The Holistic Canine

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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 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 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.

09/22/2025

🦴 The Critical Balance: Calcium & Phosphorus in Your Dog’s Diet 🦴

One of the most overlooked (yet most important) parts of formulating a fresh food diet for dogs is the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio.

👉 Why it matters:

Dogs need calcium for strong bones, teeth, nerve function, and muscle contraction.

Phosphorus is abundant in meat, but without enough calcium to balance it, the body will pull calcium from your dog’s own bones.

An imbalance can cause skeletal deformities, weak bones, fractures, poor growth in puppies, neurological issues, diarrhea, and even long-term kidney problems.

👉 Raw vs Cooked Diets:

Raw diets often include raw meaty bones, which naturally supply both calcium and phosphorus.

Cooked diets or raw diets without bones require a carefully chosen calcium source to meet NRC standards — otherwise your dog’s health is at risk.

🍗 Safe Calcium Sources:

▪️Raw meaty bones

▪️Ground bone or bone meal powder

▪️Eggshells (finely ground into powder for best absorption)

▪️High-quality supplements such as calcium hydroxyapatite, sea calcium, or calcium carbonate

At The Holistic Canine, we formulate meals to meet or exceed NRC standards for calcium and phosphorus, ensuring your dog gets what their body truly needs for long-term health.

✨ Remember: Fresh feeding isn’t just about “real food” — it’s about balanced nutrition.

🐾 Would you like us to share a quick guide on how much calcium to add to home-cooked meals? Comment below ⬇️

💻 To book a phone consultation or purchase a custom recipe, visit theholisticcanine.us

09/21/2025

❤️🐾 Love in a Bowl 🐾🌿

At The Holistic Canine, we believe every bowl of food is more than just calories—it’s love, health, and longevity. ❤️🐕 When you choose fresh, whole foods, you’re not just feeding your dog… you’re gifting them vitality, comfort, and more joyful years by your side.

Because our dogs give us their whole hearts. The least we can do is fill their bowls with the very best. 🥦🐟🥩🫐

Here’s to wagging tails, healthy bodies, and love that shines through every meal.

theholisticcanine.us

09/20/2025

✨ How is kibble really made? And why is fresh food the better choice for your dog’s health? ✨

Most pet parents don’t realize that those little brown nuggets in the bag are made through an industrial process similar to breakfast cereal. Here’s what happens to your dog’s food before it reaches the bowl:

1️⃣ Powdered ingredients – rendered meat meals, grains, legumes, and starches are ground into fine powders.
2️⃣ Mixed with water and binders – forming a dough.
3️⃣ Extrusion – the dough is cooked under extreme heat & pressure, then puffed into shape.
4️⃣ Drying – moisture is reduced so kibble can sit on a shelf for 12–18 months.
5️⃣ Sprayed with fats & flavorings – otherwise it would smell and taste bland.
6️⃣ Vitamins & minerals are added back – because many natural nutrients are destroyed during processing.

📦 The result: a crunchy, shelf-stable product designed for storage and convenience — not for optimal health.

🥩 By contrast, fresh whole foods provide:
✔️ Naturally intact nutrients and enzymes
✔️ Better digestibility and bioavailability
✔️ Hydration and antioxidants that kibble lacks
✔️ Real food your dog’s body recognizes

💡 Just like us, dogs thrive on fresh, minimally processed food. Fresh feeding supports healthier weight, stronger immunity, shinier coats, and longer, happier lives.

🐾 At The Holistic Canine, we’re here to guide you toward better nutrition for your dog. Feed fresh!

☎️ Need help creating a balanced fresh food diet for your dog? Schedule your appointment today get started today!
theholisticcanine.us

09/19/2025

💣Calorie Truth Bomb 💥
Dogs don’t get fat from carbs, protein, or fat—they get fat from excess calories.

✳️ Overfeeding is the #1 nutrition mistake we see.

It’s time to set the record straight. 👀
Macronutrients are not the enemy—especially carbs, which are often unfairly blamed for every overweight dog. The truth is simple: when a dog consumes more calories than they burn, the scale creeps up. Period.

⚖️ Calories in vs. calories out is still scientifically accurate.
Dogs don’t suddenly gain weight from rice, sweet potatoes, or peas. They gain weight because too much food is going in and not enough energy is being used.

❌ Stop blaming the food.
✅ Start looking in the mirror.

Fresh food diets naturally contain more water and bulk, which can help your pup maintain a healthy weight more easily than dry, concentrated kibble. But even with fresh food, getting the calories right is essential. Combine balanced feeding with daily activity, and your dog will thank you with a leaner, healthier body.

🐾 At The Holistic Canine, we help pet parents feed smarter—not more.

❓️ Is Your dog over-fat and in need of a weight loss diet? We've got you covered. Schedule in a phone consultation to help your dog get back to a healthy weight.
theholisticcanine.us

09/18/2025

🐾 Are Dogs Really Carnivores? Let’s Look at the Science 🐾

Many people believe dogs are “true carnivores,” created or "made" to only eat meat. While it’s true that dogs descend from wolves, modern dogs are not wolves—they are a species shaped by thousands of years of human influence....and their bodies tell the story.

🔬 Here’s what the science shows:

▪️Through this long co-evolution with people, dogs have adapted to thrive on a more varied diet, including carbohydrates: Research shows that dogs possess multiple copies of the AMY2B gene, which allows them to digest starches efficiently—something their wolf ancestors cannot do to the same extent — a clear evolutionary adaptation to life with humans.

▪️Vitamin A (beta-carotene conversion): Unlike cats (true carnivores), dogs can convert beta-carotene from plants into active Vitamin A, showing they were designed to use plant foods as nutrient sources.

▪️Essential fatty acids: True carnivores (like cats) must get arachidonic acid from meat. Dogs, however, can synthesize arachidonic acid from linoleic acid found in plants.

▪️Amino acids: Cats require dietary taurine, but dogs can synthesize taurine from cysteine and methionine, again showing flexibility beyond meat.

▪️Fiber & phytochemicals: Dogs have the digestive enzymes and gut microbiota to ferment fiber from plants, producing beneficial short-chain fatty acids that support gut and immune health.

👉 These adaptations prove that dogs are omnivorous — capable of thriving on a diverse diet that includes both animal and plant foods. Meat is important, but it’s not the only source of nutrition. In fact, the diverse diets we provide today are part of what makes dogs… well, dogs.

👩‍🏫 At The Holistic Canine, our goal is to educate and empower guardians with science-based nutrition so our companions live longer, healthier, happier lives.

✨ Dogs aren’t wolves. They’re omnivores — and they evolved with us to be just that.

theholisticcanine.us

09/17/2025

🐾 The Truth Behind Premium Kibble vs. Fresh Food 🐾

🤔 Have you ever noticed the beautiful images on premium kibble bags—juicy sirloin steak, fresh chicken, wild-caught salmon, vibrant vegetables, seasonal fruits, and hearty grains or legumes? ✨ But here’s the question: is that really what’s in the bag, or is it clever marketing?

While premium kibble may be a step up from lower-quality foods, the reality is that what you see on the bag is far from what ends up in the kibble. The ingredients have been highly processed, heated, and altered—stripped of many natural nutrients. That’s why kibble formulas require long lists of synthetic vitamins, minerals, and supplemental fatty acids like EPA and DHA to meet minimum nutrition standards.

🥩🐟🥦 So why not feed your dog the real thing? Instead of the processed version, give your dog whole, fresh foods—the very foods pictured on those glossy kibble bags. Whole food ingredients naturally provide the proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids your dog needs to thrive—without relying on synthetic substitutes.

At The Holistic Canine, we believe nothing compares to fresh, balanced nutrition straight from nature. 🐶💚

👉 Ditch the marketing hype. Choose real food. theholisticcanine.us

09/16/2025

Do Nutrition Requirements Vary Among Dog Breeds? 🐾

The answer is yes! While all dogs need the same essential nutrients—protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals—the right amounts and ratios can vary depending on your dog’s breed, size, metabolism, and health needs.

✨ Here are a few examples:

🐩 Toy breeds like Chihuahuas burn calories fast and need more energy-dense meals to prevent low blood sugar.

🐕 Large and giant breeds like Great Danes need carefully balanced calcium and phosphorus for healthy bones and joints.

🐕‍🦺 Working dogs such as Border Collies, Belgian Malinois or Huskies require higher protein and fat to fuel endurance and recovery.

Certain breeds have unique health concerns:
• Dalmatians → low-purine diets to protect urinary health.
• Miniature Schnauzers → careful fat management due to pancreatitis risk.
• Labradors & Goldens → portion control + joint support.

And let’s not forget coat and skin health—northern breeds thrive on omega-rich diets, while Bulldogs and Shar Peis often need sensitive-skin friendly foods.

👉 Bottom line: A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for our canine companions. Choosing the right diet means considering breed traits, lifestyle, and health predispositions.

🐶 At The Holistic Canine, we help dog parents tailor nutrition to meet each dog’s individual needs. Because your best friend deserves more than “just dog food.” ❤️

📝 Need a custom recipe? We have you covered! https://theholisticcanine.us/canine-raw-food-recipes/

09/15/2025

✨ Why the 80/10/10 Formula Isn’t Enough ✨

Many pet parents looking to feed a fresh food diet turn to the popular 80/10/10 formula (80% meat, 10% bone, 10% organs). While this method can help simplify portioning, it is not a balanced diet according to NRC or AAFCO nutrient standards for dogs.

⚠️ The truth is, balance requires more than just ratios. Dogs (and especially puppies) have specific nutrient requirements—vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids—that must be carefully met through thoughtful ingredient selection and variation.

👉 Simply putting together 80/10/10 meals leaves major gaps in nutrition, which over time can impact health, growth, and longevity.

At The Holistic Canine, we formulate diets with precision—strategically choosing and adjusting ingredients to make sure your dog’s unique needs are fully met. Because your best friend deserves more than just a formula. 💚🐾

💻 To learn more or schedule a phone consultation, visit theholisticcanine.us

09/14/2025

🐾 Protein on a Budget: Feeding Fresh Without Breaking the Bank 🐾

Protein is the foundation of a fresh food diet for dogs—it fuels muscle, supports healthy organs, and keeps our pups thriving. But we know budget matters, and the rising costs of chicken, beef, pork, and turkey have made feeding fresh feel out of reach for some families.

💡 The good news? You can provide high-quality protein without draining your wallet.

✅ Raw meaty bones are among the most affordable options:

Large dogs: chicken quarters 🐔

Large/medium dogs: turkey necks 🦃

Small/medium dogs: chicken backs & chicken necks 🐓

✅ Ground meats like beef and turkey are typically less expensive than fillets and steaks.

✅️ Canned sardines and frozen salmon fillets are excellent seafood options that cost far less than fresh fish.

⚖️ Watch the fat percentage!
The higher the fat, the cheaper the meat—but too much fat lowers the protein content your dog actually gets.
👉 Stick to 80% lean or leaner (90% lean is excellent!)
👉 Avoid anything fattier than 80% lean

With smart sourcing and a little creativity, you can provide your dog with the protein they need—without stretching your budget too thin.

🐶✨ Your dog’s health doesn’t have to come at a premium price!
theholisticcanine.us

09/13/2025

📢 FREE NRC Recipe Saturday!

🦃🐾 Let’s put together an NRC-balanced poultry recipe!

This recipe is formulated for an adult, 20 kg (44 lb) moderately active dog, which is the average pet. Be sure to scale the recipe up or down based on your dog’s weight and energy needs.

You will need:

🦃 Turkey thigh meat (raw, skinless, boneless): 300 g

🦃 Turkey necks (raw, with bone): 100 g

🐟 Sardines (whole, raw or canned in water, no salt): 50 g

🦃 Turkey gizzard (raw): 40 g

🦆 Duck liver (raw): 30 g

🐓 Chicken hearts (raw): 40 g

🌿 Kale (lightly steamed): 20 g

🌾 Cooked quinoa (plain): 15 g

🎃 Pumpkin seed butter (unsalted, 100% seeds): 6 g (about 1 tsp)

🥦 Cooked broccoli: 20 g

🫐 Blackberries (fresh or from frozen): 15 g

🌊 Icelandic ocean kelp (for pets): 1/2 tsp

💊 Zinc supplement: 15 mg

💊 Vitamin E supplement (tocotrienol preferred): 25 - 30 mg

🥣 Preparation:

1. Lightly steam kale and broccoli to reduce the small amount of oxalates and improve digestibility.

2. Cook quinoa thoroughly.

3. Mix all raw and cooked ingredients together.

4. Serve raw or lightly seared (except bones – always RAW).

📝 Nutrition Notes:

Protein & fat: Turkey thigh + neck + sardines + gizzard + hearts provide high-quality protein, EPA/DHA, and healthy fats.

Calcium & phosphorus: Turkey neck provides the calcium-phosphorus balance NRC requires.

Vitamin A & copper: Duck liver supplies both, but kept at 30 g to avoid excess.

Taurine: Richly covered by heart, gizzard, and sardines.

Manganese & fiber: Kale, pumpkin seed butter, and quinoa fill the manganese gap and support digestion.

☎️ For custom recipes, visit our website to purchase! https://theholisticcanine.us/canine-raw-food-recipes/

09/12/2025

🌿🐾 Myth Buster Friday🐾🌿

❌️ MYTH: Dogs Are Carnivores
👉 TRUTH: Dogs Are Omnivorous

Dogs have evolved far beyond their wolf 🐺 ancestors. While wolves are true carnivores, domesticated dogs are omnivorous — capable of thriving on both animal and plant foods. Science shows us why:

🔬 Why Dogs Are Omnivorous (Not True Carnivores):

1️⃣ Amylase Enzymes – Dogs produce both salivary and pancreatic amylase, enzymes that break down carbohydrates. Carnivores lack this adaptation.

2️⃣ Vitamin A Conversion – Dogs can convert beta-carotene from plants into active Vitamin A. Carnivores must obtain Vitamin A preformed from animal sources.

3️⃣ Arachidonic Acid Synthesis – Unlike carnivores (like cats), dogs can synthesize their own arachidonic acid from linoleic acid, so they don’t require it directly from animal fat.

4️⃣ Taurine Synthesis – Dogs can make their own taurine from other amino acids, while obligate carnivores must get it from meat.

5️⃣ Omega-3 Conversion – Dogs have a limited ability to convert alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) from plants into EPA, something carnivores cannot do at all.

6️⃣ Small intestine length – Dogs' small intestines are a good percentage of its total gastrointestinal volume. This is characteristic of omnivores making them better suited for processing plant-based materials rather than only meat like true carnivores.

And finally...
7️⃣ Clues from ancient diets – Scientists studying fossilized dog f***s discovered evidence of a gut microbiome adapted to a diet including starchy foods.

✨ What does this mean?
Dogs are not carnivores, yet they are not true omnivores either. Dogs are facultative with a stronger leaning toward omnivores. Thus, a balanced canine diet isn’t just about meat. Dogs thrive on a synergy of animal proteins and plant-based nutrients. This combination supports digestion, immunity, skin and coat health, joint health, and long-term disease prevention.

At The Holistic Canine, we honor the whole dog with fresh, balanced meals that include the best of both worlds — nourishing them the way nature and science intended. 🌱🍗

💬 What fresh plant foods does your dog enjoy most? Share in the comments!

☎️ Need help creating a balanced diet for your dog? Schedule a phone consultation today! theholisticcanine.us

09/11/2025

🐾 Power Up Your Dog’s Bowl! 🐶🥩🥦

Just like us, our dogs thrive when their meals are packed with nutrient-rich, whole foods. Adding canine superfoods to your pup’s fresh meals can boost energy, strengthen immunity, support joint health, and promote a shiny coat.

Here are some scientifically backed superfoods to power up your dog’s bowl:

🐟 Fatty Fish – Rich in omega-3s for skin, coat, and joint health.

🥚 Eggs – A complete protein source with essential amino acids.

🤎 Liver – A nutrient powerhouse full of vitamins A, B, and iron.

🍲 Bone Broth – Supports gut health, joints, and hydration.

🌱 Spirulina – High in antioxidants, immune-boosting, and detoxifying.

🫐 Blueberries – Packed with antioxidants for brain and cellular health.

🍠 Sweet Potatoes – A great source of fiber and beta-carotene.

🥬 Kale – Rich in vitamins K, C, and calcium for strong bones and immunity.

🎃 Pumpkin – Gentle on digestion, high in fiber, and full of carotenoids.

🥦 Broccoli – Supports detoxification and offers cancer-fighting compounds.

🫚 Turmeric – Natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant support.

✨ Small additions can make a big difference in your dog’s health and vitality!

👉 Does your pup have a favorite superfood? Tell us in the comments below! 🐾💚

💻 Need help incorporating superfoods into your dog's meals plan? Schedule a phone consultation today!
theholisticcanine.us

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Macon, GA
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http://www.theholisticcanine.us/

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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.