The Alternative Dog Moms

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Ruby Balaram, cofounder of Real.Dog and the Feed Real Institute, joins the Alternative Dog Moms to discuss developing Real Dog Food, introducing a new dog food (choosing proteins, nutrient density, AAFCO standards, including fur in fresh food recipes), lessons from 11 years in the pet industry, and what to expect at this year’s Feed Real Summit.

• Welcoming Ruby back to the podcast and looking forward to the Feed Real Summit (0:55)
• What Ruby has learned from 11 years in business and her large breed dog that led her to develop Real Dog Food (2:28)
• Discussing the reasons why (and why not) pet parents switch to a fresh food diet (10:00)
• Ruby's approach to choosing proteins for Real Dog Food (15:32)
• Why rehydrating Real Dog Food will be an important step (19:11)
• Ruby’s approach to navigating logistical decisions and challenges of bringing Real Dog Food to life (20:56)
• Why Real Dog Food’s nutrient density means smaller portions and the pivot Ruby made to better balance calories across proteins (26:32)
• Why Ruby wanted to include fur in Real Dog Food recipes (28:48)
• Ruby’s approach to meeting AAFCO’s “complete and balanced” standards (31:38)
• Observations about the pet industry and experiences at SuperZoo (and also dancing) (33:24)
• What to expect at this year's Feed Real Summit (45:44)

LINKS DISCUSSED:

• Real.Dog (for dog food, subscription dog treats/chews)
• Feed Real Institute
• Feed Real Summit

SOCIAL MEDIA:

• Kimberly: Raw Feeder Life, RawFeederLife.com
• Erin Scott: Believe in Dog podcast, BelieveInDogPodcast.com
• Raw Feeder Life, Instagram.com/RawFeederLife
• Believe 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.

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What really happens behind the scenes at SuperZoo 2026?

In this episode of The Alternative Dog Moms Podcast, we recap our first SuperZoo experience as exhibitors with Real Mushrooms instead of content creators walking the showroom floor.

We share what goes into booth setup, the time and money brands invest in exhibiting, the growth of SuperZoo’s Natural & Health section, standout products, favorite people, and lessons learned along the way.

And because it’s Vegas, there’s also food, drinks, Wahlburgers, questionable transportation choices, parties, wagons, PlantCon inspiration, and a lunch where I (Kimberly) was definitely the third wheel. 😂

We also get into the less-glamorous side of working a major pet industry trade show, the 2 Crazy Cat Ladies party, SuperZoo’s charitable efforts, and how our dogs and partners handled things back home.

If you’ve ever wondered what SuperZoo is really like behind the booths, this episode offers a fun, candid look at one of the pet industry’s biggest events.

CHAPTERS:

• Thank you to the Real Mushrooms Team for sending Kimberly & Erin to SuperZoo (0:56)
• Behind the scenes of setting up for SuperZoo and the work that goes into the booths (3:34)
• The growth of the Natural & Health Section over the years and the expense for brands to have a booth (6:05)
• Kimberly & Erin return to Wahlburgers! Eating and drinking our way through Vegas (11:08)
• SuperZoo gives back (15:29)
• Products we were impressed by and some of the awesome people we got to see (16:28)
• The Less-Glamorous Side of SuperZoo (25:59)
• Wagons, PlantCon and Signage (32:27)
• Lessons learned as first-time SuperZoo exhibitors (36:33)
• Kimberly Felt Like a 3rd Wheel & Other (Mis)Adventures (40:03)
• Recap of the 2 Crazy Cat Ladies' Party (45:16)
• Wait, There’s More Brands and Products We're Still Talking About (46:31)
• Dance Party, Travel Quirks and more awesome people we saw (53:20)
• Wild Rides & Good Deeds (1:02:28)
• How our dogs + partners did at home without us (1:07:04)

LINKS DISCUSSED:

• Tick Mitt's At-Home Tick Test
• Totoniks
• Gnu Bone Broth Chews
• Real Dog Box's upcoming Food
• Real Mushrooms award-winning Qrill products
• PANTA Boxes

SOCIAL MEDIA:

• Kimberly: Raw Feeder Life, RawFeederLife.com
• Erin Scott: Believe in Dog podcast, BelieveInDogPodcast.com
• Raw Feeder Life, Instagram.com/RawFeederLife
• Believe 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.

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It’s officially Dog Mom Summer, and Kimberly and Erin are catching up on senior dogs, pet food industry news, raw feeding, and the questionable conversations happening online.

They begin with updates on their senior dogs and share encouraging news about KetoPet Naturals’ lawsuit against Hill’s regarding allegations surrounding the canine DCM controversy. Kimberly also recounts a strange interaction with a veterinarian on social media who questioned how she chooses to feed her dogs.

The conversation then turns to Hill’s upcoming therapeutic “fresh food” diet, which will reportedly only be available through veterinary recommendations. Is this simply another option for pet parents, or are corporations and veterinary professionals continuing to shape the narrative around what dogs should eat?

It may be time to pull out the tin foil hats.

Kimberly and Erin also discuss the upcoming Raw Feeding Awards outside the United States, explore what researchers from the Dog Aging Project are learning about the canine microbiome, and wrap up the episode with TV Talk.

CHAPTERS:

• Dog Mom Summer (0:54)
• Senior dog updates (6:17)
• Encouraging news about KetoPet Naturals’ lawsuit against Hill’s regarding DCM claims (11:08)
• Kimberly’s strange social media interaction with a veterinarian (17:47)
• Hill’s launches a veterinary-recommended therapeutic fresh food diet (29:33)
• Tin Foil Hat Time: Who controls the pet food narrative? (31:59)
• Raw Feeding Awards and Dog Aging Project microbiome research (47:58)
• TV Talk (54:14)

LINKS DISCUSSED:

• KetoPet won their appeal! (https://truthaboutpetfood.com/appellate-court-rules-hills-pet-food-lawsuit-will-continue/)
• Royal Canin is launching its first fresh therapeutic diet line for dogs, available only through veterinarians (https://www.dvm360.com/view/royal-canin-launches-first-fresh-therapeutic-diet-line-for-dogs-available-only-through-veterinarians)
• In England, they're hosting Raw Feeding Awards, the R’Awards! (https://dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/2026/07/14/raw-feeding-comes-of-age-as-industrys-first-dedicated-awards-are-announced/)
• New study released about Canine Microbiome from Dog Aging Project  (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-73193-y#Abs1)
• Thunder Cat is taking over the internet (https://www.instagram.com/thunderxcat/)

SOCIAL MEDIA:

• Kimberly: Raw Feeder Life, RawFeederLife.com
• Erin Scott: Believe in Dog podcast, BelieveInDogPodcast.com
• Raw Feeder Life, Instagram.com/RawFeederLife
• Believe 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.

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Dr. Kendra Pope shares how integrative veterinary oncology can help pet parents take a proactive approach to canine cancer prevention. Learn about nutrition, at-home health testing, wellness, veterinary costs, and why caring for the whole dog matters.

CHAPTERS:

• Navigating the growing world of at-home test kits with Dr. Kendra Pope (0:55)
• Why wellness is more than physical, and why letting "dogs be dogs" matters (4:54)
• How Dr. Pope navigates oncology care while sometimes challenging "conventional" thinking, such as what to feed dogs (16:59)
• How pet parents can learn from Dr. Pope to take a proACTIVE approach to cancer prevention, the mindset shift needed and how to prioritize your efforts (27:44)
• Integrative care expands the veterinary toolbox beyond "conventional" treatment and why more young veterinarians aren't entering integrative medicine sooner (43:13)
• The growing impact of veterinary costs on cancer treatment decisions (49:10)
• The best part of Dr. Pope's job (56:38)

LINKS DISCUSSED:

• Pet Cancer Risk Quiz - https://prismpets.krtra.com/t/NchL8dYAWUrK
• How to Build a Cancer Resilient Pet Masterclass - https://prismpets.krtra.com/t/kXqbO9hPmQdT
• Pet Cancer Prevention Course (Waitlist) - https://prismpets.krtra.com/t/IXdjgvPkLhZa
• Poppy Phillips with Dr. Pope (https://youtu.be/WQAx3AChAq0?si=WAHUneLXxDpKkoFz)
• Believe in Dog Podcast with Kim Brophey (https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode133)

SOCIAL MEDIA:

• Kimberly: Raw Feeder Life, RawFeederLife.com
• Erin Scott: Believe in Dog podcast, BelieveInDogPodcast.com
• Raw Feeder Life, Instagram.com/RawFeederLife
• Believe 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.

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In this episode of The Alternative Dog Moms Podcast, Kimberly and Erin talk with Dr. Deb Torraca, a pioneer in canine rehabilitation, about helping dogs move better, age more comfortably, and recover from injuries with thoughtful support.

Dr. Deb shares the biggest factors pet parents can control when it comes to their dog’s mobility, including exercise, weight, home setup, and knowing when to respect a dog’s limits. We also dig into CCL tears, whether surgery is always necessary, and what conservative management can look like when guided by the right professional.

This conversation also covers common activities that may increase the risk of orthopedic injuries, subtle behavior and movement changes that may show up before a limp, and the many therapies and tools used in canine rehab. Whether you have a senior dog, an active dog, or a dog recovering from an injury, this episode is packed with practical takeaways to help you support your dog’s comfort, strength, and quality of life.

CHAPTERS:

• Dr. Deb Torraca is a pioneer in the field of canine rehab (0:54)
• The biggest factors pet parents can control to help their dogs mobility (5:30)
• Supporting your senior dog's mobility while respecting their limits (7:44)
• Does every CCL tear really need surgery? What does "Conservative Management" really look like?  (13:06)
• The #1 mistake many well-meaning pet parents make when exercising their dogs, and other factors that contribute to knee injuries (17:23)
• Common activities that may increase your dog's risk of orthopedic injuries (26:41)
• The everyday adjustments we've made to help our senior dogs stay comfortable around the house (30:26)
• The behavior and movement changes that may signal an injury or mobility challenge in our dogs ... before the limp (32:58)
• The wide range of therapies and tools used in canine rehabilitation (40:17)
• Why Dr. Deb says the hardest part of canine rehab often isn't the dog (44:48)
• Breed predispositions, common injuries, and simple ways to reduce your dog's risk of injury (48:35)

WHERE TO FIND DR. TORRACA:

• https://wizardofpaws.net/
• https://www.instagram.com/wizard.of.paws/

WHERE TO FIND A CANINE REHAB PRACTITIONER: 

• https://www.caninerehabinstitute.com/find-therapist
• https://www.utvetrehab.com/canine-rehab-ccrp/ccrp-practitioners/
• https://rehabvets.org/

SOCIAL MEDIA:

• Kimberly: Raw Feeder Life, RawFeederLife.com
• Erin Scott: Believe in Dog podcast, BelieveInDogPodcast.com
• Raw Feeder Life, Instagram.com/RawFeederLife
• Believe 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.

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From NFL linebacker to raw feeding advocate.

In this episode, we sit down with Nathan Gerry, former linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles and founder of Rawly Raw Pet Food in South Dakota, to talk about how one dog changed everything.

Nathan shares how raw feeding transformed his dog’s life, what it’s like advocating for fresh food in a kibble-heavy world, and why whole-food nutrition matters for dogs, working dogs, athletes, and pet parents who want to do better.

We also talk about the origin story of Rawly, the dogs who inspired the mission, and how this company is supporting canine health beyond the bowl.

Whether you’re raw curious, already feeding fresh, or just love hearing from dog dads who went all in for their dogs, this is a great conversation.

Chapters:

• How Raw Feeding Changed His Dog's Life and Inspired an NFL Dog Dad to Become a Raw Feeding Founder (0:54)
• The challenges of educating and advocating for fresh feeding in a kibble world (9:46)
• The role of whole-food nutrition in supporting performance for both humans and working dogs (22:22)
• The origin story of Rawly: from feeding one dog to building a raw food company (27:04)
• How better nutrition has transformed the lives of our own dogs (and dogs we know) (33:28)
• Rawly's product lineup and where to find them (41:15)
• An exclusive peek behind the curtain at how Rawly supports your dog's health beyond the bowl (47:21)

Links Discussed:

• Rawly Dog Food, https://www.rawly.co/

Social Media:

• Kimberly: Raw Feeder Life, RawFeederLife.com
• Erin Scott: Believe in Dog podcast, BelieveInDogPodcast.com
• Raw Feeder Life, Instagram.com/RawFeederLife
• Believe 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.

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In this episode of The Alternative Dog Moms, we’re joined by Sean to learn the origin story behind Tvati and why this topical product has become part of so many pet wellness conversations. We discuss what animals have taught him about Tvati’s topical-systemic results, how pet parents can decide where to invest in their dog’s wellness, and why traditional use matters when looking at long-term support.

We also dig into the big questions: Can’t you just buy hibiscus anywhere? Does Tvati really produce cartilage and heal bone? Is it appropriate for pets with cancer? And how can it support quality of life in senior pets?

Plus, we talk about Tvati’s entrance into the integrative veterinary world with Dr. Katie Kangas and Jessica, and how this product is being used by both people and pets.

Chapters:

• Tvati's origin story (0:55)
• What animals have taught Sean about Tvati's topical-systemic results (10:21)
• Choosing Where to Invest in Your Dog's Wellness (18:13)
• How Long Should You Use Tvati? A Look at Its Traditional Origins (28:41)
• Can't You Just Buy Hibiscus Anywhere? (31:56)
• Does Tvati really produce cartilage and heal bone? (34:26)
• Entering the Integrative Veterinary World with Dr. Katie Kangas (and Jessica!) (37:46)
• Is Tvati appropriate for pets with cancer? (41:14)
• Usage in people and pets (44:10)
• How Tvati improves quality of life in senior pets (52:14)

Links Discussed:

• https://tvati.com/

Social Media:

• Kimberly: Raw Feeder Life, RawFeederLife.com
• Erin Scott: Believe in Dog podcast, BelieveInDogPodcast.com
• Raw Feeder Life, Instagram.com/RawFeederLife
• Believe 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.

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This week, we’re catching up on the dogs, discussing pet parent etiquette in public, and revisiting the raw feeding myths and misleading statistics making the rounds on social media. We also explore why dogs eat grass, share a veterinarian’s practical approach to pet food, and talk about a new free DIY raw feeding calculator. Then we ask the question no one saw coming: WTF is lamb protein yeast, and would we feed it to our dogs? Plus, we wrap up with our latest TV and movie talk.

Chapters:

• Dog Updates & Pet Parent Public Etiquette (0:54)
• Social media's raw feeding myths & misleading statistics . . . AGAIN (16:52)
• A new article explaining why dogs eat grass (28:21)
• A veterinarian's practical pet food advice and a new free DIY raw calculator (34:12)
• WTF is "lamb protein yeast" and would you feed it to your dog? (49:10)
• TV and Movie Talk (59:59)

Links Discussed:

• Why Dogs Eat Grass
• Dr. Coger's advice for choosing a dog food
• Free DIY Dog Food Recipe Maker from Dr. Dobias
• All different outlooks on Lamb Protein Yeast
  • Investment publication: https://za.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/bond-pet-foods-receives-fda-clearance-for-fermented-lamb-protein-93CH-4314956
  • Pet industry: https://www.petfoodindustry.com/nutrition/pet-food-ingredients/news/15824986/hills-bond-pet-foods-receive-fda-noobjection-letter-for-fermentationderived-lamb-protein
  • Veterinarians: https://www.dvm360.com/view/fda-issues-no-objection-letter-for-the-first-precision-fermentation-derived-animal-protein-for-use-in-pet-food
  • Susan Thixton: https://truthaboutpetfood.com/approved-by-fda-precision-fermentation-animal-protein-in-pet-food/
  • Solutions: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DfqUQMjm9/

Social Media:

• Kimberly: Raw Feeder Life, RawFeederLife.com
• Erin Scott: Believe in Dog podcast, BelieveInDogPodcast.com
• Raw Feeder Life, Instagram.com/RawFeederLife
• Believe 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.

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What does "regenerative agriculture" actually mean, and why should pet parents care?

In this episode, we sit down with the team behind Ramstead Ranch to explore the connection between soil health, nutrient-dense food, sustainable farming, and the health of both people and pets.

We discuss the origin story of Ramstead Ranch, how 240 acres were transformed through regenerative farming practices, and why healthy soil may be one of the most important factors in producing healthier food. You'll learn how regenerative agriculture differs from factory farming and conventional "Big Ag," what nutrient differences may exist between foods raised in healthy ecosystems, and why you can't out-supplement poor-quality food produced from depleted land.

We also dive into practical advice for becoming a more informed consumer, navigating confusing marketing claims, feeding nutrient-dense foods on a budget, and understanding how Ramstead Ranch expanded into products for dogs. Along the way, we share stories from ranch life, lessons learned from livestock guardian dogs, and resources for anyone interested in learning more about regenerative agriculture.

In This Episode:

•  Origin story of Ramstead Ranch 
•  What regenerative agriculture really means 
•  How to evaluate food and pet food marketing claims 
•  Regenerative farming vs factory farming and Big Ag 
•  Soil health and nutrient density 
•  Rebuilding 240 acres through regenerative practices 
•  Why Ramstead Ranch began offering products for dogs 
•  Behind-the-scenes realities of ranch life 
•  The connection between soil, food quality, and chronic health issues 
•  Budget-friendly ways to feed more nutrient-dense foods 
•  Resources for learning more about regenerative agriculture 
•  Chris's journey to Ramstead Ranch 

Find Ramstead Ranch:

• Web: https://ramsteadranch.com/
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/ramsteadranch/
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/RamsteadRanch

Links Discussed:

• Gabe Brown: https://brownsranch.us/
• Common Ground Film: https://commongroundfilm.org/
• Kiss the Ground: https://kissthegroundmovie.com/
• Joel Salatin: https://www.regenerativefarms.org/why-regeneration/
• Food Inc.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXIkrYbqRO0
• Omnivore's Dilemma

Social Media:

• Kimberly: Raw Feeder Life, RawFeederLife.com
• Erin Scott: Believe in Dog podcast, BelieveInDogPodcast.com
• Raw Feeder Life, Instagram.com/RawFeederLife
• Believe 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.

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In this episode of The Alternative Dog Moms Podcast, we dive into some of the hottest conversations happening in the fresh feeding community.

We kick things off by discussing whether a raw food company is getting a fair shake on Reddit, along with a side conversation that confirms why neither of us would survive a career in customer service (0:55).

Next, we tackle the mushroom advertisement that claims a specific product can shrink lipomas in dogs. The ad seems to be making the rounds again, so we share our thoughts on what pet parents should know before getting their hopes up (27:48).

Then we discuss a thoughtful post from Holistic Canine that offers a balanced perspective on what "balance" actually means when feeding dogs. Is every meal supposed to be perfectly balanced? Can balance happen over time? We share our take on this often misunderstood topic (40:56).

Of course, we also provide updates on our dogs, what's working, what we're trying, and what's happening in our homes (55:34).

And finally, we wrap things up with TV talk, random tangents, and the usual conversations that somehow take on a life of their own (1:08:02).

Episode Highlights:

•  Is a raw food company being judged fairly online? 
•  Why customer service is not our calling 
•  The truth behind mushroom and lipoma marketing claims 
•  A realistic discussion about balance in homemade and raw diets 
•  Updates on our dogs and daily life 
•  TV recommendations and side conversations

Links Discussed: 

• Reddit thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/rawpetfood/comments/1tbcfvl/viva_raw_selling_rotten_raw_meat/
• Kimberly's functional mushroom article: https://rawfeederlife.substack.com/p/functional-mushrooms-for-dogs
• Holistic Canine's post about Balance: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BPAzoDWnk/
• Recipe resources Kimberly mentions: 
  • Forever Dog Life
  • Dinner Pawsible by Dr. Cathy Alinovi and Susan Thixton
  • Dr. Judy Morgan's Books
  • Feed Real Institute
  • Animal Diet Formulator
• Woof Creek

Social Media:

• Kimberly: Raw Feeder Life, RawFeederLife.com
• Erin Scott: Believe in Dog podcast, BelieveInDogPodcast.com
• Raw Feeder Life, Instagram.com/RawFeederLife
• Believe 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.