Pet Foodie Tips

08/05/2026

I get questions about dogs every single day—and after years of research, working with thousands of dog owners, and helping working K9 teams, I created this handbook to be the quick reference I wish every dog owner had.

Whether you’re dealing with diarrhea, dehydration, detox, allergies, or simply want to build a healthier foundation for your dog, this handbook breaks down canine nutrition into easy-to-understand, practical information you can use right away.

It’s the same handbook I’ve shared with K9 handlers to help them solve real-world nutrition and health challenges. My goal is simple: educate the human so you can help your dog live a healthier, longer life.

I know what it feels like to watch your dog suffer while being told "this is just part of aging". To watch the itching, ear infections, digestive issues, low energy, and wonder if there's something you're missing. That's the pain that led me to build this Essential Pet Parent Handbook. Inside I break down what most pet parents are never taught.
I cover gut health, hydration, synthetic vs real nutrients, chronic inflammation and talk about a bowl full of nutrients your dog can absorb.
If you're ready to stop guessing and start understanding what your dog's body is trying to tell you, grab your copy here:
https://www.petfoodietips.com/offers/HiAEBiKz/checkout

07/10/2026

It’s hard to believe it’s already been one month since we said goodbye to Max and Coco.

People often tell me they’re no longer in pain, and I truly believe that. Their bodies were tired, and now they’re free—running, playing, and feeling like puppies again.

I just hope that when they crossed the Rainbow Bridge, Kelcee was there waiting for them with open paws.

The thought of my three best friends together again brings me a little peace on the days my heart hurts the most.

While their pain ended, mine began. Not a day has gone by that I haven’t thought about them or wished I could hold them one more time. And there are moments when the reality still doesn’t feel real.

I’m incredibly thankful that I took thousands of photos and videos over the years. I find myself looking through them often. Some days they make me smile. Other days they bring tears. But every memory reminds me of how deeply they were loved, and somehow those moments help ease the pain, even if only for a little while.

Kelcee, Max, and Coco were never “just dogs.” They each changed my life in different ways.

Kelcee taught me to question, to learn, and to become an advocate for better nutrition and wellness. She was our tough girl that handled her issues in silent while staying consistent in her love for us.

Max showed me what determination and resilience look like as we navigated his autoimmune disease together. He was my gentle giant, Coco’s best friend & the one Bandit relied on for everything dog life.

Coco reminded me that every day is a gift and that love is found in the simplest moments, while battling degenerative bone disease in the end. He told me things every day in our “morning talk shows”. Life is way too quiet now.

The three of them will always be my greatest teachers. They are the reason I continue educating pet parents and why I refuse to stop learning. Their stories, their struggles, and the lessons they gave me will continue helping dogs and the people who love them for years to come.

Each one of them will always have a special place tucked away in my heart. I know that place will never erase the heartache, but it will always remind me how incredibly blessed I was to have loved them.

To my Kelcee, Max & Coco:
I miss you all more than words can ever say. Until we meet again… run free together, my sweet babies.
💖🩵💙🐾

07/04/2026

Happy 250th birthday, America!🇺🇸

06/18/2026

Max’s Legacy
This journey didn’t start with Max.
It started with Kelcee, my first German Shepherd.
When she crossed the Rainbow Bridge in 2018, I began searching for answers about inflammation, nutrition, and why so many dogs are suffering from chronic disease.
That knowledge helped me when Max was diagnosed with perianal fistulas.
And later, it helped me support Coco when he was diagnosed with degenerative bone disease.
On June 10, 2026, we said goodbye to both boys.
All incredible dogs who spent years fighting diseases that were never their fault.
But today is about Max.
Max taught me what unconditional love looks like.He lived with pain most people never saw, yet he remained gentle, loving, and always wanted to be close to me. We never cured his disease.
But together, we fought it.
I watched the protocols work. I watched him find relief. I watched him enjoy years we may not have otherwise had. For that, I will always be grateful.
Thank you, Max, for every cuddle, every gentle nudge, every lesson, and every extra day. Your legacy will continue helping dogs long after you’re gone.
Run pain free, my sweet boy. 💙🐾
You can follow along as we begin honoring Coco’s journey and the lessons he taught us about degenerative bone disease in our next series.

“This is Day 5 of a series honoring Max’s 7-year battle with autoimmune disease. If you’re new here, visit my profile to watch the entire journey. 💙🐾”

06/17/2026

Day 4 of Max’s Autoimmune Journey

When Max was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, I was told there’s no cure & I should consider euthanasia.

Instead I researched the disease and the more I learned about the connection between the gut and the immune system, the more it made sense.

Science has shown that a large portion of the immune system is associated with the gastrointestinal tract. The gut microbiome plays a major role in immune regulation, inflammation, and overall health.

That changed the way I looked at food. Every bowl became an opportunity to support his body.

Did gut health cure Max’s autoimmune disease?
No.

But focusing on fresh food nutrition, hydration, digestive health, and reducing inflammation it helped give him more quality years, more adventures, and more good days. I will always be grateful for that!

💙 In honor of my boy, Max💙

Tomorrow: The biggest lessons Max taught me after 7 years of living with autoimmune disease.

06/17/2026

Day 2 of Max’s Autoimmune Journey
For seven years, Max battled a painful autoimmune disease called Perianal Fistulas, also known as A**l Furunculosis.
This disease causes painful tunnels, ulcers, and draining tracts around the a**s. Dogs often experience discomfort, excessive licking, difficulty defecating, inflammation, and chronic pain.
What many people don’t realize is that Perianal Fistulas are now believed to be an immune-mediated disease, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues.
Research has also shown that German Shepherds are significantly overrepresented among dogs diagnosed with this condition. Scientists believe genetics, immune system dysfunction, and chronic inflammation may all contribute to disease development.
For us, it wasn’t just a diagnosis.
It was watching a dog we loved struggle with something he didn’t deserve.
It was countless appointments.
Countless hours of research.
And countless prayers for more good days.
But it was also a lesson in resilience.
Because no matter how difficult things became, Max continued to greet each day with courage, loyalty, and a spirit that never quit.
Today, we honor not only his battle but every dog and family facing autoimmune disease.
💙In honor of Max.�7/13/16 – 6/10/26
Tomorrow we’ll talk about one of the biggest lessons Max taught me:
Food is more than calories.
It’s information.

06/17/2026

Day 1: What Is Autoimmune Disease and How Does It Develop?
Before we can understand diseases like perianal fistulas, lupus, immune-mediated polyarthritis, or autoimmune thyroid disease, we first need to understand what autoimmune disease actually is.

The immune system is designed to protect the body. Its job is to identify threats such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and abnormal cells and eliminate them before they cause harm.

In a healthy dog, the immune system can tell the difference between “self” and “foreign invaders.”

In a dog with an autoimmune disease, that recognition system breaks down.

The immune system mistakenly identifies the body’s own tissues as a threat and launches an attack against them.

Depending on which tissues are targeted, the disease can affect different parts of the body:

🐾 Skin

🐾 Joints

🐾 Digestive tract

🐾 Thyroid gland

🐾 Blood cells

🐾 Nervous system

🐾 A**l and re**al tissues, as seen with perianal fistulas

Researchers still do not know every reason why autoimmune diseases develop, but studies suggest they occur when several factors come together:

• Genetic predisposition
• Immune system dysregulation
• Environmental influences
• Chronic inflammation
• Changes in the gut microbiome

Research has shown that certain breeds, including German Shepherds, are genetically predisposed to several immune-mediated conditions. Scientists believe specific genes involved in immune regulation may increase susceptibility to disease.

One of the most important discoveries in recent years is the connection between the gut and the immune system.

Approximately 70% of the immune system is associated with the gastrointestinal tract. The gut microbiome helps train and regulate immune responses. When the microbiome becomes imbalanced, immune function can also become disrupted.

Studies have found significant differences in gut microbial populations between healthy dogs and dogs suffering from chronic inflammatory and immune-mediated conditions.

This does not mean gut health alone causes autoimmune disease.

It means autoimmune disease is likely influenced by a combination of genetics, immune dysfunction, environmental exposures, inflammation, and gut health.

For dogs like Max, the result was a body that began attacking itself.

For seven years, Max battled perianal fistulas—one of the most painful immune-mediated diseases seen in dogs. What started deep within the immune system eventually showed up as painful lesions around his a**s that affected his comfort, mobility, and quality of life. He would lick them to the point of bleeding when they were flared up. He didn’t have to live like this his entire life though. We will cover the steps to take and what to do to help alleviate the pain and to reduce the fistulas in this series.

When we understand what is happening inside the body, we can make more informed decisions, ask better questions, and become stronger advocates for the dogs who depend on us.

Tomorrow, we’ll dive deeper into perianal fistulas—what they are, why they develop, and why German Shepherds like Max are at greater risk.

05/07/2026

Big thank you to Cherry’s Nails for becoming an official Pet Foodie Tips Resource Hub. 💙
For the last 5 years, Cherry has helped me feel confident, creative, and cared for—and if you love beautiful nail designs, she’s your girl. And Justin is my go-to for pedicures for the last few years… always gentle, always professional, and guaranteed to make you laugh.
This is what community looks like. Local businesses supporting local businesses.
I’m incredibly grateful to have our Pet Foodie Tips rack cards available inside a business that truly cares about people. So if you’re in Prescott and need your nails done, show them some love—and while you’re there, grab a Pet Foodie Tips card for yourself or another dog lover who wants to build a better bowl. 🐾💧