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Special Holistic Approach

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A Brief History Lesson

​Over thousands of years, many species slowly have become domesticated. This has brought us the gift of loving, loyal cats and dogs as part of our families. However, as we welcome them into our homes, there’s a common temptation: treating them like humans, especially when it comes to their food and how we understand their needs.

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The problem is that when we treat and feed our pets as if they were humans, or anthropomorphizing, we risk overlooking their unique biological and nutritional requirements. This can lead to a range of health issues, from obesity and malnutrition to different types of allergies or sensitivities--and it may even play a role in chronic disease.

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Avoiding Common Pitfalls

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Many pet owners, out of love, offer table scraps or human foods as treats. Unfortunately, this can be harmful, leading to obesity, digestive upset, and even toxicities from foods like grapes, chocolate, onions, or dairy products. Also, feeding diets high in carbohydrates or low-quality ingredients can contribute to chronic health problems and behavioral issues.

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Key mistakes to avoid:

  • Feeding inappropriate human foods or table scraps

  • Overfeeding or over-treating

  • Ignoring your pet’s individual nutritional needs

  • Choosing foods based on convenience rather than quality

Understanding Your Pet’s Communication

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Cats and dogs communicate in ways that are different from humans and even from each other. While we may project human emotions or intentions onto their behavior (a process called anthropomorphism), it’s crucial to learn their unique cues for health and happiness.  For instance:

  • Tail position, vocalizations, and body language are key indicators of mood and well-being.

  • Both species use eye contact, mouth tension, and whisker position to signal friendliness, fear, or aggression.

  • Recognizing these signals helps you meet their needs more effectively and supports a stronger, healthier bond.

Species-Appropriate Nutrition: Raw Feeding and Quality Kibble

 

It's certainly not for everyone, but for those that are open to it, raw feeding aims to replicate the ancestral diet of cats and dogs, focusing on fresh, uncooked meats, organs, and bones. This approach is rooted in the natural history of our pets: cats are carnivores while dogs are omnivores by nature, with dietary needs that are best met by animal-based proteins and fats. A well-constructed raw diet is:

  • High in protein and essential nutrients

  • Rich in natural enzymes and prebiotic “animal fiber”

  • Highly palatable and satiating

  • Supportive of healthy teeth, gums, digestion, skin, and coat

Raw diets closely mirror what wild canines and felines would eat, supporting optimal vitality and reducing the risk of diseases linked to processed or carbohydrate-heavy foods.

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My Holistic Approach

 

As a holistic animal nutrition coach, my mission is to guide you in making informed, species-appropriate choices for your cat or dog—whether you’re interested in raw feeding or selecting the best quality kibble. Every pet is unique, and their nutrition should be tailored to their age, breed, activity level, and health status.

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What I offer:

  • Personalized nutrition consultations for cats and dogs

  • Tailored meal plans using raw or premium commercial foods

  • Guidance on holistic supplements and lifestyle adjustments

  • Ongoing support to help you and your pet thrive
     

Let’s work together to honor your pet’s true nature—supporting their health, vitality, and happiness for years to come.

​Commercially Manufactured Food

 

Many of our clients prefer or require the convenience of commercial diets; the focus should be on the finest quality kibble available. Not all kibble is created equal—many commercial foods are heavily processed and contain fillers or artificial additives that do not meet the species-specific needs of cats and dogs. For instance, the best kibbles:

  • List animal proteins as the primary ingredients

  • Avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives

  • Are free from unnecessary carbohydrates and by-products

  • Often include added nutrients like omega fatty acids for digestive and skin health
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I am able to make strong recommendations for brands that I deem are committed to high-quality, minimally processed ingredients that align with your pet’s individual, natural dietary needs.

"My coaching is based on a holistic approach to problem solving, looking at the entire history and environment of the animal instead of just the presenting issue. My background in psychology also allows for an empathetic and broader approach to our relationships with our pets. I promise that working with me will be unlike anything you have ever experienced before."

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The 4 Pillars That Guide Me

Compassion:  Caring for your pet with compassion helps build a strong emotional connection. By recognizing their feelings, you create a safe and loving environment. Being attentive to their fears, discomfort, and pleasure ensures they get the emotional and nutritional support they need to thrive.

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Awareness:  Sometimes you have to "play detective" and really tune into what our pet's behaviors and challenges might be telling us.  That means we have to pay special attention to the clues they might be giving us at pet owners.

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Understanding: When we're really tuned into our pet friends, we can be specific about what concerns you--what challenges is your  pet presenting?  Like the old saying, "Knowledge is power," it's true for our furry friends too.  Allegra is an expert "decoder" of animals and her expertise in understanding how to "read" what our pets are telling us is what allows her to determine just exactly what they may need to put them on the path to wellness and happiness.

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Acceptance:  Just like we humans have our own idiosyncracies about the foods we eat, the kinds of recreation and exercise we enjoy, and that work for us given our lifestyle and health, animals do too!  Part of what makes each of us unique, and often, interesting and loveable is also what makes us "different" or special.  So accepting that our pets also have their own unique personalities with strengths, challenges, likes and dislikes is key to having peace and joy in our lives, in our homes, and with our pets.

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