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What does "regenerative agriculture" actually mean, and why should pet parents care?

In this episode, we sit down with the team behind Ramstead Ranch to explore the connection between soil health, nutrient-dense food, sustainable farming, and the health of both people and pets.

We discuss the origin story of Ramstead Ranch, how 240 acres were transformed through regenerative farming practices, and why healthy soil may be one of the most important factors in producing healthier food. You'll learn how regenerative agriculture differs from factory farming and conventional "Big Ag," what nutrient differences may exist between foods raised in healthy ecosystems, and why you can't out-supplement poor-quality food produced from depleted land.

We also dive into practical advice for becoming a more informed consumer, navigating confusing marketing claims, feeding nutrient-dense foods on a budget, and understanding how Ramstead Ranch expanded into products for dogs. Along the way, we share stories from ranch life, lessons learned from livestock guardian dogs, and resources for anyone interested in learning more about regenerative agriculture.

In This Episode:

• Origin story of Ramstead Ranch
• What regenerative agriculture really means
• How to evaluate food and pet food marketing claims
• Regenerative farming vs factory farming and Big Ag
• Soil health and nutrient density
• Rebuilding 240 acres through regenerative practices
• Why Ramstead Ranch began offering products for dogs
• Behind-the-scenes realities of ranch life
• The connection between soil, food quality, and chronic health issues
• Budget-friendly ways to feed more nutrient-dense foods
• Resources for learning more about regenerative agriculture
• Chris's journey to Ramstead Ranch

Find Ramstead Ranch:

• Web: https://ramsteadranch.com/
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/ramsteadranch/
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/RamsteadRanch

Links Discussed:

• Gabe Brown: https://brownsranch.us/
• Common Ground Film: https://commongroundfilm.org/
• Kiss the Ground: https://kissthegroundmovie.com/
• Joel Salatin: https://www.regenerativefarms.org/why-regeneration/
• Food Inc.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXIkrYbqRO0
• Omnivore's Dilemma

Social Media:

• Kimberly: Raw Feeder Life, RawFeederLife.com
• Erin Scott: Believe in Dog podcast, BelieveInDogPodcast.com
• 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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In this episode of The Alternative Dog Moms Podcast, we dive into some of the hottest conversations happening in the fresh feeding community.

We kick things off by discussing whether a raw food company is getting a fair shake on Reddit, along with a side conversation that confirms why neither of us would survive a career in customer service (0:55).

Next, we tackle the mushroom advertisement that claims a specific product can shrink lipomas in dogs. The ad seems to be making the rounds again, so we share our thoughts on what pet parents should know before getting their hopes up (27:48).

Then we discuss a thoughtful post from Holistic Canine that offers a balanced perspective on what "balance" actually means when feeding dogs. Is every meal supposed to be perfectly balanced? Can balance happen over time? We share our take on this often misunderstood topic (40:56).

Of course, we also provide updates on our dogs, what's working, what we're trying, and what's happening in our homes (55:34).

And finally, we wrap things up with TV talk, random tangents, and the usual conversations that somehow take on a life of their own (1:08:02).

Episode Highlights:

• Is a raw food company being judged fairly online?
• Why customer service is not our calling
• The truth behind mushroom and lipoma marketing claims
• A realistic discussion about balance in homemade and raw diets
• Updates on our dogs and daily life
• TV recommendations and side conversations

Links Discussed:

• Reddit thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/rawpetfood/comments/1tbcfvl/viva_raw_selling_rotten_raw_meat/
• Kimberly's functional mushroom article: https://rawfeederlife.substack.com/p/functional-mushrooms-for-dogs
• Holistic Canine's post about Balance: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BPAzoDWnk/
• Recipe resources Kimberly mentions:
  • Forever Dog Life
  • Dinner Pawsible by Dr. Cathy Alinovi and Susan Thixton
  • Dr. Judy Morgan's Books
  • Feed Real Institute
  • Animal Diet Formulator
• Woof Creek

Social Media:

• Kimberly: Raw Feeder Life, RawFeederLife.com
• Erin Scott: Believe in Dog podcast, BelieveInDogPodcast.com
• 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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In this episode of The Alternative Dog Moms Podcast, Kimberly shares life updates as a new plant mom, discusses recent experiences using AnimaSol red light therapy with her dogs, and dives into the growing conversation around microalgae in pet food and supplements.

The episode also tackles a controversial question circulating in the raw feeding community: should pet parents donate potentially rancid raw dog food to animal shelters? Kimberly shares her honest thoughts on food quality, safety, and accountability in the pet food industry.

Plus, the conversation shifts to holistic wellness for humans and dogs alike, including the importance of supporting our own health while caring for our pets, with a little TV talk at the end.

CHAPTERS:

• Kimberly the Plant Mom (0:55)
• Dog updates and AnimaSol experiences (11:23)
• Microalgae in pet feed (23:11)
• Is a raw food company suggesting pet parents donate potentially rancid food to animal shelters? (30:00)
• Keeping ourselves healthy as well as our dogs (36:45)
• [Not much] TV Talk (48:03)

LINKS DISCUSSED:

• New Veramaris® O3 Max Pure replaces fish oil in pet nutrition
• https://www.reddit.com/r/rawpetfood

SOCIAL MEDIA:

• Kimberly: Raw Feeder Life, RawFeederLife.com
• Erin Scott: Believe in Dog podcast, BelieveInDogPodcast.com
• 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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We sit down with Mariah from Paws of Prey to break down raw feeding across dogs, cats, and ferrets. We cover balance, common myths, kibble toppers, whole foods vs synthetics, and how beginners can confidently get started.

CHAPTERS:

• How Mariah from Paws of Prey got started creating raw feeding content about cats, dogs, and ferrets (0:54)
• Ferrets, like cats, are obligate carnivores, and why create content about 3 species (6:23)
• Mariah's educational background and experiences working in the conventional vet world as a raw feeder (10:34)
• Mariah's starter products for new raw feeders and how these compare to formulator software (14:49)
• How to learn from Mariah and the state of raw feeding today(21:28)
• Common misconceptions about raw feeding (and Erin's being squeamish again)(27:11)
• Mariah's philosophy on Balance Every Bowl vs. Balance Over Time and the impact of social media on raw feeding information and education (31:09)
• What happens to balance when you add fresh food to a bowl of kibble and the best food toppers for a bowl of kibble (37:54)
• Synthetic nutrients vs whole food (41:23)
• Kimberly's & Erin's raw feeding origin stories (43:49)
• Being the "dog person" in your circle and Mariah's thoughts for new or aspiring content creators (54:32)
• Finding a vet who supports raw feeding (59:54)

REVELANT LINKS:

• Mariah's website: https://pawsofprey.com/
• Mariah's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PawsofPrey
• Dr. Tom Lonsdale's new book: Spin Doctors: Junk Pet Food Partners in Crime

SOCIAL MEDIA:

• Kimberly: Raw Feeder Life, RawFeederLife.com
• Erin Scott: Believe in Dog podcast, BelieveInDogPodcast.com
• 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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Celebrating another podcast anniversary, Kimberly and Erin share raw feeding insights, AnimaSol Torch experiences, rising vet care costs, and real-life dog mom updates. Tune in for honest conversation, fresh food talk, and a little TV chat too.

CHAPTERS:

• Podcast Anniversary, Great Guests & AnimaSol Torch experiences (0:55)
• Raw Feeding Week, April Fool's and Kimberly's new obsession (10:22)
• Catching up with Erin's & Kimberly's dogs (20:11)
• Would you go to Mexico for cheaper vet care? The rising costs of caring for dogs (35:57)
• TV Talk (52:48)

LINKS DISCUSSED:

• AnimaSol Red Light Therapy Torch/Blanket
• New Instagram About Houseplants
• The Pet Owners Taking Their Injured Dogs to Tijuana

SOCIAL MEDIA:

• Kimberly: Raw Feeder Life, RawFeederLife.com
• Erin Scott: Believe in Dog podcast, BelieveInDogPodcast.com
• 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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Discover how raw feeding started with Dr. Ian Billinghurst and why it doesn’t have to be complicated. In this episode, we cover raw meaty bones, balanced diets, and real-life benefits of Gussy’s Gut for canine gut health.

• Raw feeding origin stories (0:56)
• How Dr. Billinghurst learned to feed dogs fresh food (4:15)
• Why Dr. Billinghurst has created a raw feeding course for pet parents (12:40)
• How to feed raw meaty bones to dogs and other lessons covered in the course (28:42)
• Raw feeding doesn't have to be complicated nor every meal complete & balanced (42:35)
• Benefits we've seen using Gussy's Gut and the origin story of the product (48:05)
• Feeding our dogs should be fun! (1:01:56)

LINKS DISCUSSED:

• Learn from Dr. Billinghurst (https://www.billinghurst.institute/a/2147722332/AF6MvfMf)
• Gussy's Gut (https://www.gussysgut.com/RFL)

SOCIAL MEDIA:

• Kimberly: Raw Feeder Life, RawFeederLife.com
• Erin Scott: Believe in Dog podcast, BelieveInDogPodcast.com
• 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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We’re kicking off Season 5 of The Alternative Dog Moms with our annual deep dive featuring Billy Hoekman, Vice President of Nutrition & Formulation at Green Juju Kitchen… and let’s just say, this one is packed.

From celebrating FOUR YEARS of the podcast to unpacking the nuances of raw feeding, gut health, and supplement trends, this conversation goes way beyond the surface.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting advice in the dog nutrition space… this episode is your reality check.

CHAPTERS:

• Celebrating 4 YEARS of The Alternative Dog Moms, what's new with Green Juju and thiaminase depletion (0:55)
• Nutrients, sourcing, and the quirks of lab testing you only discover when formulating raw food (8:10)
• Plant fiber vs. animal fiber: Billy's take (20:18)
• What Billy has learned about gut health resilience with Huckleberry (24:13)
• In which Billy teases early results from Green Juju’s Soil probiotic study (and the findings are worth paying attention to!) (27:27)
• Weighing in on a social media discussion that probiotics are often misused or misunderstood. Is there such a thing as too much? (32:31)
• Mushroom broth, upcoming events and Green Juju's continuing evolution (40:25)
• Deciphering shady claims in social media ads (45:55)
• Billy's experiments with his own diet, as well as Huckleberry's (51:04)

LINKS:

• Green JuJu Kitchen
• Green JuJu on Instagram

SOCIAL MEDIA:

• Kimberly: Raw Feeder Life, RawFeederLife.com
• Erin Scott: Believe in Dog podcast, BelieveInDogPodcast.com
• 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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What if everything you’ve been told about fiber, probiotics, and gut health in dogs is only part of the story?

In this episode of The Alternative Dog Moms Podcast, we sit down with canine nutrition researcher and author Dr. Conor Brady to break down the difference between meat fiber and plant fiber and why it matters more than most dog parents realize.

We explore what “fiber” really means in a dog’s diet and how meat-based fiber (like connective tissue, cartilage, fur, and feathers) interacts with the gut microbiome differently than plant fiber. From there, we dive into probiotics, pathogens, and gut bacteria, including why Dr. Brady questions the need for routine probiotic supplementation.

We also tackle the big question: are dogs carnivores or omnivores? Along with a few entertaining detours, this conversation challenges common feeding beliefs and encourages a more nuanced view of canine nutrition.

CHAPTERS:

• Introducing Dr. Conor Brady and the topic of meat fiber vs plant fiber (0:54)
• Probiotics, pathogens, and bacteria: how these relate to meat fiber (3:38)
• Dr. Brady on whether dogs are carnivores or omnivores plus cow farts and private planes (10:32)
• What Dr. Brady recommends instead of probiotics and why (20:04)
• 5 potential downsides of plant fiber (32:06)
• Will there be a Feeding Dogs 2.0 book? Plus blueberries & antioxidants and meat fiber for cats (43:04)
• Dr. Brady’s honest reflections on sharing science in a marketing-driven industry (49:00)
• What Dr. Brady is feeding his dog during a busy season of life (55:37)

FIND DR. BRADY:

• Website: https://www.dcbholistic.com/
• DogsFirst: https://dogsfirstshop.ie/
• Book: Feeding Dogs (https://amzn.to/4sioZiX)
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dogsfirstireland
• RawPetMedics: https://www.facebook.com/rawpetmedics
• Dr. Brady's Substack: https://substack.com/home/post/p-187500789?_bhlid=1d63f7f4c7b619863dd9f78e09403d82a6f04d1f
• Study: The feline carnivore and their prey: how important is animal fibre and its structure in their diet? (https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/the-feline-carnivore-and-their-prey-how-important-is-animal-fibre/)
• Chimp Empire on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/81311783?source=35&fromWatch=true

SOCIAL MEDIA:

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