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Going Mutts Pet Services and Nutrition, Fort McMurray, AB (2025)

12/04/2025

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗗𝗼𝗴’𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗺𝘆 🐕🍗

If you caught my last post about “all-fruit days” for dogs 🍌 — here’s another reason why those so-called Natural Hygiene diets just don’t make sense for carnivores (yes, that includes cats — especially cats 🐈)

I recently came across someone promoting Natural Hygiene feeding for pets in a local Fort McMurray group, so we definitely need to talk about this before more people get pulled in by the hype.

We all love our pets and want them to live long, healthy lives — but please don’t go down this path, no matter how much “science” they claim to have or how polished the pitch sounds.

🍗 𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱
Wolves, coyotes, and wildcats don’t peel their meals.
They eat whole prey — skin, fat, organs, marrow, and fur.

Fat isn’t a mistake of nature; it’s their fuel source.
That rich layer under the skin is what drives:
• Steady, clean energy
• Hormone production
• Bile flow and detox
• Nervous system regulation
• Skin and coat health

When we strip the fat off, we’re removing the very nutrient base that keeps their terrain stable.

🧠 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝗯𝗶𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗽𝘀 𝗜𝗻
Raw vegans and fruitarians sometimes project their own logic onto animals:
“Fat clogs the body”
“Low fat cleans the lymph”
“Too much fat causes stagnation”

That might feel true for certain human detox protocols — but dogs and cats aren’t built like us. Their mitochondria are fat-burning machines.

They can handle starch, but not as efficiently as humans.

And their lymph doesn’t “clog” from fat — fat actually moves through the lymph as part of normal digestion!

So in a canine or feline terrain, healthy animal fat = lymph movement + bile stimulation, not stagnation.

🐾 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲
• Leave the chicken skin on (you can remove some if needed — I often do, unless you know your dog tolerates fat well and has robust digestion)
• Don’t fear visible fat on red meat.
• Rotate fat sources when possible (duck, beef, fish, egg yolk)
• Support bile and lymph flow with hydration, movement, and gentle herbs — not fat restriction.

If your dog has pancreatitis, EPI, or another condition that affects fat digestion, this info doesn’t apply the same way.

Those cases require a more cautious, lower-fat approach — ideally guided by your vet (and with my support if you’d like help reintroducing fat safely)

💚 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝗿𝗱𝘆 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲
Fat isn’t the villain — it’s the vehicle.
In a balanced terrain, fat doesn’t block the flow… it keeps it flowing.

12/03/2025

🐾✨ 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗗𝗼𝗴 𝗜𝘀 𝗟𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗿 (𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗲𝗶𝗿𝗱)

If your dog suddenly becomes obsessed with licking the floor, carpet, walls, or random surfaces…

You’re not imagining things — and they’re not “just being quirky”

One of the biggest hidden reasons?
𝗙𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 or 𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗹𝗼𝘄.

🧪 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗙𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀
Dogs rely on bile to break down and digest fats. When bile isn’t flowing properly, fat sits in the stomach → causing nausea, queasiness, and that “I need to lick something” feeling!

Just like humans, nauseated dogs lick surfaces to soothe the gut. Well... we don't lick surfaces, LOL!

⚠️ 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗮𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲
• Floor/carpet licking
• Lip-licking or drooling
• Eating grass
• Gurgly stomach
• Vomiting yellow foam
• Soft-serve p**p or “pudding butt”
• Hunger pukes
• Loose stool after fatty meals
• Smelly gas
• Itching after meals

🍗 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗜𝘁?
• Too much fat for their terrain
• Low bile flow
• Gallbladder congestion
• Pancreas struggling
• Sudden diet changes
• Antibiotics or meds that affect digestion
• Older dogs losing digestive resilience

🌿 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗧𝗼 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽
Start simple:

1️⃣ Reduce fat temporarily (leaner proteins, remove skin, drain fat)
2️⃣ Support bile flow gently
– Sunflower lecithin
– Digestive bitters (tiny amounts)
– Warm meals
3️⃣ Feed smaller, more frequent meals
4️⃣ Add cooked carbs (helps settle the stomach & supports bile recycling)
5️⃣ Avoid stacking supplements during a flare
6️⃣ Track symptoms — patterns tell the story

If it improves? You’ve found your culprit!

If it doesn’t, we look deeper into pancreas, liver, GI terrain, or food tolerances.

💛 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲
Floor licking is a symptom, not a behaviour problem.

Supporting bile, lowering fat, and easing digestive load can make a huge difference.

If you want help figuring out whether your dog is dealing with fat intolerance, bile congestion, or a deeper terrain issue — I’m here 🐾💛

12/03/2025

🌿✨ 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗼𝗴𝘀 — 𝗔 𝗡𝘂𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 💛
Turmeric gets hyped as a miracle supplement… but golden paste isn’t automatically right for every dog. Let’s break down the real terrain story 👇

🟢 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘀
Golden paste can support:
• Anti-inflammatory pathways
• Joint comfort & mobility
• Liver & detox support
• Antioxidant status
• Mild natural pain relief

You can make it at home or buy premade. I like 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 — clean and reliable!

🟡 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝘂𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲
Golden paste works because turmeric + fat + pepper increases curcumin absorption — but this combo is warming, stimulating, and bile-moving.

⭐ Dogs who often benefit:
• Seniors
• Arthritic dogs
• Stiff athletes
• Low-grade inflammation cases
• Dogs with slower detox/lymph (when started gently)

🔴 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲
Golden paste isn’t ideal for all terrains. Use caution if your dog has:
• Sensitive stomach or reflux
• History of pancreatitis
• Gallbladder/bile flow issues
• “Warm/damp” patterns (itchy, ye**ty, hot skin)
• Bleeding disorders
• Sensitivity to pepper
• Loose stools or fast digestion

And yes — too much can cause diarrhea, nausea, or gut irritation!

🐾 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗧𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁
• Begin with micro-doses (⅛–¼ tsp depending on size)
• Always give with food
• Watch stool, skin, and mood
• Increase slowly only if tolerated
• If DIY: use high-quality turmeric & a gentle fat (ghee, coconut oil, or pastured animal fat)

💛 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆
Golden paste is a tool, not a universal must-have.

It can be incredible — but only when it matches the dog’s terrain.

If you're unsure whether it fits your dog, I can help you figure out the right call!

12/02/2025

💧 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗼𝗴𝘀 𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽 “𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗸𝘆 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗿” — 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗚𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗻 🐕💧

It’s one of the most common things I hear from dog parents: “She’s older now and starting to leak a little urine when she’s sleeping” 😔

Most people assume it’s just aging or muscle weakness… But the story runs deeper — all the way to the adrenal glands.

🧠 𝗔𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘂𝗽
When a female dog is spayed, her ovaries (the main estrogen source) are removed. But her adrenal glands — the tiny stress organs that sit above the kidneys — can still produce small amounts of estrogen and progesterone.

That little bit is often enough to:
• Keep the bladder and urethra toned
• Support mood and nervous system balance
• Maintain tissue elasticity and hydration

⚡ 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗹–𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗲𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Over time, if the adrenals are under constant pressure — from stress, inflammation, poor diet, or long-term cortisol use — they lose their ability to make these backup hormones.

Once that happens, estrogen drops even lower… and the urethral sphincter (bladder valve) loses tone.

That’s when the “leaky bladder” starts — especially in early-spayed or large-breed females.

🌿 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝘁, 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘆𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗼𝗺
Dr. Steve Marsden (DVM, TCM practitioner) teaches that these cases are often tied to adrenal exhaustion — what he calls a “failure to adapt” to long-term stress.

He often uses Qi-lifting and Shen-calming formulas to help restore balance — one example being the Lift the Qi formula (available through Kan or veterinary practitioners)

For those without access to a holistic vet, similar support may be found through Gold Standard Herbs formulas (Galvanex) — though always confirm with a professional before adding herbs, especially if your dog is on medication.

You can also ask your vet about a cortisol spot test or adrenal panel if you suspect hormone imbalance.

✨ 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
• Support bile flow and minerals (lecithin, taurine, sea salt) — they regulate adrenal hydration.
• Encourage safety and calm — nervous system overdrive drains adrenal reserves.
• Use flower essences or homeopathy to support emotional balance.
• Consider a holistic vet for deeper hormone terrain support if available in your area.

💛 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝗿𝗱𝘆 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲
Leaky bladder isn’t just “old age”

It’s a signal that your dog’s terrain — especially her adrenal–hormone rhythm — needs a little love and restoration 💛

12/01/2025

💧🐾 𝐒𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐨𝐠𝐬: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

Sodium sometimes gets misunderstood. In human health, we often hear about cutting back on salt (which is controversial for many) — but dogs are not small humans.

They don’t sweat, and their sodium needs are very different.

For dogs, sodium is essential for fluid balance, nerve firing, and nutrient transport.

⸻

🔬 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐒𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬

• Fluid balance: Sodium attracts water, helping maintain hydration and steady blood volume so tissues get oxygen and nutrients.
• Nerve firing: Every nerve signal starts with sodium rushing in — this allows muscles, reflexes, and even the heartbeat to fire.
• Nutrient transport: Glucose, amino acids, and vitamins often rely on sodium to cross into cells.
• Adrenal tie-in: Hormones like aldosterone regulate sodium retention — stress or meds can impact this balance.

⸻

🍖 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐨𝐠𝐬 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐮𝐦

• Meats & organs: Naturally contain sodium — often enough for healthy dogs.
• Kibble: Usually fortified (and higher in sodium) for palatability and to encourage drinking.
• DIY/home-prepared diets: May or may not need added salt. If the recipe is meat-rich and NRC-balanced, extra sodium isn’t always required.
• Filtered, RO, or distilled water: These lack minerals — in this case, a pinch of unrefined salt or trace mineral drops can help restore electrolytes.

⸻

⚠️ 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝐁𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝

• Cooking losses: Some sodium leaches into cooking liquid. If broth isn’t used, recipes may need a small boost.
• Electrolyte support: During vomiting or diarrhea, sodium is lost quickly. A small pinch of unrefined salt (or a dog-safe “Pedialyte” mix) can help maintain hydration. Message me if you’d like a safe recipe for this.
• Protocol guidance: I’ll always indicate in your dog’s recipe or plan if extra sodium is needed — not all dogs do, and too much can be harmful.

⸻

⚠️ 𝐀 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐭 & 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬

While healthy adult dogs can usually handle a small pinch of unrefined salt, dogs with:
• Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
• Heart disease or high blood pressure
• Adrenal or endocrine issues

…need extra caution!

These conditions affect how the body regulates fluid and electrolytes — and too much salt can worsen retention, raise blood pressure, or stress vulnerable organs.

👉 If your dog has chronic illness or takes medication, never add salt unless it’s specifically indicated in their protocol or recommended by your vet.

⸻

⚖️ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

• Dogs do not need as much salt as humans.
• Too little sodium: fatigue, dizziness, poor appetite, low energy.
• Too much sodium (without potassium balance): tension, palpitations, nervous energy.

⸻

🤓 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐲 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲

Sodium isn’t something to fear — it’s something to use wisely.

Most fresh, meat-based diets provide plenty.
But in certain cases — cooked diets, filtered water, or digestive upset — a pinch of unrefined salt or trace electrolytes can make all the difference.

🧂 Always follow your dog’s tailored recipe or protocol!

🚫 Never use table salt (it often contains additives and lacks minerals)

⚡ And remember: sodium works hand-in-hand with potassium and magnesium to keep your dog’s cells charged and resilient.

⸻

11/30/2025

𝗜’𝗺 𝘀𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝘆 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗠𝗰𝗠𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘆 𝗽𝗲𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀! 🐾💛

December 9th & 10th ONLY

(Please contact me for Katie’s contact info if you are interested)

A highly skilled practitioner is coming up to town and offering canine massage & gentle manual therapy, and this is an AMAZING opportunity for dogs of all ages — especially seniors, mobility-restricted pups, or dogs recovering from injury or surgery.

She’s a Registered Massage Therapist & Manual Osteopath with 14 years of experience in:
• Assessment & soft tissue therapy
• Joint mobilization & mobility work
• Canine anatomy & rehab
• Manual lymphatic drainage for dogs
• Enrichment counselling

𝗦𝗼 𝘆𝗲𝘀 — 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝗞𝗡𝗢𝗪𝗦 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗼𝗴𝘀’ 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹.

If your dog struggles with:
• Stiffness
• Arthritis or age-related slowing
• Post-surgical recovery
• Lymph congestion or swelling
• Anxiety or nervous-system tension
• Poor mobility or compensation patterns

…a session like this can make a huge difference.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗜’𝗺 𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 → 𝐋𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐠𝐬.

It helps with:
• Inflammation
• Stiffness
• Fluid retention
• Post-op healing
• Skin/ear congestion
• Overall comfort & relaxation

Most dogs find it calming, grounding, and supportive — especially those who can’t tolerate heavy bodywork or long appointments.

She is offering in-home sessions only while she’s here (amazing for nervous, reactive, or mobility-limited dogs)

𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄.

𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝.

If you’d like help deciding if this would benefit your pup, feel free to message me! 🐶💛

11/29/2025

Thought you guys might enjoy a few pictures of my dogs on their $3k dog bed, destroying my living room, LOL! The picture of Rhythm in her jacket is from this morning… she foams at the mouth whenever she runs, like a true lunatic 🙈 … she has a big, gross drool blob across her snout!

I hope that everyone has a great weekend, stay warm! ☃️

11/29/2025

🐾 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗚𝗨𝗧 & 𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗚𝗬 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧 𝗢𝗣𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦
(and a little real talk from your friendly neighbourhood Nutrition Nerd 🤓)

I’ve been getting a lot of messages from people asking how to fix their dog’s gut issues, ear gunk, itching, mucus p**ps, flares, beef sensitivity, bile vomit — you name it!

And yes… I absolutely want to help!

But also:
• I’m a practitioner now
• My time is valuable (and limited… who’s isn’t, am I right? Not enough hours in the day!)
• And terrain work must be safe, personalized, and documented

So, I’m opening new support options that make help accessible without putting me in the position of giving free case-specific advice in DMs.

𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝘂𝘁 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸-𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲
(Education only — not personalized)

This guide gives you the safe basics every dog parent should know before diving deeper.

It includes:
• How to choose a probiotic that won’t backfire
• How to use liver tonic safely
• Omega-3 basics
• When hydrolyzed or low-residue may help
• Raw/cooked transition tips
• Gentle “day 1” steps that stabilize MOST mild gut cases

This is not dosing, not a protocol, and not an assessment. Think of it as the safe starting point — helpful, simple, accessible!

𝗣𝗔𝗜𝗗: $𝟮𝟱 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁
(Your dog. Your terrain. My brain.)

This is the first level of actual practitioner support.

The mini consult includes:
• A short intake (so I’m not guessing)
• Personalized dosing for probiotics, liver tonic, lecithin
• Terrain interpretation: what your dog’s symptoms really mean
• Red flags & safety considerations
• 2 months of messaging support
• Priority steps based on YOUR dog’s diet, history, and reactions
• Guidance on raw, cooked, hydrolyzed, or low-residue options
• When to consider omegas, electrolytes, bile supports, etc.

It’s perfect for mild cases, or for people who’ve tried all the basics and still aren’t seeing enough improvement.

𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧
(Full protocols + 6 months of follow-up)

• Mild Gut Support — $55
Simple stool issues, occasional mucus, basic kibble intolerance.

• Mild–Moderate — $75
Itching cycles, beef/lamb issues, green or sticky stool, histamine spikes.

• Moderate–Complex — $100–$125
Mixed symptoms, sensitive terrain, sulphur/taurine involvement, supplement crashes.

• Full Allergy/Gut Overhaul — $200-250 (9 months of follow-up)
Chronic, multi-system, long-term cases that require deep terrain mapping and heavy behind-the-scenes work. Does not include NRC recipe formulation.

Every level includes:
• Full intake
• 6+ months of support (depending on intake)
• Custom protocol
• Pacing, red flags, diet guidance
• Emotional & nervous system context
• Safe supplement frameworks
• And adjustments over time…

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗜 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗠 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗴𝘂𝘁/𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀

Case-specific advice without history = unsafe.

I’m liable. Your dog could experience a bad flare. I could miss a contraindication.
And that’s not ethical.

Intakes and disclaimers exist so I can keep your dog safe and choose the right supports for their terrain.

𝗜’𝗺 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗵 (𝗹𝗼𝗹 𝗶𝗳 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆). I’m here to help dogs — but also to keep my own lights on, pay my bills, and not live solely on noodles and coffee.

If you need help, I’ve got options now!

Just DM your e-mail address, and I’ll point you in the right direction 💛🐾

11/29/2025

💧🐾 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐨𝐠𝐬: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥

When we talk about dog nutrition, potassium doesn’t always get the spotlight — but it should.

Potassium is critical for your dog’s nerves, muscles, hydration, and metabolism.

⸻

🔬 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬

• Nerve signals: Potassium resets nerves after firing → without it, signals misfire.
• Muscles: Every contraction — from zoomies to heartbeat — depends on potassium to relax after firing.
• Fluid balance: Works with sodium to keep cells hydrated and energy moving.
• Metabolism: Required for enzymes that drive energy production.

⸻

🍖 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐈𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦

• Meats: naturally rich in potassium.
• Plant foods (like squash, potatoes, leafy greens): great boosters — but not always included in every recipe.
• Cooked diets: lose potassium in the cooking liquid (unless the broth is saved and used).
• Raw diets: potassium levels depend heavily on the cut of meat and whether veggies are included.
• Commercial blends (non-AAFCO): may be low in potassium if not properly formulated — and most aren’t.

⸻

⚠️ 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲

• Weakness or fatigue (especially in seniors)
• Poor appetite
• Muscle cramps or stiffness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Constipation
• In severe cases: collapse or paralysis

⸻

✨ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐲 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲

Potassium is essential — not optional.

Dogs on DIY diets or incomplete commercial blends are especially at risk if potassium isn’t carefully balanced.

🧩 Key reminders:
• Always ensure your dog’s recipe meets potassium needs.
• If you’re cooking — use the broth!
• And remember: balanced minerals = resilient, energetic dogs 🐕‍🦺

⸻

11/28/2025

𝗜𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝘁…
Going Mutts is now on Instagram! 🐾📸

I’ll be sharing short, easy-to-digest posts about dog nutrition, itchy dog terrain tips, bile & lymph basics, and lots of nerdy-but-simple breakdowns.

If you prefer quick visuals instead of long FB posts, come follow:
👉

Reels + video content coming soon(ish)… once I stop fighting with technology 😂
Thanks for the love & support!

11/27/2025

🐶 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐨𝐠𝐬: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 “𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥” 𝐍𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭

When I was learning to formulate diets for dogs, I was taught that you only need to hit about 50% of choline requirements because it “isn’t really essential” — dogs can supposedly make choline themselves.

I don’t agree with that. Here’s why 👇

⸻

📊 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐚𝐲

• AAFCO (adult dogs): 1360 mg per 1000 kcal (dry matter)
• NRC (2006): only ~400 mg per 1000 kcal — based on outdated deficiency studies
• Formulation teaching: many say “just hit 50%”, assuming the dog’s body makes the rest

But “making the rest” depends on a pathway that’s not always reliable.

⸻

🔬 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐄𝐌𝐓 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐲

• Dogs (like humans) can make phosphatidylcholine via the PEMT pathway, which uses methionine, folate, and B12 to convert phosphatidylethanolamine into phosphatidylcholine.
• In theory, this reduces the need for dietary choline.
• In practice — if methylation is stressed (genetics, inflammation, nutrient gaps, or liver strain), this pathway doesn’t keep up.

👉 That means many dogs can’t actually cover the “missing 50%”

⸻

⚖️ 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝟏𝟎𝟎% 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬

• Bile flow: Choline makes phosphatidylcholine, which keeps bile thin and moving.
• Fat digestion: Without enough choline, fats (and fat-soluble vitamins) aren’t absorbed properly.
• Liver health: Deficiency can lead to fatty liver and sluggish detox.
• Brain & nerves: Choline is the precursor to acetylcholine, vital for memory, focus, and muscle control.

Severe deficiencies may be rare — but suboptimal choline quietly adds terrain stress you can easily prevent.

⸻

🥚 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲

• Aim for 80–100% of requirements whenever possible.
• Choline isn’t always listed in food databases, but top sources include:
→ Eggs, liver, lecithin, poultry, fish.
• Supplements can help — many B-complexes contain choline, but the form matters (bitartrate vs phosphatidylcholine vs citicoline)
• With what we know now, there’s no reason to skip it in formulations.

⸻

🤓 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐲 𝐁𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐨𝐦 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐞

Choline may look “non-essential” on paper — but in real life, it’s conditionally essential.

Meeting requirements fully is an easy win for liver, bile, brain, and terrain balance.

🌻 Sunflower lecithin remains one of my favourite ways to add choline — gentle, effective, and terrain-friendly.

⸻

11/26/2025

🥥 𝗖𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘁 𝗢𝗶𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗼𝗴𝘀 — 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗳𝘂𝗹, 𝗛𝘆𝗽𝗲𝗱, 𝗼𝗿 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗱?

Coconut oil gets so much hype. Some people swear it kills yeast, fixes allergies, boosts energy, and moisturizes everything from paws to hot spots.

…and some claim it causes inflammation, clogs pores, or is useless compared to animal fats.

As usual: 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 😉

Here’s the real terrain-based take 👇
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🥥 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘁 𝗢𝗶𝗹 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗜𝘀
Coconut oil is a saturated fat —
but it’s mostly MCTs, not long-chain fats.

That means it’s rich in:
• Lauric acid (~50%)
• Caprylic acid
• Capric acid

These bypass normal digestion, go straight to the liver, and are burned quickly for energy.

⭐ MCTs = fast fuel, not storage fat
They don’t raise cholesterol like tallow, egg yolk, or other long-chain animal fats.

So coconut oil is not the best fat to use if your dog needs help:
• building hormones
• supporting bile flow
• strengthening skin barrier lipids
• gaining weight
• improving fat-soluble nutrient absorption

Those jobs belong to animal fats, not coconut.
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🔥 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘁 𝗢𝗶𝗹 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀
Used strategically, it can be helpful:
• Quick energy / ketone support (great for seniors or seizure-prone dogs, MCT)
• Mild antimicrobial properties (lauric acid)
• Boosts total dietary fat when meals are too lean
• Can improve dry coats if the dog isn’t getting enough overall fat

For itchy or anxious dogs who are low-fat overall, adding a small amount of MCT-rich fat can help regulate energy and moisture balance.
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🛑 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘁 𝗢𝗶𝗹 𝗙𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁 (𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲𝘀)
❗ Not a yeast cure
The “coconut oil kills yeast” claim is exaggerated. It can support microbial balance internally, but it does not fix systemic yeast on its own — that requires bile, lymph, minerals, digestion, and terrain cleanup.

❗ Not ideal for pancreatitis-prone dogs
Still a saturated fat → still needs digestive capacity.

❗ Can worsen histamine issues
Some dogs flare with MCTs, especially if sulfur pathways are sluggish.

❗ Not a moisturizer for all dogs
Coconut oil on skin can:
• trap heat
• clog pores
• worsen yeast in moist or inflamed terrain
• create a film that actually dries skin underneath

It’s better used internally and only externally for very specific skin types.
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
𝗔𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗮𝘁𝘀 𝘃𝘀. 𝗖𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘁 𝗢𝗶𝗹
If your dog needs help with:
• hormone production
• bile flow
• fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)
• coat strength
• skin barrier function
• weight gain
• mineral absorption

👉 Use animal fats
(egg yolk, tallow, fatty fish, sardines, butter/ghee)

If your dog needs:
• fast fuel
• gentle antimicrobial support
• extra calories without stressing bile
• brain support

👉 Use small amounts of coconut oil

They’re not interchangeable — they serve different metabolic purposes!
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📌 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗧𝗼 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗜𝘁 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝗹𝘆
Start low:
¼ tsp per 10–15 lbs, once daily or every other day.

Watch:
• stool quality
• skin reactions
• energy changes
• ear/itch flares

If anything worsens, pull back — it’s a terrain readiness issue, not a bad oil!
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💛 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝗿𝗱𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆
Coconut oil isn’t magic — but it’s not useless either.

It’s a tool, and like any tool, it works best when you match it to the right terrain. Think of it as clean fuel, not a replacement for nutrient-rich animal fats. Use it with intention, not as a cure-all.

Going Mutts Pet Services and Nutrition

12/04/2025

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