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PET
FOOD DIVISION
Independent Clinical
& Analytical
Ratings on Pet Foods
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Pet Food Ratings |
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Pet Food Awards |
| • |
Pet Food Treats |
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Pet Food of
the Year |
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PET
FOOD DIVISIONS |
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Glycemic
Research Institute® |
FOUNDED
IN 1983
27 + Years of Clinical Expertise |
Board
Certified Human In Vivo Clinical Trials |
U.S.
Government Certification Program |
United
Kingdom Government Certification Program |
Canadian
Government Certification Program |
Clinical
Studies: Investigational Trials |
FDA
& FTC Claim Substantiation |
CLINICAL
ASSESSMENT
Foods, Beverages, Nutraceuticals & Pharmacueticals |
Glycemic
Research Laboratories
GRI Official Trials Laboratory
Glycemic Solutions
St. Petersburg, Florida
(727) 894-6900 |
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Glycemic
Research Institute®
Glycemic Research Laboratories
Glycemic Solutions
Official Clinical Trials Laboratory
St. Petersburg, Florida
(727) 894-6900
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CLINICAL
TRIALS
& CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS |
Human
Foods & Products that are accepted for In Vivo Clinical
Trials are limited to orally ingested foods, beverages, Nutraceutical,
and Pharmaceuticals.
Human Foods & Products that are accepted into the Clinical
Testing Program will undergo Board Approved Human In Vivo
Clinical Trials.
Testing of Kid Friendly® foods and beverages is under the
direction of the Glycemic Research Institute® Human Nutrition
& Biochemistry Division, Childhood Obesity Unit, Clinical
Trials Laboratory.
Testing of animal foods is under the direction of Glycemic
Research Institute® Pet Foods Division.
Test Foods (products submitted) that pass the clinical protocols
qualify to display the Glycemic Research Institute® Government
Certification Marks on products labels and brochures, and
to make specific claims. All Clinical Trials are based on
FDA CFR21 Guidelines.
Companies may submit products that are in development, in
the R & D stage, and/or products that are already on the
market.
A Clinical Studies Coordinator will be assigned to work one-on-one
with the client. |
Products-in-development
can be analyzed for their glycemic, diabetic, fat-storing,
and/or Kid-Friendly properties, depending on the client needs.
These trials are “Investigational” and help assist companies
develop Low Glycemic products that address specific health
issues, such as obesity, diabetes, and the current childhood
obesity epidemic. Following the Investigational Trials, the
client will receive a full report on the results of the trial,
and may request a phone conference with the Medical Advisory
Board to discuss results of the trials and directional advice
on options for reformulating the Test Food. |
PROGRAMS,
SERVICES
& CLIENT OPTIONS
The Glycemic Research Institute®
offers the following programs:
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Board
Certified Human In Vivo Clinical Trials |
Government
Certification Programs
U.S. Government
Certification Program
United Kingdom Government Certification Program
Canadian Government Certification Program |
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Clinical
Studies: Investigational Trials |
FDA
& FTC Claim Substantiation |
Clinical
Assessment
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Instructions
& Application Forms
are available at the following official
Glycemic Research Institute® websites: |
Upon
completion of the Glycemic Research Institute® Board Approved
Human In Vivo Clinical Trials, the client may request an Official
Press Release. Samples of actual Press Releases may be seen
at Official Glycemic Research Institute® websites. |
To
learn more about the Programs offered by the Glycemic Research
Institute®, call (727) 894-6900 or email info@glycemic.com
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Glycemic
Research Institute®
601 Pennsylvania Avenue
Suite 900
Washington, D.C. 20004
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PET FOOD DIVISION
Independent
Clinical & Analytical
Ratings on Pet Foods
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Pet Food Ratings |
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Pet Food Awards |
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Pet Food Treats |
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Pet Food of the Year |
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The Glycemic Research Institute® (GRI)
conducts Independent Clinical and Analytical research on Pet
Foods and Pet Treats.
The
Glycemic Research Institute® has been conducting Human In
Vivo Clinical Trials since 1983, and began their Pet Food
Division in 2004.
GRI
has examined hundreds of pet foods from 2004 to the present
in order to determine the healthiest overall products, focusing
on anti-aging, diabetes, arthritis, glycemic, blood glucose
and insulin response, in the canine and feline.
As
a Non-Profit independent research organization, GRI has no
ties to the pet food industry, and does not accept monies
from any company for the Pet Food of the Year Award or any
other GRI Pet Food Award.
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CRITERIA
FOR SELECTING “PET FOOD OF THE YEAR” AWARD |
As
a species, dogs are cats are evolutionarily designed to utilize
animal proteins and fat as their primary fuel, with Low Glycemic
fruits and vegetables as a secondary fuel. It is important
to include Low Glycemic species-friendly fruits and vegetables
in canine and feline pet foods.
Dogs
and cats require biologically appropriate diets in order to
thrive and stay healthy. Though the food supply in both humans
and pet diets has changed over the last hundred years, they
both have resulted in weight gain, diabetes, arthritis, joint
disorders, and a plethora of health issues, including mild-to-severe
skin problems in the canine and feline.
Currently,
dog and cat foods commonly contain ingredients that are totally
inappropriate for the species.
An
acceptable pet food should be designed to meet the biological
needs of the species. An outstanding pet food will reflect
appropriate ratios of protein-to-carbs-to-fats, and will only
contain ingredients that are acceptable to that species.
Pet
foods that contain significant levels of High Glycemic ingredients
and/or ingredients not deemed acceptable for the species will
be excluded from being considered for the “Pet Food of the
Year” award.
Pet
foods that contain sweeteners that are known to be contraindicated,
such as Xylitol, Stevia, Agave, and Acesulfame K, will be
excluded for consideration as “Pet Food of the Year.”
Pet
foods that meet the guidelines for “Pet Food of the Year”
will reflect the strict criteria set by the Glycemic Research
Institute® for a healthy, appropriately formulated food, and
will reflect the current science in the field of nutritional
animal biochemistry.
Products
selected as “Pet Food of the Year” will have demonstrated
an above average commitment to an animal’s total health and
an approach to formulating a pet food that is as exemplary
as advanced science allows.
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DEFINING
LOW GLYCEMIC
& DIABETIC FRIENDLY PET FOOD |
The
Glycemic Impact™ of a canine and/or feline food is extremely
important in their lifespan and health status. This includes
the Diabetic-Risk-Factors related to ingestion of pet foods.
Determination of the glycemic status of a pet food is both
complicated and convoluted. Looking at the label does not
reveal the glycemic status of a pet food, or a human food.
Many ingredients that are included in both human and pet foods
are impossible to identify and impossible to tag as either
High Glycemic or Low Glycemic without benefit of analytical
and clinical trials.
For example, Maltodextrins are found commonly in many foods.
A label, both pet foods and human foods, can declare “No Sugars”
and still contain a huge amount of sugar. The legal loophole
is in the definition of “Sugars.”
Maltodextrins are the highest glycemic sugar on this planet,
and yet, the FDA allows them to be called “Carbohydrates”
and not “Sugars.” So foods and beverages, including pet foods,
can claim “No Sugars” and “Sugar Free” while containing any
amount of Maltodextrin-Sugars.
Thus, labels are deceptive in analyzing their actual metabolic
response.
In the canine and feline, High Glycemic pet foods, and High
Glycemic diets high in sugars and carbohydrates accelerate
the aging process, reduce lifespan, exacerbate cancer, diabetes,
and other disease states.
One symptom of improper diet is skin diseases, which range
from mild to severe, and are manifested by itching and scratching,
rashes, and dull and dry coat.
Specific Protocols for analyzing pet foods are described below
in the document:
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Glycemic
Research Institute’s pet food recommendations mandate high-quality
proteins as the primary ingredient in any per food.
According to www.PetEducation.com:
“High-quality ingredients are essential for a healthy pet.
Some economy brands of dog food are made from inexpensive
ingredients that are not easily digested, and therefore, do
not provide the best nutrition. While they may technically
meet the legal specifications for percentages of protein,
fat, carbohydrates, etc., these foods have lower energy values
and lower-grade proteins.
Because of this, many health-building nutrients may pass right
through your dog's system without being absorbed.
It also means that you have to feed larger amounts of that
lower quality food to provide your pet with the same nutrition
as a smaller amount of premium food. When you compare the
cost of these foods on a per-serving basis, and realize how
quickly you go through a bag, economy foods may actually cost
more in the long run.
When you are looking for a healthy food for your dog, reviewing
the list of ingredients on the back of the bag is a good place
to start. By law, pet food labels must list their ingredients
by weight.
Look for meat, fish, egg, or some type of meat meal or fish
meal as the first or second ingredient.
Meat, fish, and eggs all have a high biological value, which
means they have a high percentage of protein in the form of
digestible, usable amino acids.”
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Corn
is typically found in dog foods, and is a prime example of
inappropriate pet food ingredients. When is the last time
you saw a dog grazing in a corn field?
Corn is the worst possible product to feed a dog, even in
small amounts, as their metabolism reacts to corn extremely
negatively. Corn elevated blood glucose levels in the canine
and feline, which causes skin problems, diabetes, and a plethora
of other physical problems. |
HIGH
GLYCEMIC INGREDIENTS |
Ingestion
of corn and grains directly affect blood sugar levels in humans,
as well as dogs and cats. The canine biochemistry is hard-wired
to produce glucose from amino acids (proteins), which balances
blood sugar levels.
Dogs can detect the smell of amino acids more distinctly than
any other odor, as they have evolved into an efficient meat-detecting
machine.
High Glycemic ingredients are contraindicated in canine and/or
feline pet foods and treats.
High Glycemic ingredients over-elevate blood glucose levels,
and increase risk of epilepsy, hypothyroidism, allergies,
yeast infections, cancer and diabetes.
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Primary
(high) levels of High Glycemic grains in canine and feline
pet foods are not acceptable. These include wheat, corn, rice,
and brown rice. |
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Primary
(high) levels of High Glycemic carbohydrates include potatoes
(at high levels), potato starch, beets, and cooked carrots. |
Many
pet food manufacturers have recently begun to add potato starch
to dog and cat food. This practice is unfortunate, because
most consumers are not aware that potato starch is High Glycemic
and contraindicated in pet foods of any type.
The Glycemic Research Institute® does not accept canine/feline
foods or treats that contain high levels of potato starch.
It is added to pet food because it is a very inexpensive raw
material that adds bulk to the formula. This is also the case
with corn.
Unlike regular potatoes and potato starch, sweet potatoes
do not have the same negative effect on the canine, and are
an acceptable ingredient in pet foods, as long as the ratios
of proteins-to-carbs are in alignment. |
Pain
management in the arthritic canine requires reducing inflammation,
and reducing excess adipose tissue body fat. Sore and inflamed
joints are a common side effect of arthritis in dogs.
In the lean, muscular canine, arthritic-soreness is reduced
as compared to the overweight dog. Excess adipose tissue fat
is exacerbated in the canine and feline via ingestion of grains
and starches, which can be fattening. |
Many
foods and plants are safe for humans to consume, but are quite
toxic to dogs and cats. Xylitol and chocolate can cause death
in the canine. The following foods and plants are contraindicated
in dogs/cats. Foods that can cause death, even in small doses,
are tagged as LETHAL. |
The
Animal Poison Control Center of the American Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reports a substantially increased
number of cases involving xylitol poisoning in dogs. Found
in sugar-free chewing gum, candy, and baked goods, xylitol
is a sweetener that can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening
problems for pets. |
Includes
milk chocolate, dark chocolate, Cocoa powder, baking chocolate,
dry cocoa powder, chocolate milk, chocolate candy, coca nut,
chocolate ice cream, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate cake.
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THEOBROMINE
(Lethal) |
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CAFFEINE
(Lethal) |
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DRINKS
THAT CONTAIN CAFFEINE & ENERGY DRINKS |
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COFFEE
& COFFEE GROUNDS (Lethal) |
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GRAPES,
RAISINS |
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YEAST
DOUGH, BREADS MADE WITH YEAST |
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ONIONS
& GARLIC |
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SOY
(endocrine disruptions) |
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TEA |
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AVOCADO |
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ALCOHOL |
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MACADAMIA
NUTS |
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VEGETABLES:
Vegetables in the nightshade family, such as tomatoes, potatoes,
eggplant and peppers should be avoided in canine/feline foods,
as these foods can aggravate arthritic-inflammation and weight
gain. |
TOXIC
PLANTS
Many household
and yard plants can sicken
and/or kill your pet. |
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Lilies,
Lily of the Valley, oleander, azalea, yew, foxglove, rhododendron
and kalanchoe (heart problems if ingested). |
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Rhubarb
leaves and shamrock contain substances that can produce kidney
failure. Certain types of lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis
species) are highly toxic to cats, resulting in kidney failure,
even if small amounts are ingested. |
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Sago
palms (Cycad species) can cause liver damage, especially if
the nut portion of the plant is consumed. |
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Fungi:
certain varieties of mushrooms can cause liver damage and
other medical problems. |
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Philodendron,
castor bean, corn plant, mother-in-law's tongue, Hibiscus
and hydrangea. |
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Glycemic
Research Institute®
601 Pennsylvania
Avenue
Suite 900
Washington, D.C. 20004
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PROTOCOLS
FOR ANALYZING
& TESTING
PET FOODS
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The
following methodologies are utilized in determining the Glycemic
and Diabetic properties of pet foods. |
Following
HPLC/U-HPLC analysis, the data is cross-analyzed with Glycemic
Research Institute (GRI) records of known glycemic indices
of raw materials, and assigned a glycemic and diabetic index.
Per GRI Certification Protocols, pet foods that meet the criteria
are legally (FDA/FTC) allowed to display the GRI Certification
Mark (s) on labels and attendant marketing material, which
signify specific claims. |
High
Speed Liquid Chromatography
HPLC and U-HPLC |
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Conventional
and ultra-high pressure modes |
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Optimized
performance for sub two micron particle columns |
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Isothermal
injection and separation enhances reproducibility |
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Innovative
LightPipe™ technology for increased sensitivity |
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Rapid
peptide identification and quantitation |
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Fast
efficient separations of metabolic profiles |
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Ballistic
gradient small molecule identification |
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New
columns geometries and particle sizes for improved speed,
resolution and/or sensitivity |
QUATERNARY
PUMP/
ISOTHERMAL INJECTION |
A
quaternary pump with only 65 microliters of delay volume,
assuring rapid transfer of even the most complex gradients
from the pump to the column. Isothermal injection and separation
provide superior reproducibility by eliminating all external
environmental influences to the chromatography. |
Food
compounds in pet foods analyzable by HPLC include amino acids,
peptides, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, sugars, sweeteners,
alcohols, vitamins, organic acids, organic bases, mycotoxins,
additives, preservatives, colorants, antimicrobial residues,
pesticide residues, bittering substances, phenolic compounds,
pigments, nitrosamines, growth promoters, anions, and cations. |
ASSAY
PRINCIPLES: PROTEINS |
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Protein
interactions are analyzed using a label-free detection method.
Sample in solution is injected over a sensor surface on which
potential interacting partners are immobilized.
As
the injected sample interacts with the immobilized partners,
the refractive index at the interface between the sensor surface
and the solution alters to a degree proportional to the change
in mass at the surface.
Surface
plasmon resonance (SPR) is exploited to detect these changes
in real time and data are presented in a “sensorgram” (SPR
response plotted against time).
Concentration
test assays are designed as indirect (inhibition) assays.
A known concentration of a relevant binding protein is mixed
with the sample and injected over a sensor surface on which
a corresponding derivative is immobilized.
Any
target molecules present in the sample bind to the binding
protein and so inhibit it from binding to the sensor surface.
The higher the concentration of the target molecule in the
sample, the higher the level of inhibition, and hence the
lower the SPR (see below) response.
Concentrations
are calculated by interpolation of the binding responses on
a calibration curve.
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Method
transfer calculators for isocratic method and gradient method
transfer |
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Xcalibur
MS data system |
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ChromQuest
Chromatography Data System (CD) |
The
metabolic goal of designing Low Glycemic, Diabetic Friendly
canine and feline pet foods is to improve glucose and insulin
metabolism in companion animals by controlling the postprandial
glycemic and/or insulin response in those animals.
Measurement
and quantification of postprandial glucose and insulin levels
in the canine involve oral non-forced feeding of the Test
Food. Changes in serum glucose and insulin concentration are
calculated post-meal period by using the plasma concentration
before the meal as a baseline.
Postprandial responses are compared for maximum increase,
time to peak increase, and incremental area under the glucose
(AUCG) and insulin (AUCI) curves for each food. The integrated
area under the postprandial glucose and insulin response curves
is calculated by the trapezoidal method. Area increments under
the curves for a given food are determined for a 3-4 hour
period after the meal.
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GRI
Pet Foods Program
Glycemic Research Institute®
601 Pennsylvania
Avenue
Suite 900
Washington, D.C. 20004 |
| Q. |
HOW CAN PET FOOD THAT CONTAINS POTATOES BE CONSIDERED
LOW GLYCEMIC? |
| A. |
The mere inclusion of potatoes in a pet food, or human food,
does not determine the resulting glycemic index and load,
as that is determined by the protein-carb-fat ratios, with
particular emphasis on the type of proteins utilized.
Pet foods that contain a sufficiency of high quality proteins,
with lower levels of potatoes (not potato starch), blunt the
glycemic response from inclusion of potatoes in the food.
The glycemic response to oral ingestion of corn in the canine
and feline is very negative, exhibiting high glycemic perimeters,
and corn is never acceptable in a dog or cat pet food. Corn,
however is beneficial to certain animals, such as horses,
squirrel’s, ducks, chickens, and other birds. |
| Q.
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WHAT
IS THE CRITERIA FOR SELECTING “PET FOOD OF THE YEAR”? |
| A. |
The
criteria for the Glycemic Research Institute’s (GRI) “Pet
Food of the Year” is described in the GRI document:
Independent
Clinical & Analytical Ratings on Pet Foods |
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| Q. |
WHAT ARE THE PROTOCOLS
FOR TESTING PET FOODS? |
| A. |
The
Protocols and Methods for the Glycemic Research Institute’s
(GRI) “Low Glycemic” Seal of Approval and/or the “Diabetic
Friendly” Seal of Approval and/or the “Pet Food of the Year”
award is described in the GRI document:
PROTOCOLS
FOR ANALYZING & TESTING PET FOODS |
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| Q. |
IS
THERE A COST FOR THE GLYCEMIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE® “PET FOOD
OF THE YEAR”? |
| A. |
No.
All Pet Food Awards are Pro Bono (free of charge). |
| Q. |
IS
THERE A COST FOR LOW GLYCEMIC TESTING, SUCH AS MANUFACTURERS
WHO WANT TO TEST THEIR PET FOOD? |
| A. |
The
Glycemic Research Institute® does not charge for the Certification
Marks or Pet Food Awards. The Clinical Laboratory (Glycemic
Research Laboratories/Glycemic Solutions) does charge a fee
for clinical trials and/or analytical studies that are not
related to GRI Pet Food Awards. The Clinical Studies Coordinator
can provide information to clients that are seeking analytical
and/or clinical trials.
Clinical
Studies Coordinator
Glycemic Research Laboratories
727.894.6900
info@glycemic.com |
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| Q. |
WHY
DID ORIJEN CANINE FOOD WIN THE AWARD FOR “PET FOOD OF THE
YEAR”? |
| A. |
Orijen
Canine Food exemplifies a pet food that is based on the
evolutionary and biological needs of the canine. Orijin
did not apply for this award, they were selected by the
Glycemic Research Institute® (GRI) after a study was undertaken
by GRI scientists, comparing Orijen to hundreds of other
canine pet foods on the market.
The
Glycemic Research Institute’s (GRI) “Pet Food of the Year”
award is Pro Bono and no pet food company knows which pet
foods are being tested by GRI until the award is announced
to the public.
For
complete information on Orijen’s formulas, their website
contains a White Paper, which has explicit details on how
their food is designed, formulated, and researched:
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| Q. |
ARE
ANY ANIMALS HARMED DURING TESTING?
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| A. |
A.
Absolutely not. Everyone at the Glycemic Research Institute’s
(GRI) Pet Food Division is a devout animal lover. GRI’s moto
regarding animals is:
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress
can be judged by the way its animals are treated” Gandhi |
The
Glycemic Research Institute’s official position on the rights
and dignity of all animals is found in the GRI document published
at our website:
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| Glycemic Research Institute®
scientists, researchers, and staff frequently bring their own
pets to the office. Two frisky German Shepherd pups belonging
to our Chief of Biomedical Research are often found romping
around the office, trying to tempt the staff to play ball.
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Glycemic
Research Institute®
601 Pennsylvania
Avenue
Suite 900
Washington, D.C. 20004
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“The
greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged
by the way its animals are treated”
Gandhi
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The Glycemic Research Institute (GRI) is
an Animal Rights Activist Organization and is against inhumane
treatment and/or inhumane laboratory testing involving any
animal whatsoever.
The
Glycemic Research Institute® is passionate about animals and
their rights to dignity and loving care throughout their lives.
No
animals are harmed or sacrificed or treated inhumanly in any
Glycemic Research Institute® trial.
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Glycemic
Research Institute®
601 Pennsylvania
Avenue
Suite 900
Washington, D.C. 20004
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SIERRA
FOUNDATION
SPECIAL SERVICE DOG AWARD
|
The
Glycemic Research Institute’s® philanthropic branch, the
Sierra Foundation, is dedicated
to providing pet food, medical treatment, bedding, and other
pet needs, as a gift to special pets.
The
Sierra Foundation has selected
this year’s recipient of the 2009 Special Service
Dog Award, which was awarded to Doberman canine
companion Maggie, who faithfully
dedicates her life to her owner, Pamela Wier.
Maggie
is a Seeing-Eye-Companion to Pamela, and is always by her
side, providing love, companionship, and guidance. Pamela
and Maggie have been together for the past seven years.
Despite
their daily challenges, Maggie and Pamela remain outgoing
and cheerful. In their hometown of Colorado Springs, Pamela
is known for her infectious laugh and great sense of humor,
which Maggie seems to thoroughly enjoy. Maggie and Pamela’s
friends, Carl and Patti Grall, nominated Maggie for the
2009 Special Service Dog Award.
The
Sierra Foundation will supply
all of Maggie’s nutritional needs for her entire life, including
a complete supply of Merrick Low Glycemic Pet Foods,
funded entirely by the Glycemic Research Institute®.
Congratulations
to Maggie for a job well done !
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Glycemic
Research Institute®
601 Pennsylvania
Avenue
Suite 900
Washington, D.C. 20004
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Copyright© 2009-2010
This document
is an Official Publication
of the Glycemic Research Institute®
and may not be reprinted or published without prior written permission
from the Glycemic Research Institute®
Document # PF-5-2010
www.GRIPETFOODS.com
GLYCEMIC RESEARCH
INSTITUTE®
Glycemic Research Laboratories
GRI Official Trials Laboratory
St. Petersburg, Florida
(727) 894-6900
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