Most pet parents spend a lot of time thinking about food and water. We read labels, avoid junk ingredients, and try to do right by our dogs and cats. But one of the biggest threats to their health is usually something we never think about at all. It is the air inside our homes.
Every day, common cleaning products, air fresheners, and scented trash bags release chemical fumes into the spaces where our pets live, sleep, and groom themselves. Those fumes settle into carpets, pet beds, and couches. Pets breathe them in, absorb them through their paws and skin, and ingest them when they lick themselves clean. Over time, that constant exposure can quietly strain the liver, disrupt hormones, and weaken overall resilience.
In today’s newsletter, we are talking about why “fresh-smelling” homes are often anything but healthy for pets, and how you can switch to simple, low-toxicity cleaning habits using just a few basic ingredients you probably already have. Small changes here can make a real difference in your pet’s comfort, energy, and long-term health.
What’s Happening
A few months ago, I had the pleasure of flying to PA, met up with my friends from Fontana Candle, and we designed my very own non-toxic candle. My new candle, Uplift, was created out of my own journey with chemical sensitivities andmy refusal to compromise on what goes into my home.
Inspired by research on rosemary’s effects on mood, focus, and brain health, Uplift is made with only pure essential oils, never synthetic fragrance, to support energy, clarity, and emotional balance. Blended with rosemary, ginger, sweet orange, and vetiver, it’s designed to gently shift your mood, helping you feel more grounded, alert, and calm without overstimulation. Partnering with Fontana Candle Company, I ensured full ingredient transparency and clean production, so families can enjoy a candle that smells incredible and genuinely supports their health. Lighting Uplift is meant to be a daily ritual that brings peace of mind, mental clarity, and a sense of natural renewal into your home. Stay tuned for the official launch date of Uplift, you don’t want to miss this one!
Steak Perfection with Chef James Barry…
If you love meat as much as your pets love you, this week’s featured podcast episode is a must-listen. Chef James Barry breaks down his tried-and-true secrets for cooking juicy, flavorful steak every time, whether you’re grilling, searing, or finishing in the oven. From choosing the right cut to mastering temperature and technique, this conversation delivers practical tips that elevate your home-cooked steak from good to unforgettable. Tap in and take your next cook-up to the next level.
Blog Spotlights
Creating a Healthier Home for Pets
When people start paying attention to toxins in their food, water, and homes, pets are often an afterthought, even though they are exposed to the same environment in more intense ways. Pets live closer to the ground, groom themselves constantly, and have faster metabolisms and smaller detox pathways than humans. That means what seems like a minor exposure to us can have a much bigger impact on them over time.
You’ve Probably Been Buying the Wrong Produce
If you’ve ever stood in the produce aisle staring at apples, spinach, or avocados and thought, “This should not be this complicated,” you’re not wrong. Grocery shopping has quietly turned into a decision-making obstacle course, especially when you’re trying to eat clean without turning it into a full-time job. Most people assume that if produce looks fresh and comes from a decent store, it must be fine.
Rethinking What “Healthy Cooking Oils” Really Means
If you’ve been cooking with avocado oil and olive oil because you’ve been told they’re the healthiest options, you’re not alone, and you’re definitely not doing anything wrong on purpose. For years, these oils have been marketed as kitchen staples for anyone who cares about their health. They’re praised for their heart-friendly fats, antioxidant content, and impressive smoke points, especially avocado oil.
Why Convenience Foods Deserve a Second Look
Big-box stores like Costco are built around one promise: convenience: bulk sizes, pre-packaged foods, grab-and-go items that save time and feel efficient. For busy people trying to eat reasonably well, that promise is hard to resist. The problem is that convenience in modern food systems often comes at the expense of hidden trade-offs.
Non-Toxic Tip of the Week
Simple Upgrades for Healthier Pets
💧 Switch to filtered water
Tap water can contain chlorine, fluoride, heavy metals, and pharmaceutical residues. Giving pets filtered water reduces daily chemical exposure and supports kidney and liver health over time.
🥩 Upgrade toward raw feeding (good, better, best)
You do not have to go “all in” overnight. Start where you are.
Good: Add freeze-dried raw snacks.
Better: Use raw or whole-food meal toppers.
Best: Transition to a balanced raw or gently cooked diet when possible.
Small steps still make a meaningful difference.
🧽 Choose truly non-toxic cleaning products
Many “fresh” cleaners leave chemical residues on floors and pet beds. Use simple options like vinegar, baking soda, and fragrance-free plant-based cleaners to reduce hormone and respiratory stress.
🕯️ Rethink candles and air fresheners
Most scented candles and plug-ins release VOCs and synthetic fragrance. If you use candles, choose unscented beeswax or pure soy, or skip them altogether for cleaner air.
🌸 Skip perfumes and heavy fragrances indoors
Perfumes, body sprays, and laundry scents cling to furniture and pet fur. Limiting fragrance use helps protect your pet’s lungs, skin, and nervous system.
My Go-To Non-Toxic Dog/Cat Products
Non-Toxic Recipe of the Week
Most commercial dog treats are marketed as “healthy,” yet many still rely on grains, starches, seed oils, and synthetic preservatives to keep costs low and shelf life long. Over time, these ingredients can contribute to inflammation, digestive issues, and metabolic stress in dogs, especially those already prone to allergies or sensitive stomachs. Making your own treats at home allows you to eliminate those fillers completely and focus on biologically appropriate, whole-food ingredients.
This grain-free recipe uses animal-based proteins and gentle whole foods to support digestion, joint health, skin health, and metabolic function. Using silicone bone-shaped molds keeps portions consistent and avoids chemical coatings, cooking sprays, and plastic liners.
Why Go Grain-Free for Dogs?
Dogs do not require grains for optimal health. While some tolerate them, many experience improved digestion, firmer stools, and better skin and coat quality when grains are removed. Grain-free treats also help reduce blood sugar spikes and unnecessary carbohydrate load between meals.
By focusing on animal proteins, collagen, and simple whole foods, these treats more closely resemble what dogs are biologically designed to eat.
This Week on Social Media, I talked about:
In Closing,
Our pets give us loyalty, companionship, and unconditional love. The least we can do is give them a home that supports their health and well-being. Every cleaner choice is one more way to return that love.
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