I met Kimberly Morris Gauthier years ago when she was speaking about social media at a conference. It turns out Kimberly is a Dog Nutrition Blogger and author and she was captivating and hilarious. She’s a straight shooter and I enjoyed learning from her. Her nutrition blog is uber popular and helpful, especially for people who are choosing a raw diet for their dogs. Here’s Kimberly!
DRS: Kimberly, how did you get started in your pet business?
KMG: I began blogging in 2009 and when we adopted puppies in 2010, I slowly started writing about raising littermates and that lead me to launch Keep the Tail Wagging® at the end of 2011.
DRS: How does your business help both animals and people?
KMG: I began writing about raw feeding for dogs in 2014, a year after transitioning my dogs to raw. Learning how to feed a raw diet was overwhelming and the social media groups weren’t always welcoming to new raw feeders. I felt that if learning how to feed a dog a species appropriate diet was a challenge for me, then I probably wasn’t alone. So I began to write for people who were trying to learn about raw feeding — through my blog, we’re learning together.
Raw feeding has many benefits for our dogs. My dog, Rodrigo, has a laundry list of health issues and 99% of them cleared up when I switched him to a species appropriate diet. This includes chronic ear infections, skin rashes, digestive issues, joint issues, and more.
Every time a dog parent shares that my blog has helped them switch their dog to raw, I feel an amazing high.
DRS: That is so cool. Can you tell me about your connection with animal rescue?
Kimberly & her dog Rodrigo.
KMG: One of my dear friends runs a local rescue group and I donate many of the things I receive from brands to her fundraising events and the dogs she fosters. Rescue is a heart-wrenching passion and I respect everyone who is working to make the lives of our pets better. I hope by donating quality products, I’m able to make life easier for the rescuers.
DRS: That is wonderful. Do you have a favorite pet story you’d like to share?
KMG: I have many stories about my dogs that make me smile. What I love is knowing what each of my dogs is saying to me although they can’t speak in my language. Rodrigo loves hugs and will come in for a lean or sit as close to me as possible on the sofa. When he does this, I can’t resist immediately changing my focus to him.
In the morning, Sydney never immediately goes outside, she stops at the doggy door, turns to look at me, then wiggles her entire body as she walks back to me for a hug. Then she bolts through the door barking the neighborhood down.
Scout is very vocal, very affectionate, and I swear he laughs. He makes a sound when he’s having fun and it sounds like a quiet laugh. I love it.
And Zoey is the shy dog in my pack, but when no one is watching, she’s pretty bossy and when she’s ready to go to bed, she comes to me and practically jumps up and down in excitement because it’s Night Night time.
Kimberly & her dog Scout.
DRS: I suppose when you have four dogs, it’s hard to come up with just one story. Kimberly, can you share any feeding tips for my readers?
KMG:
1) While I prefer to recommend that we feed our dogs a species appropriate diet of raw, I respect that this isn’t feasible for everyone. Therefore, it becomes important to add fresh food to our dogs’ diet. We can add vegetables for fiber and antioxidants, bone broth for nutrients and moisture, and canned/boiled oysters for zinc and manganese. The trick is to educate ourselves about how can improve our dogs’ diets.
2) When feeding a raw food diet, it’s important to keep in mind that every dog is different. There is a tremendous amount of information online that tells us how we should feed our dogs and while this information is valuable, it may not meet the needs of every dog. Therefore, use this information as a starting point, continue to educate yourself, and adjust your dog’s diet to meet his or her individual needs.
3) The veterinarian community isn’t completely on-board with pet parents taking control of their dog or cat’s diet, however, it’s still important to have a discussion with your vet about nutrition. While this discussion can be uncomfortable if your veterinarian isn’t open to raw feeding or a home cooked diet, we can bring many around when we show them the work we put into understanding and meeting our pets’ nutritional needs. If your vet still isn’t supportive, find a vet who is – having a veterinarian on the same page is a valuable resource.
DRS: That is super helpful, Kimberly. What’s next up for your business? What can we be looking for?
KMG: I’m working on my second book, 101 Novice Questions About Raw Feeding for Dogs and I’m really excited to begin leaking information on social media soon. A Novice’s Guide to Raw Feeding for Dogs was published on August 31, 2017 and has been well received by the pet lover and raw feeding communities. My goal is to publish this new book in November 2018 and it will focus on what I’m learning from others in our community.
I’ve also begun hosting local workshops for people who have questions about raw feeding for dogs.
DRS: Wonderful. I’m sure there are a lot of people who are grateful for your contribution. Where can we learn more about you and your business? 
KMG: Please learn more about me by visiting my blog, KeepTheTailWagging.com, and finding me on Facebook and YouTube.
DRS: Is there anything else you would like for people to know about you or your business?
KMG: It’s not easy putting yourself out there day after day. While it’s a great way to build an audience, blogging also attracts the critics. I want people to know that if you want to follow a similar path with your passion or business, don’t pay attention to the critics because for every mean-spirited person, there are a thousand people who you’re helping every day.
DRS: Truer words were never spoken. Thank you again for sharing this information as well as for your contribution to What to Expect When Adopting a Dog. I am most grateful.
