WHY PET FOODIE TIPS

 My Story:

People often ask why I got into Pet Nutrition. I know it is uncommon to meet someone who understands how nutrition plays a part in the health of our furry family members, as I learned personally. My journey started with my beloved German Shepherd Kelcee. She presented with multiple allergy symptoms and elevated anxiety levels. We went to several veterinarians and specialists to find out what the root of her problems were. None of the doctors were able to determine the cause of her horrible ailments. Kelcee was prescribed a cocktail of medications to keep the various symptoms away. These medications suppressed her immune system and masked the symptoms caused by chronic inflammation & pain, as we later learned. Over a period of 2 years, those medications caused Kidney failure & Cushing’s disease. On September 18, 2018 we had to make the gut-wrenching decision to euthanize our precious Kelcee. I started studying holistic ways of healing dogs and that led to learning about how what we feed them can either support and strengthen their immune system to thrive in life or cause their bodies to break down and live shorter lives. As I studied, I decided to deep dive into nutrition. It made sense to me. The more I learned the more I felt guilty for not having this education while Kelcee was alive. We could have saved her with a food change that would have freed her from the medications that shortened her life because I now know the symptoms Kelcee experienced were food intolerances that triggered allergy responses.

For the past one hundred years we have been feeding our pets foods that are not bioavailable, forcing their bodies to process ingredients they cannot use every day, every meal, which creates problems starting in their guts. These animals are processing dangerously elevated levels of blood sugar & insulin from the diets they are being fed. The body has no need for it, so it stores it, creating ailments that have symptoms we see in the form of allergies, obesity, and more.

I have earned numerous certifications and continue my education every day. Learning from integrative veterinarians, pet nutritionists, zoologists, reading books, researching the latest studies, and taking classes to gain more knowledge. I do this not only in honor of Kelcee, but for the dogs that are living in a chronic state of dehydration, nutrient deficiencies, food sensitivities, gastrointestinal issues, medication side effects, over vaccination, chemical overloads, and environmental triggers. These factors contribute to an overworked immune system that lacks proper support to fight on its own.

My passion is to empower every human with a dog in their care, with the ability to make the best decisions for their pets. The reward is watching the dogs thrive in life! That is what I have been doing for the past 4 and half years in my pet supply store where I offer an all-healthy retail space and nutrition consultations. There is a need for knowledge, and I want to expand my reach outside of the store by offering online consultations and educational resources so I can support even more pet owners beyond my local community. I am excited to be on this journey!

The stark reality is that way too many of our furry family members face health challenges, yet they pour unconditional love into our lives every day. Their unwavering loyalty and joy should be matched with the best care we can provide! By understanding the vital role nutrition and holistic healing play in our dogs' lives, we can elevate their overall health and well-being. Every dog deserves to feel energized, happy, healthy, and free from the burdens of illness that so many are currently facing. Studies show we have the sickest animals on the planet living in our homes. But together, we can transform their lives by prioritizing nutritious diets, natural remedies, and positive lifestyle choices. It starts with us—pet parents dedicated to nurturing their loyal companions with the love and respect they deserve! I hope you join me in this quest to revolutionize pet care, ensuring our dogs lead vibrant, fulfilling lives. Let us share knowledge, uplift one another, and create a community that thrives on the well-being of our four-legged family members!