The Non-Traditional Veterinarian®
Real talk for pet parents who know there has to be more to pet healthcare.Hosted by The Non-Traditional Veterinarian®, Dr Bimonte, this podcast explores the connections conventional conversations often miss.Topics on nutrition, gut health, functional testing, and environmental exposures to longevity, chronic symptoms, and whole-pet wellness.Expect honest education, bold perspectives, and practical ways to become a more informed advocate for your pet. It’s time to take a non-traditional approach to pet health to question the norm, uncover deeper connections, and help your pet live a healthier, longer life.The Non-Traditional Veterinarian®, the veterinarian your pet will than...
#61 When Behavior Isn't Just Behavior
When a pet develops anxiety, reactivity, irritability, restlessness, fear, or other behavior changes, the first question I ask is not always, “How do we stop the behavior?”
I wonder, why is this happening?
Of course, there are situations where the connection may be more obvious like a history of abuse, trauma, poor socialization, or a frightening experience can absolutely influence how a pet responds to the world.
But what about the pets without an obvious explanation?
In this episode, I’m sharing how I appro...
#60 Non-Traditional Things In My Home
Being a non-traditional veterinarian does not stop when I leave the exam room.
Many of the choices I make for my own pets happen inside my home, through small decisions about what we bring inside, what we clean with, what we sleep on, and what we use to prepare and store food.
In this episode of The Non-Traditional Veterinarian®, Dr. Bimonte shares some of the household changes she has made to reduce unnecessary everyday exposures for both the people and pets living in her home.
These choices a...
#59 Does Your Pet Need Functional Testing?
Functional testing is often associated with pets who have chronic, complicated, or unexplained health concerns. While those pets may absolutely benefit from a deeper investigation, they are not the only ones who may be good candidates.
In this episode of The Non-Traditional Veterinarian®, Dr. Bimonte explains why functional testing may be valuable for pets with ongoing symptoms as well as pets who currently appear healthy.
For pets experiencing recurring concerns (itchy skin, ear infections, digestive changes, low energy, anxiety, inflammation, or inconsistent responses to treatment) functional tests may help uncover patterns t...
#58 Are Fragrances Affecting Your Dog?
We think about what goes into our pets' food bowls, but how often do we think about the air they breathe every day?
From scented candles and plug-in air fresheners to laundry detergents, cleaning products, perfumes, and even pet shampoos, fragrances are part of many homes.
But because pets experience the world primarily through their sense of smell, it's worth asking whether these everyday products could influence their health, especially for pets with chronic allergies, itchy skin, or respiratory sensitivities.
In this episode, we explore the role environmental exposures...
#57 What I Learned Working in 100+ Veterinary Hospitals
Before launching my concierge holistic practice, I spent years working as a relief veterinarian in more than 100 veterinary hospitals across multiple states.
That experience gave me something I could never have learned by staying in one clinic: perspective.
In this episode, I share the biggest lessons I learned from working alongside hundreds of veterinarians, technicians, and support staff, and how those experiences shaped the way I practice medicine today.
This isn't an episode about what's "wrong" with veterinary medicine. It's about what I've come to appreciate, what...
#56 This Award Was Never Really Just About Me
This episode is a little different.
Recently, I attended Ashley Brock's Launch Your Ads Live event, where I was honored to receive the Rainmaker Award, an award recognizing the impact and growth created through effective marketing. What made the moment even more meaningful was that I was the only veterinarian recognized.
As grateful as I am for the award, what stayed with me wasn't walking across the stage.
It was realizing what that award actually represents.
It represents the pets whose lives have cha...
#55 What I'd Do for My Own Dog at Every Age
If someone asked me, "What would you do if this was your own dog?" this episode has some of my answers.
As a veterinarian, I spend every day helping families make decisions about their pets' health. While every pet is unique, there are a handful of principles that guide almost every recommendation I make.
These aren't about chasing trends or finding a magic supplement. In fact it's the opposite. They're about building a strong foundation that supports a healthier, happier life.
In this episode, I walk through each stage...
#54 Why It's Actually a Good Thing When Your Vet Takes Time Off
We tend to treat our vet's vacation, sick day, or "closed for Continuing Education" sign the same way we treat a delayed flight...as an inconvenience aimed personally at us. In this episode, I'm flipping that script.
Just like I made the case in Episode #39 that a profitable vet is a good thing for you and your pet because profit funds better equipment, better testing, better continuing education.
I'm making the same case here for rest. Time off isn't your vet checking out on your pet. It's what makes sure your vet can ac...
#53 What I Did When My Dog Got an Ear Infection
I’m sharing something personal: what I did when my own dog got his very first ear infection.
And honestly? For one day, I considered going the traditional route.
Even as a more holistic veterinarian, I had that moment of, “Should I just treat this the conventional way and move on?”
But instead, I paused. I slowed down.
And I chose to do exactly what I recommend my clients and pet parents do: trust the process.
Because an ear infection is rarely just about the ear.<...
#52 Your Pet's Food: Ingredients vs Nutrients, What Matters Most?
Many pet parents spend countless hours analyzing ingredient labels, looking up recipes, trying them them out for their pets.
Yet, ingredients are only one piece of the puzzle.
In this episode, I explain the difference between ingredients and nutrients, why some diets that look healthy may still be incomplete, and the common vitamin and mineral deficiencies she sees in dogs and cats.
You'll learn:
Why ingredient lists can be misleadingThe vitamins and minerals that matter mostExample recipes and what they could be deficient inCommon mistakes in...#51 Why Vitamin D Is An Important Nutrients for Your Pets
In this episode, I discuss why vitamin D plays a critical role in immune function, inflammation, muscle health, and overall wellness for your pets.
You'll learn:
Why dogs depend on dietary vitamin DConditions associated with low vitamin D levelsWhy testing may be valuable for some petsWhy guessing can be riskyIf your pet struggles with allergies, chronic inflammation, digestive issues, or simply isn't thriving, this is an episode you won't want to miss!
Links:
Book your 1:1 nutrition consultation today
Book your 1:1 h...
#50 Non-Traditional Hurricane Prep For Your Pets
When most people think about hurricane preparedness for pets, they think about food, water, and medications.
Those are important! And, they are not the whole story.
In this episode, I share several non-traditional hurricane preparedness strategies designed to help support your pet's health before, during, and after a storm.
You'll learn:
Why keeping food consistent mattersHow stress affects the gut microbiomeWays to protect fresh food diets during power outagesWhy air quality may become a hidden issueIndoor enrichment ideas to reduce anxietyThese simple...
#49 Is Your Pet Living Long or Living Well?
We've been taught to measure a pet's life in years. But years don't tell the whole story.
In this episode, I'm breaking down one of the most important shifts in how I think about pet health, the difference between how long your pet lives and how well they live. It's a conversation that changes the entire approach to care, and it's one I wish more pet parents were having sooner.
In this episode we cover:
The clear difference between lifespan and health span and why it mattersWhy two pets can...#48 When My Own Dog Didn't Read the Textbook
What happens when you run functional testing on your own dog, not because something is wrong, but because you believe in being proactive?
That's exactly what I did with my own pup, Bernard. In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on what I found, what didn't work, what I did next, and how following the data led me to a hidden mold problem in my own home that was affecting both of us.
In this episode we cover:
Why I ran functional lab testing on Bernard proactively...#47 The Truth About Feeding Big Dogs
Feeding a large dog homemade food can feel overwhelming financially.
And yes, it is an investment.
But in this episode of The Non-Traditional Veterinarian®, I challenge pet parents to think about nutrition differently:
not as an expense… but as a deposit into your dog’s future health span.
Because what I often see is this: people avoid investing in nutrition now, only to spend the same amount, or far more , later through chronic disease management, medications, repeated vet visits, allergies, GI issues, orthopedic disease, pancreatitis, or even cancer care.
#46 Why Your Pet May Not Be Getting Better
What if the reason your pet still isn’t thriving… is because you’ve only been given part of the picture?
In this episode of The Non-Traditional Veterinarian, I’m talking about one of the biggest patterns I see in integrative and conventional pet care alike: stopping diagnostics too early.
Routine bloodwork matters.
Microbiome testing can be incredibly valuable.
Intolerance testing can provide important clues. But many pet parents unintentionally stop at the first layer of information, hoping they’ve found the answer, only to realize months later that...
#45 GUEST EPISODE- Dr Judy Morgan: Six Ways to Keep Pets Naturally Healthy
I sat down with Dr. Judy Morgan to talk about one of the most important topics in pet health: how to help pets live healthier, longer lives naturally.
In this episode, we break down the “Six Ways to Keep Pets Naturally Healthy” and discuss practical, real-world
strategies pet owners can start implementing today.
We cover:
• Vaccines: which ones matter, how often they may truly be needed, and alternatives like titers
• Natural alternatives to common chemicals used in pets and around the home
• Species-appropriate nutrition and why food matters...
#44 The Most Common Mistakes I See in Home-Cooked Dog Diets
Cooking for your pet? This episode is for you!
Home cooking can be one of the most powerful ways to support your pet's health, but there are a few common mistakes, or let's call them "gaps" I see over and over again that can quietly hold pets back from truly thriving.
In this episode, I break down the three biggest gaps I see in home cooked diets and explain why they matter inside your pet's body.
What we cover in this episode:
-Why not rotating...
#43 Peptides in Pets: What I Actually Think
Let's have an open and honest look at the growing conversation around peptides in pets.
Lately I've had quite a few pet parents parents asking about peptides.
I share my stance on them, and why I am not using them.
This episode is a reminder that not being familiar with something doesn’t mean it doesn’t have value, it simply means knowing where your scope begins and ends.
In this episode:
• How to think critically if you’re considering peptides for your pet...
#42 What I Took Away from a Veterinary Ozone Conference
In this episode of The Non-Traditional Veterinarian, we’re breaking down one of the most talked-about integrative therapies right now: ozone therapy.
After attending a recent conference, I walk you through what ozone therapy actually is (and what it’s not), how it works in the body, and where it’s showing up in real clinical cases, from chronic ear infections to arthritis and gut health.
Whether you're a pet owner exploring alternative options or a veterinary professional curious about integrating ozone into practice, this episode gives you a clear, grounded unders...
#41 The Case No One Could Solve… Until We Looked Deeper- Jake Distasio
What do you do when your dog reacts to everything… food, environment, even everyday life? That was "Jake".
In this episode I’m joined by Jake’s mom, Carla, to share his story, a case that was complex, frustrating, and at times felt like there were no clear answers.
Jake struggled for years with chronic GI issues, allergies, vomiting, and constant flare-ups that didn’t fully resolve despite trying multiple approaches.
This conversation isn’t just about what Jake was dealing with, it’s also about what happens when you stop acc...
#40 The Hidden Gut Effects of Omeprazole: What It’s Really Doing to Your Pet’s Microbiome
Omeprazole is one of the most commonly prescribed medications in veterinary medicine, and it often is for good intent. It can be helpful in the right situations. But what happens when it’s used long-term or without a clear reason?
In this episode, I break down what omeprazole is actually doing inside your pet’s body beyond just “reducing stomach acid.” We talk about how it shifts the gut environment, alters the microbiome, and why that matters for overall health.
I also dive into one of the lesser-known downstream effects: how acid suppression can reduce benefici...
#39 Why It's Actually a Good Thing When Your Vet Makes Money
Talking about money in veterinary medicine can feel uncomfortable. but it's an important conversation.
In this episode of The Non-Traditional Veterinarian, I'm sharing why your veterinarian being financially healthy is actually a positive thing for your pet!
Somewhere along the way, veterinary medicine developed the expectation that vets should dedicate their lives to animals without talking about the business side of care. But the reality is that sustainable veterinary practices create better medicine, more resources, and more options for pets and their families.
When veterinarians are able to invest in their businesses, they...
#38 GUEST EPISODE: Building a Better Pet Supplement Company with Lisa & Scot of Woof Creek Wellness
What does it really take to build a supplement company you can trust?
In this episode I sit down with Lisa and Scot, the founders of Woof Creek Wellness, a company creating intentional, natural-based supplements for dogs.
We talk about the bigger picture of pet wellness, what thoughtful formulation actually looks like, and why every detail matters, from the ingredients used to the packaging the product comes in.
And Lisa and Scot are doing things differently, their approach focuses on transparency, quality ingredients, and creating products that truly support the health of your p...
#37 The Clean 16 Dog Foods: What Labels Don't Tell Us About Dog Food
Most pet parents assume that if a dog food is sold in stores, it must be safe.
But what if the label only tells part of the story?
In this episode, we dive into findings from the Clean Label Project, which analyzed 79 of the nation's top-selling dog foods and ran more than 11,000 lab tests looking for hidden contaminants that don't appear on traditional nutrition labels.
These contaminants included heavy metals, phthalates, acrylamide, and plastic residues.
The pet food industry changes. Companies get acquired, sourcing shifts, and manufacturing practices evolve. That's why...
#36 Why I Tested My Dog's Gut Microbiome
In this episode, I walk through something a little different, I tested my own dog Bernard's guut microbiome.
The interesting part? He has no gastrointestinal symptoms. No diarrhea, no vomiting, and no obvious gut issues. From the outside, he looks like a completely healthy dog.
But when we tested his gut microbiome, the results revealed something many pet owners don't realize: the gut ecosystem can be slightly out of balance even when a dog appears perfectly healthy.
This is exactly why I believe microbiome testing should become a more routine part of preventive...
#35 Why I Tested My Own Dog for Food Intolerances
Food Intolerances in Dogs: The Slow Burn You're Missing
Most pet parents think in extremes, either their dog has a "food allergy" or they don't. But what about the gray area? The chronic ear infections. The paw licking. The soft stool that never quite firms up. The dog who tests negative on allergy panels but is clearly inflamed.
Inside this episode, I cover:
• The difference between food allergies and food intolerances
• How fur-based intolerance testing works and why bioenergetic screening is used as a roadmap, not a diagnosis
• How chronic low-grade food s...
#34 Why I Tested My Dog for Heavy Metals/Minerals
In this episode, we're breaking down my pup's mineral and heavy metal results and why testing for these nutrients and toxins is crucial for your pet's gut, metabolism, and long-term health.
You'll learn:
Why even small mineral imbalances can impact energy, metabolism, and gut function Which heavy metals are most common and what they can do to your pet's gut bacteria and digestion How iodine and manganese affect thyroid, metabolism, and connective tissue health Why testing now helps prevent future digestive or chronic issuesWe'll also discuss how diet, environment, and lifestyle play a role...
#33 Why I Tested My Dog for Glyphosate
In this episode, we dive into glyphosate. The hidden herbicide exposure that can impact your pet's gut and overall health. Learn what glyphosate is, why I test for it, and what happens when pets have high levels.
We cover:
How glyphosate interferes with digestive enzymes and nutrient absorption The "good" bacteria it can downregulate, and why they're so important The "bad" bacteria it can upregulate, and the risks they pose My pup's test results and what they tell us about his gut How I proactively keep glyphosate levels low through diet, supplements, and gut support Why I...#32 Why I Tested My Dog For Hidden Mold Toxins
Most vets never talk about this, but mycotoxins- thetoxic compounds produced by mold, can silently affect even healthy dogs. In this episode, I share why I decided to test my dog Bernard for mycotoxins, what his results revealed, and why understanding hidden exposures is so important for gut, immune, and liver health.
You'll learn:
What mycotoxins are and how dogs are exposed Common sources in food, treats, and the environment How mycotoxins affect gut lining, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), inflammation, and even vitamin D metabolism What I'm doing to support Bernard and why testing gives clarity...#31 Do You Buy Your Pet's Supplements on Amazon?
You want the best for your pet. You search Amazon for joint supplements, probiotics, or vitamins, and think you're making a smart choice. It's easily accessible and their shipping is fast, right? But when it comes to supplements, convenience may cost your pet their health.
In this episode, I breaks down why buying supplements off Amazon can be risky, what to watch out for, and how to make sure your dog actually gets what they need to thrive.
Whether it's joint support, probiotics, or vitamins, this episode will help you make informed decisions that actually...
#30 Metronidazole & Why I Rarely Use It
This episode dives into one of the most overprescribed GI medication in veterinary medicine. We explore how it works, why it helps short-term, and the real long-term consequences no one talks about.
Key Points:
Why metronidazole disrupts the microbiome
Safer alternatives for acute diarrhea
When it is appropriate
What to use instead
Gut repair steps if your dog has taken it
📌 Links:
Book your 1:1 nutrition consultation today
Book your 1:1 holistic in home visit today
Watch this episode on YouTube
#29 Vaccines—Non-Traditional Truths
A balanced, refined look at vaccines: what I support, what I question, and how I help pet owners make informed decisions without fear. We talk titers, timing, lifestyle, and common myths.
Key Points:
Why blanket vaccine schedules don't fit every pet
What titers really tell us
Risk vs reward conversations
Core vs non-core vaccines
What an integrative approach looks like
📌 Links:
Book your 1:1 nutrition consultation today
Book your 1:1 holistic in home visit today
Watch this episode on YouTube
#28 Being Non-Traditional & Marketing Honestly as a Vet
A candid conversation about what it means to be a non-traditional veterinarian in a traditional industry, and why honest, aligned marketing isn't "salesy"… it's a service.
We talk mindset, messaging, and how pet owners benefit when vets show up boldly.
Key Points:
Why non-traditional care is growing
Letting your mission guide your messaging
Marketing as education, not persuasion
How transparency builds trust
The importance of standing for something
📌 Links:
Book your 1:1 nutrition consultation today
Book your 1:1 holistic in home visit...
#27 GUEST EPISODE The Senior Dog Playbook: Aging Well with Dr. Amanda
Dr. Amanda joins the show for one of the most insightful conversations we've ever had on senior pet care. We talk longevity, mobility, nutrition, cognitive health, and the small daily habits that keep older pets thriving.
Key Points:
Early signs of aging you shouldn't ignore
Longevity strategies that truly matter
Joint support beyond NSAIDs
Cognitive wellness + lifestyle upgrades
Links:
Book your 1:1 nutrition consultation today
Book your 1:1 holistic in home visit today
Watch this episode on YouTube
Connect with Dr...
#26 Grain Free Update
This episode unpacks the grain-free controversy through a level-headed, recent science-driven lens.
I discuss what the DCM either got right or wrong, and what pet owners actually need to pay attention to when choosing a dog food.
Key Points:
What the grain-free panic was really about
Why grain-free isn't inherently better or worse
Ingredient quality > the presence or absence of grains
How to assess a label the smart way
📌 Links:
Book your 1:1 nutrition consultation today
Book your 1:1 holistic in home visit tod...
#25 When Nutrition Doesn't Work The Way We Want
In this episode, we get real about a frustrating but common situation: when you do everything right with nutrition, and your pet still struggles.
I break down the overlooked reasons results stall: gut imbalances, hidden inflammation, unaddressed pain, poor sourcing, missing micronutrients, and lifestyle mismatches. You'll learn how to troubleshoot nutrition and identify what actually moves the needle.
Key Points:
Why the food isn't always the problem
The role of the microbiome and chronic stress
Questions to ask before switching diets again
A practical roadmap to get...
#24 Beyond the Basic Lab Work – Non-Traditional Testing for Pets
Bloodwork and fecals are great, but they don't tell us everything. In this episode, I share a deep dive into the non-traditional tests I use to get answers for pets when conventional testing falls short. From glyphosate and heavy metals to microbiome mapping and titers, learn what these tests reveal, how pets are commonly exposed, and when they're worth running.
You'll walk away understanding how these tools can uncover hidden inflammation, toxin exposure, and nutritional gaps that could be quietly impacting your pet's health and longevity.
In this episode, we cover:
What glyphosate...
#23 The Pancreatitis Myth: Why It Isn't All About Fat
Pancreatitis is one of those diagnoses that instantly makes pet parents panic, rightfully so because it can be painful for their pets. And almost always leads to the same advice: "No more fat."
But what if fat isn't actually the enemy?
In this episode I, The Non-Traditional Veterinarian, breaks down what pancreatitis really is, why it's often misunderstood, and how the traditional, carb-heavy diets many dogs eat every day may be setting the stage for inflammation and digestive imbalance long before that "fatty treat" ever enters the picture.
You'll learn how to look be...
#22 How to Actually Get Into Holistic Veterinary Practice
In this episode, I walk you ways to help expand your knowledge to enter holistic veterinary medicine, from conventional training to integrative approaches, and show you how you can chart your own path.
If you're a vet or vet student wondering "where do I start?" this one's for you.
I cover concrete steps, mindset shifts, educational programs, pitfalls to avoid, and how to blend "old + new" in your day-to-day work.
Key training programs & credentials to consider
How to get hands-on experience and build confidence gradually
Networking, mentorship, and community...
