Firelight Australian Shepherds

10/09/2026

Pet Summits 2026 Nutrition Summit Finale https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19SuFWxzRc/

Finale of Pet Summits 2026 Nutrition Summit
Nutrition & Disease Prevention:
Testing, Deficiencies & The Cellular Foundation
​Speaker: Randy Ringold (Clinical Chemist & Founder, VDI Laboratory)
​Stop Guessing, Start Testing: The Preventive Mindset
​True preventive medicine happens long before clinical symptoms show up. Subclinical nutrient deficiencies, heavy metal toxicity, and chronic cellular inflammation brew quietly in the body for months or years. Waiting for routine blood work to fail means you are already managing established disease. Objective functional testing proves whether your dog’s bowl is truly assimilating at the cellular level, protecting long-term longevity, and identifying the hidden root causes behind stubborn illness and erratic behavior.
​Critical Nutrients, Deficiencies & Whole-Food Sourcing
​Vitamin D: The Master Carnivore Hormone
​The Clinical Need: Unlike cows or horses that synthesize Vitamin D from sunshine on their skin, dogs are carnivores with virtually zero cutaneous synthesis. 100% of their Vitamin D must come directly from diet. VDI testing reveals that 70% to 75% of domestic dogs are clinically deficient or insufficient. It acts as a master secosteroid hormone, an endogenous antimicrobial, and a cellular regulator—higher circulating levels correlate directly with lower cancer rates.
​Where to Find It:
​Wild-Caught Alaskan Salmon & Oily Fish: Canned or fresh wild salmon, sardines, herring, and small mackerel provide the most concentrated, bioavailable Vitamin D3.
​Pasture-Raised Poultry & Eggs: Chickens must have continuous access to direct sunlight and pasture to store Vitamin D in their tissues and yolks. Conventional, indoor-confined chicken contains virtually zero Vitamin D.
​Vitamin B12 & Folate: The Gut Dysbiosis Indicator
​The Clinical Need: B12 processing requires an intricate physiological relay: oral binding proteins in saliva, digestive enzymes in the pancreas to release it, and specific receptors in the distal ileum to absorb it into the blood. If this cascade fails or the gut barrier is inflamed, levels plummet. The vast majority of canine patients with gut dysbiosis, IBD, or chronic enteropathy test clinically deficient in B12 and folate. Without adequate B12, the gut mucosal lining cannot repair its own epithelial cells.
​Where to Find It:
​Ruminant Organ Meats: Fresh beef, lamb, or venison liver and kidneys are the richest natural storehouses of cobalamin.
​Pasture-Raised Eggs & Red Muscle Meat: Whole eggs from pastured hens and dark ruminant meats supply easily absorbed B12 alongside active folate.
​Wild Oily Marine Fish: Whole small fish like sardines, herring, and small mackerel supply rich dietary B12 directly into the bowl.
​Manganese: The Ligament, Tendon & Enzymatic Co-Factor
​The Clinical Need: Manganese is the mandatory trace co-factor for critical enzyme systems, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) for cellular antioxidant defense. Deficiencies are clinically linked to metabolic disorders, suppressed immunity, and cancer proliferation. Structurally, manganese is required to synthesize glycosaminoglycans—low dietary levels leave joint capsules, ligaments, and tendons brittle, predisposing dogs to soft-tissue laxity and cruciate tears.
​Where to Find It:
​Animal Fur & Feathers: Melanin pigment in fur and feathers naturally concentrates and stores high levels of bioavailable manganese. Excellent sources include rabbit ears with fur, hair-on rolled hides (beef scalp or cow skin rolls), dried rabbit feet with fur, and feathered poultry (quail, chicks, or duck heads). As a bonus, fur acts as a natural insoluble fiber "broom" to sweep the intestinal tract.
​Green-Lipped Mussels: Dehydrated, freeze-dried, or fresh green-lipped mussels are naturally dense in trace manganese.
​Functional Seeds: Whole or ground fennel seeds provide clean plant-based manganese and digestive carminative support.
​Zinc: The Master Cellular & Immune Catalyst
​The Clinical Need: Zinc drives thyroid hormone conversion, skin barrier integrity, wound healing, and DNA replication. Unsupplemented raw muscle and bone bowls consistently fall short of required zinc levels, leaving dogs prone to dull coats, slow healing, poor paw pad integrity, and sluggish immune response.
​Where to Find It:
​Oysters: Canned (in water, no salt) or fresh steamed/raw oysters are the undisputed gold standard for concentrated, bioavailable whole-food zinc.
​Ruminant Red Meats & Spleen: High-quality beef, lamb, and venison muscle cuts alongside beef spleen provide solid foundational zinc.
​Medicinal Mushrooms: Reishi, shiitake, and maitake provide cellular zinc alongside immune-modulating beta-glucans.
​Seeds: Raw, sprouted pumpkin seeds supply gentle whole-food zinc and natural fiber.
​Building the Balanced Bowl: The 80/10/10 Framework & Base Mixes
​The 80/10/10 Foundation
​The Base Grind: 80% muscle meat, 10% raw edible bone, 10% secreting organ (with 5% being liver).
​Closing the Gaps: An 80/10/10 grind is only a starting base. It must be purposefully balanced with targeted additions:
​Zinc: Sourced from whole oysters or medicinal mushrooms.
​Manganese: Sourced from hair-on chews (rabbit ears, fur rolls) or green-lipped mussels.
​Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Sourced from fresh oily fish or clean marine oils.
​Vitamins & Antioxidants: Natural Vitamin E and cold-pressed sesame oil.
​Functional Fiber: Seed fibers (like psyllium husk) to regulate transit time and feed colon microflora.
​Commercial Base Mixes for Convenience
​Base mixes streamline fresh feeding by supplying dehydrated vegetables, functional herbs, vitamins, and minerals so you only need to add fresh raw meat, fish, and oils.
​Recommended Formulas: Animalate (AnimAll), Dr. Harvey’s, and The Honest Kitchen.
​Clinical Diagnostic Protocols: Blood Chemistry vs. Hair Analysis
​VDI Serum Blood Panels
​Real-Time Cellular Markers: Measures circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], active B12, folate, inflammatory markers, and serum minerals (ensuring minerals like calcium and manganese are balanced).
​Testing Frequency: Run annually for routine wellness screening, and repeat 3 months after any major diet change or acute health event to verify cellular assimilation.
​Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA)
​Intracellular Tracking: Blood tightly defends homeostasis by stealing minerals from body stores; hair provides an unbuffered, chronological record of cellular mineral storage over a 2- to 3-month window.
​Heavy Metal & Environmental Toxin Burden: Identifies deep-seated environmental toxins—including lead, mercury, arsenic, aluminum, and boron—long before they appear on standard blood chemistry. HTMA also tracks accumulated exposures from lawn chemicals, municipal park sprays, and pesticide residues on food.
​The Toxicity & Behavior Link: Lab data shows that 16% of dogs carry dangerously high levels of environmental toxins. These heavy metals cross the blood-brain barrier and disrupt neurological signaling. If a dog presents with unexplained behavioral issues, erratic reactivity, or sudden chronic decline, test for cellular toxicity.
Thank You, Pet Summits
My Conclusion, 2026 Nutrition Summit was amazing!
Like Share Follow
CPCN
Firelight Australian Shepherds
Pet Summits

10/08/2026

The Fire-Inspired Paw-Print to Australian Shepherd Nutritional Health
​Maintaining a robust, balanced gut microbiome means minimizing reliance on heavy pharmaceuticals whenever possible. For parasite prevention, standard practice often pushes monthly chemical chews, but these broad-spectrum medications can stress the liver, strip the intestinal lining, and disrupt the delicate balance of a healthy digestive tract.
​Protecting an Australian Shepherd's vitality requires a proactive, natural approach that targets parasites without destroying beneficial gut flora.
​The Natural Protocol (For One Standard 50–80 lb Aussie)
​Rather than relying on chemical preventatives for adult dogs, you can utilize food as medicine. This recipe creates exactly enough for a single dog's 3-day treatment cycle.
​Ingredients (3-Day Batch):
​2 to 2.5
TBS Raw Pumpkin Seeds (freshly ground or crushed to release the active compounds)
​1 to 1.5 TBS Melted Tallow (a biologically appropriate binder, avoiding inflammatory, high-sugar peanut butters)
​Directions:
Mix the crushed seeds into the melted tallow, then roll the mixture into 3 uniform balls. Feed 1 ball daily for 3 consecutive days.
​The Follow-Up:
Make a fresh 3-ball batch and repeat the exact 3-day process 10 to 14 days later. This crucial second round catches and eliminates any newly hatched eggs before they can mature.
​The Science: How Pumpkin Seeds Work
​Raw pumpkin seeds are a powerhouse in natural canine wellness because they contain an amino acid called cucurbitacin. Unlike pharmaceutical dewormers that act as toxic poisons requiring heavy liver metabolization, cucurbitacin works safely and naturally to paralyze the nervous systems of internal parasites—specifically tapeworms and roundworms.
​Once paralyzed, the worms lose their grip on the intestinal wall and are safely expelled through the dog's digestive tract.
​Why This Protects the Microbiome
​The key to this protocol's success is that it leaves the dog's microbiome completely intact. When a dog ingests a chemical dewormer, that pharmaceutical doesn't just kill worms; it acts as an indiscriminate localized toxin that can wipe out colonies of beneficial gut bacteria and irritate the mucosal lining of the intestines.
​Pumpkin seeds, on the other hand, are a whole food. The cucurbitacin specifically targets the parasite's nervous system, meaning it bypasses the dog's healthy gut bacteria entirely. Furthermore, the natural fiber in the seeds acts as a prebiotic, actually feeding the beneficial flora in the microbiome, while the tallow provides gut-soothing, biologically appropriate healthy fats. You are eliminating the parasite while simultaneously nourishing the gut.
​The Herding Breed Exception: Puppies and Pharmaceuticals
​While natural methods are ideal for healthy adults, developing puppies occasionally require stronger interventions. When a chemical wormer is absolutely necessary for a litter, Fenbendazole is the gold standard.
​It is critical for Australian Shepherd owners to understand the dangers of the MDR1 (Multi-Drug Resistance) gene mutation. Because of this prevalent mutation in herding breeds, Ivermectin and chemical flea chews should always be avoided. Fenbendazole has the longest track record of safety and is widely considered the safest pharmaceutical option for herding dogs.
​Test, Don't Guess!
​Long-term wellness relies on treating the actual dog in front of you. A thriving adult dog avoids long-term vaccines for rabies or fleas and monthly toxic chews. Instead, once a dog reaches three years of age, the most effective strategy is a yearly diagnostics routine:
​Titer Tests (to measure existing protective antibodies)
​Fecal/Worm Tests
​Microbiome Testing
​Genetic Testing
​Hair Analysis and Blood Labs
​Testing is the absolute best prevention. By combining strategic diagnostics with a real, whole-food, species-appropriate diet, you protect your dog's gut, drastically reduce their toxic load, and lay the foundation for a long, vibrant life.
Like Share Follow🙋🏼‍♀️
Fire-Inspired Paw-Print Canine Nutritional Health
Firelight Australian Shepherds

10/05/2026

Forget the grade-5 distilled brewery pulp they sweep off the floor for commercial kibble. These training treats are designed for real carnivores—packed with actual nutrients, bound with high-quality grains, and baked low and slow to preserve the good stuff while staying dry enough to keep in your pocket.
​The Ingredients
​2 lbs Real Beef Liver
​Whole Oat Flour (or Barley) – Equal parts to the final liver powder. Use high-quality flour, not cheap fillers.
​2 Whole Eggs (Plus 1 extra for the egg wash)
​½ Cup Beef Tallow
​1 Heaping tsp High-Quality Sea Salt
​1 tbsp Fermented Turmeric Paste (You can make this at home to massively boost the bioavailability and add gut-friendly probiotics. If you don't have it, a high-quality turmeric powder works).
​1 tsp Black Pepper (Crucial to activate the turmeric)
​~4 tbsp Beef Blood (I use my Midwest Legacy Beef supply, but water works if you don't have it)
​The Process
​Step 1: Prep and Boil the Liver
Start by boiling the 2 pounds of beef liver until it is fully cooked through. Once done, pull it out and thoroughly pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess surface moisture.
​Step 2: Dehydrate
Place the boiled, dried liver on a baking sheet and put it in the oven at 200°F. Let it dehydrate for 2 to 3 hours.
​Step 3: Grind into Flour
Once the liver is dehydrated and cooled, break it into smaller chunks. Throw those chunks into a NutriBullet and grind it all down until it turns into a fine liver powder.
​Step 4: Mix the Dry Base
Measure your liver powder. In a large bowl, mix the liver powder with an equal amount of your high-quality oat flour. Toss in the heaping teaspoon of sea salt, the tablespoon of fermented turmeric, and the teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well.
​Step 5: Add the Fats and Liquids
Add the 2 eggs and the ½ cup of beef tallow into the dry mix.
​Step 6: Bind it by Eye
This is where you need to pay attention. You are NOT making a wet batter. Slowly add the beef blood (or water) a little bit at a time. It usually takes about 4 tablespoons. Mix it until the texture is just moist enough to mold together.
​Step 7: Shape and Cut
Press the mixture together until you can form it into a solid block. Using a knife, cut the block down into small, pocket-sized training squares and place them on a baking sheet.
​Step 8: The Final Bake (Low & Slow)
Bake the squares at 250°F to 275°F. Do not blast these with high heat. We want to draw out the last bit of moisture to make a dry pocket treat while preserving the nutrient density, not burn it away. During the last 15 to 20 minutes in the oven, brush a simple egg wash over the top of the treats. It gives them a great finish, ramps up the nutrient density, and the dogs absolutely love it.
​Step 9: Jar Storage
As long as these are completely dehydrated during that final bake, they will last a long time sitting right on the shelf. Just toss them into an airtight glass jar and pull them out whenever you need them for training with your pack.

Estimated Nutritional Profile for Dehydrated Liver Treats
​Caloric Breakdown:
​Total Batch Calories: Approximately 3,400 kcal
​Calories per Ounce (Dehydrated): Roughly 140 kcal
​Calories per Small Training Square: 8 to 12 kcal (depending on how small you cut your blocks)
​Macronutrient Split (Approximate Dry Matter Basis):
​Crude Protein (~27%): Packed with highly digestible amino acids directly from the beef liver and whole eggs.
​Crude Fat (~22%): Driven by the beef tallow and egg yolks. Dogs metabolize animal fats for sustained energy, making this perfect for working and training.
​Carbohydrates (~22%): Sourced strictly from the whole oat flour. Used purely as a necessary binder for a dry treat, not as a cheap caloric filler like the grains in commercial kibble.
​Key Micronutrient Powerhouses:
​Vitamin A & B-Complex (Especially B12): Off the charts. Beef liver is nature's multivitamin, supporting immune function, cellular energy, and skin health.
​Iron & Copper: Supplied by the liver and the raw beef blood, essential for oxygen transport and healthy red blood cell production.
​Bioavailable Curcumin: The fermented turmeric paired with black pepper creates a massive, gut-friendly anti-inflammatory boost that actually gets absorbed by the body.
​Choline: Delivered by the whole eggs, critical for brain health, focus, and neurological function during training sessions.

Fire-Inspired Paw-Print Canine Nutritional Health

10/04/2026

🧬 Did you know that 80% of a dog's immune system lives in their gut? That early foundation dictates their resilience and sets the stage for a long, vibrant life—and it starts building long before a puppy is even born!
​That’s exactly why we just ordered another gut microbiome test for our sweet TuTu Pele', who is expecting her very first litter with Titan on November 7th. Her beautiful mother, Zuca, is also expecting on November 13th—and I’m thrilled to share that Zuca’s microbiome test came back absolutely perfect just 8 weeks ago!
​Why are we so obsessed with this level of testing? Because it’s all about the legacy of health we pass down to the next generation. 🐾
​At Firelight Australian Shepherds, our moms and pups thrive on a species-appropriate, raw BARF diet. By meticulously covering every nutritional need right from conception, our puppies aren't born battling gut dysbiosis. They are born with a thriving, healthy gut foundation.
​But our commitment to their longevity goes far beyond the food bowl. We believe in proactive, holistic prevention. We rigorously screen our breeding dogs with comprehensive genetic testing, full veterinary blood panels, and microbiome analyses. We know exactly what is going into our lines.
​Just as important as what we do is what we don't do. We do not over-vaccinate. We skip the toxic flea and tick chews, and we say no to over-administering routine wormers, harsh heartworm medications, and ivermectin. Instead of bombarding their developing systems with unnecessary chemicals, we focus entirely on supporting the dog's natural biological defenses.
​There are a lot of things we don't do, but what we do is intentionally grow vibrant, naturally healthy Australian Shepherds from the inside out.
CPCN & Naturopath Consultant

Fire-Inspired Paw-Print Canine Nutritional Health
Firelight Australian Shepherds

10/04/2026

10/02/2026

I just finished the last class of this 2026 Nutrition Summit it was fabulous! Next up is the Gut Summit my favorite Microbiome! The science is elevating to all new levels today! I can't wait the more I listen and learn, the better dog owner and teacher I become.
I feel like this whole little thing we call life is about the whole picture all revolving around the center. If we keep it in balance our dogs that don't suffer injury, start life with good genetic, born from a Dam with great balance, plus eat great diets these canines will live a long life free of debilitating chronic diseases or cancers, all too common today!
Thank You Pet Summits
Fire-Inspired Paw-Print Canine Nutritional Health
Hope Goerner

Gain a comprehensive understanding of dog nutrition from the most trusted experts as they share the secrets to your dog's balanced, nutritional diet.

10/02/2026

Our Winston remember him check out with momma for his 1 year birthday. Look 👀 at that cake! Is that a Zuca Clone? 🤣 Thank You Sami...
If your back in grand prairie for school again... call me let's go out for a couple hours with the dogs we all miss you and Winston around here 🐾🙋🏼‍♀️🥰 So blessed with our families!
I'm showing Halloween show in Terrell TX.
All our pups are invited to show against me!
Would be loads of fun!
Sign ups on Website ICKC.com see FB page to ask questions or call me!

10/01/2026

The one on the left looks like Titan but it's my friends Dachshund pup! I've had 2 in my life amazing fun loving little breed great memories or my Sally & Haley. Wish mine weren't so big I'd get that pup. I'm afraid mine play so ruff.

10/01/2026

I remember this family so much fun I approved Madalyn immediately you just get that warm and fuzzy feeling when you know your pup is hooking up with one of those perfect families for an Aussie! I had to share her pups 1 year birthday post! Thank You Madalyn Quidachay and your family 🐾
We have to pregnant dams right now they will be ready around Christmas 🐾
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GyxL7JQZ3/