If your dog has a “sensitive stomach” (you know… the random loose stools, the occasional mystery puke, the why are we eating grass again moments), let me put you onto one of the most underrated, low-key, powerful supplements I recommend all the time: slippery elm bark . And no, it’s not trendy. It’s not flashy. It’s not being pushed by every influencer on your feed. But it works , and honestly, that’s what we care about. Slippery elm bark comes from (you guessed it) the slip

If your dog turns into a sneezy, itchy, paw-licking mess every time the seasons change… welcome to the club... And before you automatically reach for the same old quick fixes, let’s talk about something a little more foundational : Bovine Colostrum. Colostrum is basically the OG superfood. It’s the first milk produced after birth, and it’s loaded with immunoglobulins, growth factors, and compounds that help regulate the immune system. That’s the keyword here: regulate . Seaso

I was recently asked if adding collagen to a pet’s diet can help with allergies, and honestly, I love this question because it opens the door to a much bigger conversation! Short answer? I’m not saying collagen can’t help with allergies… but it’s probably not doing what you think it is. Collagen isn’t an antihistamine, and it doesn't directly target the root cause of allergic reactions. However, where it can play a supportive role is in improving skin and coat health. So if

If you’ve ever been told your dog or cat is allergic to chicken, you’re definitely not alone. “Chicken allergy” is one of the most common things pet owners hear when their pet is dealing with itchy skin, ear infections, or digestive issues. But the reality is, chicken itself isn’t always the real problem, and this is where things start to get a little misunderstood. A true food allergy is an immune response, meaning your pet’s body is reacting to a specific protein as if it’s

When it comes to choosing a dog food, most people focus on the protein source, whether it’s raw or kibble, or if it has “superfoods” listed on the bag. But one thing that almost no one talks about—and that you absolutely should be paying attention to, is the type of oils in your dog’s food… specifically seed oils. Let me be clear, this is something that’s everywhere once you start looking for it. Seed oils such as canola, sunflower, soybean, corn, and safflower are extremely

Let me start by saying something important: I actually love raw diets, especially ones that include fruits and vegetables and allow you to see the ingredients in the bowl. For many dog owners, that visual transparency creates a sense of comfort. When you can clearly identify what your dog is eating, it feels more natural and trustworthy than highly processed foods where everything looks the same. I completely understand why this appeals to people, and in many cases it can be

The weather is warming up, the days are getting longer, and your dog suddenly thinks they’re in peak athletic condition again. More walks, more hikes, more fetch, more yard zoomies. We love to see it! But with increased activity comes increased stress on the joints, and this is the time of year I start having more conversations about joint support. One of the biggest misconceptions I see is that joint supplements are only for senior dogs . They’re not. By the time you’re n

One of the most common things I hear from well-meaning dog parents is this: “I don’t feed kibble. I cook for my dog. Chicken, rice, and vegetables. It’s really healthy!” And I love the intention behind that. Truly. Choosing to cook for your dog usually comes from a desire to be better. Wanting cleaner. Wanting less processed. Wanting to do right by them. But here’s the hard truth: Chicken, rice, and vegetables is not a balanced diet for long-term feeding. It’s a recovery mea

Smack Pet Food is a brand that tends to spark strong opinions, and honestly, that makes sense. They do a lot of things very differently than traditional pet food companies, and for the right household, this food can be an excellent option. That said, it’s not without important caveats, and understanding the full picture matters. Up until August of 2025, many of Smack’s recipes were considered “not balanced” under AAFCO standards. While this wasn’t necessarily an issue for exp

If you’ve ever switched your dog’s food and suddenly found yourself dealing with itchy skin, loose stools, ear infections, or random flare-ups that seem to come out of nowhere, protein choice may be part of the puzzle. In holistic and functional nutrition circles, proteins are often described as hot, cold, or neutral. These terms aren’t meant to be trendy or mystical, they’re used to describe how different proteins tend to affect the body in terms of inflammation, digestion,

Fish-based dog food recipes are often chosen for a very specific reason: sensitivities. Many dogs cannot tolerate hot proteins like chicken, turkey, or beef, so guardians intentionally seek out fish formulas hoping to improve digestion, reduce itching, and calm chronic skin issues. That’s why, when I took a closer look at Voyager’s Wholesome Ocean Pollock recipe, I was genuinely disappointed. At first glance, this food appears to be a solid option for dogs needing an alternat

Alright, you guys asked for it… here it is. The Farmer’s Dog review you wanted after my last post. And before anyone gets defensive, let me just say this: I am not here to food shame. A fed dog is a happy dog, period. If your dog is thriving on The Farmer’s Dog, fantastic! I’ve just gotten a lot of requests to talk about it, and as someone who has certifications, is working toward a bachelor’s degree in Animal Health, and has pretty much dedicated my life to studying canine n

I’m not here to judge what you feed your dog. A fed dog is a happy dog, especially in this economy. That said… I do have thoughts. Particularly now that Royal Canin has decided to hop on the “fresh food” train. For context: I’ve spent over eight years studying animal nutrition in one form or another. I’m in the final stretch of my bachelor’s in Animal Health & Behavior and hold several animal nutrition certifications. Degrees and certifications aren’t everything, but they do