Tell Us What You Think

If your veterinarian has ever told you to “try a novel protein diet” or mentioned a hydrolyzed protein food, and you left wondering what that actually means this episode is for you.

In this episode of Tails of Truth, we break down how novel protein diets, limited ingredient diets, and hydrolyzed protein diets (like Royal Canin Ultamino) are used in real life for both dogs and cats.

For cats, we most often use novel protein diets when we suspect inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), chronic vomiting, diarrhea, over-grooming, or food sensitivities. We explain what “novel” really means (think rabbit, duck, pork, venison, kangaroo, and more).

For dogs, we talk about itchy skin, ear infections, food allergies, and why hydrolyzed protein diets are often the fastest and most reliable way to run a true elimination diet trial. We also discuss when simply removing chicken or another common protein may be enough and when it’s not.

We cover:

• The difference between novel and hydrolyzed protein
• Why diet trials must be strict to be successful
• Prescription vs. over-the-counter limited ingredient diets
• Cross-contamination in pet food manufacturing
• Why ingredient labels don’t always tell the full story

If your dog is itching or your cat is vomiting and you’re overwhelmed in the pet food aisle, this episode gives you a practical roadmap so you can make a confident next step.

And if you need personalized help, you can always book a consult at boulderholisticvet.com

If you want to take a deeper dive here are some related episodes:

Itchy Dogs: The Truth Behind the Scratching
What to Feed Your Cat: From Fancy Feast to Raw
Dog Food Trends & Risks: From Gently Cooked to Grain-Free
The Raw Dog Food Controversy
Your Cat’s Vomiting Isn’t Normal: Let’s Chat About IBD

Key Takeaways:

• A novel protein diet uses a protein your pet has never eaten before.
• A proper elimination diet trial lasts 6–8 weeks with zero outside proteins.
• Cats with vomiting, diarrhea, or suspected IBD often benefit from novel proteins.
• Itchy dogs with suspected food allergies may require hydrolyzed protein diets like Ultamino.
• Prescription diets reduce cross-contamination risk during manufacturing

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Tell Us What You Think

Anxiety in dogs is far more common than most people realize and it’s often undertreated. In fact, some recent studies suggest that up to 75% of dogs exhibit at least one anxious behavior. Yet anxiety is rarely the primary focus during routine veterinary visits.

In this episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie and JoJo unpack what canine anxiety really looks like, from pacing, panting, barking, and noise phobias to hypervigilance, car ride stress, and reactivity. They explore why anxiety is frequently dismissed, why many pet parents feel hesitant about medications like Prozac for dogs, and how untreated anxiety can increase cortisol, inflammation, and long-term stress on the body.

You’ll hear about integrative treatment options including whole hemp extract CBD (HempRx Forte), Nutricalm with L-theanine and L-tryptophan, and when pharmaceuticals such as SSRIs, gabapentin, trazodone, or clonidine may dramatically improve quality of life.

This conversation is compassionate, practical, and grounded in the belief that mental health is health. If you’re living with an anxious dog, whether it’s mild, situational stress or more severe generalized anxiety, this episode will help you think clearly about next steps.

HempRx Forte Oil and Chews

Nutricalm Capsules, Chews, Liquid

Book a one-one-one consultation

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Up to 75% of dogs may show at least one anxious behavior
• Anxiety increases cortisol and inflammation
• CBD works best when given twice daily, not situationally
• HempRx Forte delivers therapeutic dosing
• Nutricalm supports serotonin pathways (L-theanine, L-tryptophan)
• Prozac does not “change personality”
• Trazodone alone is often not enough
• Combination therapy can be safe and effective
• Anxiety treatment may require trial and adjustment

SOUND BITES

"At least half of my patients have some sort of anxiety." ~ Dr. Angie

“Not treating your dog’s anxiety causes them to have so much more cortisol and stress hormones.” ~ Dr. Angie

“Imagine being in that state of hypervigilance all the time.” ~ JoJo

“Anxiety is undertreated.” ~ Dr. Angie

“We’re not going to change their personality.” ~ Dr. Angie

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Tell Us What You Think

In this short but powerful episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie and JoJo step into a hard conversation — not about politics, but about community and compassion.

Across the United States, families are being detained during immigration enforcement operations. While the human impact is immense, there’s another ripple effect that isn’t being talked about enough: the pets left behind.

Missed veterinary appointments are rising. Dogs aren’t being walked. Shelters are overwhelmed. Some animals are being found days or even weeks without their caregivers.

If you love animals, this episode invites you to care about what’s happening to them.

We discuss:

• The ripple effect of detainment on pets and veterinary care
• Why missed appointments are increasing
• How community members can step up in small, practical ways
• Organizations offering temporary foster support
• How to create a pet emergency plan during uncertain times

This conversation is about empathy. About community. And about showing up where we can.

We’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s be in community.

Key Takeaways

• This episode centers on community and compassion, not politics.
• Immigration enforcement and detainment operations are creating a ripple effect that is impacting pets and animal welfare.
• Dogs are not being walked, and some animals are being left without immediate care when caregivers are detained.
• Supporting local shelters, pet food pantries, and foster programs is a tangible way to help.
• Small actions — walking a neighbor’s dog, delivering food, driving someone to the vet — strengthen community resilience.
• If empathy feels complicated, start with the animals. Compassion is still compassion.
• Emergency pet planning — including backup contacts and neighbor communication — can prevent animals from being left behind.

Sound Bites

“If I can't convince you to care about the people that are being kidnapped off the streets, I want you to at least care about their pets.” ~ Dr. Angie

“We've decided the risk is worth it because it is too hard and irresponsible, in our opinion, to not name what's happening in our country.” ~ JoJo

“We're all beings. We have four legs, two legs, like we all are deserving of empathy, compassion, respect, care, food, shelter. Water, the basics. A walk.” ~ JoJo

“Go take a dog for a walk for a neighbor that can't. Go take a dog to the vet that a neighbor can't. Just show up, be in community.” ~ JoJo

"When you're hearing this information, it's just easy to forget about all those effects." ~ Dr. Angie

• Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube
• Schedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie
• Shop my favorite CBD.

Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo