Pets Health
According to scientific studies and reviews, fasting can also be healthier for canines.
I have always deeply loved animals, but dogs hold a special place in my heart. My connection with them runs so deep that I once wrote a humorous story about an experience with a past-life channeler who claimed I was a dog in a previous life. Sharing that interesting finding with friends gave us all a good laugh.
Over 30 years ago, when I was just beginning to explore intermittent and periodic fasting, a veterinary friend invited me to a Sunday BBQ. As we sat down to eat in his garden, he made an offhand comment: “You’re like my dogs — strong like them too.” At first, I was puzzled, unsure of what he meant.
He was intensely involved in dog racing, something I knew little about then. As a vet, he had an interesting secret — he would withhold food from his dogs for several days to boost their stamina before races. He also believed that fasting can extend the lifespan of dogs as it did in other animals.
While this concept was new, I was already learning about the benefits of periodic fasting for humans through my experimentation and literature reviews. He explained how the fasted dogs would become stronger when fed just a few days before competing.
I found it fascinating, though not entirely surprising, given my knowledge of the biochemical effects of fasting on the human body. However, I realized how little I knew about how this applied to animals.
Then, I remembered a study published in 1977 and read in the 1990s. It was titled “Relationships between fasting and postprandial pancreaticoduodenal pressures, pancreatic secretion, and duodenal volume flow in the dog.”
This study of pancreatic and duodenal pressures in dogs revealed some surprising dynamics after meals. It found that pancreatic pressure during fasting was higher than duodenal pressure, but this was reversed after eating.
This pressure shift could lead to the reflux of duodenal contents into the pancreas, potentially contributing to conditions like pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer.
My social and scientific conversation with my friend deepened my interest, and I started following the literature on this topic. In 2009, I came across another interesting and important paper.
This study on dogs examined how different food types and fasting times before anesthesia affected stomach acidity and volume. Dogs fed certain foods 10 hours before anesthesia had lower stomach acidity, which might reduce the risk of acid reflux during surgery.
Interestingly, canned food given 3 hours before anesthesia did not significantly increase stomach volume, suggesting it might be a safer option for reducing anesthesia-related complications.
Fast-forward another decade. In 2021, a study examined the impact of fasting on dogs undergoing chemotherapy. Dogs that fasted before treatment showed reduced side effects like nausea, fatigue, and loss of appetite.
There was also a significant drop in insulin levels, making fasting a promising way to improve tolerance to chemotherapy. However, other symptoms, like changes in blood glucose and IGF-1 levels, were not significantly affected.
Then a large study in 2022 on companion dogs by the Dog Aging Project explored the link between feeding frequency and various health conditions.
It found that dogs fed once a day were healthier in several areas compared to those fed more frequently. These dogs had better cognitive function and fewer issues related to their digestive, dental, and orthopedic health, as well as kidney and liver function.
The study suggests that less frequent feeding could be beneficial, though more research is needed to confirm these findings.
These studies highlight the growing interest in how feeding and fasting impact dog health, providing insights for dog owners and veterinarians alike. These findings open up exciting possibilities for improving canine care.
From my observations, dogs often seem eager to eat, even when they’ve just had a meal. This could be related to how their hunger and satiety hormones, like leptin, function differently compared to humans.
Leptin plays a key role in regulating appetite by signaling fullness, but in dogs, its effects might not work in the same way. I will explore this further and will share my findings as I learn more.
In my own fasting journey, I have experienced improved digestion and reduced inflammation, and I believe the same principles could apply to our dogs.
Like us, dogs can suffer from gastrointestinal issues, and fasting might be a natural way to support their digestive health, potentially lowering the risk of conditions like postprandial pancreatitis.
Now, I am not advocating that you put your dog on extended fasts — dogs, like humans, need proper nutrition to thrive. However, based on recent research, it might be worth reconsidering how frequently we feed them.
Instead of multiple meals a day, you could explore reducing their feeding to once daily or trying intermittent fasting, always under the guidance of your veterinarian. We know that carnivore animals and humans need fewer frequent meals.
For dogs with specific health conditions or those undergoing treatments like chemotherapy, fasting could offer a more gentle recovery process, helping reduce strain on their bodies.
Having fasted for over three decades, I have seen the positive effects of allowing the body time to rest between meals. I also learned that fasting can change the brain chemistry.
I have documented these benefits in myself, and now, as a dog lover, I am inspired by the growing evidence suggesting fasting might be equally beneficial for our canine companions.
Remarkable Health Benefits of Long-Term Fasting
Here’s why I fast for ten days at the end of each year.medium.com
Like us, dogs are resilient and adaptable, and giving them time between meals could be a simple key to a longer, healthier life.
Of course, it is vital to consult your vet before making significant changes to your dog’s diet, but don’t shy away from exploring the potential that fasting holds. Our beloved pets deserve the best care, and fasting might be one way to support their well-being.
Before making any dietary changes, always consult with your vet to ensure the plan is safe and suitable for your dog’s individual needs. Like humans, dogs are also unique.
Pay attention to how your dog reacts — keep an eye on their energy levels, behavior, and overall health as you introduce intermittent fasting.
Begin with shorter fasting periods and slowly increase the duration as your dog adjusts. Not all dogs are ideal candidates for fasting. Some breeds or dogs with specific health conditions may not tolerate it well.
Hydration is critical. So, always ensure your dog has plenty of fresh water available, especially during fasting periods.
By working closely with your vet and observing their behavior, you can safely explore the potential benefits of intermittent fasting for your dog’s health.
Here is a story that might change your perspectives on fasting.
The True Science Behind the Health Benefits of Time-Restricted Eating, Including 23 Quality…
A 2024 meta-analysis (umbrella review) in the Lancet shows the nuances and value of intermittent fasting for health and…medium.com
Mechanisms like gluconeogenesis and ketogenesis cover fasting processes. I explained the Biochemistry of Ketosis.
Thank you for reading my perspectives. I wish you a healthy and happy life. I am here to help, so reach out when you need help. You can find more stories like this on EUPHORIA and my recent curated collection.
Related to these two key processes, I detailed the practical tips in the following stories.
Here’s How I Train My Brain Daily for Mental Clarity and Intellectual Productivity.
Here’s How to Make the Nervous System More Flexible and Functional
I invite you to check out β-Hydroxybutyrate: 2 Vital Role of Ketogenesis in the Brain for Dementia Prevention / Treatment. This information can be a lifesaver for some people suffering from cognitive decline. I leave you with Six Tips for a Youthful and Healthy Life as We Age.
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A Quick Update on My Recent Book Projects
To support the writing community and help them to be competitive in the market I recently authored a book titled Substack Mastery, which is now available in popular online bookstores. It was well received by readers and now it trends as a best-selling book in its categories. Here is the link to find it in different bookstores. The paperback of this book is also available through Amazon.
Yesterday, I published a new version of the Substack Mastery for busy people and explained the reasons in a new story.
How I Will Help Freelance Writers Save $600 by Condensing My Bestseller 5 Times for Them
Just like some prefer fatty cuts while others opt for lean, my goal is to cater to the unique needs of every reader.medium.com
I will continue beta reading for the next version. So, if you enjoy reading and providing feedback, here are links to chapters for free:
Preface of “Substack Mastery” for Beta Readers, Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, Chapter 13, Chapter 14, Chapter 15, Chapter 16, Chapter 17, Chapter 18, Chapter 19…
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