8/10/26
To Be Grain Free, or Not To Be..
There is a lot of fear and misinformation circulating right now regarding the claim by the FDA that grain free kibble causes a specific kind of heart disease in dogs. While it is alarming to hear, it is in our best interest to step back and truly evaluate the situation to decide the best solution. The study that was conducted had a very small sample size, and it was predominantly focused on one breed of dog. We need several more studies performed that analyze several types of canine diets- grain free kibble, regular kibble, canned food, raw, and cooked homemade foods- before we can come to a final conclusion. One issue that is a big problem in the grain free is that when legumes are used, it may counted as part of the protein component instead of just a starch.. and dogs appear to thrive more fully when they receive their protein from a meat source. There may also be a chemical reaction between the protein and the carbohydrates in the kibble (all kibble, I may add) that prevents some of the proteins from being absorbed.
My recommended solution to this issue is to feed a (yes, grain free!) balanced raw or whole food cooked diet to your pets. Whenever possible, I try to mimic the natural food that wild dogs ingest. By getting real foods, the animals are able to take advantage of all of the natural vitamins and minerals that are present in the foods, along with all necessary cofactors and enzymes to promote better digestion and assimilation of the nutrition. The result? A vibrantly healthy beast. Is kibble easier? Yes. But, kibble is far too processed, and the manufacturers add lab created vitamins and minerals to it to create "balanced nutrition". The body isn't designed to break that down appropriately, hence another reason why we see so much disease and orthopedic issues in our pets.
Here is a link that provides an interesting take on the matter as well: https://medium.com/@danielschulof_18279/bad-science-and-big-business-are-behind-the-biggest-pet-food-story-in-a-decade-5cdafae7be77
More questions? Please don't hesitate to schedule a phone consult to discuss diet issues more in depth!
7/15/26
Detoxification Options
Happy 2019! I’m sure that you have a made a resolution for yourself, but have you thought about making one for your pets? A great way to start the new year off is by doing a healthy whole body detox cleanse. Our bodies and our pets bodies accumulate toxins and heavy metals through the air we breathe, the food we eat, the vaccines we get, the allopathic drugs we take, and so on. The body will work hard to eliminate those toxins, but over time the organs just get overwhelmed with trying to cleanse the system, and the toxins build up. Accumulating toxins can cause body soreness, malaise, flu-like symptoms, mental fogginess, lethargy, behavioral changes, stiffness, weight gain, and many other symptoms.
There are several supplements and herbs that can help the detoxing process, including:
-organic dandelion root
-organic mint leaf
-organic milk thistle
-clinoptilolite clay (zeolites)
-aloe vera juice
-lemon juice
-cilantro
-certain essential oils
-spirulina (ideally from Hawaii)
-activated charcoal
I strongly recommend that you consult with a Holistic veterinarian before proceeding with a detox for your pet. They can guide you to choose the best protocol for your animal, and talk you through what signs you may see during this detox period (usually about 30 days). Your pet may also need other nutritional support and food/environment changes as well, and your Holistic vet will have many options for you.
Here’s to a happy, healthy, and vibrant year!
6/1/2026
Essential oils
Essential oils are powerfully therapeutic for our bodies, and for our animals as well! There are many myths about essential oils not being safe for animals, but with the optimum purity, therapeutic grade, and correct application, they are not only safe, but can be lifesaving. Dr. Shelton, a veterinarian, has been working on animals with essential oils for several years, with incredible results. She created different blends for several different health concerns and emotional issues for dogs, cats, horses, birds, etc. Check out http://www.animaleo.info/order-animaleo.html for her products, they just may help your animal!
7/3/2025
Acupuncture Tidbit
Did you know that most of the acupuncture meridians (channels) connect to and are named after a specific organ? The common channels include lung, large intestine, stomach, spleen, heart, small intestine, pericardium, bladder, kidney, gallbladder, and liver. Interestingly enough, the spleen channel isn't actually related to the spleen organ.. It is the one channel that the ancient Chinese did not get right. The spleen was thought to have governed digestion and assimilation. We now know that this channel is more related to the pancreas, not the spleen. Fascinating!!
2/9/2025
Benefits of Acupuncture and Chiropractic
Did you know that acupuncture and chiropractic treat far more than pain? Below is a list of several issues in dogs, cats and horses that can be helped or healed by chiropractic, acupuncture, energy healing (reiki), or a combo of all.
To Be Grain Free, or Not To Be..
There is a lot of fear and misinformation circulating right now regarding the claim by the FDA that grain free kibble causes a specific kind of heart disease in dogs. While it is alarming to hear, it is in our best interest to step back and truly evaluate the situation to decide the best solution. The study that was conducted had a very small sample size, and it was predominantly focused on one breed of dog. We need several more studies performed that analyze several types of canine diets- grain free kibble, regular kibble, canned food, raw, and cooked homemade foods- before we can come to a final conclusion. One issue that is a big problem in the grain free is that when legumes are used, it may counted as part of the protein component instead of just a starch.. and dogs appear to thrive more fully when they receive their protein from a meat source. There may also be a chemical reaction between the protein and the carbohydrates in the kibble (all kibble, I may add) that prevents some of the proteins from being absorbed.
My recommended solution to this issue is to feed a (yes, grain free!) balanced raw or whole food cooked diet to your pets. Whenever possible, I try to mimic the natural food that wild dogs ingest. By getting real foods, the animals are able to take advantage of all of the natural vitamins and minerals that are present in the foods, along with all necessary cofactors and enzymes to promote better digestion and assimilation of the nutrition. The result? A vibrantly healthy beast. Is kibble easier? Yes. But, kibble is far too processed, and the manufacturers add lab created vitamins and minerals to it to create "balanced nutrition". The body isn't designed to break that down appropriately, hence another reason why we see so much disease and orthopedic issues in our pets.
Here is a link that provides an interesting take on the matter as well: https://medium.com/@danielschulof_18279/bad-science-and-big-business-are-behind-the-biggest-pet-food-story-in-a-decade-5cdafae7be77
More questions? Please don't hesitate to schedule a phone consult to discuss diet issues more in depth!
7/15/26
Detoxification Options
Happy 2019! I’m sure that you have a made a resolution for yourself, but have you thought about making one for your pets? A great way to start the new year off is by doing a healthy whole body detox cleanse. Our bodies and our pets bodies accumulate toxins and heavy metals through the air we breathe, the food we eat, the vaccines we get, the allopathic drugs we take, and so on. The body will work hard to eliminate those toxins, but over time the organs just get overwhelmed with trying to cleanse the system, and the toxins build up. Accumulating toxins can cause body soreness, malaise, flu-like symptoms, mental fogginess, lethargy, behavioral changes, stiffness, weight gain, and many other symptoms.
There are several supplements and herbs that can help the detoxing process, including:
-organic dandelion root
-organic mint leaf
-organic milk thistle
-clinoptilolite clay (zeolites)
-aloe vera juice
-lemon juice
-cilantro
-certain essential oils
-spirulina (ideally from Hawaii)
-activated charcoal
I strongly recommend that you consult with a Holistic veterinarian before proceeding with a detox for your pet. They can guide you to choose the best protocol for your animal, and talk you through what signs you may see during this detox period (usually about 30 days). Your pet may also need other nutritional support and food/environment changes as well, and your Holistic vet will have many options for you.
Here’s to a happy, healthy, and vibrant year!
6/1/2026
Essential oils
Essential oils are powerfully therapeutic for our bodies, and for our animals as well! There are many myths about essential oils not being safe for animals, but with the optimum purity, therapeutic grade, and correct application, they are not only safe, but can be lifesaving. Dr. Shelton, a veterinarian, has been working on animals with essential oils for several years, with incredible results. She created different blends for several different health concerns and emotional issues for dogs, cats, horses, birds, etc. Check out http://www.animaleo.info/order-animaleo.html for her products, they just may help your animal!
7/3/2025
Acupuncture Tidbit
Did you know that most of the acupuncture meridians (channels) connect to and are named after a specific organ? The common channels include lung, large intestine, stomach, spleen, heart, small intestine, pericardium, bladder, kidney, gallbladder, and liver. Interestingly enough, the spleen channel isn't actually related to the spleen organ.. It is the one channel that the ancient Chinese did not get right. The spleen was thought to have governed digestion and assimilation. We now know that this channel is more related to the pancreas, not the spleen. Fascinating!!
2/9/2025
Benefits of Acupuncture and Chiropractic
Did you know that acupuncture and chiropractic treat far more than pain? Below is a list of several issues in dogs, cats and horses that can be helped or healed by chiropractic, acupuncture, energy healing (reiki), or a combo of all.
Hip and Elbow dysplasia Osteoarthritis/ Degenerative Joint Disease OCD lesions Bridging spondylosis Chronic and acute pain Pre- and Post- surgical pain Tendonitis/ bowed tendons/ contracted tendons Muscle strains and sprains Fibrocartilaginous emboli Neuropathies Lumbosacral disease and pain Wobblers Intervertebral Disc Disease type I-IV Other musculoskeletal problems Geriatric revitalization Seizures/ Epilepsy Immune-mediated disorders Urinary issues- infections, stones, FIC/FLUTD General poor performance Infertility Moody mare syndrome/ ovarian pain TMJ pain/ Masticatory Muscle Myositis |
Undiagnosable lameness Clearing "toxic scars" Diarrhea and constipation- both acute and chronic Vomiting and nausea- both acute and chronic Anemia EIPH (horse "bleeders") "Hard keepers"- difficulty gaining weight and muscle Incontinence Kidney, Liver, or Heart disease/ failure Addison’s and Cushing’s Diseases Spraying cats Anxiety, aggression, fear, and other behavioral disorders Lick granulomas Allergies- both GI and skin Feline overgrooming Feline hyperesthesia syndrome Collapsing trachea Chronic cough, asthma Facial paralysis Cancer and its side effects- low appetite, muscle wasting, low energy Toxicities and their side effects on organ function |