F.A.Q.

The Go Kibbleless Movement is a mission-driven initiative founded by Nikki Kendal to help Paw Parents break free from the harmful effects of processed kibble and embrace the benefits of a canine-specific, whole food natural diet. It’s about raising awareness, educating dog owners, and making healthier choices for our furry family members—one healthy bowl at a time.

We offer three main coaching packages tailored to meet the needs of your dog:

The Happy Belly Blueprint - A custom meal plan designed specifically for your dog based on their unique needs.

The Canine Care Coaching - Includes a custom meal plan and six weeks of one-on-one coaching with Nikki, including Zoom calls and weekly check-ins.

The Paw-fect Start Plan - An eight-week comprehensive coaching program for new puppies, covering everything from pre-arrival prep to nutrition and behavior support.

For breeders, we also offer The Breeder’s Best Start Program—a specialized nutrition coaching service to help your litters get off to the best possible start in life.

Navigating the world of dog food can be confusing and overwhelming. A nutritional canine coach like Nikki helps you cut through the noise, providing personalized guidance to ensure your dog’s diet supports their overall health and well-being. Whether you’re new to natural feeding or looking to enhance your dog’s current diet, Nikki’s expertise will give you the confidence to make the best choices for your dog.

It depends on your dog’s needs and your level of comfort with managing their diet. If you just need a customized meal plan, The Happy Belly Blueprint is a great option. If you’re looking for more hands-on support, The Canine Care Coaching offers personalized guidance over six weeks. For new puppy parents, The Paw-fect Start Plan provides comprehensive support to ensure your puppy gets the best start in life. If you’re unsure, contact us and we’ll help you decide which option is best.

While kibble is convenient, it comes with significant risks that many Paw Parents may not be aware of. Many commercial dog foods contain additives, fillers, synthetics, and toxins that can lead to serious health problems over time. These highly processed foods are not biologically appropriate for dogs, leading to nutritional deficiencies that can cause the early onset of diseases such as obesity, heart disease, and even certain types of cancer.

But the risks don’t stop there. Feeding your dog kibble can also lead to a range of other health issues, including:

Skin Problems: Kibble can contribute to yeast overgrowth, leading to chronic skin issues like itching, redness, and ear infections.

Digestive Issues: Dogs fed on kibble often suffer from vomiting, diarrhea, acid reflux, and even more severe digestive conditions like pancreatitis.

Weakened Immune System: The lack of essential nutrients in kibble can weaken your dog’s immune system, making them more susceptible to infections and other illnesses.

In fact, American dogs are living shorter lifespans today, and the widespread use of kibble is a major contributor to this decline. The reality is, we often have no idea what actually goes into kibble. Ingredients that would never be considered safe for human consumption often end up in dog food, and there’s little transparency or accountability in the industry. This is one reason why multiple countries outside the US have banned the sale or distribution of American-made kibble.

Unfortunately, many of us in America remain unaware of these dangers. By switching to a whole food, natural diet—closer to what dogs would eat in the wild—we can greatly improve our dogs’ health, energy levels, and overall well-being, giving them the longer, healthier lives they deserve.

Transitioning your dog from kibble to a whole food diet should be done gradually to avoid digestive upset. Start by mixing a small amount of whole food into your dog’s regular kibble, gradually increasing the proportion of whole food while decreasing the kibble over 7-10 days. This allows your dog’s digestive system to adjust to the new diet. Nikki can provide detailed guidance on how to make this transition smoothly and successfully through one of our coaching programs.

While the upfront cost of whole foods can be higher than kibble, investing in your dog’s health now can save you from costly vet bills down the road. Many Paw Parents find that the health benefits—such as improved energy, fewer allergies, and a longer lifespan—far outweigh the cost difference. Additionally, Nikki can help you find budget- friendly options for feeding your dog a whole food diet without sacrificing quality.

Many veterinarians recommend kibble because it’s convenient and often promoted by large pet food companies. However, it’s important to remember that kibble is a highly processed food that is not biologically appropriate for dogs. The Go Kibbleless movement is about returning to a more natural, whole food diet that aligns with what dogs are meant to eat. While vets are essential partners in your dog’s health, it’s important to do your own research and consider what’s truly best for your dog’s long- term well-being.

No, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all meal plan for dogs. Each dog is unique, with different needs based on factors like age, breed, size, activity level, and health conditions. That’s why we offer custom meal plans tailored specifically to your dog’s needs. By working with Nikki, you’ll receive a plan that’s designed to support your dog’s individual health and well-being.

If your dog has allergies, a custom meal plan is even more important. Many commercial dog foods contain common allergens like corn, wheat, soy, and artificial additives. By feeding a whole food diet tailored to your dog’s specific needs, you can often identify and eliminate the ingredients causing the allergic reactions. Nikki can help you create a plan that avoids known allergens and supports your dog’s overall health.

Raw bones can be an excellent source of nutrients for dogs and are part of a species- appropriate diet. However, it’s important to choose the right type of bones. Cooked bones can splinter and cause serious health issues, so always feed raw, meaty bones that are appropriately sized for your dog. Nikki can guide you on which bones are safe and how to feed them properly.

When transitioning your dog to a new diet, especially a whole food diet, it’s important to do so gradually. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with your dog’s current food and gradually increase the proportion of new food over 7-10 days. This allows your dog’s digestive system to adjust slowly, minimizing the risk of diarrhea. Nikki can provide a detailed transition plan tailored to your dog’s needs.

Dogs have a highly acidic digestive system that is naturally equipped to handle bacteria found in raw meat. However, safe handling practices are essential to prevent contamination for humans. Always use clean utensils, bowls, and surfaces when preparing raw food, and wash your hands thoroughly after handling. Properly sourced raw food that is fresh and stored correctly minimizes any risk of bacterial infection for both your dog and your family.

Yes, if you’re not comfortable feeding raw, there are other options for providing a whole food diet. Gently cooked meals using fresh, high-quality ingredients can also be species-appropriate and nutritionally complete. Nikki can help you design a gently cooked meal plan that meets your dog’s needs while ensuring they receive all the necessary nutrients.

Fresh food for your dog can be found at local farmers’ markets, specialty pet stores, and online retailers that specialize in raw and whole foods for pets. You can also prepare meals at home using fresh ingredients from your grocery store. Nikki can recommend trusted sources for high-quality ingredients and guide you on how to prepare and store the food properly.

A species-appropriate diet is one that aligns with the natural dietary needs of a specific species—in this case, dogs. Dogs are carnivores by nature, and their bodies are designed to thrive on a diet rich in animal proteins, fats, and minimal carbohydrates. A species-appropriate diet for dogs mimics what they would naturally eat in the wild, focusing on fresh, whole foods like meats, organs, and bones, with the appropriate balance of nutrients to support their overall health. This also includes adding in a variety of fruits and vegetables, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber to complement the meat-based diet.

Dogs do not have a biological need for carbohydrates. While some carbs can be digested, they often contribute to health issues like obesity, heart disease, and digestive problems. Carbohydrates, especially in the processed form found in kibble, can cause spikes in blood sugar and contribute to chronic inflammation. Dogs thrive on a diet that is high in protein and fat, with minimal to no carbs, as this is what their bodies are naturally adapted to process.

The concern about grain-free diets and Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) stems from a taurine deficiency, which is often caused by a lack of adequate meat in the diet. Taurine is an essential amino acid for heart health, and it is found in high-quality animal proteins. Unfortunately, many grain-free kibbles use legumes and potatoes as fillers, which can interfere with taurine absorption and lead to DCM. Even though kibble may claim to be high in protein, much of that protein can come from plant sources rather than meat, leading to a deficiency in essential nutrients like taurine. A diet rich in real, high-quality meat, as part of a species-appropriate diet, ensures your dog gets the taurine they need for a healthy heart.

Feeding fresh food can be more expensive upfront than feeding kibble, but many Paw Parents find that the long-term benefits outweigh the costs. Fresh, whole foods contribute to better overall health, potentially reducing the need for expensive vet visits and treatments related to diet-related illnesses. Additionally, there are ways to feed fresh food on a budget, and Nikki can help you find affordable options that won’t compromise your dog’s health.

Nikki holds certifications in canine nutrition and has extensive experience working with dogs and their dietary needs. With a background in elementary education and psychology, Nikki is also skilled in teaching and breaking down complex topics into simple, actionable steps. Her dedication to learning and her personal experience with the kibble crisis drive her passion for helping other Paw Parents make informed choices about their dog’s nutrition.