Bob Minchella's dog owner counseling

10/12/2026

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🫐🐶🐱 BLUEBERRIES ON THE BAG DOESN’T ALWAYS MEAN BLUEBERRY BENEFITS IN THE BOWL!

A peer-reviewed 2025 study published in the Journal of Animal Science examined 40 commercial dog and cat kibbles listing blueberries as an ingredient.

The surprising finding? 🤯

Researchers found very low to undetectable levels of certain beneficial plant compounds, including antioxidants associated with blueberries.

🫐 THE BIGGEST SHOCK: One kibble listed blueberries as its 4th ingredient, yet had the lowest measured level of quercetin, a beneficial antioxidant, in the entire study!

Just because blueberries appear high on an ingredient list doesn’t guarantee your pet is getting their expected antioxidant benefits.

🫐 WHY FRESH BLUEBERRIES MATTER

Blueberries naturally contain powerful antioxidants, including anthocyanins, that help protect cells from oxidative stress.

These compounds are being studied for their potential to support:

🧠 Brain health and healthy aging
❤️ Heart and cardiovascular health
🛡️ Healthy immune function

And here’s the best part: You don’t need to replace your pet’s food to add a little fresh nutrition!

Simply add a few fresh or thawed, unsweetened blueberries to their bowl.

🐶 HOW MANY BLUEBERRIES CAN PETS HAVE?

As a simple occasional topper:
🐾 Cats and Small dogs: 1–2 blueberries
🐾 Medium dogs: 3–5 blueberries
🐾 Large dogs: 5–8 blueberries
🐾 Extra-large dogs: 8–10 blueberries

💡 BLUEBERRY HACK: Mash or crush blueberries before serving, especially for smaller dogs. This breaks open the skin and makes the fruit easier to eat.

Sometimes the simplest nutrition upgrades are the freshest ones! 🫐

10/12/2026

REGISTRATION FOR CLASSES BEGINNING SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21ST, INCLUDING SIMPLE AGILITY IS NOW LIVE! COME JOIN US!!

09/30/2026

REGISTRATION FOR CLASSES BEGINNING SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH IS NOW LIVE!

09/30/2026

BASIC CLASS BEGINNING SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10TH IS NOW CLOSED!

08/29/2026

REGISTRATION FOR CLASSES BEGINNING MONDAY, SEPT 14TH, SUNDAY, SEPT 27TH & SATURDAY, OCT 10TH ( THE RETURN OF AGILITY!) IS LIVE!

08/29/2026

HERBS & SPICES FOR YOUR DOG’s BOWL! 🌿

Here are some of our favorites:

• Parsley — Supports glutathione production and antioxidant defenses.

• Turmeric — Rich in curcumin, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studied for joint, brain, and eye health.

• Rosemary — Packed with antioxidant compounds that may support brain, cognitive, and eye health.

• Cumin — Traditionally used for digestion and contains antioxidant and antimicrobial plant compounds.

• Cinnamon — Supports collagen production, making it especially interesting for aging dogs and their joints. Also provides antioxidants.

• Basil — Contains plant compounds that may support heart health and help regulate the body’s stress response.

• Oregano — A powerhouse of antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant compounds.

• Thyme — Contains plant compounds with potent antimicrobial properties.

• Ginger — Best known for supporting digestion and easing nausea, while also providing antioxidant and neuroprotective benefits.

🥄HOW TO SERVE: Finely mince fresh herbs and mix into food. Dried herbs are more concentrated, so use less. Avoid essential oils and concentrated extracts.

⚠️ AVOID: Nutmeg, chives, and other members of the onion family—with the exception of garlic, which is safe in small, proper amounts.

📌Save this for reference and always stick to proper serving sizes.

08/29/2026

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Did you know one of the simplest ways to make your dog happier is to let them sniff?
A 2025 study showed that dogs who spent just two weeks doing daily nose work approached new situations with greater optimism, confidence and curiosity.
Why? Because sniffing isn’t just how dogs explore the world; I t’s how they think, solve problems, and satisfy one of their most important natural instincts.
Every walk doesn’t have to be about covering distance. Slow, strolling “sniffaris,” scent games, hidden treats, and nose work activities give your dog’s brain the enrichment it craves while helping reduce stress and improve emotional well-being.
Sometimes the best thing you can do for your dog’s mental health is simply giving them permission to stop... sniff... and experience the world the way nature intended. 🐾
🐾 Let your dog lead the next walk. You might be surprised how much happier you both become.

08/29/2026

Does your dog like carrots?

🥕 Why Carrots Are a Smart Snack for Your Pet — The Science 🐾:

That crunchy orange treat is actually a little pharmacy of plant compounds. Here’s what the research says:

🌈 Color = Different Superpowers
Carrot color isn’t just pretty — it signals different nutrients:
• Orange = alpha- & beta-carotene
• Purple/black = anthocyanins + the highest polyphenol/antioxidant load
• Red = lycopene
• Yellow = lutein (an eye-supporting nutrient)

🛡️ A Real Immune Boost (Proven in Dogs)
In controlled studies, dogs fed beta-carotene had stronger immune responses ; higher helper-immune cells and more antibodies. Dogs genuinely absorb beta-carotene into their blood and immune cells.

🔥 Nature’s Anti-Inflammatories
Carrots contain unusual compounds called falcarinol and falcarindiol. In lab studies these calmed inflammatory signals in cells (lowering IL-6, TNF-alpha, and nitric oxide).

🦠 Happy Gut Bacteria
Carrots’ soluble fiber (pectin) is food for the good bugs in your pet’s gut. Pets need fiber for a healthy microbiome. Bacteria ferment it into short-chain fatty acids that support the gut barrier, calm inflammation, and help regulate metabolism.

🍬 Low in Sugar — and No, They Don’t “Feed Yeast”
Carrots taste a little sweet, but the actual sugar per serving is small. A carrot has a low “glycemic load,” meaning a normal treat-sized portion does not spike blood sugar. The yeast overgrowth people worry about is driven by refined/free glucose in the gut, not by the modest natural sugars in a whole, fiber-rich vegetable — in lab models it’s concentrated glucose that fuels yeast growth. Bonus: carrots’ fiber actually feeds the good bacteria instead.

👀 Eye Support
Lutein and beta-carotene are antioxidants that help protect the eye from oxidative stress.

✅ Pet-Parent Tips
Offer carrots raw for a satisfying crunch (great for teething puppies, too!) or lightly cooked, depending on your dog (and what kitties prefer). Steamed, mashed carrots (mixed with bone broth) work great on a lick mat, and slicing mini carrots into thin rings makes great low-calorie training treats for dieting dogs 🥕
➡️ 1 inch of carrot for every 3 pounds of body weight per day.

08/22/2026

REGISTRATION FOR CLASSES BEGINNING SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10TH IS NOW LIVE! COME ON DOWN AND JOIN US!!

08/21/2026

grow up