Northern Hound Holistic

04/04/2025

Hey everyone!
I wanted to give you all a little Marley update! 🐾

This sweet girl has now been with me for just a few days, and already she’s making amazing progress. Her skin is starting to soften, the itching has settled, and for the first time since arriving, she slept through the night in her own bed (okay, almost 😉). We’ve officially transitioned her off kibble, and today marks the start of her very strict elimination diet to help heal her gut and figure out exactly what works for her.

She’s calmer, starting to trust, and her personality is beginning to peek through. Marley has been fully vetted and is currently being supported with a combination of prescribed medications and natural, holistic care — blending both approaches to give her the best chance at a full recovery.

I’m journaling Marley’s recovery day by day on my website, if you’d like to follow along with her journey:
👉https://northernhoundholistic.ca/healing-marley

If I’m a little slower than usual replying to messages or emails, it’s because Marley is literally a full-time job right now, in the best kind of way. Between her care, my own animals, and my family, things are full around here, but I’m so grateful to be doing this work.

If you’d like to support Marley’s care, donations can be sent by e-transfer to [email protected], just include “For Marley” in the notes. Every bit helps provide the food, supplements, and medical care she needs to keep moving forward.

Thank you so much to everyone who’s been cheering her on! 💛

On Our Way Home Animal Rescue

03/27/2025

A Fat Dog Is Not a Healthy Dog 🐶

We love our dogs endlessly. Sometimes that love shows up in extra treats and overfilled bowls. That pleading look, those big eyes watching your every bite… it’s hard to resist. But behind the cuteness, there’s a serious health issue we need to talk about: extra weight.

A fat dog is not a healthy dog. While a little pudge might seem harmless, the truth is that being overweight puts serious stress on your dog’s body and can take years off their life. In fact, it’s estimated that carrying extra weight can cut at least 2 years from your dog’s lifespan. That’s 2 years of adventures, tail wags, and time you don’t get back. ⏳

Fat doesn’t just sit there like some passive storage. It’s active tissue that creates inflammation throughout the body. Fat cells produce inflammatory molecules called cytokines, which damage cells, disrupt hormones, and lead to chronic inflammation. The more fat your dog has, the more inflammation they carry, and the more likely they are to gain even more fat. It becomes a dangerous cycle that’s hard to break. 🔄

On top of that, every extra pound adds pressure to your dog’s joints. Their hips, knees, spine, and even paws are working overtime just to carry that weight around. Cartilage wears down faster, movement becomes harder, and inflammation from fat makes everything worse. That bounce in their step disappears, replaced by stiffness, hesitation, or worse, pain. 🦴

Fresh food fed dogs are often leaner, and there’s a good reason for that. Processed food like kibble is full of unnecessary carbs and starches. Ingredients like corn, rice, and wheat are added to bind and preserve the food, not to nourish your dog. Dogs have no biological need for carbohydrates, and excess sugar often ends up stored as fat. When you feed real, fresh food filled with quality protein, healthy fats, and fiber from vegetables, you’re fuelling your dog’s body, not feeding inflammation. 🥩🥦

After a dog is spayed or neutered, their metabolism slows down. Hormones shift, appetite can change, and their energy needs drop. This means they often need about 20 % less food than they did before surgery. But many dogs keep eating the same portions, and the weight slowly creeps in. It’s not about cutting food drastically, just adjusting with care and attention.

I’ll be sharing a Body Condition Score chart. Take a look and ask yourself, where does your dog sit? Can you feel their ribs without pressing too hard? Do they have a waist when you look from above? Is there a tuck in their belly when you look from the side? If not, it might be time to make a few changes. 📊

Helping your dog lose weight is one of the most powerful things you can do. It supports their joints, improves energy, reduces the risk of disease, strengthens the immune system, and adds healthy years to their life. And who doesn’t want more years together? ❤️

So next time those eyes beg for just one more bite, remember what real love looks like. It’s not about overfeeding. It’s about protecting their health, their comfort, and your time together. A lean dog is a healthier, happier dog.

Let’s aim for longer lives, lighter steps, and wagging tails all around. You’ve got this. 🐾

03/25/2025

Because I keep seeing posts about sick pups this week, I thought it was worth resharing the 8 steps to resetting your dog's digestive system. Here in Fort St. John, it's a mucky mess out there, and I know from firsthand experience how nasty those stagnant puddles can be. This time last year, all three of my dogs got quite sick, and I’m pretty sure the culprit was a giant “poop soup” puddle they traipsed through at the dog park 💩💩

It might look like harmless water, but those puddles are often full of bacteria, parasites, and who knows what else. Dogs drink from them, walk through them, and then lick their feet. It’s an easy way for bugs to sneak in 🤢

If you’re out and about, especially at parks or trails, do a quick rinse or wipe-down after. It can make a big difference in keeping them healthy through this gross, slushy season.

And if you do run into issues, these 8 steps are a simple, natural way to get things back on track fast 🐾
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15rvT6KNpL/

Ready, Set, Reset: 8 Steps to Reset Your Dog's Digestive System After Diarrhea or Upset Stomach

When your dog’s digestive system gets thrown off, it’s hard not to worry. I’ve been through this plenty of times with my own dogs, and I’ve developed a process that works every time. Here’s my go-to guide to getting your dog back on track after a bout of diarrhea or digestive upset.

Step 1: Rest the Digestive System
First things first, you need to give their system a break. Withhold food for 12-24 hours after the symptoms have subsided. It might feel hard to resist their hungry eyes, but this rest period is crucial. Their gut needs time to heal without the burden of processing food. Don’t worry—they can still drink water!

Step 2: Hydrate with Warm Bone Broth
Hydration is so important, and my go-to solution is bone broth, served warm (but not hot). It’s soothing for their gut and loaded with nutrients like collagen and amino acids that help repair the gut lining. You can make bone broth easily at home, you can find my go to recipe here! Trust me, it’s a lifesaver when their stomach is upset. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/Y7fhXrvVLCmA9t9m/

Step 3: Detox with Activated Charcoal
If their symptoms have been intense, activated charcoal is my secret weapon. It binds to toxins and irritants in their gut, helping flush them out. This little step can make a world of difference in getting rid of what’s causing the issue.

Here’s the dosing I use:
Small dogs (under 25 lbs): ¼ teaspoon per 10 lbs, up to 2 times per day.
Medium dogs (25-50 lbs): ½ teaspoon, up to 2 times per day.
Large dogs (50+ lbs): 1 teaspoon, up to 2 times per day.

Step 4: Introduce a Bland Diet, Served Warm
After the detox, I always start with a bland diet. I use boiled ground turkey or lean beef (making sure to boil it to remove the fat) mixed with plain pumpkin. Remember to serve the food warm—it’s easier for their digestion. Pumpkin is a great source of fibre that helps firm up stools, and I skip the rice because it can inflame the gut further.

You can also add a small pinch of ground ginger for extra soothing effects. Ginger reduces nausea and helps calm the digestive system.

Step 5: High-Dose Probiotics (with Long-Term Support)
Probiotics are key to restoring gut health. I recommend starting with a high dose of multi-strain probiotics—around 100 billion CFU per day—for at least a month. Introduce probiotics slowly along with the bland diet so as not to upset their stomach again. Even after your dog has recovered, I always suggest continuing probiotics weekly or semi-weekly to support long-term gut health. It’s something I use regularly for my dogs, and it keeps their system balanced.

Step 6: Gradually Transition Back to Regular Food
Once their digestive system feels stable, I gradually transition them back to their regular food. A quick transition can cause another upset, so I take my time and keep an eye on how they’re feeling. Every dog is different, so adjust as necessary.

Step 7: Add Digestive Support Foods
Once they’re fully recovered, I start incorporating extra gut-healing foods into their diet. Raw goat’s milk, kefir, and fermented vegetables like sauerkraut are some of my favourites. These foods are packed with enzymes and probiotics that help maintain gut health. Plus, most dogs love them!

Step 8: Add Slippery Elm and Ginger for Extra Support
For additional soothing, I include slippery elm or ginger toward the end of the recovery process. These natural remedies provide gentle relief and support for the digestive system.
Slippery Elm: This herb is great for soothing irritation. I typically give ¼ teaspoon for small dogs and up to 1 teaspoon for large dogs, 2-3 times per day.
Ginger: A pinch of ground ginger can work wonders to calm the stomach and reduce nausea. I like adding it to their bland diet or even continuing it into their normal food as a gentle digestive aid.

Disclaimer:
This guide is intended to provide helpful information but should not be used as a substitute for veterinary care. If your dog’s symptoms persist, worsen, or include blood, vomiting, or lethargy, please seek immediate veterinary attention. Puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with compromised immune systems should be seen by a vet as soon as diarrhea or digestive upset occurs.

Quick Recap:
1.Rest the digestive system by withholding food for 12-24 hours.
2.Keep them hydrated with warm bone broth (link to recipe coming soon).
3.Use activated charcoal to detox the gut (with dosing based on weight).
4.Feed a bland diet of warm boiled turkey or lean beef with pumpkin (add ginger for extra support).
5.Start high-dose probiotics and continue weekly or semi-weekly for long-term gut health.
6.Gradually transition back to regular food.
7.Add digestive support foods like raw goat’s milk, kefir, and fermented veggies.
8.Include slippery elm and ginger as natural digestive soothers.

03/24/2025

The Hidden Dangers of Over-Vaccination

No one is saying we shouldn't vaccinate our pets. Vaccines save lives 💉 and I fully believe puppies should be vaccinated 🐶. But what’s not being talked about enough is over-vaccination and the very real health consequences it can bring ⚠️. Once a dog has received their full puppy series and their one-year booster, it’s time to stop and reassess.

Re-vaccinating year after year, without checking whether your dog even needs it, can lead to a cascade of health issues. We're seeing more cases of cancer 🎗️, thyroid disorders 🦋, chronic inflammation, and even brain inflammation that can trigger seizures or epilepsy 🧠. Vaccines are meant to stimulate an immune response, but doing this repeatedly and unnecessarily can overstimulate the immune system and throw it into dysfunction.

And here’s the truth: there are far more side effects than we’re often told. Chronic itching, behavioral changes, digestive issues, autoimmune conditions... these can all stem from an overloaded immune system. Just because the reaction isn’t immediate doesn’t mean harm hasn’t been done.

One of the biggest concerns is that we’re often vaccinating without knowing if it’s needed. That’s where titer testing comes in 🧪. A simple blood test can check your dog’s antibody levels and determine if they’re still protected. In many cases, immunity lasts for years—sometimes even for life. Why risk triggering unnecessary immune responses if they’re already covered?

It’s also critical to know when not to vaccinate. Vaccines should never be given to a sick, recovering, or immune-compromised pet 🤒. If you’re unsure, ask your vet to show you the vaccine insert that comes from the manufacturer 📄. It clearly states that vaccines are intended for use in healthy animals only. Yet time and time again, dogs with chronic issues or weakened systems are still being vaccinated... and they’re paying the price.

Let’s use our heads, ask questions, and make informed choices for our dogs. Their health depends on it ❤️

https://youtu.be/Ree_mFM_cqo?si=O7YPcLbtgowXOKRJ

03/23/2025

Snow Mold & Spring Allergies: What You Need to Know for Your Dog’s Health

As the snow melts and patches of grass start to reappear, you might notice a strange, web-like layer covering your lawn. That’s not leftover snow or fur. It’s snow mold, a type of fungus that thrives under snow cover during winter and becomes visible once the thaw begins. While it's a seasonal nuisance for your lawn, it's a much bigger problem for dogs, especially those with allergies, skin sensitivities, or weakened immune systems. The spores from snow mold can trigger itching, inflamed paws, sneezing, watery eyes, and even respiratory irritation in some dogs. Dogs who already struggle with yeast or seasonal allergies may see a spike in symptoms this time of year, and snow mold could be a big reason why.

Dogs absorb allergens through their paws, and if they walk through snow mold and then lick their feet or lie on their bed without wiping, those spores come right inside with them. Wiping paws is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce exposure and avoid triggering a reaction. It’s also important to consider that small dogs are particularly vulnerable. Being so close to the ground, their faces, bellies, and even fur come into direct contact with mold spores. That means they're not just walking through it. They're breathing it in and brushing against it with every step.

A quick wipe of your dog’s paws and belly with a damp cloth after every outing can help limit the spread of spores into the home. If your dog is showing signs of irritation or has already been exposed to snow mold, a gentle paw soak can offer relief and help remove lingering spores and irritants. You don’t need anything fancy. Lukewarm water with a splash of apple cider vinegar is a great natural option that helps fight off yeast and bacteria. Let them stand in the solution for about 30 seconds, then pat dry with a clean towel.

You can also use a povidone iodine soak. Just add enough to warm water until it turns a light tea colour. It shouldn't be dark brown. Let your dog stand in the solution for about 30 seconds, then dry the paws thoroughly. Povidone iodine is a gentle antiseptic that helps kill yeast, bacteria, and fungus without irritating the skin. It's safe to use regularly and doesn’t sting like alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. This is a great option for dogs who lick their paws or deal with recurring skin issues.

For dogs with inflamed or itchy feet, Epsom salt baths are another great option. Add a few tablespoons of Epsom salt to a shallow basin of warm water and let your dog soak for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps reduce inflammation and draws out any irritants from between the toes. Always dry the feet thoroughly after any soak to avoid trapping moisture.

Avoid harsh soaps or disinfectants, as they can further irritate already sensitive skin. If you’re out and about and don’t have access to a full soak, a soft cloth dampened with water and a touch of apple cider vinegar can do the trick until you’re home.

Keeping your dog’s bedding clean, checking for signs of irritation, and wiping down after walks can go a long way in preventing allergy flare-ups this spring. With just a few simple steps, you can keep the season enjoyable for both of you.

03/22/2025

Another myth busted 🧄🐶 Garlic is not toxic to dogs.
Let’s just get that out of the way right now, the idea that garlic is dangerous is just another myth that spread like wildfire, and guess what, it all started from a study that was completely unrealistic.

Back in 2000, a study at Hokkaido University tested garlic on dogs, but instead of using a reasonable amount, they fed these poor dogs insanely high doses, way more than any human would eat in a day, let alone a dog 😳 They were giving the equivalent of 100 grams of garlic per day to a 20 kg dog for a whole week, that’s about 20 cloves every single day 😱 No one, human or dog, would eat that much, and surprise surprise, it affected their red blood cells a little, but none of the dogs actually got sick or developed anemia, yet somehow, this study led to worldwide panic that made pet owners terrified of feeding garlic, while at the same time happily pouring processed kibble into bowls every day without question 🤔

Here’s the truth, garlic in the right amounts is actually amazing for dogs, studies have shown that aged garlic extract given over 12 weeks had no negative effects on dogs at all, in fact, it’s been used in traditional medicine for centuries and has some serious health benefits, it helps with natural deworming 🪱, supports immune health 🛡️, has antioxidant properties that fight disease 💪, and even contains compounds linked to cancer prevention 🎗️

The key is moderation, small dogs can have about ¼ clove, medium dogs around 1/2 clove, large dogs 1 clove and extra large around 2 cloves, and to get the most benefits, chop or crush it and let it sit for 10 minutes before adding it to food, this activates the allicin, which is where the magic happens ✨

My dogs eat garlic cooked into their food nearly every single day and they’re thriving, shiny coats, strong immune systems, no parasite problems, and they love it 🐕❤️ Next time someone tells you garlic is toxic, just smile, hand them a clove, and tell them to do their research 😉

03/20/2025

Avocados aren’t toxic to dogs!! yep, you heard that right!

🥑🐶 The whole “avocados are dangerous” thing is just another myth that’s been spread around for years, and it all started because of a single case that got blown way out of proportion. 🚨🧐

Back in 1994, two dogs were found severely malnourished in an avocado orchard. 🌳🐕 They were so hungry they ate whatever they could find—avocado leaves, skin, and pits. Not exactly the best meal choice. 🤢 These parts of the plant contain something called persin, which in huge amounts can cause issues in some animals. But here’s the thing—those dogs weren’t sick because they ate avocado. They were already starving and in rough shape. Yet somehow, the story turned into “avocados are toxic to dogs” and spread like wildfire. 🔥💨

The truth? The flesh of the avocado—the part we eat—is totally fine for dogs in moderation. ✅✨ It’s packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and antioxidants that actually support their health. 💪🐕 And guess what? Lots of fresh foods contain natural compounds that could be harmful in massive amounts. Ever heard that spinach has oxalates? 🥬 Or that apple seeds contain cyanide? 🍏 Doesn’t mean they’re deadly—it just means you don’t feed the wrong parts.

Of course, the pit is a choking hazard 🚫, and you don’t want your dog gnawing on the leaves or bark. But the actual avocado fruit? 🥑 It’s no more dangerous than any other whole food when fed properly. Yet, for some reason, people have been scared into thinking one bite of avocado will poison their dog, while kibble full of synthetic vitamins, ultra-processed ingredients, and rancid fats is totally fine. 🤯🤡

Funny how misinformation works, isn’t it? 🤔😏

Moral of the story—don’t let fear-mongering keep you from feeding fresh, real food. Your dog deserves better than that. 🥑🐶💚

03/18/2025

Do our pets really need ‘complete and balanced’ in every bite? Why do we think our dogs need to be fed like a science experiment? Why are we so scared to make a mistake?

We’ve been absolutely brainwashed into thinking that if we don’t feed our dogs a scientifically formulated, “complete and balanced” meal in every single bite, we’re going to harm them. Meanwhile, we’ve actually been duped into feeding processed, questionable food for nearly 70 years.

Before kibble, dogs ate fresh food—scraps, meat, bones, whatever was available. Then, in 1956, Purina introduced kibble through the extrusion process, and suddenly, feeding fresh food was considered risky. Pet food companies pushed the idea that only their scientifically formulated products were safe, while anything else was dangerous or “incomplete.”

Think about it—wild canines don’t eat the same meal every day. Some days they eat a meaty meal, other days it’s leaner. Over time, they get what they need. No wolf or feral dog is out there calculating their vitamin intake! But somehow, we’ve been convinced our dogs will fall apart without every nutrient perfectly measured in each bite.

Feeding the same thing every day—even if it meets the so-called “complete and balanced” standard—doesn’t mean it’s truly optimal. Every dog is different, and nutrition isn’t one-size-fits-all. Switching things up with different proteins, organ meats, and whole foods helps prevent deficiencies, supports gut health, reduces the risk of food sensitivities, and keeps meals interesting.

Look, I’m a canine nutritionist and formulator—I do believe in making sure meals provide essential nutrients. But here’s the thing: commercial pet food follows general guidelines, not what’s best for every individual dog. Even raw and homemade diets don’t need to be micromanaged to the milligram. The goal should be balanced nutrition over time, not stressing about every single meal.

A lot of pet foods—yes, even raw brands—use synthetic vitamins and minerals to hit regulatory targets. The problem? They’re not always as bioavailable as whole-food sources. Supplements should be used when needed, but they shouldn’t be a crutch for an otherwise lacking diet.

Instead of obsessing over whether every meal is “perfect,” focus on feeding real food in a way that makes sense. Rotate proteins, include nutrient-dense foods, and stop stressing over getting it “right” every time.

At Northern Hound Holistic, I help pet owners feed their dogs without the pressure of perfection. Whether you do raw, home-cooked, or a mix of both, the goal is to nourish your dog naturally—not feed them like a science experiment.

Let’s break free from the “complete and balanced” myth and start feeding dogs the way they were meant to eat!

03/15/2025

Last week was an exciting one! 🎉

I was honored to host my very first class, teaching pet health coaches how to create super-powered probiotics at home. What an amazing experience! It really made me realize just how much I love teaching and sharing knowledge about canine health and nutrition.

Lately, I’ve been dreaming up ways to bring more hands-on learning to pet parents—focusing on cooking and health classes for dogs. 🍲🐶 From homemade meals to natural health solutions, I want to help people feel confident in what they’re feeding their dogs and why.

But I need your help! If cooking for your dog feels overwhelming, what’s holding you back? Is it time, cost, knowing where to start, or something else? I’d love to know what challenges you face so I can create classes that truly make a difference.

Also, if you're looking for inspiration, you can still join my cooking group! I have a few free recipes available in the files to help you get started.👇 💡✨

https://www.facebook.com/groups/777143897944893/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT

Drop a comment, and let’s start the conversation!

03/14/2025

Spring Cleaning for Your Dog: Refreshing Their Space & Essentials

As we move into spring, it’s the perfect time to give your dog’s space a deep clean! Over the winter, dirt, dust, and bacteria can build up in bedding, bowls, and gear, leading to skin irritation, allergies, and even infections. A seasonal refresh helps keep your dog healthy, comfortable, and ready for the warmer months ahead.
1️⃣ Deep Clean Bowls & Feeding Area

Your dog’s food and water bowls can harbor bacteria, biofilm, and even mold—especially if they use plastic bowls (which degrade over time and release microplastics).

✅ What to Do:

Switch to stainless steel, ceramic, or glass bowls for better hygiene.
Wash bowls daily with hot, soapy water or run them through the dishwasher.
Scrub away slime buildup and avoid leaving standing water in bowls.

🚫 Avoid plastic bowls, as they can absorb bacteria and contribute to skin irritation (like chin acne).
2️⃣ Wash & Refresh Dog Bedding

Dogs spend hours every day on their bedding, tracking in dirt, dander, and even allergens from outside.

✅ What to Do:

Wash bedding, blankets, and plush toys weekly using fragrance-free, pet-safe detergent to avoid skin irritation.
If possible, air-dry bedding in the sun—natural sunlight helps kill bacteria and dust mites.
For tough odors, add a splash of white vinegar to the wash cycle.

🚨 Hidden Allergens: Dust mites and mold can build up in unwashed bedding, triggering skin sensitivities.
3️⃣ Clean & Inspect Collars, Leashes & Harnesses

Over time, collars and harnesses absorb oils, dirt, and bacteria, which can irritate your dog’s skin.

✅ What to Do:

Wash fabric collars and harnesses in warm, soapy water and let them air-dry.
Check for fraying, weak buckles, or worn-out stitching—spring is a great time to replace damaged gear!
Leather collars? Use a natural conditioner to keep them from drying out and cracking.

🚫 If your dog scratches at their collar often, it could be from detergent buildup or material irritation—switching to a natural fiber or lightweight option may help.
4️⃣ Brush Away Winter Fur & Refresh Grooming Tools

Shedding season is here! A good grooming routine reduces shedding, improves skin health, and keeps fur from piling up in your home.

✅ What to Do:

Brush your dog daily (especially double-coated breeds) to remove dead fur and prevent matting.
Clean grooming tools with warm, soapy water to remove buildup.
Consider a bath with a moisturizing shampoo to soothe dry winter skin.

🚨 Too much shedding? If your dog’s coat seems dull, brittle, or patchy, check their diet, healthy fats and fresh foods play a major role in coat health.
5️⃣ Refresh Toys & Play Areas

Toys get slimy, dirty, and filled with bacteria, especially after months of indoor playtime.

✅ What to Do:

Wash rubber/plastic toys in hot, soapy water or a vinegar soak to remove grime.
Toss out damaged or torn toys that could become choking hazards.
Rotate toys to keep playtime exciting!

🚫 Avoid synthetic air fresheners or heavily fragranced cleaning products in play areas—dogs are highly sensitive to artificial scents.
Small Spring Cleaning Habits = A Healthier Dog

Taking time to deep-clean your dog’s space helps prevent infections, allergies, and discomfort while giving them a fresh start for spring. A few simple swaps—like upgrading bowls, checking gear, and washing bedding more often—can make a huge difference in their health and well-being!

Time to clean up and get ready for the warmer, sunnier adventures ahead! ☀️🐶

03/12/2025

Seasonal Shedding & Coat Health: How to Support Your Dog Naturally

As the weather warms up, many dogs begin to shed their thick winter coats in preparation for the new season. Shedding is a completely natural process, but excessive hair loss, dry skin, or a dull coat can be signs that your dog’s diet and overall health need some extra support. Here’s how to help your dog transition smoothly through shedding season while maintaining a strong, healthy coat.
Why Do Dogs Shed?

Shedding is the body’s way of making room for a new coat that suits the changing weather. Dogs with double coats (like Huskies, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds) tend to go through a more noticeable shedding phase, while short-haired dogs still experience minor seasonal coat changes.

However, if shedding is excessive, patchy, or accompanied by itching or dryness, it could point to:
🐾 Nutritional deficiencies – Lack of essential fatty acids, vitamins, or minerals.
🐾 Dehydration – Not enough moisture in the diet.
🐾 Allergies – Environmental or food-related sensitivities can affect coat health.
🐾 Stress or hormone imbalances – Changes in routine, poor gut health, or thyroid issues.
Why Fresh, Whole Foods Are Superior to Kibble for Coat Health

Your dog’s coat is a reflection of their diet, and the difference between a fresh, whole food diet and highly processed kibble can be dramatic when it comes to shedding and skin health.

🚫 The Problem with Kibble:

Highly processed – Cooking at high temperatures destroys essential nutrients.
Low in moisture – Can lead to dehydration and dry, flaky skin.
High in starches – Contributes to inflammation and poor coat quality.
Synthetic vitamins – Replaces natural nutrients lost in processing but isn’t as bioavailable as real food.

✅ The Benefits of Fresh, Whole Foods:

Bioavailable Nutrients – Real, unprocessed proteins, fats, and vitamins that directly support coat health.
Healthy Fats – Naturally occurring omega-3s and omega-6s from whole fish, animal fats, and pastured eggs.
Moisture-Rich – Supports hydration and skin elasticity.
Better Digestion – Supports gut health, which plays a direct role in shedding and skin irritation.

Best Whole Foods for Coat Health:
🥩 Raw or Lightly Cooked Animal Proteins – High-quality, fresh meats provide bioavailable protein and essential amino acids that strengthen hair follicles.
🐟 Oily Fish (Sardines, Mackerel, Salmon) – Naturally rich in omega-3s to reduce inflammation and improve skin hydration.
🥚 Eggs – One of the best whole foods for a shiny coat, packed with biotin, protein, and healthy fats.
🥬 Leafy Greens & Vegetables – Provide vitamins A, C, and E, which support skin regeneration and reduce oxidative stress.
🥑 Healthy Fats (Coconut Oil, Flaxseed, Raw Goat’s Milk) – Supports hydration and coat softness.

If your dog is shedding excessively and eating only kibble, transitioning to a fresh, whole food diet can make a huge difference in skin and coat health!
Brushing & Grooming: Managing Shedding Naturally

Regular brushing helps remove loose hair, prevents matting, and distributes natural oils for a shiny coat.

🖌️ Brushing Tips by Coat Type:

Short-haired breeds (Boxers, Beagles): Use a rubber curry brush or bristle brush.
Double-coated breeds (Huskies, Shepherds, Retrievers): Use an undercoat rake or deshedding tool.
Long-haired breeds (Collies, Spaniels): Use a slicker brush to prevent tangles.

🛁 Bathing & Skin Care:

Use natural, moisturizing shampoos to prevent dryness.
Avoid over-bathing—too many baths can strip natural oils.
Rinse well to remove any shampoo residue that could cause irritation.

Red Flags: When to Be Concerned About Shedding

If your dog is shedding excessively or has bald patches, red skin, or extreme itching, it could indicate an underlying issue. Consider these possible causes:
🚩 Nutritional Deficiencies – Lack of healthy fats, protein, or essential vitamins.
🚩 Allergies – Food or environmental triggers can cause excessive shedding and hair loss.
🚩 Hormonal Imbalances – Thyroid issues can lead to thinning fur and dry skin.
🚩 Parasites & Skin Infections – Fleas, mites, or yeast overgrowth can contribute to poor coat health.

If shedding seems abnormal, excessive, or sudden, a vet check-up is a good idea to rule out medical concerns.