A new paper links copper storage disease in dogs to AAFCO’s change in copper supplements in pet food back in 1997.
A dramatic increase in liver disease in dogs has been linked to Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) dog food nutrient requirements – the very same requirements that classifies dog food as “Complete and Balanced“.
Scientists performed a “retrospective study” utilizing the database at Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Data from 546 dogs were included “which hepatic histopathology had been performed and for which archived liver specimens were still available.” The study investigated 2 populations of dogs in “a historical time period comprising 1982-1988 and a contemporary time period comprising 2009-2015.”
“Five hundred and forty six dogs, including 349 predisposed breed (PB) dogs and 197 non-predisposed breed (NPB) dogs, were included in this study. All Labrador Retrievers, West Highland White Terriers, Doberman Pinschers, and Dalmatians, as well as dogs mixed or crossed with these breeds, were classified as the predisposed breed (PB) population given the well‐documented occurrence of CAH (copper‐associated hepatitis) in these breeds.”
The study found “hepatic copper concentrations increased over time” in both the predisposed breeds group of dogs and the non-predisposed breeds group of dogs. In comparing the results of the two time periods:
In the predisposed breeds group – “median copper levels increased from 291.4 mcg/g in the 1982-1988 period to 604.0 mcg/g in the 2009-2015 period.”
In the non-predisposed breeds group – “a median of 177.1 mcg/g in the 1982-1988 period to a median of 278.0 mcg/g in the 2009-2015 period.”
Of concern related to AAFCO regulations is the following graph. Each dot on the graph indicates the liver copper concentrations of a Labrador Retriever (a predisposed breed). Note the increase of data (dots) after the year 2000 and the high concentrations of copper in liver tissues after the year 2000; AAFCO changed regulations in 1997 (more on this below).
The following excerpt speaks volumes. Bold added for emphasis.
“Beginning in the 1970s, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutrient profiles, which were based on National Research Council recommendations, required a minimum amount of copper in pet dog food. Many of these trace mineral requirements were extrapolated from non-species specific data. The published AAFCO profiles in 1997 required the use of copper sulfates or chelates in these premixes which were far more bioavailable than the previously utilized copper oxide. This was done despite there being no evidence to suggest clinical copper deficiency was a problem at the time. The nutrient profiles published in 2015 have increased copper requirements for growing and lactating dogs, and maximum thresholds have been removed for all dogs. Since the original minimum requirements were established in the 1970s, it has been common practice in the commercial pet food industry to formulate mineral premixes to meet or exceed minimum requirements. These premixes are often added to the food without consideration for the copper already present in the ingredients. Collectively, these practices could have led to increased dietary copper exposure in dogs. It should be noted that the sharp uptick in the proportion of Labrador Retrievers with Copper > 100O mcg/g was near the time of the above noted changes in AAFCO copper requirements in 1997.”
It is my understanding there will be another paper published by scientists from Cornell University soon – with similar results.
This paper was sent to the chairs of AAFCO Pet Food Committee and Ingredient Definitions Committee. The Ingredient Definitions Committee chair promptly responded, stating this issue was specific to the Pet Food Committee. The AAFCO Pet Food Committee has not responded.
To read the full study, Click Here.
Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,
Susan Thixton
Pet Food Safety Advocate
Author Buyer Beware, Co-Author Dinner PAWsible
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~Pet Owner~
August 26, 2019 at 5:03 pm
Again, we need an indication of which brands are including the highest level of copper supplementation. Is it a greater problem in kibble than in wet food. And format of food is less likely to be an issue, for example a raw diet.
Dianne & Pets
August 26, 2019 at 11:33 pm
You would have to read the study to see if the authors even said which food they tested and what the values are. If that information is even included, if Susan included it in the post, people who have a favorite food that turns out to be on the list, would fill the comments with all kinds of vitriol. The companies involved would feel threatened and might lash out. Some people won’t read but will tell Susan she is wrong, etc. etc. that the study is flawed etc. etc. Better that she does not provide that information. If you are concerned about a particular food and it is not disclosed, there is always the option of sending a sample to a lab and paying them to do the test for you.
~Pet Owner~
August 27, 2019 at 9:31 am
And what would be the problem with push back. That’s what creates attention. Over 10 years here and few people barely even react anymore. Unless it has to do with raw PF. Or slamming a vet for ignorance. Maybe it’s good companies feel threatened. The author here isn’t responsible for what the study says, no liability. And it HAD to be associated with identified products.
The point to presenting an article like this is to gain PF consumer’s attention. Readers pass over nameless studies not believing the they involve their preferred brand. It is difficult enough to get non-believers interested in PF advocacy. But making the point relevant to them causes a consumer to make a change. Change drives the market. The more bad publicity surfaces, then the more manufacturers are to correct a problem. This IS a very serious problem. It’s killing pets! Can consumers be expected to read every ingredient on a label, and understand copper supplementation? Only if they read TAPF regularly. so in fact these issues need media publicity! Then they’ll begin to research. (As happened with DCM).
The reaction proposed suggests that a pet food supplier feels threatened. But instead consumers can finally read meaningful PF issues because details are being drilled down in depth.
vicki
August 26, 2019 at 7:42 pm
I had an amazing female Shepherd/Mix – herder (possibly Border collie) mix. She was born in 1993, and was a very smart and easy to train pup! She was in good health all her life, then suddenly at the age of 12, she developed Liver cancer, resulting in her death in 2005. It was devastating, as it was so sudden. I have little doubt that it was a mix of the “chicken jerky treats” and other “china sourced” food that (probably did have overdose of copper, as well) caused her to become so ill), resulting in her premature death. RIP to my Daisy May, and thank you for continuing the fight to protect all our beloved pets!
~Pet Owner~
August 27, 2019 at 9:33 am
I am so sad about your loss. My cousin also lost a Dalmatian prematurely to a liver issue. Long before this issue is now being discussed. Every time, reading a report like yours, is just heartbreaking. Thank you for sharing to impress others about the risk.
vicki
August 27, 2019 at 6:27 pm
Thank you so much, and I feel the same way. Thank Goodness we have Susan trying her best to fight for our innocent pets.
Sam Hill
August 27, 2019 at 11:08 am
Why don’t us pet parents hammer on their respective legislators to enact something similar to the FDA but not part oi that screwed up cluster duck with a stipulation all employees, or, people be a working licensed vetenarian of a minimum of 15 years experience .
vicki
August 27, 2019 at 6:38 pm
Actually I did write to my then congresspersons after I discovered what was going on with pet food. It’s a very complex issue that many people just don’t understand. When I try to share info with folks I usually get “well why is it so hard to just buy “American” made food and treats”?
You know as well as I that this issue is far more complicated, unfortunately. I got ZERO response when I had sent my emails several years ago. Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s a good idea, its just difficult to explain what the issue is, and what we need in order to resolve it. I think I put a link to the “Feed” issue, at the FDA and pointed out how these companies were not even following the rules then (And now). Also I asked for a designated “Pet Food Grade” requirement from the manufacturers of pet food. But the chances of congressperson’s understanding what we are taking about is low.
Pet Advocates like Susan and her peers I think are our best bet of getting something done via our State and Fed level. But, if we could do some type of campaign or Petition signing, I’d be on-board in a hot second!
~Pet Owner~
August 27, 2019 at 9:04 pm
You did a good thing, Vicki, by reaching out attempting to make a difference.
For other Readers, this has to be kept in mind. The status of PF today, has taken TEN years of accumulated research. One issue confirming another. Primarily, the deceit of the PF Industry itself. The federal exemptions they are permitted. And the fact that they are making “livestock” grade feed, dressing it us as food. When “food” means human edible ingredients. Those are the main points to be made.
If a legislator can’t be made to understand that much, it’s a lost cause. The question that needs to be answered is … So What?
Long time Readers here, have often asked for a “Cheat Sheet” meaning quick bullet points to help convince un-believers. Because it IS so unbelievable. So I would generate that “Cheat Sheet” as follows?
1. Problem – Copper over supplementation. Effect – leading to liver disease, premature death.
2. Problem – 4D protein. Effect – toxic rendered meat (example Evanger’s recall).
Then stating those facts all the way down. I can’t remember all the article at the moment. But they are there in the TAPF archive.
CAUSE and EFFECT.
Because you have to give people (relatively new to the subject) a REASON to care! Like did your family dog die prematurely at 3 years of age? Well here’s a possibility to consider. Which brings home why there HAS to be reform.
If only one single change could be made, which is CERTAINLY under the power of these legislators, it would be to enforce “Truth In Advertising.” That regardless of whether or not the PFI reforms itself, there MUST BE a law that says …
… If they’re making “livestock grade” feed it must BE labeled that way …
So that true “Pet Food” can stand out in the marketplace. “Food” means human edible ingredients. NOTHING could be more simple than that distinction. And from that distinction, decisions made inside the marketplace will ….
… drive the change eventually ….
That will make it so true “Pet Food” can stand out in the marketplace. “Food” means human edible ingredients. NOTHING could be more simple than making that distinction. And from that distinction, consumer decisions made inside the marketplace will ….
… drive the change eventually ….
Lynette N.
September 8, 2019 at 7:00 am
So, I have been following this website for several years. I have read most of the articles. I even bought “The List” a couple of times. Ten years ago, I was even convinced by some people to feed my dogs a raw/home prepared diet. I deeply regret that decision. It was a total waste of time and one of my dogs paid the price. Even though I spent insane amounts of time trying to do everything right by following all the recipes and advice I was given, one of my dogs (I have 4) still wound up with a mineral deficiency (my vet said it was potassium and magnesium.) I switched to Honest Kitchen and he was “ok” after that, but I wasn’t happy with how my dogs’ poops were. Still pretty mushy and hard to pick up. Now I feed Skoki with the occasional chicken foot to keep their teeth clean. No more problems. And since becoming plant based, I’ve been made aware of just how horrible meat is for the environment. If we only feed pets “human grade meat,” that makes the problem so much worse. The Amazon is being burned just to feed beef cattle! And where would all the perfectly good miscellaneous animal parts go? In the garbage? If animals have to suffer and die by the millions on factory farms (small farms are cruel too, I grew up on one so don’t come at me with that angle), ALL parts of the animals should be used. I don’t see the issue with putting meat scraps in dog food. I’m gonna have to do a 180 and agree with Terrierman (P. Burns). If dog kibble is good enough for the wolves in zoos, it’s good enough for actual dogs. Not to mention, a lot of dogs are so inbred now that cancer is a thing they are likely to get no matter what they are fed. So, whenever someone says their (usually older) dog died of cancer and they blame dog food, I’m just like…yea? How can you prove it was the food and not the breed? (Off topic: I place most of the blame on the giant dumpster fire that is the AKC for all the messed up dogs.)
I’m not saying all dog kibble is created equal, either. I still agree about not feeding dog food that has copper sulfate or synthetic vitamin K or whatever. It’s just that I’m no longer a raw faddist. If other people wanna do it, fine. I get it. Been there, done that. But I always like to tell the story of how my dog got sick from it despite my best efforts. I really did try, thinking I was doing the right thing for my furry kids, but….no. Science proved me wrong. Hopefully, it will make people think twice about a 100% raw/home prepared diet. I’m sorry I didn’t listen to all the veterinarians who warn against it. I’m sorry I was duped. But live and learn, right?
I am posting this expecting to receive nothing but hate. *shrug* But if I can warn at least one person it will be worth it.
~ Not a Fan of Group Think ~
September 8, 2019 at 12:57 pm
Then let me start off the expectation not with “hate” but with information instead!
The contradictions of the comment betray it’s purpose. Not as a said warning, but instead as another of the PFI’s attempt to distract from the basic issue.
Point by point:
Ten years ago or even a few years ago this site never said feed your dog raw food (or home prepared) or it will die. This site said understand what’s going into your dog’s commercial diet. And make a choice.
This site never said don’t monitor how your dog is metabolizing any kind of a diet (whether or not commercial). But stay informed.
This site never said it’s easier to NOT feed a commercial product. But that it takes a serious effort to balance nutrition over the long term. And is often more successful by using different formats of feeding. All must be wholesome and safe.
If several “Lists” were indeed obtained, then they would demonstrate that different brands have several approaches to wholesome feeding. For example, Just Food For Dogs offers something very different than THK. But there are now over 20 options. Rotation would be optimal. And that is because those products (in total) use an array of useful elements, obtained over the long-term. Just as humans manage their own diets!
Twenty FIVE years ago (in my personal experience) a breeder fed a raw ground up chicken diet to her long-lived champion stock (of which one was mine). That person also used a base mix similar to THK with added vitamins & minerals. And also fed a red meat commercially produced PF with proper amino acids. This diet plan was rotated.
No dog among the breeder’s multiple generations, died of “copper insufficiency.” Several exceeded the age of 18, which helped average the overall longevity of the entire line. Feeding was an intense effort to do so correctly. And though it was above normal expense, wasn’t unreasonable, because it paid off in fewer vet visits over the life of the dog. Including other formats , my dog ate raw food until his last days. And didn’t even die of cancer.
Dog genetics are always a factor. That’s why guided breeding has a purpose. Cancer is a combination of feeding (a lifetime of) toxic ingredients, aggravated by environmental factors (everyday living) Their systems are being bombarded, so the goal is to feed the dog what it MOST needs to renew its body on a cellular level! That’s why livestock feed is such a disservice to companion animals, instead of optimal nutrition over its lifetime!
I’m not a fan of THK. But the consistency of stools depends on how that particular product is re-hydrated. It takes experimentation. Also depends on how much moisture a particular dog can handle, in terms of the meal itself. Some dogs with sensitive stomachs and intestines react differently. Too much fiber can be over-stimulating. But there are alternatives to THK that work beautifully. Dogs having stool issues can be due to over feeding at a single meal, instead of dividing the portion into smaller meals twice a day. Another factor is whether or not a dog gulps down water, immediately after eating. (I’ve tested that theory too, and figured out my dog needs to digest the food for a bit, first).
PFs with useless filler will indeed produce a perfect stool. That’s exactly why they’re made that way. Exhibitors (at shows) will feed well-named products for that purpose. But if fed over long term, at what price? Generally raw food produces a compact stool. Because it’s much more bio-available. I have spent thousands of dollars, on one of my dogs, prone to IBD, colitis. (and by working with a vet) have normalized his system using a variety of good food. Meaning that rotation works!
Chicken feet aren’t vegan. But that’s okay, they’re great for dogs. Revolting for people. If meat-protein IS going to be used, then why would anyone choose 4D rendered meat (animals dying other than by slaughter) instead of
human grade hamburger? I just don’t get it. Why should MY dog be the garbage can for industrial slaughter-houses.
But the ethics of factory-farming doesn’t justify how the evolution of dogs. They survived by being scavengers; meat was one element of their diet. Not necessarily always fresh, raw meat. But the intestines of predigested feed in dead prey. I doubt that wolves are being fed 100% kibble (unless it’s a specialized recipe for a purpose). Probably supplement based. And then we’re talking format, not the absence of nutrition. Most Big Cats in zoos aren’t chomping down (vegan) celery sticks and bok choy either instead of red meat.
A lot of dogs are NOT inbred and that’s one reason why the “dumpster fire” of the AKC exists. Providing education, example, support, purpose, and sponsoring shows to encourage best of breed. Are they perfect. Hardly. But they attract people with the right intentions. What people do in their own backyards, is unfortunate. But you can’t fix stupid.
Anyone following the TAPF long enough, would know the fundamental issue here, is about the PFI’s deceit, misleading, unlawful activity! Clear and simple. Criminal behavior. They are getting real nervous at this point..Read the most recent article about tularemia. The PFI refuses to label products for what they are, to enable PF consumers to make their own choice!
Last I looked, this Country was * supposed * to be about free choice. However one day people will realize just how many of them they’ve lost.
Signed ~