Podcast
Mystic Dog Mama
Mystic Dog Mama is the podcast for soul-led dog mamas where you will discover how to best nourish your dog - and yourself - mind, body, and soul. Join me, Dr. Alexia Mellor, as I talk with some of the most inspiring pet experts, spiritual leaders, health professionals, and more, as we explore how our dogs are teaching us about what it means to be human. This is the place for inspiring stories, along with practical tips and tricks on how to lead a more holistic, nourished, and soulful life with your canine companion.
- Episodes
- 159
- Releases
- Weekly
- Typical length
- 1 hr 14 min
- On air since
- 2023
- Latest episode
- 3 days ago
Episodes
159 episodes, newest first
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1 hr
Beyond the Bowl: How Feeding Our Dogs Can Help Us Reimagine Our Food Systems, with Dr Daphne Du Cros
Episode 158
Show notes
What if the food we put in our dogs’ bowls could help us rethink our relationship with food, farming and the natural world? And what if nourishing our animals could be part of creating a more resilient future for all of us?
In this episode of Mystic Dog Mama, I’m joined by Daphne Du Cros, food systems researcher, farmer and advocate for more resilient, locally rooted food systems. Through her work at Little Woodbatch and with the Shropshire Good Food Partnership, Daphne explores the connections between food, land, animals and the communities we depend on.
We explore the fragility of our current food systems, what happens when we become disconnected from where our food comes from, and why resilience is about more than simply having food on supermarket shelves. Daphne shares her experience of connecting different parts of the food system, from farming and food production to local communities, and why building stronger relationships matters in an increasingly uncertain world.
We also look at the parallels between human food and the pet food industry, and why our companion animals are so often missing from conversations about the future of food. From the convenience of processed foods to the importance of knowing how our food is produced, we consider how feeding our dogs can open up bigger questions about food sovereignty, sustainability and our place within the natural world.
And, of course, we get into some of the more challenging questions around our relationship with animals, the realities of raising and eating other animals, and what it means to approach food with greater awareness and respect for the lives and ecosystems involved.
But this conversation isn't about feeling overwhelmed or believing we need all the answers before we can make a difference. We explore practical things we can do in our own lives and communities — from supporting local farmers to growing food, saving seeds, cooking from scratch and sharing skills.
Daphne introduces the idea of through-topia: moving towards a better future through the small, practical things we do along the way. And she leaves us with a message I think many of us need to hear: your activism doesn't have to be perfect. You don't have to get everything right or transform the way you feed your dog overnight. You can start where you are, do what you can, and build from there.
This is an invitation to look beyond the bowl and recognise that nourishing our dogs is connected to much bigger conversations about the food we produce, the land we care for, the communities we belong to and the future we want to create.
Because perhaps our dogs aren't just part of our families. They're also an opportunity to reconnect with food, nature and the living world in ways we might never have expected.
Connect with Daphne:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/littlewoodbatch
Shropshire Good Food Partnership: https://shropshiregoodfood.org
Connect with me:
Website: https://mysticdogmama.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mysticdogmama
Explore the Mystic Dog Mama Seasonal Nourishment Journal, created to help you slow down, tune into the changing seasons and bring more intention to the way you nourish yourself and your dog. https://mysticdogmamastudio.etsy.com
Get your free copy of The Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter Kit: https://mysticdogmama.com
Join my free community, The Nourished Pack: https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpack
If this episode resonates with you, please share it with a fellow dog mama and leave a review. It helps more people discover Mystic Dog Mama and explore what it means to live a more connected, nourished life with our dogs.
This podcast is for education and exploration and is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent illness or to replace individual veterinary or professional advice. Views expressed by guests are their own and should be considered alongside the available evidence and appropriate professional guidance.
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1 hr 27 min
Honoring Dr Laura Donaldson
Episode 157
Show notes
This week, we lost an absolute legend in the dog world, and such a beautiful human being who had a profound impact on so many people, including me and my relationship with my dog, Lucky. To honour Dr Laura Donaldson, this week I am replaying a conversation that I had earlier in the year with her and her dear friend and colleague, Annie Phenix.
If you have been touched by Laura’s work, please feel free to leave a comment. I also encourage you to continue sharing Laura’s work and her wisdom with others.
And, as Laura would say, Keep the Canine Faith.
What if the future of dog care isn’t about better obedience…but about deeper safety?
In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, I sit down with Dr Laura Donaldson and Annie Phenix to explore their new course, Transformation and Healing: New Paradigms for You and Your Dog - and the larger shift happening in the world of canine care.
We begin by honouring the late Sarah Fisher, whose work invited us to learn from our dogs rather than simply lead or manage them. Her legacy threads through this entire conversation.
This episode challenges the long-held paradigm of compliance in our relationships with dogs. Instead of focusing on obedience and suppression of behaviour, we explore what becomes possible when we centre:
*Deep safety
*Emotional wellbeing
*Agency
*Resilience
*Trust
*Social support
We discuss what it means to become trauma-informed in our approach — and why that shift is transformative, not additive.
We explore:
✨ Why compliance has shaped traditional dog training - and why it’s time to question it
✨ Dogs as somatic beings (and how we’ve forgotten that we are too)
✨ The intelligence and wisdom of all life forms - and dismantling the “humans at the top” worldview
✨ Getting curious about behaviour instead of correcting it
✨ The links between pain, nutrition, and behaviour
✨ The power of a collaborative care team (vet, behaviour professional, nutrition consultant)
✨ Becoming your dog’s advocate - and how that often becomes the path to advocating for yourself
We also speak to something many of us feel but rarely name:
Your dog may be your greatest teacher.Your “difficult” dog may be your healer in disguise.
At the heart of this conversation is love - the kind that truly witnesses. The kind that listens. The kind that believes healing is possible.
Because we can heal from trauma.And so can our dogs.
And how embodied, courageous kindness is what moves us forward.
If you’ve ever felt there must be another way to be with your dog, then this episode is for you.
Join Dr Laura’s and Annie’s course, Transformation & Healing: New Paradigms for Our Lives With Dogs, here:
https://laura-s-school-1f3f.thinkific.com/courses/transformationhealing
Join Annie’s free group The Canine Trauma Clinic here:
https://community.caninetraumaclinic.com
Connect with me!
Website: https://mysticdogmama.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mysticdogmama
Come join my free Facebook group, The Nourished Pack. It’s my sanctuary where soulful dog mamas like you find clarity, confidence, and connection https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpack
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.
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1 hr 13 min
Beyond the Physical: Healing, Intuition and Our Connection with Animals, with Dr Niikee Schoendorfer
Episode 65
Show notes
What if healing involves more than addressing our physical symptoms? And what if our relationships with our animals have something to teach us about our own health, emotional wellbeing and personal growth?
In this episode of Mystic Dog Mama, I’m joined by Dr Niikee Schoendorfer, whose journey from naturopathic medicine, nutritional biochemistry and scientific research has led her into the world of energy medicine and intuitive healing.
We explore what it means to look beyond the physical body and consider the bigger picture of health - including the emotions, beliefs and patterns that shape our experience. Dr Niikee shares her perspective on the relationship between emotional and physical wellbeing, the effects of stress, and how we can begin to reconnect with ourselves when life leaves us feeling disconnected or out of balance.
We also get practical, exploring how breathwork can help us become more present and reconnect with our inner wisdom. From intuition and trusting what we sense to the role of energy in our experience of the world, this conversation invites us to become curious about dimensions of healing that may sit beyond our usual ways of understanding health.
And, of course, we bring it back to our animals. Could our dogs be catalysts for our own healing and growth? What might our relationships with them reveal about ourselves, and how might the work we do within ourselves change the way we show up for them?
We also venture into a bigger conversation about consciousness, energy and the idea of a New Earth — and what it might mean to live with greater awareness, connection and trust in our own intuitive knowing.
This is an invitation to look at healing from a different perspective: not simply as a battle against what is wrong, but as a process of coming back into balance, reconnecting with ourselves and deepening the relationships that make life meaningful.
If you’ve ever felt that your own wellbeing and your relationship with your dog are more deeply connected than we might ordinarily acknowledge, this conversation is an invitation to explore that connection with curiosity.
Because nourishing our dogs - and ourselves - mind, body and soul begins with being open to what we might discover.
Connect with Dr Niikee:Website: https://www.drniikee.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.niikee.mystic.medicine/
Connect with me:
Website: https://mysticdogmama.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mysticdogmama
Get your free copy of The Mystic Dog Mma Nourishment Starter Kit: mysticdogmama.com
Join my free community, The Nourished Pack: facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpack
If this episode resonates with you, please share it with a fellow dog mama and leave a review. It helps more people discover Mystic Dog Mama and join us in exploring what it means to live a more connected, nourished life with our dogs.
This podcast is for education and exploration and is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent illness or to replace individual veterinary or professional advice. Views expressed by guests are their own and should be considered alongside the available evidence and appropriate professional guidance.
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1 hr 40 min
What If We're Looking at Your Dog's Health All Wrong? Cybernetics, Systems and Whole-Body Health with Dr Tom Lonsdale
Show notes
What if we stopped looking at our dogs as a collection of parts — and started looking at them as living systems?
What if the symptom we're looking at isn't the whole story?
What if health isn't simply about identifying the broken part and fixing it, but about understanding the complex web of communication, feedback, environment and relationship happening within the whole organism?
In this episode of the Mystic Dog Mama podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Tom Lonsdale for our third conversation together, and we dive into one of his favourite — and most challenging — subjects: cybernetics.
Cybernetics offers a way of looking at living systems not as collections of isolated components, but as dynamic, interconnected wholes.
And that gives us a very different way of thinking about health.
We talk about the relationship between the oral health and the rest of the body, chronic inflammation, diet, evolutionary biology and why Tom believes dogs and cats can offer us important insights into how biological systems work.
But this conversation isn't really just about teeth.
It becomes a much bigger conversation about how we think.
And about what can happen when we start to question the assumptions underneath the systems we've inherited.
We also explore what cybernetics might teach us about our relationship with nature.
What happens when we stop seeing “humans” and “nature” as separate?
What happens when we consider the ripple effects of our choices — from the food we feed our dogs to the chemicals we use, the food systems we depend upon, and the wider ecosystems of which we're part?
In this episode, we explore:
• What is cybernetics? — and how communication, control and feedback help us understand living systems
• Periodontal disease in dogs and cats — why Tom believes the mouth can offer us a window into much bigger biological processes
• Evolution and the carnivore — what looking at dogs and cats through an evolutionary lens might tell us about their biology
• Our relationship with nature — and what changes when we stop thinking of ourselves as separate from the ecosystems we inhabit
• Challenging the status quo — what happens when new ways of thinking collide with established systems and professional orthodoxies
• The power of the individual dog guardian — and why Tom and I believe there is significance in the choices we make for the animals in our carePerhaps the biggest question I took away from this conversation is this:
What becomes possible when we stop asking only, “What is wrong with this part?” and start asking, “What is happening within the whole system?”
Because our dogs aren't collections of symptoms. They're living, responsive, interconnected beings — embedded within families, communities and ecosystems. And perhaps learning to see those connections is one of the most important forms of nourishment we can offer.
This episode is sponsored by Aspirationery
Aspirationery creates books, notebooks and stationery to support you in becoming all you aspire to be.
Find out more on Instagram: https://instagram.com/aspirationery
Connect with Dr Tom Lonsdale
Continue the conversation
🌿 Get the Nourishment Starter Kit: https://mysticdogmama.com
🐾 Join The Nourished Pack: https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpack
If this episode gave you something to think about, I'd love to hear what stayed with you. Come and find me @mysticdogmama or share the episode with someone who might enjoy the conversation.
And if you're enjoying the podcast, please follow, leave a review and share it — it really helps more people find Mystic Dog Mama.
This podcast is for education and exploration and is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent illness or to replace individual veterinary or professional advice. Views expressed by guests are their own and should be considered alongside the available evidence and appropriate professional guidance.
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9 min
Field Note: Mabon and Redefining Balance
Episode 154
Show notes
Field Notes from Mystic Dog Mama
Field Notes are my short musings from walks with Lucky - the things I find myself noticing, wondering about, and turning over as we move through the seasons together.
For this first Field Note, I'm thinking about balance as we arrive at Mabon and the Autumn Equinox.
What if balance isn't fixed? What if it doesn't mean everything being equal, or getting everything right all the time, but instead means paying attention to what this particular moment, and this particular season, is asking of us?
A reflection on our dogs, our own lives, our search for certainty, and the wisdom that can come from coming back to the present moment and asking:
What does balance look like for me, right now?
And a little invitation to notice the season in the small things - a change in the air, an autumn leaf, cinnamon in your coffee, or what your dog stops to investigate on your walk.
Keep exploring
Continue the season with the Seasonal Nourishment Journal. The Mystic Dog Mama Seasonal Nourishment Journal is a field guide to living a more nourished life with your dog - with space to notice the seasons, reflect on what you need, and make room for the small rituals and moments that often pass us by.
Rooted in the Wheel of the Year, it follows the changing seasons with weekly reflections, mandalas, rituals and prompts for nourishing life with your dog, mind, body and soul.
Explore the Seasonal Nourishment Journal:
https://mysticdogmamastudio.etsy.com
Start your nourishment journey
Download the free Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter Kit - an introduction to fresh food, energetics, targeted support, curiosity and holistic health.
Join The Nourished Pack
Come and continue the conversation inside our free community for dog guardians exploring a more holistic approach to nourishment.
Enjoying Field Notes?
Follow the podcast and, if you have a moment, leave a rating or review. It helps other soul-led dog guardians find Mystic Dog Mama.
And if this episode made you think of someone, share it with them. Sometimes the right thought arrives at just the right moment.
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1 hr 11 min
Revisited: Samhain, Story and the Spiritual Dog. Reconnecting with the Magic of Irish Mythology with Jen Murphy
Episode 153
Show notes
What if the old stories still have something to teach us?
As we move towards Mabon — the Autumn Equinox and a turning point on the Celtic Wheel of the Year — I’ve been thinking about what it means to live more in tune with the seasons, rather than simply following the dates on a calendar.
So it felt fitting to end this summer’s Revisited series with my conversation with Irish mythologist Jen Murphy.
We talk about dogs in Irish mythology, the role of the hound as guide and companion, animism, the wisdom held within the seasons, and the Irish concept of dán — our soul’s gift or creative destiny.
It’s a beautiful conversation about mythology, purpose, nature and the ways our dogs can call us back into deeper relationship with the world around us.
In this episode, we explore:
• Dogs and the hound in Irish mythology
• The Celtic Wheel of the Year and seasonal living
• Animism and our relationship with nature
• Mythology as a living practice
• Dán — the idea of our soul’s gift or creative destiny
• Following the breadcrumbs rather than needing to know exactly where they leadAs we cross this seasonal threshold, perhaps it’s a good moment to ask: what is ready to be harvested, what are you ready to let go of, and what is calling you towards what comes next?
Continue the conversation
Learn more from Jen Murphy
Start your holistic journey
Download my free Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter Kit for practical guidance on fresh food, energetics, targeted support, curiosity, and holistic health:
https://mysticdogmama.com/Join The Nourished Pack
Continue the conversation with like-minded dog guardians inside our free community:
https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpackJoin me for one of my upcoming Cook-Alongs!
Saturday 26th September 10am-1pm UK time
Saturday 3rd October 5pm-8pm UK time (12pm ET// 10am MT// 9am PT)
Information and booking: https://mysticdogmama.com/upcoming-events
If this episode resonated with you…
Please consider following the podcast and leaving a rating or review. It helps more soul-led dog guardians discover these conversations and supports the growth of this community.
And if someone came to mind while listening, I'd love for you to share this episode with them.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.
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1 hr 8 min
Revisited: Dampness - The Hidden Pathogen You Need to Know About with Dr Neal Loh
Episode 152
Show notes
Could “dampness” be part of what’s going on with your dog?
Maybe your dog has recurring yeast or ear problems. Maybe their digestion seems to be constantly up and down, or you’re dealing with symptoms that improve for a while only to come back again.
What if, instead of looking at each of these things as a separate problem, we started to look at the bigger picture?
In this Revisited episode of the Mystic Dog Mama podcast, I’m bringing back my conversation with Dr. Neal Loh, holistic and integrative veterinarian, because there is so much in this conversation that continues to shape the way I think about nourishment and whole-dog health.
Neil introduces us to the traditional Chinese medicine concept of dampness — a pattern that can sit beneath and contribute to a whole range of health imbalances.
We talk about what dampness is, how it can show up in our dogs, where stagnation fits into the picture, and why food and food energetics can be such an important part of supporting the individual dog.
But perhaps what I love most about this conversation is that it moves us away from the idea that there is one perfect food, one perfect diet, or one perfect solution.
Because in traditional Chinese medicine, context matters.
The individual dog matters. Their constitution matters. Their digestion, their environment, their emotional state and the foods they are eating all form part of a much bigger picture.
In this episode, we explore:
• Dampness in traditional Chinese medicine — what it is, how it develops, and why it can be such a stubborn pattern
• How dampness can show up in our dogs — including recurring yeast, ear problems, digestive upset and other patterns of imbalance
• Stagnation and damp heat — and how these concepts can help us think differently about chronic or recurring symptoms
• Food energetics and individual constitution — why the same food can have very different effects on different dogs
• Why “balanced” doesn’t have to mean perfect — and how TCM can help us move away from the pressure to get everything right in every single bowl
• Looking beyond the symptom — and beginning to see health as an interconnected picture rather than a collection of isolated problemsThe question I really want you to take away from this conversation is:
What changes when we stop asking only “What symptom are we trying to fix?” and start asking “What is the whole dog telling us?”
So whether you’re completely new to Traditional Chinese Medicine or you’ve been exploring food energetics and constitutional approaches for years, I think there’s something here for you.
Continue the conversation
Learn more from Dr Neal Loh
https://www.holisticpetvet.com.au/
Start your holistic journey
Download my free Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter Kit for practical guidance on fresh food, energetics, targeted support, curiosity, and holistic health:
https://mysticdogmama.com/Join The Nourished Pack
Continue the conversation with like-minded dog guardians inside our free community:
https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpackJoin me for one of my upcoming Cook-Alongs!
Saturday 26th September 10am-1pm UK time
Saturday 3rd October 5pm-8pm UK time (12pm ET// 10am MT// 9am PT)
Information and booking: https://mysticdogmama.com/upcoming-events
If this episode resonated with you…
Please consider following the podcast and leaving a rating or review. It helps more soul-led dog guardians discover these conversations and supports the growth of this community.
And if someone came to mind while listening, I'd love for you to share this episode with them.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.
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1 hr 5 min
Revisited: A Deep Dive into Allergies, Intolerances, and Sensitivities with Dr Katie Woodley
Episode 151
Show notes
Is your dog “allergic” to everything?
Maybe they can only eat one protein. Maybe you’ve been told to avoid chicken, beef, grains, dairy, or a whole list of other foods. Maybe you’ve tried food after food, supplement after supplement, and you’re still dealing with itchy skin, recurring ear problems, digestive upset or unexplained reactions.
But what if we’ve been too quick to call all of these things an allergy?
In this Revisited episode of the Mystic Dog Mama podcast, I’m bringing back my conversation with Dr. Katie Woodley, holistic veterinarian and founder of The Natural Pet Doctor, because this conversation feels particularly relevant right now.
Since announcing my upcoming cook-along, I’ve had several dog guardians get in touch to ask whether it’s suitable for their dogs because they have allergies, sensitivities or intolerances — and some dogs apparently have an ever-shrinking list of foods they’re “allowed” to eat.
And it got me thinking about how much fear and confusion can surround food when our dogs are struggling.
Because allergies, intolerances and sensitivities are not necessarily the same thing.
In this conversation, Katie helps us untangle some of that confusion and look beyond the ever-growing list of foods our dogs supposedly can't have.
In this episode, we explore:
• Allergies vs intolerances vs sensitivities — what’s actually happening in the body, and why these terms are so often confused
• Food and allergy testing — which types of testing can provide useful information, and why some tests may leave you with more questions (and fewer foods) than you started with
• The gut–immune connection — and why gut health can be such an important piece of the puzzle when we’re seeing skin and digestive symptoms
• Why it isn’t always about the food — and what digestion, absorption, the microbiome, stress and the nervous system might have to do with the pictureThe question I really want you to take away: instead of only asking “What food is causing this?”, what happens when we start asking “Why is my dog reacting in the first place?”
So if you’ve been stuck in the cycle of food elimination, testing, changing diets and wondering what on earth your dog can actually eat anymore, this conversation is for you.
And if you’re wondering whether my upcoming cook-along might be appropriate for your dog, I’d definitely give this episode a listen first.
Come with your curiosity switched on.
And let's look beyond the label.
Continue the conversation
Learn more from Dr Katie Woodley
https://thenaturalpetdoctor.com
Start your holistic journey
Download my free Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter Kit for practical guidance on fresh food, energetics, targeted support, curiosity, and holistic health:
https://mysticdogmama.com/Join The Nourished Pack
Continue the conversation with like-minded dog guardians inside our free community:
https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpackJoin me for one of my upcoming Cook-Alongs!
Saturday 26th September 10am-1pm UK time
Saturday 3rd October 5pm-8pm UK time (12pm ET// 10am MT// 9am PT)
Information and booking: https://mysticdogmama.com/upcoming-events
If this episode resonated with you…
Please consider following the podcast and leaving a rating or review. It helps more soul-led dog guardians discover these conversations and supports the growth of this community.
And if someone came to mind while listening, I'd love for you to share this episode with them.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.
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1 hr 21 min
Revisited: Redefining Reactivity, Recognizing Trauma in Your Dog with Dr Laura Donaldson
Episode 150
Show notes
What if “reactivity” isn't the whole story?
What if the behaviour we find difficult in our dogs is actually communication - an expression of fear, overwhelm, a nervous system on high alert, or a dog who simply doesn't feel safe?
In this Revisited episode of Mystic Dog Mama, I return to my very first conversation with Dr Laura Donaldson, a conversation that had a profound impact on how I understood Lucky and the way I approached our relationship.
I first discovered Laura's work when I was desperately looking for help with Lucky's reactivity. At the time, I was experiencing so much of what can come with living alongside a dog who finds the world difficult: overwhelm, fear, isolation, grief, and the constant worry that somehow you're letting your dog down.
Laura introduced me to a different way of seeing things.
Rather than asking “How do I stop this behaviour?”, she encouraged me to become curious about what was happening underneath it - and to ask:
“What do I need to learn from you to help you feel safe in this context?”
That question has stayed with me. And over time, it became part of a much bigger shift in how I related to Lucky. Learning to listen differently, understanding regulation, paying attention to my own nervous system, supporting his gut health, and bringing together the physical, emotional and relational pieces of his wellbeing have all played a part.
Today, Lucky is a dog who genuinely enjoys being in the world, and I enjoy being in it with him.
That's why I wanted to revisit this conversation.
In this episode, we explore:
• Why the language of “reactivity” can sometimes limit how we understand our dogs
• What might be happening underneath behaviours such as reactivity and aggression
• Understanding trauma and its potential impact on our dogs
• The importance of safety and emotional resilience
• How our own nervous systems and experiences can become part of the picture
• Asking better questions of our dogs rather than simply trying to stop unwanted behaviours
• How we can become stronger advocates for our dogs
• Supporting dogs who carry emotional charge in their bodies
• Laura's approach to grounding and regulation
• EFT and energy work as possible tools for supporting emotional wellbeing
• The relationship between compassion for our dogs and compassion for ourselvesContinue the conversation
Learn more from Dr Laura Donaldson
https://fourpawsfourdirections.com/Start your holistic journey
Download my free Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter Kit for practical guidance on fresh food, energetics, targeted support, curiosity, and holistic health:
https://mysticdogmama.com/Join The Nourished Pack
Continue the conversation with like-minded dog guardians inside our free community:
https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpackJoin me for one of my upcoming Cook-Alongs!
Saturday 26th September 10am-1pm UK time
Saturday 3rd October 5pm-8pm UK time (12pm ET// 10am MT// 9am PT)
Information and booking: https://mysticdogmama.com/upcoming-events
If this episode resonated with you…
Please consider following the podcast and leaving a rating or review. It helps more soul-led dog guardians discover these conversations and supports the growth of this community.
And if someone came to mind while listening, I'd love for you to share this episode with them.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.
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1 hr 17 min
Revisited: The One Key Ingredient for Your Dog's Health with Dr Tom Lonsdale
Episode 149
Show notes
What if understanding what dogs need begins with a much simpler question:
What is a dog?
In this revisited episode from the Mystic Dog Mama archives, I return to my very first conversation with veterinary surgeon and author Dr. Tom Lonsdale - a conversation that laid the groundwork for so much of my own thinking about canine nourishment.
Tom has spent decades challenging conventional approaches to feeding and caring for carnivores, and in this conversation we explore one of the foundations of his work: why he believes raw meaty bones are so important to canine health and wellbeing.
But this conversation goes far beyond what belongs in the bowl.
We explore the dog as a facultative carnivore and what that might tell us about nourishment, behaviour and physiology. Tom also introduces his thinking around cybernetics — the idea that living systems are interconnected and regulated through feedback — and how this framework led him to develop a hypothesis about the relationship between periodontal disease and the wider health of carnivores.
In this episode, we explore:
• Why Tom believes raw meaty bones are fundamental to the health of carnivores
• What it means to consider the dog as a facultative carnivore
• The relationship between food, behaviour, physiology and environment
• Why the mouth may be far more significant to whole-body health than we traditionally considerContinue the conversation
Learn more from Dr Tom Lonsdale
https://www.thepetfoodcon.com/
Start your holistic journey
Download my free Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter Kit for practical guidance on fresh food, energetics, targeted support, curiosity, and holistic health:
https://mysticdogmama.com/Join the waitlist for my Mystic Dog Mama Oracle Deck! https://mysticdogmama.com/oracle-deck
Join The Nourished Pack
Continue the conversation with like-minded dog guardians inside our free community:
https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpackIf this episode resonated with you…
Please consider following the podcast and leaving a rating or review. It helps more soul-led dog guardians discover these conversations and supports the growth of this community.
And if someone came to mind while listening, I'd love for you to share this episode with them.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.
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1 hr 14 min
Revisited: Why Neutering Is No Longer an Option with Dr Lise Hansen
Episode 148
Show notes
What does it mean to be a responsible dog guardian when science asks us to rethink what we've always believed?
In this Revisited episode of Mystic Dog Mama, I'm joined by holistic veterinarian Dr. Lise Hansen for one of the podcast's most listened-to and talked-about conversations.
For many of us, routine neutering was simply part of responsible dog ownership. It was the advice we were given, and we made those decisions with the best information available at the time.
But science evolves.
As our understanding of the body's interconnected systems has deepened, so too has our understanding of the long-term health implications of routinely removing a major part of the endocrine system. This conversation explores what that growing body of research means for our dogs, and how it invites us to rethink not only neutering itself, but our wider role as their guardians.
Together, we explore:
✨ Why routine neutering has become one of the biggest paradigm shifts in modern canine healthcare
✨ What the latest research tells us about the role of the endocrine system and why sex hormones influence far more than reproduction
✨ The changes to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association's reproductive guidelines and what they mean for dog guardians
✨ Common concerns around pyometra, testicular cancer and population control, and how these fit into the current evidence
✨ Alternative approaches, including hormone-sparing procedures, and when they may be appropriate
✨ Why holistic health isn't about focusing on one decision in isolation, but supporting the whole dog through nutrition, lifestyle and informed healthcare choices
✨ What this conversation teaches us about curiosity, discernment and allowing our understanding to evolve as new evidence emerges
One of the themes I return to throughout this conversation is that we all make the best decisions we can with the information available to us at the time. This episode isn't about blame or guilt. It's about remaining open to learning, asking thoughtful questions, and becoming more informed advocates for the dogs who share their lives with us.
Whether you're making decisions for a young puppy, caring for an adult dog, or simply interested in how science continues to shape the future of canine health, I hope this conversation gives you plenty to reflect on.
Continue the conversation
Learn more about Dr. Lise Hansen
Visit Dr. Hansen's website to learn more about her work and her book The Complete Book of Cat and Dog Health: https://alternative-vet.co.uk/Start your holistic journey
Download my free Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter Kit for practical guidance on fresh food, energetics, targeted support, curiosity, and holistic health:
https://mysticdogmama.com/Join the waitlist for the Mystic Dog Mama Oracle Deck
https://mysticdogmama.com/oracle-deckJoin The Nourished Pack
Continue the conversation with like-minded dog guardians inside our free community:
https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpackIf this episode resonated with you...
Please consider following the podcast and leaving a rating or review. It helps more soul-led dog guardians discover these conversations and supports the growth of this community.
And if someone came to mind while listening, I'd love for you to share this episode with them.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.
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1 hr 11 min
Revisited: When We Don't Know the Way - Tarot, Dogs & Trusting the Journey with Sarah Vrba
Episode 147
Show notes
What if your dog isn’t just your companion, but also your teacher?
In this episode of Mystic Dog Mama, I’m joined by intuitive tarot and astrology expert and fellow Mystic Dog Mama, Sarah Verba, for a conversation about dogs, the mystical path, intuition, and what our animal companions reveal about ourselves.
I have followed Sarah’s work for years, and I’ve always been drawn to the way she uses tarot and astrology not as tools for predicting a fixed future, but as invitations to reconnect with ourselves, explore our inner landscapes, and move through life with curiosity and compassion.
Together, we explore what it means to embrace the unknown, to question the conditioning we’ve inherited, and to allow ourselves to be works in progress rather than constantly striving towards some imagined finished version of ourselves.
In this conversation, we dive into:
✨ How intuitive tarot differs from traditional approaches and why tarot can be a tool for self-reflection rather than fear
✨ The mystical path as a process of deconditioning, unlearning, and reconnecting with our own inner wisdom
✨ Why being “in process” can feel so uncomfortable — and why allowing ourselves to be seen while we’re figuring things out can create deeper connection
✨ The appearance of dogs in tarot, particularly in the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, and what the dog archetype can teach us about companionship, instinct, intuition, and returning to our wild selves
✨ Why dogs are such powerful guides back into nature, the present moment, and the magic of everyday life
✨ The wisdom of Chihuahua time (something Lucky has taught me very well!)
Sarah shares her own journey with her rescue dog and the ways he has challenged her to embrace her instincts, her needs, and her wild nature. We talk about how our dogs often invite us into the very places we might otherwise avoid — uncertainty, vulnerability, change, and the unknown.
This episode is a beautiful reminder that our dogs are not just animals who walk beside us. They are beings who can help us see ourselves more clearly, reconnect with the natural world, and remember that the path is rarely a straight line.
Continue the conversation
Learn more from Sarah Vrba
Visit Sarah’s website to explore her resources https://sarahtarot.comStart your holistic journey
Download my free Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter Kit for practical guidance on fresh food, energetics, targeted support, curiosity, and holistic health:
https://mysticdogmama.com/Join the waitlist for my Mystic Dog Mama Oracle Deck! https://mysticdogmama.com/oracle-deck
Join The Nourished Pack
Continue the conversation with like-minded dog guardians inside our free community:
https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpackIf this episode resonated with you…
Please consider following the podcast and leaving a rating or review. It helps more soul-led dog guardians discover these conversations and supports the growth of this community.
And if someone came to mind while listening, I'd love for you to share this episode with them.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.
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1 hr 16 min
Revisited: Your Dog's Microbiome - An Unexpected Window to the Soul with Dr Odette Suter
Episode 146
Show notes
What if the microbiome is about more than digestion?
When we hear the word microbiome, the conversation usually turns to probiotics, gut health, allergies, or finding the perfect supplement. While those topics matter, this revisited conversation with holistic veterinarian Dr. Odette Suter invites us to explore something much deeper.
Together, we ask what the microbiome might reveal about the nature of health itself. If we—and our dogs—are made up of trillions of microbes that influence everything from immunity and behaviour to our relationship with the natural world, what does that mean for how we understand ourselves? Where does consciousness begin? And what if supporting the microbiome isn't simply about fixing the gut, but about remembering that we are part of a much larger living system?
Alongside these bigger questions, Dr. Suter shares practical insights into nurturing your dog's microbiome, the limitations of many probiotic products, why early life matters so much, and how nutrition, movement, stress, and connection all influence health.
Whether you're curious about gut health or simply love exploring the deeper lessons our dogs offer us, I hope this conversation leaves you seeing both your dog—and yourself—a little differently.
In this episode, we explore:
• What the microbiome actually is—and why it matters far beyond digestion.
• Why microbes may influence far more of our lives than we realise.
• How the microbiome challenges our ideas of health, identity, and consciousness.
• Why true healing requires looking beyond symptoms.
• The connection between the gut, nervous system, emotions, and environment.
• The role of nature, movement, and diversity in supporting a healthy microbiome.
• Why many probiotic products don't always live up to their promises.
• How our dogs invite us back into relationship with ourselves and the living world.Continue the conversation
🌿 Learn more from Dr. Odette Suter
Visit Dr. Suter's website to explore her educational resources, masterclasses, and programmes:
https://odettesuterdvm.com/🌿 Start your holistic journey
Download my free Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter Kit for practical guidance on fresh food, energetics, targeted support, curiosity, and holistic health:
https://mysticdogmama.com/🌿 Join The Nourished Pack
Continue the conversation with like-minded dog guardians inside our free community:
https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpackIf this episode resonated with you…
Please consider following the podcast and leaving a rating or review. It helps more soul-led dog guardians discover these conversations and supports the growth of this community.
And if someone came to mind while listening, I'd love for you to share this episode with them.
Check out our sponsor, Aspirationery’s shadow work journals and workbooks: https://instagram.com/aspirationery
Connect with me on Instagram https://instagram.com/mysticdogmama
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.
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1 hr 16 min
Revisited: What Archaeology Reveals About Dogs (and Why It Matters Today) with David Ian Howe
Episode 145
Show notes
Part of the Mystic Dog Mama Revisited summer series – conversations that continue to shape the way I think about dogs, nourishment and what it means to be human.
This was the very first interview I ever recorded for the Mystic Dog Mama podcast, and looking back, I couldn't have chosen a better place to begin.
Before we can talk about nutrition, behaviour, training or holistic health, we first have to ask a more fundamental question:
What is a dog?
In this fascinating conversation, archaeologist and anthropologist David Ian Howe invites us to step back in time and explore the extraordinary relationship between humans and dogs. Together, we discuss co-evolution, ancient mythologies, and what archaeology can teach us about one of humanity's oldest and most enduring partnerships.
Listening back nearly three years later, I'm struck by how many of the ideas that now sit at the heart of Mystic Dog Mama were already quietly present in this conversation. It reminds us that understanding our dogs isn't just about learning more about them - it’s also about learning more about ourselves.
In this episode, we explore:
• Why the story of dogs is also the story of humans
• What archaeology and anthropology reveal about our relationship with dogs
• How dogs have appeared in myths and cultures throughout history
• Why understanding what a dog is changes how we care for them
• What our relationship with dogs can teach us about being humanContinue your journey
Follow me on Instagram https://instagram.com/mysticdogmama
Download the free Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter KitA gentle introduction to the five foundations of whole-dog nourishment and holistic care.
https://mysticdogmama.kit.com/nourishmentkitJoin The Nourished PackA free community for curious dog guardians exploring a more thoughtful, relationship-led approach to caring for their dogs.
https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpackConnect with David
Follow David Ian Howe on Instagram: https://instagram.com/ethnocynology
If this conversation resonates with you, I'd love it if you subscribed, left a review, or shared the episode with someone who sees dogs as so much more than pets.
Because sometimes the oldest stories still have the most to teach us.
Check out our sponsor, Aspirationery’s shadow work journals and workbooks: https://instagram.com/aspirationery
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.
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1 hr 6 min
Flea Treatments in the Home: What Happens After They're Applied? with Dr Tilly Collins
Episode 144
Show notes
Where do flea and tick treatments really go?
For many of us, protecting our dogs from fleas and ticks has become part of responsible care. But what happens when the products we use to protect our dogs raise wider questions about environmental health, scientific uncertainty and the choices we make every day?
In this thought-provoking conversation, I'm joined by Dr Tilly Collins, Senior Fellow & Deputy Director of Imperial College London's Centre for Environmental Policy, whose research is transforming our understanding of how flea and tick pesticides move beyond the animals they're applied to.
Together, we explore what happens after these products are used, how residues have been found not only in rivers and waterways but within our homes, and why this is opening up important new conversations about parasite management, environmental responsibility and the need for further research.
Rather than offering simple answers, this episode invites us to ask better questions.
Because perhaps the future of parasite management isn't about eliminating every risk—it's about understanding risk more deeply and making thoughtful, evidence-informed decisions for the individual dog in front of us.
In this episode we discuss:
• Why flea and tick control is far more complex than many of us realise
• How modern flea and tick pesticides work
• What Dr Collins' research has revealed about pesticide residues in homes, including household dust, mop water and dog bedding
• Whether fleas may be developing resistance to some commonly used products
• What we really mean when we talk about "risk"
• How to move towards a more personalised, risk-based approach to parasite management
• The need for further independent research into the long-term impacts on animals, people and the environment
• How we can begin shifting from routine intervention towards thoughtful stewardshipResources
🐾 Download my free Mystic Dog Mama Low-Tox Parasite Prevention Toolkit
Learn how to assess your dog's individual parasite risk and explore practical strategies for creating a balanced, integrated approach to parasite management.
👉 https://mysticdogmama.com/the-81-percent
🌿 Join The Nourished Pack
Come and continue the conversation with a community of thoughtful dog guardians exploring holistic canine care together.
👉 https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpack
Connect with me on Instagram https://instagram.com/mysticdogmama
Connect with Dr Tilly Collins
Senior Fellow & Deputy DirectorImperial College London's Centre for Environmental Policy
https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/t.collins/about
Enjoyed this episode?
If you found this conversation valuable, please consider:
⭐ Leaving a review
🎙️ Following the Mystic Dog Mama Podcast
📤 Sharing this episode with another dog lover
The more we can create space for thoughtful, evidence-informed conversations, the better equipped we'll all be to care for our dogs—and the wider living world they're part of.
Disclaimer
This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Decisions about parasite prevention should always be made in consultation with your veterinary professional, taking into account your dog's individual health, lifestyle and level of risk.
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1 hr 20 min
Arthritis Isn't the End of the Road: Arthritis in Dogs & Creating a Full Life Together with Dr Hannah Capon
Episode 143
Show notes
How do you know if your dog is living with arthritis?
The truth is, many dogs show signs of arthritis long before they're diagnosed. What we often dismiss as "slowing down with age" can actually be subtle signs of chronic pain—changes in behaviour, movement, sleep, or the way they engage with the world around them.
In this episode, I'm joined by Dr Hannah Capon, veterinary surgeon and founder of Canine Arthritis Management (CAM), to explore how we can better recognise arthritis in dogs, support dogs living with chronic pain, and help them continue to live full, meaningful lives.
Together, we discuss the early signs of arthritis in dogs, why arthritis isn't simply an "old dog" disease, the importance of maintaining a healthy body condition, and why there is no single supplement, medication, or therapy that can manage arthritis on its own. Instead, Hannah shares why the best arthritis care is always multi-modal - bringing together veterinary medicine, rehabilitation, nutrition, movement, environmental adaptations, and compassionate day-to-day support.
But this conversation goes far beyond canine arthritis.
We talk about caregiver fatigue, grief, kindness, and why supporting ourselves is an important part of supporting our dogs.
This episode is a reminder that arthritis doesn't have to mean the end of adventure, connection, or joy.
As Hannah says so beautifully:
"Arthritis isn't the end of the road—it's a new direction."
In this episode, you'll learn:
🐾 The early signs and symptoms of arthritis in dogs
🐾 How body condition, breeding, sport and previous injuries influence joint health
🐾 What a multi-modal arthritis management plan looks like
🐾 How movement and appropriate exercise support dogs with arthritis
🐾 Why protecting your own wellbeing is part of caring for a dog with chronic pain
About Dr Hannah Capon
Dr Hannah Capon is a veterinary surgeon and the founder of Canine Arthritis Management (CAM), an award-winning organisation dedicated to improving the lives of dogs living with arthritis through education, evidence-based resources, and practical support for both veterinary professionals and dog guardians.
Content note
This episode includes a brief discussion about the impact of chronic pain on mental health, including a mention of suicide.
If this episode resonated with you, I'd love to hear your reflections. Share it with someone navigating an arthritis diagnosis, leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts, or come and continue the conversation with me on Instagram.
Because living well isn't about avoiding life's challenges.
It's about learning how to walk through them - together.
Connect with Hannah and her team
Canine Arthritis Management (CAM): https://caninearthritis.co.uk/
Instagramhttps://instagram.com/canine_arthritis
FREE RESOURCE
Download my free Nourishment Starter Kit where you'll find practical guidance to help you evaluate your dog's diet and supplements, identify potential gaps, and focus on what truly matters without falling into overwhelm.
JOIN THE NOURISHED PACK
If you're looking for a supportive community of thoughtful dog guardians who want to nourish their dogs with greater confidence, curiosity, and intention, I'd love to welcome you into The Nourished Pack.
It's my free Facebook community where we continue conversations like this one, explore canine nutrition and holistic health, and support one another in navigating the often overwhelming world of conscious dog care.
Join here: https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpack
Check out our sponsor, Aspirationery’s shadow work journals and workbooks: https://instagram.com/aspirationery
Connect with me on Instagram @mysticdogmama or visit mysticdogmama.com.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.
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58 min
Revisited: The Healing Power of Music for Anxious & Nervous Dogs
Episode 142
Show notes
It's 4th of July weekend and the start of fireworks season in the US, so I'm revisiting this beautiful interview with Lisa Spector of Canine Classical, to give you some tips on how to use music and sound to support your dog. Enjoy!
You are in for a TREAT! Today, my guest is Lisa Spector of My Zen Pet. Lisa has such an incredible story. From graduating from the world renowned Julliard School, to pursuing a concert career, opening up a music school, and even raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind, Lisa has been on an incredible journey that has shown her the power that music holds - for dogs and humans alike.In this episode, Lisa talks about her journey into canine sound therapy, and she shares with us some really useful ways we can use music to calm our dogs’ nervous systems to both prevent and treat all kinds of anxiety. And she also shares why just putting any ol’ classical music on for your dog when you go out during the day, or during fireworks, might not actually be a helpful thing! Don’t worry, Lisa shares exactly what IS helpful to your dog’s nervous system, too.AND you’ll be treated to a mini concert you can share with your dog, as Lisa plays for us some of her calming music. It’s so beautiful, and you’re going to feel just as relaxed as your dog, so get comfy!Check out Lisa’s website https://myzenpet.com to learn more about her Dog Gone Calm Training Program and to stream her Dog Gone Calm album for your dog! You can also follow Lisa on Instagram https://instagram.com/my_zen_pet.Visit https://mysticdogmama.com for more information on booking a holistic nutrition and wellness consultation, and to get your copy of my ebook The N.E.W. Approach to feeding your dog!Finally, can I please ask you for a favour? If you are enjoying the podcast, a simple and really meaningful way you can support me is by rating the podcast and leaving a review on Apple podcasts. I know, I wish Spotify allowed reviews, too! Alas! But seriously, it really helps me to know what you are enjoying, and it is SO HELPFUL for helping others to find the podcast, and find this beautiful community we are creating together. I am so grateful for each an every one of you!OK, until next time!
Connect with Lisa on Instagram at https://instagram.com/canineclassical or visit her website https://https://canineclassical.com/
Connect with me on Instagram https://instagram.com/mysticdogmama or visit https://mysticdogmama.com.
Download your free copy of my Nourishment Starter Kit! https://mysticdogmama.kit.com/nourishmentkit
JOIN THE NOURISHED PACK
If you're looking for a supportive community of thoughtful dog guardians who want to nourish their dogs with greater confidence, curiosity, and intention, I'd love to welcome you into The Nourished Pack. It's my free Facebook community where we continue conversations like this one, explore canine nutrition and holistic health, and support one another in navigating the often overwhelming world of conscious dog care. Join here: https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpack
Check out our sponsor, Aspirationery’s shadow work journals and workbooks: https://instagram.com/aspirationery
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.
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1 hr 25 min
The Truth About Pet Supplements: What's Helping, What's Harming & What's Just Hype, with Alison Daniel
Episode 141
Show notes
We live in a time where it can feel like there's a supplement for everything.
One for the gut. One for the joints. One for calm. One for detox. One for immunity. And somewhere along the way, many dog guardians find themselves managing an ever-growing collection of powders, capsules, tinctures, and "just-in-case" products—all in the name of doing the best for their dogs.
But when does supplementation become supportive, and when does it become too much?
In this episode, I'm joined by Alison Daniel of My Pet Nutritionist to explore the role supplements actually play in canine health. We discuss what supplements are designed to do, when they're genuinely needed, and why they should never be seen as a replacement for good nutrition.
Together, we unpack:
• The difference between supporting health and chasing the latest trend
• Why food should always be the foundation
• How to identify when a supplement may actually be beneficial
• The common mistakes guardians make when supplementing
• How to prioritise supplements when budgets are limited
• The rise of all-in-one supplements and "just-in-case" supplementation
• What to look for in a high-quality supplement
• Red flags and misleading marketing claims to watch out for
• The risks of over-supplementation and why more isn't always betterWhether your dog takes no supplements at all or has an entire cupboard dedicated to them, this conversation will help you approach supplementation with greater clarity, confidence, and intention.
FREE RESOURCE
If today's episode has you questioning what's in your dog's bowl—or supplement cupboard—download my free Nourishment Starter Kit. Inside you'll find practical guidance to help you evaluate your dog's diet and supplements, identify potential gaps, and focus on what truly matters without falling into overwhelm.
Download your free copy at https://mysticdogmama.com.
JOIN THE NOURISHED PACK
If you're looking for a supportive community of thoughtful dog guardians who want to nourish their dogs with greater confidence, curiosity, and intention, I'd love to welcome you into The Nourished Pack.
It's my free Facebook community where we continue conversations like this one, explore canine nutrition and holistic health, and support one another in navigating the often overwhelming world of conscious dog care.
Join here: https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpack
Check out our sponsor, Aspirationery’s shadow work journals and workbooks: https://instagram.com/aspirationery
CONNECT
Find Alison at https://mypetnutritionist.comor on Instagram https://instagram.com/mypetnutritionist
Connect with me on Instagram https://instagram.com/mysticdogmama or visit https://mysticdogmama.com
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.
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18 min
Remembering Your Light: A Solstice Reflection for Dog Mamas
Episode 140
Show notes
As the solstice approaches, I wanted to offer something a little different.
In this reflective episode, I explore the themes of nourishment, intuition, creativity, and the Wild Woman archetype inspired by Women Who Run With the Wolves. Together, we'll consider what this seasonal threshold might be asking of us, what wants to emerge, and how our dogs can help guide us back to presence, connection, and our own inner knowing.
A gentle invitation to slow down, listen deeply, and remember your light.
This episode is sponsored by Aspirationery, creator of books, notebooks, and stationery to help you become all you aspire to be! If you are looking for a safe space to explore and embrace your Wild Woman self, the moon magic and shadow work journals and workbooks might be a useful support for you. You can take a peek at them on our Aspirationery instagram account https://instagram.com/aspirationery
✨ Free Resource: Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter Kit
If today's episode resonated with you, I'd love to gift you a free copy of my Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter Kit. Inside, you'll discover simple ways to begin supporting your dog's wellbeing through the lens of nourishment - exploring the idea that true health is about so much more than what's in the bowl. It's an invitation to bring more curiosity, connection, and intention into life with your dog. https://mysticdogmama.com
Connect with me!
Website: https://mysticdogmama.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mysticdogmama
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.
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1 hr 55 min
Raw Feeding: What the Evidence Actually Says About Canine Health -Part 2 with Dr Anna Hielm-Björkman
Episode 139
Show notes
When people talk about raw feeding, the conversation often begins - and ends - with pathogens.
But what if that's causing us to overlook much bigger questions?
In Part 2 of my conversation with veterinarian and canine nutrition researcher Dr. Anna Hielm-Björkman of the University of Helsinki's independent research group, DogRisk, we explore what researchers are beginning to discover now that raw-fed dogs are finally being studied more closely.
We dive into one of the most controversial topics in canine nutrition: food safety and pathogen risk. But we also look beyond the headlines to examine how risk is assessed, what the evidence actually shows, and whether our focus on acute hazards sometimes prevents us from investigating potential long-term health outcomes.
From there, we explore some of the most fascinating questions emerging from fresh feeding research:
• What benefits are researchers seeing repeatedly in fresh-fed dogs?
• Are the advantages of fresh feeding linked to rawness itself, or simply reduced processing?
• How should we think about the relationship between dogs, wolves, and diet?
• Do dogs actually need plants?
• Why does nutrient form matter as much as nutrient quantity?
• What happens metabolically when dogs consume fresh foods versus ultra-processed diets?
• Why might healthy fresh-fed dogs display different bloodwork values than conventionally fed dogs?This is a thoughtful, nuanced conversation about evidence, curiosity, and the questions we may not have been asking.
Whether you feed raw, gently cooked, kibble with fresh additions, or are simply curious about canine nutrition, this episode offers a fascinating look at what we're learning as research begins to catch up with practice.
Connect with Dr Anna and the DogRisk team: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/dogrisk-health-via-nutrition-epidemiology-and-disease-detection-dogs
Connect with me!
Website: https://mysticdogmama.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mysticdogmama
I'd love to invite you to join my free Facebook community, The Nourished Pack. You may remember it as First Light. The new name reflects a bigger conversation about nourishment - not just food, but all the ways we support the health and wellbeing of our dogs, ourselves, and the world around us. It's a welcoming space for curious dog guardians who want to learn, connect, and explore a more conscious approach to canine care.
https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpack
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.
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