Dog Degenerative Myelopathy Diet

Submitted by Idle Chef

"We found this recipe and thought putting it on recipezaar would help us and others make this in batches. We have a boxer with DM she is doing well and we want to do everything we can to give her a full life. The basic diet and its components have been checked for balance. In addition to the basic components, we are adding vitamins, minerals and natural herb supplements for which no specific requirement is known or at levels which are to provide a specific pharmacologic effect. Again, we recommend those compounds which scientific evidence supports their efficacy. Used according to the following formula, the diet and compounds should not do any harm and have the potential to do good. By cooking for your dog, you can select healthy products which do not have preservatives and additives which might be harmful. In addition, you have the option to use organically grown foods. If the dietary approach is successful, DM patients may not need to use other medications to prevent further deterioration. It is also possible that this diet might prevent the development of DM in dogs who are presently healthy. These hypotheses will be evident in the future, if they remain true. (based upon 1 serving size for 30-50 pounds body weight) This diet (1 serving for 30-50 pounds body weight) provides approximately 1160-1460 calories per serving. You can substitute poultry meats, beef and lamb for the pork chop. This will alter the composition slightly, mainly by added additional fat. The weight of meat is based upon boneless weight. Most of the items can be prepared in a microwave. Based upon your dogs body weight, you will need to make more or less. For example, if your dog weighs 80 pounds, multiply all the ingredients by 1.5 (can be as high as 2.5 times, though), keeping their relative proportions. This is a starting point. You can also make this portion of the diet in advance, aliquot it into appropriate quantities and freeze it for later use. Just before feeding time, remove the diet from the freezer and thaw in hot (or boiling) water or microwave to defrost. Using the above diet, approximately 1 serving equals 1 can of commercial dog food. The exact requirements for your dog can be approximated by substituting the diet on that basis. You should weigh your dog each week, if losing weight, increase the amount of the diet given. If gaining weight, cut back on the amount given. Eventually, the correct amount will be clear. The reason why the amount has such a broad range in that ideas about the daily caloric requirements vary. Since many German Shepherds have sensitive stomachs, it may be wise to phase in the new diet by mixing it with their existing food until they have adapted. Start by mixing the diet with their existing food in equal amounts. After 1 week increase the diet to 75% of their food. After another week, switch completely over to the diet. This diet is balanced and high in most of the vitamins and minerals which your dog will need. Any shortcomings will be corrected with the supplements given below as part of the treatment. Taken from the website of R.M. Clemmons, DVM, PhD website: http://neuro.vetmed.ufl.edu/neuro/DM_Web/DMofGS.htm"

 

• Ready In: 1hr
• Ingredients: 13
• Yields: 1 Serving
• Serves: 1

ingredients

• 2 ounces boneless center-cut pork loin chops (boiled, baked or fried in olive oil)
• 4 ounces tofu (soybean curd)
• 8 ounces long grain brown rice (3 oz cooked in 6 oz water)
• 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1⁄4 cup molasses
• 2 fresh carrots (boiled and then cut up)
• 1 cup spinach (cooked)
• 4 tablespoons green bell peppers (chopped and steamed)
• 4 broccoli spears (boiled and then cut up)

• optional

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger, dry
• 2 minced fresh garlic cloves
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon bone meal

directions

1. Combine the above ingredients for one serving size.

Reviews

[epida]

I saw this recipe by the doctor elsewhere. I looked up foods that decrease inflammation and decided I will be feeding my dog salmon, spinach and blueberries as a treat. I am curious if anyone has had any positive results from diet alone in treating degenerative myelopathy in dogs.

 

[mail9100]

It is unfortunate that the first reviewer rated this recipe a single star. I don't know of it was out of spite or what, but the recipe is typical of what is currently recommended by veterinary specialists studying degenerative myelopathy. It is significantly better for a DM patient than commercial dog foods and some ingredients (once broken down) have been clinically proven in studies to slow the progession of the disease.

 

[pawprintbx]

Caution: While dogs with DM may show a marked improvement in energy and perhaps a slowly of their symptoms, Clemmons protocals will neither halt the progression nor cure an affected dog. Dr Clemmons has more recently been experimenting to stem cells in treating severeal test subjects towards a cure for DM. He has never made any claims of being to completely halt or prevent DM. Though of course these are his ultimate goals. While perhaps well meaning, I caution against making such speculative conclusions such as stating this recipe will someday prove to cure DM or even prevent it. It simply is not true. For the record, I did have a Boxer with DM as well. I followed Clemmons protocals completely for almost a year. I am speaking from experience.