Thanks so much for being here... I hope this finds you healthy, curious and seeing the world through the eyes of your furry best friends --- full of wonder, adventure and fun, and full of happy rolls in the grass and sunshine!
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A Pawsitive Pathfinder is someone whose heart is called to make the lives of our beloved companion animals the healthiest, happiest, and longest it can be… Someone who helps their furry friends live their best lives, while living their own.

The Pantry of Power,
The Fridge of Wonder:

Whole Foods for Whole Pets to Boost Your Fur Baby’s Diet

Hey there, pet lovers! Today, I want to talk to you about how to make adding nutrient-dense fresh foods to your pets meals easy.

Want to know a secret to keeping your dogs and cats happy and healthy, silly and spry, loving life and loving you long into your future?

As we discussed in the last issue of The Pawsitive Pathfinder: Family Edition, the name of the game is regularly adding some whole foods to their meals.

That’s right—as a booster to the usual kibble and wet food, adding fresh, whole foods can help maintain optimal levels of health and wellness in your beloved companions, and increase the odds that they are part of your life and family pack for many, many years to come! These nutrient-dense additions provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that dogs and cats need to support their overall well-being.
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​But where to start?

Well, the good news is that many of these additions you probably already have in your fridge and pantry!

For our canine friends, let’s start with protein.

Lean meats like chicken, turkey, or beef aren’t just tasty; they’re packed with the crucial high-quality protein that keeps their muscles strong and their tails wagging.
Eggs are a complete protein source and help keep their coats shiny and joints limber. Adding organ meats, in particular, to your furry buddy’s bowl provides rich concentrations of the essential vitamins and minerals they need.

And salmon’s not just for the kitties; fatty fish are superstars for skin health—and inflammation reduction—thanks to their omega-3 fatty acids.

Veggies also play a vital role in a pup’s nutrition.
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Carrots and green beans are rich in beta-carotene, great for maintaining eye health, and Vitamin C. Leafy greens like spinach and kale offer iron and calcium. Oh, and pumpkin isn’t just for pie—it’s a fiber-rich treat that helps keep their digestion smooth.

And just like with human kids, finely chopped or pureed greens mixed into their food can disguise them while still giving all the benefits.

Adding some nutrient-dense superfoods like blueberries, flaxseed, and turmeric can provide antioxidants and other beneficial compounds, too. These are great mixed into regular meals or given as treats. ...Or if you're into making homemade treats, these can be great options for boosting those yummy snacks.

🍪 And speaking of homemade snacks, if you're looking for a great recipe for homemade cookies for your doggo, I have a great one you can grab for free. It's pup tested, and parent approved! 🐶👍🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Over the years I have given a version of this dog biscuit as gifts to sitting clients. I always get a "Hey, my dog loves these things- can you make some more?!"-type response. 🤓 If you'd like my WLG (Whole Lotta Goodness) Pupkie recipe, just hit REPLY and let me know. I'll send it on over.
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Okay, so we've covered quite a bit on the canine side of the furry menu...

Now, for the kitty crew: bring on the meats!​
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Remember, cats are obligate carnivores—which means they don’t properly digest plants—so they’re all about that protein. Cooked chicken or turkey gives them the animal protein they crave, and a bit of liver can be a nutrient-packed treat. While cats have limited ability to digest veggies, a little steamed pumpkin or melon can offer some extra fiber and hydration.

From your pantry, bone broth is another great add-on for both dogs and cats, packing collagen for joint health and minerals for an overall wellness win. And a dollop of plain yogurt or some kefir can introduce some probiotics for a happy gut.

And adding some cool, filtered water to their kibble and wet food adds an excellent opportunity for extra hydration, too (and makes a yummy gravy for their meal).

By thoughtfully incorporating these whole food solutions, you can significantly enhance your beloved companion’s diet.
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So you've got a good starter here. There are lots of ways to bring whole foods into the picture, and I would encourage you to do your own research. There are, however, things to keep in mind as you introduce new foods into your furry kid's nutritional repertoire.

When implementing a protocol of adding new fresh, whole foods to your furry friend's diet, be sure to follow some guidelines:

• Ensure the fresh additions are finely chopped or pureed for easy digestion
• Consult with a veterinarian or canine nutritionist to ensure a balanced diet
• Add one new food at a time, to be sure there are no reactions or issues
• Try giving one new food per week, to give their digestive system time to adjust
• Monitor your fluffy kid’s weight, energy levels, and stool consistency throughout the transition
• Rotate protein sources and vegetables to provide a variety of nutrients
• Consider adding digestive supplements like prebiotics or digestive enzymes to support the transition, especially if your pet has a sensitive tummy

By providing these additions, you’ll be promoting vibrant health and potentially extending your furry friend’s life. Just remember, it's crucial to introduce new foods gradually. So go slow when introducing the new goodies to their diet to help keep their tummies happy.

OH- and be sure to steer clear of the no-nos: onions and grapes.
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​Ready to give your best friend’s menu an upgrade?

They’ll love you for it, and you might just help them live a longer, happier life!

In the next Family Edition issue, we'll talk about the spectrum of pet food on the market today, and the varying levels of freshness and processing out there.

Thanks for reading this issue of The Pawsitive Pathfinder: Family Edition. And if there are other topics you'd like to talk about, or have thoughts you'd like to share, please hit REPLY on this email and let me know. 🤓

Until next time...

🐶Around the Yard😺

This week's 'Around the Yard' has three interconnecting stories, one great cause and one way you can help something bigger than yourself. Check it out!

• Have you watched "Inside the Mind of a Dog" on Netflix yet?! OH MY GOSH! Th​is one is not to be missed! [Tip: bring tissues!]
• Featured in "Inside of the Mind of a Dog," is an amazing organization doing incredible work. Canine Companions "is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained service dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships. We provide our dogs and support services free of charge to recipients."
• Enjoy wine for a great cause! St. Francis Winery has partnered with Canine Companions, and for every bottle purchased, they're donating $1 (up to $100,000). In vino auxilium! 🍷🐶🧡​
• As a veteran, this company caught my eye, and I'm always looking for ways to support fellow veterans. Foxhole Coffee covers that 2 ways: First, Hero Company is Veteran-Owned. Second, they support veterans dealing with PTSD by donating a portion of their proceeds to pairing veterans with service and support dogs. #GoodStuff ☕🐕❤
• Coming full circle, September is National Service Dog Month. I'm helping Canine Companions support the PRO's who help so many people every day by requesting my local and state officials recognize these hard-working dogs with a Proclamation to officially declare September as National Service Dog Month. You can, too, by submitting a quick email here. Let's get these dogs the recognition they deserve! 💛🐕‍🦺🦮💙
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🎉 Announcing:
The Pawsitive Pathfinder Store!
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Get your furry friend gear here!

Hey there! I'm StacyLynn. The Furry Kidz Call Me 'AuntieMom.' After a decade of professional pet sitting, I've been adopted by many furry friends. They've helped me to grow, taught me a lot about what makes our four-legged companions happy and healthy, and enriched my life in countless ways. I've become a fierce advocate for their health and well-being, on a mission to help more pet parents support their furry kidz in living longer and healthier lives. I'm the OG Pawsitive Pathfinder.

🤓 Thanks for reading! This is one of the few places we can connect and share knowledge without the constant onslaught of social media distractions, so I truly appreciate you and your time and attention! 🧡

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