Dogs Are Individuals

117: In this episode, I’m diving into the importance of filtered water for both pets and humans. Whether you're at home or traveling, contaminants like chlorine, fluoride, and heavy metals can have a major impact on our health. Filtering your water helps reduce exposure to toxins, supporting a stronger immune system and overall well-being. It’s especially important for pets, as they can be more sensitive to the chemicals in unfiltered water. I’ll also share some practical tips for keeping your water clean on the road, so you and your pets can stay hydrated and healthy wherever you go.   Topics discussed: The importance of filtered water for pets and humans   How contaminants like chlorine, fluoride, and heavy metals impact health   The dangers of plastic water bottles and microplastics   The role of water in supporting immune health   Practical tips for filtering water while traveling   Sponsored By:   Real Mushrooms   Check Out Rita:  BUY MY BOOK  Rita’s Instagram Facebook Group My Courses My Website and Store Produced By: Drake Peterson

116: In this episode, I dive into the Kibble Hierarchy—what separates a quality kibble from the bottom-of-the-barrel options. I break down ingredient labels, key red flags to watch for (like rendered meals and non-descript meats), and how to make better choices for your dog’s health. This episode is especially for those who can’t feed raw or home-cooked meals exclusively. I also share some of my top kibble recommendations and tips for evaluating dog food brands. Topics Discussed: Understanding the Kibble Hierarchy—what makes a kibble good or bad Ingredients to avoid, including rendered meals and vague meat sources How to read and analyze dog food labels The importance of sourcing and ethical considerations in pet food My top kibble recommendations for those who can’t feed raw or home-cooked meals The role of carbohydrates in kibble and what to look for Questions to ask pet food companies about their ingredients and sourcing Why less is more when it comes to kibble ingredients Show Links:   Kibble   Sponsored By   Green Juju   Check Out Rita:  BUY THE HERBAL DOG Rita’s Instagram Facebook Group My Courses My Website and Store   Produced By: Drake Peterson

In this episode of Dogs Are Individuals, I’m sharing how to boost your dog’s immune system with natural remedies—no need to panic about things like bird flu! I talk about the power of mushrooms, why they’re safe for dogs of all ages, and how to protect your pets with herbs like Agarikon, Andrographis, and elderberry.  I’ll also give you an update on my book tour (so excited!) and remind you to focus on self-care and staying calm, especially when stress is high.   Show Links  Book Tour Agarikon Mushroom   Andrographis  Elderberry Phytoembryonic Therapy    Sponsored By:  Real Mushrooms  Goodness Gracious Green Juju Check Out Rita: BUY MY NEW BOOK Come To The Book Tour Rita’s Instagram Facebook Group My Courses My Website and Store   Produced By: Drake Peterson

In this episode, I’m talking about a topic that’s really important but often overlooked—sugar and its negative effects on dogs. I explain why sugar weakens the immune system, causes inflammation, and contributes to chronic diseases like cancer. I also share my own experiences with sugar and how I’ve learned to manage it, both for myself and for my dogs. If you’re feeding your dog anything with added sugars, you might want to rethink it. Key points in this episode: Sugar weakens the immune system and promotes inflammation in both dogs and humans. Processed sugars like glucose, sucrose, and honey-coated treats are particularly harmful. Sugar contributes to chronic diseases such as cancer and can lead to high blood sugar in dogs. Always check labels—sugar is sneaky and often hides in dog food and treats. Sponsored By: Green Juju Check Out Rita:  PRE ORDER MY NEW BOOK  Rita’s Instagram Facebook Group My Courses My Website and Store Produced By: Drake Peterson

In this episode, I’m sharing something that’s near and dear to my heart: how to find reliable herbal information for your dogs. We’ve all been there—googling herbs for pets and getting overwhelmed by conflicting advice. I’ll explain why you should be cautious about the info you find online, especially when it comes to herbs like chamomile, peppermint, and garlic. I’ll walk you through the importance of knowing which herbs are safe, how to find trustworthy sources (hint: herbalists!), and why it’s so crucial to pay attention to things like dosage and extraction methods. I’m also giving you a sneak peek into my new book, which is coming out soon, and sharing some fun updates about my growing flock of chickens! If you’re curious about the benefits and safety of herbs for dogs, want to avoid misinformation, and are looking for practical tips on how to use herbs in your pet’s health routine, this episode is for you. Let’s make sure we’re getting the best info out there to keep our pups happy and healthy! Key Takeaways: Why Google can be a dangerous place for herbal info and where to turn instead The truth behind common herbs like chamomile, peppermint, and garlic for dogs How to safely introduce herbs to your dog’s routine Sponsored By:    Goodness Gracious  Real Mushrooms   Show Links:  Herb Pharm Mountain Rose Herbs Garlic Article Check Out Rita:  PRE ORDER THE HERBAL DOG Rita’s Instagram Facebook Group My Courses My Website and Store Produced By: Drake Peterson

In this episode, I’m talking about cognition and how we can support our dogs' brain health through herbs and nutrition. I’ll walk you through some of my favorite herbs like Ginkgo Biloba, Gotu Kola, Bacopa, and Lion's Mane, and how they can help with memory, circulation, and reducing oxidative stress. I also share some brain-boosting superfoods, like Omega-3s, coconut oil, and blueberries, that are fantastic for your dog’s mental sharpness. Plus, I’ll talk about the power of mushrooms like Reishi, Cordyceps, and Turkey Tail to support overall cognitive function. If you want to keep your dog’s brain in tip-top shape, this episode is packed with natural tips you won’t want to miss!   Sponsored By: Green Juju Check Out Rita:    Book Presale  Rita’s Instagram Facebook Group My Courses My Website and Store   Produced By: Drake Peterson

In this episode, I'm chatting about kidney health as we roll into "kidney season" (yep, that’s a thing) from December 21st to March 21st, and I’m sharing some nuggets from my book The Herbal Dog. I’ll explain how kidney issues can sneak up on us — like subtle signs of urinary changes or joint pain — before they show up on blood work, and how you can spot them early. I’ll also cover natural remedies for both hot and cold kidney imbalances, and share a little story about my cat Carl's recent urinary blockage (cue stress and chaos). Tune in for some down-to-earth tips to keep your dog’s kidneys happy and healthy this winter!   Sponsored By:    Real Mushrooms Goodness Gracious   Check Out Rita:  Book Presale  Rita’s Instagram Facebook Group My Courses My Website and Store  

In this episode, I’m answering a listener's question about gallbladder sludge in dogs—something I’ve been seeing more of lately. Irene wrote in about her Chihuahua's condition and asked for advice, so I dive into what gallbladder sludge is, how it affects digestion, and what you can do to support your dog’s liver and gallbladder health. I also share some of my favorite herbal remedies for thinning bile and improving liver function, like dandelion root, milk thistle, and turmeric. If your dog is struggling with digestive issues or gallbladder concerns, this episode is full of helpful insights and natural solutions to support their overall wellness.   Sponsored By:    Green Juju    Check Out Rita:  PRE ORDER MY NEW BOOK Rita’s Instagram Facebook Group My Courses My Website and Store Produced By: Drake Peterson

In this episode, we tackle the *controversial* topic of feeding frozen food to your dog. I discuss why consistently feeding very cold or frozen food may not be the best choice for your dog’s digestive health, including how it can put extra strain on the liver, pancreas, and other vital organs. Learn about the impact of frozen food on nutrient absorption, digestive enzymes, and overall wellness, and why warming food to room temperature might be a better option for your furry friend. Tune in for practical insights and tips on supporting your dog's gut health! Sponsored By:  Goodness Gracious Check Out Rita: PRE ORDER MY NEW BOOK Rita’s Instagram Facebook Group My Courses My Website and Store Produced By: Drake Peterson

In today’s episode, I talk about the idea of "deficiency" in dogs and how it can show up in their health. I cover signs like low energy, poor appetite, and a dry coat, and explain how things like chronic illness, stress, and diet can play a role. I also share some herbal remedies I love, like ashwagandha, nettles, and ginger root, to help support your pup. Plus, I give an update on Green Juju’s fermented mushroom probiotic and how it’s been helping my pug. Tune in for some practical tips on supporting your dog’s health naturally! Sponsored By: Green Juju  Check Out Rita:  SIGN UP FOR MY NEW BOOK Rita’s Instagram Facebook Group My Courses My Website and Store Produced By: Drake Peterson