The Holistic Canine

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Macon, GA
The Holistic Canine

We provide individualized consulting, science-based education, & precision nutrition. Kimberly holds a doctorate (PhD) in Holistic Nutrition and Naturopathy.

The Holistic Canine is an expert-led canine nutrition & wellness practice specializing in diet formulation, therapeutic plans, & holistic support for optimal health. Kimberly Styn Lloyd, PhD, BCHHP, CNHP, CHNP, is a Board-Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, Doctor of Holistic Nutrition, Naturopath, Certified Canine & Feline Nutritionist, Certified Professional Holistic Animal Healer, and Certified Canine Raw Food Nutritionist. Kimberly has been professionally certified as a Natural Health Practitioner (CNHP) and a Holistic Nutrition Practitioner (CHNP). Her professional canine & feline nutrition education from Southern Illinois University is approved by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). She is board certified through the American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP) earning the title Holistic Health Practitioner (BCHHP) whereby she abides by the strict code of ethics for practitioners. Kimberly holds a National Provider Identifier (NPI) number for qualified pet insurance holders. Kimberly’s holistic education is recognized by the International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine (IPHM) and the International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT). Her education and training as an Animal Holistic Healer includes species-appropriate nutrition for canines, felines, equines, birds, rabbits, livestock, and other small animals. Kimberly practices nutrition therapy, herbal therapy, and aromatherapy on animals and people. Kimberly also holds a Master of Divinity (MDiv), a BS in Nutrition, and is a Certified Fitness Trainer. Board Certification # 70643412

01/26/2026

Fresh Food Is Not a Trend. It’s a Return to Biological Sense.

Feeding dogs real food is not a fad. It is a return to nutrition that aligns with how canine physiology is designed to function.

Dogs are mammals with digestive systems adapted to process whole foods:

✅️ Animal-based proteins that supply essential amino acids
✅️ Natural fats that support hormones, brain health, and cellular function
✅️ Organs that provide bioavailable vitamins and minerals
✅️ Bones and calcium sources that support skeletal health
✅️ Whole foods that contribute enzymes, antioxidants, and phytonutrients

For much of modern history, commercial ultra-processed pet foods simply did not exist. The widespread reliance on highly processed diets is a relatively recent development driven by convenience and marketing, not by biological necessity.

Today’s pet parents are not “going backwards.” They are moving forward—with better information, better ingredient access, and a deeper understanding of nutrition science than ever before.

Choosing fresh food is not about being extreme.
It is about being intentional.
It is about respecting your dog’s biological needs.
It is about taking ownership of their long-term health.

You don’t need to be perfect to begin. You need curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to learn.

That is not a trend.
That is responsible care.

Need guidance❓️ We are here to help. theholisticcanine.us

01/25/2026

You Don’t Have to Be "Perfect" to Feed Fresh

Fresh feeding isn’t about getting everything right on day one. It’s about making thoughtful, informed choices that support your dog’s health over time.

Research continues to show that less processed, whole-food diets can support:
✔️ A healthier gut microbiome
✔️ Improved stool quality
✔️ Better weight management
✔️ Skin and coat health
✔️ Metabolic and immune function

❗️But here’s the part many pet parents need to hear most:

You don’t need to overhaul everything overnight.
You can begin with simple, meaningful steps:

✅️ Add a fresh food topper to your dog’s current diet
✅️ Rotate proteins for greater nutrient diversity
✅️ Include whole foods like eggs, sardines, or lightly cooked vegetables
✅️ Learn gradually and build confidence as you go

Progress matters more than perfection.
Consistency matters more than comparison.
And your willingness to learn already makes you a powerful advocate for your dog’s wellbeing.

Every small upgrade compounds over time.

You are capable. Your dog is worth it. 💚

theholisticcanine.us

01/24/2026

⚖️ The “Balance Over Time” Fallacy: Why It Sounds Logical — But Fails Biologically

One of the most common claims in homemade and raw feeding circles is:

👉 “Dogs don’t need balanced nutrition every day — you can just balance over time.”

It sounds reasonable. After all, humans don’t eat perfectly every day either.
But nutritionally and physiologically, this approach does not hold up — and here is why.

1️⃣ Dogs Have Daily Nutrient Requirements, Not Weekly Guesses

Nutrient standards (NRC, AAFCO, FEDIAF) are built around daily biological needs. These are not arbitrary numbers. They reflect:

✔️ Enzyme function
✔️ Cellular repair
✔️ Hormone production
✔️ Nervous system activity
✔️ Immune response
✔️ Bone remodeling

Many nutrients are not stored efficiently in the body. If they are missing today, critical processes suffer today.

Examples:
▪️Thiamine (B1): deficiency can develop within days and affect the nervous system

▪️Calcium: must be available daily to maintain blood calcium levels and skeletal stability

▪️Iodine: inconsistent intake disrupts thyroid signaling

▪️Vitamin E: needed daily to protect cell membranes from oxidative damage

▪️Zinc: required for immune function, skin integrity, and over 300 enzymatic reactions; deficiency is common in meat-heavy diets and can lead to chronic skin and GI issues

▪️Copper: essential for iron metabolism, connective tissue formation, and neurological health; both deficiency and excess can occur when diets are not intentionally formulated

“Catching up later” does not reverse the physiological stress that occurred during the deficit.

2️⃣ Variety Does Not Equal Balance

Many well-meaning pet parents rely on rotating proteins and ingredients and assume the nutrients will “average out.” But structure and intention are necessary.

Unfortunately, this rarely happens in practice.
Why❓️

🔹️Most muscle meats are consistently low in calcium, iodine, manganese, copper, vitamin D, and vitamin E

🔹️Many homemade bowls are repeatedly built around the same core foods (chicken, beef, rice, sweet potato)

🔹️Organs are often over- or under-used

🔹️Critical trace minerals are almost always missing without intentional inclusion

Without strategic ingredient selection, rotating foods simply creates rotating deficiencies.

3️⃣ Deficiencies Do Not Always Show Symptoms Immediately

This is one of the most dangerous aspects of the “balance over time” mindset.

Nutrient deficiencies are often:
▪️Silent
▪️Slow-building
▪️Cumulative

By the time symptoms appear (itching, anxiety, weakness, GI issues, poor coat, orthopedic changes), the imbalance has often been present for months.

❗️Nutrition should prevent problems, not wait until clinical signs appear.

4️⃣ Balance Is Not Restrictive — It Is Intentional

Balanced feeding does not mean every meal must look identical.
It means every day must be built with nutrient purpose.

This involves:
✅️ Choosing proteins intentionally
✅️ Using organs correctly (not guessing)
✅️ Providing appropriate calcium sources
✅️ Including omega-3s and vitamin E together
✅️ Ensuring iodine is present
✅️ Meeting trace mineral needs
✅️ Understanding what each ingredient contributes

That is not rigidity. That is biological respect 💚.

The Bottom Line 👇
“Balance over time” is not a scientifically supported feeding strategy. It is most often a justification for unstructured feeding that unintentionally leads to nutrient gaps.

Dogs thrive not on randomness, but on nutrient sufficiency.

Food should nourish the body, support physiology, and meet biological requirements — not rely on chance.

📆 Book an appointment with our Board-Certified Nutrition Practitioner. Feed fresh, feed balanced daily.
theholisticcanine.us

01/23/2026

Ingredient Spotlight: Sardines — A Functional Food in Canine Nutrition 🐟

Small fish. Powerful clinical impact.

Sardines are often an undervalued ingredient in homemade canine diets, yet they offer therapeutic-level nutrition when used correctly.

🔎 Why sardines deserve a place in thoughtfully formulated diets:

✅️ EPA & DHA (omega-3 fatty acids): Help meet essential fatty acid requirements and support anti-inflammatory pathways, benefiting joints, skin, cognition, cardiovascular health, and kidney function.

✅️ Natural vitamin D source: Critical for calcium metabolism, skeletal health, neuromuscular function, and immune regulation—nutrients often deficient in homemade diets.

✅️ Highly bioavailable protein: Supports tissue repair, enzymatic processes, and lean muscle maintenance.

✅️ Mineral contribution (especially when bones are included): Provides naturally occurring calcium and phosphorus that contribute to skeletal integrity.

✅️ Rich in micronutrients: Including vitamin B12, selenium, iodine (in small amounts), and choline, all of which support metabolic and neurological function.

Important: Sardines are powerful—but dosage matters❗️
Overuse can disrupt fat balance, calorie density, and mineral ratios. Like all ingredients, sardines should be incorporated within a properly formulated plan—not added randomly.

🐟 Add sardines at approximately 15% of the total diet to meet vitamin D and fatty acid requirements.

Nutrition is not about adding more “superfoods.”
It is about precision, balance, and long-term health protection.

theholisticcanine.us

01/22/2026

Feeding fresh does not have to be complicated.

This is a real meal prepared for one of my own dogs.
A thoughtful mix of proteins, organ meats, whole foods, and targeted supplementation — designed to support health without overwhelm.

Fresh feeding is not about perfection.
It is about intention, education, and balance.

This meal includes:
▪️ Multiple high-quality protein sources including organs
▪️ A raw meaty bone for calcium-to-phosphorus balance
▪️ A blend of fats including essential fatty acids
▪️ A small percentage of carbohydrates
▪️ A blend of raw and gently cooked components
▪️ Fiber and phytonutrients
▪️ Whole food sources of targeted nutrients
▪️ Supplementation with trace minerals, magnesium, and krill oil with vitamin E to ensure nutrient adequacy

When done properly, fresh feeding can:
✔️ Support optimal digestion
✔️ Promote healthier skin and coat
✔️ Strengthen immunity
✔️ Improve energy and vitality
✔️ Nourish long-term wellness

And most importantly:
It does not have to feel intimidating❗️

Many pet parents want to feed better but feel unsure where to begin. That’s where guidance matters.

At The Holistic Canine, we take the guesswork out of feeding fresh by educating pet parents and creating balanced, individualized meal plans tailored to your dog’s unique needs. You still get the joy of nourishing your dog with real food — without the stress of wondering whether you are “doing it right.”

Balanced nutrition does not have to be complicated.
But it does need to be intentional.

When fresh feeding is done correctly, it becomes one of the most powerful foundations for lifelong health 💚.

If you are ready to feed fresh with confidence, support, and education — that is exactly what we do.

theholisticcanine.us
PhD | Board-Certified Nutrition Practitioner
Certified Clinical Canine/Feline Nutritionist (AAVSB approved)
NPI Registered Provider

01/21/2026

❌️ MYTH: Homemade diets are automatically healthier.

✅️ TRUTH: Love is not a nutrient. Balance is.

The high percentage of homemade diets that I review are deficient in multiple essential nutrients—most commonly calcium, zinc, iodine, thiamine (vitamin B1), vitamin D, and essential fatty acids. These deficiencies rarely cause immediate symptoms. Instead, they quietly disrupt thyroid function, weaken joints and connective tissue, compromise immune resilience, and place chronic stress on the heart and kidneys over time.

True nutritional balance is not achieved by “adding variety” or rotating ingredients randomly. It requires a structured approach:

✔️ strategic ingredient selection,
✔️ a full nutrient audit against established standards,
✔️ attention to critical nutrient ratios (such as calcium to phosphorus, zinc to copper, and omega-6 to omega-3),
and
✔️ precisely dosed supplementation used only to fill verified gaps without creating new imbalances.

Food should nourish, not slowly deplete.

You're not alone! Need help balancing a fresh food diet for your dog❓️Book a service with our Board-Certified Nutrition Practitioner, Certified Clinical Canine/Feline Nutritionist (AAVSB approved), and NPI Registered Provider! 👇

theholisticcanine.us

01/20/2026

🫐 Berries for Dogs: Small Fruits, Powerful Benefits 🍓

Berries can be a wonderful functional food for dogs—just as they are for us. When used appropriately, they offer meaningful nutritional and therapeutic value.

Berries are rich in:
✅️ Antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress
✅️ Phytochemicals that support cellular health
✅️ Polyphenols, among the most extensively researched antioxidant compounds
✅️ Anthocyanins, the plant pigments responsible for deep red, blue, and purple colors, known for their anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects

They also contribute beneficial micronutrients including:
▪️ Vitamin C (immune and tissue support)
▪️ Vitamin K (important for normal clotting)
▪️ Folate
▪️ Trace minerals such as manganese, potassium, magnesium, copper, and iron

💡 Absorption Tip:
Certain polyphenols and anthocyanins appear to have improved bioavailability when consumed with fats. Pairing berries with a small amount of healthy fat may enhance their utilization in the body.

Healthy pairing ideas:
• Goat milk yogurt
• Grass-fed tallow
• Unsalted butter (in very small amounts)
• Full-fat kefir

🐾 DIY Frozen Berry Treat:
1️⃣ Mash fresh or lightly thawed blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries
2️⃣ Mix with goat yogurt or a small amount of melted tallow
3️⃣ Spoon into silicone molds
4️⃣ Freeze and serve as a functional treat

⚠️ Important notes:
✔️ Berries should be used as a treat, not a dietary staple
✔️ Always feed in moderation
✔️ Never feed grapes or raisins (toxic to dogs)
✔️ Introduce new foods slowly, especially for sensitive dogs

When used strategically, food can be more than nourishment—it can be supportive nutrition.

❓️ Need help designing a diet for your dog? Book an appointment for a custom meal plan!
theholisticcanine.us

01/19/2026

💣 “F their nutrient standards.”
That's a comment I read yesterday in a homemade dog food group 🤯. That mindset is putting dogs at risk.

Let’s be very clear:
Balanced nutrition for dogs is not optional. It is foundational to health❗️

Feeding fresh, whole foods can be wonderful. Homemade diets can be powerful. Holistic nutrition can absolutely support longevity.
➡️ But none of those things matter if the diet is not nutritionally balanced.

Dogs do not thrive on intention.
They thrive on adequate levels of essential nutrients.

⚠️ When balance is ignored, we begin to see very real consequences:
▪️ Calcium and phosphorus imbalance → skeletal disease, fractures
▪️ Iodine deficiency → thyroid dysfunction
▪️ Copper imbalance → liver disease
▪️ Zinc deficiency → skin, coat, immune issues
▪️ B vitamin deficiencies → neurological and metabolic problems
▪️ Inadequate protein or amino acids → muscle wasting, poor healing
▪️ Chronic excesses → organ stress and long-term damage

These are not theories.
These are documented clinical outcomes.

“Variety” does not guarantee balance.
“Natural” does not guarantee adequacy.
“Love” does not replace biochemistry.

📢 Every cell in your dog’s body depends on proper nutrition to function.
Hormones, enzymes, immune defenses, detoxification pathways, neurological function, organ health, musculoskeletal integrity — all of it is driven by nutrient sufficiency and balance.

👇
This is why formulation matters.
This is why ratios matter.
This is why science matters.

At The Holistic Canine, we believe in:
✅️ Fresh foods
✅️ Individualized nutrition
✅️ A holistic approach
AND
✅️ Precise nutrient balance based on physiology and biochemistry

Because truly holistic care does not reject science — it integrates it.

If you are feeding homemade, you are taking responsibility for your dog’s entire nutritional foundation. That deserves intention, education, and proper formulation — not guesswork.

Your dog gets one body.
Balance protects it 💚.

👉 Book an appointment with our Board-Certified Nutrition Practitioner to ensure your pet is getting the best nutrition possible. Don't leave their health up to chance.
theholisticcanine.us

01/18/2026

💧 Hydration Matters: The Overlooked Foundation of Canine Health 💧

Water is the most essential nutrient in your dog’s diet — yet it is often one of the most commonly overlooked.

One of the biggest advantages of a fresh food diet (especially raw) is its naturally high moisture content. Fresh foods often contain 65–75% water, which supports hydration at a cellular level and helps reduce strain on the kidneys, liver, and urinary tract.

That said, drinking water still matters — and quality is just as important as quantity.

🚫 Why tap water is not ideal

Municipal tap water may contain:
⚠️ Chlorine and chloramines
⚠️ Heavy metals (lead, copper, mercury)
⚠️ Agricultural runoff and chemical residues
⚠️ Pharmaceutical traces
⚠️ Microorganisms
⚠️ Fluoride and other additives

Over time, these contaminants can place unnecessary stress on detoxification organs and overall health.

✅ Better Water Choices for Dogs

Carbon Block Filtration
✔️ Removes chlorine, odors, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and many chemicals
✔️ Improves taste and palatability
✔️ A great entry-level option for most homes

Reverse Osmosis (RO)
✔️ Removes a very broad range of contaminants including heavy metals, fluoride, bacteria, and chemicals
✔️ Produces extremely clean water
✔️ Often best when paired with remineralization to restore beneficial minerals

Distilled Water
✔️ Free from contaminants, bacteria, and dissolved solids
✔️ Very pure, but lacks minerals
✔️ Best used short-term or balanced with mineral intake through food

Spring Water
✔️ Naturally filtered through rock and soil
✔️ Often contains beneficial trace minerals
✔️ Quality varies widely by source, so choose reputable brands

💡 Bottom line:

Clean, filtered water supports:
✅️ Kidney and urinary health
✅️ Digestion and nutrient absorption
✅️ Detoxification pathways
✅️ Skin and coat health
✅️ Energy and vitality

Hydration is not just about filling the bowl — it’s about supporting health at the cellular level.

🐾 If you’re feeding fresh food and offering clean water, you’re already taking meaningful steps toward long-term wellness.

theholisticcanine.us

01/17/2026

🐾 Exercise: One of the Most Powerful “Supplements” for Your Dog’s Health

When we think about canine wellness, nutrition often takes center stage—but daily movement is just as essential to your dog’s long-term health and quality of life 🐕.

Research consistently shows that regular exercise supports:

✅️ Healthy weight and body condition
✅️ Strong muscles and joints
✅️ Cardiovascular and metabolic health
✅️ Improved digestion
✅️ Reduced anxiety and destructive behaviors
✅️ Better cognitive function as dogs age
✅️ Lower risk of chronic disease associated with inactivity and obesity

Dogs who maintain a healthy body condition are also shown to live significantly longer than overweight dogs—making exercise a key pillar of longevity.

---
🐕 How much exercise does a dog need❓️
While every dog is an individual, general evidence-based guidelines include:

▪️ Low-energy dogs / seniors:
20–40 minutes daily of gentle movement (walking, sniffing, light play)

▪️ Average adult dogs:
30–60 minutes daily of moderate activity
(Brisk walks, play sessions, training, enrichment)

▪️ High-energy, working, and sporting breeds:
60–120+ minutes daily of structured physical and mental engagement
(Running, hiking, agility, scent work, fetch, structured training)

Puppies: benefit most from multiple short sessions throughout the day to support development without stressing growing joints.

🧠 Exercise isn’t just physical
Mental enrichment matters too. Sniff walks, puzzle toys, training, and novel environments all contribute to a well-balanced nervous system and improved emotional resilience.

The takeaway 👇
Movement is medicine. A well-exercised dog is not only healthier—but calmer, more balanced, and better able to thrive.

At The Holistic Canine, we believe optimal health is built on three pillars:
1️⃣ nutrition,
2️⃣ movement, and
3️⃣ appropriate supplementation
—all tailored to the individual dog.

theholisticcanine.us

01/16/2026

The Best Treats for Dogs: Real Food Wins Every Time

When it comes to rewarding our dogs, treats should do more than taste good — they should contribute to health, not compromise it.

The best treats are simply real, minimally processed foods that provide biologically appropriate nutrition.

Excellent real-food treat options include:

✅️ Dehydrated or freeze-dried muscle meats (beef, turkey, chicken, venison, salmon, etc.)

✅️ Dehydrated or freeze-dried organs (liver, heart, kidney, spleen)

✅️ Tendons, trachea, and other connective tissues

✅️ Raw meaty bones (such as chicken or duck feet, necks, or wingtips)

✅️ Fresh foods like sardines, shredded cooked chicken, or homemade meatballs (raw or cooked)

✅️ Eggs (scrambled or hard-boiled)

✅️ Goat milk, goat yogurt, plain kefir (for dogs who can tolerate cow dairy)

✅️ Blueberries, cucumber slices, or small apple pieces (no seeds)

✅️ Freeze-dried green-lipped mussels

✅️ Single-ingredient fish treats (like dehydrated smelt)

Why dehydrated and freeze-dried treats are so popular ➡️ They retain much of the nutritional value of fresh food while offering convenience, portability, and no mess — making them ideal for training and travel.

❗️A critical reminder about treats: Treats are still food and should be considered part of the overall diet.

Too many treats — even healthy ones — can:
▪️ Contribute to unwanted weight gain
▪️ Displace essential nutrients from balanced meals
▪️ Create mineral imbalances (especially when treats heavily rely on one ingredient, like liver)

As a general guideline, treats should make up no more than 10% of total daily calories, unless they are being intentionally incorporated into a balanced feeding plan.

Bottom line 👇
If you wouldn’t recognize it as food, your dog probably shouldn’t be eating it either.

Feeding real treats supports better digestion, healthier skin and coat, stronger joints, and improved overall vitality.

theholisticcanine.us

01/15/2026

🚨 Ingredient Spotlight ⤵️
Kidney — The Underrated Nutrient Powerhouse

When formulating a biologically appropriate fresh food diet, organ meats are not optional — they are essential. One of the most accessible and highly valuable, but often overlooked, secreting organs is kidney.

Kidney is a high-protein, low-fat addition that delivers a dense spectrum of micronutrients critical to canine health, including:

✅️ B vitamins (especially B12 and riboflavin) – essential for energy metabolism and neurologic function
✅️ Choline – supports liver function and cognitive health
✅️ Selenium – a key antioxidant mineral for immune support
✅️ Iron – vital for oxygen transport and red blood cell production
✅️ Vitamin D – supports bone health and immune regulation
✅️ Copper & Zinc – necessary for enzymatic function, skin, and coat health
✅️ Potassium – supports neuromuscular function
✅️ Phosphorus – essential for cellular energy (ATP) and skeletal integrity

What surprises many pet parents: kidney also naturally contains
❗️Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which supports mitochondrial and cardiovascular health, and
❗️ergothioneine, a unique antioxidant being studied for its role in cellular protection and longevity.

Common kidney options for canine diets include:
✔️ Beef
✔️ Pork
✔️ Veal
✔️ Lamb

As a secreting organ, kidney should be fed at approximately 5–7% of the total balanced diet to support nutritional adequacy without over-supplementation.

When used correctly, kidney is not just a “protein add-on” — it is a functional food with measurable physiological benefits.

Balanced. Intentional. Evidence-informed.

❓️ Need help creating a balanced fresh food diet that meets AAFCO & NRC standards? Book a phone consultation with our Board-Certified Nutrition Practitioner 👇

https://theholisticcanine.us/services/pet-nutrition-phone-consultations/

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Macon, GA
31216

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http://www.theholisticcanine.us/

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Our Story

Health is a state within the body that encompasses the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of the animal. It must be cultivated with care and requires an ongoing process of maintenance and effort. Holistic health care necessitates knowledge and wisdom. An ongoing self-education and awareness of current research is recommended for preserving optimal health. We not only keep continually abreast of the latest research and developments in the natural health field for animal care, but we put into practice what we have learned, honing it to produce vibrant health. Only species-appropriate fresh raw foods and natural health care can produce a true state of health. Any introduction of processed foods, poison, chemicals, or synthetic substances to an animal's body, as well as altering their physical body, directly disrupts and disturbs the natural flow and rhythm of health maintenance. Kimberly is a doctor of Holistic Orthomolecular Nutrition and is a board certified holistic health practitioner (BCHHP). She is certified further as a Natural Health Practitioner (CNHP), a Holistic Nutrition Practitioner CHNP), and Raw Dog Food Nutritionist. She practices with dogs as well as people, giving nutrition and health care advice to canine pet parents. Together with her husband, Andrew, they raw feed and naturopathically care for their six dogs.