The Alternative Dog Moms
Two content creators chatting about what's happening in the fresh food community and pet industry. Kimberly Gauthier of the blog Keep the Tail Wagging joins Erin Scott of the podcast Believe in Dog each week to share their thoughts on what's happening on social media and in the news. Join us each week to hear our thoughts and share your own.
Hot Topics: Raw Feeding Myths, Grass Eating Dogs & Lamb Protein Yeast
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This week, we’re catching up on the dogs, discussing pet parent etiquette in public, and revisiting the raw feeding myths and misleading statistics making the rounds on social media. We also explore why dogs eat grass, share a veterinarian’s practical approach to pet food, and talk about a new free DIY raw feeding calculator. Then we ask the question no one saw coming: WTF is lamb protein yeast, and would we feed it to our dogs? Plus, we wrap up with our latest TV and movie talk.
Chapters:<...
Regenerative Farming, Soil Health & Nutrient-Dense Food for Dogs and People | Ramstead Ranch Story
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What does "regenerative agriculture" actually mean, and why should pet parents care?
In this episode, we sit down with the team behind Ramstead Ranch to explore the connection between soil health, nutrient-dense food, sustainable farming, and the health of both people and pets.
We discuss the origin story of Ramstead Ranch, how 240 acres were transformed through regenerative farming practices, and why healthy soil may be one of the most important factors in producing healthier food. You'll learn how regenerative agriculture differs from factory farming and conventional "Big Ag," what...
Hot Topics: Raw Feeding Controversies, Lipoma Mushroom Claims & What “Balance” Really Means for Dogs
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In this episode of The Alternative Dog Moms Podcast, we dive into some of the hottest conversations happening in the fresh feeding community.
We kick things off by discussing whether a raw food company is getting a fair shake on Reddit, along with a side conversation that confirms why neither of us would survive a career in customer service (0:55).
Next, we tackle the mushroom advertisement that claims a specific product can shrink lipomas in dogs. The ad seems to be making the rounds again, so we share our thoughts...
Hot Topics: Houseplants, Red Light Therapy Update, Microalgae in Pet Food, and Why HPP Food Smells Like Rotten Eggs
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In this episode of The Alternative Dog Moms Podcast, Kimberly shares life updates as a new plant mom, discusses recent experiences using AnimaSol red light therapy with her dogs, and dives into the growing conversation around microalgae in pet food and supplements.
The episode also tackles a controversial question circulating in the raw feeding community: should pet parents donate potentially rancid raw dog food to animal shelters? Kimberly shares her honest thoughts on food quality, safety, and accountability in the pet food industry.
Plus, the conversation shifts to holistic...
Raw Feeding for Dogs, Cats & Ferrets: Balance, Myths, and Getting Started with Mariah (Paws of Prey)
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We sit down with Mariah from Paws of Prey to break down raw feeding across dogs, cats, and ferrets. We cover balance, common myths, kibble toppers, whole foods vs synthetics, and how beginners can confidently get started.
CHAPTERS:
How Mariah from Paws of Prey got started creating raw feeding content about cats, dogs, and ferrets (0:54)Ferrets, like cats, are obligate carnivores, and why create content about 3 species (6:23)Mariah's educational background and experiences working in the conventional vet world as a raw feeder (10:34)Mariah's starter products for new raw...Hot Topics: Raw Feeding Week, Vet Costs, AnimaSol Torch Results & Dog Mom Life Update
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Celebrating another podcast anniversary, Kimberly and Erin share raw feeding insights, AnimaSol Torch experiences, rising vet care costs, and real-life dog mom updates. Tune in for honest conversation, fresh food talk, and a little TV chat too.
CHAPTERS:
Podcast Anniversary, Great Guests & AnimaSol Torch experiences (0:55)Raw Feeding Week, April Fool's and Kimberly's new obsession (10:22)Catching up with Erin's & Kimberly's dogs (20:11)Would you go to Mexico for cheaper vet care? The rising costs of caring for dogs (35:57)TV Talk (52:48)LINKS DISCUSSED:
AnimaSol Red Light Therapy T...REPLAY: Raw Feeding Made Simple with Dr. Ian Billinghurst & Rob Ryan (Gussy’s Gut)
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Discover how raw feeding started with Dr. Ian Billinghurst and why it doesn’t have to be complicated. In this episode, we cover raw meaty bones, balanced diets, and real-life benefits of Gussy’s Gut for canine gut health.
Raw feeding origin stories (0:56)How Dr. Billinghurst learned to feed dogs fresh food (4:15)Why Dr. Billinghurst has created a raw feeding course for pet parents (12:40)How to feed raw meaty bones to dogs and other lessons covered in the course (28:42)Raw feeding doesn't have to be complicated nor every meal complete & balanced (42:35)Benefits we'v...Gut Health, Raw Feeding, and Probiotics with Billy Hoekman (Green Juju Kitchen)
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We’re kicking off Season 5 of The Alternative Dog Moms with our annual deep dive featuring Billy Hoekman, Vice President of Nutrition & Formulation at Green Juju Kitchen… and let’s just say, this one is packed.
From celebrating FOUR YEARS of the podcast to unpacking the nuances of raw feeding, gut health, and supplement trends, this conversation goes way beyond the surface.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting advice in the dog nutrition space… this episode is your reality check.
...Meat Fiber vs Plant Fiber for Dogs: Dr. Conor Brady on Gut Health, Probiotics & What Dogs Really Need
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What if everything you’ve been told about fiber, probiotics, and gut health in dogs is only part of the story?
In this episode of The Alternative Dog Moms Podcast, we sit down with canine nutrition researcher and author Dr. Conor Brady to break down the difference between meat fiber and plant fiber and why it matters more than most dog parents realize.
We explore what “fiber” really means in a dog’s diet and how meat-based fiber (like connective tissue, cartilage, fur, and feathers...
Red Light Therapy for Dogs: Benefits, Safety Tips, and How AnimaSol Devices Support Canine Health
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Can red light therapy improve your dog’s health?
In this episode of The Alternative Dog Moms, we talk with Jackie from AnimaSol about how red light therapy works, how to choose a safe device, and what pet parents should know before using it with their dogs.
We explore the science behind red light therapy, the debate around sun exposure, and the key terms to understand when comparing devices. Jackie also explains why AnimaSol created a full-body red light therapy blanket for dogs and how th...
Integrative Veterinary Medicine for Dogs: Dr. Richter on Longevity, Cannabis & Acupressure
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In this episode of The Alternative Dog Moms Podcast, Dr. Richter shares his journey into integrative veterinary medicine, a common-sense approach to dog nutrition, cannabis for pets, acupressure you can do at home, and what really matters most for canine longevity.
CHAPTERS:
Dr. Richter's veterinary origin story and how integrative modalities became a part of his practice (0:55)Why aren't more veterinarians curious about integrative healing modalities? (5:50)Dr. Richter's common-sense approach to dog food that meets pet parents where they're at (8:16)Longevity science - and drugs - for dogs...Raw Feeding without a Spreadsheet, Root Causes of Disease in Dogs, & Real Talk | Dr. Nick Thompson
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In this episode of The Alternative Dog Moms, holistic veterinarian Dr. Nick Thompson, President of the Raw Feeding Veterinary Society, the voice behind @HolisticVetUK, and co-host of the Raw Pet Medics podcast, joins us to talk about why nutrition is often the missing link in canine health.
Dr. Nick shares his journey from conventional practice to holistic veterinary medicine and explains why nutrition is frequently overlooked as a root cause of chronic disease in dogs. We discuss why some veterinarians remain resistant to nutrition-based approaches, how pet parents can work collaboratively...
Hot Topics: Kibble Contamination, Homemade Dog Food Risks, and Bloat: What the Research Really Says
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In this episode, we dive into Dog Mom Winter, kibble contamination concerns, and why many homemade dog food recipes online are nutritionally deficient. We also break down a fascinating study on bloat (GDV) and the markers researchers are investigating, unpack heated online debates about medicinal mushrooms for dogs, and explain how to critically examine pet nutrition studies—without fear or fluff. We wrap things up with a little TV talk to keep it fun.
Chapters:
Dog Mom Winter (0:56)Kibble contamination and deficient homemade recipes online (8:23)Are you concerned ab...From Zookeeper to PhD Animal Nutritionist: Dr. Francis Cabana on Pet Food Myths, Microbiomes & Feeding Better Dogs
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In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Francis Cabana to talk pet nutrition myths, unbalanced homemade recipes online, microbiome health, probiotics, and what it’s really like working in the pet food industry. We also cover whether dogs are true carnivores, zoo kibble, affordable ways to improve your dog’s bowl, and how to confidently choose evidence-based nutrition over internet noise.
Timestamps:
0:56 – Dr. Francis’s origin story: from zookeeper to PhD animal nutritionist
8:06 – Why she started sharing about pet food on so...
Hot Topics: Raw Feeding Criticism, Carbs for Dogs, and Low-Histamine Bone Broth
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In this episode of The Alternative Dog Moms Podcast, Kimberly responds to unexpected criticism of raw feeding and tackles a common question: if cows and horses eat carbs, should dogs too?
We also share a helpful listener resource, discuss herbs that may help reduce histamines in bone broth, and give behind-the-scenes updates, including Kimberly and Zoey joining a Jope product study and testing a new product for anxious dogs.
Plus, Daisy Girl’s playday, a blood test Erin is geeking out over, Apollo’s birthday, and a conversation about why...
Hot Topics: New Year, Rising Vet Costs, Vaccine Conversations & Trust Issues in the Pet Industry
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In this episode, Erin and Kimberly catch up on life, dogs, and the pet industry — starting with Erin’s big news and why activated charcoal is always on hand. Kimberly shares updates from home, including more human cooking, Buffy’s recent vet visit, and navigating the lepto vaccine conversation.
They break down a confusing article on rising veterinary costs, reflect on lessons learned in 2025, and talk New Year’s Eve plans. The conversation then turns to growing concerns about trust in the pet and veterinary industries, including the mainstream recognition of a veteri...
Canine Enrichment Explained: Meeting Your Dog’s Mental and Emotional Needs with Tori Mistick
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Many pet parents focus on diet, exercise, and supplements to support their dogs’ health—but physical care is only part of the picture. In this episode of The Alternative Dog Moms Podcast, we sit down with dog trainer and educator Tori Mistick to explore the critical role of canine enrichment and engagement in raising emotionally balanced, fulfilled dogs.
This conversation helps dog parents understand why unmet mental and emotional needs often show up as “behavior problems,” and how small, thoughtful changes to daily routines can dramatically improve a dog’s...
REPLAY: How to Support Your Dog Naturally: Insights from Dr. Steve Marsden, DVM, Gold Standard Herbs
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In this episode of The Alternative Dog Moms, Erin and Kimberly sit down with Dr. Steve Marsden — renowned holistic veterinarian and founder of Gold Standard Herbs — to talk about what it really means to raise dogs naturally. Dr. Marsden blends Eastern and Western veterinary medicine, and his integrative approach has helped countless dogs thrive through herbs, nutrition, and a deeper understanding of how the body heals.
We dive into how herbs can support digestion, immunity, inflammation, skin health, and emotional balance — and wh...
Dog Mom Friendsgiving: Wine, Laughter & Behind-the-Scenes Stories from Erin & Kimberly
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It’s our annual Thanksgiving Happy Hour on The Alternative Dog Moms! Erin and Kimberly pour a glass (or two) of Mamamango wine and go completely off-script — as friends do. Once a year, we put structure aside and let the conversation wander wherever our dog-mom brains take it.
This episode is full of laughs, real talk, and those “wait… how did we get here?” moments that only happen with your closest friends. And honestly? That’s the magic. It’s also wild to think that we’re wrapping...
What Ayurveda Reveals About Your Dog: Doshas, Energy & Wellness with Amanda Ree of Sama Dog
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In this episode of The Alternative Dog Moms, Erin and Kimberly explore the world of Ayurveda for dogs with Amanda Ree, founder of Sama Dog. Amanda introduces us to the Ayurvedic approach to understanding a dog’s unique personality, energy patterns, and overall wellness — and why this ancient system can be such a powerful tool for modern dog parents.
Before the interview, we took Sama Dog’s canine Ayurveda test with our own pups. In the episode, we share our results, what surprised us, and what made complete sense once we heard...
Fighting Inflammation Naturally: Glutathione for Dogs ft. Sean Zyer from Earth Buddy Pet
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In this episode of The Alternative Dog Moms, Erin and Kimberly sit down with Sean from Earth Buddy Pet to talk about one of the most powerful antioxidants in the dog world: glutathione. We break down what glutathione is, how it supports liver health, detoxification, immune function, and why so many dogs today are running low on it.
Sean explains how environmental toxins, chronic inflammation, poor nutrition, and everyday stress deplete glutathione — and how supporting your dog’s natural glutathione levels can make a big difference for seniors, allergy dogs, cancer-prone bree...
REPLAY: When a Dog Is Diagnosed with Cancer: Guidance, Support & Hard-Won Wisdom with Peter Ciancarelli
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In this episode of The Alternative Dog Moms, Erin and Kimberly sit down with Peter Ciancarelli to talk about one of the most difficult journeys a pet parent can face: a canine cancer diagnosis. Peter has supported countless dog owners through the shock, fear, grief, and overwhelming decisions that come with hearing the words “your dog has cancer.”
We explore how he guides families through options, emotions, hope, and the search for quality of life. Peter shares what he’s learned from working alongside both dogs and their humans — the resilience, the hone...
How Woof Creek Pet Care Turned the Pandemic Into a Mission to Heal Dogs Naturally
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In this episode of The Alternative Dog Moms, Erin and Kimberly sit down with the founders of Woof Creek Pet Care to explore how a pandemic slowdown turned into an unexpected opportunity — and ultimately sparked the creation of their natural, high-quality supplement line for dogs.
When COVID brought their thriving pet-sitting business to a halt, they didn’t fade into the background. Instead, they leaned into research, healing, and wellness - for dogs. What started as a pause became a purpose: developing clean, effective, small-batch supplements to support allergies, immunity, gut heal...
How Functional Mushrooms Support Senior Dogs: Insights from MycoDog’s Carter Easler
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In this episode of The Alternative Dog Moms, Erin and Kimberly chat with Carter Easler of MycoDog about one of their favorite topics: functional mushrooms and how they support senior dogs. Carter breaks down the science, tradition, and practical applications of mushrooms for aging pups — from brain health and mobility to immunity and long-term vitality.
We talk about the unique challenges senior dogs face and how mushroom blends can help support their bodies in a gentle, natural, evidence-informed way. Carter also shares the story behind MycoDog, why quality and sourcing matter, an...
Hot Topics: 2025 Feed Real Summit Recap
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Welcome to Alternative Dog Moms - a podcast about what's happening in the fresh food community and the pet industry. Kimberly Gauthier is the blogger behind Raw Feeder Life, and Erin Scott hosts the Believe in Dog podcast.
CHAPTERS:
No chapters on this one as it's 100% Feed RealLINKS DISCUSSED:
Zotero: your personal research assistantDr. Odette Suter does muscle testing on Dr. Conor BradyFeed Real 2026!SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook.com/BelieveInDogPodcastInstagram.com/RawFeederLifeInstagram.com/Erin_the_Dog_MomNewsLetter/RawFeederLifeHot Topics: Using Animal Diet Formuator Software to Stop Deficiencies
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Welcome to Alternative Dog Moms - a podcast about what's happening in the fresh food community and the pet industry. Kimberly Gauthier is the blogger behind Raw Feeder Life, and Erin Scott hosts the Believe in Dog podcast.
CHAPTERS:
Kimberly's & Erin's volunteer work in the animal welfare world (0:56)A social media video created to be funny raises red flags (4:13)Times & places for conventional medicine approaches to health issues (11:34)Using Animal Diet Formulator to determine nutrient deficiencies (19:40)The surprising (or maybe not so surprising?!) findings in a recent pet foo...REPLAY: Ruby Balaram of Real Dog Box and the Feed Real Movement
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Welcome to Alternative Dog Moms - a podcast about what's happening in the fresh food community and the pet industry. Kimberly Gauthier is the blogger behind Raw Feeder Life, and Erin Scott hosts the Believe in Dog podcast.
CHAPTERS:
Kimberly's experience with the Real Dog Food Nutrition Course for Pet Parents (1:08)The origin story of Real Dog Box (8:04)How Real Dog Box sources its products and how to add variety to your dog's diet (16:38)The Secret Shop (23:20)Organizational goals and Ruby's team (29:19)How Real Dog B...Hot Topics: Our Trust Issues with the Pet Industry
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Welcome to Alternative Dog Moms - a podcast about what's happening in the fresh food community and the pet industry. Kimberly Gauthier is the blogger behind Raw Feeder Life, and Erin Scott hosts the Believe in Dog podcast.
CHAPTERS:
Neno's diet is deficient! What Kimberly learned from running Neno's diet through Animal Diet Formulator (0:55)A reporter from The Wall Street Journal will be attending the Feed Real Summit (and we hope the journalism will be better than a recent New York Times piece) (23:05)Kimberly is mak...Hot Topics: 2025 AHVMA Recap, Dog Aging Project Study, Fresh Food & Bladder Stones
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Welcome to Alternative Dog Moms - a podcast about what's happening in the fresh food community and the pet industry. Kimberly Gauthier is the blogger behind Raw Feeder Life, and Erin Scott hosts the Believe in Dog podcast.
CHAPTERS:
Erin's back from AHVMA (0:55)Using mushrooms for hemangiosarcoma (15:38)More. AHVMA debrief (21:07)Updates on Erin's and Kimberly's dogs and Kimberly is preparing for Feed Real (25:30)Last thoughts about AHVMA, first thoughts about the new Forever Dog: Repair Manual announcement and balancing recipes (36:33)A new study suggesting that ho...REPLAY: The Benefits of Solutions Pet Products and ParsleyPet with Chelsea Kent
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Welcome to Alternative Dog Moms - a podcast about what's happening in the fresh food community and the pet industry. Kimberly Gauthier is the blogger behind Raw Feeder Life, and Erin Scott hosts the Believe in Dog podcast.
CHAPTERS:
Hot Topics: Fleas, Super Zoo FOMO, and "New" Theory on Why Our Dogs are Sick
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Welcome to Alternative Dog Moms - a podcast about what's happening in the fresh food community and the pet industry. Kimberly Gauthier is the blogger behind Keep the Tail Wagging, and Erin Scott hosts the Believe in Dog podcast.
CHAPTERS:
Catching up with Kimberly & Erin (0:55);Fleas! (7:16);Favorite moments from our recent guests (14:45);Do we have SuperZoo FOMO? (27:02);Products we're excited about; guess who is sponsoring a fresh food summit (43:49)Amy Renz's wrote that our dogs today are sick because of what their grandparents ate (59:00);A recent study about w...DCM Class Action Lawsuit Update & Compelling KetoPet Naturals Studies
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Welcome to Alternative Dog Moms - a podcast about what's happening in the fresh food community and the pet industry. Kimberly Gauthier is the blogger behind Keep the Tail Wagging, and Erin Scott hosts the Believe in Dog podcast.
CHAPTERS:
Current status of the DCM Class Action lawsuit filed by Daniel's company KetoNatural (0:55);A NEW study showing NO connection between different diets for dogs and DCM (12:30);Scientific studies that Daniel and KetoNatural are involved in (30:36);Nutritional science knowledge of lay people versus veterinarians (39:47);How you can support KetoNatural (50:41)Discussing the Importance of Maintaining a Healthy & Diverse Gut Microbiome with Dr. Margo Roman
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Welcome to Alternative Dog Moms - a podcast about what's happening in the fresh food community and the pet industry. Kimberly Gauthier is the blogger behind Keep the Tail Wagging, and Erin Scott hosts the Believe in Dog podcast.
CHAPTERS:
Kimberly & Erin catch up on summer and yard bunnies (0:55);Dr. Margo Roman's veterinary origin story (7:56);The growing popularity of microbiome research (13:21);Healthy poop as a healing tool - and role of ozone! (16:39);Why is "mainstream medicine" so disconnected from the microbiome (28:28);Why Dr. Roman is petitioning the U.S...Managing CCL Tears with Jennifer Carter of Harness Canicular
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Welcome to Alternative Dog Moms - a podcast about what's happening in the fresh food community and the pet industry. Kimberly Gauthier is the blogger behind Keep the Tail Wagging, and Erin Scott hosts the Believe in Dog podcast.
CHAPTERS:
Treating CCL tears without surgery (0:54);The pressure from veterinarians to perform TPLO surgery on CCL tears (10:03);Factors to consider when making the decision to do surgery (16:04);Different treatment therapies Jennifer used and how Luce's leg is today after conservative management (23:09);Bilateral tears and making decisions in stressful times (33:44);W...Discussing Raw Feeding for CATS with Sabrina Simons of Rawr
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Welcome to Alternative Dog Moms - a podcast about what's happening in the fresh food community and the pet industry. Kimberly Gauthier is the blogger behind Keep the Tail Wagging, and Erin Scott hosts the Believe in Dog podcast.
CHAPTERS:
Rawr's origin story (0:54)Learning about cat diet and health issues (4:38)How to transition a cat to a raw diet - and why it's more difficult than a dog (10:25)Running a cat raw food company in a dog-centric world (15:19)Can you feed raw dog food to a cat? (18:42)Rawr's c...Hot Topics: What Aspiring Canine Nutritionists NEED to Know
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Welcome to Alternative Dog Moms - a podcast about what's happening in the fresh food community and the pet industry. Kimberly Gauthier is the blogger behind Keep the Tail Wagging, and Erin Scott hosts the Believe in Dog podcast.
CHAPTERS:
Expensive collars and chasing rabbits (0:55)How to use your own social media to amplify the pro-fresh feeding message now that other content creators have jumped ship (7:07)What we want aspiring canine nutritionists to know (13:31)Kimberly's grilling mishap (26:32)A new study about the connection between CCL tears and the u...Hot Topics This Week: Hot Summer Days, Nutrient Deficiencies, Importance of Chewing, Kibble Feeders
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Welcome to Alternative Dog Moms - a podcast about what's happening in the fresh food community and the pet industry. Kimberly Gauthier is the blogger behind Keep the Tail Wagging, and Erin Scott hosts the Believe in Dog podcast.
CHAPTERS:
...
Hot Topics this Week: Summer Vacation, Dog's Name Change, July 4th, and The BK Pets
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Welcome to Alternative Dog Moms - a podcast about what's happening in the fresh food community and the pet industry. Kimberly Gauthier is the blogger behind Keep the Tail Wagging, and Erin Scott hosts the Believe in Dog podcast.
CHAPTERS:
REPLAY: Discussing the Benefits of CBD Oil (and more) for Dogs with Earth Buddy Pet
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Welcome to Alternative Dog Moms - a podcast about what's happening in the fresh food community and the pet industry. Kimberly Gauthier is the blogger behind Keep the Tail Wagging, and Erin Scott hosts the Believe in Dog podcast.
CHAPTERS:
REPLAY: Discussing Mushrooms with Leading Medical Herbalist, Lee Carroll
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Welcome to Alternative Dog Moms - a podcast about what's happening in the fresh food community and the pet industry. Kimberly Gauthier is the blogger behind Keep the Tail Wagging, and Erin Scott hosts the Believe in Dog podcast.
CHAPTERS:
LINKS DISCUSSED: