K9 Therapeutic

09/29/2026

🐶 DOG STRUGGLING WITH ANXIETY, REACTIVITY OR TROUBLE SETTLING? THEIR GUT MAY BE PART OF THE PICTURE. 🦠🧠

A new 2026 peer-reviewed review is shining a spotlight on something most pet parents would never connect with their dog’s behavior:

The gut microbiome.

The researchers highlight a randomized, placebo-controlled study of dogs given the specific probiotic strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP815™ for four weeks.

And what changed wasn’t just their gut.

🤯 Dogs receiving LP815™ showed significant improvements in anxiety and aggression compared with placebo.

Even more interesting, activity monitors showed they settled faster after their owners left and had more consistent sleep.

And LP815™ is one of the specific strains we chose for Dr. Becker’s Primitive Probiotics™.

Why does that matter?

Because with probiotics, STRAIN MATTERS.

You can’t assume every L. plantarum—or every probiotic—will produce the same effects. The review itself points out that probiotic research varies by strain, dose and duration.

This is why we didn’t formulate Primitive Probiotics™ by simply chasing the biggest CFU number possible.

We selected specific researched strains in dogs that were designed to support the microbiome from multiple angles—including LP815™, a strain now being studied for something that goes far beyond digestion.

🦠 GUT → BRAIN → BEHAVIOR 🧠🐶

For years, most pet parents have thought about probiotics for p**p and digestion.

Now scientists are investigating how specific probiotic strains may also influence the gut–brain axis, behavior, stress and sleep. And that’s a fascinating new chapter in canine microbiome research.

👇 Want to learn more about Dr. Karen Becker’s Primitive Probiotics™?

Comment “BETTERBELLY” and we’ll send you the link.

09/29/2026

09/29/2026

☀️ CARNIVORES HAVE TO EAT THEIR VITAMIN D! Dogs and cats can’t make vitamin D from sunshine—they must consume it!

🦜 Birds have a clever evolutionary workaround: their uropygial (preen) gland produces oils containing vitamin D precursors that are spread onto the feathers, activated by UV light, then ingested during preening. Dogs and cats can’t do this.

🦎 🐢Many reptiles can also make vitamin D₃ in their skin with UVB exposure. Exotics must have daily direct exposure to sunlight (windows don’t count) or specialized synthetic lighting that replicates the correct UV spectrum necessary to create adequate vitamin D, but none of this matters to dogs and cats, because no matter how much 🌞exposure, they’ll be D deficient without feeding them adequate amounts. We have an epidemic of vitamin D deficient dogs and cats, but never supplement vitamin D without first testing your dog or cat’s levels (it causes kidney failure if there’s not a deficiency). Know your species to know what to do! This pic was taken exactly 24 years ago today at my exotic animal hospital (thank you to my amazing team members, Karrie and Lynda, for reposting 🥰).

08/16/2026

My four enjoy bone broth for it's delicious taste, that's all they care about :-) I make it for them once every couple of weeks and freeze it in ice cube trays so I can simply pop them out when needed. Bone broth is great for hydration, especially right now in this heat, but also amazing for its nutritional value ....

🍂 With cooler days just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about warm, nourishing broths...for you and your pets. As we transition toward fall, these simple, healing fluids are a wonderful way to provide comfort, hydration, and targeted support for your pets.

These are just a few of the EASY broth recipes you’ll find in our book, The Forever Dog LIFE. These nourishing fluids offer warmth, healing, and targeted nutritional support for your dog or cat, all in one bowl:

🍵 Belly-Soothing Broth
Is your pet dealing with nausea, reflux, gas, or general tummy trouble? This gentle broth includes ginger root to improve digestion, fennel to help prevent GI ulcers, and cumin to stimulate digestive enzymes, plus other gut-loving ingredients to calm and support their belly.

🧠 Brain-Building Broth
Support your pet’s cognitive function with this salmon-based blend infused with brain-protective herbs. It's a tasty way to nourish their mind as they age, or give their brain a healthy boost at any age.

🦠 Immune Broth
Whether your pet is fighting off an infection or needs a little extra immune support, this mushroom-rich broth includes herbs known for their antimicrobial and detoxifying properties, plus plenty of hydration to help them heal.

🤧 Quick and Easy Low Histamine Broth
Traditional bone broths can be tough on histamine-sensitive pets. This version is simmered just long enough to extract the benefits, without pushing histamine levels too high. It’s a safe and soothing option for pups or kitties with sensitivities.

But that’s just the start…
The Forever Dog LIFE includes an entire section dedicated to Forever Fluids, with more recipes for broths, stews, and herbal teas designed to support a wide range of your pet's needs. You'll also find creative ways to serve them, from cozy warm toppers 🔥 to refreshing frozen treats 🧊 and everything in between.

✨Want the recipes? Comment FOREVERDOG and we’ll message you the link to grab your copy of The Forever Dog LIFE!

08/16/2026

🧬 WHAT DOGS EAT MAY CHANGE HOW THEIR SKIN PROTECTS ITSELF... AT THE GENETIC LEVEL.

A peer-reviewed study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, a well-respected international veterinary journal, suggests that a dog’s diet can influence much more than the appearance of their coat; it can also affect how their skin functions from the inside out.

Researchers at DogRisk Research Group compared dogs eating a minimally processed raw diet with dogs eating an ultra-processed kibble and found that the raw-fed dogs showed greater activity of genes linked to healthy skin, natural immune defenses, and the body’s own antioxidant system, including glutathione. They also found that dogs with allergies had changes in hundreds of genes involved in skin barrier function, inflammation, and skin cell repair, highlighting how important a healthy skin barrier is for protecting against allergens and environmental irritants.

One possible reason is the food matrix—the natural structure of whole foods, where nutrients, fats, proteins, fiber, and thousands of naturally occurring compounds work together in ways that isolated nutrients or highly processed foods may not fully replicate. While this study wasn’t designed to determine why these gene changes occurred, the food matrix is one of several factors researchers believe deserves further investigation.

This study adds to a growing body of research suggesting that nutrition can influence health all the way down to gene activity. That’s one reason Dr. Karen Becker recommends feeding a balanced, fresh, minimally processed diet whenever possible. Whole foods provide nutrients in their natural form and may help support healthy skin, immune function, and overall well-being as part of a healthy lifestyle.

And remember, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. If you’re currently feeding kibble, simply starting with a teaspoon of fresh, whole food added to the bowl is a great first step. Small changes can be a simple way to start adding more fresh food to your dog’s diet.

08/10/2026

My tutor, Dr. Odette Suter ...

Is your dog struggling with a chronic health issue? Allergies, gut inflammation, autoimmune disease...

🔍Want support & answers?

🎙️Please join me & 20 experts for the FREE Healing & Preventing Dog Chronic Illness Series:

👉 Ticket link in comments ⏬



















**plady

08/10/2026

Eggs provide our fur kids with high-quality protein, essential fatty acids, and vital vitamins (like A, B12, and D) that support muscle repair, skin and coat health, and immune function.

🦴🔥Arthritis. Limping. Joint pain. Stiffness. Difficulty getting up.🐾

These are some of the most common reasons dog owners search for help online, especially as their dogs get older.

In a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trial, the gold standard of clinical research, dogs receiving eggshell membrane🥚 showed significant improvements in joint pain and mobility after just 7 days. That is surprisingly fast considering many joint supplements take 4 to 8 weeks before noticeable benefits appear.

Eggshell🥚 membrane is the thin layer inside an eggshell and naturally contains collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid in one natural matrix.

That is one reason why included eggshell membrane collagen in MOBILITY MATRIX™, alongside UC II®, glucosamine sulfate, MSM, and hyaluronic acid to support healthy joints, connective tissue, muscle function, and long term mobility in dogs and cats.

👉If you would like to explore this science backed mobility solution for your dog or cat, comment MATRIX and we will DM you the link.

08/10/2026

A NEWER “FOREVER CHEMICAL” IS NOW SHOWING UP MOST OFTEN IN PET FOOD

A new peer-reviewed study found 10 different PFAS (“forever chemicals”) across 39 commercial pet foods. Even more surprising, the most common wasn’t one of the older PFAS you’ve probably heard about. It was GenX, a newer replacement chemical linked to liver, immune, hormone, and developmental problems in animal studies. Researchers also found that pet food contributed far more PFAS exposure than tap water for most of the chemicals they measured.

What can pet parents do?

🐾 Choose brands that actively monitor for environmental contaminants.

🥦 Feed a balanced, minimally processed diet that contains adequate fiber, which helps reduce the reabsorption of some PFAS in the digestive tract.

💧 If PFAS contamination is a concern where you live, use clean, filtered drinking water for both you and your pets.

Addressing food-borne contaminants is another reason Dr. Karen Becker formulated Liver Lift™. It contains nutrients involved in the liver’s normal detoxification pathways, including N-acetylcysteine (NAC), glutathione, milk thistle, broccoli sprouts, glycine, and TUDCA, to help support healthy liver function and the body’s natural detoxification processes.

Every exposure may be small, but it can add up over a lifetime. Reducing unnecessary exposure is one practical step you can take.

👉🏼If you want a science-backed liver support option for dogs and cats, comment “CLEANUP” and we’ll send you the link.

08/10/2026

A huge favorite in our house, hydrating and nourishing watermelon is my go-to for sneaking in some extra hydration ...

Hot summer day? Think beyond the water bowl. 🍉

This recipe is hydrating + refreshing + packed with antioxidant-rich fruits and basil. 🍉🌿

On hot days, keeping pups hydrated is especially important. Dogs rely primarily on panting to release heat, but they don't cool themselves as efficiently as we do—so fresh water, shade, and a cool environment are essential. These frosty bites and pops are a fun bonus way to add extra water to their day. 💦🐶

Watermelon is mostly water, and it provides potassium and other nutrients that support hydration. It’s also rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative stress.

And don't forget the basil! 🌿 It's packed with polyphenols and antioxidants that can help support your dog's natural defenses against oxidative stress.

Bonus: They're kid-approved, too!

🍉 Frosty Watermelon Bites & Pops Recipe

INGREDIENTS
• 2 cups watermelon, cubed and seeds removed
• 2–3 fresh basil leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried basil)
• ¼ cup kefir or plain Greek yogurt
• Blueberries, optional

FOR THE BITES:
1️⃣ Add watermelon, kefir or yogurt, and basil to a blender. Puree until smooth. If your pup prefers a thinner consistency, add a little filtered water.
2️⃣ Pour into your favorite silicone mold and freeze.
3️⃣ To serve, thaw slightly in the refrigerator until the treat is no longer a solid block of ice.

FOR THE POPS:
Want to make them look like a watermelon popsicle?
1️⃣ Puree the watermelon and pour into popsicle molds, leaving some room at the top.
2️⃣ Add blueberries and freeze.
3️⃣ Once frozen, add a layer of kefir or yogurt and freeze again.
4️⃣ Blend the basil with filtered water, pour over the frozen watermelon and yogurt layers, and freeze again.

Want more healthy recipes for your pup, and some the whole family can enjoy? You’ll find plenty in our book The Forever Dog LIFE. 🍉🐶❤️