GAPS DIET FOR DOGS-Steps 4-6 by Dr Elaine Cebuliak

In last months article you learned about steps 1-3 for the Gaps Diet for dogs. This month we look at steps 4-6 of this diet.

Step 4: Plant-based oils

The diet so far has included fats from animal sources. Now, try adding some plant-based fats and oils. Begin with extra-virgin, cold-pressed olive oil, a few drops a day in the stew. Increase gradually to 1 – 3 teaspoons daily.

If this goes well, try coconut oil instead of olive oil. Coconut oil has anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. It is generally well-tolerated, but because of its antimicrobial properties it may stimulate a “die-off” reaction of pathogens in the body. If you see any negative effects, stop the coconut oil for a few days and try to start again at a smaller amount.

Step 5: Dairy

Dairy products must have been eliminated for at least 6 weeks, either prior to beginning the Healing Diet or while following the Healing Diet. Now, try to add fermented or cultured dairy products. Fermented dairy products include yoghurt, kefir, and soured cream (crème fraiche). Optimally, this is home-made from raw organic milk.

*If a known allergy to cow’s milk exists, try cultured goat milk instead. If even goat milk has caused serious allergy reactions, skip this step altogether.

Start with ½ teaspoon per day. If no adverse reactions, gradually increase to 2 – 4 tablespoons daily. As cultured dairy products contain more probiotic bacteria, there may be another “die-off” reaction. If so, stop the dairy for a few days to a week, and try starting again at the ½ teaspoon amount.

Step 6, and beyond: Going Raw

If your dog is now eating and digesting well, feeling great, free of most of his or her allergy symptoms and at a healthy weight, you may wish to try transitioning to a raw food diet. Raw food diets are “species appropriate” for dogs in general, with more enzymes and nutrients than a cooked food diet. However, some dogs cannot transition to raw because of long-term illnesses that have changed their ability to digest and metabolize raw foods. Keep this in mind, if you decide to try raw feeding. And remember to take each new addition slowly, in small amounts!

Cook the meat less and less. Continue adding some home-made broth every day, though.

Try some raw vegetables, finely ground or grated. Carrots peeled and seeded cucumbers, and broccoli stems are some good first raw veggies.
Apple, either cooked or pureed raw, may be tried. Papaya has great enzymes. Blueberries and fresh cranberries have antioxidants and cleansing properties.
So far, so good? Great! Now give your dog a raw chicken wing. Watch with pride as your little domestic dog transforms into a great wild wolf before your eyes.

When your dog is ready for a raw whole-foods diet, please read “Switching to Raw”, a guidebook available online at www.switchingtoraw.com. Or you may try a pre-made raw frozen or dehydrated pre-mix diet that is commercially available, for convenience.

The Rules

Dogs who have been ill for several years, with intractable allergies, digestive disorders, hormone imbalances and other chronic illnesses, will take many months to heal using the Healing Diet. Without it, though, they may never get well.
There may be ups and downs with the diet, especially as new foods are tried. Most reactions represent adaptations in the gut flora, with die-off reactions lasting 1 day to 2 weeks. During these times, go back to Step 1 or 2 of the Healing Diet, decrease the amount of probiotics or probiotic food, increase outdoor exercise and playtime or provide more rest time. Grains are not allowed, in any form. No processed treats, no flours, no rice. Maybe later (maybe not), but certainly not during the healing phase.

Probiotics are needed to help restore a healthy intestinal flora balance. Many chronic allergy sufferers have had antibiotics, antifungals and anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed, which destroys this healthy flora. Most of the immune system is located in the intestinal tract, with many species of good bacteria acting as the “first responders” to invading pathogenic bacteria, viruses and fungi. Probiotic foods- include: lacto-fermented vegetables and cultured milk products. In addition, probiotic supplements may be prescribed. Choose a multiple-strain product with a guaranteed live CFU of 8 billion cells per dose. Start with a very small amount and increase gradually over days to weeks depending on sensitivity and tolerance to die-off reactions. Sacchromyces boulardii or cerevisiae, a beneficial yeast, may also help with carbohydrate digestion. We stock and carry some great probiotics; these must be used as per instructions. You can also make your own with sauerkraut, kefir, yoghurt, cheeses etc.

Digestive enzymes and adequate stomach acids are needed for complete digestive health. In some cases, supplementing these enzymes and acids is beneficial until a varied and perhaps raw diet can be implemented. Enzymes are substances that end in “–ase” (lipase, protease, cellulase, amylase, etc.) and “-ain” (papain, bromelain). Stomach acids include betaine hydrochloride and pepsin. Giving supplemental betaine HCl, pepsin and enzymes can make a huge difference in digestion. Raw sauerkraut juice helps stimulate the stomach’s own production of these factors and can heal stomach ulcers caused by poor digestion.

NO MORE VACCINATIONS unless approved by OUR VETS and administered with concurrent homeopathic and/or NUTRITIONAL support.. There are other options, and I will provide medical exemptions from vaccination when needed.

Change your home environment to be chemical-free. Use essential oil-based cleaning products, and fragrance- and dye-free detergents.

To book an appointment with Dr Elaine and her team please visit: www.animalwellness.com.au