Functional Canine

30/08/2025

“The dog is of the Carnivora order, and he was a flesh-eating beast in his wild state. Well-preserved skeletons of wild or semi-wild dogs show that they were superbly healthy. Therefore, first and foremost, the dog is a meat-eater, its entire anatomy being adapted for a meat diet, from the teeth fashioned for tearing and crushing, the powerful jawbones and muscles, the small, very muscular stomach, the short intestines (to avoid putrefaction of flesh foods), and, above all, the very powerful digestive juices peculiar to the carnivorous animals – the digestive juices that can dissolve even lumps of bone.”

Probably the first person in modern times (if the 1930s can be considered modern) to promote the idea of species appropriate or natural feeding was Juliette de Bairacli Levy.

Born in 1912, de Bairacli Levy spent two years studying to be a vet in Manchester before becoming interested in herbal medicine and the way in which traditional and especially nomadic farmers cared for their animals.

To learn more she travelled all over Europe, Turkey, North Africa, Israel and Greece living with Bedouin, Romani and other ancient peoples. The result of which was a series of books on herbalism and animal care.

de Bairacli Levy believed that ‘we are what eat’ and that diet and health are inseparable.

Decades before the raw food movement took off, this is what she had to say about dogs:

“The dog is of the Carnivora order, and he was a flesh-eating beast in his wild state. Well-preserved skeletons of wild or semi-wild dogs show that they were superbly healthy. Therefore, first and foremost, the dog is a meat-eater, its entire anatomy being adapted for a meat diet, from the teeth fashioned for tearing and crushing, the powerful jawbones and muscles, the small, very muscular stomach, the short intestines (to avoid putrefaction of flesh foods), and, above all, the very powerful digestive juices peculiar to the carnivorous animals – the digestive juices that can dissolve even lumps of bone.”

We strongly recommend ‘The Complete Herbal Handbook for the Dog and Cat’, first published in 1955 and still in print.

30/08/2025

𝐀𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲: 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐃𝐨𝐠𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐑𝐮𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝

In dogs, red blood cells (RBCs) normally make up 35–55% of total blood volume (PCV/hematocrit). Greyhounds are naturally higher, averaging 50–65%.

A Packed Cell Volume (PCV) above 65% at sea level usually signals polycythemia, a rare and dangerous condition where blood becomes too thick.

But in dogs living at high altitude (above ~6,000 feet / 1,800 m), oxygen levels are lower. To compensate, the body produces more red blood cells, which raises PCV. In these dogs, it is common to see hematocrit values up to 60–65% without disease — levels that would otherwise be concerning at sea level. This is considered a normal physiological adaptation, secondary to altitude hypoxia.

𝑾𝒉𝒚? The hormone erythropoietin (EPO) increases red blood cell production to improve oxygen delivery when atmospheric oxygen is limited. This same mechanism is why human athletes train at altitude.

28/08/2025

Research has uncovered something heart-melting: when dogs smell their human, their brain’s caudate nucleus — the region linked to reward, pleasure, and emotional bonding — lights up more strongly than when they smell other dogs or unfamiliar people. In short, science now supports what every dog lover has always felt: dogs genuinely love us.

In 2014, researchers at Emory University in the United States trained 12 dogs to lie perfectly still in an MRI scanner — no sedation, no restraints. Once inside, the dogs were presented with different scents: their own, an unfamiliar human, a familiar human, an unfamiliar dog, and a familiar dog.

The results were striking. While all scents activated the brain’s olfactory regions, only the familiar human scent caused significant activation of the caudate nucleus. This part of the brain is also active in humans when we see someone we love or anticipate a reward. For dogs, it suggests that their attachment to us is not simply about conditioning, but about genuine emotional connection.

For decades, scientists debated whether dogs truly felt emotions, or whether behaviours like wagging, licking, and following us were simply learned responses to food and attention. This discovery challenges that view. It reveals a hidden emotional world inside our pets — one where human–dog relationships are built on trust, joy, and authentic affection.

And it has meaning beyond the science. Knowing that our scent alone can bring comfort and joy to a dog reminds us to treat them with the same emotional care and sensitivity we would any family member. The bond we share with dogs isn’t one-sided. It is mutual, deep, and written into their biology.
So next time your dog greets you at the door, tail wagging wildly, remember — it’s not just excitement, and it’s not just habit. It’s love. Something we’ve now made measurable and that is beautifully real.

27/08/2025

𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬, 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐡𝐲𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬, 𝐅𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐞𝐭

Pancreatitis, defined as inflammation of the pancreas, is a debilitating and often painful condition in dogs. It impairs digestive and endocrine functions, potentially leading to internal bleeding, necrosis of pancreatic tissue, and broader organ damage. Proper dietary strategies can significantly influence both recovery and long-term pancreatic health.

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰𝒔 𝑷𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒔?
The pancreas has two principal roles:
▪️ 𝐄𝐱𝐨𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞: production of digestive enzymes such as lipase, amylase, and protease to break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.
▪️ 𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞: regulation of blood sugar via hormones such as insulin and glucagon.
Pancreatitis arises when digestive enzymes become prematurely activated within the pancreas, triggering autodigestion of pancreatic and adjacent tissues. This results in inflammation, necrosis, edema, and hemorrhage.

There are two main forms of pancreatitis:
▪️ 𝐀𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬: sudden onset, frequently severe, often necessitating emergency veterinary care.
▪️ 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬: low-grade, persistent inflammation that may go unnoticed until the pancreas is significantly compromised, often leading to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).

𝑪𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑹𝒊𝒔𝒌 𝑭𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒔
Factors that predispose dogs to pancreatitis include:
▪️ 𝐃𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬: High-carbohydrate, ultra-processed dry food. Excessive circulating fat (hyperlipidemia), a known trigger for acute episodes.

▪️𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬:
▫️Obesity
▫️Dietary indiscretion (eating rich or fatty foods)
▫️Endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism or diabetes
▫️Breed predisposition
▫️Certain pharmaceuticals
▫️Infections, toxins, and stress.

𝑭𝒂𝒕 𝑰𝒔 𝒂 𝑻𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒈𝒆𝒓—𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝑵𝒐𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑹𝒐𝒐𝒕 𝑪𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆
While high-fat meals can trigger acute episodes, diet quality is more important than fat content alone. Dogs are physiologically adapted to thrive on protein and fat, not starch-heavy processed diets. Chronic inflammation is more strongly associated with ultra-processed foods than with fresh fat sources.

Elevated blood fats are often a symptom of pancreatic stress rather than the underlying cause. Feeding species-appropriate, fresh diets can reduce pancreatic burden and inflammation.

𝑳𝒐𝒏𝒈-𝑻𝒆𝒓𝒎 𝑳𝒐𝒘-𝑭𝒂𝒕 𝑫𝒊𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝑨𝒓𝒆 𝑵𝒐𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑶𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒍 𝑺𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

Veterinary management of acute episodes often involves a temporary low-fat diet to reduce pancreatic stimulation. However, permanent restriction of dietary fat—especially if replaced with starch-heavy foods—may perpetuate low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress rather than resolving it.

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒍 𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒈𝒚
Long-term management of pancreatitis focuses on reducing systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. This can be achieved through:
▪️𝐃𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐝𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬
- Eliminate ultra-processed carbohydrates.
- Feed fresh, species-appropriate foods rich in protein and moderate fat.
- Moderate starch intake accordingly.

▪️𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬
- Bone broth and gut-soothing foods.
- Fresh muscle meats and organ meats.
- Raw pancreas for enzyme support.

𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐬
Thse are essential and highly supportive when beginning the the transition to a wholefoods diet.
- Digestive enzymes.
- Omega-3 fatty acids.
- Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E.
- Anti-inflammatory botanicals including turmeric, boswellia, slippery elm, and milk thistle.

𝑲𝒆𝒚 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔
During the acute phase (emergency management):
- Feed low-fat, highly digestible food.
- Offer small, frequent meals.

During chronic or recovery phases:
- Transition to fresh/raw, low-carbohydrate, moderate-fat diets.
- Reintroduce fat cautiously.
- Provide gut-supportive foods like bone broth.
- Supplement with enzymes, omega-3s, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory herbs.
- Focus on lowering inflammation and oxidative load to restore pancreatic resilience.

Always share your dog’s dietary changes with your vet.

Pancreatitis in dogs is an inflammatory disorder with multiple causes. While fat can be a trigger, chronic inflammation from inappropriate, ultra-processed diets is often the true underlying problem. Long-term management does not come from permanent fat restriction, but from feeding fresh, species-appropriate diets that reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, helping restore pancreatic health.

Note: Ultra-processed carbohydrates from dry food and died lacking natrually occurring enzymes, antioxidants and antiinflamatory ingredients are the main concern here. If you are making balanced meals at home, utilising nutritious and appropriate carbohydrates as part of a therapeutic meal may be of benefit to your dog. Always keep your vet informed and seek professional nutritional guidance.

26/08/2025

𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐬: 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐎𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰

Disclaimer: The following article is for educational purposes only and should not replace veterinary advice. If your cat shows signs of illness, always consult an animal medical professional.

When we think about food sensitivities, most people think of dogs. But cats can also suffer from food intolerance and food allergies — and these conditions are more common than many realise. Unfortunately, they are often overlooked or misdiagnosed as parasites, environmental allergies, or even behavioural problems.

Food intolerance can be tricky to identify because the signs mimic many other conditions. However, understanding how food-related sensitivities develop, what to look for, and how to test for them is key to helping your cat live a healthier, more comfortable life.

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑫𝒐𝒆𝒔 𝑭𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑳𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑳𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝑪𝒂𝒕𝒔?

Food intolerance in cats can affect both the skin and the digestive system. In fact, gastrointestinal (GI) signs are often the most important clue that a skin condition may be food-related.

𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑜𝑛 𝑠𝑦𝑚𝑝𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑠 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑙𝑢𝑑𝑒:

🐾 Hair loss (alopecia): Often from overgrooming due to itchiness.

🐾 Ear infections: Recurrent otitis externa may be linked to food sensitivity.

🐾 Excessive grooming and furballs: Cats ingest more hair while licking, leading to fur in stools.

🐾 Skin lesions: Such as miliary dermatitis (small, crusted bumps).

🐾 Head and neck pruritus: Severe itching of the face, neck, or ears; present in ~42% of food intolerance cases.

🐾 Eosinophilic granuloma complex: A group of inflammatory lesions linked to allergic reactions.

🐾 Urticaria (hives) and nodules: Raised, itchy swellings.

🐾 Plasma cell pododermatitis: Swelling and inflammation of the paw pads.

Using the chart pictured, you can scale how much your cat is itching or scratching, whether it is normal behavioir or linked to something else.

𝑮𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒌𝒆𝒚 𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒐𝒓

When skin concerns occur alongside GI issues, food intolerance should be strongly suspected. These can include:

▪️Chronic or intermittent diarrhoea
▪️Inconsistent stool quality
▪️Vomiting (not related to hairballs)
▪️Flatulence or signs of abdominal discomfort

Cats that show both skin and gut problems often improve dramatically on a properly conducted elimination diet, highlighting the close connection between gut and skin health.

𝑩𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝑺𝒖𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑭𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆

Because many of these symptoms overlap with other conditions, a veterinarian will first rule out:

🦟 Ectoparasites: Fleas, mites, and lice can cause nearly identical signs. Flea allergy dermatitis is especially common.

🦠 Secondary skin infections: Bacterial or yeast overgrowth can worsen itchiness and delay healing.

❤️‍🩹 Behavioural issues: Overgrooming is sometimes attributed to stress, but in many cases the root cause is physical discomfort from food reactions.

𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬

Currently, there is no reliable blood, saliva, or skin test for food intolerance in cats. The gold standard is a strict elimination diet trial.

𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝒅𝒊𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒍𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌

▪️Your cat is fed only a novel protein (one they have never eaten before, such as rabbit, venison, or duck) or a hydrolysed protein diet.
▪️All other foods, treats, table scraps, and flavoured medications must be eliminated. Even tiny amounts of the wrong ingredient can cause a flare-up.
▪️The trial usually lasts 6–8 weeks, though some cats may take up to 12 weeks to show improvement.
▪️If symptoms resolve and then return when the old diet is reintroduced, food intolerance is confirmed.

𝐼𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠:
▪️Raw or home-prepared feeding can make diet trials easier because you can strictly control ingredients and avoid hidden fillers or cross-contamination common in processed kibble.
▪️Cross-reactivity: Some proteins are similar. For example, a chicken-sensitive cat may also react to turkey.
▪️Concurrent care: Skin infections and lesions should be treated during the trial to avoid confusion about whether the diet is working.

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑳𝒊𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑯𝒚𝒅𝒓𝒐𝒍𝒚𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝑫𝒓𝒚 𝑫𝒊𝒆𝒕𝒔

Hydrolysed veterinary diets are widely used for diet trials and can be effective. However, most are produced as dry kibble, which is not ideal for cats in the long term.

Potential drawbacks include:

▪️Low moisture: Cats are adapted to obtain water from their food. Dry diets can contribute to chronic dehydration and urinary tract issues.

▪️High carbohydrate levels: Many hydrolysed kibbles contain starch to hold their shape. Excess carbohydrate can disrupt the gut microbiome, promote dysbiosis, and worsen GI sensitivity.

▪️Lack of diversity: Simplified formulations reduce exposure to multiple nutrients and fibres, which over time can impair microbiome balance.

▪️Ultra-processed: Heavy processing alters food structure, which may affect nutrient bioavailability.
For these reasons, while hydrolysed diets are excellent short-term diagnostic tools, they are not the best choice for long-term feeding. A complete and balanced fresh, cooked, or raw diet (with veterinary or nutritionist oversight) generally aligns more closely with feline biology and supports better hydration, gut health, and overall resilience.

𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝑵𝒐𝒕 𝑱𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝑭𝒐𝒐𝒅

If a strict diet trial fails to resolve the problem, other factors should be considered:
🌸 Environmental allergies (atopy): Pollens, dust mites, or moulds can cause very similar signs.
❤️‍🩹 Skin barrier weakness: Nutritional support (omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, antioxidants) may help strengthen skin defences.
😰 Chronic stress: Stress can worsen both skin and gut symptoms, creating a feedback loop.

𝐸𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑝𝑖𝑒𝑠:
▪️CBD oil: Being studied for its anti-inflammatory and calming effects.
▪️Allergen immunotherapy: The only treatment shown to modify the immune system’s long-term response to environmental allergens.

𝑺𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑪𝒂𝒕𝒔 𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝑵𝒖𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

Even if food intolerance is not the sole cause, nutrition plays a vital role in feline health and comfort:
▪️Species-appropriate diet: Cats thrive on high-protein, moisture-rich, low-carbohydrate diets. Raw or gently cooked diets (when properly balanced) can more closely match these needs.

▪️Novel proteins and rotation: Regularly rotating proteins may reduce the risk of intolerance developing over time.

▪️Gut health: Probiotics and prebiotics support a balanced gut microbiome, which is closely tied to skin and immune health.

▪️Skin nutrients: Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), zinc, and antioxidant vitamins (A, E) can reduce itchiness and promote healing.

Food intolerance in cats is more common than many owners realise and can show up in many ways — from skin lesions and ear infections to overgrooming and chronic digestive issues. When skin and GI symptoms appear together, food intolerance should be strongly suspected.

A strict elimination diet remains the most reliable diagnostic method, with raw or home-prepared feeding offering unique benefits in precision and control. While hydrolysed diets are helpful tools, they are best reserved for diagnosis rather than lifelong feeding.

By recognising the signs early and working with a veterinarian, cat owners can significantly improve their pet’s comfort, health, and quality of life.irti

25/08/2025

New Podcast Episode Launch 🚀

Going Against the Grain with Sagar Badekere from EDU-Pet India

In a country in which vegetarianism is deeply rooted in both culture and religion, raw feeding and species appropriate diets are often met with resistance and misunderstanding. But Sagar from EDU-Pet is challenging the norm and going against the grain to stand up for what he believes is right for the dogs.

As founder of an Indian based raw feeding education platform, he is passionate about teaching pet parents what their dogs need to truely thrive. While many in India follow traditions and trends, Sagar is paving the way for a new conversation. One based on science.

This conversation was particularly exciting for me as India has not yet entered a space in which dogs are fed dog food, and canine cancer rates are a fraction of what we face in the western world. Yet, the conept of raw feeding and a feeding a mainly animal protein based diet is still relatively foreign.

To listen, follow Intuitive Healing with Jackie podcast on Spotify or visit the link in our bio and below 👇

18/08/2025

𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝, 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬, 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐨𝐠𝐬

Anxiety, fear and aggression in dogs is complex. It isn’t solved by just one thing — it’s a psycho-physiological condition influenced by both body and mind. One important and often underrated pathways in influencing behaviour is the 𝑔𝑢𝑡–𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠.

🧠 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑮𝒖𝒕–𝑩𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝑨𝒙𝒊𝒔
The gut and brain communicate through the vagus nerve — the body’s longest nerve, stretching from the brainstem to the abdomen. This nerve regulates swallowing, heart rate, breathing, gut motility, and gland secretion as part of the autonomic nervous system, which balances:
▪️Sympathetic tone (fight or flight)
▪️Parasympathetic tone (rest and digest)
Because dogs and humans share similar neurotransmitters, the same drugs (e.g. Prozac, trazodone) can work in both species.
Up to 90% of serotonin — the neurotransmitter linked to mood, memory, and wellbeing — is produced in the gut. This is why the gut is often called the “second brain.” Stress can affect the gut (e.g. dogs exhibiting stress diarrhoea after moving house), and the gut can affect the brain through the activity of the microbiome.

🦠 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑴𝒊𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒃𝒊𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑩𝒆𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒓
The microbiome is made up of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and their genes. Different microbial populations live in the mouth, skin, nasal passages, urinary tract, and gut — but the gut microbiome has the most profound impact on behaviour.
Gut microbes communicate with the brain via the vagus nerve. They produce metabolites and neurotransmitters that directly influence mood, resilience, and emotional stability.
▪️A healthy microbiome supports a strong gut lining (epithelium) and balanced immunity.
▪️Dysbiosis (imbalance of microbes) is linked to gastrointestinal issues and behavioural problems such as: separation anxiety, reactivity, aggression, excessive licking/barking, hyperactivity, coprophagia, allergies, and reduced stress resilience.
Stress itself can worsen dysbiosis, creating a cycle of imbalance.
Since 75–80% of the immune system resides in the gut (in gut-associated lymphoid tissue), maintaining microbial diversity is crucial.

⚖️ 𝑵𝒖𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝑮𝒖𝒕 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉 & 𝑨𝒏𝒙𝒊𝒆𝒕𝒚
Diet plays a major role in shaping the microbiome and behaviour:
▪️𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐡𝐲𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐬 (such as kibble, often 30–60% carbs) can spike blood sugar, leading to hyperactivity. Low blood sugar that follows can impair brain function, sometimes triggering aggression. Carbohydrate-driven inflammation also worsens anxiety.
▪️𝐎𝐦𝐞𝐠𝐚-𝟑𝐬 (𝐄𝐏𝐀 & 𝐃𝐇𝐀) are vital for brain health. Low DHA has been linked to aggression in dogs. Choose clean, sustainable sources (marine algae, green-lipped mussel) to avoid heavy metals.
▪️𝐌𝐂𝐓 𝐨𝐢𝐥 supports cognition in senior dogs and may reduce anxiety.
▪️𝐁 𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐬 (especially B6 and riboflavin) are essential for serotonin synthesis.
▪️𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐮𝐦 regulates neurotransmitters and promotes calmness.
▪️𝐙𝐢𝐧𝐜 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧 are required for normal brain function — deficiencies are linked with aggression, destructive behaviour, and fearfulness.
Protein balance matters, too:
▪️𝐓𝐫𝐲𝐩𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐚𝐧 is a precursor to serotonin, supporting calm mood and learning.
▪️𝐓𝐲𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞 is a precursor to dopamine and norepinephrine, which drive arousal, agitation, and anxiety if unbalanced.
▪️Since tryptophan and tyrosine compete to cross the blood–brain barrier, diets too heavy in certain proteins may favour arousal chemicals over calming ones.
For raw-fed dogs with anxiety or aggression, small dietary adjustments can help:
▪️Feed twice daily
▪️Include an easy-to-digest carbohydrate (e.g. sweet potato, rice if tolerated)
▪️Ensure adequate B6 from natural sources like liver, or appropriate supplement (1 mg/kg)
▪️Offer a small carbohydrate snack 2–3 hrs after meals
Noticeable improvement may appear within a week, with long term results after 3 months at which the diet can be rebalanced.

🌱 𝑺𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑮𝒖𝒕–𝑩𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝑨𝒙𝒊𝒔
▪️Probiotics & prebiotics (including soil-based organisms and Saccharomyces boulardii)
▪️Fermented foods (for microbial diversity)
▪️Real, species-appropriate whole foods (avoid preservatives, dyes, rancid fats, pesticides, and mycotoxins)
▪️Stress reduction & exercise (stress alone alters gut motility and the microbiome)
▪️Fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) — early veterinary research and case reports show changes in personality, resilience, and vitality.
▪️Reduce environmental toxins — pesticides, flea/tick preventatives, unnecessary antibiotics, and heavily processed foods all harm microbial diversity.

👩‍⚕️ 𝑩𝒆𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑮𝒖𝒕
A full program for canine anxiety should combine nutrition, gut health, complementary therapies (acupuncture, massage, herbs, nutraceuticals, pheromones, CBD, mushrooms), and training.
Training gives dogs safety, boundaries, and partnership. But the foundation of calm behaviour often begins in the gut.

👉 𝑻𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚: For dogs with anxiety, the gut–brain axis should be a central focus of care. By supporting microbiome diversity, balancing nutrition, and reducing toxins, we can help build emotional resilience — and a calmer, healthier companion.

17/08/2025

Ozempic for cats and dogs…. 😳
Not to mention what Conor has said about longevity vaccines and mRNA gene therapy for pet colds.

One step forward, three steps back 🥲🥲🥲

A Novel “Hassle-Free” Long-Term Drug Delivery System Human Originator Pet Specific Treatment Weight-Loss Diabetes Mellitus Market Opportunity Human

13/08/2025

Delighted to be collaborating with Sunny Paws Pet Parlor in Tully this weekend for a great day of education and discounted baths!

“Sunny Paws is SO excited to be hosting the amazing Jackie from Functional Canine for a free Q&A session on pet nutrition!

From 12-3pm on Saturday the 16th of August, Jackie will be at the Parlor to answer any questions you might have about your dog’s diet, nutritional needs and to explain all about raw feeding.

To celebrate, Sunny Paws will be holding a DISCOUNT DOG WASH DAY! Bring your dog in, any size, for a $10 bath (and towel dry). Available from12-3pm, no appointment needed!

Functional Canine is an Adelaide based business, and we are so lucky to have Jackie visiting our area to share her knowledge. Jackie is a BSc Animal Science graduate and is a certified Canine Nutritionist. She has been working in the field and collaborating with industry professionals and veterinarians since 2016, and is currently undertaking her advanced certificate in canine nutrition (focusing on therapeutic diets to assist with specific health issues)“

Stop by, have a chat and ask me anything dog nutrition related! Let’s learn some new things together this weekend ☀️

12/08/2025

🥹🥹

08/08/2025

Not suggesting this is always intentional, but there is certainly a lack of true care for the individual animal, or up-to-date non-bias knowledge when it comes to some of our trusted brands and establishments in the pet industry.

Over medication, toxic levels of synthetic vitamins, carcinogenic pesticides, ingredients chosen based on cost rather than quality, treatments chosen based on profit rather than being the optimal path….

Know more, do more. Know better, do better 🫶

05/08/2025

👇For those with golden ✨ oldies 🫶

𝗧𝗜𝗣𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗢𝗟𝗗𝗘𝗥 𝗗𝗢𝗚𝗦

❗️Manage their pain - yes, with drugs that may impact their organ health. So many older dogs live in pain because their owners don't want to put "chemicals" in their bodies, and that's cruel.

Unless you can effectively manage their pain in other ways, then you need to have a pain management discussion with your Vet. If you choose to administer such drugs, you can also monitor organ health - but let's be real, they're at the end of their lives...

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿:
✅ CBD oil - the real thing, not the cheap stuff you found online
✅ Antinol, Rosehip Vital & P.E.A - by themselves or together.
✅ Spinal Health supplement from Animal Holistic Therapies

❗️Therapy such as Hydrotherapy, massage, acupuncture, laser therapy, body work & appropriate exercises for an older dog.

❗️Play with them if that's what they want to do; you might have to remind them how to do that.

❗️An anti-inflammatory diet - reach out, I'm happy to give you advice for free.

❗️Look after their dental health, it closely connects to overall health & heart health. If they can't have dentals, then look at teeth cleaning bones and supplements such as My Doggie W**d.

❗️Get them moving, when youstop moving older dogs, things snowball in a bad way. If all they can do is walk next door or down the road, do that. Your goal is to exercise them at whatever rate is appropriate for them, which means that don't don't pull up worse for wear - you may have to try some different lengths. Some off lead sniffy walks are a great option somewhere safe.

❗️Old dogs digestion can get a bit how ya going, some raw fed dogs may do better on a lightly cooked diet. A digestive supplement that has digestive enzymes such as Gut Protect from Canine Ceuticals is a good option.

❗️ Keep them lean - an old dog should never be fat. Some people think fat old dog is a clearly loved dog...no, you're hurting their joints and their organs and causing them pain.

❗️ A bed they can easily get on and off - a raised trampoline bed or firm floor bed is a good option.

❗️ Ramps or something they can use as an intermediate step to get on and off furniture.

❗️ Rugs so they have traction in the house.

❗️Luke warm heat packs on their sore bits or use a red light pad for safe heat.

What are some of your tips?

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Photo: Little Man, who will be 16 in November, is still incredibly active, slightly dodgy hip, low-level kidney disease & expert eye licker. Has been on a diet since we adopted him 14 years ago - his lab genes run strong!