We’ve all heard the saying “you are what you eat”—but what about our dogs?
🛑 According to biohacker and health pioneer Dave Asprey, the average Golden Retriever used to live 18 years in the 1970s. Today? They're lucky to make it to 12.
So what changed?
It’s simple. Their food. And toxins we surround them with EVERY SINGLE DAY.
The truth is simple: most commercial dog food is junk. And it’s not just the food. It’s the toxic toys, plastic bowls, and synthetic dog beds too. All of it adds up.
But food is step one.
It’s the foundation of your dog’s vitality, weight, digestion, skin, energy, and even lifespan. If you want to be a responsible dog parent, this is where you start.
Kibble Is Not Food — It’s a Processed Product
In the 1970s, golden retrievers lived 18 years on average. Today, they live 12.
What changed?
The rise of processed kibble. A product built for shelf life, not health.
It’s packed with:
– Cheap fillers like corn, soy, and wheat
– Rancid fats
– Low-quality meat by-products
– Synthetic vitamins your dog can't absorb
✗ It’s inflammatory
✗ It contributes to obesity
✗ It messes with gut health
✗ It leads to chronic disease
Our corgi Momo was living proof. At 3kg overweight and constantly dealing with diarrhea and belly pain, we knew something had to change.
The Real Food Fix: What to Feed Instead
One year into a real food diet, Momo is thriving. No more stomach issues. No more extra weight. Just clean energy and perfectly timed poops.
Here’s our simple formula — tested and loved by Momo himself:
70-80% Protein
✓ Ground beef or lamb (grass-fed if possible)
✓ Sardines (rich in omega-3s)
✓ Organ meats — especially liver
20–30% Vegetables and Carbs
✓ Carrots
✓ Broccoli
✓ Sweet potatoes
✓ Apples (no seeds)
We steam or grate the veg, depending on the day. Keep it simple. Rotate. Let your dog explore what works.
Powerful Add-ons
✓ Dash of olive oil (for healthy fats)
✓ Scoop of homemade bone broth (gut-healing and rich in collagen)
✓ Sprinkle of spirulina (detox + nutrient boost)
✓ Pinch of heavy metal-free sea salt (hydration + minerals)
✓ Only filtered water
Your dog deserves better than municipal chemicals in their water bowl.
Kibble vs Real Food for Dogs (The Momo-Approved Guide)
| Feature | Commercial Kibble | Momo’s Real Food Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Made from | Rendered meat by-products, fillers | Grass-fed meat, sardines, organ meats |
| Toxin Risk | ✗ High (preservatives, additives, rancid fats) | ✓ None — only fresh, whole ingredients |
| Nutrient Quality | ✗ Synthetic, poorly absorbed | ✓ Bioavailable, real food nutrients |
| Inflammatory Load | ✗ High — promotes chronic inflammation | ✓ Low — reduces gut and skin issues |
| Hydration | ✗ Dry, dehydrates over time | ✓ Moisture-rich (especially with broth) |
| Digestibility | ✗ Hard to break down, causes GI distress | ✓ Gentle on the gut, easy to absorb |
| Energy Impact | ✗ Spikes and crashes | ✓ Balanced, steady energy |
| Microbiome Support | ✗ Disrupts gut flora | ✓ Supports a diverse, healthy microbiome |
| Environmental Impact | ✗ Industrial waste, packaging-heavy | ✓ Home-prepped, low-waste |
| Vibe? | Mass-produced, artificial | Conscious, nourishing, cared-for |
Step 2: Detox the Rest
Once you’ve upgraded the food, don’t stop there.
Look around your dog’s environment. Is it helping or hurting?
✗ Plastic food and water bowls
✗ Squeaky toys made from synthetic materials
✗ Polyester dog beds treated with flame retardants
Here’s what we use instead (and what we sell at Mellow):
✓ Stainless steel or ceramic bowls
✓ Natural wool or sheepskin toys
✓ Woolen or sheepskin beds
✓ Simple grooming with no endocrine disruptors
Your dog’s immune system is under constant attack if he's surrounded by hidden toxins. And he can’t tell you. But his behavior, digestion, and skin will.
Be the Dog Parent Who Knows Better
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about waking up to the silent harm being done and making better choices — starting with what you feed.
If you wouldn’t eat it, don’t feed it.
If it off-gasses or sheds plastic, don’t buy it.
If your dog matters to you, show it — in every bowl, every bed, every toy.
At Mellow, we curate products that support your dog’s health instead of silently destroying it. Because low-tox living isn't just for humans anymore.
Explore our pet wellness collection here
Join our conscious pet owner community on Instagram @mellow.concept.store
