The Holistic Canine

Home
United States
Macon, GA
The Holistic Canine

Holistic pet health care & nutrition education. We provide custom diet plans & consulting services. Holistic health care necessitates knowledge and wisdom.

Species-appropriate balanced nutrition and naturopathic health care prove to cultivate healthy, happy, energetic, and vibrant animals. Health is a state within the body that encompasses the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of the animal. It must be cultivated with care and requires an ongoing process of maintenance and effort. An ongoing self-education and awareness of current research i

s recommended for preserving optimal health. We not only keep continually abreast of the latest research and developments in the natural health field for animal care, but we put into practice what we have learned, honing it to produce optimal and vibrant health. Only natural rearing can produce a true state of health. Any introduction of poison, chemicals, or synthetic substances to an animal's body, as well as altering their physical body, directly disrupts and disturbs the natural flow and rhythm of health maintenance. Kimberly is a board certified doctor of Nutrition and Naturopathy, professionally certified as a Natural Health Practitioner and a Holistic Nutrition Practitioner. She practices with dogs, cats, and livestock as well as people, giving nutrition and health care strategies and therapies to pet parents. Together with her husband, Andrew, they are pet parents to six dogs and more than thirty chickens and turkeys. They follow the strict Code of Ethics outlined by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners.

08/09/2025

🐾 Omega-3s: The Missing Piece in Your Dog’s Fresh Food Diet 🐾

Did you know that many dogs on fresh or homemade diets are missing a crucial nutrient? Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for your dog’s health — yet they’re often overlooked.

💡 Why Omega-3s Matter:

🧠 Brain & Cognitive Function – Supports learning, memory, and mood.

💖 Heart Health – Promotes cardiovascular wellness.

🐕 Joint Support – Helps reduce inflammation and ease stiffness.

🐾 Skin & Coat – Creates that glossy, soft, “pet-me” shine.

🛡 Immune Boost – Strengthens the body’s natural defenses.

Where to Get Them Naturally:

Fresh, whole food sources like sardines, mackerel, salmon, smelt, and pastured eggs are powerhouses for omega-3s. Algae oil is another powerhouse source of omega-3s. A little added regularly can make a big difference in your dog’s health — and prevent imbalances caused by excess omega-6s.

🐶 Tip from The Holistic Canine:
Not all fish oils are created equal. Always choose fresh, high-quality sources over fish oil supplements to avoid the problem of oxidation. Whole foods are best for maximum benefit.

✨ Every bowl you serve is an opportunity to nourish — make sure omega-3s are part of the picture.

📲 Want to ensure your dog is getting ample amounts of omega-3s? Contact us to set up a phone consultation for a custom approach to your dog’s health and wellness! theholisticcanine.us

08/08/2025

🐾 Myth Buster Friday! 🐾

❌ MYTH: "Dogs need to eat the same food every day or they’ll get an upset stomach."

✅ TRUTH: While sudden, drastic food changes can cause digestive upset, healthy dogs thrive on variety — just like us! In fact, rotating fresh, species-appropriate foods can:

▪️Improve nutrient absorption and balance over time 🥩🥦🐟

▪️Strengthen the gut microbiome 💪

▪️Reduce food sensitivities and boredom 🐕

Why the myth exists:
Kibble-fed dogs often have sensitive digestion because they’ve eaten the exact same processed formula for years. Their gut bacteria aren’t prepared for change. But a fresh food–fed dog with a diverse diet? They adapt like champs!

Bottom line: Variety is nature’s recipe for health. Feed a rotation of fresh, balanced meals and watch your dog thrive!

08/07/2025

🦴🍗 Creating a Balanced Fresh Food Diet for Your Dog — Made Simple 🥦🥩

At The Holistic Canine, we believe every dog deserves a diet that nourishes them completely — whether you feed raw or cooked. 💚 But balance isn’t just about tossing together meat and veggies — it’s about intentionally choosing ingredients that meet your dog’s nutritional needs based on NRC (National Research Council) standards.

Here’s a simple starting structure we use:

🔹 70% meat – Choose a variety of muscle meats like beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, or pork for protein, iron, and essential amino acids. Make sure to also include fatty fish such as sardines or salmon for omega-3s and vitamin D. Gizzard, heart, and green tripe are also important additions.
🔹 10% raw edible bone – Provides calcium and phosphorus. For cooked diets, use eggshell powder or food-grade bone meal instead.
🔹 10% organs – Liver is essential (about 3-4% for adults and 5% for puppies), and the rest can include kidney, spleen, or pancreas for vital vitamins and minerals.
🔹 10% phytonutrients from plants – Include low-sugar fruits and dog-safe vegetables like broccoli, kale, butternut squash, berries, and mushrooms to support detox, immune health, and antioxidant intake.

📊 But here’s the key: Each ingredient must be chosen with purpose to meet macro and micronutrient targets — not just guessed. That’s why we follow and formulate to NRC guidelines to avoid nutrient gaps that could harm your dog’s long-term health.

✨ Whether raw or cooked, your dog’s diet can be balanced — with the right guidance, knowledge, and support. That’s where we come in. Let us help you feed your dog better, naturally.

👉 Message us to start formulating a diet plan tailored to your dog’s unique needs!
theholisticcanine.us

08/06/2025

🦴 THE HISTORY OF KIBBLE: Was It Really Made for Your Dog’s Health? 🐕

Have you ever stopped to wonder where kibble came from? 🤔 Most dog parents assume it has always been around. The truth is, kibble is actually a recent invention, and not one created with canine health in mind.

Before commercial dog food, dogs were fed table scraps, raw meat, offal, grains, and whatever else was available. Working dogs, especially in rural areas, often ate what humans didn’t. Here’s a quick breakdown of how we got from table scraps to highly processed pellets in a bag 👇

📜 1860s – The First Commercial Dog Food:
A man named James Spratt created the first mass-produced dog biscuits called "Spratt’s Patent Meat Fibrine Dog Cakes" made of wheat, vegetables, beetroot, and beef blood. Inspired by sailor's hardtack, it was sold to upper-class dog owners in England. Fancy, yes — but still a processed food.

🥫 1920s–40s – Canned Food Takes Over:
Ken-L-Ration introduced canned food made from horse meat 🐴 — cheap and abundant after WWI. By the 1930s, it was the most popular pet food on the market.

💣 WWII Shifts the Industry:
When meat and metal were rationed, canned food became impractical. The pet food industry needed a new option that was cheap, easy to store, and didn’t rely on cans.

🥣 1956 – Kibble is Born:
Ralston Purina used cereal-making technology (extrusion) to create Purina Dog Chow — the first dry kibble. It was convenient, low-cost, and easy to mass-produce.

📈 1970s Onward – The Marketing Boom:
Big brands flooded the market with “breed-specific” formulas and “science-backed” blends. Kibble was promoted as the best and only way to feed your dog.

But here’s the thing...
❌ Kibble wasn’t created to optimize your dog’s health.
✅ It was invented for human convenience and corporate profit — not based on what dogs are biologically meant to eat.

💡 At The Holistic Canine, we believe it’s time to rethink the bowl. Dogs thrive on fresh, species-appropriate nutrition — not the leftovers of post-war food technology.

🦴✨ Your dog deserves real food, not history’s compromise.

🐾 Want help transitioning away from kibble? Message us or visit our website to learn more about building a balanced fresh food diet your dog will thrive on.
theholisticcanine.us

08/05/2025

🦴 Yes, You Can Create a Balanced Raw or Fresh Food Diet for Your Dog! 🥩🥦

Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of feeding raw or fresh food to your dog? You're not alone—and you're not without help. At The Holistic Canine, we're here to guide you every step of the way. 💚

🤝 With the right knowledge and support, any pet parent can confidently nourish their dog with a balanced, species-appropriate diet that supports vitality, longevity, and optimal health. 🐾✨

🔍 We use science-backed nutrition, a holistic approach, and real food to help you: ✅ Balance meals correctly
✅ Avoid common mistakes
✅ Address your dog’s unique needs
✅ Feel empowered, not confused

💬 You don’t have to guess. You don’t have to go it alone. Let us help you give your dog the life they deserve—naturally.

💻 Visit our website to learn more. Your dog’s health journey starts now! theholisticcanine.us

08/04/2025

🌿🐾 Can Dogs Benefit from Plant-Based Protein? Yes—When Done Right! 🐾🌿

At The Holistic Canine, we often get asked if dogs really need meat in every meal. While animal protein is vital for canine health, did you know that thoughtfully chosen plant-based protein sources can complement a fresh food diet beautifully?

🥦 Dogs are facultative carnivores. They thrive on animal-based nutrition, but can digest and utilize nutrients from plants too!

💡 Adding small amounts of nutrient-dense, properly prepared plant proteins like lentils, quinoa, and peas can:
✅ Add fiber for digestive support and microbiome health
✅ Offer antioxidants and phytonutrients
✅ Reduce reliance on animal flesh without sacrificing health
✅ Add variety and balance to the amino acid profile (when paired wisely)

But—it’s not as simple as tossing beans in a bowl. Many plant proteins:
⚠️ Lack the proper ratio of certain essential amino acids
⚠️ Contain anti-nutrients if not properly cooked
⚠️ Are less digestible than animal proteins, especially if not prepared properly

👉 The key? Use animal protein as the foundation, and incorporate moderate plant protein to support health, sustainability, and diversity.

🌱 Smart plant-based protein options for dogs:
• Cooked lentils or lentil pasta
• Quinoa or quinoa pasta
• Cooked chickpeas or chickpea pasta
• Green peas, mashed or pureed
• Pumpkin seed butter
• H**p seed butter or powder
• Peanut butter protein powder (make sure it contains only peanuts!)
• Nutritional yeast flakes
• Spirulina (in moderation)

Balance is everything. Your dog’s health doesn’t have to come at the cost of the planet—or your ethics. 🐶💚

✨ Want help formulating a fresh diet with the right protein balance? Message us today for personalized guidance! theholisticcanine.us

08/03/2025

🌿 Grooming Is More Than Just Looks – It's Vital for Your Dog’s Health! 🐾

At The Holistic Canine, we believe that regular, proper grooming is an essential part of your dog’s wellness routine—not just for keeping them clean, but for maintaining healthy skin and preventing a variety of health issues.

✨ Why grooming matters for skin health:

▪️Removes dirt, allergens, and dead skin cells

▪️Distributes natural oils for a healthy coat

▪️Prevents matting, which can trap moisture and cause skin infections

▪️Helps detect lumps, parasites, rashes, or injuries early on

🛁 Whether it’s brushing, bathing, nail trimming, or ear cleaning, routine grooming supports your dog’s immune system, comfort, and overall wellbeing.

💡 Holistic tip: Use natural, non-toxic grooming products free of sulfates, phthalates, parabens, DEA and TEA, artificial fragrances, and harsh detergents to avoid irritating your dog’s skin or disrupting their microbiome.

🐶 Grooming is not vanity—it’s preventative care that contributes to a longer, healthier life.

💬 How often do you groom your dog? Drop a pic of your freshly groomed pup in the comments!

theholisticcanine.us

08/02/2025

🐶 MYTH BUSTER: “If it’s labeled 'natural', it must be healthy for my dog.”

🚫 MYTH: Pet food companies use the word “natural” to convince dog parents they’re buying something wholesome and safe.

✅ TRUTH: In the pet food industry, “natural” is often meaningless marketing. The term is loosely regulated and doesn’t guarantee quality, bioavailability, or species-appropriate ingredients. A kibble or treat full of processed grains, synthetic vitamins, and rendered by-products can still be called “natural”.

🍖 What truly matters is ingredient integrity, nutrient bioavailability, and whether the food aligns with your dog’s biological needs—not a label.

💡 Holistic health isn’t found in buzzwords. It’s built through real, fresh, species-appropriate nutrition—meat, bones, organs, and functional whole foods.

08/01/2025

🐾 Holistic Help for Hip Dysplasia 🐾
📣 Managing Hip Dysplasia Naturally with The Holistic Canine

Hip dysplasia doesn’t have to mean a lifetime of pain meds and limited mobility for your dog. At The Holistic Canine, we believe in supporting the whole dog—body, mind, and spirit—through a blend of science, nature, and nutrition. 🌿💪

Holistic ways to manage hip dysplasia to help your dog thrive include:

🔹 Nutrient-Dense Fresh Food
A species-appropriate diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like omega-3s (from sardines or krill), bone broth, turmeric, and green-lipped mussels can help reduce joint inflammation and support tissue repair.

🔹 Weight Management
Excess body weight worsens joint strain. Keeping your dog lean through proper food portioning and balanced meals is essential for reducing pain and slowing progression.

🔹 Joint Support Supplements
Include natural joint support such as:
✔️ Glucosamine + Chondroitin
✔️ MSM
✔️ Collagen (especially type II)
✔️ Boswellia & Turmeric
✔️ CBD (for safe, natural pain relief)

🔹 Therapeutic Movement
Gentle daily exercise like leash walks or swimming helps maintain muscle mass and joint function without stress. Avoid high-impact activities.

🔹 Bodywork & Therapies
🐶 Acupuncture
🐶 Chiropractic care
🐶 Canine massage
🐶 PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy)
These modalities can reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore energetic balance.

🔹 Supportive Environment
Use orthopedic beds, ramps, and non-slip mats to reduce strain on hips during daily movement.

Your dog deserves to live a vibrant life—hip dysplasia and all. With a thoughtful, whole-body approach, you can reduce their discomfort and maximize quality of life naturally.

💬 Need help building a hip-supportive nutrition plan? Message us—we’re here to help! 🐕 theholisticcanine.us

07/31/2025

🐾 The Holistic Canine – Important Health Insight 🐾
🚫 The Risks of Early Spaying & Neutering 🚫

At The Holistic Canine, we believe in informed, science-backed choices for your dog’s lifelong wellness—and timing matters. One of the most overlooked aspects of canine health is the impact of early spaying and neutering. While the intention is often good, doing it too early can come with serious consequences.

🔍 Why timing matters:
Spaying or neutering before a dog has fully matured can interrupt natural hormonal development...and hormones don’t just affect reproduction. They play a major role in:

✅ Skeletal development
✅ Muscle and joint health
✅ Immune system function
✅ Behavioral stability
✅ Cancer resistance

📉 Research shows that dogs altered before physical maturity face increased risks of:

▪️Joint issues like hip dysplasia and torn ligaments

▪️Certain cancers including osteosarcoma and lymphoma

▪️Endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism

▪️Fear-based or aggressive behavior patterns

💡 What can you do?
Wait until your dog is fully grown (especially for large breeds) before making a sterilization decision. There are alternatives, like hormone-sparing procedures, and we’re happy to help you explore your options with your vet.

👣 Every dog is different. Let’s work together to give them the healthiest path forward—naturally and holistically.

📲 Visit our website to book a phone consultation to discuss a strategy plan for your dog. Follow us for more evidence-based canine wellness insights! theholisticcanine.us

07/30/2025

🌾 Are Grains Necessary in a Dog’s Diet? Let’s Clear the Confusion. 🌾

At The Holistic Canine, we often get asked: “Should my dog be eating grains?” It’s a valid question, especially with so much conflicting information.

🔍 Here’s the truth:
Grains are not a required component of a dog’s diet. Dogs are classified as facultative carnivores, meaning they thrive on animal-based nutrition but can digest a variety of foods—including some grains. Dogs do have omnivorous digestive capability; however, just because they can digest grains doesn’t mean they need them.

💡 Grains are often used in commercial dog food as cheap fillers—rice, corn, wheat, barley—to meet carbohydrate requirements and help bind kibble together. While some dogs tolerate grains, others may experience chronic inflammation, itching, poor digestion, or even contribute to long-term issues like obesity, diabetes, and arthritis.

❤️‍🩹 What about heart health and DCM (Dilated Cardiomyopathy)?
There has been a lot of talk (and heated disagreements) about grain-free diets causing DCM. But the real issue isn’t the absence of grains, it’s the improper formulation of grain-free diets, often heavy in legumes and lacking in key nutrients like taurine. A well-balanced fresh food diet that’s rich in bioavailable taurine, carnitine, and other heart-healthy nutrients does not need grains to prevent DCM.

✅ What matters most:
✔️ Species-appropriate, balanced nutrition
✔️ High-quality, bioavailable ingredients
✔️ Avoidance of inflammatory fillers (including some grains)

⬇️ Bottom line?

🐾 Every dog is unique. Some may do fine with a small amount of quinoa or oats, others thrive completely grain-free. What’s best? A customized, nutrient-balanced fresh food diet tailored to your dog’s individual needs.

📞 Ready to ditch the confusion and feed your dog with confidence? Let The Holistic Canine create the right diet—grain or no grain—for your pup’s optimal health.

07/29/2025

💛 Heartwarming Moments with Our Dogs 💛

✨️ There’s something truly magical about the way dogs show their love when they feel safe, nourished, and deeply cared for. 🐾

It’s in the gentle eyes that follow you around the room.
In the soft sigh as they curl up beside you after a hearty, nourishing meal.
In the wag of the tail and excitement when you walk through the door — even if you were only gone for five minutes.

When our dogs are well-fed with real, fresh food...when their bodies are thriving and their hearts are at peace...that’s when we see the purest expression of gratitude. ❤️

Love, for them, is a quiet presence. A happy dance at mealtime. A nuzzle into your hand. A warm body leaning against yours.

They don’t need words, their love is felt.
And when we give them the care they deserve, that love only grows.

Let’s give our dogs the health, comfort, and joy they give us every single day. 🌿🐶

theholisticcanine.us

Address

Macon, GA
31216

Website

http://www.theholisticcanine.us/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Holistic Canine posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to The Holistic Canine:

Shortcuts

Our Story

Health is a state within the body that encompasses the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of the animal. It must be cultivated with care and requires an ongoing process of maintenance and effort. Holistic health care necessitates knowledge and wisdom. An ongoing self-education and awareness of current research is recommended for preserving optimal health. We not only keep continually abreast of the latest research and developments in the natural health field for animal care, but we put into practice what we have learned, honing it to produce vibrant health. Only species-appropriate fresh raw foods and natural health care can produce a true state of health. Any introduction of processed foods, poison, chemicals, or synthetic substances to an animal's body, as well as altering their physical body, directly disrupts and disturbs the natural flow and rhythm of health maintenance. Kimberly is a doctor of Holistic Orthomolecular Nutrition and is a board certified holistic health practitioner (BCHHP). She is certified further as a Natural Health Practitioner (CNHP), a Holistic Nutrition Practitioner CHNP), and Raw Dog Food Nutritionist. She practices with dogs as well as people, giving nutrition and health care advice to canine pet parents. Together with her husband, Andrew, they raw feed and naturopathically care for their six dogs.