When I set out to produce our very own, proprietary canine hummus, it was paramount that the ingredients would have to be of the finest quality. I think we have achieved just that. DFL hummus is non-GMO, preservative-free and devoid of citrus and garlic – unlike many of the commercially prepared store-bought brands. In addition, we are researching the possibility of using home-grown fruit (blueberries & strawberries grown right in my own back-yard) as opposed to buying frozen blueberries & strawberries that have been transported many miles by truck and may end up sitting in storage for long periods of time. For the purposes of our non-clinical testing, we used organic fruit grown right here in the Garden State. The olive oil used was always 1st cold pressed, extra virgin. I personally taste tested several different brands to see which one, or ones, would deliver a strong after-taste bite. In other words, if you get a little burn in your throat after downing a small spoonful of oil olive, it usually means that you’ve picked a winner. The coconuts used in our strawberry hummus were never pre-packaged or bottled foodstuffs. We only use the “coconut meat” right from the newly halved sections. Before breaking open the coconut, I would poke (3) small holes in the little eyelets at the top and pour the fresh milk right into my dog’s bowl for a little treat.. Our tahini paste is a nutritional powerhouse of vitamins (high in the B vitamin: folate) and minerals (a good source of: calcium) that adds consistency to our hummus. Since we don’t use commercially prepared fillers and bulking agents (like tapioca starch), DFL’s tahini (crushed sesame seeds) gives our product a very creamy texture and smoothness, all the while eschewing  non-nutritive, laboratory-concocted chemicals. The chick peas we use are carefully soaked overnight and lightly cooked to help preserve the nutritional integrity of this fiber and protein rich legume.                                                          

                                                                        The Actual Testing
 
Our customers were given 8 ounce containers filled with our hummus and instructed to “mix it right in with their” dog’s regular food. Since this is non-clinical food testing there were no placebos, control groups or long-term analysis. The whole idea was to determine, generally within a 24 hour period, whether or not their dog was able to digest and assimilate our hummus without any digestive difficulties, loose stools or other GI tract issues. Of the (71) dogs we tested, (66) voraciously consumed it without any problems. (5) test dogs didn’t like it for one reason or another. Additionally, we had (6) dog owners (not counted as part of the original recipients) who declined our offer of some “free food” citing that their dog(s) had “recurring GI tract problems” and “didn’t want to give them anything that might cause distress.” Of the (6) owners who declined, one reaction in particular really stood out in our mind. The owner actually showed our hummus to their vet for approval. The vet immediately dismissed it (I am paraphrasing here) “as something you shouldn’t give your dog in lieu of her past history of GI tract problems”. I find that answer somewhat disconcerting on so many different levels, in that most vets sell “Science Diet” in their offices. SD is generally regarded (by anyone who knows a thing or two about nutrition) as one of the leading causative agents in promoting GI tract problems over the long haul. In other words, it’s a heavily processed, non-nutritive, carbohydrate laden amalgam of cheap grains, by-products, fillers and synthetic chemicals that  keeps your dog in a “vicious cycle” of never truly satisfying their protein requirements all the while promoting all kinds of digestive disorders over the long haul. The 1st five ingredients listed are either grain or carbohydrate derivatives.
 
One of the surprising results in our testing is that none of the owners reported that their dog’s had loose stools. I thought for sure that due to the “high fiber” content of the chick peas there would be at least a few experiencing “softened feces.” That wasn’t the case at all. All owners that we queried reported that their dogs “had no issues with loose stools” – even after consuming the entire 8 ounces. Stool colors, as per our respondents, remained a “healthy brown to dark brown in all cases.  Equally intriguing is that there were no reports of “stomach upsets” or “reactions with vet-prescribed meds” We didn’t think that our hummus would be inflammatory in any way (even with dogs that take medications) and that was most certainly confirmed unanimously. Another consideration that we had was blood sugar spiking due to the fruit (blueberries & strawberries). While organic blueberries and strawberries are low on the glycemic index, it is worth noting that many dogs on a commercially prepared diet are prone to glucose problems to varying degrees. While it is not known from our respondents whether or not their dogs are especially sensitive to blood sugar spiking (a blood fasting glucose test from your vet can determine this), the consensus was that our hummus did not pose an “inflammatory threat” of any proportions. Moreover, of the test dogs that were “diabetic”, none of the owners reported having to adjust insulin levels (either up or down). 
 
As far as taste preference goes, not all of our test dogs received both Blueberry Splash and Strawberry Coconut Cluster hummus. Depending on when I would rendezvous with the dog’s owners and what I had available at the time dictated what they received. It was made known to all that both flavors would be accessible if they wanted it. We did, however, manage to test (71) dogs with both flavors by expanding our testing pool during the last phase. Responses ranged from “my dog absolutely loved it” to “my dog sniffed it for a while before he ate it” to “my dogs ate around their other food to get to it.” There were no reports of dogs eating it and then regurgitating their stomach contents. Of the (5) test dogs who weren’t impressed, it is worth noting that they (according to the owners) are typically “picky” eaters much of the time anyway. So, our hummus was just another in a long line of foods that they won’t eat. Overall, we are pleased with the results. So much so, that we are already planning additional hummus flavors, including our DFL Berry Berry Good brand.
 
It now seems conclusive that our DFL hummus is safe for canine consumption. We do emphasize that our product is intended as an adjunct to an otherwise healthy eating regiment – not as a main course. Since chick peas (along with white beans, lentils, fava beans, et al) are incomplete protein sources due to the lack of certain amino acids, discretion should be used when mapping out a diet plan for your dog. Combining our hummus with a DFL instructed raw, home-cooked, Mediterranean or combo plan can go a long way in helping your dog stay healthy throughout all life stages. 

                                                                    Additional testing data
 
Age range of dogs – Between (2) and (17)
Puppies tested – None < than (2) years old were tested
Palatability/overall appeal success rate :  93 %  (5)
dogs out of a pool of (71) did not like it. (66) dogs liked it.
Tolerance success rate : 100%
Reports of gastrointestinal upset or distress – None
Serving sizes issued – (8) oz. containers
Glycemic Index rating -  12  (low). The inclusion of organic fruit raises the GI
number. Foods with a GI index of < 50 are considered to be perfectly safe. 

While there are few, if any, clinical studies on the possible health benefits of  the Chaga mushroom for your dog, preliminary indications are that this power-packed, charcoal-black fungi may one day play  an integral role in helping quell the proliferation of mutagenic cells. Native to the northern forests of  Russia, Canada and the US, Chaga mushrooms can be seen clinging to the bark of  birch trees. Their distinctive black color is due to the massive amounts of melanin which is extracted from their host. A thick, rock-hard stem and bitter flavor make Chaga’s ideal candidates for teas (dogs should not be given teas or other stimulants) and puddings. They are nutritionally dense and contain a vast array of essential minerals ( copper, calcium, potassium, manganese, zinc and iron), phenols, sterols, enzymes, B-vitamins and flavonoids. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Hospital is well aware of the untapped potential that Chaga’s have. While no clinical trials have been done on humans, early trials with mice have yielded some encouraging results prompting the renowned clinic to issue the statement that “Chaga mushrooms show great promise as being potentially anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic and promoting cardiovascular health,” which was tempered with the sobering reminder that “nothing is conclusive yet and much more testing needs to be done.” Just the idea that Chaga mushrooms show so much promise, especially as being possibly anti-mutagenic, is reason enough to keep a close eye on these fantastic fungi from the northern forests. Diets for Life will be keeping our clients aware of any new developments and posting data on our blog when it happens.

The challenges that Chaga Mushrooms pose:  
One of the many daunting challenges that  pet owners will face if opting to give your dog Chaga mushrooms is the availability factor. Chagas grow exclusively in northern climates and may not be available to the masses in many parts of the country. If you do find a reputable on-line retailer, make sure that you ask for whole pieces or parts of the actual mushroom. That way, you can grind into a fine powder (the rock hard firmness of the Chaga precludes it from being eaten right off the tree) and serve with most of the biochemical integrity still preserved. I would avoid buying encapsulated Chaga powder, as there is a degradation process when you put anything into a gel capsule or pill form. The whole idea is that you want the active ingredients to be left intact, or as well as you can expect from a product that has been pulled from a dying birch tree and delivered through the mail. Because of Chagas “hard as wood” texture, they are generally served as teas or puddings. It should be noted that dogs should never be given teas or other stimulants of any kind. Probably best to grind into a fine powder and mix right in with their food. Whatever way you choose to serve them, you have taken a big step in helping your dog maintain a healthy immune system throughout all life stages.

Research studies, reputed claims and the future of the Chaga mushroom:  
While research study data on the Chaga is scant at best, certain unique properties have been uncovered in the scientific community about these extraordinary fungi. First and foremost, Chagas are parasitic organisms meaning that their life cycle revolves around infecting a living tree and extracting compounds from the host’s internal lignins and bark.When harvesting Chagas, should you be inclined to do so, it is imperative that they come from a tree that is still living rather than on that is already dead. This helps to maintain the betulinic acid content, active enzymes and adaptogenic properties that set Chagas apart from other mushrooms. Although many of the alleged claims about the efficacy of the Chaga are merely speculative at this point, the whole idea that they are an edible foodstuff  that may one day may help your dog live a longer, cancer-free life is reason enough to approach them with an open mind. The future looks very bright indeed for these rock-hard, charcoal black fungi from the northern woodlands of the world.

Chaga mushroom fast facts: 

1. Chagas contain (215) potent and unique phyto-nutrients
2. Chagas are a nutritionally dense mushroom containing copious amounts of the minerals: copper, calcium, potassium, manganese, zinc and iron. 
3. Like many mushrooms, Chagas possess “angiogenesis inhibitors” (They inhibit cancer cells from growing new blood vessels. Tumors cannot grow without a constant blood supply. 
4. Unlike pharmaceuticals or other drugs, Chagas have no known side-effects. 
5. Chagas grow in colder climates, primarily Russia, eastern and northern Europe, parts of Asia, Canada and some northern US States. 
6. Chagas contain (29) long-chain polysaccharides and immune-supporting beta glucans among their impressive repertoire of medicinal benefits. 
7. The outer conk protrusion is charcoal black while the inner body is a orangey/yellow color.