YOUR DOGS NUTRITION – A BOOK REVIEW

By Sunday, November 26, 2017 7 No tags Permalink

When it comes to your dogs nutrition, we can get lost in the myriad of options that are readily available…

YOUR DOGS NUTRITION

No matter the brand we choose, we believe we have made the best choice.

Geographic location, economics, daily schedules, and access to information all play roles in our decisions.

Nine years ago when Harley was a puppy, I was heavily influenced by television commercials. “Branding” played a huge role in my selection.

During his initial exam, Harley’s vet tried to help. She provided me with a list of five dog foods she preferred. I settled on one solely based on her advice, never really researching all five OR looking into dog food NOT on her list.

The brands she recommended were all top shelf (in their category) but as I take this trip down memory lane with you, I smile as I recall her voice telling me over and over again about a species appropriate diet. #fulldoodlecircle

YOUR THE BEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED –

The pet community I belong to plays a significant role in what I like to call “educational stimulation!” Through various media circles – you share information which continues to inspire me to look further, dig deeper, and research more.

Because of you, I’ve learned to listen, read, and review dog food. Scouting for just the right food has taken Harley through only three different food types in his nine year life. Jaxson has only had two.

We’re a powerful network – extracting and contributing valuable beneficial information. From food to bedding, ear infections to toys, DIY paw balms and homemade treats.

I like to read everything from almost everybody 🙂 If only 50% of the information is of value to me, then I see it as –

I’ve gained an additional 50% of knowledge that I did not have before.

KEEP THE TAIL WAGGING –

A blog written by a dog mom who switched to raw to help her dog, Rodrigo, with recurring digestive issues, food and environmental allergies, chronic ear infections, severe itchiness, and rashes.

When I first met Kimberly, she was not a raw feeder. We found each other’s blog in the fourth quarter of 2012. We finally met at a conference in the Spring of 2013. #furfriends

The fall of that same year, I frantically reached out to her when I learned her beloved Blue was fatally hit by a car. We wept together for hours. We talked for weeks.

Little did I know the following Summer she would be doing the same for me the evening I said goodbye to Leo.

Since then she’s thrown her energy into sharing all that she’s learned about a species appropriate diet of raw dog food…

YOUR DOGS NUTRITION

I’ve faithfully followed her blog for many reasons –

  • Intrigued with raw feeders (living vicariously through them) #notreadyyet
  • Constantly learning about holistic methods (what works what doesn’t)
  • Great resource on tried and tested supplements (I like her natural approach)

A NOVICE GUIDE TO RAW FEEDING FOR DOGS –

Earlier this year, Kimberly decided to write a book.

Five months later she’s become a published author…

YOUR DOGS NUTRITION

Her book release and my contemplation of an “alternative to raw feeding” were unknowingly synchronized.

Elated for her, I read a few excerpts, downloaded the book and read it like it was 50 Shades of Gray #yesIdid

I am not a raw feeder. I feed my boys an “alternative to raw” but this book has plenty of “educational stimulation” for all pet parents.

Chapters of thought provoking content. Paragraphs that linger well after you’ve put the book down, making you re-examine why you do what you do (when it comes to your dogs nutrition) –

We know that people need real, whole, minimally processed foods in order to thrive. As humans, if making healthy eating choices has improved our health, it shouldn’t take a leap to realize that this same logic applies to our dogs and cats. Our dogs are meant to eat a diet of raw muscle meat, bone, and organs, despite what the traditional veterinarian community and the big pet food companies are trying to tell us. What did dogs eat before commercial can and dry dog food hit store shelves? They ate what we ate along with a diet of raw meat; i.e., a diet high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, healthy fats, living enzymes, and moisture. As people, we are told that fewer processed foods, whole foods, and foods free of chemicals and additives are better for us; is it so hard to believe the same is true for our dogs? Source: A Novice’s Guide to Raw Feeding for Dogs.

NOT JUST FOR RAW FEEDERS –

I know what you’re thinking – you don’t feed your dog raw food. #holdup

This is a book for anyone with a dog who strives to give their pups the very best. Long before I switched the Boys to a species appropriate diet – reading KTTW taught me –

  • the benefits of ground sardines (the ones in water from Walmart!)
  • easy recipes for veggie mix and bone broth
  • the beauty in natural vitamins

It has become a source of reference on many occasions.

COLLAR US FLATTERED –

Kimberly agreed to allow the Boys and I to give-away a book…

a Rafflecopter giveaway

No purchase necessary. Giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents age 18 and older, except where prohibited by law. Giveaway will run from November 27 (12:00am) to December 4 (11:59pm) EST. One (1) winner will be randomly selected and notified via email. Winner has 48 hours to claim the prize; failure to do so will result in forfeiture of the prize. Participants who enter automatically agree to Rafflecopter’s Privacy Policy while participating in this promotion.

Already a 5 star review rating on Amazon, with hundreds of copies sold in only three months!

Whether you’ve thought about feeding raw, have issues with allergies, or just want to learn more about a species appropriate diet, you might want to check her book out.

Navigating through pet parenting isn’t always easy. We are given a living spirit who loves and trusts us unconditionally. I don’t know about you – but that’s somewhat scary for me at times, as I steer through this ever changing maze called dog nutrition.

DETOX UPDATE –

Harley’s EAR GUNK is now a thing of the past. He still smells like a “goat” from time to time, but I do see a glimmer of light as we make our way out of this tunnel called “detoxification.”

I laughed when I first read that detoxing was not for the “faint at heart.”

I am no longer laughing.

Personalizing a t-shirt for myself once it’s over. #Isurvivedcaninedetox

This journey is a constant reinforcing reminder of my responsibility with everything that I feed, give and do – to/for my dogs.

I am so grateful for finding Kimberly and owning her book – I just had to share her with you!

If we are what we eat – don’t be fast, easy or cheap ❤️

7 Comments
  • Monika & Sam
    November 26, 2017

    Kimberly provides some great info on nutrition and going raw. Thank you for showcasing a valuable member of the pet blogging world.

    • Cathy Bennett
      November 26, 2017

      Hey girlfriend! There are so many bloggers that make my world easier to navigate from time to time, I love to highlight their accomplishments. I love how everyone is growing. and don’t get started on how I cherish all the friendships #youincluded

  • Shadow and Ducky's Mom
    November 26, 2017

    Glad to hear Harley’s “ear gunk” is a goner now! I know he’s much happier, as are you! Keep up the good work!

    • Cathy Bennett
      November 28, 2017

      Girlfriend I am trying with every fiber in my body. Now we’re into body conditioning rinses every other day LOL Can’t stand the goat smell.

  • Pamela
    November 27, 2017

    I have also found Kimberly’s writing thought-provoking and really helpful. Raw is not an option for us on the boat (we don’t always have refrigeration). But reading Keep the Tail Wagging has caused me to reconsider many of my fears about what i feed Honey.

  • Ana @ HJRT
    November 30, 2017

    I’m very glad to hear that Harley’s feeling better!

    Kimberly’s great, haven’t read the book yet, but I hope to rectify that soon.

  • Jan K
    December 2, 2017

    Kimberly really knows her stuff and I have often been to her blog to see her opinion on different supplements, natural products, etc.
    We’ve been topping Wellness kibble with fresh food that is delivered. But that fresh food is pretty darn pricey, and since I’m currently out of work, we need to reconsider. I honestly am not sure what we are going to do next.
    I’d love to read her book and learn more.