The Alternative Dog Moms

Kimberly Gauthier (Keep the Tail Wagging) and Erin Scott (Believe in Dog)
  • 4.7 (19)
  • PETS & ANIMALS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Two content creators chatting about what's happening in the fresh food community and pet industry. Kimberly Gauthier of the blog Keep the Tail Wagging joins Erin Scott of the podcast Believe in Dog each week to share their thoughts on what's happening on social media and in the news. Join us each week to hear our thoughts and share your own.

  1. Hot Topics: Kibble Contamination, Homemade Dog Food Risks, and Bloat: What the Research Really Says

    2D AGO

    Hot Topics: Kibble Contamination, Homemade Dog Food Risks, and Bloat: What the Research Really Says

    Send us a text In this episode, we dive into Dog Mom Winter, kibble contamination concerns, and why many homemade dog food recipes online are nutritionally deficient. We also break down a fascinating study on bloat (GDV) and the markers researchers are investigating, unpack heated online debates about medicinal mushrooms for dogs, and explain how to critically examine pet nutrition studies—without fear or fluff. We wrap things up with a little TV talk to keep it fun. Chapters: Dog Mom Winter (0:56)Kibble contamination and deficient homemade recipes online (8:23)Are you concerned about bloat?  What a study reveals about markers for this condition (33:43)Online mushroom debates and how we examine studies (43:19)TV Talk (1:03:29)Links Discussed: Study out of Greece showing 95% of kibble has mycotoxins and 72% showed pesticide Dr. Becker link:  https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17sPNRaQ37/Link to study: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6651/18/1/22Study re: dogs that are prone to bloat have genetic and microbiome markersDr. Becker link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1aXwExQoqR/Link to study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29889838/Mushroom debateHost Defense claims Lion's Mane mycelium more beneficial than fruiting body: https://nutraceuticalbusinessreview.com/new-study-lion-mane-mycelium-immune-fruiting-bodyCritique that marketing claims aren't science: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/critique-claims-regarding-lions-mane-mycelium-philip-rebensburg-wmvne/Facebook Recipe Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3811403639186117/ADM Episode 12: Breaking down the 2013 study that 95% of homemade diets are deficient (https://alternativedogmoms.buzzsprout.com/1955775/episodes/10779166-alternative-dog-moms-ep-13-homemade-diets-satc-ajlt-cbd-oil-and-fireworks)Social media: Kimberly: Raw Feeder Life, RawFeederLife.comErin Scott: Believe in Dog podcast, BelieveInDogPodcast.comRaw Feeder Life, Instagram.com/RawFeederLifeBelieve in Dog Podcast, Instagram.com/Erin_The_Dog_MomThanks for listening to our podcast. You can learn more about Erin Scott's first podcast at BelieveInDogPodcast.com. And you can learn more about raw feeding, raising dogs naturally, and Kimberly's dogs at KeepTheTailWagging.com. And don't forget to subscribe to The Alternative Dog Moms.

    1h 16m
  2. From Zookeeper to PhD Animal Nutritionist: Dr. Francis Cabana on Pet Food Myths, Microbiomes & Feeding Better Dogs

    JAN 31

    From Zookeeper to PhD Animal Nutritionist: Dr. Francis Cabana on Pet Food Myths, Microbiomes & Feeding Better Dogs

    Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Francis Cabana to talk pet nutrition myths, unbalanced homemade recipes online, microbiome health, probiotics, and what it’s really like working in the pet food industry. We also cover whether dogs are true carnivores, zoo kibble, affordable ways to improve your dog’s bowl, and how to confidently choose evidence-based nutrition over internet noise. Timestamps: 0:56 – Dr. Francis’s origin story: from zookeeper to PhD animal nutritionist 8:06 – Why she started sharing about pet food on social media 13:13 – Life for dogs, cats, and pet parents in Singapore 17:16 – Unbalanced homemade recipes and misinformation online 25:31 – Encouraging pet parents (and our own parents) to try something new 32:00 – PhD in Animal Nutrition vs online nutrition certificates 40:11 – Are dogs carnivores? And what’s the deal with zoo kibble 45:10 – The microbiome, probiotics, and gut health 51:11 – Working as a nutritionist for a pet food brand 57:38 – What Dr. Francis feeds + affordable ways to improve your dog’s bowl Links Discussed: https://www.instagram.com/fuelledfurlife/https://www.fuelledfurlife.com/Dr. Francis's published studies: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=francis%20cabana&sort=date&sort_order=descSocial media: Kimberly: Raw Feeder Life, RawFeederLife.comErin Scott: Believe in Dog podcast, BelieveInDogPodcast.comRaw Feeder Life, Instagram.com/RawFeederLifeBelieve in Dog Podcast, Instagram.com/Erin_The_Dog_MomThanks for listening to our podcast. You can learn more about Erin Scott's first podcast at BelieveInDogPodcast.com. And you can learn more about raw feeding, raising dogs naturally, and Kimberly's dogs at KeepTheTailWagging.com. And don't forget to subscribe to The Alternative Dog Moms.

    1h 7m
  3. Hot Topics: Raw Feeding Criticism, Carbs for Dogs, and Low-Histamine Bone Broth

    JAN 20

    Hot Topics: Raw Feeding Criticism, Carbs for Dogs, and Low-Histamine Bone Broth

    Send us a text In this episode of The Alternative Dog Moms Podcast, Kimberly responds to unexpected criticism of raw feeding and tackles a common question: if cows and horses eat carbs, should dogs too? We also share a helpful listener resource, discuss herbs that may help reduce histamines in bone broth, and give behind-the-scenes updates, including Kimberly and Zoey joining a Jope product study and testing a new product for anxious dogs. Plus, Daisy Girl’s playday, a blood test Erin is geeking out over, Apollo’s birthday, and a conversation about why dogs form different relationships with different people. Episode timestamps: 00:55 – Responding to criticism of raw feeding10:58 – Should dogs eat carbs because cows and horses do?16:25 – Listener resources, Woof Creek Wellness, and cutting the cord on cable26:01 – Herbs for reducing histamines in bone broth33:23 – Kimberly & Zoey join a Jope product study35:55 – Trying a new product for anxious dogs42:55 – Daisy Girl’s playday + a blood test Erin loves46:45 – Apollo’s birthday and dogs’ unique relationships with peopleIf you love thoughtful conversations about fresh food, holistic care, and learning alongside your dogs, this episode is for you. Links discussed: Study re: Dogs in Laos eating rice (Geographically diverse canid sampling provides novel insights into pre-industrial microbiomes)Kimberly's article: Is Raw Dog Food a Scam? What Science Really Says About Grains, Carbs, and the Gut MicrobiomeKimberly's post: Should dogs eat carbs because cows and horses do?Helpful link: http://petdiseasealerts.org/Mid-Atlantic friends:  See Erin & Woof Creek's co-founder Lisa Monk at the World of Pets ExpoThe blood test you might want to ask your vet to check: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16pYwy6TKV/Social media: Kimberly: Raw Feeder Life, RawFeederLife.comErin Scott: Believe in Dog podcast, BelieveInDogPodcast.comRaw Feeder Life, Instagram.com/RawFeederLifeBelieve in Dog Podcast, Instagram.com/Erin_The_Dog_MomThanks for listening to our podcast. You can learn more about Erin Scott's first podcast at BelieveInDogPodcast.com. And you can learn more about raw feeding, raising dogs naturally, and Kimberly's dogs at KeepTheTailWagging.com. And don't forget to subscribe to The Alternative Dog Moms.

    55 min
  4. Hot Topics: New Year, Rising Vet Costs, Vaccine Conversations & Trust Issues in the Pet Industry

    JAN 12

    Hot Topics: New Year, Rising Vet Costs, Vaccine Conversations & Trust Issues in the Pet Industry

    Send us a text In this episode, Erin and Kimberly catch up on life, dogs, and the pet industry — starting with Erin’s big news and why activated charcoal is always on hand. Kimberly shares updates from home, including more human cooking, Buffy’s recent vet visit, and navigating the lepto vaccine conversation. They break down a confusing article on rising veterinary costs, reflect on lessons learned in 2025, and talk New Year’s Eve plans. The conversation then turns to growing concerns about trust in the pet and veterinary industries, including the mainstream recognition of a veterinarian whose work has been debunked. The episode wraps with updates on their dogs and what they’re looking forward to in 2026 — with honesty, curiosity, and plenty of real-world dog-mom perspective. CHAPTERS: Erin's big news and why we keep Activated Charcoal on-hand (0:55)Kimberly is doing more cooking [for humans], Buffy had a recent vet visit and lepto vaccines (8:30)A recent article about rising vet costs was rather confusing (20:08)New Year's Eve plans, what we learned in 2025, and other stories of the year (29:47)How the mainstream vet industry is honoring a veterinarian whose work has been debunked (51:37)Lack of trust in the pet & vet industries (56:54)Catching up with Kimberly's & Erin's dogs plus what we're looking forward to in 2026 (1:09:15)LINKS DISCUSSED: NOW Activated Charcoal (https://amzn.to/49iWNWl)Justice Dept calls for affordable vet care (https://san.com/cc/justice-department-calls-for-affordable-vet-care/)AKC's Honoring Dr. Lisa Freeman (https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1QRTuUAy3A/)Who Killed JFK podcast (https://pod.link/1714611578)SOCIAL MEDIA: Kimberly: Raw Feeder Life, RawFeederLife.comErin Scott: Believe in Dog podcast, BelieveInDogPodcast.comRaw Feeder Life, Instagram.com/RawFeederLifeBelieve in Dog Podcast, Instagram.com/Erin_The_Dog_MomThanks for listening to our podcast. You can learn more about Erin Scott's first podcast at BelieveInDogPodcast.com. And you can learn more about raw feeding, raising dogs naturally, and Kimberly's dogs at KeepTheTailWagging.com. And don't forget to subscribe to The Alternative Dog Moms.

    1h 25m
  5. Canine Enrichment Explained: Meeting Your Dog’s Mental and Emotional Needs with Tori Mistick

    12/17/2025

    Canine Enrichment Explained: Meeting Your Dog’s Mental and Emotional Needs with Tori Mistick

    Send us a text Many pet parents focus on diet, exercise, and supplements to support their dogs’ health—but physical care is only part of the picture. In this episode of The Alternative Dog Moms Podcast, we sit down with dog trainer and educator Tori Mistick to explore the critical role of canine enrichment and engagement in raising emotionally balanced, fulfilled dogs. This conversation helps dog parents understand why unmet mental and emotional needs often show up as “behavior problems,” and how small, thoughtful changes to daily routines can dramatically improve a dog’s quality of life. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction01:16 About Tori Mistick's 03:38 Limited podcast series about engagement06:37 Engagement in a multi-dog home09:24 Definition of enrichment10:26 Variety is important to dogs11:35 Food-based enrichment - treat trail mix14:11 Sound/music + engagement18:15 Enrichment + senior dogs20:41 Novel enrichment - The Bubble Machine26:34 Social engagement32:12 Understanding limits/boundaries35:05 It's not about trying them out / bonding+togetherness37:35 Enrichment is good for pet parents too39:40 Fetching a toy by name41:44 The importance of choice45:00 Dogs pay attention and learn from us all the time49:02 Hemangiosarcoma (another commonality)52:27 Wear Wag Repeat SocietyLINKS DISCUSSED: Dog Enrichment with Tori Mistick Podcast: https://wearwagrepeat.com/dog-enrichment-podcast/Tori's website: https://wearwagrepeat.com/Tori's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ToriMistickGet Tori's Dog Enrichment Activity Pack: https://wearwagrepeat.com/dog-enrichment-mental-activity-pack/Tori's Wear Wag Repeat Society for Petpreneurs: https://wearwagrepeat.com/society/Hemangiosarcoma Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1A3h25H92G/SOCIAL MEDIA: Kimberly: Raw Feeder Life, RawFeederLife.comErin Scott: Believe in Dog podcast, BelieveInDogPodcast.comRaw Feeder Life, Instagram.com/RawFeederLifeBelieve in Dog Podcast, Instagram.com/Erin_The_Dog_Mom Thanks for listening to our podcast. You can learn more about Erin Scott's first podcast at BelieveInDogPodcast.com. And you can learn more about raw feeding, raising dogs naturally, and Kimberly's dogs at KeepTheTailWagging.com. And don't forget to subscribe to The Alternative Dog Moms.

    55 min
  6. REPLAY: How to Support Your Dog Naturally: Insights from Dr. Steve Marsden, DVM, Gold Standard Herbs

    12/09/2025

    REPLAY: How to Support Your Dog Naturally: Insights from Dr. Steve Marsden, DVM, Gold Standard Herbs

    Send us a text In this episode of The Alternative Dog Moms, Erin and Kimberly sit down with Dr. Steve Marsden — renowned holistic veterinarian and founder of Gold Standard Herbs — to talk about what it really means to raise dogs naturally. Dr. Marsden blends Eastern and Western veterinary medicine, and his integrative approach has helped countless dogs thrive through herbs, nutrition, and a deeper understanding of how the body heals. We dive into how herbs can support digestion, immunity, inflammation, skin health, and emotional balance — and why traditional formulas still have a place in modern pet care. Dr. Marsden also shares how Gold Standard Herbs came to be, why sourcing and energetics matter, and how pet parents can confidently use herbs alongside conventional care. CHAPTERS: When did Dr. Marsden know he wanted to become a veterinarian? (2:00)The experiences that led Dr. Marden to learn homeopathy and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (4:23)What led Dr. Marsden to create the first direct-to-consumer line of Chinese pet herbal formulas? (17:13)Should Pet Parents be concerned about Chinese herbs interacting with medications or other treatments? (27:13)How long does it take for Chinese herbs to start working and make an improvement? (32:02)How important is our dog's diet compared to other treatments? (33:08)Why does the veterinary profession have such a bias against feeding fresh food? (38:14)What can Pet Parents incorporate from Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine in caring for our dogs? (46:21)How to search the Ask Dr. Steve DVM Facebook Group (1:01:04)LINKS MENTIONED: Ask Dr. Steve DVM Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1158575954706282OUR BLOG/PODCASTS... Kimberly: Raw Feeder Life, RawFeederLife.comErin Scott: Believe in Dog podcast, BelieveInDogPodcast.comINSTAGRAM... Raw Feeder Life, Instagram.com/RawFeederLifeBelieve in Dog Podcast, Instagram.com/Erin_The_Dog_MomThanks for listening to our podcast. You can learn more about Erin Scott's first podcast at BelieveInDogPodcast.com. And you can learn more about raw feeding, raising dogs naturally, and Kimberly's dogs at KeepTheTailWagging.com. And don't forget to subscribe to The Alternative Dog Moms.

    1h 4m
  7. Dog Mom Friendsgiving: Wine, Laughter & Behind-the-Scenes Stories from Erin & Kimberly

    12/03/2025

    Dog Mom Friendsgiving: Wine, Laughter & Behind-the-Scenes Stories from Erin & Kimberly

    Send us a text It’s our annual Thanksgiving Happy Hour on The Alternative Dog Moms! Erin and Kimberly pour a glass (or two) of Mamamango wine and go completely off-script — as friends do. Once a year, we put structure aside and let the conversation wander wherever our dog-mom brains take it. This episode is full of laughs, real talk, and those “wait… how did we get here?” moments that only happen with your closest friends. And honestly? That’s the magic. It’s also wild to think that we’re wrapping up Season 4 of the podcast — and Season 5 is just around the corner. In this cozy, slightly chaotic holiday hangout, we talk about:  • Life updates and dog mom confessions  • The random topics that come to mind when wine is poured  • What we’re grateful for this year  • Favorite moments from past seasons  • Excitement for what’s coming in Season 5 If you love relaxed, real-life dog mom energy, this is the perfect episode to unwind with — glass of Mamamango optional, but highly recommended. SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram.com/Erin_The_Dog_MomInstagram.com/RawFeederLifeThanks for listening to our podcast. You can learn more about Erin Scott's first podcast at BelieveInDogPodcast.com. And you can learn more about raw feeding, raising dogs naturally, and Kimberly's dogs at KeepTheTailWagging.com. And don't forget to subscribe to The Alternative Dog Moms.

    1h 15m
  8. What Ayurveda Reveals About Your Dog: Doshas, Energy & Wellness with Amanda Ree of Sama Dog

    11/29/2025

    What Ayurveda Reveals About Your Dog: Doshas, Energy & Wellness with Amanda Ree of Sama Dog

    Send us a text In this episode of The Alternative Dog Moms, Erin and Kimberly explore the world of Ayurveda for dogs with Amanda Ree, founder of Sama Dog. Amanda introduces us to the Ayurvedic approach to understanding a dog’s unique personality, energy patterns, and overall wellness — and why this ancient system can be such a powerful tool for modern dog parents. Before the interview, we took Sama Dog’s canine Ayurveda test with our own pups. In the episode, we share our results, what surprised us, and what made complete sense once we heard Amanda break down each dosha type. Together, we talk about:  • The basics of Ayurveda and how it applies to dogs  • What your dog’s dosha says about their personality and needs  • How to support your dog’s energy type through food, environment & daily habits  • Practical lifestyle tips to help dogs feel more balanced  • Why small energetic shifts can lead to big improvements in behavior and wellbeing If you’re curious about holistic healing, energy work, or simply want a deeper understanding of your dog’s unique nature, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to see your dog through a whole new lens. CHAPTERS: How Amanda was introduced to Ayurvedic Medicine for people and for pets (it involves Deepak Chopra!) (0:54)The connection between ourselves and our pets - both physically and emotionally (7:36)The 3 Doshas and the characteristics of each - and where to take the quiz to determine your dog's dosha (15:27)Qualities in Erin & Kimberly see of their dogs' doshas and strategies for balancing these (23:49)Do doshas impact relationships between dogs? and balancing dosha personalities in a household (33:28)How to incorporate Ayurvedic principles in our dogs' daily lives (39:52)Qualities of each dosha commonly seen in people (50:16)Can doshas change throughout our dogs' lives? And can life experiences impact our doshas? (53:40)Amanda's experiences as an Animal Chaplain (1:00:14) LINKS DISCUSSED: Sama Dog (https://www.samadog.com/)Quiz: Find Your Dog's Dosha (https://www.samadog.com/quiz)Animal Chaplaincy at the Compassion Consortium (https://www.compassionconsortium.org/act) Canadian government kills ostriches affected by Avian Flu (https://www.science.org/content/article/canadian-government-kills-ostriches-afflicted-h5n1-despite-appeal-rfk-jr) SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram.com/Erin_The_Dog_MomInstagram.com/RawFeederLifeThanks for listening to our podcast. You can learn more about Erin Scott's first podcast at BelieveInDogPodcast.com. And you can learn more about raw feeding, raising dogs naturally, and Kimberly's dogs at KeepTheTailWagging.com. And don't forget to subscribe to The Alternative Dog Moms.

    1h 7m
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4.7
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Two content creators chatting about what's happening in the fresh food community and pet industry. Kimberly Gauthier of the blog Keep the Tail Wagging joins Erin Scott of the podcast Believe in Dog each week to share their thoughts on what's happening on social media and in the news. Join us each week to hear our thoughts and share your own.

Information

  • Creator
    Kimberly Gauthier (Keep the Tail Wagging) and Erin Scott (Believe in Dog)
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    172
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Alternative Dog Moms
  • Show Website
    The Alternative Dog Moms

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