 1. Most of the Immune System Lives in the Gut. But How? About 70–80% of your dog’s immune cells live in the gut. This means the digestive tract isn’t just about food—it’s a major immune control center. Specifically, more than 80% of the immune function of the body is contained in Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue (GALT). Located in the intestinal lining, GALT consists of lymphocytes, macrophages, Peyer's Patches and lymph nodes. Peyer's Patches are lymphoid follicles in the small intestines. A compromised gut can influence everything from allergies to chronic inflammation. Constant assault on the digestive system by the inappropriate foods, such as gluten, or even amino acids the body cannot break down properly (like chicken for example), viruses, bacteria, or other irritants can result in damage to the delicate lining of the small intestine. This damage impairs the digestive process leading to poor absorption of nutrients and putrefaction of undigested food particles. Toxic by-products from bacteria that feed on undigested food particles add further to the destruction of the intestinal mucosa. In response to this constant assault, cells in the small intestine release a layer of protective mucus, seeking to lubricate and protect themselves from further damage. Now that's what I call smart and efficient! This layer of mucus however does prevent enzymes and immune cells to the food particles and antigens in the lumen of the small intestine. In cases like this, the gut needs to be drained, healed and repaired, so that the body can release the excess mucus, so the small intestine can heal and function optimally! If your unsure of what supplement to start your pets off with, the answer will always be a probiotic. 2. The Gut Teaches the Immune System What Is Safe. Your dog’s immune system must constantly decide what to attack and what to tolerate. The gut helps train the immune system to recognize: • beneficial bacteria • food proteins • environmental substances When this training system breaks down, the result can be allergies or sensitivities. If you want to amplify this process, add a mushroom supplement to your dog and cat's diet to better help to train the immune system with specific beta-glucans, acting as a prebiotic.  3. The Gut Barrier Protects the Body. The intestinal lining acts like a security wall. Healthy tight junctions prevent: • toxins • pathogens • undigested food particles from entering the bloodstream. When this barrier becomes compromised, immune reactions increase. The body requires specific nutrients to heal the gut wall lining. One of the whole food nutrients that does this is L-glutamine. A very special amino acid that is known to have many benefits for the lining of the gut. 4. The Microbiome Regulates Immune Balance. Trillions of microbes live inside your dog’s digestive tract. Good and bad. These bacteria produce compounds that influence: • inflammation • immune signaling • nutrient absorption • gut integrity A balanced microbiome helps keep the immune system calm and regulated. 5. Gut Health Influences Skin and Allergy Issues. Many dogs with itchy skin, ear infections, or chronic allergies actually have underlying gut imbalance. When the gut microbiome is disrupted, the immune system can become hyper-reactive, leading to inflammatory responses that show up on the skin.  6. Nutrients for the Immune System Are Absorbed in the Gut.
The gut is where critical immune nutrients are absorbed, including: • zinc • selenium • vitamins A, D, and E • amino acids • antioxidants If digestion is compromised, the immune system may not receive the building blocks it needs. 7. Gut Health Affects the Entire Body. A healthy gut influences: • immune resilience • energy levels • inflammation • cognitive health • longevity Supporting gut health is one of the most powerful ways to support overall vitality in dogs and cats. If you are struggling with your pets gut health issues, contact us to book your one on one consultation.
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 The Story Behind The Formula: Every good formula has a story- MycoMonty is no different! 'Myco' means fungi/mushroom, and 'Monty' is my beautiful German Shepherd dog. Monty lived and truly thrived his whole life, and he never had to see the vet-ever! Yes, he had always been on a great diet, but to be honest, I don't believe feeding just a good diet in this day and age is enough for our pets to truly thrive. You see, Monty had access to superfoods like the mushroom extracts in MycoMonty. These three powerful mushrooms work very effectively together, and are one of the best ones for immune support. I truly believe it was regular intake of these mushrooms that helped him to truly thrive all his life.
Why Three Mushrooms?
Because good things come in 3’s! “A three-stranded cord is not easily broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12. “Our beloved pets have a lot going against them, especially in this day and age, let’s help make them stronger!”-Lucy These three mushrooms together send a very powerful message to the immune system and the whole body. They help to amplify one another and work well as a team, may help to target both innate and adaptive immunity. Not every mushroom works well together, MycoMonty has been expertly formulated to be made into a superior supplemental product in the medicinal mushroom sector. No grain fillers- just pure mushrooms! “The more mushrooms you eat, the harder you are to kill!”-Dr. Brokenshire. This highly beneficial organic mushroom complex is very unique in the mushroom pet market place, at 4:1 & 8:1 extract ratios, it has potent immune markers, and is highly effective. May work well as a whole body tonic that gets inside the cells, and is a great prebiotic. How is MycoMonty different than all the other mushroom supplements on the market? The difference is that we use premium organic medicinal mushrooms with high quality extracts, because an 8:1 and a 4:1 mushroom extract ratio is going to have a different effect in the body than a 1:1 extract ratio. Ergothioneine Plays a major role in the efficacy of the mushroom supplement. This vital amino acid that works as an antioxidant is recognized for its crucial longevity role in health, while at the same time may have immune modulating properties, protective qualities, may help to support detoxification processes, and may aid in energy production. Ergothioneine is known as the ‘Longevity Vitamin’. It has been shown to potentially protect red blood cells and tissue damage and may be more powerful than glutathione! Mammals have receptor cites on cells for nutrients only mushrooms can make- It’s almost like they were designed to consume them! Ergothioneine may be the ultimate antioxidant for DNA methylation and cellular regeneration support- same as glutathione. The ergothioneine in MycoMonty comes from the fruiting body of the Shiitake extract. Studies and research indicates that supplementing with authentic ergothioneine from mushrooms that contain it (because not every mushroom species has it), may help to address age related issues that arise, making it very anti-aging. In Dr. Dodd’s book, ‘Canine Nutrigenomics’, she states that these 3 medicinal mushrooms are the ones Dr. Fougere recommends for pets with cancer, and are one of the most researched and studied for severe immunological conditions, which affirms why we chose these 3 mushrooms for MycoMonty. These 3 mushrooms were chosen specifically because they work well together synergistically, which not every mushroom does, with tremendous amount of benefits. Now, let’s get into each mushroom; Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) 4:1 extract- >30% Beta-glucans: Immunologically speaking, the most active for prevention. According to the Journal of Nutrition, shiitake mushrooms have proven to provide antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal protection and may help to control blood sugar and reduce inflammation. Shiitake contains 8 essential amino acids as well as linoleic acid which is an essential fatty acid. It has been used in Japan to treat heart disease, high blood pressure and infectious diseases. Shiitake has complex bioactive chemistry but the most researched component is lentinan, which is found in both fruiting body and the mycelium. It is a shiitake- specific beta-glucan polysaccharide which is recognised in Asia as an immunotherapeutic agent. In a late 1969 research study, researchers found evidence of mouse tumor inhibition with shiitake polysaccharide extracts. Researchers have also found that when shiitake extract was given with chemo therapy treatment, they found that the immonoregulatory effects of shiitake improved the efficacy of this treatment. Studies have also noted shiitake extract to help with dental care, according to studies this extract may help to reduce the metabolic activity of dental plaque and result in significant improvement in plaque index scores. A new peer-reviewed study shows that dogs fed shiitake mushrooms were super charged with increased anti-oxidative activity. Which means that it may lower the risk of oxidative stress which has been linked to many diseases. Shiitake is also rich in ergothioneine as previously mentioned, which can truly be a supplement in and of itself. Shiitake helps to support the following;
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) 8:1 extract- >30% Beta-glucans: Reishi is known as, ‘The plant of immortality’ in some translations (although technically not a plant, but fungi). It is most revered of all the medicinal mushrooms! Reishi contains beta-glucans that may increase the immune systems T-cell levels, may lower inflammatory responses caused by stress, poor diet, and other environmental factors. Reishi also contains ganoderic acids that have been shown to lower bad cholesterol in the body and may help to lower blood pressure. Some studies have found that reishi may also help to grow hair back. Rishi is a great source of triterpines, a class of chemical compounds found in mushrooms that have a wide range of health benefits. The main biological effects of reishi have been studied to be the following;
The polysaccharides from reishi may appear to offer extensive immunological effects, promoting the humoral, innate and cellular aspects of immunity. We may see significant enhancement of immune function in healthy animals, as well as its restoration to health in models of aging and stress, or with immunosuppressive drug use. Reishi has been shown to benefit autoimmune disorders and may assist with depressing the allergic response as well. Reishi also has a particular infinity for liver health, proven by pre-clinical data tracing back to Chinese animal studies from 1974! Reishi has been shown to have strong hepatoprotective (liver protective) effects in different liver disease states (from hepatocellular carcinoma to non-alcoholic fatty liver). A 6 month human trial of reishi supplementation showed significant improvements to antioxidant protection as measured with liver and antioxidant markers. Ultrasonic examination of these people found that fatty liver status has been reduced to normal healthy tissue. There are numerous studies done with reishi and no wonder, this mushroom really does it all, and we can see why it is traditionally known as ‘The plant of immortality’. Reishi may also help to regrow damaged body tissues and cells, like heart tissue. Turkey tail (Coriolus versicolor) 8:1 extract- >40% Beta-glucans: Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine used a polysaccharopeptide (PSP) compound extracted from Coriolus versicolor mushroom to treat dogs with hemangiosarcoma, a very invasive and aggressive cancer that originates in the blood vessels and spreads to the entire body. The dogs achieved the longest survival time ever reported for canines with this type of cancer. (Brown & Reetz, 2012). It is simply undenying the powerful and potent benefits of coriolus versicolor, and with an 8:1 extract in Resilience, you are getting an extremely beneficial amount. Coriolus may also help to slow the aging process, may support gut health, manage inflammation and may support the immune system in a powerful way. Have a super sensitive pet? No worries! All our supplements are formulated to keep the sensitive pet in mind- our mushroom blend does not stimulate the immune system! As with all supplements, consult your veterinarian prior to use. Organic, kosher, non-GMO, gluten-free, grain and filler free. The mushrooms extracts used in MycoMonty are from 100% organic fruiting bodies which are rigorously tested and guaranteed for active compounds. MycoMonty is heavy metal tested. Click here to purchase your bottle. Your pet will thank you.  We all love our pets and want to do right by them, problem is there is so much information and misinformation out there regarding optimum pet health, and ultimately, we can only do better for them as we know better. With so much misinformation out there, often times even coming from veterinarians, it is up to us to do the homework for our beloved pets’ health, and choose rightly for them, and even us! Here are five lies that are still being circulated in the industry, and here I expose them all. Lie #1: Only kibble is a balanced and complete diet. Well, if that were really true, then there would be no wolf, fox, or coyote left! Pretty sure there is no kibble in the wild, and if dogs came from wolves (in which they share 99.9% of their DNA with), then something is very off putting about that statement. First of all, kibble is a highly processed man-made diet, it is made through the extrusion process, so think high pressure and high temperature, and so because of that, the end mush product is void of most nutrients, and to add insult to injury, kibble companies add a synthetic vitamin and mineral pack to the food, to make it ‘balanced and complete’. So, when a dog or cat eats kibble, their bodies are trying to make something out of nothing. Not to mention, kibble is a very high carb diet, which we are feeding to carnivores. It is also very dry, which makes it actually, the worst possible food to feed to a species that needs a moist diet (especially felines), and that is a carnivore. With all that being said, my professional opinion is that every diet, whether kibble, cooked, raw and everything in between needs adequate supplementation. AAFCO requirements are based on survival levels, not thriving levels. Also, a Chihuahua will need different levels of nutrients than say a Great Dane, and at what stage in life they are at. So proper supplementation is a necessity.  Lie #2: Vaccines Equal Immunity. I don’t care how many vaccines a dog or a cat has had or hasn’t had, if they have a compromised and weakened immune system, they’re susceptible to any disease, vaccinated or not. The number one thing the immune system needs to flourish is proper nutrition. Where does the body assimilate nutrients from food? The gut. Hence, 80% of the immune system is in the gut. No gut, no health. That’s how it goes. But of course, the way the veterinary system is built, they turn vaccines into gods (I personally believe it is a cult mentality- but that's just me). As in it is the only way to protect your pet. False. It is not the only way. Also, every time a dog or cat gets vaccinated, their immune system gets stimulated. Not to mention, heavy metals like mercury, which is a neurotoxin that will render the immune system rigid over time. This is not something the body just gets rid of, in fact, it stays in the body until a proper detoxification protocol is delivered, and even then, I don’t believe, we can get it all out. Just enough. To conclude, there really is more than one path to Rome, and I would suggest weighing out all options, before deciding to vaccinate again and again and again. Lie #3: Kibble Is Good For Your Pets Teeth. Some veterinarians are still preaching this. Because of the ‘crunch’, kibble is supposedly good for your pet’s teeth. Well, if that premise was really true, why don’t I just gnaw on candy canes all day? I’m sure my dentist would love that! We’ve already established that kibble is high in carbohydrates, which the body turns to glucose, which is sugar, and we know that sugar feeds bacteria, parasites, yeast, and everything else unholy. Kibble actually accelerates tartar build up, and compromises mouth flora. One of the best things for oral health is to mechanically chew something, but let that be a protein source, and not a carbohydrate. Also, a probiotic will also help with mouth flora, and there is sufficient evidence showing shiitake mushroom extract to reduce the metabolic activity of dental plaque which results in significant improvement in plaque index scores, promoting orodental resilience. Just make sure it is a high quality extract powder. Feed a diet that is lower in carbohydrates, whether soft, or not.  Lie #4: All Supplements Are The Same. Being in the nutraceutical industry now for almost 2 decades, I can tell you that there is a world of difference between supplements and supplement brands. Often times, you are really not comparing apples to apples at all. Be very particular what you choose for your pets, most on the market on the shelves at best do nothing, and at worst can do more harm than good, silently. Make sure you do your homework and research, because ultimately, it boils down to trust. Maybe you tried a supplement before and it didn’t work out for your pet or you felt it did nothing, don’t stop trying until you find the supplement that works for your pet, because supplements are your pets’ health insurance, and trust me, you’re going to want to invest in that. Just in the right way.  Lie #5: Wait Until Your Pet Is a Senior Before Putting Them On a Joint Support Supplement.
The best advice I can give to anyone is to not wait until something breaks before you go about fixing it. An ounce of prevention is really worth a pound of cure! Most experts suggest putting a dog or a cat on a joint support even at middle age, especially true for large breed dogs, but not exclusive. I remember putting my German Shepherd on a preventative joint support when he turned 3 years old! You can prevent joint structure break down, cartilage and collagen support before they need it, because often times by the time they need it, it can be too late. 52% of dog owners report that their dogs have joint pain, and according to one PubMed study, the most common degenerative disease in our pets is osteoarthritis. It’s also one of the most preventable diseases! Try to look for one that also has anti-aging and strong anti-inflammatory properties to boot. We all try to do the best for them, and that also boils down to the more we know, the more we can do better. Please do not let anyone belittle you if you don’t go their way, life is a journey. Work with someone who will work with you, and not against you, and don’t make any decisions for your pet (or even yourself) out of fear or panic. Who you allow to influence you is very important. Do your homework and research, but at the same time be discerning and use wisdom. As the old saying goes, ‘Health really is wealth’, and I agree whole heartedly. Choose wisely. In honor of Pet Cancer Awareness month, I wanted to write this blog in the hopes that it can truly help someone. No one wants to receive this diagnosis for any member of their family, and although it is a serious disease, there are many things one can do. Statistics show that even with a high percentage of heritability, lifestyle choices make up for a huge percentage of prevention and even treatment. Before I give my top 3 supplemental recommendations based on numerous research studies, I want to first disclose that diet is absolutely crucial, and that is something I would address first. Now, an anti-inflammatory/anti-cancer diet is going to look different for pet A as it will for pet B, and because of that, I won’t get into diet specifications, but I wanted to mention it first because it is very important, and you can’t out-supplement a bad or inappropriate diet. My passion for writing this article stems from seeing those individuals who combine natural (or alternative) medicine with conventional, and seeing the success rate first hand vs. those who only do conventional treatment with no natural or alternative medicinal support. So, here are some of the most researched anticancer supplements to date;
Lactofferin is an iron-binding glycoprotein found in human and bovine milk that has powerful immune boosting benefits. It has a multifunctional role in that it encompasses anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, antioxidant, and immune regulating activities. It has been recognized particularly for its safe and immune enhancing effects while used as an adjunct to chemotherapy, improving the immunity of cancer patients and reducing treatment side effects. In addition to boosting immunity, it also helps to regulate the immune system by managing the inflammatory response. Lactofferin has both canine and feline cancer research studies; A notable canine in vitro study showed that lactofferin inhibited the proliferation of canine mammillary gland tumor cells by inducing G1 cell cycle arrest. What is more profound is that this effect was more pronounced in tumor cells versus normal healthy cells, suggesting selective anti-tumor activity- wow! In feline research studies, lactofferin showed that it modulated immune function in feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)-infected cats, specifically, lactofferin suppressed over activation of lymphocytes and improved immune system response, which could be beneficial in managing chronic conditions. Beyond veterinary studies, lactofferin has been extensively studied for its anti-cancer properties in various models, it has been shown to inhibit tumor cell growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis, and to safely enhance the effect of chemotherapy. Apart from cancer, lactofferin has been shown to help improve the symptoms of various inflammatory conditions such as high cholesterol, gastrointestinal inflammation, respiratory tract inflammation, and skin disorders. Evidence also suggests it may stimulate cells responsible for bone growth, and greatly improves absorption of iron. Note: Lactofferin contains no lactose, which makes it a safe supplement for those that are dairy Sensitive. Studies: lactofferin-_canine.pdf lactofferin-feline.pdf  2. Curcumin- Curcumin is the active anti-inflammatory phytochemical component of turmeric. Although raw turmeric is very poorly absorbed, and can even slow down phase 1 detoxification pathways in the body, curcumin (the Lucy approved ones) has a different story. Much different in fact. There are many, many research articles of curcumin proving its anti-cancer properties, especially because it has been around for quite some time. Cancer is a complex disease that uses multiple targets and pathways, most cancer therapies often address only one pathway. Curcumin on the other hand, is able to affect multiple pathways, including down-regulating pro-inflammatory enzymes, growth factors, cytokines, and transcription factors that lead to carcinogenesis and tumor growth (Lawenda, 2013; Robinson, 2008; Wilken et al., 2011). Curcumins anti-cancer properties include:
Curcumin in dog trials have shown anti-cancer effects in canine cancer cell lines, including osteosarcoma, melanoma, mammary carcinoma, and mast cell tumors. Feline mammary gland tumors (FMGTs) are among the most common cancers in cats. A study investigated the effects of curcumin on primary cell lines from FMGT tissue samples showing that, curcumin had anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects through induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest on FMGT cells. This suggests that curcumin may have therapeutic potential in treating aggressive feline cancers. Curcumin also turns on Nrf2 in the body, the 'mac daddy' system in the body for aging and disease. Studies: curcumin_feline_study.pdf canine_curcumin_study.pdf  3. Medicinal Mushrooms-
There are a few anti-cancer medicinal mushrooms with various immune benefits, my top three are; coriolus versicolor (turkey tail), lentinula edodes (shiitake) and ganoderma lucidum (reishi). Researchers at the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Veterinary Medicine used a polysaccharopeptide (PSP) compound extracted from coriolus versicolor mushroom to treat dogs with a very aggressive, invasive cancer called hemangiosarcoma. The dogs given this PSP achieved the longest survival times ever reported. (Brown & Reetz, 2012). In Dr. Dodd’s book, ‘Canine Nutrigenomics’, she states that these 3 medicinal mushrooms are the ones Dr. Fougere recommends for pets with cancer, and are one of the most researched and studied for sever immunological conditions, including cancer. In Asia, it is a shiitake specific beta-glucan polysaccharide that is recognised as an immunotherapeutic agent. In a late 1969 research study, researchers found evidence of mouse tumor inhibition with shiitake polysaccharide extracts. Researchers also discovered that when shiitake extract was given with chemotherapy, they found that the immunoregulatory effects of shiitake improved the efficacy of treatment. Shiitake also contains an antioxidant called Ergotheanine, which scientists call it Vitamin L (the longevity vitamin), to which it has numerous cellular benefits. Whichever route you decided to take with your pets’ health and wellness journey, these 3 supplements show very promising anti-cancer benefits, and even prevention. Always discuss with your vet which supplement is right for your pet, especially if they are on cancer treatments, as some things can counteract medication effects. If you would like a holistic approach to your pets’ health, while they are on conventional treatment, you can contact us here to book in your consultation. *Note* Always consult with your vet or holistic vet prior to starting any supplement regimen to make sure it’s right for your pet, especially if they are on medications. Mushroom Immune Boosting Broth This immune boosting broth recipe is full of antioxidants, and immune boosting polysaccharides from the mushrooms. Astragalus is anti-bacterial and anti-viral. The ginger and turmeric makes this a very anti-inflammatory broth as well. Ingredients:
Add the bones and every ingredient except the mushrooms in a large slow cooker or a stock pot. Add water to cover the bones and ingredients. Slow cook overnight or for 12-24 hours on a very low simmer. Skim fat from top. Add mushrooms in the last hour of cooking time. Strain and store. Tip: Do not discard the vegetables, rather add them to your pets food for added enhancement. Optional: right before serving, add a scoop of Resilience to amp up the antioxidants. Reserve broth for one week, and freeze the rest, Chicken Feet Bone Broth This bone broth recipe is chalk full of glucosamine and chondroitin, minerals, and not to mention the dense gelatin this recipe will yield. Ingredients:
Place the cleaned feet into a large stock pot and cover with the water. Bring to a boil then turn water down to a simmer. Add water as necessary to keep feet covered, skim the fat off as you go. Simmer for 12 hours or more. Strain the broth, and serve. Keeps one week fresh in the fridge, freeze the rest. Always use organic ingredients when making bone broth. Benefits:
 We all love our pets and want them to be healthy, and that often times means to book vet visits to make sure we are doing our due diligence when it comes to providing everything our pets need to be healthy and strong. With every medication and vaccine comes side effects, and it is very important we know what all that entails before we make a decision, so that it can be an educated decision for our four-legged family members. Just as a side note- Your veterinarian should have already gone through all this with you, as it is information pet guardians need to be 100% aware of, so that there will be no unwanted surprises in the future.  Let's start by going through normal to mild side effects; Signs of normal to mild side effects: These are common and usually resolve within a day or two:
Signs of mild to allergic reactions: These can occur a few hours after vaccination and usually require vet consultation:
Warning signs of a sever reaction (seek immediate veterinary care): Severe reactions are rare but can be life-threatening. These may occur within minutes to a few hours:
What to do if you notice side effects:
How to help your pets before vaccinating:
How to help your pets after vaccinating:
   Understanding Frequencies In The Body Everything in the body—whether human or animal—vibrates frequencies. Why and how? Because God designed it that way; "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth". Genesis 1:1. God has literally made everything, including energy and frequencies. In fact, everything emits a frequency. The sun, cars, food, etc. Healthy cells, tissues, and organs all have an optimal frequency range (because God made it that way). When pets experience stress, illness, inflammation, or injury, these natural frequencies can become disrupted or imbalanced. By restoring or supporting the body’s proper frequency, you can help it return to a state of balance and health. Sounds & Music There is a famous study article that showed that when classical music was played, the plants that received the frequency of these sounds thrived and flourished, alternatively, when the plants were played rock or heavy metal music, they were found dying. Sound frequencies can have a calming, healing effect on pets. Similar to how calming music or sound baths affect humans, pets also respond to sound and vibration. Calming Stress and Anxiety: Specific frequencies, like 432Hz or 528Hz, are known for their soothing properties, reducing anxiety and stress in pets. This is especially beneficial for pets with separation anxiety, travel anxiety, or noise phobias. Playing music at specific frequencies (like 396Hz for grounding or 528Hz for cellular repair) can improve mood, behavior, and sleep quality for pets. I personally love to listen to gospel or soaking music or melodies, and I truly feel it sets a heavenly atmosphere. Remember, they have a soul, which means they feel things as we do, "And to every wild animal, bird in the air and creature crawling on the earth, in which there is a living soul". Genesis 1:30.  Natural Frequencies In Whole Food Certain whole foods, like plants and algae, also carry natural frequencies. When pets consume these nutrient-dense, bioavailable foods (like those found in Missy’s Chance), their bodies “absorb” the energetic benefits. The natural frequencies in these foods can help the body communicate optimally, encouraging healthy gene expression, improved cellular repair, and vitality. This concept is rooted in holistic nutrition, which recognize the importance of energy balance for overall wellness. Products like Missy's Chance, Resilience and Matty's Blend probiotic are filled with nutrient-dense, whole-food ingredients that carry their own natural energy and frequencies. By feeding your pets clean, bioavailable nutrients your not only nourishing their physical bodies but also supporting their energetic balance. I know someone who once told me that their parrot would only eat organic and non-GMO apples, in fact, when they offered a non-organic one, the parrot would not eat it. Makes you wonder. Praying over and blessing your pets' meals will also change the food in a good way, scientists have actually tried to quantify on what happens when we do that, and how the chemical structure of the food changes. That's pretty cool! Which leads me to my next point...
Frequencies In Our Words "The tongue has power over life and death; those who indulge it must eat it's fruit". Proverbs 18:21 Our words truly carry power, and we must be very intentional with them, especially around our pets. Try not to fight, stress, argue or curse around your pets, I have seen how this can truly affect them in a negative way, and look, no ones perfect, and that's okay, but the more aware we are of our words, then the more we can positively impact our pets, or at least stop negatively impact them or their environment with our words. These are some things you might want to speak over them, such as; "I declare you will live a long and healthy life", or "You are loved and cherished".   Frequencies In Nature Pets, like humans, benefit from grounding (earthing) and exposure to the natural frequencies of the earth. Walking pets outdoors, especially barefoot on grass, sand, or soil, helps regulate the body’s electrical charge, reduce inflammation, and promote a sense of calm. And if you really think about it, our pets living indoors is not really natural for them, especially with our devices, Wi-Fi, etc. Try to get them grounded by being outside in nature as much as possible. In Conclusion Frequencies are all around us—whether in the sounds of nature, the foods we eat, or the therapies we use. By incorporating sound healing, grounding, or nutrient-rich foods with high vibrational energy, we can support pets’ well-being on a deeper level. Our mission is to provide clean, functional nutrient-dense supplements to help your pets truly thrive. 🐾✨   We are finally going to differentiate what true allergies are vs. intolerance and sensitivities.
‘Allergies’ have become quite the epidemic with our pets lately, and we are finding that every issue is deemed as an 'allergy', but what is actually a true allergy? Let's find out! Allergy
With all of these examples, the intestinal epithelial barrier has been compromised, remember that our pets are resilient, and might now always show outward symptoms of how badly the gut has been compromised. Gut barrier disruptors are compounds capable of activating and damaging the intestinal barrier, which can lead to issues and conditions like IBD, SIBO and leaky gut, with an increase in the uptake of allergens and other inflammatory compounds from the intestinal lumen into the blood stream for more direct contact with the immune system. However, of all the cases we see that are deemed with as ‘allergies’, only a very small fragment are true allergies. A very good portion of issues we see have nothing to do with allergies at all, especially when it is an all year round type of thing. This is why it is always important to get to the root of the problem, and to see which of the body’s organ systems are off. Contact us to book your consultation if you suspect your pets have any of the above symptoms and would like to put them on a customized approach to reach their health goals. There can or will be times when it will be necessary for your pet to be prescribed antibiotics by your veterinarian, but what about probiotics? Should you stop supplementing your pet(s) with a probiotic (hopefully your pet is already on one!) until after the final round of antibiotics is complete? I used to believe the answer was yes, but after developing my own probiotic during a very difficult time when my dog Matty had to go on antibiotics due to his very severe injury, which completely fried his gut, I now believe that if he were on it while on antibiotics, the side effects of the antibiotic would not have been as severe, or if any. There is more and more research coming out supporting the theory that supplementing pets with probiotics even while on antibiotics can diminish any negative side effects of common antibiotic drugs such as Clavamox. In fact, ‘back in the day’, a doctor would have always prescribed a probiotic with an antibiotic- how that clinical practice got obsolete is beyond me.  A Reason To Pair Probiotics and Antibiotics: “This meta-analysis reached a similar conclusion as the 2006 meta-analysis: Probiotics appear to be effective in preventing and treating AAD in children and adults receiving a wide variety of antibiotics for a number of conditions. The results were also consistent with those of a new meta-analysis that looked specifically at one pathogen—and found a reduction of 66% in C difficile-associated diarrhea in patients taking probiotics with their antibiotics.” (Rodgers B, Kirley K, Mounsey A. PURLs: prescribing an antibiotic? Pair it with probiotics. J Fam Pract. 2013 Mar;62(3):148-50. PMID: 23520586; PMCID: PMC3601687.). AAD (antibiotic associated diarrhea) is a severe side effect of antibiotic use. When we were testing out Matty’s Blend probiotic formula way before it was Matty’s Blend, we found that although it did eventually correct the gut in a number of days from the damage of the antibiotics, it could have very possibly prevented the whole problem in the first place. That is why we recommend supplementing Matty’s Blend even while your pet is on an antibiotic, and yes, its great for cats too! Especially because of the gut anti-inflammatory ingredients it contains such as slippery elm bark, licorice root, larch and humic and fulvic acid, with strategically selected probiotic strains at the right dose and amount. “The use of probiotics is a promising approach for manipulating the gut microbiota to promote host health [20,21,22,23]. Studies have shown that probiotics exert prophylactic or therapeutic activities in a variety of diseases such as IBD, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, colon cancer, allergy, type 2 diabetes, and atopic dermatitis in humans [20,21,22,24]. With positive effects such as improving growth performance, promoting intestinal health, and enhancing resistance against infections, probiotics have been explored as promising antibiotic alternatives in animal production [25,26]. An increase in nutrient digestion and absorption, improvement in intestinal morphology, optimization of the gut microbiota and suppressed inflammation have been linked with the health benefits of probiotics in farm animals [23]. Species and strains belonging to Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus, and Saccharomyces are commonly used probiotics in functional foods and dietary supplements.” |(Yang Q, Wu Z. Gut Probiotics and Health of Dogs and Cats: Benefits, Applications, and Underlying Mechanisms. Microorganisms. 2023 Sep 29;11(10):2452. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms11102452. PMID: 37894110; PMCID: PMC10609632.)  Clinical Pearl: Combine Matty’s Blend with Missy’s Chance that acts as a prebiotic to fast track your pets’ gut microbiome health!   What are free radicals and why should we learn about them? Free radicals are important to understand as they pertain to our pets health and well being (and ours too actually), and it actually determines how well our pets age! So, yes, that important! In the technical term, a free radical is an atom or group of atoms that contains at least one unpaired electron. Electrons are particles that are negatively charged that typically occur in pairs, thus forming a chemically stable arrangement. If an electron is not paired, another molecule or atom can easily bond with it, causing a chemical reaction. Free radicals are very unstable, and can create dramatic changes in the body, they can cause a lot of oxidative damage, however, each free radical can only exist for a tiny fraction of a second, it’s really the damage that it leaves behind that can be irreversible, particularly damage to heart muscle cells, nerve and certain immune system sensory cells. Are all free radicals bad? Not all free radicals are bad, free radicals are typically present in the body in small numbers, biochemical processes naturally lead to the formation of free radicals, and under normal and healthy circumstances, the body can and does keep them in check. There are even free radicals the immune system makes (which is why we must always keep the immune system strong), that destroys viruses and bacteria. There are other free radicals that are involved in producing hormones and activating enzymes, we even need free radicals to produce energy and various substances that the body requires. When do free radicals become bad? Free radicals become a detriment to health when there is excessive free radical formation, this is where damage to tissues and cells can occur. It can also become a chain reaction, when the formation of a large number of free radicals occur it then stimulates the formation of even more free radicals, leading to even more damage. The presence of dangerously high number of free radicals in the body can even alter the way in which cells code genetic material. Changes in protein structure can occur as a result of error in protein synthesis and that is very bad, as the immune system can see this error as a foreign substance and try to destroy it. The formation of mutated proteins can eventually damage the immune system and can lead to cancers such as leukemia, as well we other diseases. In addition to damaging genetic material, protective cell membranes can be destroyed by free radical damage, and can upset the calcium levels in the body. There are many different factors that can lead to free radical damage in the body, some that are not always in our control, such as the environment and the polluted air we breathe (think chem trails, pesticides sprayed, cell phone towers), and some that are such as diet and stress. When the body obtains nutrients from the diet, it uses oxygen to create energy, it’s a process called oxidation. Oxygen molecules containing unpaired electrons are then released, and if they are released in too high numbers it can cause damage to the body. Oxidation occurs more readily in fat molecules than protein or carbohydrates. This is why it is extremely important to only feed quality food and supplements to our pets! I’m an extreme advocate for quality supplements as I have found some pet guardians, even though they feed a quality diet, supplement using poor quality supplements, which can actually undo what they are trying to do with the diet, for example, most omega-3 supplements on the market (like 99%) are already rancid before the bottle is even opened! When you offer rancid oils and supplements, it causes a lot of free radical damage in the body in a concentrated way, so you are then spending extra money on something that actually does the opposite of what you are trying to do!  Do free radicals accelerate aging? Yes, excess free radicals do accelerate aging when the body produces more free radicals over time than scavengers, and that resulting imbalance contributes to the aging process. Which as we all know, our beloved pets don’t need help with that, they already age fast enough- that is why we take a dogs age and times it by 7. How do we effectively deal with excess free radical damage in the body, or slow down aging? Substances known as antioxidants neutralize free radicals by binding to their free electrons. Of course, not all antioxidants are created equal, and some have more specific purposes than others, for example, the antioxidant Coenzyme CoQ10 is especially beneficial for the heart. The antioxidant lutein is especially beneficial for the eyes (ocular health). There are water soluble antioxidants and fat soluble antioxidants. One of the most powerful antioxidant is called glutathione, which, if the body is overall healthy, it can make this antioxidant effectively, which the body actually needs to not only destroy free radicals but to detoxify and protect the body as well. To keep things simple, feed a fresh whole food diet, not kibble, as kibble goes rancid very quickly (before the bag is even opened unfortunately), add quality supplements yourself where you can control the quality of vitamins (also antioxidants), and of course, good quality fats, my personal favorite way of adding more antioxidants to my pets diet is by adding a quality greens powder to their food and a quality omega-3 supplement.  |
AuthorLucy is an avid pet mom; with dogs, cats, goats and horses to keep her busy! All of her pet 'kids' are fed a species appropriate diet with proper supplementation so she can watch them thrive. Her expertise and experience lie in nutraceutical supplementation and is a health advocate for proper diet and nutrition. Her other passions in life are schutzhund and equestrian riding. 
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