As a professional pet sitter and blogger, I'm fortunate to have the opportunity to try some amazing pet products. I make it a point to support brands that are natural and healthy, and it's even better if those companies give back to animal causes. There are quite a few awesome pet products that are good for your pets, the environment, AND are … [Read more...]
Natural Pet Care
How Toxic Mold Affects Your Pets
As any loyal follower of Hybrid Rasta Mama knows, Jennifer and her family have been going through months of virtual hell after discovering their family home contained toxic mold. They discovered that their health problems were almost all caused by the mold present in their walls, and they are on the long, hard road to physical and emotional … [Read more...]
Should Your Dog Go Gluten-Free?
These days, gluten is the devil. It feels like everyone is going gluten-free, whether they have an intolerance to it or not. It's turned into a trendy health craze that is now trickling down to our dogs. If we have a true intolerance, ridding our diets of gluten can definitely make us feel better, and the same is true for our dogs. Let's take a … [Read more...]
20 People Foods that are Healthy for Your Dog
We hear that "people food" isn't healthy for our dogs. It's true that it's best to be cautious. Some foods can be downright dangerous for the canine variety. But some are just fine–even beneficial–for your dog and can support your pooch's health. The following suggestions are not meant to replace your dog's diet, but enhance it and add variety. … [Read more...]
My Name Is Jennifer And I Have Mold In My Brain. Do You?
Do I have your attention? While I try not to use over-the-top tabloid headline type post titles, I felt that I needed to really get people to pay attention to this post. But the title is true. I DO have mold in my brain. I am so pleased to see how interested you all are in not only my toxic mold nightmare but also learning about mold and mold … [Read more...]
Holistic Health Care for Dogs: Using Turmeric
What we eat and put into our bodies is a huge part of the holistic lifestyle and holistic healing. The belief is that through healthy habits and natural, preventative care, ailments will be avoided or minimized. We can extend many of our holistic practices and treatments to our pets. The use of turmeric as a dietary supplement is a practice that is … [Read more...]
Happy, Healthy, Earth-friendly Holiday Gifts for Your Pet
When I look for holiday gifts for my pets, I have to consider how healthy the product is, where it comes from, and how earth-friendly it is. I look for toys made from recycled materials and topical or ingestible products that are organic and free of toxins. Just like I do for my human kids! Check out these awesome happy, healthy, earth-friendly … [Read more...]
Small Steps to a Healthier Pet: Eliminating Artificial Colors
My friend, Shannon, is a nutritionist, and she is one of the most non-judgemental people I know. I always think that when I speak to someone who is so dedicated to putting healthy things into her body that she's made a career of it, I'll be sized up every which way, but that's not the case. She offers great advice that is reasonable. It's not … [Read more...]
Pumpkin For Pet Health
I seek out sources of nutrition that can prevent and remedy common pet issues and support holistic pet care, preferring the natural route whenever possible. Fall is here, so what better time to break out the pumpkin for our pets? Canned, natural, unsweetened pumpkin, pumpkin seeds, and cooked fresh pumpkin offer several health benefits to dogs and … [Read more...]
Are Candles Making Your Pet Sick?
Who doesn't love the comfort, beauty, and aroma of a candle? Candles are lovely to burn, but traditional candles are not only toxic to humans, but can be even more so to pets. Candles are often associated with wellness, but the reality is exactly the opposite. Though candles can pose an obvious fire hazard around pets or danger to pets if consumed, … [Read more...]
Natural Living with Backyard Chickens
Chickens aren't just for farmers any more. As pet chickens increase in popularity, especially for people interested in living naturally, they are now commonly living in suburban and urban areas. Is this migration okay for chickens? Must they live in the country, or is this urban sprawl a good thing? Modern chickens would ideally live in a forest … [Read more...]
Natural Flea Prevention and Control with Apple Cider Vinegar
Fleas can be a big problem for dogs and cats, especially during summer months, but there is a bigger problem: the commercial chemical-laden treatments that–in my opinion–do more harm than good. Flea collars, sprays, powders, shampoos and the like may be mildly effective, but the dangers outweigh the benefits. As your skin does, your pet's skin … [Read more...]
The Pet Vaccine Controversy
Jennifer here - I know that this is a controversial topic. I would love to open up a respectful dialogue in the comments. Please no rude, judgmental comments. No personal attacks. My blog is a place of openness, compassion, and understanding so let's continue with that spirit. Thank you and enjoy this amazing post. It seems that these days, … [Read more...]
Just Act Natural: How to Prepare Your Pet for Baby
Nothin' to see here....just act natural. That's my philosophy when it comes to introducing your new baby to your pet. I feel it is extremely important to prepare your dog or cat for your baby's arrival. But contrary to conventional "methods," I feel that the introduction shouldn't be a big production. Just act natural. It's true. Some pets … [Read more...]
Non-Toxic Cleaning To Benefit Our Pets
Sometimes we do for others what we won't do for ourselves. It was not until I had babies that I started to care about the toxicity of my environment, and I then made the switch to natural cleaning products. At the time, I didn't even think about what impact the "traditional" products I was using were having on my pets, but as I did more research … [Read more...]
