resources
Nutrition
Clean, well balanced nutrition is crucial for your dog's health. Below, I explain my go-to practices and the benefits of choosing wholesome, nutrient-rich foods for your dog.
Kibble recommendation:
For optimal nutrition and flavor without unnecessary additives, I recommend Wild Earth kibble. It's made with clean ingredients, has a complete nutritional profile, is allergen-free, and it's plant-based; making it ideal for dogs with sensitivities. This brand has consistently delivered positive results for my family, friends, and clients, especially for dogs with discerning palates. Did you know that many big pet food brands have been involved in recalls or lawsuits, yet they’re still commonly recommended by vets?
It’s understandable to be skeptical about feeding dogs plant-based kibble, but the truth is, dogs are omnivores, not obligate carnivores. By feeding them a balanced, plant-based diet, you can actually reduce the risk of illnesses, and the studies back this up. You can read the findings of one of the most recent studies here.
Veggies instead of wet food:
Canned wet food often contains artificial additives, excess sodium, and fillers. Instead, consider enhancing your dog’s kibble with naturally nutritious options like steamed vegetables and pumpkin puree:
-
Steamed vegetables: Packed with nutrients and fiber, they aid digestion and weight management. Most are safe for dogs, but it's crucial to be aware of exceptions, such as these.
-
Pumpkin puree: High in vitamins and fiber, it supports digestive health and helps with constipation or diarrhea.
-
Water: Adds hydration, helps infuse flavor, and complements your pet's meal without the drawbacks of wet food.
By incorporating vegetables and pumpkin puree into your dog’s meals, you boost nutrition, support digestion, and manage their weight effectively.
Below is a video of me preparing a meal for my beloved furry client Buddy.
SUCCESS STORIES
Buddy
Switching his diet to include Wild Earth kibble, vegetables, and pumpkin puree, instantly appealed to his picky palate. Since then, he's shed 20 lb, his stool has normalized, and his fatty tumors have visibly reduced! Both his vet and dad Howard are delighted to witness Buddy's improved health and vitality. It's incredibly rewarding to see such positive changes in Buddy's life.
Sacha
When I first met Sacha, she was overweight and lacked enthusiasm for her meals. Following the same dietary adjustments as Buddy, Sacha shed the excess weight, and now eagerly anticipates mealtimes. Both her mom and vet are thrilled with Sacha's progress and newfound excitement for her food.
Brenn
Brenn’s mom wanted to start her off with a clean, high-quality kibble from the beginning. Even though Brenn had no issues with her previous food, she immediately loved the Wild Earth kibble mixed with fresh veggies. From day one, she eagerly finished every meal, and her health has been great. Her mom loves knowing she’s getting the best nutrition!
Why you should never give rawhide to your dog:
Rawhide chews are a byproduct of the leather industry, and are often treated with chemicals like bleach or hydrogen peroxide to whiten and preserve them. Some may even be shaped using adhesives, adding to their potential risks. Rawhide doesn’t break down easily in a dog’s digestive system, which can lead to choking or life-threatening blockages. Please choose safer alternatives like natural chew toys, such as this one.
Gear
LEASHES & HARNESSES
I recommend the following for safety and comfort:
-
Harness vs collar: Use a properly fitted harness (collars can cause injury).
-
A martingale mechanism provides a gentler, more secure fit on collars and harnesses.
-
Use an auto-locking carabiner for extra safety.
-
Type of leash: Avoid retractable leashes, especially for large dogs, they’re unsafe (click here to find out why). I prefer "hands-free" leashes that wrap around the waist for added security and practicality, specially during poop pick-up time.
-
Leash material: Opt for BioThane. I'ts waterproof, softer than leather, and prevents leash burns. I had one custom-made from this Etsy shop.
-
Leash length: personal preference, but I find 6 ft works well for offering the right amount of freedom to dogs.
To use a harness or not to use a harness?: A dog's throat is one of their most vulnerable body parts. A harness is always the safer and more comfortable option. Harnesses distribute the force of pulling more evenly across the dog's body, reducing the risk of neck injury or choking that can occur with traditional collars. This quick guide explains the reasons to use a harness.
How to determine if a harness fits your dog properly:
Harnesses & car travel:
The safest way for dogs to travel in a car is by using a restraint system specifically designed for pets. Ideally you want a properly strapped-in crate, carrier, or harness; the goal is to prevent accidents, even on short trips. Since most dog parents don't use a crate or carrier, I strongly advise using a CPS-approved harness for their safety, since most harnesses don't provide adequate protection during a crash. The Center for Pet safety (CPS), a reputable safety science nonprofit, has independently crash-tested hundreds of harnesses. Click here to see the short list of harnesses that have passed the CPS crash tests.
PAW PROTECTION
Dogs' paw pads are sensitive and can easily suffer burns, blisters, cuts, and irritation year-round. They often hide their discomfort, so it's important to protect them!
In the summer:
-
Walk during cooler times of the day.
-
Stick to grassy or shaded areas.
-
If they're not wearing booties, check the ground temperature before walks.
In the winter:
WASTE BAGS
Dogs go through thousands of plastic bags throughout their lifetime. That's a lot of plastic waste! To reduce our environmental impact, compostable bags are a must. I recommend these.
ENRICHMENT TOYS
Enrichment toys, like treat-dispensing toys, are essential for dogs as they stimulate their minds and provide mental stimulation. They help reduce boredom, anxiety, stress, and destructive behavior; for a mentally healthy and happy dog. Regular use of enrichment toys also contributes to improved cognitive function, especially in senior dogs, helping them stay sharp as they age. Below are some of my favorite ones:
Homemade Snuffle Knot: I love making this simple version of a snuffle mat. All you need is an old towel or thin blanket. Lay it flat, scatter some kibble or small pieces of treats on it, then roll the towel loosely like a long burrito and tie it once into a loose knot. Put a treat in the center of the knot to entice your pup to start the foraging process; they’ll love it once they figure it out! Here's a picture of Tinker enjoying this toy.
You can also buy a more intricate snuffle mat like this one.
Outward Hound: I love this treat dispensing toy because it keeps dogs engaged for a while, perfect for dogs who eat their treats too fast. It's made of a non-toxic, durable rubber-like material. You can buy it here.
Chew King: I like this treat dispensing toy because it's similar to a Kong, but the shape makes it more bouncy. It comes in different sizes. You can buy it here.
Licking Mat: You can put pumpkin puree or wet food on this silicone licking mat, freeze it, and then stick it to the fridge or the floor (it has suction cups in the back). This is a fun way to make your furry kids eat their snack more slowly. You can buy it here.
TRAINING
There are many trainers out there who have good tips to share. However, my two favorite trainers are Stephanie from Method K9, and Victoria Stillwell from It's Me or the Dog. They both have very helpful content to watch and learn from. Below is their information:
Stephanie specializes in training fearful, anxious, reactive, and aggressive dogs. She has a thorough, yet easy to understand way of explaining her methods.
Books
"The Secret Lives of Dogs: The Real Reasons Behind 52 Mysterious Canine Behaviors" by Jana Murphy.
If you're like me, you like decoding and understanding every single dog behavior. This is a fun little book with straightforward explanations of different behaviors as well as some training tips. Since they can't communicate with words, it's important for us to at least try to learn their language.
Click here to buy this book.
"Sit, Stay, Heal: What Dogs Can Teach Us About Living Well"
by Dr. Renee Alsarraf.
Meet Dr. Alsarraf, a compassionate NJ-based veterinary oncologist and cancer survivor. She shares some of the lessons she learned from her brave cancer patients and their families. I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Alsarraf and hearing her inspiring journey firsthand. When I asked her for her top advice for potential dog parents, she emphasized the importance of thorough research!
Click here to buy her book.
