I’m thrilled to bring you this episode of Healing Tails, where we dive way beyond kibble and bowls and into the neuroscience of feeding. I chat with feeding pioneer Dr. Carol Smeja, creator of the Original Mine Pet Platter, about how mealtime dynamics shape digestion, behavior, and emotional well‑being in our pets. You'll hear how a seemingly simple shift in feeding method can revolutionize your pet’s health. We explore the science behind why dogs and cats need to engage with their food—how sensory perception, visual territory, smelling, and slower eating can reduce anxiety, improve nutrient absorption, and even rescue feeding‑averse pets. We also guide you through actionable steps to enrich mealtime, whether you're feeding one pet or many.

Dr. Carol Smeja, a trailblazer in pet nutrition science, emphasizes that "HOW you feed your pet is just as important as WHAT you feed them." With a PhD in psychology and sociology, she initially studied human eating behaviors, collaborating with U.S. and global food companies and government agencies to enhance public health. Her passion for animals inspired her to apply her expertise to understanding the eating behaviors of dogs and cats. Through ancestral research on wolves and wildcats, combined with animal observational studies in zoos and wildlife habitats, Dr. Smeja developed The Original mine Pet Platter. She shares her groundbreaking insights through conferences, podcasts, and consultations, empowering pet parents to improve their pets' health and wellbeing through mindful feeding practices.

• Mine Pet Platter – Learn more or locate your platter at minepetplatter.com discount code: DRRUTH as a 10% discount code

Get your tickets to WholePetCon: https://wholepetcon.com/

• Want more support? Visit 👉 https://drruthroberts.com/ to learn more
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOriginalHolisticPetHealthCoach
• Instagram: @dr.ruthroberts
• YouTube: @drruthroberts
• TikTok:@dr.ruthroberts
• Pinterest: @drruthroberts

*DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this video is to educate and to inform. It is no substitute for professional care by a veterinarian, licensed nutritionist or other qualified professional. You‘re encouraged to do your own research and should not rely on this information as professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Dr. Ruth and her guests express their own opinions, experience and conclusions, and Dr. Ruth Roberts neither endorses or opposes any particular views discussed here. 🐾 FIND a Holistic Vet ► https://www.ahvma.org/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Healing Tails, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Sara Paplham, one of our certified holistic pet health coaches, a seasoned dog trainer, and an energy healing practitioner who’s transforming lives with her unique approach. With over 15 years of experience specializing in fear-based behavior, Sara shares how combining traditional training with modalities like Reiki and the Emotion Code is helping pets move from fear to freedom.

We dive into her personal healing journey, how trauma affects both pets and people, and what signs might indicate that your furry friend could benefit from energy healing. If you’ve ever struggled to help your pet manage anxiety or reactive behavior, this conversation is a game-changer. You'll walk away with insights, hope, and tools you can use at home today.

Episode Timeline Highlights

[2:22] - Meet Sara Paplham: dog trainer, Reiki Master, and Emotion Code practitioner

[10:14] - How trapped emotions impacted Sara’s health — and her daughter’s remarkable transformation

[17:09] - Recognizing fear-based behaviors and how owners unknowingly reinforce them

[25:33] - How Reiki and Emotion Code work — explained simply for pet parents

[34:40] - Training meets energy healing: helping dogs open up on their own terms

[50:18] - How your household’s energy could be the root of your pet’s behavior

[1:10:02] - Why trusting your gut matters and how to become your pet’s healing partner

🔗 Links & Resources

Websites: https://koala-dahlia-byab.squarespace.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarasplayfulpals

Instagram: @sarasplayfulpals10

Want more support? Visit 👉 https://drruthroberts.com/ to learn more

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOriginalHolisticPetHealthCoach

Instagram: @dr.ruthroberts

YouTube: @drruthroberts

TikTok:@dr.ruthroberts

Pinterest: @drruthroberts

💬 Enjoyed the episode?

Please rate, follow, and share Healing Tails and don’t forget to leave a review! Your support helps more pet parents find natural solutions for their fur babies.

*DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this video is to educate and to inform. It is no substitute for professional care by a veterinarian, licensed nutritionist or other qualified professional. You‘re encouraged to do your own research and should not rely on this information as professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Dr. Ruth and her guests express their own opinions, experience and conclusions, and Dr. Ruth Roberts neither endorses or opposes any particular views discussed here. 🐾 FIND a Holistic Vet ► https://www.ahvma.org/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.