Raw and Thriving – is a book about getting and keeping your dog healthy….
Once upon a time I used to spend countless hours curled up in the corner of my couch reading steamy novels about romance and love in all the wrong places. I was a sucker for Joan Collins, Terry McMillan and YES – I even read the first Fifty Shades. #thereIsaidit
Now a days, I’m just as intrigued with books about raw organ meat, homemade bone broth, environmental allergens and clean canine teeth!
When Kristin Clark approached me to review her book, she had no idea how crazy excited I would be – because this is my life!
Learning more about feeding my Boys a better, healthier diet is becoming borderline #pawsessive
WHO IS SHE? –
Kristen Clark is a –
certified small animal naturopath and carnivore nutrition consultant.
I’d never heard the word “naturapath” used in conjunction with “consultant” so you know I had to look it up.
It means –
a system of alternative medicine based on the theory that diseases can be successfully treated or prevented without the use of drugs, by techniques such as control of diet, exercise, and massage.
This caught my attention instantly!
As soon as I started reading Kristin’s book, it felt like I was having a conversation with a friend.
It’s that easy to read, and THAT interesting.
I wrote a blog post a few weeks ago – A Loving Link Between Baby Boomers and Their Pets. Researching this subject helped me realize the impact my generation played in the current status the household pet now claims as its lifestyle.
Making sure our pets have the very best in nutrition and preventative health care should continue to be a priority as well.
CHAPTER 4 –
Page 24 was the eye opener for me. Reading this book was like sitting curled up on my couch. blank tossed across my feet, listening to Kristin talk to me about my favorite subject in the whole wide world – Dogs!
Between pages 24 and 25 she’s telling me about her experience with a 10 day juice fast. I can relate because I’ve been eating out since late February. Our kitchen renovation is two/three days from completion, and I cannot wait to correct my diet.
Every “to go” restaurant counter and drive-thru window employee knows me personally. I think I will cry when I unpack my smoothie blender, real wine glasses, and knives that actually cut stuff. #Idigress
In her story about what she was experiencing with each day of this fast – I became excited at the thought of fasting to clean this waste trap of a belly I’ve created over the past 5+months.
When she connected the dots to how our dogs would feel if they were switched to a healthier diet – the lights came on. #bright
I – like Kristin have spent quality time surviving with the abundance of processed foods. It’s so convenient. Over time both she and I realized we were feeling less than optimal, knew this wasn’t healthy and she decided to make a change. #Imnext
Our dogs can’t “change” anything about their diet without us.
Feeding them processed food will keep them alive but it will not allow them to thrive.
The Boys aren’t eating kibble or canned foods, but after reading pages 24 and 25 – I wanted to know more about a nature-designed, species-appropriate diet.
I kept reading!
LESS THAN 200 PAGES –
This book is so much more than just raw feeding content.
Kristin addresses common concerns like –
- budget
- fears
- proteins -understanding which ones are best
- how to get started.
She shares natural solutions and remedies for certain issues like –
- skin allergies
- ear infections
- urinary tract infections.
She’s omitted nothing! She’s even included a section on feeding a dog raw when you’re a vegetarian!
I’m still feeding the Boys an alternative to raw – air dried beef meat, bones, organs, and muscles – yet I still learned so much.
I’ve adopted one of Kristin’s natural remedies for Jaxson’s ear infections. His big floppy ears make him a huge candidate for reoccurring ear infections, especially when my dolphin Doodle gets wet. I like having a “natural” preventative treatment plan.
HEADED IN THIS DIRECTION –
Two years ago I would never have agreed to read this book. I was adamant that I didn’t have what it takes to feed the Boys a raw diet.
I don’t feel that way anymore. Doodle Dad and I have had many opportunities to discuss a healthier lifestyle sitting in the drive-thru for all our meals over the last 5+ months. #nofunatall
Pawhaps the diet they are currently on is merely temporary as I prepare myself for the next step. This book has gotten me excited about moving forward…
If you are even slightly curious about learning more about your dogs diet, this book has informative subject matter to read.
You can find it on Amazon or you can try your luck here with a give-away…
What’s your take on raw feeding? I’d love to know ❤
July 26, 2018
I think about it a lot, but I’m not sure I’ll ever take the plunge. However, like you, I am always interested in a natural lifestyle free of preservatives and other nasty stuff (for the humans and Luke as well).
We’re off the dry food for him, and onto a re-hydrated diet with other fresh ingredients added. I’ll definitely be following along to see if you do this!
Oh yes, what happened to the days when we used to curl up and read novels?? I used to read about one a weekend. Now if I do read one, it takes me at least a month! I have far more dog related books in my library now. 🙂
July 26, 2018
Well – when and “if” I am ever able to build up the nerve to make the switch I will not only tell you – I will tell the world!! I don’t know what I’m afraid of – perhaps of not understanding how to give the correct balance of nutritions they need to stay healthy. Who knows…
Your library shelves sound a lot like mine. Full of dog and doodle books!
July 27, 2018
That’s quite the transitional shift from Fifty Shades to raw! But I absolutely hear ya as to getting better informed on nutritional info for the fur-babies.
July 29, 2018
Monika you crack me up! To be honest with you – the books on raw feeding are much more interesting (am I getting old or what?).
July 27, 2018
Thank you for such a wonderful review, Cathy! I know it can be super tough to take the plunge into raw feeding. Trust me, I was there too! That’s one of the major reasons I wrote this book…I feel like there’s so much conflicting information out there, and there’s so much “do it this way or terrible things will happen,” or “do it that way and terrible things will happen,” that I wanted to give my fellow pet parents an easy-to-read, conversational-style book that would help them feel confident about making the switch–without any sort of fear factor. If…no, let me say WHEN ;)…you decide to make the switch, you can always reach out to me if you have any questions!
Thank you again for such an awesome review! Loving your blog as much as I do, it was truly an honor for and a joy to me that you loved it so much and found it so helpful.
July 29, 2018
HA! Trust me Kristin, I’ve got both you and Kimberly on speed dial when the time comes. It’s coming I can sense it. Switching them to Ziwi Peak has made a tremendous difference in many ways. I now want to “kick it up a notch” and become a raw feeder. One of the things I’ve learned on this journey is – whatever you decide to do with your pets, especially diet and nutrition – you’ve got to be sure you know what you’re doing. That’s where I am right now, but it’s comforting to know you’re only a phone call away. Congratulations on this wonderfully written book. I wish you the very best.
July 28, 2018
I switched my dogs over to commercial raw food (Vibrant K-9) last August so they’ve been on it for a year. They are so healthy and soft. And they are definitely thriving!
July 29, 2018
Hi Peg – I haven’t heard of Vibrant K-9 – going to look them up right now. Thanks so much for sharing. I need all the encouragement I can get. You would really love Kristin’s book – she’s packed it with a ton of information while sharing personal struggles and successes from herself and other dogs….
August 1, 2018
No, I haven’t entertained feeding my dog a raw diet yet.
August 5, 2018
Cassandra – I have been reading about this for more than a year. I am presently feeding the Boys an alternative to raw – Ziwi Peak air dried 98% meat, organ, bone and muscle food. The more I read the more I believe I am getting very close to the transition. Just a little nervous that I may not know what the heck I’m doing and mess them up. Sounds crazy – but that is my fear. I will keep everyone posted. Thanks so much for visiting, please come back again soon.
August 17, 2018
Hi Cathy my 6 month golden doodle is officially (fingers crossed) adapted to ziwi peak lamb air dried food. After reading your blog post and speaking w my vet, calling ziwi multiple times, I made the transition. I am a 27 yo nurse from westchester, NY. I can’t begin to explain what Lennox aka Lenny has done to me and my being, never in my life have I felt so over protective, worried, madly deeply in love with another being than I am with him – truly my fiancé thinks I’m nuts lol . I recently met a couple beagles at a park who were raw fed. 100% WOW. There attitude and demeanor and overall appearance left me in awe – I was very impressed. Lenny has been thriving on ziwi peak – but i feel a tremendous responsibility in educating myself on giving him the BEST. thanks for sharing – you have no idea how much your blog has helped me, its been vital as a first time mom xo much love from NY give those handsome DOODs a big smooch from me and len len xx
January 2, 2019
Hello Nina – so happy to hear your Dood is thriving on Ziwi. I am currently transitioning my Boys from the beef to the Lamb. They’ve started after the holidays. I decided to change to lamb because of the over all processing of cows in this country. I do love how well they are doing on Ziwi – wish it wasn’t so expensive, but until I am ready to commit to 100% raw feeding, I will make the sacrifice. Thanks so much for stopping by our website, please keep reading and of course sharing through your comments. Happy New Year.