Some dogs develop sensitivities to common proteins like chicken or beef. When that happens, switching to something less familiar, what’s often called a novel protein, can help. Options like duck, venison, rabbit, or even salmon can sometimes calm a system that’s been reacting for a long time.

For most of my adult life, I’ve juggled healthy eating and exercise while working full-time, raising a family and navigating all the chaos life throws at you. In my teens and early twenties, I could eat whatever I wanted and stay active without much issue. But as I got older, things started shifting. The trendy diets I tried delivered short-term wins, but the restrictions never lasted. 

As a man in my 40’s, waking up with a gnarly pimple on my cheek never feels good. Facing the day, co-workers and even my wife, is awkward and embarrassing. But it happens on occasion, and these days, at least I’ve figured out why. 

Like a lot of working people just trying to keep afloat, I was doing what I had to do to get through the day. Long shifts, tight finances and responsibilities waiting at home meant food choices weren't about nutrition. They were about convenience and cost.

I found that at its core, gut health is actually about how well your digestive system breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and communicates with the rest of your body, especially the immune system and brain.