The Management of Canine Epilepsy
The Role of a Natural Healthy Diet in the Management of
Canine Epilepsy
By Chris Alderson, Kathy Herman and Marion Mitchell
*Revised by Chris Alderson
For dogs with seizure disorders, pedigree, environment and
other health conditions are generally the first things taken into consideration
when searching for a diagnosis, but rarely is diet examined for a possible link
to the seizures. However, as in humans, nutritional deficiencies can cause
symptoms that include seizures or that can aggravate the seizures of a dog
diagnosed with epilepsy.
It is becoming increasingly clear to many owners of seizing dogs and some vets
that diet plays a vital role in the management and control of canine epilepsy.
Correcting nutritional deficiencies can help reduce or control seizures in
epileptic dogs, and in some cases, may eliminate seizures in dogs completely.
Improving the dog's diet in an effort to correct nutritional deficiencies can be
achieved through a number of avenues.
(1) Changing from a supermarket commercial diet, to a superior grade commercial
diet with premium ingredients, including superior sources of protein and free
from artificial preservatives and additives ( including chemical preservatives
BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin and propylene glycol which is sometimes added to keep
"chewy " foods moist) artificial colors and flavors and sweeteners ( added to
make poor quality dog food more appealing to dogs).
(2) Feeding a home cooked diet including added vitamins/minerals/nutritional
supplements.
(3) Feeding a raw diet commonly known as "BARF" an acronym for "Biologically
Appropriate Raw Food" or "Bones And Raw Food" including added
vitamins/minerals/nutritional supplements.All of the above-mentioned diet
improvements can benefit your dog's overall health. In this article, we cannot
begin to address all of the advantages and issues related to changing diets and
the differences between diets. Any improvement is sure to benefit your dog and
his health. This article will focus specifically on how raw food diets can
benefit dogs with seizure disorders.
In the information that follows, we will address some general topics. There is much more to learn on the subject. Consider joining an online list that addresses canine nutrition, such as K9Nutrition or other diet lists. Some links are included at the end of this article that will start you on your way to understanding canine nutrition,and PLEASE do not consider changing your dog's diet without first understanding what a canine's diet should and should not include. For dogs on anti-epilepsy drugs (AEDs) diet changes MUST be discussed with your vet. Diet, drugs, canine metabolism and the potential interactions must all be understood before changing anything in your epi-dog's regimen.
Nutritional Deficiencies and Seizures:
There are a number of specific nutritional deficiencies in both humans and canines that are known to cause or aggravate seizures, including vitamin deficiencies, mineral deficiencies and amino acid deficiencies. While commercial dog foods are promoted as being nutritional and well-balanced, the fact is, that the process of producing these foods actually destroys the vitamins,minerals and amino acids in the food that are essential to good health.
Protein and Amino Acids:
The foundation of raw diets for canines is that dogs are carnivores that require
quality sources of protein in order to live a long and healthy life. Perhaps the
greatest advantage of a raw food diet, is the supply of quality, unaltered
protein sources that the diet provides.When your dog does not get enough animal
protein/amino acids as part of his diet, or there is an imbalance of nutrients,
a variety of health consequences can occur,epilepsy and seizure disorders are
among these.
Why is protein important? In very simple terms, the body
requires protein to survive. Proteins consumed in the diet are broken down into
separate amino acids in the digestive tract by the action of enzymes. These
amino acids are then reconstructed in the liver into the proteins that the body
needs. Amino acids are the building blocks of life, but the right amino acids
must be consumed in order for the required proteins to be reconstructed.
There are 9-12 essential amino acids that are essential to life and can only be
obtained through what the dog eats. Non-essential amino acids are also vital for
life, but are called 'non-essential' because the canine's body can manufacture
them, IF, adequate sources of the essential amino acids are included in the
diet.
The following websites provide additional information on amino acids and what
they do:
http://www.findarticles.com/g2603/0001/2603000153/p1/article.jhtml
http://www.speedyvet.com/nutrition/default.asp?module=1&page=protein
http://web.indstate.edu/thcme/mwking/amino-acid-metabolism.html
http://www.realtime.net/anr/aminoacd.html
Dietary sources of high quality animal proteins in the least processed forms provide the optimum amino acid profile for the canine. Commercial diets are generally measured by the quantity (percentage) of protein in the food. While protein content is important, the source of the protein is of greater importance. In a commercial dog food, protein is provided by combining animal sources (such as meat, by-products, chicken, cheese, milk, fish, turkey or lamb) and grain sources (such as corn, wheat, rice and soy). The sum of these proteins appears on dog food packages as crude protein. Many amino acids are available only from animal protein sources, and if plant/vegetable/cereal/grain are the main protein sources, a dog may develop an animal protein deficiency. (When the package lists these protein sources first in the ingredient list or these sources dominate the first five items in the ingredient list, the food is most definitely deficient in animal protein.) When heated, proteins are partially destroyed - all dry and canned commercial dog food is heated in the manufacturing process - so commercial food contains protein that is somewhat deficient or destroyed through heating. This protein deficiency in turn, results in deficiencies of amino acids - the building blocks the body requires to reconstruct proteins essential for health, including a healthy nervous system. In dogs with seizure disorders, deficiencies of proteins and amino acids are a notable concern.
"Diets deficient in amino acids -- chemicals that make up proteins -- can significantly increase susceptibility to epileptic seizures in rats", according to a study by researchers at the University of California, Davis. Taurine is one of the amino acids that plays a critical role in the function of the nervous system. Deficiencies of this amino acid are widely recognized as a cause of seizures in humans, felines and canines. Taurine is one of the non-essential amino acids - one that a canine can only produce if supplied adequate sources of animal protein containing the essential amino acids. In addition to specific benefits for the brain (protective effects, calming effect on nervous system) taurine also affects blood sugar levels (also implicated in seizures), assists in the body's proper use of sodium, calcium and magnesium (deficiencies of which are all implicated in seizures), and the relation of taurine deficiency to zinc deficiency (also a known cause of seizures) among other things. Clearly, this amino acid is particularly important for dogs with seizure disorders.
In Wendy Volhard's book "Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog"
the section on taurine includes this note regarding the amino acid: It is an
"anti-convulsant, successfully used in treating epilepsy", and it "controls
brain and nervous system neurons".The Strombeck book on homemade diets states
that the "body uses amino acids to make chemicals that serve as regulators of
neurologic function."Prescription for Nutritional Healing", (Balch and Balch),
says: "Taurine has a protective effect on the brain, particularly when the brain
is dehydrated. It is used to treat anxiety, epilepsy, hyperactivity, poor brain
function, and seizures. It may be that a deficiency of taurine in the developing
brain is involved in epileptic attacks." The amino acid taurine seems to inhibit
and modulate various neurotransmitters and depress the central nervous system.
This action is thought to benefit epileptics, and is recommended by naturopathic
healers. Its apparent role is normalizing the balance of other amino acids,
which in epilepsy are thoroughly disordered. In epilepsy, serum levels of over
half the amino acids are lowered, while the serum level of taurine is high and
the cerebro-spinal fluid level of taurine is low. Taurine is produced from
methionine and cysteine if the body is metabolizing these normally." (http://3service.freeservers.com/E18.html)
Carnitine is another non-essential amino acid whose deficiency is associated
with epilepsy. Many other amino acids are associated with seizure disorders.
Amino acids operate in conjunction with each other, and with vitamins and
minerals to ensure the body is supplied with the nutrients required for health.
Enzymes:
Enzymes are catalysts that accelerate the biochemical reactions in the body.
They are involved in almost all body functions including the building and the
functioning of the brain and nervous system. There are two main groups of
enzymes: metabolic and digestive.
Metabolic enzymes are the catalysts of the
biochemical reactions within the cells themselves and are responsible for the
proper functioning of all of the body's organs and tissues. Metabolic enzymes
also assist in building the body using proteins, carbohydrates and fats. They
are important in the construction of new tissues and cells including those of
the nervous system.
Digestive enzymes assist in the breakdown of food,
enabling nutrients to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Enzymes are found both
in raw and unprocessed foods and in the body itself. Heat kills enzymes and
force the body to provide all of the enzymes required to digest the food. There
are three categories of digestive enzymes: amylase, protease and lipase. Amylase
breaks down carbohydrates, protease helps to digest protein and lipase aids in
the digestion of fats.
When cooked/processed foods are consumed, the stomach
recognizes that there are no enzymes in the cooked food and not enough enzymes
in the stomach to break the food down. In order to attempt to digest the food,
the stomach sends out messages to the brain that stimulates it to 'send' enzymes
from other parts of the body to assist in digestion. Enzymes are gathered (or
'robbed') from the heart, the liver, the kidneys and other parts of the body and
transported to the stomach. During this process, the food sits in the stomach
undigested and the various organs are 'robbed' of their enzymes in order to
accomplish digestion.This process is called 'enzyme robbing' because it steals
the enzymes from other body organs, enzymes that those organs require to
function correctly. Over time, depletion of enzymes can cause dysfunction and
disease in the organs from which the enzymes were robbed.The 'enzyme robbing'
process does not happen when you feed raw foods. The raw foods contain their own
enzymes and eliminates the need for the stomach to 'borrow' or 'rob' enzymes
from other body organs to accomplish digestion. A canine diet rich in raw animal
and plant material provides a rich source of supplemental enzymes necessary for
the continuing good health of our pets.
Vitamins:
Vitamins act as catalysts to release the nutrients in the food the dog consumes.
Vitamins found in raw foods are almost entirely destroyed by the heat used in
the manufacturing of commercial foods - a fact that the manufacturers
acknowledge, but cannot overcome. They must use heat to produce the food, and
heat kills vitamins. Vitamins exist in two basic forms water soluble and fat
soluble. Vitamin B and Vitamin C are water-soluble and any excess is filtered
out of the body within four to eight hours. Because of this, Vitamin B and
Vitamin C should be consumed at each meal. In simple terms, Vitamin B and
Vitamin C cannot be 'overdosed'. Vitamin A, D, E and K are fat-soluble and
stored in the body if excesses are consumed. As with humans, canines have
vitamin requirements in order to sustain life and good health. The lack of the
required vitamins leads to disease and dysfunction. There are various vitamin
deficiencies that are specifically linked to seizures in humans and canines.
Vitamin B:
Vitamin B (made up of a number of individual parts and commonly called B
Complex), is fragile, water-soluble vitamins that are required for a number of
critical body functions including assimilating fat and protein, promoting
various biochemical reactions, building antibodies, red blood cell formation and
more. Bs are crucial for neural function. Specifically, deficiency of Vitamin
B6, B12 and Folic Acid are implicated in seizures. The individual parts of
Vitamin B are synergistic with each other and with other vitamins and should be
supplied in B Complex form in order to avoid any imbalance. Holistic
veterinarians Drs. Wendell Belfield and Martin Zucker stated that "It has long
been known that a deficiency of vitamin B6 or any interference with its function
can cause seizures in any mammalian species, including man and dog". Deficiency
of Vitamin B is widely identified as a cause for for seizures in humans and
canines alike. Because these vitamins are fragile and easily destroyed by
cooking, commercial diets are lacking in Vitamin B. Raw diets provide Vitamin B
in unaltered form, but many raw feeders, and care givers for dogs with seizure
disorders add additional Vitamin Bs in supplement form to their dogs' diets.
Vitamin B is an extremely important element in an epileptic dog's diet. Vitamin
B Complex supplement is crucial if you are feeding a commercial diet and is also
supplemented with homemade cooked or raw diets. Remember, adequate levels of B
vitamins are critical to your epi-dogs health, and because Bs are water-soluble,
you cannot overdose your dog with this vitamin.
Vitamin C:
Vitamin C is a synergistic vitamin that works in conjunction with all other
vitamins and minerals that your dog's body needs for good health. Vitamin C
protects against allergies and viral diseases and is an antioxidant that
protects the body against damaging elements. Vitamin C also helps counteract
side effects from various drugs. It is a water-soluble vitamin and though there
is no direct link between C deficiency and seizures, C works so closely with
every other vitamin and mineral that without adequate Vitamin C, other vitamin
or mineral deficiencies could occur.
Vitamin E:
Vitamin E functions primarily as an antioxidant in protecting against damage to
the cell membranes. Without Vitamin E, the cells of the body would be quite
susceptible to damage, nerve cells in particular. Vitamin E interacts
extensively with other antioxidant nutrients, especially Vitamin C and the
mineral Selenium. Free radicals (unstable molecules) can be produced by exposure
to some chemicals and by head trauma, and these can of course, cause seizures.
And, seizures themselves generate more free radicals. These factors combined can
possibly set up a cycle that leads to frequent seizures. As an antioxidant,
Vitamin E is a scavenger of free radicals that help save cell membranes from
harm. Additionally, in human patients, treatment with anticonvulsive drugs is
associated with reduced Vitamin E levels. It is believed the Vitamin E
deficiency can worsen seizure activity. Vitamin E may be effective in reducing
seizure frequency because it helps to compensate for a drug-induced vitamin
deficiency. Findings from some current studies in human epileptics indicate that
adding Vitamin E to the diet of epileptics on AEDs may further reduce seizure
frequency.
Vitamins A and D:
Careful regulation of calcium levels is vital for normal nerve impulse
transmission. Vitamin D plays a role in the functioning of healthy nerves by
regulating the level of calcium in the blood. Adequate Vitamin A is also
required for proper nerve function.
Minerals:
Though canines can make a limited amount of some vitamins in their bodies,
minerals cannot be made in the body and must be obtained through dietary
sources. Since 50% to 80% of minerals are lost in the manufacturing process of
commercial foods, dietary mineral deficiencies can result and related health
consequences may arise. As with vitamins, there are a number of mineral
deficiencies that are recognized to cause or aggravate seizures in humans and
dogs. Minerals are synergistic with each other and with some vitamins and
enzymes - that is, these all work together and depend upon each other to ensure
good health.The minerals perform a wide range of function, including the
promotion of a healthy nervous system.
Trace mineral deficiencies can result from: a lack of minerals in the foods used
in the diet; destruction of minerals in the foods being fed due to food
processing/heating/refining; lack of synergistic vitamins/minerals/enzymes in
the body, or; malabsorption syndromes.Mineral deficiencies known to cause
seizures include: Magnesium, Manganese, Selenium, Calcium and Zinc. Using
mineral supplements is a 'tricky business' and must be done with the guidance of
a veterinarian or a canine nutritionist in order to correct deficiencies without
creating dangerous imbalances. Unlike commercial or cooked diets, a
well-balanced raw food diet allows the vitamins, minerals and enzymes in the
foods to remain intact and available to 'do their job' in the dog's body.
Magnesium: Magnesium tops the list of mineral
deficiencies that are linked to seizures. It works with Vitamin C, D, B6,
Calcium, Phosphorus and Protein and assists with the absorption of Vitamin C and
Calcium. It is important for nerve function and required for sodium and
potassium transport. Magnesium is a mineral found in specific fruits, vegetables
and essential fatty acids and cannot be adequately obtained through processed
foods. Holistic veterinarian Roger DeHaan, DVM states that some forms of
epilepsy respond to supplementation of Vitamin B6, Magnesium, and Manganese.
Manganese: Manganese is a co-factor in many enzymes systems and involved
with many body functions, including maintenance of the nervous system. Manganese
deficiency is suspected to play a role in epilepsy in humans. Processed and
refined foods are deficient in manganese.
Selenium: Selenium plays a special role in the brain. At least one human
study in epileptic children suggests that "Selenium depletion in the brain
amongst patients with epilepsy constitutes an important triggering factor for
the origin of intractable seizures and subsequent neuronal damage." Selenium
deficiency is also linked to hypothyroidism.
Calcium: Hypocalcemia (low Calcium) can cause seizures because it can effect the
nervous and neuromuscular systems. Calcium is essential for nerve impulse
conduction. It plays a role in the release of neurotransmitters and activates
some enzymes which generate neurotransmitters.
Zinc: Zinc is necessary for the production of brain neurotransmitters. Dr.
Pitcairn recommends zinc supplements (in addition to others) for epileptic dogs.
"Results of the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey,
published in 1995, suggest that Zinc intakes are declining. This is likely to be
due to lower meat and higher cereal consumption, food processing methods which
reduce Zinc content of food and lower soil concentrations of Zinc."
Different Dogs Different Needs:
Raw food diets offer the most bioavailable forms of
protein and amino acids, enzymes vitamins and minerals that you can feed your
dog. All of these dietary elements are synergistic with each other and important
to the good health of our dogs.For dogs with seizure disorders, a quality diet
supplying the finest quality and most bioavailable sources of the nutrients
required for proper functioning of the nervous system will go a long way towards
controlling or eliminating seizures. Just as all commercial diets are not
created equal, all homemade diets (raw or cooked) are not created equal. An
ill-planned and ill-prepared homemade diet can create as many health problems as
a poor commercial diet can. The advantages offered by a raw diet can only be
gained if the diet is well-balanced to the needs of the individual dog. Older
dogs, working dogs, pregnant dogs, particular breeds and dogs with certain
health conditions or diseases require diet tailoring. Understanding your dog's
individual needs is crucial in creating a diet that will yield positive health
results. This is especially important for dogs with seizure disorders.
The Possible Connection between Grains and Seizures:
1. The vitamins and minerals in
grains have low bioavailability to the digestive tract. (Simply, grains offer
little to no nutritional value to a
canine diet).
2. Grains contain components considered
"anti-nutrients" that can cause negative biological consequences (including
autoimmune problems, allergies, digestive, gallbladder and liver
problems all of which can cause seizures). Certain auto-immune diseases (e.g.
insulin dependent diabetes mellitus IDDM) increases in animal models
when they are fed high cereal grain diets.
3. Grains have high phytate content which impairs
mineral absorption (particularly relevent since magnesium, zinc, calcium and
other mineral deficiencies are linked to seizures).
4. For canines, it is well documented that three of
the most common food allergens are wheat, corn and soy, primary ingredients in
many commercial dog foods. (Allergies are a cause of some seizures.)
5. In human epileptics, it is believed that the grains
high in gluten content (like wheat, rye, oats) stimulate opiod receptors in the
brain, making them more susceptible to seizures. Although grains
further "removed" from wheat (like corn and rice) are allowed in gluten free
diets, the other issues listed here concerning grains in the diet would
still exist.
6. Complex carbohydrates found in grains quickly turn
to sugar in the body. (Since a dog's metabolism is considerably faster than
ours, this might in turn mean that a quicker crash from a sugar "high"
would occur. Hypoglycemia is another cause of some seizures.)
7. Unsupplemented canine diets of commercial foods
high in cereal (grains) and vegetable proteins are likely to be deficient in
amino acids. Taurine is the building block of all of the amino acids.
(Deficiencies in taurine are linked to seizures and epilepsy.) Cereal grains
are also low in Essential Fatty Acids, important for neurological
function.
If you are really interested in learning about potential problems of feeding
grains, please do some reading and research. The first link below is a GREAT
overview of the potential problems grains can present in human diets - think
'canine' too when you read it. Remember that if this information applies to
humans, who are more adapted to grains in their diet, how much more could it
apply to our canines, who are not adapted to processed grains in their diets?
And please keep in mind, that not all grains are created equal. We need to
understand the difference in whole and sprouted grains vs. processed grains, the
various gluten levels in grains, etc. and how all of these factor in to
digestion and potential health problems (for humans and canines).
http://www.mercola.com/1999/aug/8/truth_about_eating_grains.htm
"Beyond this, many neurological complications may be associated with immune
reactivity to antigens found in cereal grains. It is suspected that autoimmune
processes are involved."
Here are a few good links specific to the grains and canine diets:
http://www.barfworld.com/html/learn_more/nograin.shtml
http://members.aol.com/addieloo/
http://www.b-naturals.com/spr99.htm
http://www3.sk.sympatico.ca/riverien/nutrigrains.htm
Recommended Reading:
Before you change your dog's diet, it is important to do
some research and reading - to understand the basic nutritional needs of a dog
and learn the particular requirements of a dog with seizure disorders. This is
particularly important if your dog is on AEDs. Any diet change can impact the
dog's metabolism and how he metabolizes his AEDs. Consult with your vet before
you change anything in your epi-dog's regimen.
We recommend you join one of the online canine nutrition lists, raw diet lists
or breed specific diet lists to learn more. A number of books are also good
sources to learn about natural diets for dogs, including:
Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats: The Ultimate Diet by Kymythy Schultze
Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog by Wendy Volhard and Kerry Brown, D.V.M.
The BARF Diet by Ian Billinghurst, D.V.M.
Give Your Dog A Bone by Ian Billinghurst, D.V.M.
Grow Your Pup With Bones by Ian Billinghurst, D.V.M.
Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide To Natural Health for Dogs & Cats by Dr. Richard
Pitcairn, D.V.M.
Earl Mindell's Nutrition and Health for Dogs by Dr. Earl Mindell
Links to Diet Email Lists:
K9Nutrition list
Subscribe from:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/K9Nutrition
Search for other BARF diet lists by going to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/ and SEARCH for:
BARF There are currently 178 lists for BARF newbies, breed specific, health
condition specific and regional lists to choose from. or click on this link for
a list of lists:
http://groups.yahoo.com/search?query=barf
Raw Recruits
http://freespace.virgin.net/maralyn.olsen/
Barf Basics
http://www3.sk.sympatico.ca/riverien/nutritogether.htm
Other Links:
Amino Acids and Protein
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/1996-07/UoCD-DDIS-110796.php
http://www.findarticles.com/g2603/0001/2603000153/p1/article.jhtml
http://www.speedyvet.com/nutrition/default.asp?module=1&page=protein
http://web.indstate.edu/thcme/mwking/amino-acid-metabolism.html
http://www.realtime.net/anr/aminoacd.htmlVitamins
http://www.peteducation.com:80/article.cfm?cls=0&cat=1306&articleid=712
http://www.peteducation.com:80/article.cfm?cls=0&cat=1306&articleid=710
http://www.peteducation.com:80/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1662&articleid=714
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/foodnut/09312.html
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/foodnut/09315.html
http://www.b-naturals.com/win99.htm
http://www.peteducation.com/category_summary.cfm?cls=0&cat=1448
http://home.att.net/~hattrick-dals/Diet.html#anchor1383064
http://www.netpets.com/dogs/reference/food/vitamins.html
Minerals
http://www.peteducation.com:80/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1662&articleid=684
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1662&articleid=652
BARF articles and sites:
http://home.att.net/~hattrick-dals/Diet.html#anchor1383064
http://www.barfworld.com
http://www.drianbillinghurst.com/
Sites of Dr. Ian Billinghurst (order books here)
http://www.rawmeatybones.com/
Site of Dr. Tom Lonsdale (order books here)
http://www.rawlearning.com/
A collection of raw feeding information and the home of the raw feeding web ring
http://www.auntjeni.com/barf.htm
Aunt Jeni's BARF pictorial and how to BARF
http://www.switchingtoraw.com/
(site to order 'Switching to Raw' book)
http://www.willowglen.com/barf.htm
BARF!! - Information and sources on raw food diets
Tons of great links
http://www.phdproducts.com/articles.asp#mscellaneous
PHD Products - List of articles - see article by Dr. William Pollack, DVM
entitled 'Epilepsy/Seizures-Causes, Predisposing Factors and Treatment'
http://patmckay.com/Article_1.html
Pat McKay's site - 'Cook is a 4 Letter Word'
http://www.price-pottenger.org/Articles/RawFoods.html
Price-Pottenger Nutrition Foundation - Raw Foods -vs- Cooked Foods
http://www.price-pottenger.org/Articles/PottsCats.html
Price-Pottenger Nutrition Foundation - Pottengers Cats: A study in nutrition
http://www.rawmeatybones.com/Diet.html
Raw Meaty Bones - Dr. Tom Lonsdale's site - Article entitled
'Diet is the Cornerstone of Good Health'
http://www.rawmeatybones.com/Chicken.html
Raw Meaty Bones - Dr. Tom Lonsdale's site - Article entitled 'Chicken Wings'
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Ranch/3340/raw_food.html
'Is Raw Food Safe for Dogs?'
http://www.naturalrearing.com/J_In_Learning/Diet/Food/FreshFood.htm
'A Fresh Food Diet' - artcle by Marina Zacharias on her Natural Rearing site
http://www3.sk.sympatico.ca/riverien/nutritogether.htm
'Canine Nutrition - Putting it all together' - article on Brenda Hagel's site
http://www.bowchow.com/dogfeeding.html
Great site with information on a variety of diets including raw
Dogs who BARF:
http://members.xoom.com/RawSetters
Raw Setters list home page - no, you don't have to join
http://www3.sk.sympatico.ca/riverien/
Riveriene Farms German Shepherd Dogs
http://www.natural-akita.com/naturalcanine/index.html
Sterling Akita's - great articles
http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Loge/4844/rawdiet.html
Tasha's Dog Sports Site - German Shepherd Dogs
http://www.cybermesa.com/~dalcrazy/Diet.html
Emma the epileptic Dalmatian's BARF diet
http://www.biswebdesign.com/ellietannuflyer/barfmenu.htm
Tannu the Siberian Huskie's diet