Tail Wagging Nutrition Discovering the Benefits of Top Breed Pet Food

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

Contributions sourced from

Welcome to My Blog

by Kimberly Gauthier, CPCN | Nov 24, 2023 | Raw Feeding for Dogs

Several years ago, I took the Pet Food Nutrition course offered by Dogs Naturally Magazine, one of the biggest pet-focused websites. While the courses they offer are very informative, if someone is building a business in pet nutrition, the DNMU certifications may not...

by Kimberly Gauthier, CPCN | Apr 24, 2024 | Raw Feeding for Dogs

You may have encountered some confusing terms and jargon if you're new to raw feeding. In this blog post, I will summarize some of the most common raw feeding terms to help provide clarity and understanding. Whether you're a seasoned raw feeder looking for a refresher...

by Kimberly Gauthier, CPCN | Apr 11, 2024 | Raising Dogs

Dogs are known for their unique ways of communicating with their owners, and one common behavior that many dog owners experience is their pet placing a paw on them. Depending on the context and the dog's personality, this action can have various meanings. The...

by Kimberly Gauthier, CPCN | Apr 7, 2024 | Dog Toys, Raising Dogs

Selecting the right stuffed dog toys can provide endless entertainment and comfort to your dog. I couldn't have stuffed dog toys in the house for years because Rodrigo would destroy them in five seconds. Today, I have dogs that love playing with stuffed dog toys and...

by Kimberly Gauthier, CPCN | Apr 5, 2024 | Raw Feeding for Dogs

Social media can be dangerous because people share what they feed their dogs, and others do the same without asking if it's safe. Recently, the topic of making kombucha for dogs was raised, which caught my attention because I drink kombucha regularly. But is kombucha...

by Kimberly Gauthier, CPCN | Mar 26, 2024 | Raw Feeding for Dogs - Recipes

There is a growing interest in homemade dog food. Whether it's cooked, raw, or a combination of the two, discerning pet parents want to ditch the synthetic nutrients, high carbs, and other questionable ingredients, switching to whole, fresh foods that support gut...

by Kimberly Gauthier, CPCN | Mar 23, 2024 | Raw Feeding for Dogs

The pet food industry has been peddling the myth that dogs are omnivores for decades because it allows them to produce high-carbohydrate and plant-based diets at low costs. For proof of this, search online, and you'll find that most websites that claim that dogs are...

by Kimberly Gauthier, CPCN | Mar 20, 2024 | Raw Feeding for Dogs

Many people switch their dogs to raw dog food because their dog has allergies or has developed health issues, hoping that feeding fresh food will do the trick. But how long does it take for our dogs to experience the benefits of a raw diet? The time it takes can vary...

by Kimberly Gauthier, CPCN | Mar 10, 2024 | Raw Feeding for Dogs, Raw Feeding for Dogs - Recipes

Venison is a lean, healthy red meat option for dogs prone to protein sensitivities. I like to add it to my dogs' diet because I believe in feeding a balance of red and white meat. Venison can also be expensive for people who don't have access to hunted meat or don't...

Ultimate Guide to Boosting a Dogs Immunity with Supplements

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As I learn more about canine health and nutrition, I have concluded that focusing on my dog's gut health and immune system is essential to longevity. I do this by feeding a fresh food diet that includes whole food supplements. The immune system protects dogs from various infectious agents, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. A robust immune system offers the following benefits:

helps a dog resist (and recover faster from) infections, illness, and disease
contributes to a dog's overall health and well-being, potentially extending their lifespan
makes a dog less susceptible to allergies and sensitivities, reducing itching, GI issues, and respiratory distress
enhances the effectiveness of vaccines, potentially reducing side effects and generating a strong and more long-lasting immune response

While focusing on a dog's immune system won't stop aging, it may slow it down by helping our dogs survive illness and disease and age gracefully.

Gut Health and the Immune System

The connection between a dog's gut and the immune system is crucial in maintaining overall health. The gut (gastrointestinal or GI tract) is home to a diverse community of microorganisms collectively known as the gut microbiota.

The gut microbiota and the immune system have a bidirectional relationship, meaning they constantly interact and influence each other. Here's how they are connected:

Gut Microbiota Composition: The gut microbiota helps to educate and modulate the immune system. The bacteria in the gut produce metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, which influence immune cell development and function. Additionally, the microbiota helps maintain the integrity of the gut barrier, preventing harmful substances from leaking into the body and triggering an immune response.

Immune System Development: During early life, exposure to a diverse range of gut bacteria helps shape and train the immune system. This exposure helps the immune system differentiate between harmful pathogens and harmless substances, preventing unnecessary immune responses and allergies later in life.

Immune System Regulation: The gut microbiota is crucial in regulating immune responses. It helps balance immune tolerance (not reacting to harmless substances) and immune activation (fighting off pathogens). Imbalances in the gut microbiota, known as dysbiosis, can lead to immune dysregulation and various health issues.

Immune Response at the Gut Barrier: The gut is the largest interface between the external environment and the body's immune system. Immune cells in the gut lining constantly survey the gut contents, recognizing and responding to harmful pathogens. The gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), a part of the immune system, is located in the gut wall and helps coordinate immune responses within the gut.

Systemic Immune Effects: The gut immune system protects against pathogens within the gut and influences immune responses throughout the body. It communicates with other immune tissues, such as the lymph nodes and spleen, through circulating immune cells and signaling molecules. This cross-talk helps coordinate the immune response to pathogens and other immune challenges.

A healthy gut microbiota is essential for maintaining a well-functioning immune system in dogs. Imbalances in the gut microbiota can lead to immune dysregulation, increased susceptibility to infections, inflammation, and various digestive disorders. Therefore, maintaining the health of a dog's gut through proper nutrition, probiotics, and lifestyle choices is crucial for supporting the immune system and overall well-being.

How to Boost a Dog's Immune System

Supporting a dog's immune system is easy, starting with a fresh food diet, regular exercise, and reduced stress. My dogs eat a raw diet I formulated to meet their nutritional needs. I walk my dogs daily, allowing them to take regular sniff breaks as they explore the outdoors. And my dogs live a relatively stress-free life.

But is this enough?

Because 70-80% of the immune system lives in the gut, I believe supporting their gut health is the key to building a hardy immune system. Along with feeding a fresh food diet, I alternate the following supplements weekly:

1 Gussy's Gut Daily A foundational blend of fermented vegetables that are organic, freeze-dried, and rich in antioxidants. It offers essential nutrients for daily well-being, gut health, healthy aging, and detox support. The formula is packed with high levels of antioxidants, phytonutrients, and polyphenols. These beneficial nutrients are easily absorbed by dogs through our proprietary fermentation process, ensuring they receive maximum benefits compared to consuming raw vegetables. Daily is created using 19 enzymatically activated superfoods, which are fermented and freeze-dried, preserving their raw form

2 Daily Dawg, Real Mushrooms A supplement for dogs that contains a blend of extracts, including certified organic mushrooms, herbal adaptogens, probiotics, seaweed, phytoplankton, krill, lignans, antioxidants, and fatty acids.Daily Dawg supports mobility, immunity, digestive system, heart health, weight management, allergies, and longevity.

3 Fido's Flora by Adored Beast Apothecary The first ever biologically species-specific probiotic designed exclusively for dogs. Developed by experts in the field, this remarkable product is a meticulously crafted blend of multiple strains of probiotics, enriched with the potent minerals fulvic and humic acid and prebiotic larch. Fido's Flora is especially beneficial in rebuilding the gut microbiome after a round of antibiotics.

4 MYOS Muscle Formula This supplement is made with Fortetropin, a proprietary advanced nutrition product sourced from fertilized egg yolk.Fortetropin has been proven in multiple veterinary clinical studies toaccelerate gains in muscle mass and support animal muscle health. In reviews, dog owners shared that MYOS has helped their dogs recover faster after injury, minimize the chance of injury, improve mobility, and keep pups comfortable and strong in their older years.

5 Immune Support by Earth Buddy Pet This mushroom tincture features a unique blend of five mushroom species (Agarikon, Cordyceps, Reishi, Lion's Mane, Turkey Tail) and elderberry extract. It can be easily mixed into food or squirted directly into your pet's mouth and is formulated to support a balanced immune response.

Boosting a Dog's Immune System On a Budget

1 Feed a Fresh Food Diet feeding dogs a raw (or cooked) diet promotes a healthy gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in immune system regulation. Balancing over time by feeding various foods (alternating proteins and other ingredients) ensures an adequate intake of critical nutrients, supporting immune cell development, proper immune response, and overall immune system strength.

2 Broccoli and Alfalfa Sprouts sprouts support gut health by providing dietary fiber that nourishes beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a healthy digestive system. They also support the immune system due to their rich content of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Broccoli, in particular, is high in vitamin C and is known for its immune-boosting properties. Both sprouts contain phytochemicals like sulforaphane, which support immune function.

3 DIY Golden Paste made from turmeric, black pepper, and oil, is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may support joint health, aid digestion, improve skin conditions, boost the immune system, and potentially relieve various ailments such as arthritis, allergies, and digestive disorders.

4 DIY Bone Broth nutrient-dense and offers benefits such as promoting joint health, boosting the immune system, aiding digestion, and supporting gut health. It is rich in collagen, amino acids, minerals, and gelatin, which can help improve skin, hair, and nail health and support overall wellness.

5 Exercise regular exercise promotes the immune system by improving circulation, reducing stress, helping to maintain a healthy weight, and enhancing the production and activity of immune cells. It can help flush out bacteria from the airways, increase antibody production, and reduce inflammation, all contributing to a more robust and effective immune response.

Dog Tail Signs: What That Wagging Means

You can understand a lot about your canine companion from his dog tail signs. That wagging or thumping on the carpet? You know your pup is feeling great. That feeling of dread when you walk through the front door and that same tail is tucked low? That tail tells you something has been destroyed by a bored pup while you were away. Whether you consider yourself fluent in wag or you're still learning how to decode dog tail language, read on to learn more about how your pet communicates.

Spotting the Signs: A Guide to Dog Tail Language

A dog's tail originally evolved to help him stay balanced, like a tightrope walker's pole. It serves as a counterweight to the front part of his body when he's making a high-speed turn while hunting and helps keep him from falling off narrow walkways.

Now that a dog hunt generally involves finding the last piece of kibble that fell behind the bowl, that wagging tail is largely thought of as a communication device. Here are five key things the placement of a dog's tail can tell you, according to the Center for Shelter Dogs at Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.

Circular swish: A dog whose tail is swishing back and forth or in a circular motion is one happy and relaxed pup.
Lowered or tucked tail: A dog who is frightened or feeling submissive will often lower or tuck his tail between his hind legs.
Tail wagging stiffly: A dog who is excited may wag his tail stiffly while jumping, spinning or sticking his rump in the air. His excitement may be from a positive source like an upcoming walk or a negative source like an intimidating stranger.
Tail held horizontally: A tail held straight out indicates a dog who is attentive and alert or perhaps curious about something nearby. Traditional hunting dog breeds like pointers or setters also hold their tails out straight when they point at an animal or object.
Sudden tail raise: When a dog moves his tail from a down position to a vertical or raised position, it could indicate he is feeling aggressive.

Reading Wag Speed

The speed of a dog's wagging tail might also give you an indication of his mood, Psychology Today reports.

Quick wag: A short wag usually happens during greetings when a dog is feeling tentative.
Big, broad wag: This indicates a friendly dog who is not threatening anyone.
Slow, reluctant wag: This might indicate a dog who is feeling anxious. Other signs of anxiety include avoiding eye contact, refusing food or ignoring what's happening around him.
Tiny, high-speed wag: A tail that moves in short, vibrating bursts can be a sign a dog is about to run or fight. Be careful!

Dog Tail Language Barriers

Some dogs wag with long, expressive tails, but what about dogs with small, stumpy tails or no tails at all? A truncated tail may make it more difficult for dogs to communicate with their pet parents and with other dogs, writes Psychology Today. An observational study of more than 400 dogs greeting each other off-leash in a dog park showed a higher number of aggressive incidents involving dogs with short tails. This doesn't mean that your corgi will inherently pick more fights than your shepherd mix, but it could be something to watch out for. Overall, the study found that only 12 percent of dog park incidents resulted in any kind of aggression. That's a sign that dog communication has a pretty high success rate.

The tale of the tail? Dog tail signs help pups communicate not only with us, but also with other dogs. Knowing the meaning of how a dog is using his tail can go a long way to showing you how your pet is feeling.