Mountain West Pet Wellness

05/22/2026

Want nutrition assistance? Your Vet rarely is the solution. Reach out, I can help.

A large peer-reviewed study survey of over 8,800 pet owners found that only about 14% rely on veterinary advice when choosing what to feed their pets, meaning the vast majority of decisions are influenced by forces outside the exam room. While the study didn’t investigate the reasons behind this gap, it highlights a clear disconnect between pet parents’ priorities and where they get their information, especially as many owners are increasingly seeking minimally processed and human grade diet choices that aren’t found in veterinary clinics.

Rather than pointing to a lack of trust, the findings suggest an opportunity: as interest in evolving nutrition grows, there’s a chance for veterinarians to play a more active role in guiding these conversations and helping bridge the gap between ultraprocessed, feed grade diets and what pet parents are actually looking for.

05/22/2026

Let me help you make a change in your Dog's diet. Link in my bio.

A new peer-reviewed study analyzing commercial dog and cat foods found multiple mold toxins present across all diets, with higher levels in foods containing more cereal ingredients like corn🌽, wheat🌾, barley, oats, and rice🍚. Researchers detected 63 different compounds⚠️, with common toxins such as DON, zearalenone, and fumonisins often appearing together at low levels.

While all amounts were below safety limits, the study highlights uncertainty around long-term and combined exposure. Pets are exposed to multiple toxins at once, and the effects of these mixtures over time are still largely unknown. Broader research suggests some mycotoxins may act additively or synergistically, potentially amplifying their impact, and have been linked to immune and gut changes in animal models.

Contaminated corn🌽, in particular, has been associated with some of the largest pet food recalls and highest reported pet death events in modern history. Notably, the Midwestern Pet Foods SPORTMiX recall was linked to over 130 dog deaths and 220 illnesses, while a Sunshine Mills recall affected multiple brands. Corn’s susceptibility to heat, humidity, and poor storage makes it a common source of aflatoxin contamination.

05/15/2026

Are you slowly poisoning your dog?

05/15/2026

You won't want to miss this!

Two vets. 70+ years between us. One unedited conversation.

Tuesday, May 19 at noon Eastern, I’m sitting down with Dr. Judy Morgan to record a long talk about 70+ combined years in veterinary medicine.

What vet school built into our practice. What we kept learning after. How we both found our way to integrative care for pets.

Pet Guardian Circle members get to watch the live Zoom and ask questions in real time.

No script. No edits.

Just two vets thinking out loud about what experience teaches you.

Tuesday, May 19,

12 Noon Eastern

Live on Zoom. Bring a question.

Comment VETTALK and I'll send you the link.

05/02/2026

Missed me at Be Healthy Utah? I'm at the Gail Miller Conference Center today only. MAY 2

04/17/2026

I'm at the Be Healthy Utah expo today and tomorrow. My booth 447 Come see me!

04/12/2026

Hey Utah, I have a booth featuring my pet health coaching! Want to learn more... Stop by my booth 447 DM me for discount on tickets.

11/12/2025

There are better options. Link in my bio for a consultation.

10/28/2025

💪 How Much Protein Does Your Dog Actually Need? Let’s Break It Down. 🐾

Protein isn’t just another nutrient — it’s the backbone of your dog’s health. It fuels muscle growth, supports the immune system, and keeps your dog’s body firing on all cylinders. But here’s the real question: how much protein is enough?

👉 The simple rule of thumb: about 2 grams of protein per pound of body weight each day (roughly 4.4 g per kg).

So that means:
🐶 20 lb dog → ~40 g protein/day
🐕 50 lb dog → ~100 g protein/day
🐩 70 lb dog → ~140 g protein/day

But it’s not just about numbers — quality matters.
Here’s what really counts:
🥩 Use real protein sources. Fresh meat, fish, and eggs give your dog the most usable amino acids.
🌱 Feed variety. Rotate between muscle meat, organs, and even some plant proteins for a full amino acid spread.
🍖 Keep it balanced. Too little protein = muscle loss. Too much (in dogs with kidney issues) = extra strain.

✅ Quick tip: Multiply your dog’s ideal weight (in lbs) × 2 = grams of protein per day.
Example:
45 lb dog → 45 × 2 = 90 grams protein daily

Fresh feeding isn’t about calories — it’s about nutrients that work. When you dial in your dog’s protein, you’re not just feeding them… you’re fueling their health.

❓Need help fine-tuning your dog’s diet?
Let’s create a plan that fits your dog’s needs — visit mwpetwellness.com

10/27/2025

Absolutely!

"Raw feeding isn’t extreme—it’s the most natural thing in the world."

Visit www.billinghurst.institute.