Whenever people discuss socializing their dog, some admit they take it to the dog park, pet store, and doggy daycare. During the pandemic, when these options weren't available, people kept their dogs at home, not understanding that socialization isn't solely about...
Curious about your mutt's breed mix? A dog DNA test is a great way to learn more about your pup – and it doesn't stop at the breed information. Today, dog DNA tests provide information on your dog's health, and you can connect with your dog's siblings, cousins,...
Several years ago, I took the Pet Food Nutrition course offered by Dogs Naturally Magazine, one of the biggest pet-focused websites. While the courses they offer are very informative, if someone is building a business in pet nutrition, the DNMU certifications may not...
As I learn more about canine health and nutrition, I have concluded that focusing on my dog's gut health and immune system is essential to longevity. I do this by feeding a fresh food diet that includes whole food supplements. The immune system protects dogs from...
I initially read about a respiratory illness reported in Oregon and California at the end of the summer of 2023. It's highly contagious and presents like kennel cough or the canine flu, but veterinarians aren't sure what this is, and traditional treatments...
New opportunities are developing as the raw feeding community expands and becomes more mainstream. You can become certified as a pet health coach, meal formulator, or a certified canine nutritionist. Because of the newness of these positions, there are questions: Are...
It's exciting to see the continued growth of the raw feeding industry, and with so many people researching fresh food for their pets, I decided to share a list of my favorite raw food brands to help others as they try to figure out what's going to work best for their...
Fish is a staple in my dogs' diet. I feed it primarily for the omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin D, and zinc, although fish adds much more to the diet. In this article, I will share what I know about feeding fish to raw fed dogs, including the other seafood I feed to my...
My first introduction to hunger pukes had me racing to the veterinarian with my dog. Every morning, she'd vomit up yellow bile, and I was convinced she'd been exposed to a toxin. It was hunger pukes. What is Hunger Pukes? Hunger pukes, also known as canine bilious...
I transitioned my dogs to a raw food diet in 2013 – 80/10/10 was considered a healthy raw diet back then. As I learned more about canine nutrition and raw feeding, I learned that 80/10/10 is a diet deficient in nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamins E and...
I don't often write about dog training because it's “not my lane,” but occasionally, a topic of interest catches my attention. The above graphic came through my Instagram feed, and my first reaction was, “This is dangerous!” Without the context...
Dog owners understand the practice of raw feeding is an attempt to replicate the ancestral diet of dogs by combining muscle meat, organ meat, bones, and vegetation while acknowledging that our dogs have evolved to be pets, not wolves. We feed raw because fresh food is...
Tomatoes are a nightshade plant, and because of this classification, many people won't feed them to their dogs for fear of toxicity. But is this accurate? Over the years, I've seen raw feeders share meals that contain sardines in tomato sauce due to the beta-carotene...
I attended the 2023 Thrive Pet Expo, where I connected with friends, fellow pet lovers, and industry experts. Poppy Phillips, an animal naturopath for Equine Alternatives LLC and fellow Christian, posed an interesting question: “Does praying over dog food boost...
Are you interested in learning more about raw feeding and can't fit an online course into your schedule right now? Have you taken an online course and would love a few organized notes to refer to going forward? Have you heard of quick study guides? These quick...
I'm a passionate writer in the Pacific Northwest who loves all things dogs. I share what I'm learning as I attempt to crack the code to longevity. Keep the Tail Wagging is a blog dedicated to the dog who inspired this journey: Rodrigo Gauthier - March 2010 - September 2023.