The genetic information found in the DNA present in almost every cell provides the step-by-step instructions on the “how, when, and where” for the production and activation of the proteins (as enzymes and polypeptides) that carry out every biological activity that supports life. Genes serve as the master instruction manual.  In order for this information to be used by the cell, copies of the DNA are made leaving the original intact for future use.

Some of the nutrients provided through food serve as the tools that will be used to construct the enzymes and polypeptides. When appropriate amounts of specific nutrients are present, the cell builds the needed enzymes and polypeptides as determined by the accuracy and quality of the “photocopy” made from the master instruction manual encoded as genes. The conversion of the information stored within a gene, into the photocopy and then into the crafting of the enzymes and polypeptides is called “gene expression”. Anything that influences those reactions therefore influences gene expression. Nutrients that directly play a role in these processes then are potentially capable of altering the outcome of the cellular operations.

This new arena of detailed study revealing the interaction of the specific “tool” nutrients with the cellular and genetic processes is called nutritional genomics or “nutrigenomics”. The information discovered will provide a genetic flow-chart or diagram demonstrating how common nutrients affect the equilibrium between health and disease by influencing the expression and configuration of the genetic material present in a particular individual.

There are 5 distinct principles that subcategorize the overall subject of nutrigenomics.

• Common nutrients act either directly or indirectly on the genome (genetic structure) of an animal to alter a gene’s ability to perform all its functions in order to produce the expected proteins and processes.
• Diet can pose a serious risk for certain diseases under specific circumstances and in genetically vulnerable cells, or animal. 
• There are normal genes which are readily regulated by diet, and which are likely to affect the initiation, progression and seriousness of chronic diseases.
• An animal’s own genetics may determine the extent to which the diet affects its own health or illness.
• The cumulative knowledge of nutritional requirements, nutritional status, and an animal’s individual needs can serve to prevent disease, minimize the progression or severity of existing disease, or possibly even to cure diseases of long-standing through custom designed nutrition specific for that individual.

The ability to customize nutrition for an individual animal is still in the future, and probably not necessary for the majority of animals. More realistic is the ability to customize diets for smaller populations within the dog species. The greater the common genetic basis within a population of dogs, as seen in breeds, the more specific nutritional formulation is possible. Every breed has demonstrated genetic predisposition for specific diseases, such as pancreatic insufficiency found in German Shepherds.

Nutrients within the “toolbox” include specific amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and bioactive food components. Each nutrient is used in multiple processes where it is the only tool that will work. If the nutrient isn’t present or available, the biochemical process stalls, resulting in the proverbial wrench in the works. There are also some nutrients that play a supportive role, indirectly helping to make the primary nutrient available, or assisting other components to utilize the primary nutrient. An example of this is the role of B vitamins in assisting the energy pathway within cells.

Extensive research in both humans and animals has revealed detail on a molecular level as to how the essential nutrients work, as well as the processes that lead to disease if individual nutrients are deficient in the diet. Several of the B vitamins, along with vitamins C and E, actively participate in the replication of DNA especially in the developing embryo and fetus. Deficiencies in these nutrients, individually and collectively, result in damage to DNA similar to what is seen in radiation damage. Folate, a form of a B vitamin, is a key component in the process of DNA replication in cellular growth. If it is not present in appropriate quantities, the strands of DNA actually break, and the developing embryo then ends up with cellular damage that may cause the death of the embryo or be revealed as congenital defects such as cleft palate upon birth. Other nutrients such as calcium, zinc and iron can also regulate normal gene activity.

Tremendous progress has been made in mapping the entire genetic make-up (genome) of the dog, as well as identifying individual genes. Furthermore, assays, or specialized test methods, have been developed to examine a dog’s genetic basis to see if certain disease-causing genes are present. There are already over 40 of these gene assays available, and more are being perfected. Armed with this knowledge, the veterinarian and owner can take steps to prevent disease, or at least to mitigate the progression, and reduce the severity.

Tailored nutrition is going to play a huge role in supporting the health of future generations, possibly even on an individual dog basis. As for today’s technology in pet food, dog food formulas developed for specific breeds have come a long way to protect and prolong the healthy lives of dogs.