimes, they will begin to act hungry, and/or vomit bile when switched too quickly because the gastric pH and amount of secretion have not had time to adjust to the new food, especially in the case of switching from dry to wet food or raw food. If this does happen try offering a small “snack” outside of mealtime. This could include freeze dried treats, food or fresh meat.

Pro Tip: Cats tend to not seek out water as dogs do. While there are biological reasons for this, this doesn’t mean that they should not have ample fresh, clean water available – ideally away from their food bowl. If your cat does drink regularly and you feed dry food, do not be surprised to see their water intake decrease as you move to a more moisture-rich food. This is normal!

Summary:

The most important aspect of switching your cat’s food is not to stress! Be patient, and consistent. These practices pay off in time. Be sure to always ensure your cat has access to water. As they transition to a more moisture-rich food you may notice a healthier coat, brighter eyes, and even more energy!  Your cat who may not have been too playful prior may have more vigor and energy for exercise – it may be worth investing in a toy or two!

 

About the Author: Nicole Cammack

Nicole is the founder & owner of multiple-award-winning NorthPoint Pets & Company, in Connecticut, USA. She has completed undergraduate work in biological sciences, business and holds an M.S. in Nutrition. Currently, Nicole is pursuing a PhD in Comparative Biomedical Sciences (Canine Nutrition/Metabolomics) at the prestigious University of Georgia in the USA.

Her background includes experience in the pharmaceutical industry on multiple R&D projects and has had the privilege to learn from leading figures in the human and pet health industries. Nicole has been heavily involved in police canine nutrition within the USA, helping to improve the modern care and feeding of working dogs. Her interests include working dog nutrition, raw feeding, pathogens, metabolomics, and nutrition’s relationship to disease in humans and canines. Her current research involves the exploration of the canine urinary metabolome and the relationship to diet.

Publications: Cammack, N.R., Yamka, R.M., and Adams, V.J. (2021). Low Number of Owner-Reported Suspected Transmission of Foodborne Pathogens From Raw Meat-Based Diets Fed to Dogs and/or Cats. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 8. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.741575.

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2021.741575/full

Contact:

www.northpointpets.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-cammack-8400084b/?trk=author_mini-profile_title

 

 

Hemp & CBD: Not All CBD is “Natural”

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In part II we discussed phytoremediation, and why this is one of the largest hidden risks for those who give CBD to their pets or consume it themselves. To review, cannabis absorbs heavy metals, and many of the agricultural chemicals in the soil such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. If a company does not have processes and procedures in place that ensure their product is free from contaminants and is actually the concentration that is listed on the label. Don’t believe this is a real issue? Due to a lack of regulation, hemp products have the potential for significant risks.

Consequences Due to Lack of Regulationrisks of hemp products

Unfortunately, due to the phytoremediation properties of hemp, contaminants and formulation errors are common and often go unnoticed. For example, a recent study by Cornell University showed 10 out of 29 CBD products tested were within 10% of the concentration on the label.  That same study also showed that heavy metal contaminants were found in 4 out of 29 products.19 Stop and read that again – because it means that only 34% of the most popular CBD’s were even the correct concentration. Never mind those with contamination issues…Yikes!

Spoiler alert: these are some of the most popular pet CBD supplements on the market today. Most of them are sold locally to Cheshire – so you may want to pay attention.

Lack of regulation for CBD means that companies who are NOT members of the NASC are not required to test raw ingredients or finished products for contaminants or adequacy. Heavy metal contamination, poor sourcing, and/or formulation errors could potentially be a contributing factor to elevated liver function testing and other documented adverse effects relating to hemp & CBD use. This highlights the need to screen companies for adequate product testing and transparency. The reality is that a very small handful of companies can provide verification that their products are contaminant-free, or within concentrations listed on the label.

Ask Questions Verifying Quality

When looking for a CBD product, or any supplement for yourself or your pets you must ask the following questions:

  • Are you a member of the NASC? (pets only)
  • Do you inbound test your raw and concentrated ingredients for contaminants such as heavy metals, fertilizers, and other agricultural chemicals?
  • Do you test your raw ingredients specifically active ingredients to ensure their concentrations are correct?
  • Do you source any ingredients from China?
    • Are you willing to provide certificates of origin?
    • Note that ingredients from China are not necessarily bad if they are responsibly sourced, and they are verifying quality and purity.
  • Do you complete an analysis of your final product to ensure the formulation is correct and ensure there are not any contamination issues? This is important to ensure that active ingredients match the label.

If companies are unwilling to transparently ask these questions or use the excuse of information being proprietary, I would strongly suggest that you find another brand. Not being transparent or testing products when it comes to ensuring safety is unacceptable. Brands that are not meeting these standards could potentially be poisoning the market for other companies who do their due diligence. As consumers, demand better.

Summary

CBD may have its benefits when well-sourced and formulated. While more research is needed, this is a common problem for a lot of supplements and pharmaceuticals on the market. Overall, the risk of adverse effects appears to be low, but consideration should be taken for those pets who may have liver problems.

Some veterinarians are well educated in the CBD landscape and available products, and some simply are not. If your vet is unable to provide information or recommend products it is ok to ask them for someone who can. Many reputable companies do have veterinarians and scientists on-staff that you or your veterinarian may also be able to speak to for more information.

As always, this is a rapidly evolving field. We expect to see changes as the FDA and AVMA begin to release more guidance and information in this area. We also will see more research regarding safety, efficacy, and other applications as time goes on. While it can be frustrating to see both advice and information change, remember this is a good thing and something you should embrace and support!

Did you miss part I, II, III of this series?

About the Author: Nicole Cammack

Nicci is the owner of award-winning NorthPoint Pets & Company, in Connecticut. She is also the Founder & CEO of Undogmatic Inc. Her undergraduate and graduate education includes biology, chemistry, business, and nutrition. She has worked in the pharmaceutical industry on multiple R&D projects and has had the privilege to learn from leading international figures in the human and pet health industry. She regularly lectures at national conferences, including federal, state, and municipal K9 events. Her current research involves identifying pathogenic risk factors and transmission among raw fed pets through a comprehensive worldwide survey.

www.northpointpets.com

www.undogmaticinc.com

References

  1. Sawler J, Stout JM, Gardner KM, et al. The Genetic Structure of Marijuana and Hemp. PLoS ONE. 2015;10(8). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0133292
  2. Marijuana, the Second Trip. Revised Edition by Bloomquist, Edward R.: Good PAPERBACK | Earthlight Books. Accessed June 3, 2020. https://www.abebooks.com/Marijuana-Second-Trip-Revised-Edition-Bloomquist/22676164305/bd
  3. Kogan L, Schoenfeld-Tacher R, Hellyer P, Rishniw M. US Veterinarians’ Knowledge, Experience, and Perception Regarding the Use of Cannabidiol for Canine Medical Conditions. Front Vet Sci. 2019;5. doi:10.3389/fvets.2018.00338
  4. Fitzgerald KT, Bronstein AC, Newquist KL. Marijuana Poisoning. Top Companion Anim Med. 2013;28(1):8-12. doi:10.1053/j.tcam.2013.03.004
  5. Mackie K. Cannabinoid Receptors: Where They are and What They do. J Neuroendocrinol. 2008;20(s1):10-14. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2826.2008.01671.x
  6. Maroon J, Bost J. Review of the neurological benefits of phytocannabinoids. Surg Neurol Int. 2018;9. doi:10.4103/sni.sni_45_18
  7. Levinsohn EA, Hill KP. Clinical uses of cannabis and cannabinoids in the United States. J Neurol Sci. 2020;411:116717. doi:10.1016/j.jns.2020.116717
  8. Mechanisms of CB1 receptor signaling: endocannabinoid modulation of synaptic strength | International Journal of Obesity. Accessed June 5, 2020. https://www.nature.com/articles/0803273
  9. Commissioner O of the. FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including Cannabidiol (CBD). FDA. Published online March 10, 2020. Accessed June 4, 2020. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd
  10. Commissioner O of the. FDA Warns Companies Illegally Selling CBD Products to Treat Medical Conditions, Opioid Addiction. FDA. Published April 26, 2020. Accessed June 6, 2020. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-warns-companies-illegally-selling-cbd-products-treat-medical-conditions-opioid-addiction
  11. How CBD pet product brands avoid federal warnings. Accessed June 12, 2020. https://www.petfoodindustry.com/articles/8793-how-cbd-pet-product-brands-avoid-federal-warnings
  12. Drug Scheduling. Accessed June 6, 2020. https://www.dea.gov/drug-scheduling
  13. AVMA weighs in at cannabis hearing. American Veterinary Medical Association. Accessed June 17, 2020. https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2019-08-15/avma-weighs-cannabis-hearing
  14. FAQs. NASC LIVE. Accessed June 13, 2020. https://nasc.cc/faqs/
  15. Resnik DB. Beyond post-marketing research and MedWatch: Long-term studies of drug risks. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2007;1:1-5.
  16. Deabold KA, Schwark WS, Wolf L, Wakshlag JJ. Single-Dose Pharmacokinetics and Preliminary Safety Assessment with Use of CBD-Rich Hemp Nutraceutical in Healthy Dogs and Cats. Animals. 2019;9(10):832. doi:10.3390/ani9100832
  17. McGrath S, Bartner LR, Rao S, Kogan LR, Hellyer PW. A Report of Adverse Effects Associated With the Administration of Cannabidiol in Healthy Dogs. :5.
  18. Commissioner O of the. What You Need to Know (And What We’re Working to Find Out) About Products Containing Cannabis or Cannabis-derived Compounds, Including CBD. FDA. Published online March 3, 2020. Accessed June 12, 2020. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-you-need-know-and-what-were-working-find-out-about-products-containing-cannabis-or-cannabis
  19. Wakshlag JJ, Cital S, Eaton SJ, Prussin R, Hudalla C. Cannabinoid, Terpene, and Heavy Metal Analysis of 29 Over-the-Counter Commercial Veterinary Hemp Supplements. Vet Med Res Rep. 2020;11:45-55. doi:10.2147/VMRR.S248712

CBD & Hemp: What is CBD and How Does It Work?

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Cannabis: An Ancient Crop with Claims of Health Benefits

The use of cannabis dates back to ancient civilizations, with records of its use dating back to 6,000 years ago.1 Claims of health benefits included constipation, gout, rheumatism, and absent-mindedness.2 However, it wasn’t until recent years that numerous potential therapeutic uses of cannabis for pets have surfaced.

While there is more research for human use of CBD, animal research into CBD is lacking. The minimal research that is available needs significant expansion and validation. It’s important to remember that just because something is published, it doesn’t mean it’s entirely accurate or even applicable to the real world. Therefore, it is essential to understand the regulation, safety, and legality surrounding pet supplements.

Today, there is a plethora of CBD supplements available to people and pets. However, with so much misinformation and dangerous information on the market, it can be challenging to determine what is safe and legal. 

In this multi-part series, we will explore the regulation, how CBD works, and the safety and legality surrounding pet supplements. Since this article serves as our opening to the discussion, we’ll cover the basics: the difference between hemp and marijuana, how CBD works, and how it’s absorbed.

Classification & Cannabinoids

Cannabis can be broadly classified as either hemp or marijuana, and that classification depends on the concentration of the cannabinoid Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (more commonly known as THC) and other cannabinoids they contain.3 The plants contain more than 400 chemicals but the cannabinoid THC is the one with the most recognition for its psychotropic “high” effect.4 Because THC is highly lipid-soluble and is distributed in fat, liver, brain, and renal tissue in the body.

The other cannabinoid that has gained attention is cannabidiol (or CBD), which is the focus of this discussion. It was first isolated from the marijuana plant by Roger Adams in the 1940’s, although it wasn’t chemically described until 1964 by Raphael Mechoulam. Today CBD is commonly used in a variety of human and pet supplements and edibles for pets and people. This cannabinoid has a lot of focus due to its potential, not proven, the ability to help manage anxiety, insomnia, and pain in humans. As already discussed, despite many anecdotal reports and claims more research is needed to determine the effectiveness, dosing, and safety of CBD and other cannabinoids in pets. However, as mentioned earlier, this is also true for many other types of supplements for pets – in fact, a lot of human data is used in order to promote the benefits to pets.

How CBD Works

There are three types of cannabinoids. Like neurotransmitters, all types of cannabinoids work by triggering a response from a receptor. Cannabinoids interact with receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The main function of the ECS is to maintain body homeostasis— which is biological harmony in response to changes in the environment.5  CBD is known as a phytocannabinoid, which comes from plants. For context, several plants beyond cannabis also produce phytocannabinoids, including cacao and echinacea. All mammals also produce their own cannabinoids, called endocannabinoids. The third type of cannabinoids is synthetic cannabinoids which are made in a laboratory. 

Phytocannabinoids, such as CBD work to inhibit the activity of ECS receptors, or in other words; limit activity or turn them off. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has a role in the regulation of pain, pleasure, digestion, metabolism, inflammation, sleep, movement, neuroprotection, immune function, appetite, body temperature, mood, memory, and cardiovascular function.6,7  

Since CBD influences the ECS, there is potentially a wide range of benefits to the therapeutic use of CBD containing supplements and much of the theory behind CBD comes from this. Many anecdotal and case reports reflect these benefits; however, the problem is that there are few evidence-backed indications of these benefits in the mainstream scientific literature. This is complicated by the fact that many companies and non-scientific blogs continue to make claims of benefit giving the consumer and even retailers the perception of more evidence than there is. This climate has created a lot of trust and transparency issues for medical practitioners and CBD manufacturers.

There are two main cannabinoid receptors in humans and dogs, CB1 found primarily in the central nervous system and CB2 which are peripheral and immune-modulating.4,8 CB1 activity is believed to be responsible for most endocannabinoid clinical effects and benefits. 

Dosing & Absorption

CBD dosing & bioavailability, or the body’s ability to absorb CBD containing products are other factors to consider. There are several different types of products that have varying levels of bioavailability. For example, CBD itself is a fat-soluble cannabinoid, like THC. Since our bodies are mostly water traditional CBD oils not absorbed well in the gut, and therefore only have adequate absorption via the oral mucus membrane. Humans for example would need to hold a traditional CBD oil in their mouth for about 90 seconds for best absorption – not exactly realistic for dogs or cats. 

Fortunately, technology has offered solutions to the absorption challenges of traditional CBD oils. There are companies that have altered their products to be absorbed through liposome (fat) technology or nano-particle technologies that allow for oral use and absorption through the GI tract when consumed. The later technology has the highest bioavailability and allows CBD to cross the blood-brain barrier since the particles are so small. However – most CBD oils, treats, and edibles available are not nano-particle, so it’s important to ask. In addition, edibles, especially dog treats that have traditional oil have likely had a heat process applied (i.e. baking). Heat significantly reduces the bioavailability and therefore effectiveness of the CBD within the product. 

Summary

CBD can come from hemp or marijuana, with hemp lacking enough THC to product the psychotropic “high” effect marijuana is most known for. Although Hemp based-CBD supplements are widely available on the market, the reality is that there is a real lack of information regarding its exact benefit or benefits. However, we know enough about the human and animal endocannabinoid system to theorize how and what these supplements may be useful for. The type of CBD is important when choosing a product because not all are easily absorbed or effective due to a variety of processing techniques. 

This article is part of a Hemp Education Series. Over the course of this series, we will further explore hemp legality, safety, dosing, and how to spot quality from potentially dangerous products. 

For further reading, continue to part II, III, IV

About the Author: Nicole Cammack

Nicci is the owner of award-winning NorthPoint Pets & Company, in Connecticut. She is also the Founder & CEO of Undogmatic Inc. Her undergraduate and graduate education includes biology, chemistry, business, and nutrition. She has worked in the pharmaceutical industry on multiple R&D projects and has had the privilege to learn from leading international figures in the human and pet health industry. She regularly lectures at national conferences, including federal, state, and municipal K9 events. Her current research involves identifying pathogenic risk factors and transmission among raw fed pets through a comprehensive worldwide survey.

www.northpointpets.com
www.undogmaticinc.com

References

1. Sawler J, Stout JM, Gardner KM, et al. The Genetic Structure of Marijuana and Hemp. PLoS ONE. 2015;10(8). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0133292

2. Marijuana, the Second Trip. Revised Edition by Bloomquist, Edward R.: Good PAPERBACK | Earthlight Books. Accessed June 3, 2020. https://www.abebooks.com/Marijuana-Second-Trip-Revised-Edition-Bloomquist/22676164305/bd

3. Kogan L, Schoenfeld-Tacher R, Hellyer P, Rishniw M. US Veterinarians’ Knowledge, Experience, and Perception Regarding the Use of Cannabidiol for Canine Medical Conditions. Front Vet Sci. 2019;5. doi:10.3389/fvets.2018.00338

4. Fitzgerald KT, Bronstein AC, Newquist KL. Marijuana Poisoning. Top Companion Anim Med. 2013;28(1):8-12. doi:10.1053/j.tcam.2013.03.004

5. Mackie K. Cannabinoid Receptors: Where They are and What They do. J Neuroendocrinol. 2008;20(s1):10-14. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2826.2008.01671.x

6. Maroon J, Bost J. Review of the neurological benefits of phytocannabinoids. Surg Neurol Int. 2018;9. doi:10.4103/sni.sni_45_18

7. Levinsohn EA, Hill KP. Clinical uses of cannabis and cannabinoids in the United States. J Neurol Sci. 2020;411:116717. doi:10.1016/j.jns.2020.116717

References

8. Mechanisms of CB1 receptor signaling: endocannabinoid modulation of synaptic strength | International Journal of Obesity. Accessed June 5, 2020. https://www.nature.com/articles/0803273

9. Commissioner O of the. FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including Cannabidiol (CBD). FDA. Published online March 10, 2020. Accessed June 4, 2020. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd

10. Commissioner O of the. FDA Warns Companies Illegally Selling CBD Products to Treat Medical Conditions, Opioid Addiction. FDA. Published April 26, 2020. Accessed June 6, 2020. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-warns-companies-illegally-selling-cbd-products-treat-medical-conditions-opioid-addiction

11. How CBD pet product brands avoid federal warnings. Accessed June 12, 2020. https://www.petfoodindustry.com/articles/8793-how-cbd-pet-product-brands-avoid-federal-warnings

12. Drug Scheduling. Accessed June 6, 2020. https://www.dea.gov/drug- scheduling

13. AVMA weighs in at cannabis hearing. American Veterinary Medical Association. Accessed June 17, 2020. https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2019-08-15/avma-weighs-cannabis-hearing

14. FAQs. NASC LIVE. Accessed June 13, 2020. https://nasc.cc/faqs/

15. Resnik DB. Beyond post-marketing research and MedWatch: Long-term studies of drug risks. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2007;1:1-5.

16. Deabold KA, Schwark WS, Wolf L, Wakshlag JJ. Single-Dose Pharmacokinetics and Preliminary Safety Assessment with Use of CBD-Rich Hemp Nutraceutical in Healthy Dogs and Cats. Animals. 2019;9(10):832. doi:10.3390/ani9100832

17. McGrath S, Bartner LR, Rao S, Kogan LR, Hellyer PW. A Report of Adverse Effects Associated With the Administration of Cannabidiol in Healthy Dogs. :5.

18. Commissioner O of the. What You Need to Know (And What We’re Working to Find Out) About Products Containing Cannabis or Cannabis-derived Compounds, Including CBD. FDA. Published online March 3, 2020. Accessed June 12, 2020. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-you-need-know-and-what-were-working-find-out-about-products-containing-cannabis-or-cannabis

19. Wakshlag JJ, Cital S, Eaton SJ, Prussin R, Hudalla C. Cannabinoid, Terpene, and Heavy Metal Analysis of 29 Over-the-Counter Commercial Veterinary Hemp Supplements. Vet Med Res Rep. 2020;11:45-55. doi:10.2147/VMRR.S248712