You are receiving this email from Dr. Christina Chambreau because you are passionately committed to having health for your animals, yourself and the planet or because a friend thought you wanted to hear this information.
Two areas you have almost total control over are what you feed your dogs and cats and their behavior.
Over the years I have discussed fresh food feeding.
See prior newsletters, join Holistic Actions, read great books and take classes and summits (more later or sign up now for The Dog Nutrition Solutions Series)
May's Holistic Actions webinars were focused on behavior issues. When a dog or cat is healthy and has a balanced energy field, they are easier to train, and to
integrate into a healthy household. Nutrition individualized for each animal is often key to health.
June's webinars will be on nutrition! And coming in June is an amazing series of speakers on food and behavior, including the famous Dr. Ian Dunbar speaking on how feeding properly can affect your health and happiness as well as your dog’s. Several other speakers point to the affect of food on behavior issues. Sign up here for The Dog Nutrition Solutions Series starting June 10, 2024.
Behavior speakers at Holistic Actions in May included Irith Bloom, Bryndon Goalya and the Two Crazy Cat Ladies, Jae Kennedy and Adrienne Lefebvre. Key points covered:
- MAKE SMALL CHANGES so you are not overwhelmed. Try one
new toy, food, supplement, routine change, etc. Each small change adds up and you are less stressed.
- CHOICE is critical. The more choices you can give each animal, the better. Do you want to eat now or later, go right or left on the walk, play or hide in the cat tree, do this activity or that one, be petted here or there….and the possibilities are endless. What fun for you to observe what they want. And you could take an animal
communication class to “hear” them even better.
- ENRICHMENT can be the physical space, toys, games, training, learning tricks, working for their food some of the time and much more. Cats, for instance, need some areas to safely hide (if under the bed and there is an emergency, how to get them out – so better to create other areas (bottom of closet, etc). Hiding food around the house or yard for cats and dogs or using puzzle
feeders for mind stimulation and mimicking hunting/eating behavior. Good may be cat or dog TV, safe & quiet spaces, bird feeders to watch (some may be stressed by that), harnesses, catios to get outdoors. Toys should be rotated, keeping only a few out at a time. For the planet, buy used or make your own. Rope toys for dog – easy. Cardboard boxes for cats – easy!
- SAFETY affects behavior. Often aggression,
anxiety & fears can be triggered by a lack of a sense of safety. Do they have a safe space (crate, grate, tethers, hidey hole, etc) with access to it. Is the back yard scary for some reason? Predictability can help with this.
- YOUR BEHAVIOR – while we do not cause behavior problems, we can significantly contribute to them. Some cats and dogs, just like specific people, are very bothered by noises of all types (computer
or mobile phone clicking, TV, radio or other music they may not like. Your stress, anger, upset. Others are not bothered. Observe if you need to make some changes. As often mentioned for human mental health – “wash” off your stress from work or commute before entering the house. Tell your pets what is happening, what you like and don’t like – and listen for their answers.
Since most of you are not yet members of Holistic Actions and cannot access our many feeding webinars,
starting June 10 is The Dog Nutrition Solutions Series - Free! Learn what is in processed foods, why clean ingredients are important, different fresh ingredients or supplements considered very beneficial, how to prepare fresh foods and from me, knowing what is the best diet for each dog (and for your family). I know most of the speakers and
they are excellent.
While you may get overwhelmed, consider the following 3 keys we at holistic actions emphasize:
No matter which "diet" you choose for your pet, we base pet nutrition on our three core principles:
- Freshness: Local if possible, whole, unprocessed foods as all or part of their diet. With some research, even with very big dogs, you will usually save money.
- Variety: Just like us, pets need a diverse menu to get their nutritional needs met - different protein sources (in big chunks for teeth health), healthy fats, and fresh vegetables & fruits (pureed) to keep your pet's taste buds happy and their bodies thriving.
- Moderation: There can be too much of a good thing. Too much of anything can result in imbalance. And there is no one right answer, no one
expert, no best balancing approach. Your dog and cat will tell you with their energy levels and any symptoms.
I want to serve you and your animals so please let me know what you need or want. Pet Health Coaching Appointments can be scheduled here, too. Email me at HealThyAnimals@aol.com
You can read any and all of the past newsletters by clicking here.
You can join Holistic Actions Community for super support and reliable information. Email if you become a member for a surprise gift.
