Hello, fellow dog lovers! If you’re like me, your dog is family—and just like we make cleaner, healthier choices for ourselves, our furry companions deserve the same. Today, I’m sharing the journey of my dog Nacho, who at 13 years old is still full of spunk, thanks to a lifestyle focused on real food, clean supplements, and thoughtful wellness rituals. This blog is for informational purposes only and does not replace veterinary care—always consult your vet before making changes to your dog’s routine.

Why Clean Choices Matter for Our Dogs

Dogs bring so much joy, love, and companionship into our lives. They rely on us to make the best decisions for their health. Many commercial pet products contain fillers, artificial additives, and harsh chemicals that can impact our dogs’ health over time. Just as I changed my own lifestyle after a cancer scare, I decided Nacho deserved the same level of care and intention.

Real Food: The Farmer’s Dog

After Nacho suffered a neck and back injury from years of jumping, I wanted to give him the best chance at long-term health. One of the first changes I made was switching his food to The Farmer’s Dog, a fresh, gently cooked, human-grade dog food.

Why The Farmer’s Dog?

Human-grade, real ingredients: USDA-approved meats, vegetables, and balanced nutrients—no by-products, artificial additives, or preservatives.
Gently cooked: Preserves nutrients and flavor, making it more digestible and appealing to picky eaters.
Transparent labeling: You know exactly what’s in every meal—beef, chicken, pork, carrots, fish oil, and more.
Health benefits: Studies and reviews report shinier coats, improved digestion, increased energy, and even longer lifespans for dogs on fresh diets. Nacho’s coat became shinier, his eyes clearer, and his energy more youthful over time.

Supplements: Cleaner, Targeted Support

Just as I take supplements for my own health, Nacho gets targeted, high-quality supplements to support his joints, digestion, and calm.

Cymbiotika Dog Supplements

3rd-party tested, human-grade ingredients: Formulated by specialists for optimal efficacy.
Hip & Joint Support: Includes ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin, which are clinically shown to alleviate pain and improve mobility in dogs with osteoarthritis (supported by double-blind, placebo-controlled trials).
Probiotics: Support gut and immune health, with research from Cornell showing probiotics can help balance gut bacteria, reduce harmful pathogens, and boost immunity.
Calm Formula: Uses natural ingredients like GABA, chamomile, and valerian root to help manage stress and anxiety.

Soul CBD for Pets

Calming and relief: CBD has been shown in randomized, placebo-controlled studies to reduce stress, lower cortisol, and improve overall well-being in dogs.
3rd-party tested, organic, and non-GMO: Soul’s CBD oil is easy to administer and effective for anxiety, pain, and mobility support.

Grooming: Cleaner, Gentle Products

Aleavia Prebiotic Pet Shampoo

Prebiotic formula: Supports healthy skin microbiome, balances pH, and soothes sensitive skin.
Clean, simple ingredients: Free from harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, and sulfates, making it safe for dogs with allergies or sensitive skin.

Paw & Environmental Care

Organic Bunny Pets Paw Cleanser

No-rinse, lick-safe formula: Uses plant-based ingredients like aloe, pomegranate, and broccoli seed oil to gently clean and protect paws.
Why it matters: Lawns and sidewalks are often sprayed with pesticides and herbicides, which are linked to increased cancer risk in dogs. I avoid letting Nacho spend time on treated grass and always clean his paws after walks.

Treats: Minimal, Real Ingredients

The Farmer’s Dog treats: Made with simple, whole ingredients.
Trader Joe’s salmon skin treats: Single-ingredient, high in omega-3s for skin and coat health.

Biohacking for Dogs: Red Light Therapy

Nacho receives red light therapy 2–3 times a week for about 6 minutes, especially for his neck and back.

Science-backed benefits:

Pain and inflammation reduction: Randomized controlled trials show red light therapy (photobiomodulation) significantly reduces pain and improves mobility in dogs with arthritis and injuries .
Faster recovery: Dogs treated with red light post-surgery or injury recover faster and require less pain medication .
Cellular healing: Red light boosts ATP production, collagen synthesis, and blood flow, supporting tissue repair and reducing inflammation.

Lifestyle: Movement, Sunlight, and Love

Exercise: Nacho walks 2–3 miles, 5–6 days a week, usually at sunrise for natural vitamin D and the calming benefits of nature.
Portion control: He eats only real food or balanced dog food—no table scraps or processed treats.
Love and attention: Emotional well-being is as important as physical health.

Final Thoughts

Our dogs deserve the same level of care and clean living as the rest of our family. By choosing real food, clean supplements, gentle grooming products, and mindful lifestyle habits, we can help them live longer, healthier, and happier lives. Nacho’s journey is proof that even older dogs can thrive with the right support.

Remember: This blog is for informational purposes and does not replace veterinary advice. Always consult your vet before making changes to your dog’s diet, supplements, or wellness routine.

Do you have wellness rituals for your furry friend? Share them below—I’d love to hear about your journey!

References:
– The Farmer’s Dog: Human-grade, gently cooked, transparent labeling, health benefits
– Cymbiotika & joint supplements: Double-blind trials for osteoarthritis, high-quality ingredients
– Probiotics: Cornell Vet, RCTs for gut and skin health
– CBD: Randomized, placebo-controlled studies for stress and pain
– Aleavia: Prebiotic, natural, gentle for sensitive skin
– Organic Bunny Cleanser: Plant-based, safe, no rinse
– Pesticides: Linked to cancer risk in dogs
– Red light therapy: RCTs for pain, mobility, and healing