New Year, Healthier Habits for You and Your Pet

We love including our pets in life’s special moments - celebrations, milestones, and cozy
meals at home. As we head into the New Year, it’s a perfect time to reset routines and
be more mindful about what we’re feeding our furry family members.

As the Pet Nutrition Doctor, I advocate for whole food diets as the foundation of pet
health. Many of the wholesome foods you enjoy can also benefit your pets, but their
unique metabolisms mean some foods can be harmful or even deadly.

At Shepherd Boy Farms, we understand the power of whole foods, which is why our
nutritionally balanced diets include high-quality ingredients like organ meats. Organ
meats are packed with essential nutrients and are a cornerstone of our recipes,
providing natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that support your pet’s overall
health. Our products make it easy to deliver these benefits without the guesswork.

As you set health goals for the New Year, here’s a guide to help you safely share whole-
food nutrition with your pet.

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Safe Foods to Share with Your Pet

1. Vegetables 
Pumpkin, squash, sweet potatoes, potatoes, green beans, carrots, kale, and
broccoli are all excellent choices. The fiber in these vegetables supports a
healthy gut microbiome, keeping your pet’s digestive system happy.

2. Fruits 
Apples, cranberries, and pears are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Just
be sure to remove seeds and cores, and serve in moderation.

3. Turkey Meat or Ham 
These are great whole food sources of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Dark
turkey meat is especially nutrient-dense, making it a healthy option for your pet.

4. Bone Broth 
Bone broth made from your turkey is a hydrating and gut-healing topper for your
pet’s food. It’s rich in natural glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen. For a
convenient option, consider Shepherd Boy Farms’ bone broths, which are crafted
to provide these same benefits.

 

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Foods to Avoid for a Healthy Start

1. Cooked Bones
Cooked bones can splinter and cause serious intestinal damage or blockages.
Many holiday emergencies are caused by pets ingesting cooked bones, leading
to bloody stool or even emergency surgery.

2. Foods Containing Tartaric Acid 
Tartaric acid is extremely toxic to dogs and can cause acute kidney failure. Avoid
grapes, raisins, tamarinds, and cream of tartar, which is often found in baked
goods and homemade playdough.

3. Onions, Shallots, and Scallions 
While a small amount in seasoning is usually fine, larger quantities can be
harmful. For a 10 lb dog, even ¼ of a medium onion can be dangerous.

4. Chocolate 
Chocolate toxicity depends on the type and amount ingested. Baker’s chocolate
is especially dangerous, as even a small amount can be fatal to small pets.

5. Turkey Skin and Pan Drippings 
High-fat foods like turkey skin and pan drippings can trigger pancreatitis in
sensitive pets. If your dog is prone to digestive issues, it’s best to avoid these
altogether.

 

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Why Choose Shepherd Boy Farms in the New Year?

At Shepherd Boy Farms, we prioritize your pet’s health by including organ meats in our
recipes. Organ meats are nature’s multivitamin, providing essential nutrients like iron,
zinc, and B vitamins. Our products are designed to deliver these benefits in a balanced,
convenient form, so you can feel confident about what you’re feeding your pet.

As you focus on healthier habits in the New Year, Shepherd Boy Farms makes it easy to
nourish your pet with balanced, whole-food nutrition you can trust. Let food be their
medicine and start the year strong together.

 

Dr. Evelyn Kass, DVM, is a small animal veterinarian with over 30 years’ experience
with a passion for holistic integrative medicine and a focus on holistic nutrition. Her goal
is to teach pet owners that health begins in the gut and food can help support and
strengthen their system.