The Non-Traditional Veterinarian

What does it really take to build a supplement company you can trust? In this episode I sit down with Lisa and Scot, the founders of Woof Creek Wellness, a company creating intentional, natural-based supplements for dogs. We talk about the bigger picture of pet wellness, what thoughtful formulation actually looks like, and why every detail matters, from the ingredients used to the packaging the product comes in. And Lisa and Scot are doing things differently, their approach focuses on transparency, quality ingredients, and creating products that truly support the health of your pet, not just something that looks good on a label. In this episode we discuss: • Why Lisa and Scot started Woof Creek Wellness • What makes a supplement truly high quality & why sourcing and ingredient integrity matter • How thoughtful formulation can better support pet health • Why packaging and product integrity are part of the wellness conversation   About Our Guests Lisa and Scot are the founders of Woof Creek Wellness, a company focused on creating natural-based supplements designed to support whole-body health in dogs. Their approach prioritizes thoughtful sourcing, ingredient transparency, and intentional formulation, ensuring that what goes into their products truly supports the health of the animals they're made for. From ingredients to packaging, their goal is simple: create supplements pet parents can trust. Learn More About Woof Creek Wellness Website: https://www.woofcreek.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woofcreek Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woofcreekwellness If you're trying to take a more thoughtful approach to your dog's health, especially when it comes to nutrition, supplements, and longevity, I'd love to support you: 📌 Links: Book your 1:1 nutrition consultation today Book your 1:1 holistic in home visit today Watch this episode on YouTube  

Most pet parents assume that if a dog food is sold in stores, it must be safe. But what if the label only tells part of the story? In this episode, we dive into findings from the Clean Label Project, which analyzed 79 of the nation's top-selling dog foods and ran more than 11,000 lab tests looking for hidden contaminants that don't appear on traditional nutrition labels. These contaminants included heavy metals, phthalates, acrylamide, and plastic residues. The pet food industry changes. Companies get acquired, sourcing shifts, and manufacturing practices evolve. That's why staying present and intentional about what your pet eats matters. What You'll Learn in This Episode • What the Clean Label Project discovered after testing 79 popular dog foods • Hidden contaminants that are not required to appear on pet food labels • Why the "Clean 16" list is a helpful tool, but not the final word • Why staying intentional about your pet's food matters • The role of proactive functional testing in long-term pet health   📌 Links: Book your 1:1 nutrition consultation today Book your 1:1 holistic in home visit today Watch this episode on YouTube  

In this episode, I walk through something a little different, I tested my own dog Bernard's guut microbiome. The interesting part? He has no gastrointestinal symptoms. No diarrhea, no vomiting, and no obvious gut issues. From the outside, he looks like a completely healthy dog. But when we tested his gut microbiome, the results revealed something many pet owners don't realize: the gut ecosystem can be slightly out of balance even when a dog appears perfectly healthy. This is exactly why I believe microbiome testing should become a more routine part of preventive veterinary care. In this episode, we discuss: • Why microbiome testing shouldn't only be done when dogs are sick • What the gut microbiome actually tells us about overall health • His microbiome results and what they mean • Why short-chain fatty acids are so important for gut and immune health • How nutrition and fiber influence the microbiome ecosystem • Why early microbiome support can help prevent disease later If you'd like help interpreting gut health testing or building a personalized plan for your dog's nutrition and microbiome support, you can schedule a consultation with me below. 📌 Links Book your 1:1 nutrition consultation today Book your 1:1 holistic in home visit today Watch this episode on YouTube

Food Intolerances in Dogs: The Slow Burn You're Missing Most pet parents think in extremes, either their dog has a "food allergy" or they don't. But what about the gray area? The chronic ear infections. The paw licking. The soft stool that never quite firms up. The dog who tests negative on allergy panels but is clearly inflamed. Inside this episode, I cover: • The difference between food allergies and food intolerances • How fur-based intolerance testing works and why bioenergetic screening is used as a roadmap, not a diagnosis • How chronic low-grade food stress affects the microbiome • The link between intolerances and inflammation, arthritis, anxiety, and poor healing Because food allergies are immune explosions. Food intolerances are slow burns. And slow burns are what quietly age our dogs. If you're working on gut healing, chronic inflammation, or longevity for your dog — this conversation matters. Listen now and start removing what's quietly holding your dog back. 📌 Book your 1:1 nutrition consultation today Book your 1:1 holistic in home visit today Watch this episode on YouTube

In this episode, we're breaking down my pup's mineral and heavy metal results and why testing for these nutrients and toxins is crucial for your pet's gut, metabolism, and long-term health. You'll learn: Why even small mineral imbalances can impact energy, metabolism, and gut function Which heavy metals are most common and what they can do to your pet's gut bacteria and digestion How iodine and manganese affect thyroid, metabolism, and connective tissue health Why testing now helps prevent future digestive or chronic issues We'll also discuss how diet, environment, and lifestyle play a role and what corrective steps can help your pet thrive. Tune in next week as we dig into my pup's food intolerances and how they affect his gut, immune system, and overall wellbeing.   📌 Links: Book your 1:1 nutrition consultation today Book your 1:1 holistic in home visit today Watch this episode on YouTube

In this episode, we dive into glyphosate. The hidden herbicide exposure that can impact your pet's gut and overall health. Learn what glyphosate is, why I test for it, and what happens when pets have high levels. We cover: How glyphosate interferes with digestive enzymes and nutrient absorption The "good" bacteria it can downregulate, and why they're so important The "bad" bacteria it can upregulate, and the risks they pose My pup's test results and what they tell us about his gut How I proactively keep glyphosate levels low through diet, supplements, and gut support Why I retest every 6–12 months to stay ahead This episode is perfect for any pet parent who wants to understand the hidden environmental factors that impact long-term health and gut balance.\ Tune in next week to find out why I tested Bernard for heavy metals and minerals, what we discovered, and how it affects his health.   📌 Book your 1:1 nutrition consultation today Book your 1:1 holistic in home visit today Watch this episode on YouTube

Most vets never talk about this, but mycotoxins- thetoxic compounds produced by mold, can silently affect even healthy dogs. In this episode, I share why I decided to test my dog Bernard for mycotoxins, what his results revealed, and why understanding hidden exposures is so important for gut, immune, and liver health. You'll learn: What mycotoxins are and how dogs are exposed Common sources in food, treats, and the environment How mycotoxins affect gut lining, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), inflammation, and even vitamin D metabolism What I'm doing to support Bernard and why testing gives clarity Why most dogs may have low-level exposure without showing symptoms Even if your dog seems healthy, this episode will give you insight into hidden factors that impact long-term wellness, and what you can do proactively. Tune in next week when I share why I tested my dog for glyphosate and what that could mean for your dog's health.   📌Links: Book your 1:1 nutrition consultation today Book your 1:1 holistic in home visit today Watch this episode on YouTube  

You want the best for your pet. You search Amazon for joint supplements, probiotics, or vitamins, and think you're making a smart choice. It's easily accessible and their shipping is fast, right? But when it comes to supplements, convenience may cost your pet their health. In this episode, I breaks down why buying supplements off Amazon can be risky, what to watch out for, and how to make sure your dog actually gets what they need to thrive. Whether it's joint support, probiotics, or vitamins, this episode will help you make informed decisions that actually improve your dog's health. Amazon is great for toys and leashes, not therapeutic supplements. If you've ever grabbed a supplement off Amazon thinking it was safe, this episode is your wake-up call. Be bold, be informed, and help your pet live better, and longer. Next Week: We'll dive into why I tested my dog for mycotoxins and what I found.   📌 Links: Book your 1:1 nutrition consultation today Book your 1:1 holistic in home visit today Watch this episode on YouTube  

This episode dives into one of the most overprescribed GI medication in veterinary medicine. We explore how it works, why it helps short-term, and the real long-term consequences no one talks about. Key Points: Why metronidazole disrupts the microbiome Safer alternatives for acute diarrhea When it is appropriate What to use instead Gut repair steps if your dog has taken it 📌 Links: Book your 1:1 nutrition consultation today Book your 1:1 holistic in home visit today Watch this episode on YouTube

A balanced, refined look at vaccines: what I support, what I question, and how I help pet owners make informed decisions without fear. We talk titers, timing, lifestyle, and common myths. Key Points: Why blanket vaccine schedules don't fit every pet What titers really tell us Risk vs reward conversations Core vs non-core vaccines What an integrative approach looks like 📌 Links: Book your 1:1 nutrition consultation today Book your 1:1 holistic in home visit today Watch this episode on YouTube  

A candid conversation about what it means to be a non-traditional veterinarian in a traditional industry, and why honest, aligned marketing isn't "salesy"… it's a service. We talk mindset, messaging, and how pet owners benefit when vets show up boldly. Key Points: Why non-traditional care is growing Letting your mission guide your messaging Marketing as education, not persuasion How transparency builds trust The importance of standing for something 📌 Links: Book your 1:1 nutrition consultation today Book your 1:1 holistic in home visit today Watch this episode on YouTube

Dr. Amanda joins the show for one of the most insightful conversations we've ever had on senior pet care. We talk longevity, mobility, nutrition, cognitive health, and the small daily habits that keep older pets thriving. Key Points: Early signs of aging you shouldn't ignore Longevity strategies that truly matter Joint support beyond NSAIDs Cognitive wellness + lifestyle upgrades Links: Book your 1:1 nutrition consultation today Book your 1:1 holistic in home visit today Watch this episode on YouTube Connect with Dr. Amanda on Instagram Dr. Amanda's website  

This episode unpacks the grain-free controversy through a level-headed, recent science-driven lens. I discuss what the DCM either got right or wrong, and what pet owners actually need to pay attention to when choosing a dog food. Key Points: What the grain-free panic was really about Why grain-free isn't inherently better or worse Ingredient quality > the presence or absence of grains How to assess a label the smart way 📌 Links: Book your 1:1 nutrition consultation today Book your 1:1 holistic in home visit today Watch this episode on YouTube Updated Grain Free article

In this episode, we get real about a frustrating but common situation: when you do everything right with nutrition, and your pet still struggles. I break down the overlooked reasons results stall: gut imbalances, hidden inflammation, unaddressed pain, poor sourcing, missing micronutrients, and lifestyle mismatches. You'll learn how to troubleshoot nutrition and identify what actually moves the needle. Key Points: Why the food isn't always the problem The role of the microbiome and chronic stress Questions to ask before switching diets again A practical roadmap to get unstuck 📌 Links: Book your 1:1 nutrition consultation today Book your 1:1 holistic in home visit today Watch this episode on YouTube  

Bloodwork and fecals are great, but they don't tell us everything. In this episode, I share a deep dive into the non-traditional tests I use to get answers for pets when conventional testing falls short. From glyphosate and heavy metals to microbiome mapping and titers, learn what these tests reveal, how pets are commonly exposed, and when they're worth running. You'll walk away understanding how these tools can uncover hidden inflammation, toxin exposure, and nutritional gaps that could be quietly impacting your pet's health and longevity. In this episode, we cover: What glyphosate, mycotoxin, and heavy metal tests can reveal about hidden toxin exposure How vitamin D levels and mineral balance impact immune health and energy The real value of microbiome testing for chronic gut and skin issues Why titers can prevent unnecessary vaccines while keeping your pet protected Practical ways to reduce exposure and naturally support detox, immune, and gut health Let's connect on Instragram:www.instagram.com/the_nontraditionalveterinarian Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_NonTraditionalVeterinarian Schedule your 1:1 nutrition consultation: www.southernveterinaryservices.com/nutrition

Pancreatitis is one of those diagnoses that instantly makes pet parents panic, rightfully so because it can be painful for their pets. And almost always leads to the same advice: "No more fat." But what if fat isn't actually the enemy? In this episode I, The Non-Traditional Veterinarian,  breaks down what pancreatitis really is, why it's often misunderstood, and how the traditional, carb-heavy diets many dogs eat every day may be setting the stage for inflammation and digestive imbalance long before that "fatty treat" ever enters the picture. You'll learn how to look beyond the surface, understand the bigger picture of gut and liver health, and rethink what "low-fat" really means for your dog's wellbeing. Because sometimes, it's not the fat that's the problem, it's the foundation.   Schedule Your 1:1 Nutrition Consultation Let's connect on Instagram Watch this episode on YouTube

In this episode, I walk you ways to help expand your knowledge to enter holistic veterinary medicine, from conventional training to integrative approaches, and show you how you can chart your own path. If you're a vet or vet student wondering "where do I start?" this one's for you. I cover concrete steps, mindset shifts, educational programs, pitfalls to avoid, and how to blend "old + new" in your day-to-day work. Key training programs & credentials to consider How to get hands-on experience and build confidence gradually Networking, mentorship, and community strategies Links 📌 Chi University (Main site): https://chiu.edu College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies (CIVT): https://civtedu.org Feed Real Movement (Veterinary Nutrition Education) https://feedreal.com AHVMA (American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association) https://www.ahvma.org Connect with me: www.southernveterinaryservices.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/thenontraditionalveterinarian YouTube: www.southernveterinaryservices.com/podcast  

Ever wondered what really happens during a dog nutrition consult? In this episode, I break down exactly what to expect. From booking your session to the personalized strategies we discuss. Learn how to prepare, what we cover in the consult (including food options, lifestyle changes, testing, and more), and how custom recipes fit into the process. Whether you're curious about commercial diets, home cooking, or supplements, this episode will help you understand how a nutrition consult can transform your pet's health. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How to book a consult and what the typical wait looks like Why filling out the pre-consult form matters What happens during the 40-minute Zoom session How we discuss food options, lifestyle changes, treats, and testing (microbiome, heavy metals, glyphosate) How custom recipes work and the email support that comes with them Why a consult is more than just talking about food—it's about helping your dog live better and longer 📌 Work with me 1:1 for a personalized nutrition + integrative support plan If you loved this episode: 💌 Share it with another pet parent who knows what they feed their dog matters. 5️⃣⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help more people find the show. 🐾 Follow me on Instagram, click here, for pet health tips and more.

I just got back from the AHVMA (American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association) conference, and some things surprised me! In this episode, I'm sharing the highlights, the big takeaways, and what it all means for you and your pets. You'll hear about: -The energy and community of being surrounded by like-minded holistic veterinarians.  -My favorite sessions and the pearls I'm bringing back to my practice. -How this knowledge translates into real-world tips for helping your dog or cat live better and longer. Whether you're a pet parent curious about what's happening behind the scenes in veterinary medicine—or a vet/student interested in holistic practice—you'll walk away with fresh insights and inspiration. 📌 Follow me on Instagram: @the_nontraditionalveterinarian Nutrition Consults: www.southernveterinaryservices.com/nutrition Check out the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association: www.ahvma.org  

Hearing the word cancer regarding your dog is every pet parent's nightmare. The internet will flood you with overwhelming, conflicting advice—chemo, raw diets, miracle cures—but what actually matters? In this episode of The Non-Traditional Veterinarian, I pull back the curtain on what I would do if my own dog were diagnosed with cancer. This isn't theory, and it's not false hope. These are practical, non-traditional steps that support the body, the immune system, and your dog's quality of life. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why slowing down and making a plan is the first step (not panic-Googling) How food can support—not feed—cancer The role of Vitamin D in slowing tumor growth (and how to supplement safely) What ozone therapy and fecal transplants can do for the immune system The most evidence-backed supplements for dogs with cancer (like medicinal mushrooms and curcumin) Simple lifestyle hacks to reduce toxins and support healing at home 📌 Work with me 1:1 for a personalized nutrition + integrative support plan If you loved this episode: 💌 Share it with another pet parent who's facing a cancer diagnosis. ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help more people find the show. 🐾 Follow me on Instagram, click here, for daily integrative pet health tips.