Mystic Dog Mama

We live in a time where it can feel like there's a supplement for everything.
One for the gut. One for the joints. One for calm. One for detox. One for immunity. And somewhere along the way, many dog guardians find themselves managing an ever-growing collection of powders, capsules, tinctures, and "just-in-case" products—all in the name of doing the best for their dogs.
But when does supplementation become supportive, and when does it become too much?
In this episode, I'm joined by Alison Daniel of My Pet Nutritionist to explore the role supplements actually play in canine health. We discuss what supplements are designed to do, when they're genuinely needed, and why they should never be seen as a replacement for good nutrition.
Together, we unpack:
• The difference between supporting health and chasing the latest trend
• Why food should always be the foundation
• How to identify when a supplement may actually be beneficial
• The common mistakes guardians make when supplementing
• How to prioritise supplements when budgets are limited
• The rise of all-in-one supplements and "just-in-case" supplementation
• What to look for in a high-quality supplement
• Red flags and misleading marketing claims to watch out for
• The risks of over-supplementation and why more isn't always better
Whether your dog takes no supplements at all or has an entire cupboard dedicated to them, this conversation will help you approach supplementation with greater clarity, confidence, and intention.
FREE RESOURCE
If today's episode has you questioning what's in your dog's bowl—or supplement cupboard—download my free Nourishment Starter Kit. Inside you'll find practical guidance to help you evaluate your dog's diet and supplements, identify potential gaps, and focus on what truly matters without falling into overwhelm.
Download your free copy at https://mysticdogmama.com.
JOIN THE NOURISHED PACK
If you're looking for a supportive community of thoughtful dog guardians who want to nourish their dogs with greater confidence, curiosity, and intention, I'd love to welcome you into The Nourished Pack.
It's my free Facebook community where we continue conversations like this one, explore canine nutrition and holistic health, and support one another in navigating the often overwhelming world of conscious dog care.
Join here: https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpack
Check out our sponsor, Aspirationery’s shadow work journals and workbooks: https://instagram.com/aspirationery
CONNECT
Find Alison at https://mypetnutritionist.com or on Instagram https://instagram.com/mypetnutritionist
Connect with me on Instagram https://instagram.com/mysticdogmama or visit https://mysticdogmama.com
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.

As the solstice approaches, I wanted to offer something a little different.
In this reflective episode, I explore the themes of nourishment, intuition, creativity, and the Wild Woman archetype inspired by Women Who Run With the Wolves. Together, we'll consider what this seasonal threshold might be asking of us, what wants to emerge, and how our dogs can help guide us back to presence, connection, and our own inner knowing.
A gentle invitation to slow down, listen deeply, and remember your light.
This episode is sponsored by Aspirationery, creator of books, notebooks, and stationery to help you become all you aspire to be! If you are looking for a safe space to explore and embrace your Wild Woman self, the moon magic and shadow work journals and workbooks might be a useful support for you. You can take a peek at them on our Aspirationery instagram account https://instagram.com/aspirationery

✨ Free Resource: Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter Kit
If today's episode resonated with you, I'd love to gift you a free copy of my Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter Kit. Inside, you'll discover simple ways to begin supporting your dog's wellbeing through the lens of nourishment - exploring the idea that true health is about so much more than what's in the bowl. It's an invitation to bring more curiosity, connection, and intention into life with your dog. https://mysticdogmama.com
Connect with me!
Website: https://mysticdogmama.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mysticdogmama
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.

When people talk about raw feeding, the conversation often begins - and ends - with pathogens.
But what if that's causing us to overlook much bigger questions?
In Part 2 of my conversation with veterinarian and canine nutrition researcher Dr. Anna Hielm-Björkman of the University of Helsinki's independent research group, DogRisk, we explore what researchers are beginning to discover now that raw-fed dogs are finally being studied more closely.
We dive into one of the most controversial topics in canine nutrition: food safety and pathogen risk. But we also look beyond the headlines to examine how risk is assessed, what the evidence actually shows, and whether our focus on acute hazards sometimes prevents us from investigating potential long-term health outcomes.
From there, we explore some of the most fascinating questions emerging from fresh feeding research:
• What benefits are researchers seeing repeatedly in fresh-fed dogs?
• Are the advantages of fresh feeding linked to rawness itself, or simply reduced processing?
• How should we think about the relationship between dogs, wolves, and diet?
• Do dogs actually need plants?
• Why does nutrient form matter as much as nutrient quantity?
• What happens metabolically when dogs consume fresh foods versus ultra-processed diets?
• Why might healthy fresh-fed dogs display different bloodwork values than conventionally fed dogs?
This is a thoughtful, nuanced conversation about evidence, curiosity, and the questions we may not have been asking.
Whether you feed raw, gently cooked, kibble with fresh additions, or are simply curious about canine nutrition, this episode offers a fascinating look at what we're learning as research begins to catch up with practice.
Connect with Dr Anna and the DogRisk team: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/dogrisk-health-via-nutrition-epidemiology-and-disease-detection-dogs
https://instagram.com/dogrisk

Connect with me!
Website: https://mysticdogmama.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mysticdogmama
I'd love to invite you to join my free Facebook community, The Nourished Pack. You may remember it as First Light. The new name reflects a bigger conversation about nourishment - not just food, but all the ways we support the health and wellbeing of our dogs, ourselves, and the world around us. It's a welcoming space for curious dog guardians who want to learn, connect, and explore a more conscious approach to canine care.
https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpack
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.

What if one of the most important skills for supporting your dog's wellbeing was learning how to observe more closely?
In this fascinating and wide-ranging conversation, I sit down with professional classical homeopath Lucy Reynolds to explore the world of homeopathy—for our dogs, ourselves, and the animals in our care.
Whether you're completely new to homeopathy, cautiously curious, or already have remedies in your cupboard, this episode offers a thoughtful introduction to the principles behind this often misunderstood modality.
With a background as an Army officer and helicopter pilot, Lucy brings a uniquely analytical and methodical approach to homeopathy. Together, we explore what it means to "think like a homeopath," how homeopathy differs from herbal medicine, where it can sit alongside conventional veterinary and medical care, and why observation is one of the most powerful tools available to any guardian.
Lucy also shares her experience working with farmers through Homeopathy at Wellie Level (HAWL), helping empower animal caretakers to use homeopathy confidently within their own care protocols.
One of my favourite parts of this conversation is Lucy's practical deep dive into homeopathic remedies. She shares the remedies she recommends keeping on hand for both humans and dogs, how to think about when they might be useful, and practical guidance around dosing and administration.
This episode beautifully complements my recent conversation with Dr Lise Hansen, offering another perspective on what it means to approach health through the lens of the whole individual rather than simply managing symptoms.
Connect with Lucy Reynolds
Website: https://www.theclassicalhomeopath.com/about
Instagram: https://instagram.com/theclassicalhomeopath
Article Lucy mentioned: https://www.theclassicalhomeopath.com/post/the-hushed-homeopathic-leptospirosis-outbreak-trial-that-you-didn-t-know-existed
Homeopathic Research Institute: https://www.hri-research.org/
Homeopathy 247 https://homeopathy247.com/

Connect with me!
Website: https://mysticdogmama.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mysticdogmama
Come join my free Facebook group, First Light. It’s my sanctuary where soulful dog mamas like you find clarity, confidence, and connection https://facebook.com/groups/fetchfirstlight

This episode is supported by Aspirationery, creator of books, notebooks, and stationery to help you become all you aspire to be! If you are looking for a safe space to explore and embrace your wild self, the moon magic and shadow work journals and workbooks might be a useful support for you. https://instagram.com/aspirationery.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.

In this revisited episode of the Mystic Dog Mama podcast, I’m bringing back an incredibly important conversation with canine first aid instructor and registered veterinary nurse, Rachel Bean.
When we think about caring for our dogs, we often focus on food, supplements, enrichment, and daily wellbeing — but knowing what to do in an emergency is one of the most empowering skills a dog guardian can have.
Because when something unexpected happens, panic can quickly take over.
This conversation is designed to help you feel calmer, more prepared, and more confident in those moments that matter most.
Rachel shares practical, accessible guidance on:
what to do if your dog is choking
handling bleeding and injuries
canine CPR basics
paw pad burns and summer safety
common first aid myths
what to avoid if you suspect heatstroke
essential items to keep in your dog’s first aid kit
Whether you’re building your first canine first aid kit or simply want to feel more equipped in an emergency, this episode offers practical knowledge that every dog guardian should have.
This conversation originally aired in December 2024, but it is just as relevant today - especially as we move into warmer weather and more outdoor adventures with our dogs.
Keep a notebook nearby for this one. You’ll likely walk away with a few things you’ll want to remember.
To contact Rachel:
rachelbean@hotmail.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/RachelBeanVetNurse
Connect with me!
Website: https://mysticdogmama.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mysticdogmama
Come join my free Facebook group, First Light. It’s my sanctuary where soulful dog mamas like you find clarity, confidence, and connection https://facebook.com/groups/fetchfirstlight

Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.