Phoenix, my beloved 3.5-year-old Cocker Spaniel mix, has undergone a remarkable health transformation that highlights the powerful role real food can play in a dog’s life. His early years were marred by overexposure to chemicals, antibiotics, over-medication for worms, and over-vaccination. This led to significant losses of enzymes and beneficial gut bacteria, triggering a cascade of health issues, including pancreatitis at a young age. Phoenix suffered from severe itching, loose stools (sometimes bloody), and his nervous system was affected. Desperate for a solution, I initially turned to prescription diets and conventional medicine, but they offered little to no relief. As Phoenix’s condition worsened, it became clear that a different approach was needed.

The Turning Point: Switching to Real Food

Frustrated and out of options, I sought the help of a holistic vet—a pivotal moment in Phoenix’s recovery. With her guidance, we saw immediate improvements as Phoenix’s symptoms began to subside. His treatment involved real food, herbs, and supplements to support his symptoms and allergies, alongside a lot of patience. Gut healing takes time, but the results were remarkable. The transformative power of natural, wholesome food became evident.

This approach marked the beginning of Phoenix’s healing journey. His chronic itching subsided, his stools normalized, and his energy returned. Over time, his microbiome started to diversify, and his gut health improved significantly. Phoenix’s pancreatitis symptoms subsided—a testament to how critical diet is to overall health.

Tests confirmed that processed food and early overmedication had severely imbalanced his microbiome. However, with time, patience, and a diet rich in real food, Phoenix’s gut flora was restored, as shown in two sets of reports—one from the beginning of his journey and another after consistent feeding of wholesome, real food.

Stool test from January 27, 2023 showing imbalanced microbiome.

Stool test from October 7, 2024 showing a balanced microbiome.

Why Real Food Works

An old Arabic saying goes, “The gut is the source of medicine and disease,” and Phoenix’s story is proof of this wisdom. By focusing on restoring his gut health, we were able to resolve his health issues, and today, Phoenix is not only free from his itching but also his recent bloodwork shows no signs pancreatitis.

Phoenix’s transformation made me realize that processed foods were not giving him the nutrients he needed to heal. By switching to fresh, minimally processed meals, Phoenix’s body was finally able to restore its natural balance. His story underscores the importance of feeding our pets whole, natural ingredients that support their gut and immune systems and reduce inflammation caused by processed food and overmedication.

Tests confirmed what we had suspected all along—processed food and overmedication had severely disrupted his microbiome. But with time, patience, and the right nutrition, his gut flora was restored, leading to a stronger immune system and the end of his chronic health issues.

The Power of Nutrition for Pets

Phoenix’s journey is a powerful reminder that the right diet can make all the difference in a dog’s health. Real, human-grade ingredients can support gut health, boost immunity, and alleviate long-standing issues like chronic itching and digestive problems. Phoenix’s healing from itching, diarrhea, and his overall well-being today are living proof of how transformative real food can be.

If your dog is facing similar issues, consider making the switch to a natural, fresh food diet. At Soluky Pet, we offer subscription-based meal plans that take the hassle out of ensuring your dog gets nutritious, balanced meals. Our goal is to make it easy for you to give your dog the best possible nutrition—so they can live their healthiest, happiest life.