Loading... Please wait...

Blog ~ A Few Words from Dr. Goodpet - goodpet

Posted by

There may still be debate in some circles as to whether dogs are carnivores or omnivores, but science has made it clear that canines prefer meat for primary fuel, even though they “may” be able to tolerate some vegetable foods to a degree.

The key word here is “tolerate.” It is also well established that cats are obligate carnivores and do not have the biological capacity to derive nutrition from plant foods – although it may be hard to tell considering the way some kitties devour grain-laden kibble.

Just like us, our pets become addicted to flavor and taste as opposed to nutrient content, often ignoring the food their bodies so desperately need, opting instead for what satisfies their taste buds. It’s essentially the same as when we choose sugar and fat-filled fast food instead of a clean, home-cooked meal we know will nourish us far better. The difference is, we have control over our impulses and can make calculated decisions while our pets don’t, they follow our lead .

Another very important difference between us and our beloved animals is digestion, more specifically the digestive enzyme Amylase which is produced in saliva and helps break down carbohydrates long before they reach the stomach. The production of Amylase is significant in that without it, most plant foods move through the body completely undigested, which is the case when cats eat grains since they do not produce the enzyme whatsoever. Dogs, on the other hand, do produce some Amylase enzyme however it is not present in the saliva but introduced later on in the digestive process through the pancreas and small intestine. This biological distinction between canines and felines provides us with much needed insight into the importance of diet and supplementation and the health of our pets.

For cat owners who incorporate grains in their cat’s diet a quality Amylase-containing enzyme product is absolutely critical to sustain any form of digestive health . In the same respect, dog owners who feed using more than 15-20% grains should also seriously consider an  amylase-containing product, this will relieve a ton of pressure on their pancreas and small intestine to produce enough Amylase for carb overload. That being said, science supports a diet of 100% meat for cats and 85% or greater meat for dogs (preferably raw and organic) to achieve optimal health and nutritionHigh quality digestive enzymes for dogs and digestive enzymes for cats tailored specifically to their respective systems is critical for long lasting health and longevity

View Comments


Pure Organic Coconut Oil is AMAZING for Your Pets

The secret weapon that can vastly improve your pet’s quality of life may be sitting right under your nose!Great for pets and pet owners alike, coconut oil isn’t just a useful and tasty ingredient, but so much more. Whether taken internally or applied directly to skin or fur it’s been found to contain incredible health properties.When taken internally, coconut oil [...]

Read More »


4 Healthy Cooking Herbs Your Dog Might Love!

All four of these common non-toxic herbs are staples in many of your favorite recipes, and they may end up being favorites of your canine companion as well. With powerful cancer-fighting and anti-aging properties, it couldn’t hurt to give um’ a try! Basil – the backbone of any pesto sauce as well as many other Italian dishes, leafy basil is loaded [...]

Read More »


9 Telltale Signs Your Cat May Be Depressed

This is a tricky subject, mainly because every furry little feline has their own unique set of characteristics that make them who they are. Some cats naturally love to communicate verbally while others seldom make a sound. Some cats are hyper-inquisitive while others are simply less interested and would rather enjoy their own company. The key to pinpointing depression [...]

Read More »


5 Tips to Protect Your Dog from the Dangers of Heat Stroke

As the seasons change and we move further away from the cold of winter, the heat of our powerful Sun begins to shine through. Of course, sunny days are more than welcomed, giving us humans and animals alike the opportunity to soak up sufficient vitamin D, which is so important to our health. We must remember however, as with [...]

Read More »


Go Gluten-Free - Your Dog Will Thank You!

In recent years, veterinarians and experts in canine nutrition have come to realize the potential health benefits of including the right whole grains in your dog’s diet. Just like humans, dogs can be sensitive to gluten – a protein contained in wheat – and it may be wreaking havoc in their digestion, preventing proper nutrient absorption. If you suspect [...]

Read More »


More Rain Poses Huge Health Risk to Dogs

The arrival of increased precipitation means both positive and negative side effects. More rainfall means help filling up reservoirs and a whole lot more green. However, more serious consequences like flooding and mudslides undoubtedly come with it. That being said, there’s maybe one major health risk that's right under your nose that you MUST be aware of and it's not [...]

Read More »


Heal Your Dog's Hot Spots and Prevent Them from Ever Coming Back

What are hot spots? Referred to in the veterinary world as acute moist dermatitis, hot spots are basically inflamed, irritated lesions on your dog’s body, often growing on the chest and hips. Because dogs love to relentlessly chew, scratch and lick the affected areas, hot spots tend to grow fast and are slow to heal, and can become quite painful. [...]

Read More »


Discover How Growing Up with a Pet is Extremely Healthy for Children

You may be a cat person, or more of a dog person, but regardless of which you prefer, you should definitely be a pet person! Not only is it a joy to raise a cute little puppy or kitten, watching them grow and learn, there are also several other benefits to consider.  For instance, recent science suggests that babies who [...]

Read More »