Soy protein is a apparently the new “miracle” for lowering cholesterol, increasing anti-oxidants, and even diminishing symptoms of menopause. Should we be making soy drinks in blenders or just adding soy protein powder to our pets’ foods?
Dr. Dan Carey, clinical nutritionist at the IAMS pet food company in Dayton, OH concurs medical reports confirm soy protein lowers high cholesterol in people, at least to some degree. However, dogs and cats don’t have high cholesterol problems in the first place. And while soy protein may help lessen some symptoms in premenopausal women, dogs and cats don’t get hot flashes or mood swings.
Additionally, soy protein does contain anti-oxidants, which are important to people. However, these aren’t necessarily the same anti-oxidants which are best for dogs and cats. Carey says, “Slick little compounds called beta-carotene lutein are particularly beneficial to dogs and cats; they’ve added to IAMS and Eukenuba senior diets,” They apparently restore antibody levels in older dogs and increase some level of immunity. Just as we’re still learning about anti-oxidants in people, we’re still learning about their effects on dogs and cats.” It should be noted that other pet foods also contain anti-oxidants.
In fact, all new research indicates beta-carotene lutein may increase vaccine recognition, increasing the response of at some vaccines – sort of giving the immune system a kick in the pants.
However, it seems adding soy protein to you pets’ diet isn’t especially helpful, at least as far as current science can determine.
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