The Non-Traditional Veterinarian

#47 The Truth About Feeding Big Dogs

Feeding a large dog homemade food can feel overwhelming financially. And yes, it is an investment. But in this episode of The Non-Traditional Veterinarian®, I challenge pet parents to think about nutrition differently: not as an expense… but as a deposit into your dog’s future health span. Because what I often see is this: people avoid investing in nutrition now, only to spend the same amount, or far more , later through chronic disease management, medications, repeated vet visits, allergies, GI issues, orthopedic disease, pancreatitis, or even cancer care. We talk about: * Why feeding large dogs homemade can feel intimidating * The real cost of poor nutrition over time * The “high-yield savings account” analogy for proactive health * The “high APR credit card debt” analogy for chronic disease * Why prevention often feels expensive until you compare it to disease management * Why nutrition compounds over time, positively or negatively * How better food may help support mobility, inflammation, gut health, energy, skin, and longevity * Why investing earlier usually creates better long-term outcomes This episode is NOT about perfection. It’s about intention and perspective. Because every meal is either helping build resilience… or contributing to future wear and tear. And sometimes the cheapest option today becomes the most expensive option later. Helping pets live better and longer starts with what goes in the bowl.  Links: Book your 1:1 nutrition consultation today [https://www.southernveterinaryservices.com/nutrition] Book your 1:1 holistic in home visit today [https://www.southernveterinaryservices.com/in-home] Watch this episode on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@The_NonTraditionalVeterinarian]

#46 Why Your Pet May Not Be Getting Better

What if the reason your pet still isn’t thriving… is because you’ve only been given part of the picture? In this episode of The Non-Traditional Veterinarian, I’m talking about one of the biggest patterns I see in integrative and conventional pet care alike: stopping diagnostics too early. Routine bloodwork matters. Microbiome testing can be incredibly valuable. Intolerance testing can provide important clues. But many pet parents unintentionally stop at the first layer of information, hoping they’ve found the answer, only to realize months later that symptoms return, progress plateaus, or a bigger diagnosis eventually appears. We discuss: * Why “normal bloodwork” does not always mean optimal health * How surface-level testing can create temporary reassurance * Why pets with chronic allergies, GI issues, inflammation, itching, ear infections, behavior changes, or low energy often need a deeper investigation * Why new diagnoses (including things like cancer or autoimmune disease) can seem to appear “out of nowhere” * The role of microbiome, toxins, nutrition, mineral balance, inflammation, and lifestyle factors in long-term health True wellness often requires looking deeper than the surface. Because sometimes the question isn’t: “Did we run diagnostics?” It’s: “Did we run enough of the right diagnostics to truly understand what’s going on?” Follow along for more integrative pet health education and behind-the-scenes insights from a non-traditional perspective. Links: Book your 1:1 nutrition consultation today [https://www.southernveterinaryservices.com/nutrition] Book your 1:1 holistic in home visit today [https://www.southernveterinaryservices.com/in-home] Watch this episode on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@The_NonTraditionalVeterinarian]

#45 GUEST EPISODE- Dr Judy Morgan: Six Ways to Keep Pets Naturally Healthy

I sat down with Dr. Judy Morgan to talk about one of the most important topics in pet health: how to help pets live healthier, longer lives naturally. In this episode, we break down the “Six Ways to Keep Pets Naturally Healthy” and discuss practical, real-world strategies pet owners can start implementing today. We cover: • Vaccines: which ones matter, how often they may truly be needed, and alternatives like titers • Natural alternatives to common chemicals used in pets and around the home • Species-appropriate nutrition and why food matters more than most people realize • Mental and emotional health in pets • Grooming and environmental wellness • Building a better relationship with your veterinarian and advocating for your pet’s long-term health This episode is packed with approachable tips, thoughtful conversations, and practical ways to take a more intentional approach to your pet’s wellbeing. You can also use code NONTRAD50 for 50% off Dr. Judy-authored books available at NaturallyHealthyPets.com [http://NaturallyHealthyPets.com] Listen now and learn how small changes can make a big difference in your pet’s health journey. Check out Dr. Judy’s most recent best-selling books: Yin & Yang 2.0 Nutrition for Dogs: Maximizing Health with Whole Foods, Not Drugs, Raising Naturally Healthy Pets: A Guide to Helping Your Pets Live Longer and Keeping Your Pets Naturally Healthy: Holistic Care and Nutrition for Dogs and Cats available on DrJudyMorgan.com [http://DrJudyMorgan.com] or on Amazon. URL NaturallyHealthyPets.com [http://NaturallyHealthyPets.com] FB: https://www.facebook.com/JudyMorganDVM [https://www.facebook.com/JudyMorganDVM] IG: @drjudymorgan YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrJudyMorgan [https://www.youtube.com/@DrJudyMorgan] My Links: Book your 1:1 nutrition consultation today [https://www.southernveterinaryservices.com/nutrition] Book your 1:1 holistic in home visit today [https://www.southernveterinaryservices.com/in-home] Watch this episode on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@The_NonTraditionalVeterinarian]

#44 The Most Common Mistakes I See in Home-Cooked Dog Diets

Cooking for your pet? This episode is for you! Home cooking can be one of the most powerful ways to support your pet's health, but there are a few common mistakes, or let's call them "gaps" I see over and over again that can quietly hold pets back from truly thriving. In this episode, I break down the three biggest gaps I see in home cooked diets and explain why they matter inside your pet's body. What we cover in this episode: -Why not rotating ingredients impacts your pet’s gut microbiome -How unbalanced macros affect energy, skin, and overall function -The hidden risk of micronutrient deficiencies It’s not just about feeding fresh food, it’s about feeding a complete and intentional diet. Not being perfect, but being intentional. If you’re home cooking and want to feel more confident in what you’re feeding, this episode will help you better understand what truly matters in your dog’s bowl. Book your 1:1 nutrition consultation today [https://www.southernveterinaryservices.com/nutrition] Book your 1:1 holistic in home visit today [https://www.southernveterinaryservices.com/in-home] Watch this episode on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@The_NonTraditionalVeterinarian]

#43 Peptides in Pets: What I Actually Think

Let's have an open and honest look at the growing conversation around peptides in pets. Lately I've had quite a few pet parents parents asking about peptides. I share my stance on them, and why I am not using them. This episode is a reminder that not being familiar with something doesn’t mean it doesn’t have value, it simply means knowing where your scope begins and ends. In this episode: • How to think critically if you’re considering peptides for your pet • Why addressing root causes matters more than layering in new therapies One of the biggest takeaways: if we’re not addressing the underlying cause of inflammation or disease, adding therapies, whether peptides, supplements, or medications, is like filling a bucket with holes in it. If you’ve been wondering about peptides, this episode will help you think through your next steps with clarity and confidence. Links: Book your 1:1 nutrition consultation today [https://www.southernveterinaryservices.com/nutrition] Book your 1:1 holistic in home visit today [https://www.southernveterinaryservices.com/in-home] Watch this episode on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@The_NonTraditionalVeterinarian]