Canine Culinary Herbalist

02/05/2026

My 9.5-year-old Cane Corso Tofu recently developed pododermatitis—inflammation between her toes.

And instead of reaching straight for medications that suppress her immune system, I went back to the basics of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) food therapy.

Here's what most conventional approaches miss: pododermatitis isn't just a "paw problem." It's a systemic imbalance showing up locally.

The skin is the body's largest organ of elimination, and when we see inflammation, redness, and heat—that's the body talking to us.

The root cause matters.

In TCVM, we look at the energetics of food.

And here's my confession: I had been giving Tofu too much sweet potato in her meals. Sweet potato is warming and can contribute to dampness and heat accumulation—exactly what we DON'T want with inflamed, irritated skin.

So today I'm cooking a cooling, heat-clearing batch specifically designed to support her from the inside out:

🥬 Bok choy
🥦 Broccoli
🫛 Green beans
🥒 Celery
🌾 Millet
🫘 Mung beans + mung bean sprouts

Every single ingredient here is energetically cooling and helps clear heat and dampness from the body.

Mung beans in particular are powerhouses for detoxification and cooling internal heat.

But here's where it gets nuanced.

Tofu naturally runs cold energetically, and as a senior, I need to be mindful not to tip her too far in the cooling direction.

So I'm balancing this batch with neutral proteins like turkey and beef—they won't add heat, but they'll keep her system from becoming overly cold while we address the inflammation.

This is the art of TCVM food therapy: it's never one-size-fits-all.

We're always reading the individual dog in front of us.

This is what true food therapy looks like in action.

Instead of suppressing the immune system, we're supporting it. Instead of masking symptoms, we're addressing the root.

Instead of treating the paw, we're treating the whole dog.

This is the information that often gets overlooked in conventional approaches, and exactly why I'm so passionate about bringing TCVM food energetics into how we nourish our dogs.

Your dog's food bowl is more powerful than you realize. ✨

Confused by this new concept?

It's easier than you think. In a consultation with me, I'll teach you everything you need to know so you can empower yourself with the knowledge to handle any situation you might find yourself in with your pet in the future.

Link in comments to book.

02/03/2026

The Ancient Practice Your Dog Already Knows: Forest Bathing & the Spirit of Connection

Your dog stops on the trail. Not to sniff—just to be. Ears soft, eyes half-closed, breathing in something you can’t quite name. They’re practicing shinrin-yoku, and they’re inviting you to join them.

In Japan, “forest bathing” isn’t exercise or hiking—it’s the mindful practice of immersing yourself in the forest atmosphere.

Shinrin (forest) + yoku (bath) = bathing your senses in nature’s medicine. Research shows it reduces cortisol by up to 16%, lowers blood pressure, and increases NK (natural killer) cells that fight disease.

But here’s what stopped me in my tracks as both an herbalist and animal practitioner: Matthew Silverstone’s research suggests trees increase oxytocin production through their vibrational properties.

Oxytocin. The same bonding hormone released when you lock eyes with your dog.

We’re Forgetting to Feed the Spirit

In my work with Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and as a Reiki practitioner, I’ve witnessed what indigenous healers have always known: wellness isn’t just physical.

We give our dogs the right herbs, the perfect fresh food ratios, appropriate exercise. We address their minds through enrichment and training. But when do we intentionally nurture their spirit, and ours?

Traditional practitioners understood that plant medicine extends beyond ingestion. It includes baths, ceremony, prayer, sound, and sacred connection to the natural world.

They knew that trees, earth, and elements realign us on energetic levels that lab values can’t measure.

Your dog already understands this. They lean their whole body against that oak tree in the park. They find the same sunny spot to lie in daily.

They pause. Really pause, to take in wind-carried messages from a mile away. They’re not distracted from nature; they’re attuned to it.

The Science of Slowing Down Together

Recent studies on human-animal forest therapy show that dogs in natural environments display significantly lower stress markers and increased parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) nervous system activity.

But it gets better: when humans and dogs forest bathe together, both species show synchronized cortisol reduction and heart rate variability improvements. We’re co-regulating in the cathedral of trees.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, spending time in nature replenishes Qi and balances the Shen (spirit).

For dogs dealing with anxiety, reactivity, or illness, this isn’t woo-woo—it’s physiological reset.

The phytoncides (essential oils) released by trees have antimicrobial properties that boost both human and canine immune function.

The negative ions near moving water reduce serotonin levels associated with stress.

Your Practice, Shared

Here’s what I invite you to try this week:

Leave your phone in the car. Bring only your dog, on a loose leash or long line.

Find trees—any trees. Let your dog set the pace. When they stop, you stop.

Place your hand on bark. Feel your spine align like Rickie Byars described, not just your physical body, but your spirit.

Notice your dog’s breathing change. Watch their eyes soften.

Some of my clients have told me their anxious dogs who’ve never settled before will simply sit beside them under a tree, synchronized in stillness.

If it feels right, try humming or speaking gentle words: to yourself, to your dog, to the forest.

Sound is the original language of the universe, and trees remember the songs we’ve forgotten.

The Medicine We Share

My work centers on “parallel nutrition”—the understanding that humans and dogs can share wellness practices adapted for each species’ needs.

Forest bathing might be the purest example. No recipe to follow.

No supplements to measure.

Just two beings, remembering they’re part of something older and wiser than anxiety, illness, or separation.

Your dog has been trying to teach you this all along.

Every time they resist leaving that one spot on the trail.

Every time they press against you under the stars.

Every time they choose earth over pavement.

Indigenous wisdom. Modern science. Ancient partnership.

The forest is waiting. Your dog already knows the way.
🌲

What’s your dog’s favorite tree or nature spot?

I’d love to hear about the places where you both find peace.

02/02/2026

MAITAKE MUSCLE RECOVERY STEW 🍄💪

Perfect for your active or working dog who needs extra nutritional support!

INGREDIENTS:
- 1 lb lean beef or bison, cubed
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- ½ cup dried maitake mushrooms, rehydrated
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp chia seeds

Slow cook for 4 hours, cool completely before serving.

🍄 Maitake Mushrooms - Known as the "dancing mushroom," maitake is a powerhouse adaptogen that:

- Supports healthy immune function and cellular health

- Helps regulate blood sugar levels (great for metabolic support)

- Contains beta-glucans that support the body's natural defenses

- Provides anti-inflammatory benefits for joints and muscles

🌿 Rosemary - This aromatic herb does more than add flavor:

- Rich in antioxidants that combat free radicals

- Supports healthy digestion and reduces gas/bloating

- Has natural antimicrobial properties

- May support cognitive function in senior dogs

🌱 Chia Seeds - These tiny nutritional warriors pack serious benefits:

- Omega-3 fatty acids for coat health and inflammation support

- Fiber for digestive health and steady energy release

- Complete protein with all essential amino acids

- Helps with hydration and joint lubrication

SERVING SIZE:

Small dogs: ¼ cup | Medium: ½ cup | Large/Giant: ¾-1 cup as meal topper or complete meal

💡 Pro Tip: The gelatin from slow-cooked beef supports joint health naturally - perfect for athletic dogs!
-

01/30/2026

Enjoying guest posting for Full Circle Veterinary Hospital this coming month - here’s one on my favorites: mushrooms!! 🍄‍🟫 😍🐾

01/25/2026

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭'𝐬 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐢 & 𝐘𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐎𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐬 🍄

Two powerhouse mushrooms, double the cellular protection for your active pup.

As a chef-turned-canine nutritionist, I'm obsessed with ingredients that work as hard as our dogs do.

Porcini and yellow oyster mushrooms are my secret weapons for supporting cellular health in high-energy dogs like my Cane Corso, Tofu and Boerboel, Oslo.

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐓𝐰𝐨?

Both are packed with ergothioneine (ERGO)—a unique antioxidant that accumulates in the liver, kidneys, and red blood cells where it protects against oxidative damage.

For active dogs, this means better protection for muscles and organs from the wear and tear of daily life.

𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐢 delivers robust, earthy flavor while supporting cellular repair and protecting sensitive tissues.

Perfect for dogs who need that extra liver and kidney support.

𝐘𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐎𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 offers a milder, slightly nutty taste while bolstering your dog's natural defenses against oxidative stress—ideal for athletic dogs or working breeds.

🥘 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐥 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐞 #𝟏:

𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐢 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐨𝐰𝐥

For Your Dog:

1 cup cooked lean ground turkey or beef
2-3 small dried porcini (rehydrated & chopped)
½ cup cooked sweet potato
1 tbsp porcini soaking liquid (cooled)

Steam porcini until tender, chop finely, mix with protein and sweet potato. Drizzle with a bit of the mushroom broth for extra flavor.

For You:

Same porcini (more of them!), over creamy polenta with thyme and a drizzle of that liquid gold porcini broth.

🍳 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐥 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐞 #𝟐:

𝐘𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐎𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐞

For Your Dog:

1 egg, lightly scrambled
2-3 fresh yellow oyster mushrooms (steamed & chopped)
Small handful of spinach (wilted)
1 tsp coconut oil

Gently steam mushrooms, wilt spinach, mix into scrambled egg. Serve at room temperature.

For You:

Same ingredients, double the portions, add garlic and a pinch of turmeric. Maybe some sourdough on the side.

𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐟'𝐬 𝐓𝐢𝐩:

Always introduce mushrooms gradually (start with ½ tsp for small dogs, 1 tsp for large breeds) and only use culinary mushrooms—never foraged wild varieties.

What you cook for yourself, you can cook for your dog. That's the beauty of parallel nutrition!

01/20/2026

Years of recurrent UTIs. Raw food. Minimal vaccines. Natural everything.

And they STILL kept coming back. 😤

Here’s what I had to learn the hard way:

Just because we’re using herbs instead of antibiotics doesn’t mean we’re actually healing—we’re still treating symptoms, not the ROOT cause.

Everything changed when I stopped playing whack-a-mole with Tofu’s infections and started studying Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine.

In this reel, I’m breaking down:

✨ The 2 herbal formulas addressing HER specific imbalances

✨ Why “natural” doesn’t always mean “healing”

✨ What we’re doing NEXT to harmonize her immune system long-term

If your dog has chronic UTIs (or any recurring issue), this is the shift in thinking that changes everything.

Watch until the end when I share where I source these custom-made formulas.

01/16/2026

I love the crunch of raw carrots in my grain bowls. But for Tofu and Oslo, I lightly steam and puree them.

Why?

Dogs lack suffifient enzyme cellulase to break down tough plant cell walls.

Lesson: As a chef, knowing how to cut and cook an ingredient is just as important as the ingredient itself.

01/11/2026

Did you know the secret to a longer, happier life for your dog is likely missing from their bowl? 🥣

I realize I haven’t talked about this enough lately, but if you follow my Canine Culinary Herbalist journey, you need to know about this resource.

It’s the solution for every dog owner who looks at a bag of dry kibble and thinks, "Is this really enough?"

It’s called Canine Culinary Bliss, and it is the ultimate playbook for transforming your dog's health without the confusion.

Why is this a total no-brainer?

For just $20—less than the cost of a bag of "premium" treats—you get a lifetime of knowledge developed by a professional chef and canine nutritionist.

We’re talking about:

🌮 Yes, Tacos. (Dog-safe and delicious!)

🍦 Ice Cream & Biscotti. (Because they deserve dessert too.)

🍲 Bone Broths & Stews. (To heal the gut and boost the immune system.)

Food is medicine.

If your pup struggles with itchy skin, low energy, or picky eating, these whole-food gourmet recipes are the answer.

You get the step-by-step confidence to create meals that result in shinier coats, better digestion, and way fewer vet visits.

Stop guessing. Start nourishing.

Grab the guide that thousands of healthy dogs are already enjoying.

👉 Get your copy - link in comments!

01/08/2026

After 20 years as a professional chef and becoming a certified canine nutritionist after losing my soul dog Nacho to cancer, I'm launching something that will forever change how you feed your pack:

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐋 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐉𝐄𝐂𝐓™
𝘣𝘺 𝘊𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘊𝘶𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘏𝘦𝘳𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵

Here's the truth 💣: You wouldn't eat the same processed meal 365 days a year—so why is your dog?

𝐈'𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐥 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐝𝐨𝐠.

One farmer's market trip.

One cooking session.

Two species thriving.

✨ 𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒:

- Monday: You're making a turmeric-ginger stir-fry → Your dog gets golden paste anti-inflammatory bowls

- Tuesday: Your mushroom risotto → Their medicinal mushroom immune boost

- Wednesday: Your berry smoothie bowl → Their antioxidant cancer-fighting topper

𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤, 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝. 𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭:

🍄 Preventing cancer (the #1 killer of dogs) through your daily cooking

🌱 Turning your kitchen into a healing pharmacy for both species

🥘 Saving money and time by shopping once and cooking twice

💚 Finally ditching the guilt of eating fresh while they eat processed

🔬 Using Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine + modern nutrition science

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞?

- Dogs eating fresh food live 2.7 years longer on average
- 50% of dogs will get cancer—but 80% of cancers are preventable through diet
- Allergies, digestive issues, and inflammation can be managed through food
- You're already cooking anyway—why not heal your whole pack?

𝐍𝐨 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝:

- A professionally trained chef
- A certified canine nutritionist
- TCVM trained
- Living proof it works (my 9.5-year-old mastiff is thriving!)

Starting this month, I'll be teaching pet parents how to become Culinary Herbalists for their pack.

I want you to learn how to elevate your dog's nutrition to match your own standards.

Your farmer's market haul is about to feed your whole family—fur included. 🌿

Ready to revolutionize how you think about your dog's bowl?

𝐅𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐎𝐖 𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐟𝐨𝐫:

→ Daily parallel recipes
→ Cancer prevention protocols
→ Herb & mushroom medicine guides
→ Live farmer's market tours
→ The science behind shared nutrition

Drop a 🙌 if you're ready to SHOP ONCE, HEAL TWICE™!!

12/18/2025

Digestive upset is the Grinch of the holiday season. It steals joy from both humans and dogs.

Here is my go-to "Tummy Tamer" recipe that works for my vegan diet and their carnivorous needs.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞: Baked or boiled Pumpkin or Sweet Potato.

👩‍🍳 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭-𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐭: I mash mine with cinnamon, a little maple, and pecans.

🐶 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐱: I keep theirs plain and mix it into their protein to firm up stools and soothe the gut.

Same pot of water, same steamer basket, two very different delicious outcomes.

This is what the 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭is all about—streamlining health without compromising quality.

11/29/2025

🐾❤️🥣

Cooking for two 120+ mastiffs does take a while, but it is so worth it! I cook for my dogs like I cook for myself, I like variety in every meal and I use as many local and seasonal ingredients as possible!

This also ensures they get a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, and they never get bored!

Today’s bowl consisted of elk meat, beef, and root vegetable stew with quinoa, soft, scrambled eggs, and a sprinkle of 5 Defenders (it tastes like chocolate!)

The best part of cooking for your dog is that you can also cook for yourself in much the same way, with just a few adjustments!

if you’re planning on starting the new year in a healthier way, by eating more fresh, whole foods, why not include your dog in those plans too?

I’ve got some fun plans for 2026 that will teach you how to cook for both yourself and your pup, stay tuned!

10/09/2025

Chamomile — it’s not just a sleepytime tea 🌼

This humble flower is a powerhouse of calm: soothing digestion, easing anxiety, cooling inflammation, and restoring balance from the inside out.

Here are 7 creative ways to use chamomile for both YOU and your dog — from calming porridges and herbal gummies to soothing pupcakes and “puptails.”

Healing can be gentle and delicious 💛