Skip to content
Previous article
Now Reading:
How to avoid foods high in arsenic and keep your dog healthy

How to avoid foods high in arsenic and keep your dog healthy

Arsenic levels have become a big problem in dog nutrition

Many dog lovers have reached a new level of awareness when it comes to food. People are switching to raw and cooked natural diets in droves. It appears that processed pet food companies are having a harder time convincing people that their food is better than the food nature intended.

However, even when one switches to raw or cooked food, not all food-related problems are solved. Nutrient depletion in soil results in nutrient deficient foods and dog food is no exception. People who have put their dogs on whole-based natural supplements have seen the transformations in their dogs. However, there are still many nay sayers who stubbornly claim that feeding good food is enough.

As a veterinarian, I source from almost three decades of experience, but still I like to see the proof. Hair testing for minerals and toxic elements has been really helpful because it is highly accurate and shows what is happening in different groups of dogs.

In the course of many years of testing, I have learned that dogs who eat fish-based foods have elevated mercury levels and sardines appear to be the cause of increased strontium. Since the Fukushima nuclear accident strontium is continuously being released into the oceans and not much is being done to inform the general public.

Sadly, I have noticed that dogs who have epilepsy have higher than average levels of strontium and mercury, which made me recommend against feeding fish and sardines to dogs, despite their nutritional benefits. Fish is not what it used to be. 

Arsenic has also been on my radar for some time, mainly because it is highly toxic and appears to be often elevated in dogs’ hair.

Where does arsenic come from?

Even our medieval ancestors knew arsenic was toxic, but our modern problem with arsenic is related to industrial pollution and especially water.

“Arsenic toxicity is a global health problem affecting many millions of people and animals. Contamination is caused by arsenic from natural geological sources leaching into aquifers, contaminating drinking water and also occur from mining and other industrial processes.

The presence of arsenic in our body is unavoidable in our industrial age. Naturally, the next question to ask is, which foods contain the most arsenic and how can we protect our dogs?

Rice is a significant source of arsenic

From the hair test results, I consistently see higher arsenic values in dogs that eat rice supplemented diets. I usually do not recommend rice and other grains for dogs because it is not species appropriate, but I still see some people using it. 

Pet food companies love rice because it is relatively cheap, especially when it comes from Asia, which is a part of the problem. The water quality in many Asian countries is poor, with some exceptions. If you have ever traveled to the region, you may have seen puddles, streams and lakes covered with oil or full of plastic and garbage. As a consequence, chemicals, including arsenic, end up in the rice fields that get flooded for a part of the growing season.  

There are many studies available online to confirm that arsenic in rice is a serious problem. One study compares the presence of arsenic in rice from different regions and California rice appears to be the safest. 

The question is, is rice is really necessary for dogs? The answer is no because it is not a part of their species-appropriate diet. Now you have two reasons not to feed dogs rice and think twice before you order rice from your local restaurant. 

How to find out if your dog has higher than normal arsenic levels? 

While blood tests can help determine the momentary levels of enzymes and electrolytes, it does not give you a comprehensive evaluation of your dog’s arsenic levels over the past several months.

Your dog’s hair is a kind of time capsule that seals its mineral content profile over the course of its growth. Analyzing your dog’s hair is the best way to determine your dog’s levels of arsenic exposure in the past four to six months.

How to get rid of arsenic and neutralize its effect

  1. Eliminate rice from your dog’s diet and treats. In the age of gluten-free diets, the content of rice in food is greater than ever before.
  2. Check your dog’s arsenic levels by doing a hair test.
  3. If your dog’s results show high/normal or abnormal levels of arsenic consider using a homeopathic remedy that has been proven to reduce the effect of arsenic exposure. I have found the homeopathic remedy Arsenicum Album very helpful. I propose that you give one dose (three to five pellets) 30C or 200C potency twice, two weeks apart. Please note that this remedy will not reduce the arsenic levels, but will reduce some symptoms that may be related to chronic arsenic poisoning. Arsenic toxicity can affect multiple organ systems and the symptoms can be non-specific, ranging from digestive upsets to the tendency for diarrhea, kidney disease, liver disease, cancer and changes in behavior.
  4. There are two ways of keeping your dog’s body as toxin free as possible.

Arsenic levels have become a big problem in dog nutrition

A. Providing essential minerals and vitamins, which help to push out toxic elements from the body.

B. Do an initial 4 week cleanse with LiverTune and then ongoing for 1 week per month as part of preventive care.

It would be unreasonable to expect that your dog or anyone will be arsenic free, however reducing exposure to this toxic element can be another deposit in your dog’s health and longevity account. Your dog’s health starts with awareness and taking small steps can make a big difference.

© Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM

______________________________________________________________________________

1. Ratnaike RN. Acute and chronic arsenic toxicity. Postgrad Med J 2003;79:391-6.

2. Environ Health Perspect. 2007 Jun; Carol Potera, 115(6): A296. PMCID: PMC1892142, Food Safety: U.S. Rice Serves Up Arsenic

3. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2005 Dec; 2(4): 537–548. Published online 2005 Oct 19. doi:  10.1093/ecam/neh124

About the author

Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM is an Integrative veterinarian, nutritionist and creator of natural supplements for dogs and people. Helping you and your dog prevent disease, treat nutritional deficiencies, and enjoy happier, healthier, and longer lives together.

Most Popular

  • Pax the dog looking out airplane window
    In my article, I share the personal story of how I'm able to fly with my dog, Pax, thanks to overcoming challenges with sleepwalking and night terrors. This unique experience not only allowed me to travel with my service dog but also serves as a reminder that even difficult situations can have positive outcomes.
  • Dog smelling a white pony that is laying on the ground-communication hacks for a happier life
    Successful communication is essential for building healthier and more fulfilling relationships and happier lives. In this article, I'll share with you 8 communication hacks to help you avoid unnecessary drama, prioritize active listening and address conflicts effectively.
  • Dalmatian eating mixed fruit-safe fruits for dogs
    Can dogs eat bananas, apples, strawberries and other fruit? What about grapes? Find out what fruits are safe, toxic, and healthy for dogs. Learn about the potential health benefits and risks of feeding fruit to your canine companion, and get tips on the ideal time to feed it.
  • Illustration of the anatomy of a heart-how to protect Dog heart health
    As dog lovers, we all want our beloved pups to live long and healthy lives. Protecting your dog's heart from potential health issues is important, and in this blog Dr. Dobias shares some key points that you might not yet be aware of, read on to find out what you can do to keep your dog's heart safe. 

Dog Health

  • Husky lying on blanket with heart toy- Dog heart health solutions
    Dogs have our hearts and that is why we need to protect their heart. Dog’s as they age often face muscle problems and spinal misalignment and you might be surprised to know how that can hurt their heart. Learn how to protect your dog’s spine and by extension their heart.
  • Dog in the grass taking the Perfect No. 2
    Dogs and humans have evolved side-by-side but they are still quite different when it comes to their digestive tracts and dietary habits. We have studied their original environments such as the soils of the African savanna and consulted with top experts in the field of probiotics and microbiology to come up with a combination that reflects healthy bacterial flora of canines.
  • Man carrying a box being pointed at-Feedback and criticism
    Criticism can hurt a brand, but constructive feedback can help it grow. In this blog Dr. Dobias talks about the differences between these approaches, and how to handle the power of influence and opinion with care. 
  • Broccoli with minerals and vitamins-The nutrient depletion epidemic
    Are you worried that your and your dog's diet is missing something? Maybe you're worried about toxin levels in food, the environment, or flea and tick products. Let's face it; we can't remove ourselves entirely from our toxin-filled world, but we can do things to reduce our exposure to harmful substances. 

Human health

  • Dr. Dobias holding his dog Pax- finding peace amongst the chaos
    How do you navigate the seas of life? How do you deal with disappointment? Whatever life throws at us, we can always rely on our dogs to bring joy into our days. In this blog I share my thoughts on the support our dogs provide during the difficult moments in life. 
  • Person with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease holding the stomach
    Learn more about the alarming prevalence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) affecting 1 in 4 Americans. Discover its main risk factors, diagnosis methods, and treatment options to better manage or prevent this silent yet severe condition. 
  • DHA-A new perspective on brain health, memory loss, Alzheimer's Disease, and dementia in people and dogs
    The Science of DHA and the Brain: Omega-3 fatty acids, primarily DHA, are the unsung heroes of brain health. They play crucial roles in brain physiology and biological activities, with exciting links between Omega-3 levels and cognitive function. Higher DHA levels have been shown to preserve the integrity of the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB), your brain's security system
  • Dr. Peter Dobias and his dog Pax-why we struggle where our dogs excel
    It appears that most of the world is ready for change, but whenever I think about the solutions to any of the problems that plague our world, I can’t prevent myself from thinking that we humans are acting like little toddlers who have broken a toy and do not know how to fix it. Despite my generally optimistic attitude, I have had a hard time staying positive at times because I know how complex this all is. Read here for some tools that make me feel good about the world, which I would like to share with you.

News, stories and good life

  • Dr. Peter Dobias with his dog Pax on his lap- dogs can save you from negative news
    Do you have trouble staying positive during difficult times? These days we are surrounded by a lot of negative messaging, and it's easy to let that get you down. Here are some of my tips for remaining positive, and don't forget to share your tips with me!
  • Man with great immunity system standing on top of a mountain- how to increase dog immune system
    Most of us have been exposed to panic-inducing information about the virus spread, however, I have noticed the general absence of one piece of information, how to make your immune system stronger and body more resilient. (It will definitely not happen by stockpiling toilet paper!) I have always loved immunology and the current situation has prompted me to put together two simple lists on how to increase your dog’s and your own immunity.
  • Man with dog wearing a collar and leash-dangers of balloon effect
    Does your dog have ear problems, nasal or oral tumors, reverse sneezing or an  itchy head or hair loss on their head? Learn how you can address some of these problems and save thousands in vet care costs.
  • Terrier dog eating raw food-Best diet for dogs-raw diet
    Now there is no need to guess if there is something missing in your dogs diet.  The HairQ Test is a highly accurate test for mineral deficiencies, toxins and heavy metals in dogs to finely tune your dog’s diet and supplement schedule.

Cart

Close

Your cart is currently empty.

Start Shopping
Close