129. How Gut Health Shapes Aging in Dogs with Jody Teiche

Aging isn’t a disease, it’s a reflection of how well the body is maintaining balance. In this episode of Your Natural Dog, Angela Ardolino is joined by pet health expert and pet parent coach Jody Teiche to explore how the gut microbiome plays a central role in aging, brain function, and overall wellness in dogs. From fresh food foundations to targeted support for the gut, they break down how pet parents can take a more proactive, natural approach to supporting their dogs through every stage of life.

Episode Recap:

• Angela introduces Jody Teiche and the concept of aging as a loss of homeostasis in the body. (00:00)
• Jody explains her role as a pet health coach, helping pet parents take agency over their pet’s health, with annual diagnostics and at-home wellness routines for long-term health. (03:02)
• Nutrition is emphasized as the foundation, with a focus on fresh, species-appropriate diets over processed kibble, and how some senior dogs may benefit from gently cooked food or added digestive support. (04:51)
• They discuss transitioning from kibble to fresh food, and common mistakes that can disrupt digestion, plus Jody highlights simple tools like homeopathy and natural remedies for occasional digestive upset. (07:38)
• Angela and Jody reflect on the growing shift toward natural, holistic pet care as pet parents seek better solutions, and how access to holistic and homeopathic medicine is under threat. (10:27)
• Jody explains how gut imbalance can impact the entire body and why targeted support may be needed, discussing specific nutrients, beneficial bacteria, and supportive compounds for maintaining gut balance, including L-Glutamine, humic and fulvic acid, Akkermansia, and more. (15:13)
• Angela shares research on mushrooms and their role in supporting the gut microbiome and overall wellness, and they discuss how mushrooms can provide a wide range of naturally occurring nutrients in a bioavailable form, like in the Digest mushroom and adaptogen blend. (19:11)
• The connection between gut health and brain function, including its role in cognitive aging, plus key nutrients like omega-3s, zinc, and magnesium for supporting brain health in aging pets. (22:54)
• The conversation explores how dogs instinctively seek out plants and nutrients in nature. (28:40)
• Jody shares how pet parents can work with her and take a more active role in their pet’s health journey. (30:46)

Episode Resources:

• Download Angela’s Resources, including her Senior Dog Protocol and her Pet Supplement Buying Checklist, plus more at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloads 
• Jody’s Teiche Wellness Group and her Pet Health Coach Site
• Follow Jody Teiche on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok
• Have a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] 
• Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino
• Visit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.com

Follow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our CBD & Holistic Pet Advice Facebook Group.