Wholehearted Harmony

Species-Appropriate Whole Food Nutrition for Dogs & Cats

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At Wholehearted Harmony, we believe true wellness for dogs and cats begins with respecting their biology. Cats are obligate carnivores, and dogs are facultative carnivores. Yet most modern feeding practices—processed kibble, extruded pellets, and synthetic supplements—disregard their natural dietary needs.

Even so-called “healthier” kibbles remain fundamentally unnatural: heavily processed, high-heat treated, and carbohydrate-laden. No carnivore in nature consumes food in dehydrated, bagged pellet form.

 

The Science of Carnivore Digestion

Cats (Obligate Carnivores):
Require high amounts of bioavailable animal protein and fat. Their digestive systems lack the enzymes needed to efficiently process carbohydrates. Essential amino acids such as taurine and arginine must come directly from animal tissue.

Dogs (Facultative Carnivores):
While dogs can tolerate small amounts of plant matter, their digestive tracts are short and acidic—designed primarily for animal proteins and fats, not grains or starches.

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The Problem with Kibble

• High Heat Processing: Destroys enzymes, amino acids, and natural fats

• Starches & Fillers: Grains, legumes, and starches act as binders but fuel chronic inflammation

• Synthetic Additives: Lab-created vitamins and minerals are poorly absorbed compared to food-based sources

• Chronic Dehydration: Natural prey contains ~70% moisture; kibble’s dryness places long-term stress on kidneys and urinary systems

Even “grain-free” kibble relies on biologically inappropriate carbohydrate sources such as peas and potatoes.

 

What Does a Species-Appropriate Diet Look Like?

1. Raw or Lightly Cooked Animal Proteins

• Raw food most closely mirrors a natural prey-based diet

• Lightly cooked meals remain far superior to processed kibble

• Include muscle meat, organ meats (liver, kidney, heart), connective tissue, and healthy fats

2. Bone Broth & Natural Fats

• Rich in glycine, collagen, and minerals

• Supports joint health, skin integrity, gut lining, and hydration

3. Appropriate Whole Foods

For Dogs:

• Lightly steamed or pureed vegetables (zucchini, spinach, carrots)

• Whole grains such as rice or oats in small, appropriate amounts

For Cats:

• Minimal plant matter

• Primary focus on animal-based nutrition

4. Herbs: Functional, Whole-System Nutrition

Herbs are more than supplements—they are functional foods rich in phytonutrients that support detoxification, hormonal balance, immune modulation, organ function, and nervous system regulation.

At Wholehearted Harmony, herbs are not used randomly or in isolation. We formulate synergistic herbal blends that support multiple body systems at once, because no system functions independently.

This is where Core Essentials come in.

 

Foundational Herbal Support

K9 Core Essentials Support:
A daily foundational blend for dogs, supporting digestion, liver and kidney function, skin and coat health, immune balance, connective tissue integrity, and nervous system regulation.

K9 Core Essentials with Adaptive Joint Support:
Built on the same whole-system foundation as the K9 Core Essentials, with additional support for joints, connective tissue, and mobility in active dogs, aging dogs, or those with increased structural demand.

Feline Core Essentials Support (Coming Soon):
Formulated specifically for feline biology, providing whole-system foundational support while respecting the unique metabolic and digestive needs of obligate carnivores.

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Layered, Targeted Support

Additional herbal blends may be layered as needed to address specific concerns, but foundational support remains essential. Targeted herbs work best when the body is already supported nutritionally and systemically.

Important:
Randomly adding single herbs to your pet’s meals can disrupt physiological balance. Herbs must be chosen carefully and blended synergistically to work with your animal’s body—not against it.

Natural Mineral Support

• Unrefined sea salt for electrolytes and trace minerals

• Kelp for iodine and broad-spectrum mineral support

• Bentonite clay or diatomaceous earth for detoxification and mineral intake

Why Even Lightly Cooked Food Is Better Than Kibble

Even gently cooked meals preserve significantly more biological value than kibble. Fresh, whole foods provide enzymes, nutrients, and proteins in a form the body recognizes and can utilize.

Transitioning off kibble—even to lightly cooked meals—is one of the most impactful changes you can make for your dog or cat.

Feed the Body, Not the Bag

Kibble is processed convenience—not nutrition. Chronic conditions such as allergies, obesity, kidney stress, digestive upset, and behavioral changes are often rooted in inappropriate feeding.

Whole, species-appropriate foods—combined with carefully crafted, whole-system herbal blends—nourish the body at the cellular level and support natural healing.

Ready to Rethink Nutrition?

From raw and gently cooked meals to Core Essentials foundational support, layered herbal blends, and natural mineral nourishment, Wholehearted Harmony can help you feed your dog or cat the way nature intended.