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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 why traditional formulas still have a place in modern pet care. Dr. Marsden also shares how Gold Standard Herbs came to be, why sourcing and energetics matter, and how pet parents can confidently use herbs alongside conventional care.

CHAPTERS:

• When did Dr. Marsden know he wanted to become a veterinarian? (2:00)
• The experiences that led Dr. Marden to learn homeopathy and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (4:23)
• What led Dr. Marsden to create the first direct-to-consumer line of Chinese pet herbal formulas? (17:13)
• Should Pet Parents be concerned about Chinese herbs interacting with medications or other treatments? (27:13)
• How long does it take for Chinese herbs to start working and make an improvement? (32:02)
• How important is our dog's diet compared to other treatments? (33:08)
• Why does the veterinary profession have such a bias against feeding fresh food? (38:14)
• What can Pet Parents incorporate from Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine in caring for our dogs? (46:21)
• How to search the Ask Dr. Steve DVM Facebook Group (1:01:04)

LINKS MENTIONED:

• Ask Dr. Steve DVM Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1158575954706282

OUR BLOG/PODCASTS...

• Kimberly: Raw Feeder Life, RawFeederLife.com
• Erin Scott: Believe in Dog podcast, BelieveInDogPodcast.com

INSTAGRAM...

• Raw Feeder Life, Instagram.com/RawFeederLife
• Believe in Dog Podcast, Instagram.com/Erin_The_Dog_Mom

Thanks for listening to our podcast. You can learn more about Erin Scott's first podcast at BelieveInDogPodcast.com. And you can learn more about raw feeding, raising dogs naturally, and Kimberly's dogs at KeepTheTailWagging.com. And don't forget to subscribe to The Alternative Dog Moms.

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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 up Season 4 of the podcast — and Season 5 is just around the corner.

In this cozy, slightly chaotic holiday hangout, we talk about:
• Life updates and dog mom confessions
• The random topics that come to mind when wine is poured
• What we’re grateful for this year
• Favorite moments from past seasons
• Excitement for what’s coming in Season 5

If you love relaxed, real-life dog mom energy, this is the perfect episode to unwind with — glass of Mamamango optional, but highly recommended.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

• Instagram.com/Erin_The_Dog_Mom
• Instagram.com/RawFeederLife

Thanks for listening to our podcast. You can learn more about Erin Scott's first podcast at BelieveInDogPodcast.com. And you can learn more about raw feeding, raising dogs naturally, and Kimberly's dogs at KeepTheTailWagging.com. And don't forget to subscribe to The Alternative Dog Moms.

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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 Amanda break down each dosha type.

Together, we talk about:
• The basics of Ayurveda and how it applies to dogs
• What your dog’s dosha says about their personality and needs
• How to support your dog’s energy type through food, environment & daily habits
• Practical lifestyle tips to help dogs feel more balanced
• Why small energetic shifts can lead to big improvements in behavior and wellbeing

If you’re curious about holistic healing, energy work, or simply want a deeper understanding of your dog’s unique nature, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to see your dog through a whole new lens.

CHAPTERS:

• How Amanda was introduced to Ayurvedic Medicine for people and for pets (it involves Deepak Chopra!) (0:54)
• The connection between ourselves and our pets - both physically and emotionally (7:36)
• The 3 Doshas and the characteristics of each - and where to take the quiz to determine your dog's dosha (15:27)
• Qualities in Erin & Kimberly see of their dogs' doshas and strategies for balancing these (23:49)
• Do doshas impact relationships between dogs? and balancing dosha personalities in a household (33:28)
• How to incorporate Ayurvedic principles in our dogs' daily lives (39:52)
• Qualities of each dosha commonly seen in people (50:16)
• Can doshas change throughout our dogs' lives? And can life experiences impact our doshas? (53:40)
• Amanda's experiences as an Animal Chaplain (1:00:14)

LINKS DISCUSSED:

• Sama Dog (https://www.samadog.com/)
• Quiz: Find Your Dog's Dosha (https://www.samadog.com/quiz)
• Animal Chaplaincy at the Compassion Consortium (https://www.compassionconsortium.org/act)
• Canadian government kills ostriches affected by Avian Flu (https://www.science.org/content/article/canadian-government-kills-ostriches-afflicted-h5n1-despite-appeal-rfk-jr)

SOCIAL MEDIA:

• Instagram.com/Erin_The_Dog_Mom
• Instagram.com/RawFeederLife

Thanks for listening to our podcast. You can learn more about Erin Scott's first podcast at BelieveInDogPodcast.com. And you can learn more about raw feeding, raising dogs naturally, and Kimberly's dogs at KeepTheTailWagging.com. And don't forget to subscribe to The Alternative Dog Moms.

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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 breeds, and dogs recovering from illness.

You’ll learn:
• What glutathione does in your dog’s body
• Signs your dog may need extra antioxidant support
• The difference between liposomal and S-acetyl glutathione
• When supplementation makes sense
• How Earth Buddy Pet formulated Maxx Life (and why it’s a favorite among senior dog parents)

If you're passionate about natural wellness, functional supplements, and practical, science-backed ways to support your dog’s long-term health, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

CHAPTERS:

• Sean Zyer, founder of Earth Buddy Pet returns (0:55)
• Why do our dogs need to detox? (3:39)
• The difference between Earth Buddy's 2 different glutathione products - and when to use each (8:13)
• Understanding why liposomal glutathione is an ideal product for our dogs (11:52)
• Are there any contraindications or side effects to using glutathione? (17:32)
• Kimberly's experience using Earth Buddy's glutathione with her dogs (21:12)
• Did you know CBD can cause increased liver values in dogs? (26:38)
• Glutathione production decreases as pets (and people) get older (32:34)
• Which pets would benefit from glutathione (36:58)
• What is the sourcing of Earth Buddy's glutathione? (45:17)
• The importance of sleep to our dogs' health (46:47)
• What else is Earth Buddy working on? (52:19)

LINKS DISCUSSED:

• Earth Buddy Liposomal Glutathione for Dogs - Liver Detox System (https://www.earthbuddypet.com/)
• Earth Buddy Maxx Life (https://www.earthbuddypet.com/)
• Erin's Dog Health Journal (https://believeindogpodcast.com/dog-health-journal)

SOCIAL MEDIA:

• Instagram.com/Erin_The_Dog_Mom
• Instagram.com/RawFeederLife

Thanks for listening to our podcast. You can learn more about Erin Scott's first podcast at BelieveInDogPodcast.com. And you can learn more about raw feeding, raising dogs naturally, and Kimberly's dogs at KeepTheTailWagging.com. And don't forget to subscribe to The Alternative Dog Moms.

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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 honesty, the intuition dogs bring, and the powerful lessons they leave behind.

In this heartfelt and deeply informative conversation, Peter discusses:
• How to emotionally navigate a canine cancer diagnosis
• What pet parents often struggle with most (and how to get support)
• How to communicate with your veterinary team
• The importance of celebrating small wins and good days
• The lessons dogs teach us about presence, trust, and letting go

Whether you’re currently supporting a dog with cancer or simply want to understand this journey more deeply, this episode offers comfort, clarity, and a reminder that we’re never alone in loving our dogs through every chapter of their lives.

CHAPTERS:

• Peter's background and how his dog, Allie, changed his life (1:42)
• Keeping the Allie's Crew Facebook Group a positive place for pet parents and some of the negative experiences in other Facebook Groups (2:38)
• Some of the health and behavioral challenges Peter faced with Allie (7:39)
• After losing Allie, how is Peter finding balance and navigating life with his new dog, Tucker? (9:45)
• Information overwhelm and how Peter's life has changed since losing Allie (15:55)
• Peter's work with Pet Parents, self-care, and boundaries (18:28)
• The importance of building a network of supportive Pet Parents on social media and/or IRL (22:47)
• How Peter started working with Dr. Margo Roman, the microbiome and poop (33:10)
• Gut health and diversifying our dog's diets and supplements (40:22)
• Kibble, budget constraints, and meeting Pet Parents where they're at (47:22)
• Continually learning and navigating our own emotions when our dog gets a cancer diagnosis (58:34)

LINKS DISCUSSED:

• Allie's Crew on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/724785157871642)
• AHVMA to find a holistic vet (https://www.ahvma.org/)
• King Harvest (https://kingharvest.org/)
• Dr. Margo Roman's Microbiome Restorative Therapy (https://microbiomerestorativetherapy.com/)
• Peter on the Believe in Dog Podcast
  (https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode-23-peter-ciancarelli-of-allies-canine-crew)

SOCIAL MEDIA:

• Instagram.com/Erin_The_Dog_Mom
• Instagram.com/RawFeederLife

Thanks for listening to our podcast. You can learn more about Erin Scott's first podcast at BelieveInDogPodcast.com. And you can learn more about raw feeding, raising dogs naturally, and Kimberly's dogs at KeepTheTailWagging.com. And don't forget to subscribe to The Alternative Dog Moms.

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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 health, inflammation, and overall vitality in dogs.

We talk about:
• How Woof Creek transformed a challenging moment into a mission to help dogs
• Why sourcing, purity, and transparency matter in supplements
• Their approach to supporting gut health, allergies, inflammation & detox pathways
• How their formulas are helping dogs feel better, age better, and thrive

This episode is equal parts inspiration and education, especially for dog parents who want to understand what goes into a trustworthy supplement — and how the right ingredients can make a real difference.

CHAPTERS:

• Woof Creek's origin story and mission (0:55)
• Kimberly's evolving thoughts on using a base mix and Woof Creek's emphasis on sourcing clean ingredients (19:58)
• The benefits of staying a small business (24:22)
• Thoughtful details about Woof Creek's products and packaging that make life easier for pet parents (28:31)
• Some of the "whys" behind Woof Creek's product decisions (30:55)
• How Woof Creek incorporates their eco-friendly and sustainability values into their products and packaging (35:31)
• Scot & Lisa are furthering their education and certifications to better serve pet parents (41:09)
• Trust in the pet industry and what Woof Creek won't compromise on (43:22)
• Meeting pet parents where they're at (47:16)
• Why Woof Creek has numerous Omega-3 products and the benefits of each (54:12)

LINKS DISCUSSED:

• Website (https://www.woofcreek.com/)
• Woof Creek on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/woofcreekwellness)
• Basis Stainless Steel Pet Bowls (https://www.basispet.com/products/stainless-steel-pet-food-bowls)

DISCOUNT CODE: ALTDOGMOM20
20% off - One-time use, No minimum, All wellness products

SOCIAL MEDIA:

• Facebook.com/BelieveInDogPodcast
• Instagram.com/RawFeederLife
• Instagram.com/Erin_the_Dog_Mom
• NewsLetter/RawFeederLife

Thanks for listening to our podcast. You can learn more about Erin Scott's first podcast at BelieveInDogPodcast.com. And you can learn more about raw feeding, raising dogs naturally, and Kimberly's dogs at KeepTheTailWagging.com. And don't forget to subscribe to The Alternative Dog Moms.

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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, and how specific mushroom combinations can target the needs of older dogs.

In this episode, we explore:
• The most effective functional mushrooms for senior dogs
• How mushrooms support cognition, mobility, immunity & inflammation
• Why extraction methods and sourcing make a difference
• Key ingredients in MycoDog formulas like Clarity
• How pet parents can safely introduce mushrooms into their dog’s routine

If you have a senior dog, a dog recovering from illness, or you’re simply curious about holistic longevity support, this conversation offers a wealth of insight and practical tips.

CHAPTERS:

• Carter's pet industry origin story (0:55)
• Relationships with "conventional" medicine practitioners (3:19)
• About the participants and design of the Senior Dog Study (8:57)
• Results of the Senior Dog Study (20:04)
• Ingredients and dosing of MycoDog's Clarity formula (22:03)
• Interpreting and publishing the results of the Senior Dog Study (26:54)
• Are future studies in the works? (28:42)
• Using Clarity with our own dogs and other case reports (30:02)
• How mushrooms work in the body and the appeal of "conventional" medicine for a quick fix (37:44)
• Choosing quality mushroom and supplement products (and being that downer friend) (44:42)

LINKS DISCUSSED:

• Link to the study results: www.seniordogstudy.com
• Link to the study on ResearchGate
• Veterinary Health Research Center
• CBD Dog Health
• Mycodog
• Carter on Instagram

SOCIAL MEDIA:

• Facebook.com/BelieveInDogPodcast
• Instagram.com/RawFeederLife
• Instagram.com/Erin_the_Dog_Mom
• NewsLetter/RawFeederLife

Thanks for listening to our podcast. You can learn more about Erin Scott's first podcast at BelieveInDogPodcast.com. And you can learn more about raw feeding, raising dogs naturally, and Kimberly's dogs at KeepTheTailWagging.com. And don't forget to subscribe to The Alternative Dog Moms.

Send us a text

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 Real

LINKS DISCUSSED:

• Zotero: your personal research assistant
• Dr. Odette Suter does muscle testing on Dr. Conor Brady
• Feed Real 2026!

SOCIAL MEDIA:

• Facebook.com/BelieveInDogPodcast
• Instagram.com/RawFeederLife
• Instagram.com/Erin_the_Dog_Mom
• NewsLetter/RawFeederLife

Thanks for listening to our podcast. You can learn more about Erin Scott's first podcast at BelieveInDogPodcast.com. And you can learn more about raw feeding, raising dogs naturally, and Kimberly's dogs at KeepTheTailWagging.com. And don't forget to subscribe to The Alternative Dog Moms.