From Curiosity to Passion: My Journey into Canine Nutrition
Hello and welcome! I’m Jen, and I’m so excited to start this journey with you all. Here at For the Love of Dogs, I believe that proper nutrition is the key to a long, healthy, and happy life for our beloved furry companions.
My love of canine nutrition began when I was what we call in the veterinary field “just a baby tech” working in general practice. I developed a fascination with canine nutrition when I started doing some research on getting my first dog, Bentley. There was SO MUCH information on what was the “best” dog food and I must admit it was overwhelming. I slowly started doing more research here and there as time went on, and I delved deeper into my veterinary technician career as my best friend got older.
At the young age of 8 years old, I suddenly noticed Bentley moving slower, and his once lean and athletic build starting to atrophy and his abdomen growing slightly larger. I had just acquired another golden retriever puppy at the time, so I just shrugged it off as Bentley being older and possibly eating the puppy food somehow, which was making him gain weight and being more irritable because a young spry puppy was disturbing his space. Not long after, I took him in and knew something wasn’t quite right with him. After having several doctors look at him and requesting an X-ray, my worst fears had been discovered. Bentley had a mass on his spleen and he was bleeding internally. He was immediately taken to emergency surgery and the mass was sent out to confirm my worst fears: CANCER. I was absolutely devastated. I quickly began to do whatever I could to make sure the rest of his life was as comfortable as possible, and this is where my true love of canine nutrition went into high gear.
I found so much different and contradictory information on canine nutrition and became so overwhelmed. I began to feel so overwhelmed and not really having the confidence to know that I was truly doing the absolute best that I could for my dogs. I began to find the most trustworthy sources and professionals that used logic over fear-mongering. I found a trustworthy source that used scientific sources, but also encouraged fresh food logic. I began to spend all of my free time learning as much as I could about the basics of nutrients and eventually more advanced formulations and spent hours trying to perfect a complete and balanced fresh food diet for my own dogs.
Unfortunately, after all my efforts, Bentley passed away one month after his emergency surgery. It was time for him to go and he let me know. As devastated as I was, I knew that I couldn’t be the only person in the world feeling this way and desperate for answers on what I could have done better. I decided to delve deeper and to continue my educational journey so that I could help others and help to guide them on their own nutrition journeys. I meet so many people at my job that tell me they are feeding fresh foods, but how do they know they are doing it right? Is it complete and balanced? Are they really doing the right thing for their dogs?
Believe me, I’ve been exactly where you’re at right now, which is why my goal is to help you walk through this confusing journey and to help you find what is right for your individual dog. What is right for one dog may not be the best for another. I am here to guide you through this confusing journey, get you on the right path, and help you feel confident in the nutritional choices you can make for your best friend. Food is not a one size fits all, and if we can come to terms with this statement, then we can confidently move forward with what is the best answer for YOUR dog. Are you ready to start this journey with me? Book a consult with me today and let’s get your pup on the right track to a complete and balanced diet that’s right for them!
