Living organisms that are genetically manipulated in a laboratory are known as Genetically Modified Organisms. Majority of these organisms are modified such that the respond more favorably to the application of herbicide to have the ability to produce an insecticide. However, there is question whether the world has seen more advantageous traits such as drought resistance, increased yield, enhanced nutrition or other potential consumer benefits linked to this type of organism modification.

What is so important? What has it got to do with my pet (and me?)

Your understanding of what GMO is – is important. It impacts on your choice of food, choice of lifestyle. Your choice shapes the world, the environment and how food is grown and produced.

There is no need to tout about GMO products – you will see them advertised heavily internationally already. By you buying the products off the shelves of shops, supermarkets etc., you may be purchasing products manufactured with parts that are GMO-made.

This article, and future updates to come, are meant as a small summary of information gleaned from a few sources – eg. reputable websites as referenced on documentaries and articles. This is by no means a campaign against GMO – only that as a clinic we see our share of patients when they are small then progressing to show up with more and more diseases. These diseases are usually not immediately live-threatening. Instead, they are skin problems, occasional to frequent diarrhea or vomiting and recurrent bouts of pancreatitis. We notice these problems occurring more and more regularly and may be you do too. There must be an explanation (or more) behind these problems and GMO products are heavily researched and debated about.

You are what you eat

Remember, you are (and your pet is) what you eat. Food you put into your pet’s stomach (and yours), the air that you and your pet breathes, the floor which you and your pet walk on etc., etc., all impacts your body and your pet’s. So it is only logical to investigate what is put into your pet’s mouth as part of an investigation into why animals suffer from diarrhea, vomiting, inappetance or disinterest in food, farting and pancreatitis problems so frequently – just to name a few.

GMO products are widely available. You should learn about this technology, debates that surround this technology and its products – then make a decision that is “as informed as possible”.

Future blogs will discuss about GMO products and related topics.

Meanwhile, here is a short summary and information for you to check out.

Some GMO-proponents

• Monsanto
• General Mills
• Pepsico
• DuPont
• Hershey
• Cargill
• Kellogg
• Hormel
• Kraft
• Mars
• Goya
• Ocean Spray
• Nestle
• Coca-Cola

GMO Corporations – “Big 6”

• BASF
• Bayer
• DuPont
• Dow Chemical Company
• Monsanto
• Syngenta

That means, these companies are major players in the agricultural input market – owning their own the world’s seed, pesticide and biotechnology industries.

Problems typically associated to GMO foods based on survey (in pets)

• Digestive problems
• Food allergies
• Skin conditions
• Low energy
• Fatigue
• Overweight
• Mood problems
• Seasonal allergies
• Joint pain

This is a short list of health issues answered by over 3000 participants as referenced in the documentary series The Truth About Pet Cancer.

What are the most commonly GMO-d crops

• Soy
• Corn (maize)
• Cotton
• Canola
• Sugar Beet
• Alfafa

 

What are other sources of GMO

• Meat, eggs, dairy products from animals that have been fed GM-feed (majority of GM corn and soy are used a feed for agricultural animals that is cattle, sheep)
• Dairy products from cows injected with rbGH (recumbinant bovine growth hormone) – a GM hormone
• Food additives, enzymes, flavorings and processing agents including sweetners
• Honey and bee pollen that may have GM sources of pollen

 

 

References

1. https://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/issues/311/ge-foods/about-ge-foods#

2. https://www.livescience.com/40895-gmo-facts.html

3. https://responsibletechnology.org/gmo-education/faqs/

4. https://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/%22Big_6%22_Pesticide_and_GMO_Corporations

5. https://www.organicconsumers.org/news/ocas-traitor-boycott-working

6. http://naturalsociety.com/take-foods-shopping-list-6-multinational-companies-fighting-keep-eating-gmos/

7. https://go2.thetruthaboutcancer.com/pet-docuseries/episode-4/