Barking Mad

Rats to the Rescue? Meet the World’s Smallest, Most Unexpected Heroes

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0400

This conversation will challenge everything you thought you knew about rats. Host Jordan Tyler sits down with Erin Sackett of APOPO and BSM Partners’ own zoological expert, Dr. Jen Parsons, to explore the incredible world of HeroRATs—African giant pouched rats trained to detect landmines, diagnose tuberculosis, combat wildlife trafficking, and even assist in search and rescue missions. Join us as we break down age-old myths about rodents and rats to showcasing how these incredible animals are transforming global health and safety.

Helpful Links

💣 Learn more about APOPO and its HeroRATs program, including how you can adopt or support a HeroRAT today!

🐀 Read more about the African giant pouched rat.

🎁 Find out how you can support the HeroRATs program and other APOPO initiatives around the world: https://apopo.org/support-us/

Show Notes

00:00 – Inside The Episode

00:13 – Pop Culture vs. Reality: Reframing How We Think About Rats

08:39 – Why African Giant Pouched Rats Are Uniquely Suited For Being HeroRATs

11:54 – The Four Key Roles of HeroRATs

14:08 – How Rats Detect Landmines Faster and Safer

16:24 – Using Scent Detection to Diagnose Tuberculosis

19:39 – Combating Wildlife Trafficking with Scent-Trained Rats

22:03 – Search And Rescue: The Future of Disaster Response

24:20 – Training to Become a HeroRAT

29:17 – The Full Pension Package

31:59 – The Human Element

33:49 – How to Support APOPO and the HeroRATs Program

37:35 – Final Thoughts: Rethinking Rats and Their Role in Our World

Breaking the ‘Byproduct’ Bias: Rethinking Rendered Ingredients in Pet Food

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Fear-based marketing and misinformation have cast rendered ingredients in a negative light in the eyes of many pet parents. But what if we told you this ingredient class is one of the most sustainable and reliable ones we have for pet food? Join Dr. Stephanie Clark and Jordan Tyler and a handful of industry experts as they break down common myths and reframe rendering as a practical, eco-friendly solution. From debunking misconceptions about byproducts to uncovering the environmental impact of reducing food waste, this conversation challenges listeners to rethink what quality really means when it comes to pet food.

Helpful Links

🔍 Find more pet food ingredient insights inside IFEEDER’s March 2025 Pet Food Report: https://www.ifeeder.org/research/pet-food-report/

🆙 Check out our previous podcast episode to learn more about the big, beautiful world of upcycled pet food ingredients: https://bsmpartners.net/insights/podcast-the-rise-of-upcycled-ingredients-in-pet-food/

Read more about sustainable rendered and upcycled ingredients in pet food:

Learn more about other common pet nutrition misassumptions:

Show Notes

00:00 – Inside the Episode

01:41 – What Is Rendering, Really?

04:09 – Why Rendering Is Closer to Your Daily Life Than You Think

10:25 – Cultural Preferences and Why We Don’t Eat Certain Animal Parts

13:25 – Environmental Benefits: Reducing Waste and Emissions

17:27 – How Misinformation Shaped Consumer Perception

18:32 – Marketing Myths and the “Byproduct” Stigma

22:55 – The Truth About “Human-Grade” vs Rendered Ingredients

25:48 – Today’s Key Takeaways

Wrangling the Wild West of Pet Supplements

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0400

The pet supplement aisle can feel overwhelming. Joint chews, calming treats, immune boosters—every product promises better health for our pets. But how do you know which ones are legitimate? Join Dr. Stephanie Clark and Jordan Tyler as they take a closer look at the booming pet supplement industry and the role of the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) Seal in helping bring structure and accountability to this complex market. Learn why supplements aren’t regulated like drugs, how misleading claims sometimes slip through the cracks, and why scientific research plays such an important role in responsible product formulation.

Helpful Links

🐾 Find out more about the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC): https://www.nasc.cc/, and browse NASC-certified pet supplement companies here: https://www.nasc.cc/members/.

ℹ️ Learn more about the brands featured on today's episode:

Pet Ag: https://petag.com/
Zesty Paws: https://zestypaws.com/
Pet Honesty: https://www.pethonesty.com/
InClover: https://inclover.com/

👀 Continue reading about the nuances of pet supplement formulation and regulation from BSM Partners’ expert team of formulators:

Show Notes

00:13 – Inside the Episode

02:28 – Why is Everyone Obsessed with Supplements?

04:40 – Trust as Currency

08:10 – How Pet Supplements Are Actually Regulated

11:44 – What’s in a Claim? Nutritional Supplements vs Drugs

14:16 – Buyer Beware: “Pixie Dust” Ingredients

15:28 – Reasons a Pet Would Need a Supplement

19:26 – Meet the NASC

26:16 – Why Isn’t There More Research on Pet Supplements?

32:06 – Expert Advice for Pet Parents

35:12 – Red Flags to Watch For on Supplement Labels

40:26 – The Future of Pet Supplementation

43:40 – Today’s Key Takeaways

The Incredible Philosophy Behind Dr. Pol’s Pet Care Approach

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0400

When the cameras stop rolling, what remains? For the Pol family, the end of “The Incredible Dr. Pol” was a finale, but it was also a beginning. In this episode, hosts Dr. Stephanie Clark and Jordan Tyler sit down with Charles Pol, Dr. Pol’s son and executive producer, and longtime producer Mike Stankevich to explore how the show became the foundation for Docson Brands and the development of Incredi-Pol pet foods. Recorded live from the SUPERZOO 2025 show floor, this candid conversation reveals the philosophy that has always guided Dr. Pol’s work: affordable, accessible, common-sense care for animals and the people who love them.

Helpful Links

📺 Explore every season of “The Incredible Dr. Pol” here: https://www.disneyplus.com/browse/entity-659aa216-5a05-4c41-b96b-d4f6ef3e5350

🐶 Learn more about Docson Brands and their portfolio of animal food and care products: https://thedrpol.com/incredi-pol-products/

📞 Learn more about Dr. Pol’s veterinary triage service, Dr. Pol CARE: https://thedrpol.com/dr-pol-care/?srsltid=AfmBOoprCOgdzz9e9-LLlfV4uQ5v_FCMWUZ_5z8Zh2RkDAKTT5kTIex5

⚕️ Read more from Mars Veterinary Health’s report, “Tackling the Veterinary Professional Shortage:” https://marsveterinary.com/tackling-the-veterinary-professional-shortage/

👀 …then, check out the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) clap-back: https://www.avma.org/news/no-dire-shortage-veterinarians-anticipated-coming-years

🐎 More on rural veterinary shortages persisting today: https://www.avma.org/news/usda-announces-plan-address-rural-federal-veterinary-shortages

📈 Get the AVMA’s perspective on rising veterinary costs: https://www.avma.org/blog/avma-shares-insights-rising-veterinary-costs

🔍 Read the “State of the Veterinary Care Industry” from PetSmart Charities & Gallup: https://www.gallup.com/analytics/659123/gallup-petsmart-charities.aspx

🎧 Hear more about the emotional, financial, and systemic challenges facing veterinary professionals today, including unmatched levels of burnout.

Show Notes

00:00 – Inside the Episode

01:49 – Meet Charles Pol and Mike Stankevich

03:05 – Behind the Scenes of “The Incredible Dr. Pol”

08:15 – Understanding Dr. Pol’s Ethos

17:17 – Coping with Rising Pet Care Prices

19:36 – Dr. Pol CARE and the State of Veterinary Medicine

27:12 – Rethinking Veterinary Education & Practice

30:06 – An Emergency Vet’s Perspective

37:02 – Balancing Care with Compassion, For Vets and Pets

42:25 – Loving Animals Brings Us Together

44:07 – Today’s Key Takeaways

Love, Lust, and Lunch: Valentine’s Day in the Animal Kingdom

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0400

In this Valentine’s Day special, hosts Dr. Stephanie Clark and Jordan Tyler dive into the wildest, weirdest, and most unexpectedly heartwarming mating rituals in the animal kingdom. From anglerfish that fuse to their partners and octopuses that take “all in” a little too literally to cannibalistic courtships, pebble-gifting penguins, and ride-or-die prairie voles, this episode proves that love in nature runs the full spectrum of swoon-worthy to downright savage. Equal parts biology lesson and comedy hour, it’s a reminder that while romance may look different across species, devotion (and drama) is universal. Stick around for a sweet surprise at the end!

Helpful Links

🪳 Learn how you can participate in San Antonio Zoo’s Cry Me A Cockroach Fundraiser: https://sazoo.org/crymeacockroach/

💡 Read more about the strange mating habits of:

💘 If you’re looking for something to do with your pet this weekend, check out our homemade holiday treat recipes! https://bsmpartners.net/insights/a-holiday-gift-from-bsm-pet-safe-recipes-to-make-spirits-bright/

Show Notes

00:12 – Inside the Episode

01:00 – Cry Me a Cockroach

04:23 – Anglerfish: The Ultimate Stage-Five Clinger

06:31 – Love That Costs an Arm (or a Leg)

08:44 – The Argonaut Octopus: Detachable Devotion

11:01 – Praying Mantises Killer First Dates

13:13 – Gifting with Nursery Web Spiders

15:38 – White-Spotted Puffer Fish Builds Sandcastles for Love

17:32 – Prairie Voles: Monogamy Done Right

19:18 – Pebble Proposals & Loyalty with Gentoo Penguins

24:19 – Key Takeaways

25:07 – An Original Valentine’s Finale

Brushing Up: Why Pet Dental Health Matters More Than You Think

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0400

This National Pet Dental Health Month, we’re sinking our teeth into one of the most overlooked areas of pet wellness: oral health. Hosts Dr. Stephanie Clark and Jordan Tyler are joined by a veterinary dentist and several pet dental health innovators to explore why dental disease goes far beyond doggy breath, breaking down how plaque, tartar, and inflammation can impact the heart, kidneys, and overall health of pets. Learn why toothbrushing is the gold standard, what dental chews and additives can realistically achieve, and how pet parents can build effective routines without aiming for perfection. From myth-busting to practical tips, this episode offers a clear, science-backed look at how small daily habits can protect pets for the long haul.

Helpful Links

🦷 Check out this list of pet dental health products that carry the VOHC Seal: https://vohc.org/accepted-products/

⚕️ Learn more about pet dental health from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/pet-dental-care

🪥 Find even more resources on pet dentistry from Dr. Amy “Toothy” Thomson: https://www.toothythomson.ca/

💡 Open wide for supporting insights from our veterinary experts, Dr. Bradley Quest and Dr. Katy Miller:

🔬 Read more about clinical studies from Yummy Combs (Pet’s Best Life) and WHIMZEES (Wellness Pet Company):

Show Notes

00:00 – Inside the Episode

03:35 – A Whole-Body Health Issue

06:26 – Why Pet Dental Health Matters

10:30 – The Gold Standard: Toothbrushing

15:23 – Beyond Brushing: The Scoop on Dental Chews

26:02 – Don’t Put All Your Plaque in One Basket

29:05 – The VOHC Seal

33:42 – Pet Dental Health Myth-Busting

39:00 – Today’s Key Takeaways

40:23 – This Month’s Challenge!

Luxury, Love, and the Economic Bubbles of Pet Care

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Barking Mad, hosts Dr. Stephanie Clark and Jordan Tyler sit down with consumer strategy expert Michael Johnson to unpack the rise of luxury pet products and the humanization of pets through the lens of economics, guilt, and lifestyle signaling. From diamond-studded collars to ultra-premium pet foods, this conversation challenges the assumption that higher prices always equal better care, explores how affordable options are increasingly stigmatized, and asks a critical question facing the industry today: what happens when “doing right by your pet” starts to feel financially out of reach?

Helpful Links

💎 Check out Posh Puppy's Jeune Tulipe diamond dog collar: https://www.poshpuppyboutique.com/collections/collars/products/la-jeune-tulipe-diamond-dog-pet-collar-exclusive-to-posh-puppy-boutique

💰 And these other luxurious products for dogs: https://www.lordsandlabradors.co.uk/blogs/journal/the-world-s-most-expensive-luxury-gifts-for-pets?srsltid=AfmBOoroy7at5EVFBfQRYwNMb-bDZpkefEIjZczvozKf8UeNcHSQZ8DB

🤔 Is the humanization of pets truly in their best interest? Michael Johnson asks and answers the hard questions in this article: https://www.petfoodprocessing.net/articles/18800-pets-or-people-the-impact-of-humanizing-pets

📰 Read more about "Petflation: How soaring pet food prices are straining households" (CBS News): https://www.cbsnews.com/atlanta/news/petflation-how-soaring-pet-food-prices-are-straining-households/

Show Notes

00:00 – Inside the Episode

01:30 – Now Entering: The Lap of Luxury

03:30 – Judgement, Jealousy, and Perspective

10:30 – Don’t Burst My Economic Bubble!

15:30 – Humanization, Guilt, and Pets as People

18:30 – Premiumization vs Accessibility

22:30 – Can Quality Pet Nutrition Also Be Affordable?

31:30 – Parallels to (Human) Parenting

39:30 – Are We Pricing People Out of Pet Ownership

43:30 – Today’s Key Takeaways

Paws for Reflection: Lessons from 2025 and What We’re Unleashing Next

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0400

As we forge full speed ahead into 2026, the Barking Mad team takes a moment to reflect on the conversations that shaped 2025 and what they revealed about pets, pet ownership, and the industry at large. From standout episodes and unexpected lessons to topics that challenged assumptions and sparked deeper curiosity, this mini episode looks back on what resonated most with listeners and why it mattered. Then, hosts Jordan Tyler and Dr. Stephanie Clark look ahead to 2026, sharing what’s next for the podcast, how the show is evolving, and where they plan to take future conversations. Expect thoughtful takeaways, a few honest laughs, and a clear-eyed look at what’s coming in hot!

Helpful Links

Check out our top five episodes from 2025!

🎟️ Beyond the Brands: Your Backstage Pass to SUPERZOO 2025

🔮 The Billion-Dollar Deception of DCM: Inside KetoNatural’s Class Action Lawsuit

🪰 Bug Appétit: From Ick to Innovation on Insect-Based Pet Food

💕 Looking for Love: Swiping Right on Sustainable Cat Litter

♻️ Is Recyclable Pet Food Packaging A Lie? Unraveling The Pet Industry’s Plastic Waste Problem

Subscribe to Barking Mad on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, or wherever you listen to podcasts. 🎧

And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to keep up with our hot takes, spicy soundbites, and no-nonsense commentary on all things pet care! 🎙️👏

Show Notes

00:00 – Inside the Episode

02:35 – Revisiting Our Top Episodes of 2025

17:00 – Jordan and Dr. Steph’s Favorite Fun Facts

21:36 – We’re Open to Suggestions!

26:30 – Get Ready for Rufus

32:36 – What Else to Expect in 2026

33:30 – Key Takeaways and Stay Tuned!

34:18 – Very Serious Bloopers

Have Yourself a Barking Mad Holiday!

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0400

The holidays are here, and Barking Mad is leaning all the way into the cozy chaos. In this special seasonal episode, we explore the weird, wonderful, and unexpectedly fascinating ways animals show up in holiday traditions around the world, from reindeer with surprisingly complex biology to the ominous legend of Iceland’s Yule Cat, and plenty of pet-parent realities in between. Join us as we unpack curious animal facts, folklore, and festive science, and share more than a few laughs about what the holidays really look like when pets are involved. Wishing you and yours a very Barking Mad holiday!

Helpful Links

👁️ Learn more about the magical color-changing eyes of reindeer: https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/colour-in-collection-reindeer-eye.html

🦛 Hear more about Gayla Peevey’s hippo-fueled success here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REd9wHlF_oQ

🐱 Read more about the Icelandic Yule Cat, or Jólakötturinn: https://www.npr.org/2023/12/23/1221454825/youve-heard-of-santa-maybe-even-krampus-but-what-about-the-child-eating-yule-cat

👹 Learn more about Krampus, “the original bad Santa:” https://www.history.com/articles/krampus-christmas-legend-origin

🐶 Read more about dogs’ double coats and how, ironically, they help keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/double-coated-dog-breeds/

🎁 Check out BSM Partners’ Holiday Pet Gift Guide! https://bsmpartners.net/insights/the-bsm-partners-holiday-pet-gift-guide-innovations-insights-and-must-haves/

Show Notes

00:00 – Inside the Episode

00:14 – Holiday Greetings from Jordan & Dr. Steph

01:18 – Cozy Fires, Family Traditions, and Pet Gift Rituals

05:42 – Reindeer Are Cool!

08:53 – Color-Changing Eyes and the Science Behind Rudolph’s Nose

13:11 – Winter Survival Strategies Across the Animal Kingdom

15:51 – Double-Coated Dogs: Warm in Winter, Cool in Summer

20:31 – The 12 Days of Christmas: Why Birds?

27:29 – A Hippopotamus? For Christmas?!

33:50 – Beware the Icelandic Yule Cat

37:50 – Cats & Christmas Trees: A Holiday Classic

42:50 – “Hygge” and The Science Behind Coziness

48:50 – Wrapping Up a Very Barking Mad Holiday

Candid Conversations from the SUPERZOO Show Floor: Cutting Through the Noise with Disruptor Clayton Payne

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Live from the SUPERZOO 2025 show floor, we sit down with Clayton Payne, the unapologetic disruptor behind one of the world’s most downloaded pet industry podcasts, Pet Business Disruptors. Join us as we unravel what real innovation looks like in today’s pet care landscape, explore why staying close to everyday pet owners matters more than any trend report, and share how pet owners can spot products that genuinely solve problems for you and your pets. Whether you’re overwhelmed by labels, confused by claims, or simply want to make smarter choices for your pets, this episode delivers clarity, personality, and a refreshing dose of real talk.

Helpful Links

Tune in to the Pet Business Disruptors podcast here! 🎧 https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/pet-business-disruptors/id1759599442

Hear more candid conversations from the SUPERZOO 2025 show floor:

Show Notes

00:00 – Inside the Episode

01:12 – Introducing Clayton Payne and Pet Business Disruptors

05:30 – How and Why Small Brands Pivot Faster Than Industry Giants

09:07 – A Brief History of Pet Food Trends

11:54 – The Influence of Social Media on Innovation

16:47 – Why Brands Lose Consumers via Claim Overload

21:37 – United Kingdom vs United States on Pet Industry Innovation

24:02 – Meet Clayton’s Five (Yes, Five!) Dogs

25:33 – Today’s Key Takeaways

Out of the Doghouse: The Truth About Pet Food’s Most-Hated Ingredients

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0400

You might worry when you see ingredients like salt, cellulose, gums, or artificial flavors on a pet food label, but most of these so-called villains are actually essential for food safety, nutrition, taste, and preservation. In this episode, we sit down with food scientist Dr. Abbey Thiel to unpack how these ingredients work, why they’ve been unfairly vilified, and why we should reconsider our stance against them. From the truth behind “sawdust in kibble” to the science of palatants, we break down the myths that fuel fear-based marketing. You’ll learn what matters, what doesn’t, and how to read ingredient lists with confidence.

Helpful Links

🔗 Check out Abbey Thiel’s YouTube channel, her candy science coloring book for kids, and connect with her on LinkedIn here.

🪲 Learn more about the bugs hiding in our everyday food items! https://bsmpartners.net/insights/creepy-crawly-cuisine-when-banning-synthetics-comes-with-tradeoffs/

🎧 Hear more from Pete Stirling of Skout’s Honor and other toxicity experts about common household items that could cause trouble for your pets:

Show Notes

00:24 – Inside the Episode

01:13 – How Human Food Trends Shape Fears About Pet Food

05:05 – Cellulose Explained

11:20 – Salt’s Real Jobs: Health, Preservation, and Safety

19:51 – Palatants, Flavors, and Why Pets Need Them

23:38 – Natural vs. Artificial: The Environmental and Safety Trade-Off

29:10 – The Truth About Gums and Thickeners

37:21 – How Fear-Based Marketing Fuels Ingredient Myths

46:46 – Today’s Key Takeaways

Corgis Gone Viral: Meet Dash & Lili, the Internet’s Favorite Dog Duo

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0400

One toss of the toy changed everything for Adriane and Mike Wang and their “firstborn son.” In this heartwarming episode, you’ll meet the couple behind the internet’s favorite Corgi duo: Dash & Lili. Recorded live from the floor of SUPERZOO 2025, this episode takes you behind the camera to reveal their real story behind their virality online, why the Wangs are so selective about brand partnerships, and what they’ve learned about truth in pet food marketing. From grading poop (yes, really) to spotlighting shelters in need, this conversation is a celebration of authenticity, compassion, and the bond we share with our beloved animal companions.

Helpful Links

#️⃣ Follow Dash & Lili on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

🎧 Tune in to our other episodes from the SUPERZOO 2025 show floor:

Show Notes

00:20 – Inside the Episode

01:11 – Meet Adriane and Mike Wang, Pet-Parents of Dash & Lili

04:05 – Getting Dash

06:05 – The Viral Moment That Started It All

07:32 – Adding to the Family

12:17 – Choosing Partnerships with Purpose

13:43 – The Truth About Pet Food Marketing

14:55 – Spotlighting Shelters in Need

18:49 – Real-Life Lesson from Pet Parenthood

23:17 – The Truth Is in the… Poop?

24:35 – Today’s Key Takeaways

Creature Feature: A Halloween Special on Nature’s Creepiest (and Coolest) Animals

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Every Halloween, black cats, bats, and spiders take center stage as symbols of all things spooky—but how did these animals earn their eerie reputations, and which creatures deserve a little more Halloween spotlight? In this Barking Mad Halloween special, hosts Jordan Tyler and Dr. Stephanie Clark are joined by David Perez and Kait Wright to unravel the myths, folklore, and surprising facts behind nature’s creepiest (and most misunderstood) species. From toads with hallucinogenic toxins to beetles that bury the dead, discover how science, superstition, and pop culture turned these seemingly ordinary animals into Halloween legends.

Helpful Links

🎃 Learn more about:

Why are Bats, Owls, Toads, and Crows Associated with Halloween? (National Wildlife Federation)
Why Black Cats Are Associated With Halloween and Bad Luck (History)
The Sydney funnel-web spider (The Australian Museum)
Daddy long-legs—an Opiliones, not a spider! (The University of California-Riverside)
Truth & Myth: Crows & Ravens in The Game of Thrones (AvesNoir)
Huginn and Muninn: The Backstory of Odin's Ravens (Birds of Valhalla)
Horned Lizards, AKA Horned Toads (University of Texas at Austin)
Animals that are sanguivores (Animalia)
Death’s-head hawkmoth (Butterfly Conservation)
The American burying beetle (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service)
Ticks (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Tardigrades (LiveScience by Future US)

🦇 Find the full blog post, “Nine animals begging for more Halloween representation.”

Show Notes

00:20 – Inside the Episode

02:27 – Spooky Cinema: Animals in Horror

04:43 – Halloween’s Most Iconic Animals

05:47 – The Black Cat’s Curse and Comeback

07:26 – Toads, Witches, and Ancient Symbolism

09:32 – Debunking Spider Myths

15:02 – Bats, Vampires, and the Birth of Dracula

16:32 – Draculin and Other Bloody Facts

17:15 – Ravens, Crows, and Ominous Intelligence

20:00 – Owls: From Omens of Death to Symbols of Wisdom

22:41 – Halloween’s Most Underrated Creeps

23:15 – Centipedes: The Nightmare Pest You Shouldn’t Kill

24:46 – The Death’s-Head Hawkmoth Has a Screaming Sweet Tooth

26:45 – The Burying Beetle: A True Gothic Homemaker

28:24 – Ticks: Nature’s True Vampires

32:03 – Creepy Reptiles and Lizard Legends

36:44 – Tardigrades: Cute or Creepy?

41:18 – Today’s Key Takeaways—and Happy Halloween!

Your Dog Ate What?! A Pet Parent’s Guide to Hidden Hazards in the Kitchen and Medicine Cabinet

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0400

From chocolate and xylitol to ibuprofen and antidepressants, some of the most dangerous toxins for pets are hiding in plain sight—our kitchens and medicine cabinets. In this episode, hosts Dr. Stephanie Clark and Jordan Tyler wrap up their three-part toxicities series with insights from Dr. Katy Miller, DVM, Dr. Tina Wismer of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, and Dr. Renee Schmid of Pet Poison Helpline. Join us as we uncover the everyday foods, supplements, and medications that can turn deadly for pets and share practical prevention tips every pet parent should know.

Helpful Links

🎧 Check out our other two episodes about:

Fragrance-related pet toxicities: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/scented-suspects-pet-safety-in-a-fragrant-world
Risky cleaning products, houseplants, and lawn and garden care items for pets: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/the-dirty-truth-pet-safety-hazards-hiding-in-your-homes-and-gardens

🌐 Learn more about:

ASPCA Pet Poison Control: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control
Pet Poison Helpline: https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/

☎️ ASPCA Pet Poison Control Phone Number: (888) 426-4435

☎️ Pet Poison Helpline Phone Number: (855) 764-7661

☣️ The Top 10 Pet Toxins of 2024: https://www.aspca.org/news/official-top-10-toxins-2024

Show Notes

00:20 – Inside the Episode

02:52 – Introducing Today’s Experts

03:32 – Common Food Toxicities in Pets

05:33 – Marijuana, Rodenticides, and Vitamin D3

10:20 – Xylitol: The Sugar-Free Killer

12:29 – Where Xylitol Hides

13:52 – The Surprising Dangers of Onions and Garlic

16:42 – More Hidden Food Threats

22:27 – From Pantry to Pharmacy

26:54 – When Antidepressants Attract Cats

29:25 – Flavored Veterinary Medications: Too Tasty for Their Own Good?

30:29 – Lethal Prescriptions and Topicals

31:23 – Medication Safety 101

33:56 – Today’s Key Takeaways

The Dirty Truth: Pet Safety Hazards Hiding in Your Homes and Gardens

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0400

You’ve scrubbed the counters, mopped the floors, watered the plants, and stepped back to admire your hard work. But beneath that picture-perfect glow lurks a lineup of silent offenders: cleaners, fertilizers, and even houseplants that could turn your pet’s safe haven into a danger zone. In this second installment of Barking Mad’s Toxicity Trilogy, we investigate the hidden hazards in our homes, from corrosive cleaning products to deadly lilies and lawn care items. Featuring insights from animal toxicology experts, join us as we investigate how to keep our homes clean, our lawns green, and our pets healthy.

Helpful Links

🎧 Check out our first episode about fragrance-related pet toxicities: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/scented-suspects-pet-safety-in-a-fragrant-world

🌐 Learn more about:

ASPCA Pet Poison Control: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control
Pet Poison Helpline: https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/
Skout’s Honor: https://www.skoutshonor.com/

ASPCA Pet Poison Control Phone Number: (888) 426-4435

Pet Poison Helpline Phone Number: (855) 764-7661

🪴 Read more about household plants that are toxic to pets: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants

☣️ The Top 10 Pet Toxins of 2024: https://www.aspca.org/news/official-top-10-toxins-2024

📋 Find a searchable list of poisonous household products from the ASPCA here, and a comprehensive pet poison list from Pet Poison Helpline here.

Show Notes

00:20 – Inside the Episode

02:26 – Introducing Today’s Experts

03:28 – Household Cleaning Products: The Hidden Offenders

07:31 – Beware of Cationic Detergents Around Cats!

08:22 – Alcohols, VOCs, and Safer Formulations

13:22 – A Warning for Bird Owners

14:22 – Houseplants: Beautiful but Deadly

20:20 – Beyond Lilies: More Plants to Avoid

22:01 – Outdoor Risks: Lawn and Garden Care Suspects

26:23 – Herbicides and Ice Melts: What’s Actually Safe?

28:57 – Flea & Tick Products: Made to Kill, but Safe for Pets?

36:30 – The Industry’s Role in Developing Safe Pet Products

37:01 – Today’s Key Takeaways

Scented Suspects: Pet Safety in a Fragrant World

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Barking Mad, Dr. Stephanie Clark and Jordan Tyler crack open the case file on the fragrance underworld—candles, essential oils, sprays, diffusers, and the like—and investigate whether these everyday comforts are harmless pleasures or hidden culprits in your pet’s environment. Featuring toxicology experts Dr. Tina Wismer of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and Dr. Renee Schmid of Pet Poison Helpline, plus Pete Stirling of Skout’s Honor, this true-crime-style deep dive exposes how concentration, species, and even the word “natural” can determine whether a scent is safe or suspicious. Stay tuned for the next two episodes, which will uncover other common pet toxicities around the home, in the garden, in the kitchen, and in your medicine cabinet.

Helpful Links

Learn more about:

ASPCA Pet Poison Control: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control
Pet Poison Helpline: https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/
Skout’s Honor: https://www.skoutshonor.com/

ASPCA Pet Poison Control Phone Number: (888) 426-4435

Pet Poison Helpline Phone Number: (855) 764-7661

Show Notes

00:00 – Welcome Back!

01:12 – Inside the Episode

04:09 – Introducing Today’s Experts

07:46 – Why Are Pets Sensitive to Strong Fragrances?

11:18 – It’s All About Concentration

14:04 – A Message for the Birds

16:04 – Essential Oils: Harmless or Hazardous?

19:58 – Is “Natural” Always Safer?

22:51 – Purr-fume and Canine Cologne

26:44 – Tips for Pet Parents

33:03 – Today’s Key Takeaways

Small Brands, Big Impact: Emerging Brands & Innovations from SUPERZOO 2025

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Many of the industry’s boldest ideas are bubbling up from fresh, fearless entrepreneurs reshaping the future of pet care. In this episode of Barking Mad, recorded live on the SUPERZOO 2025 show floor, hosts Dr. Stephanie Clark and Jordan Tyler spotlight the startups and innovators rewriting the rules of pet nutrition and wellness. From fresh, vet-formulated diets and allergy-friendly treats to nutrient-dense regenerative organ blends, cost-effective functional ingredients, and a novel H2GO hydration gel, you'll hear firsthand how these brands are transforming pet owners’ pain points into opportunities.

Helpful Links

🎧 Hear more candid conversations from the SUPERZOO 2025 show floor in each of these three previous episodes:

🧠 Learn more about the brands featured in today’s episode:

Wynwood Dog Food: https://wynwooddogfood.com/
Ambeezy’s Organic Treats: https://ambeezystreats.com/
Petbeing: https://petbeing.shop/
Phelps Pet Products: https://www.phelpspet.com/
Skout’s Honor: https://www.skoutshonor.com/
WagWell: https://wagwellpet.com/

🎙️ Tune in to our previous episodes with Cico Rodriguez to hear why regenerative agriculture could very well be the future of farming:

The Beautiful Story of Regenerative Agriculture: Does the Future of Pet Food Start with Soil? https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/the-beautiful-story-of-regenerative-agriculture-does-the-future-of-pet-food-start-with-soil
Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science—Behind the Brand with Cave Pets: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/ancient-wisdom-meets-modern-science-behind-the-brand-with-cave-pets

Show Notes

00:00 – Inside the Episode

01:34 – The Wynwood Dog Food Story

08:14 – Behind the Brand with Ambeezy’s Organics

13:15 – Amplifying Ingredients Through Regenerative Agriculture

20:29 – Blussels: A Functional and Affordable Ingredient Innovation

24:03 – Phelps Pet Products’ Hydration Gel for Dogs

29:29 – Innovating Old Dogs: Doggy Shampoo and Wipes

33:09 – WagWell Breaks the Mold

37:48 – Today’s Key Takeaways

Candid Conversations from the SUPERZOO Show Floor: Celebrating Neighborhood Pet Store Day!

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Independent pet retailers are the lifeblood of the pet industry—they’re the shops that know your dog’s name, guide you through tricky nutrition questions, and bring innovation to communities long before Amazon catches on. At SUPERZOO 2025, we sat down with the people and brands working to ensure indie retailers don’t just survive, but thrive. Tune in for candid insights from IndiePet, Earthwise Pet, Hollywood Feed, Dave’s Pet Food, and FirstMate Pet Foods about why the independent channel matters, how retailers are adapting to new challenges, and the role brands and organizations play in supporting them. We also spotlight Neighborhood Pet Store Day, happening this year on Saturday, Sept. 27, a nationwide celebration of IndiePet retailers that combines great deals, expert advice, and community connection.

Helpful Links

🐾 Learn more about Neighborhood Pet Store Day!

✨ Find more information about the organizations and brands featured in today’s episode:

IndiePet: https://www.indiepet.org/
Earthwise Pet: https://earthwisepet.com/
Hollywood Feed: https://www.hollywoodfeed.com/
Dave’s Pet Food: https://davespetfood.com/
FirstMate Pet Foods: https://firstmate.com/

Show Notes

00:20 – Inside the Episode

01:50 – Meet Todd Dittman and IndiePet

07:43 – About Neighborhood Pet Store Day

10:46 – Meet Lisa Senafe and Earthwise Pet

14:32 – Meet Shawn McGhee and Hollywood Feed

20:52 – Meet Dave Ratner and Dave’s Pet Food

26:28 – Meet Lizzie Schwakopf and FirstMate Pet Foods

25:33 – Today’s Key Takeaways

Candid Conversations from the SUPERZOO Show Floor: Real Talk with Daniel Schulof

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Live from the show floor at SUPERZOO 2025, we sit down with Daniel Schulof, Founder and CEO of KetoNatural Pet Foods and author of Dogs, Dog Food, and Dogma. In this candid conversation, Schulof pulls no punches on one of the most debated topics in pet nutrition—carbohydrates. From AAFCO’s upcoming Pet Nutrition Facts label changes to the spread of misinformation in pet nutrition, we explore how transparency in labeling could reshape consumer choices and companion animal health. This episode cuts through the noise with hard questions, bold insights, and a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges—and opportunities—facing the pet food industry today.

Helpful Links

📖 Read more about AAFCO’s upcoming changes pet food label requirements: https://www.petfoodprocessing.net/articles/17244-aafco-approves-new-label-regulations-for-pet-food

📈 State of Pet Health 2016 Report from Banfield shows rising rates of diabetes in dogs: https://www.banfield.com/State-of-pet-health#:~:text=Download%202016%20Report%20%2D%20What%20diseases%20are%20affecting%20dogs%20and%20cats

🎧 Hear more from the SUPERZOO 2025 show floor in this episode! https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/beyond-the-brands-your-backstage-pass-to-superzoo-2025

👀 Check out this past episode—The Billion-Dollar Deception of DCM: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/the-billion-dollar-deception-of-dcm-inside-ketonaturals-class-action-lawsuit

🔬 KetoNatural’s research suggests a better standard-of-care approach for dogs with diabetes: https://academic.oup.com/tas/article/doi/10.1093/tas/txaf017/8008740?login=false, https://academic.oup.com/tas/article/doi/10.1093/tas/txaf018/8003283?login=false

Show Notes

00:19 – Inside the Episode

03:33 – From Guaranteed Analysis to Pet Nutrition Facts

05:13 – Why Carbohydrate Disclosure Matters in Pet Food

10:32 – Processing Reality Check

13:54 – Market Challenges for Low-Carb Pet Food

17:27 – The Role of Misinformation

20:37 – Keto Natural’s Research on Doggy Diabetes

22:05 – Rising Rates of Diabetes in Dogs

23:07 – Misinformation in Pet Nutrition

25:33 – Today’s Key Takeaways

26:42 – Behind the Booth at SUPERZOO 2025

27:47 – Stay Tuned for More Candid Conversations!

The Rising Tide of Invasive Species: How Pet Nutrition Could Be a Solution

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Invasive fish and marine animals are wreaking havoc on local waterways, economies, and even taking a toll on recreational fishing and boating, but a new wave of innovators is flipping the script. In this episode of Barking Mad, Dr. Stephanie Clark and Jordan Tyler dive into the wild world of invasive species—and how they might just be the next novel proteins in pet nutrition. From Asian carp in the Midwest to green crabs in New England and lionfish in the Gulf, meet the entrepreneurs and innovators turning ecological chaos into sustainable, nutrient-rich pet food. It’s part science, part strategy, and all about reimagining where we get our protein to feed the growing population of pets and people alike.

Helpful Links

🐟 Learn more about the rebrand from Asian carp to Silver copi: https://wildlifemanagement.institute/outdoor-news-bulletin/august-2022/if-you-cant-beat-em-eat-em-illinois-rebrands-invasive-asian-carp#

📖 Read about the invasive species opportunity (and the challenges) from Dr. Stephanie Clark: https://bsmpartners.net/insights/untapped-potential-navigating-the-murky-waters-of-invasive-species-in-pet-food/

Get the scoop on the brands and companies featured in today's episode!👇

Learn more about Archway Pet (gabe@archwaypet.com) and contact Gabe at: founders@archwaypet.com.
Learn more about Pezzy Pets: https://pezzypets.com/
Learn more about Polka Dog: https://www.polkadog.com/
Learn more about Colgan Carp: www.colgancarp.com
Learn more about Channel Fish Co.: https://channelfish.com/

🧪 Read more about fish fraud from this University of Singapore study: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2022.836941/full

🌱 Tune in to our previous sustainability episodes

🪰 Bug Appétit: From Ick to Innovation on Insect-Based Pet Food: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/bug-appetit-from-ick-to-innovation-on-insect-based-pet-food
♻️ Is Recyclable Pet Food Packaging A Lie? Unraveling The Pet Industry’s Plastic Waste Problem: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/is-recyclable-pet-food-packaging-a-lie-unraveling-the-pet-industrys-plastic-waste-problem
🍎 One Man’s Trash Is Another Dog’s Treasure: The Story of Upcycled Pet Food: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/one-mans-trash-is-another-dogs-treasure-the-story-of-upcycled-pet-food
🚜 The Beautiful Story of Regenerative Agriculture: Does the Future of Pet Food Start with Soil?: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/the-beautiful-story-of-regenerative-agriculture-does-the-future-of-pet-food-start-with-soil
🐱 Looking for Love: Swiping Right on Sustainable Cat Litter: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/looking-for-love-swiping-right-on-sustainable-cat-litter

Show Notes

00:00 – Inside the Episode

01:24 – What Are Invasive Species?

05:00 – Introducing Brands Working with Invasives

14:49 – Asian Carp: A Copious Catastrophe

18:49 – The Devil Fish: Armored Catfish Causing Trouble

20:23 – Lionfish: A Beautiful Nuisance

22:12 – Green Crab: The Kelp Killers

23:59 – Putting Invasive Fish to Better Use: The Nutritional Merits

30:40 – Caution: More Research Needed!

32:42 – Swimming Upstream: Barriers for Turning Invasives into Food

37:37 – The Catch 22 of Sustainable Fishing Certifications

41:26 – Change is Hard: How to Get Pet Owners On Board

46:24 – The Future of Invasive Species in Pet Nutrition

52:31 – Today’s Key Takeaways

Beyond the Brands: Your Backstage Pass to SUPERZOO 2025

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Step onto the show floor at SUPERZOO 2025, North America’s largest pet industry trade show, without leaving the comfort of your home! In this episode, co-hosts Dr. Stephanie Clark and Jordan Tyler take you behind the booths and into their conversations with first-time exhibitors, longtime industry veterans, and innovators shaping what’s next for pets and their people. From playful product launches to thought-provoking insights on humanization, co-manufacturing, and what real innovation looks like, this is your backstage pass to the buzz, the lessons, and the laughs that made this year’s SUPERZOO experience unforgettable. And stay tuned for more episodes from the SUPERZOO 2025 show floor!

Helpful Links

Learn more about SUPERZOO: https://www.superzoo.org/

Check out the organizations and brands mentioned in today’s episode:

World Pet Association
Ambeezy’s Organic Treats
Wynwood Dog Food
Dash & Lili on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook
PetAg
Three Dog Brands
Bulldog Marketing & Sales and Petbeing
Pet Pro Media and Pet Industry Network
Plato Pet Treats
Phelps Pet Products
Dave’s Pet Food

Tune in 🎧 Innovation or Imitation? Inside Zoomark 2025

Read more about WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines from Dr. Bradley Quest, Principal of Veterinary Services at BSM Partners: https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines/

Show Notes

00:00 – Inside the Episode

02:23 – SUPERZOO Past and Present

09:22 – SUPERZOO 2025 By the Numbers

09:51 – First Impressions from Emerging Brands and Pet Influencers

17:09 – Insights from Industry Veterans

21:12 – Humanization is Here to Stay

23:46 – Jordan Eats a Dog Treat

24:55 – True Innovation, or Just Good Marketing?

29:57 – DYK? The Scoop on Co-Manufacturing

35:26 – A Healthy Industry

37:18 – Dave Ratner’s Crucial Message for Pet Parents

39:15 – Today’s Key Takeaways

Bug Appétit: From Ick to Innovation on Insect-Based Pet Food

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Bugs: your dog’s been eating them anyway—why not make it official? In this episode of Barking Mad, Jordan and Dr. Steph dig deep into the world of insect-based pet nutrition—from black soldier fly larvae to crickets to mealworms. You’ll hear from scientists, brand leaders, and strategists about the surprising nutritional benefits, sustainability wins, and cultural hurdles of feeding bugs to our pets. Whether you’re intrigued or totally grossed out, this episode will challenge what you thought you knew about both “ick” and innovation.

Helpful Links

🦗 Learn more about the companies and brands featured in today’s episode:

North American Coalition for Insect Agriculture (NACIA): https://www.nacia.org/
Enviroflight: https://www.darlingii.com/enviroflight
Protix: https://protix.com/
Entosystem: https://entosystem.com/en/
Ynsect: https://www.ynsect.com/
Yora Pet Foods: https://yorapets.com/uk/
Tuggs: https://www.tuggs.uk/
Wilder Harrier: https://www.wilderharrier.com/

🔬 Check out Protix’s cutting-edge research on the nutritional benefits of black soldier fly-based dog and cat food: https://protix.com/discovery-centre

🦐 The surprising similarity of bugs and crustaceans: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/you-might-think-of-shrimp-as-bugs-of-the-sea-but-a-remarkable-discovery-shows-the-opposite-bugs-are-actually-shrimp-of-the-land-180986303/

🤔 Did you know there are already bugs in your food? Read more here: https://bsmpartners.net/insights/creepy-crawly-cuisine-when-banning-synthetics-comes-with-tradeoffs/

🌱 Tune in to our previous sustainability episodes

♻️ Is Recyclable Pet Food Packaging A Lie? Unraveling The Pet Industry’s Plastic Waste Problem: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/is-recyclable-pet-food-packaging-a-lie-unraveling-the-pet-industrys-plastic-waste-problem
🍎 One Man’s Trash Is Another Dog’s Treasure: The Story of Upcycled Pet Food: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/one-mans-trash-is-another-dogs-treasure-the-story-of-upcycled-pet-food
🚜 The Beautiful Story of Regenerative Agriculture: Does the Future of Pet Food Start with Soil?: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/the-beautiful-story-of-regenerative-agriculture-does-the-future-of-pet-food-start-with-soil
🐱 Looking for Love: Swiping Right on Sustainable Cat Litter: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/looking-for-love-swiping-right-on-sustainable-cat-litter

Show Notes

00:00 – Inside the Episode

02:45 – Why Bugs?

04:44 – Current Regulatory Approval

06:12 – The Buzz on BSFL Nutrition: Brain Fuel, Bacteria-Fighting Peptides, and Chitin

16:48 – Mealworm Nutrition for Pets: Low-Fat, Natural Fiber, and Hypoallergenic

19:29 – The Crunch on Crickets: Complete Protein, Essential Vitamins, and Chitin

20:20 – Unearthing the Sustainability Story

23:52 – Are Insects Tasty to Our Pets?

25:10 – Sticker Shock

28:12 – The Ick Factor

30:46 – A Marketer’s Perspective

39:54 – The More You Know

42:01 – Final Thoughts

44:30 – Today’s Key Takeaways

Holistic Pet Nutrition: Not a Category, But a Concept

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Confused by the term “holistic” on pet food labels? You’re not alone. In this episode of Barking Mad, we unpack what holistic pet nutrition really means—from food energetics and antioxidants to species-appropriate diets and the One Health approach. With expert guests and a no-nonsense approach, join us as we help you navigate the science, the claims, and the gray areas of holistic pet nutrition so you can feed with confidence, not confusion.

Helpful Links

🔗 The Lifestyle Link: How Home Environments Shape Your Dog’s Health and Happiness: https://bsmpartners.net/insights/the-lifestyle-link-how-home-environments-shape-your-dogs-health-and-happiness/

🤔 What does “minimally processed” even mean? https://bsmpartners.net/insights/understanding-minimally-processed-what-it-really-means-for-your-pets-food/

🙆 Find more on the CDC’s One Health initiative: https://www.cdc.gov/one-health/about/index.html

🔋 Learn more about energetics: https://www.naturopathy-uk.com/news/news-cnm-blog/blog/2020/07/16/the-energy-of-foods-in-chinese-medicine/

🌐 Check out Dr. Chris Bessent’s brand, Herbsmith, and Dr. Dody Tyneway-Robi’s brand, Holistic Vet Blend.

📖 Find Rita Hogan’s book, The Herbal Dog, and learn more about her work: https://www.theherbaldog.com/

Show Notes

00:00 – Inside the Episode

02:09 – What’s Driving This Trend?

04:34 – Food is Love—And There Is Such a Thing as Too Much

07:47 – A One Health Approach

09:28 – Not a Category, But a Concept

14:21 – Other Trends Driving Interest in Holistic Pet Nutrition

20:45 – Key Principles of Holistic Pet Nutrition

24:22 – A Quick Note on Energetics

29:00 – Taking an Integrative Approach

32:00 – Tips on Who to Trust

35:15 – The Herbal Dog by Rita Hogan

37:10 – Questions to Ask About Your Pet’s Holistic Dinner

38:01 – More Research Needed

39:56 – Today’s Key Takeaways

Is Recyclable Pet Food Packaging A Lie? Unraveling The Pet Industry’s Plastic Waste Problem

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Tons of brands say their packaging is recyclable. But what does that really mean—and how does it actually happen? In this episode of Barking Mad, we unpack the truth behind pet food packaging: misleading claims, infrastructure gaps, consumer confusion, and the realities that make flexible plastics so difficult to recycle. With expert voices from packaging engineers, sustainability leaders, and recycling innovators, we explore where the system is currently breaking down—and the creative solutions shaping a more circular future. From mono-material films to diaper-inspired designs and return-to-retail programs, this conversation is anything but trash.

Helpful Links

🚮 How much recycled content actually gets recycled? https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/chasing-arrows-what-does-mean-recycling-bsm-partners-tm80c/?trackingId=1suOpuDas%2BvZdnnFKVNzEQ%3D%3D

⛴️ Learn more about the US’s exportation of recycling waste: https://repurpose.global/blog/post/us-waste-exporting-explained

🌠 Read more about wishcycling: https://www.weforum.org/stories/2021/11/what-is-wishcycling-circular-economy/

🌱 Check out this study weighing the tradeoffs of bio-based packaging: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41578-021-00407-8

♻️ State-by-state comparison – how well does your state do recycling?: https://www.ball.com/sustainability/real-circularity/50-states-of-recycling

☕ Keurig’s expensive case of greenwashing: https://www.canada.ca/en/competition-bureau/news/2022/01/keurig-canada-to-pay-3-million-penalty-to-settle-competition-bureaus-concerns-over-coffee-pod-recycling-claims.html

⚖️ How state legislation can influence federal laws: https://bsmpartners.net/insights/capitol-copycat-how-small-state-laws-can-go-full-on-federal/

✒️ Learn more about Extended Producer Responsibility: https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2024/04/extended-producer-responsibility_4274765d/67587b0b-en.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com

🎙️ Learn more about today’s guests:

Tyler Packaging: https://www.tylerpackaging.co.uk/
Veloflex by Thanh Phu: https://www.thanhphupack.com/veloflex.html
Film Source Packaging: https://www.filmsourcepackaging.com/
rePurpose Global: https://repurpose.global/
Petsmart & TerraCycle: https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/brigades/petsmart
Pet Sustainability Coalition: https://petsustainability.org/sustainable-packaging/

Show Notes

00:00 – Inside the Episode

02:31 – All The Things We Ask of Packaging

04:39 – Looking at the Full Life Cycle

07:51 – Why Are Multi-Layer Plastics So Hard to Recycle?

09:24 – Wishcycling

11:55 – How the Pet Industry is Innovating

12:34 – The Impact Hierarchy

14:53 – Leveraging Non-Virgin Plastics (And The Challenges)

18:44 – Breaking Down the Difference Between Biodegradable and Compostable

19:55 – Mixed Feelings About Bio-Based Materials

22:27 – Greenwashing: Buyer, Beware!

24:51 – From Diapers to Pet Food Packaging

28:11 – Bridge Solutions: rePurpose Global and PetSmart/TerraCycle

37:37 – Return-to-Retail Programs Across the Atlantic

38:43 – Investing in Curbside Collection

42:35 – State-by-State Recycling Rates

46:42 – The Hidden Impact of Secondary Packaging

49:49 – Certifications and Consumer Advocacy

52:46 – Understanding Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

54:58 – Inspiring the Future of Sustainable Packaging

57:17 – Today’s Key Takeaways

How to Think Like a Scientist (Even if You're Not One)

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Confused by conflicting headlines about pet nutrition? In this episode, we break down how to spot trustworthy research, avoid common pitfalls in scientific studies, and use AI tools to become a savvier, science-minded pet parent—no PhD required. Join co-hosts Jordan Tyler and Dr. Stephanie Clark with expert guest Dr. David Harmon as they speak truth to misinformation, give you the confidence to separate facts from fiction, and advocate for sound science when it comes to your pet’s health.

Helpful Links

🎙️ This episode calls back to several previous episodes:

The Billion-Dollar Deception of DCM: Inside KetoNatural’s Class-Action Lawsuit: Learn more about the DCM scandal and how it’s shaped the pet food industry.
Copper Confusion: Separating Science from Speculation in Pet Nutrition: Why we should pump the brakes on changing copper level guidelines for pet diets.
Think Twice: Even Bad Science Can Get Published: Sharpen your critical thinking by exploring how flawed studies make it to print.
Pawing Through the Research: Uncovering the Fatal Flaws of DCM: Dive deep into the data gaps driving the ongoing DCM debate.

🧠 Check out these AI-powered research tools!

Start digging your own rabbit hole with Research Rabbit
Get evidence-based answers to your questions with Consensus AI
Elicit—your one-stop shop for literature reviews
Upload research and NotebookLM connect the dots for you

📚 Expand your research toolbox with trusted resources like Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar, and PubMed.

Show Notes

00:00 – Inside the Episode

02:06 – We’ve Seen This Movie Before…

04:26 – Introducing Dr. David Harmon

06:44 – Understanding the Research Pyramid

08:56 – The Gold Standard: Peer-Reviewed

11:00 – The Components of Scientific Literature

14:13 – Common Pitfalls in Reading Research

22:00 – Starting With a Solid Framework

26:20 – AI-Powered Tool to the Rescue!

33:58 – Dr. Harmon’s Take on AI Tools

35:42 – Remember: AI Is Just a Tool!

37:34 – Today's Key Takeaways

Looking for Love: Swiping Right on Sustainable Cat Litter

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Is your cat litter giving you red flags? In this episode of Barking Mad, we’re breaking up with clay and introducing six sustainable litter options that are ready to commit—odor control, low dust, and all. From corn and walnut shells to tofu and recycled paper, meet the brands turning trash into treasure and poop into performance. Join us as we play matchmaker and help you find the purr-fect partner for your cat’s litter box needs!

Helpful Links

⛏️ Read more about the ecological impact of strip mining for bentonite clay and silica.

🐱 Learn more about:

♻️ The upcycling movement isn’t limited to cat litter. Learn more about brands who are taking surplus produce and unsellable food products and turning them into delicious and nutritious pet food and treat products—One Man’s Trash Is Another Dog’s Treasure: The Story of Upcycled Pet Food.

🌱 Curious about other sustainability initiatives in the pet industry? Check out our other episodes:

One Man’s Trash Is Another Dog’s Treasure: The Story of Upcycled Pet Food
The Beautiful Story of Regenerative Agriculture: Does the Future of Pet Food Start with Soil?
And stay tuned for upcoming episodes about insect protein, sustainable packaging, invasive species in pet nutrition, and more!

Show Notes

00:00 – Welcome Back!

01:55 – The Toxic Traits of Unsustainable Litter Materials

05:42 – What Cat Parents are Looking for in a Litter

10:59 – Meet Today’s Sustainable Litter Contestants!

12:36 – Contestant No. 1: World’s Best Cat Litter

16:58 – Contestant No. 2: Naturally Fresh

21:15 – Contestant No. 3: Fresh News

25:29 – Contestant No. 4: Catalyst

29:13 – Contestant No. 5: sWheat Scoop

31:29 – Contestant No. 6: Dofu Cat

34:58 – Dumping Your Toxic Ex: How to Transition Successfully

36:45 – From Sticker Shock to Shocking Savings

39:11 – Are Cat Litters Really Flushable?

41:26 – The Truth on Toxoplasmosis

44:34 – Be Careful with Composting

45:05 – Don’t Eat the Litter!

47:40 – Today’s Key Takeaways

50:25 – And The Winner Is…

Innovation or Imitation? Inside Zoomark 2025

Wed, 28 May 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Get ready to go behind the scenes of Zoomark 2025—Europe’s largest pet industry trade show—and uncover what really separates European and American approaches to pet nutrition. From ingredient innovation to marketing tactics, this conversation explores why European pet owners demand proof on product claims, while those in the U.S. are often driven by emotion and storytelling. We’ll share insights from a six-week tour across the continent, revealing cultural differences that shape how we feed and care for our pets. Whether you’re a pet parent or industry professional, this episode provides an expert perspective into innovation, cultural nuances, and what truly makes a pet product stand out in the European pet market.

Helpful Links

🐾 Learn more about Zoomark International: https://www.zoomark.it/en/home/2804.html

🔗 Check out the websites for Global Pet Expo and SUPERZOO, two of North America’s most-attended pet industry events.

🎧 Still curious about pet industry tradeshows? Check out our behind-the-scenes episode from Global Pet Expo 2025 here!

💡 Keep up with the latest pet industry trends and insights from our team.

Show Notes

00:00 – Welcome Back!

03:29 – Zoomark 2025 By the Numbers

04:27 – Transportation Woes for a Massive Tradeshow

08:26 – A Scathing Review: Innovation or Imitation?

12:21 – Where is Pet Industry Innovation Really Happening in Europe?

13:27 – Using Research to Truly Differentiate

15:14 – How the European Pet Market Differs from the American Market

27:37 – Porticos, People, and Pets: Key Takeaways from a Six-Week Tour of Europe

31:56 – Wrap Up and Stay Tuned!

One Man’s Trash Is Another Dog’s Treasure: The Story of Upcycled Pet Food

Wed, 14 May 2025 03:00:00 -0400

What if your dog’s favorite treat could help fight climate change? In this episode of Barking Mad, we dive into the world of upcycled ingredients—nutritious, sustainable materials rescued from food waste streams and transformed into pet nutrition gold. Hosts Dr. Stephanie Clark and Jordan Tyler are joined by industry leaders from the Upcycled Food Association, Ag Alchemy, and Trashy to explore how bakery scraps, carrot shavings, and even chicken fat are being reimagined through upcycling. Learn how these “scrappy” ingredients are reshaping pet nutrition, reducing environmental impact, and turning trash into treasure. Whether you're a pet parent or a brand, this is your behind-the-scenes look at the future of sustainable pet food.

Helpful Links

♻️ Learn more about the Upcycled Food Association.

⚗️ Check out Ag Alchemy’s website here.

🥕 Learn more about Trashy and Scrapi.

👀 Search more pet nutrition brands that are Upcycled Certified: https://www.wherefoodcomesfrom.com/upcycled-products

🚮 Dig deeper into data about the global food waste problem: https://www.un.org/en/observances/end-food-waste-day

🏠 Learn how you can reduce your own food loss and waste at home: https://bsmpartners.net/insights/embracing-a-solution-mindset-for-international-day-of-food-loss-and-waste/

🛒 Read more about Turning Grocery Waste into Nutritious Pet Food Ingredients: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/turning-grocery-waste-nutritious-ingredients-bsm-partners-f1tbc/

📖 Research: Is there a market for upcycled pet food? https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0959652622005960

Show Notes

00:00 – Welcome Back!

01:38 – What Does “Upcycled” Really Mean?

04:42 – The Shocking Environmental and Economic Costs of Food Waste

07:32 – Upcycling Is Trending—Here’s Why

08:40 – The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread

13:52 – Getting Trashy (And Scrapi) with Kaitlin Mogentale

16:23 – Baby Carrots and Other Examples of Waste-Generating Food Operations

20:09 – Other Upcycled Pet Food and Treat Brands Going Upcycled

21:44 – Real-World Challenges and Misconceptions

25:33 – What Do Pet Parents Really Think About Upcycled Foods?

29:02 – Lessons Learned Along the Way

31:17 – Making Upcycling More Widely Available & Accessible

32:55 – Other Upcycling Trends for Coffee and Chocolate

35:06 – Could Other Pet Products Claim Upcycling?

39:33 – Wrap Up and Stay Tuned!

H5N1 and Pets: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we tackle the growing threat of H5N1, also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza, and its unsettling spread beyond birds into cats, dogs, and even dairy cattle. An expert panel from BSM Partners explains how the virus is transmitted, what makes it dangerous to pets and people, and why your pet’s food safety practices matter now more than ever. We break down the real risks and share actionable tips for safeguarding your home and pets. Lean on this episode in your quest to stay informed, stay prepared, and protect the companions who rely on you for safe, nutritious food!

Helpful Links

🧠 Learn more about H5N1 and pet food safety from BSM Partners’ expert team: https://bsmpartners.net/insights/filter/hot-topic-bird-flu

👀 Watch our full, FREE webinar on H5N1 and pet food safety here: https://youtu.be/09YfbJPXWi4

💼 If you’re a pet food industry professional, check out our separate (also free!) webinar explaining how manufacturers can mitigate H5N1 risk and protect their supply chains: https://youtu.be/z-G1Z7cHuH4

📖 Read more about how the pet food industry is addressing avian influenza from Pet Food Processing magazine: https://www.petfoodprocessing.net/articles/19159-protecting-pets

🎧 Curious about comodones? Check out our episode on Global Pet Expo 2025 here! https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/feeding-the-future-pet-trends-and-technology-from-global-pet-expo-2025

Show Notes

00:00 – Welcome Back!

02:37 – H5N1 In Recent News

04:07 – What is H5N1, How Does it Spread, and Who is at Risk?

06:14 – What We Know About H5N1 Transmission to Pets

07:50 – Digging Deeper into Pet Food Risks

11:00 – What to Trust, and What to Watch

12:53 – Questions to Ask Your Pet Food Brand

15:53 – Household Risks & Safe Food Handling Tips

23:08 – Environmental Hazards to Consider

25:18 – Symptoms of H5N1 Infection in Pets

27:59 – Diets to Be Mindful of Amid H5N1 Outbreaks

29:28 – Key Takeaways From Our Expert Panel

30:44 – Wrap Up and Stay Tuned!

The Beautiful Story of Regenerative Agriculture: Does the Future of Pet Food Start with Soil?

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0400

What if the most nutritious food for your pet could also help heal the planet? Join us as we dig deep into the world of regenerative agriculture and what it means for the future of pet food. Co-Hosts Dr. Stephanie Clark and Jordan Tyler sit down with Angela Jackson of the Regenerative Organic Alliance, Caitlyn Dudas of Good Company, and the trailblazing team behind Cave Pets, the first certified regenerative organic pet brand, to unpack the science, the business case, and the tangible impact of regenerative practices—from boosting nutrient density in ingredients to rebuilding biodiversity on farms. (And stay tuned—this episode is the first of many for our ongoing series on sustainability initiatives across the pet industry!)

Helpful Links

Learn more about the Regenerative Organic Alliance 🌱 https://regenorganic.org/

Hear more from the Cave Pets team about their innovative approach to sustainability and pet nutrition innovation 💡 https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/ancient-wisdom-meets-modern-science-behind-the-brand-with-cave-pets

Check out these real-life studies on regenerative agriculture! 🧠

Peer-Reviewed Research: Soil Health and Nutrition Density: Preliminary Comparison of Regenerative and Conventional Farming: https://peerj.com/articles/12848/
Peer-Reviewed Research: Soil Health and Nutrient Density: Beyond Organic vs Conventional Farming: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sustainable-food-systems/articles/10.3389/fsufs.2021.699147/full
Company Case Study: White Oak Pastures regenerative beef: https://blog.whiteoakpastures.com/hubfs/WOP-LCA-Quantis-2019.pdf

Follow Caitlyn Dudas at GOOD COMPANY as she works to support the regenerative agriculture movement 🌎 https://goodcompanysolutions.com/

Read more about the National Organic Program standards 📋 https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic

Show Notes

00:00 – Welcome Back!

01:34 – Introducing Today’s Guests

02:14 – Why Certifications Matter for Pet Nutrition

03:31 – Understanding Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC)

04:27 – Cave Pets’ Certification Insights

05:42 – Sustaining versus Regenerating

07:30 – Making the Business Case for Regenerative Agriculture

10:01 – Regenerative Agriculture in Practice

13:17 – Holistic Benefits of Regenerative Organic Agriculture

17:04 – Show Us the Data!

19:49 – Consumer Demand for Regenerative Products

22:59 – Other Challenges for the Future of Regenerative Agriculture

26:23 – A Complex Puzzle

33:35 – Other Regenerative Ag Certifications

36:26 – ROC’s Impact on the Global Food System

39:16 – Conclusion and Farewell

Feeding the Future: Pet Trends and Technology from Global Pet Expo 2025

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0400

What do dog-friendly popcorn, AI-powered pet feeders, and feline chin acne have in common? They were all part of the conversation at Global Pet Expo 2025—and they tell a bigger story about where the pet care industry is headed. Join us in this exclusive episode as host Jordan Tyler takes you to the heart of the show floor, where tech innovation and nutritional trends collided. From smart feeding systems to shelf-stable cat meals with roots in raw nutrition, we explore true novelty in the pet tech category—and share an important message about the overall state of pet care innovation.

Helpful Links

Learn more about Global Pet Expo 2025 🧠 https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/road-global-pet-expo-2025-inside-show-beyond-innovation-9budf/?trackingId=LeZPuy5ib%2FzofY3UhGBJ9A%3D%3D

Check this out 👉 Exploring the pet obesity epidemic, the importance of addressing it, and how the pet industry and pet parents themselves can do so: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/getting-scale-national-pet-wellness-month-bsm-partners-2rwtc/?trackingId=jFXdNtoOC%2FBwD%2FO9LLamzw%3D%3D

Read this 👉 Love with Limits: Humanizing Pets, Without Losing What Makes Them Animals: https://www.petfoodprocessing.net/articles/18800-pets-or-people-the-impact-of-humanizing-pets

Hear more about personalized and preventive pet care and nutrition 🎧 https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/trends-to-watch-in-2025-part-5-personalized-nutrition-and-preventive-care

Learn more about the bird flu and pet food safety…

In this article ➡️ https://bsmpartners.net/insights/the-hidden-risk-of-avian-influenza-in-pet-food-protecting-dogs-and-cats/
And check out our FREE webinar for pet parents 📹 https://youtu.be/09YfbJPXWi4

Show Notes

00:00 – Welcome Back!

01:57 – Some Trends and Products Sighted at Global Pet Expo 2025

06:18 – Feeding the Future with Smart Pet Technology

07:14 – Introducing David Yoon and Pawsync

08:41 – Overfeeding and the Pet Obesity Epidemic

11:47 – Meet Sophie Liles and PiFi

13:44 – Tech-Powered Portion Control

14:16 – Meija Eller Shares More About Artie

16:12 – Home-Cooked Meals Without the Hassle

18:04 – A Solution for Feline Obesity

21:11 – Minimally Processed, Minimal Effort

23:10 – Innovation, or Iteration?

24:19 – Thank You and Farewell!

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: How the PURR Act Could Undermine Pet Food Transparency and Safety

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0400

What if the pet food labels you rely on to keep your furry family members safe suddenly became meaningless? What if brands could swap ingredients without telling you, slap trendy buzzwords on packaging without proof, and sidestep the very regulations designed to protect your pets? That’s exactly what’s at stake with the PURR Act—a piece of proposed legislation that promises to “unify” pet food regulations, but could actually strip away transparency, eliminate state oversight, and allow for deceptive marketing claims. Join us as we expose the hidden dangers of the PURR Act with Austin Therrell and Dr. Charles Starkey, breaking down exactly how this bill could make it easier for big pet food companies to cut corners while leaving pet parents and smaller brands in the dark.

Helpful Links

Find the full text of the Pet Food Uniform Regulatory Reform (PURR) Act of 2025 here: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/597/text

Tune in to this previous episode to get the scoop about the expired FDA-AAFCO MOU and why it throws a wrench in new pet food ingredient approvals: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/are-aafco-and-fda-ever-getting-back-together-how-their-split-will-reshape-pet-nutrition

Find your State Representative! https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

Download this form letter, add your information, and send to your elected official: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ex9NKTUnP8x0JoP4_llvi0BsaVE7zyzV/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=111590653972486788037&rtpof=true&sd=true

News articles:

“As government reform efforts converge, significant FDA staff cuts are likely:” https://www.agencyiq.com/blog/as-government-reform-efforts-converge-significant-fda-staff-cuts-are-likely/
“FDA staff handling drug safety for pets and livestock lost jobs in Trump firings:” https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/02/19/nx-s1-5301216/federal-layoffs-fda-drug-safety-animals

Show Notes

00:00 – Welcome Back!

02:32 – Introducing Austin Therrell and Dr. Charles Starkey

05:03 – Understanding the Current Pet Food Regulatory Landscape

06:17 – Breaking Down the PURR Act

10:02 – Taking Power Away from State Regulators

13:41 – Streamlining or Undermining?

15:11 – Potential Winners and Losers Under the PURR Act

17:27 – Key Concerns About the PURR Act

23:42 – Red Flags for Pet Parents

28:06 – The Real Risk of Undeclared Ingredient Substitutions

30:09 – More Work for an Already Understaffed & Underfunded FDA

34:00 – Final Thoughts from Austin and Dr. Starkey

37:59 – Call to Action and Farewell

Saving Pets, Losing Ourselves: The Realities of Veterinary Burnout

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Veterinary professionals dedicate their lives to caring for animals—but at what cost? Burnout in the veterinary profession is reaching a crisis point, with long hours, compassion fatigue, and financial stress pushing many to their limits. In this episode, we explore the realities of veterinary burnout with Dr. Joe Hill, DVM, and Dr. Frank Niles, PhD, uncovering the emotional, financial, and systemic challenges that make this field so demanding. We’ll discuss what pet parents can do to support their vets and why industry-wide change is essential for the future of animal care. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the pressures behind the exam room and what can be done to create a healthier, more sustainable profession.

Helpful Links

Learn more about burnout and compassion fatigue in the veterinary space: https://www.avma.org/news/addressing-causes-burnout-veterinary-medicine

Connect with Dr. Hill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-hill-84b68b95/?originalSubdomain=uk

Check out this program, "Supporting Veterinary Wellbeing," by Royal Canin Academy: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/bronwen-slack_veterinarywellbeing-beyondburnout-mentalhealth-activity-7303534852375465984-lcB0

Want to learn more? Discover this book on reshaping the veterinary profession for the better by Joe and Terry Hill: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vets-Business-Joe-Hill-Terry/dp/1398484792/ref=sr_1_1

Show Notes

00:00 – Welcome and Introduction

02:02 – Key Statistics on Veterinary Burnout

03:18 – Personal Stories from Practicing Vets

10:25 – Introducing Drs. Joe Hill and Frank Niles

12:28 – A Day in the Life of a Veterinarian

14:19 – Burnout from a Psychological Perspective

15:02 – Expectation Versus Reality

16:41 – Understanding Compassion Fatigue

23:24 – Personal Coping Strategies from a Former Emergency Vet

27:31 – Systemic Issues Contributing to Veterinary Burnout

33:20 – Advice for Pet Parents

36:35 – The Future of Veterinary Well-Being

39:28 – One Final Vet Story

42:53 – Final Thoughts and Farewell

Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science: Behind the Brand with Cave Pets

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 03:00:00 -0400

What if the key to optimal pet health has been beneath our feet all along? In this episode of Barking Mad, we’re joined by Cico Rodriguez and Kathleen Fleck of Beyond Organic and Cave Pets to explore how regenerative organic agriculture, probiotics from soil, and nutrient-dense organ meats are transforming pet wellness. Learn why soil health is directly connected to human and pet health, why regenerative agriculture could be the future of farming, and hear fresh perspectives on nutrition.

Helpful Links

Learn more about Cave Pets and its supplements: https://cavepets.com/

Follow Beyond Organic on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/LiveBeyondOrganic/

Visit the Garden of Life website: https://www.gardenoflife.com/

Check out the Regenerative Organic Alliance (ROA) website here: https://regenorganic.org/

Get in touch with Kathleen Fleck at kathleenfleck@beyondorganicnutritionals.com

Connect with Cico Rodriguez and Kathleen Fleck on LinkedIn.

Show Notes

00:00 – Welcome and Introduction

01:50 – Introducing Cico Rodriguez and Kathleen Fleck

05:57 – The Origin Story Behind Garden of Life, Beyond Organic, and Cave Pets

10:07 – A Skeptic Turned Believer

12:11 – Understanding Whole Food Nutrition

16:09 – The Powerful Principles of Regenerative Agriculture

18:32 – Cave Pets’ Proprietary Ingredients

23:22 – Thinking About Sustainability a Little Differently

26:16 – Regenerative versus Organic

27:19 – A Unique Approach to Innovation

28:59 – What’s Next for Cave Pets?

31:23 – Conclusion and Farewell

The Billion-Dollar Deception of DCM: Inside KetoNatural’s Class Action Lawsuit

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 03:00:00 -0400

This explosive episode unpacks the rise and fall of grain-free pet food, the controversial roles of the FDA and veterinarians, and the largest lawsuit in American pet food history. Through shocking data and first-hand accounts, join us as we expose how fear and misinformation reshaped an entire industry. Featuring an in-depth interview with Daniel Schulof, Founder and CEO of KetoNatural Pet Foods, this episode reveals the untold story behind one of the pet industry's most elusive scandals.

Helpful Links

Check out some of our other DCM episodes:

Looking for the research? Find BSM Partners' peer-reviewed DCM research papers here.

Follow along with KetoNatural’s lawsuit: https://ketonaturalpetfoods.com/pages/ketonatural-is-suing-hills-pet-nutrition-over-dcm-fraud

Learn more about the philosophical phenomenon of Russell’s Teacup (also called Russell's Teapot).

Show Notes

00:00 - Welcome and Introduction

02:22 – Quick Recap of the DCM Scandal

03:32 – The Rise of Grain-Free Pet Food

09:34 – Grain-Free’s Fall from Grace

11:46 – What is BEG Pet Food?

15:32 – Introducing Daniel Schulof and KetoNatural Pet Foods

20:05 – KetoNatural’s $2.6-Billion Lawsuit Against Hill’s Pet Nutrition

22:37 – The Widespread Ripple Effect of the DCM Scandal

26:11 – Inventing and Spreading a False Narrative

30:39 – Advocating for Accurate Information

32:31 – An Update on the Lawsuit

33:47 – Understanding Russell’s Teacup / Russell’s Teapot

40:13 – Schulof’s Endgame

41:49 – Summing Up the Scandal

42:46 – The Importance of Scientific Literacy Amid Misinformation

44:41 – Conclusion and Farewell

Gen Z, AI, and the Future of Work: What Leaders Need to Know with Dr. Frank Niles

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 03:00:00 -0400

The workplace is evolving, and with it, the challenges of recruiting and retaining top talent have become a critical focus for businesses across industries. Dr. Frank Niles, Principal Business Psychologist at BSM Partners and a seasoned expert in business transformation and leader development, explores the intersection of workplace culture, generational differences, and leadership strategies in this episode. With compelling data on the high costs of turnover, Dr. Niles explains how prioritizing autonomy, competence, and connection can transform tenuous working environments into high-performing, collaborative teams.

Helpful Links

Gen Z and the Future of Work: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/gen-z-future-work-bsm-partners-hr3pc/

When Leadership Fails: Identifying and Fixing Team Dysfunction: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/when-leadership-fails-identifying-fixing-team-dysfunction-pphbc/

When Leadership Fails: Identifying and Fixing Team Dysfunction: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/when-leadership-fails-identifying-fixing-team-dysfunction-9brvc/

Navigating Uncertain Times: Leadership Lessons from TV Meteorologists: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/navigating-uncertain-times-leadership-lessons-from-tv-meteorologists-nmttf/

One Rule Every Leader Should Follow (And The Rest of Us, Too): https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/one-rule-every-leader-should-follow-rest-us-too-bsm-partners-iwnmc/

BSM Partners’ Core Values And Why Identifying Core Values is Crucial for Any Company’s Success: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/bsm-partners-core-values-why-identifying-crucial-any-companys-1w1ic/

4 Ways Gen Z is Influencing the Pet Food Industry: https://www.petfoodindustry-digital.com/petfoodindustry/library/item/october_2024/4225994/

Why Companies Are Firing Gen Z Employees—And What Both Can Do About It: https://www.petfoodindustry-digital.com/petfoodindustry/library/item/december_2024/4241564/

Learn more about Dr. Frank Niles’ work with BSM Partners: https://bsmpartners.net/team/frank-niles

Connect with Frank on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankniles/

Show Notes

00:00 - Welcome and Introduction

02:45 - Business Meets Psychology: Meet Dr. Frank Niles

05:25 - The Power of Culture

09:39 - The Surprising Costs of High Turnover

12:01 - Why This Matters in Manufacturing

14:01 - Retail & Veterinary Insights

17:25 - The Cascading Effects of Not Investing in Your People

19:51 - Generational Shifts Pose Challenges... and Opportunities

23:44 - Changing the Way We Work

25:13 - Strategies for Finding and Keeping Top Talent

27:20 - Hard Skills vs Soft Skills

30:32 - Advice for Business Leaders

32:42 - Our Three Fundamental Needs

37:39 - Advice for Job-Seeking Professionals

42:40 - How Dr. Niles Keeps Up with Trends

45:29 - Where Dr. Niles Gets His Inspiration

50:40 - Final Thoughts

51:30 - Conclusion and Farewell

Copper Confusion: Separating Science from Speculation in Pet Nutrition

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 03:00:00 -0400

There’s a heated debate happening in the pet food space around copper in dog food. This essential trace mineral is critical for canine health, yet veterinarians have recently begun to speculate on excessive dietary copper causing liver disease in dogs—but there’s much more to this story. Join us as we unravel the copper controversy with experts from BSM Partners, Zinpro Corporation, and Trouw Nutrition.

Helpful Links

Is Copper-Associated Hepatopathy the new DCM? https://www.petfoodprocessing.net/articles/17850-is-copper-associated-hepatopathy-the-new-dcm

Unraveling the Copper Controversy: https://www.petfoodprocessing.net/articles/18426-unraveling-the-copper-controversy

Empowering Listeners to Separate Good Research from the Bad:

Pawing Through the Research: Uncovering the Fatal Flaws of DCM: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/pawing-through-the-research-uncovering-the-fatal-flaws-of-dcm
Think Twice: Even Bad Science Can Get Published! https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/think-twice-even-bad-science-can-get-published

Show Notes

00:00 – Welcome and Introduction

01:31 – Is CAH the New DCM?

04:00 – Understanding Copper

09:22 – Breaking Down CAH: Copper-Associated Hepatopathy

11:40 – Insights on Incidence

13:36 – Historical Copper Recommendations

16:50 – The Controlled Copper Claim Debate

20:42 – The Importance of Source

24:02 – How Pets Handle Copper

28:12 – Less About Level, More About Source

30:01 – A Historic Retraction

31:30 – Correlation vs Causation

33:23 – A Lack of Research, and Opportunities for More

42:15 – The Speed of Information (And Misinformation)

44:59 – Conclusion and Farewell

Trends to Watch in 2025, Part 5: Personalized Nutrition & Preventive Care

Fri, 03 Jan 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Buckle up for the fifth and final episode of our Trends to Watch in 2025 mini-series! This fascinating episode is all about personalized pet nutrition, from breed-specific formulations and custom kibbles to high-tech wearables that can track all kinds of health and wellness metrics in real-time. Join us as we explore how the future of pet nutrition is set to become increasingly tailored to each individual pet’s needs.

Helpful Links

Tailored Tastes: How Custom Pet Food is Shaping Tomorrow: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/tailored-tastes-how-custom-pet-food-shaping-tomorrow-bsm-partners-zm25f/

Brushing Up: Pet Dental Health as a Market Opportunity: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/brushing-up-pet-dental-health-market-opportunity-bsm-partners-gml1c/

Wearable Tech—A New Era for Pet Care: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/wearable-tech-pets-new-era-pet-care-bsm-partners-d9trc/

Getting on the Scale for National Pet Wellness Month: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/getting-scale-national-pet-wellness-month-bsm-partners-2rwtc/

Show Notes

00:00 – Welcome Back!

01:57 – Microbiome Testing

02:54 – The Many Shapes and Sizes of Personalized Diets

05:08 – Breed-Specific Formulations

06:05 – The Rise of Preventive Care

07:36 – Tracking Health Trends with Wearable Tech

08:36 – Addressing the Pet Obesity Epidemic

11:18 – Final Thoughts from BSM Partners’ Experts

15:30 – Conclusion and Farewell

Trends to Watch in 2025, Part 4: Sustainable Packaging & Recycling Roadblocks

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 03:00:00 -0400

As the pet industry grapples with the 300 million pounds of flexible plastic packaging it generates annually—99% of which is currently unrecyclable—innovative solutions and consumer education are becoming more crucial than ever to the achieving a more circular economy for pet food and treat packaging. This episode highlights the progress being made toward this goal, while also addressing the barriers that remain along the supply chain and within the recycling sector.

Helpful Links

Packaging Sustainability is the Future! https://bsmpartners.net/insights/packaging-sustainability-is-the-future/

2025 sustainability targets loom for pet industry: https://www.petfoodprocessing.net/articles/18048-2025-sustainability-targets-loom-for-pet-industry

Mars doubts it can achieve 2025 sustainable packaging targets, in Packaging Dive: https://www.packagingdive.com/news/mars-recyclable-packaging-sustainability-report-2023/722578/

Deciphering Sustainability Claims on Pet Food Packaging: https://bsmpartners.net/insights/deciphering-sustainability-claims-on-pet-food-packaging/

Chasing Arrows: What Does It Mean For Recycling? https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/chasing-arrows-what-does-mean-recycling-bsm-partners-tm80c/

Show Notes

00:00 – Welcome Back!

01:53 – The Plastic Packaging Problem

03:53 – Innovative Solutions in the Pet Product Space

05:31 – Persisting Challenges

07:05 – Big Brands Make Big Commitments—But Can They Keep Them?

10:55 – Unpacking Limitations in Recycling

12:58 – Driving Change Through Technology

15:09 – The How2Recycle Label & Consumer Education

17:10 – Final Thoughts

Trends to Watch in 2025, Part 3: Biotic Ingredients & Gut Health

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 03:00:00 -0400

In this third installment of our Trends to Watch in 2025 mini-series, we’re delving into the microscopic world of biotic ingredients and their transformative impact on pet health and wellness. Tune in to learn how prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics work together to positively influence not just digestive health, but also mood, cognition, skin health, and overall wellbeing. Plus, learn about the science behind careful strain selection and why pet parents are increasingly turning to biotics to extend their pets’ healthspans.

Helpful Links

Understanding the Role of Prebiotics in Pet Food: https://bsmpartners.net/insights/prebiotics-in-pet-food/

Getting to Know the Gut—Prebiotics, More Than Just Fiber: https://bsmpartners.net/insights/getting-to-know-the-gut-part-1-prebiotics-more-than-just-fiber/

Taking Care of Your Pets’ Microbiome—The Gut to Mouth Connection: https://bsmpartners.net/insights/taking-care-of-your-pets-microbiome-the-gut-to-mouth-connection/

Pawsitively Powerful: The Multi-Functional Health Benefits of Probiotics for Pets: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/pawsitively-powerful-multi-functional-health-benefits-probiotics-vtqic/

Recent Research on Pro- and Postbiotic Benefits for Pets: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/can-pro-postbiotics-have-similar-health-benefits-dogs-bsm-partners-e8osc/

Show Notes

00:00 – Welcome Back!

01:18 – Sustainability, But Make It Longevity

02:31 – Understanding Pre-, Pro-, and Postbiotics

04:46 – Bacteria: A 3.2 Billion-Year Legacy

06:04 – The Importance of Selecting the Right Bacterial Strain

10:45 – Gut Health and Preventive Care

13:09 – Biotics for Me, Biotics for Fido & Fluffy

14:25 – Room for Consumer Education

15:04 – Final Thoughts

Trends to Watch in 2025, Part 2: Alternative Proteins for Pets

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Would you feed your pet bugs? What about lab-grown meat? How about a vegan diet? From insect protein to cultivated meats and beyond, we’re exploring the landscape of alternative protein sources poised to transform the way we feed our pets, and even ourselves. In this episode, the second installment of our Trends to Watch in 2025 mini-series, we address cultural barriers like the "ick factor" surrounding insect protein and delve into cutting-edge technologies like lab-grown meat and bacteria that eat methane to become fermented proteins.

Helpful Links

Insect-Based Pet Food: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in Product Development: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/insect-based-pet-food-navigating-challenges-opportunities-xqkgc/

Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) as an Alternative Pet Food Protein: https://bsmpartners.net/insights/black-soldier-fly-larvae-as-an-alternative-protein-source-in-pet-diets/

Learn more about Bond Pet Foods’ precision fermentation process: https://www.petfoodprocessing.net/articles/17131-food-is-science-and-science-is-food-at-bond-pet-foods

From Meat to Microbes: Eco-Conscious Evolution of Pet Food Proteins: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/from-meat-microbes-eco-conscious-evolution-pet-food-proteins-x0yyc/

Cultured Meat in Pet Food: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/cultured-meat-pet-food-bsm-partners-v7wrc/

Plant-Based Proteins for Pets: https://bsmpartners.net/insights/plant-based-proteins-for-pets/

Could invasive marine species pose another alternative protein opportunity for pets? https://bsmpartners.net/insights/riding-the-wave-how-alternative-marine-proteins-are-revolutionizing-pet-food/

Riding the Wave: How Alternative Marine Proteins Are Revolutionizing Pet Food: https://bsmpartners.net/insights/riding-the-wave-how-alternative-marine-proteins-are-revolutionizing-pet-food/

Show Notes

00:00 – Welcome Back!

02:24 – Will Insect Protein Fly or Fail in the US Market?

06:23 – Getting Educated on Cultured Proteins

08:02 – What Are Cultivated Meats?

11:35 – What Is Precision Fermentation?

13:41 – Methane-Eating Bacteria and Custom Capabilities

16:53 – What About Plant-Based Proteins and Invasive Species?

17:48 – The Big Picture of Sustainability

18:57 – Final Thoughts

Trends to Watch in 2025, Part 1: Sustainable Ingredient Sourcing

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Happy New Year! As we ring in 2025 together, we’re bringing you the top five pet care trends to watch in the coming year, from sustainable initiatives and alternative proteins to biotic ingredients and personalized nutrition. In this first episode of the series, we’ll explain greenwashing, explore the potential of upcycled ingredients and the legacy of rendered ingredients, debunk misleading data, and discuss other barriers and opportunities for more sustainable ingredient sourcing across the pet nutrition market.

Helpful Links

Pet Food Ingredients and Environmental Sustainability: https://bsmpartners.net/insights/pet-food-ingredients-and-environmental-sustainability/

BBC on VW greenwashing: https://www.bbc.com/news/business-34324772

More examples of greenwashing: https://earth.org/greenwashing-companies-corporations/

Turning Grocery Waste into Nutritious Ingredient by Dr. Bradley Quest, DVM: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/turning-grocery-waste-nutritious-ingredients-bsm-partners-f1tbc/

Learn more about California Safe Soil (CSS): https://www.calsafesoil.com/

Read more about Emilie Mesnier’s personal sustainability journey: https://bsmpartners.net/insights/a-journey-to-compassionate-consumption/

Top Trends of 2025: How Consumer Evolution Lends Itself to the Pet Care Revolution: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/top-trends-2025-how-consumer-evolution-lends-itself-pet-care-q5isc/

Show Notes

00:00 – Welcome and Introduction

02:36 – Why is Sustainability So Complex?

05:22 – The Impact of Greenwashing

09:32 – Strategies for Sustainable Sourcing

12:23 – Exploring the Upcycling Movement

14:42 – Rendering: The OG Upcycler for Pets

16:34 – The Real Environmental Impact of Pets

21:16 – Back to Upcycling: CSS on Enzymatic Digestion

23:49 – Pet Treat Brands Using Upcycled Ingredients

25:31 – A Quick Word on Regenerative Agriculture

27:35 – Stay Tuned for Our Sustainability Series!

28:09 – Final Thoughts

From Seed to Success: How Saeed Amidi Built an Entrepreneurial Engine in Silicon Valley

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Ever wondered how startups turn bold ideas into industry-shaping innovations? In this episode, we team up with Plug and Play, a global accelerator powerhouse, to uncover the secrets behind their success in driving breakthroughs across agricultural technology, animal health, and beyond. Hear from visionary founder Saeed Amidi, the Plug and Play Topeka team, and trailblazing entrepreneur Rich Kelleman as they share how Plug and Play transforms ambitious dreams into thriving businesses. Plus, stick around for an exciting announcement about how this collaboration will continue in 2025!

Helpful Links

Learn more about Plug and Play: https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/

Embroker’s 106 Must-Know Startup Statistics for 2024: https://www.embroker.com/blog/startup-statistics/

Understanding the Stages of Venture Capital from Silicon Valley Bank: https://www.svb.com/startup-insights/vc-relations/stages-of-venture-capital/

Learn more about Bond Pet Foods: https://www.petfoodprocessing.net/articles/17131-food-is-science-and-science-is-food-at-bond-pet-foods

Follow BSM Partners on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram to stay up to date about future episodes, including our co-branded podcast collaboration with Plug and Play.

Show Notes

00:00 – Inside the Episode

02:45 – Meet Saeed Amidi, Serial Entrepreneur and Visionary Founder of Plug and Play

08:18 – What is a Unicorn?

10:48 – Building a Solution-Minded Community

15:38 – Meet the Plug and Play Topeka Team

17:01 – Breaking Down the Jargon

22:05 – Supporting Long-Term Innovation

24:00 – How Plug and Play Selects Startups for its Programs

27:02 – The Value Proposition

30:12 – Behind the Scenes of a Plug and Play Program

35:35 – Meet Rich Kelleman, Founder of Bond Pet Foods

36:56 – Rich’s Plug and Play Experience

46:43 – A Message for Fellow Founders

47:30 – When Impact Trumps Profit

49:55 – An Exciting Announcement!

50:45 – Conclusion and Farewell

Silent Mutations: What Your Pet’s DNA Isn’t Telling You

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Pet health isn’t always an inside job—genetic makeup matters, but so do environmental factors like lifestyle and diet. In this episode of Barking Mad, we’re cracking the genetic code to explore how dogs’ DNA influences their heath—sometimes in unexpected ways. Join us as we discuss groundbreaking insights from veterinary experts and researchers who shed light on the genetic complexity of mixed-breed dogs and how genetic testing could revolutionize preventive pet care.

Helpful Links

BSM Partners’ Incidence paper: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/animal-science/articles/10.3389/fanim.2022.846227/full

Genetic testing for dogs can help identify diseases and enable preventive care (from the Waltham Pet Care Institute): https://www.waltham.com/news-events/human-animal-interaction/genetic-testing-for-dogs-can-help-identify-diseases-and-enable-preventive-care

Learn more about EpiPaws: https://epipaws.com/

Tune in to our Pawing Through the Research episode here: https://bsmpartners.net/the-pet-industry-podcast/pawing-through-the-research-uncovering-the-fatal-flaws-of-dcm

Watch the full NBC News report on Flint, Michigan, 10 years after the community’s lead poisoning crisis first began: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8LaMa7ZLIQ

Show Notes

00:00 – Inside the Episode

01:49 – How Genes Influence Health

05:27 – DNA, Diet, and DCM

07:20 – A One Health Approach

09:00 – Decoding DNA for Mixed Breeds

10:53 – The Vast Genetic Variance in the Canine Genome

12:15 – The Truth About Mixed Breeds’ Genes

15:40 – Genetic Testing: A Key Opportunity

17:19 – Genetics and Breeding Practices

20:09 – Understanding Epigenetics

20:47 – Where Do Our Genes Come From?

22:08 – What Other Factors Affect our Genes?

24:40 – Environmental Factors Impacting Gene Expression

28:38 – Using This Knowledge to Advance Pet Health

29:44 – Conclusion and Farewell

Keep Calm: A Pet Parent’s Guide to Managing Noise Phobias in Dogs

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Loud noises like fireworks, thunderstorms, and even construction can turn celebrations into nightmares for pets that suffer from noise phobias. Luckily, there are a range of products aimed at helping pet owners mitigate these stressful situations. In this episode of Barking Mad, we explore calming techniques, training methods, and innovative products in an effort to provide pet parents with a range of resources to help keep their pets cool, calm, and collected during times of stress.

Helpful Links

Learn more about dog anxiety and stress from Dr. Sydney McCauley and Dr. Allison Andrukonis: https://bsmpartners.net/insights/dog-anxiety-and-stress-symptoms-causes-and-ways-to-help-them-cope-part-1-common-forms-symptoms-and-causes/

And find more insights on how pet parents can help their canine companions cope with anxiety and stress: https://bsmpartners.net/insights/dog-anxiety-and-stress-signs-causes-and-ways-to-help-them-cope-part-2-ways-to-help-them-cope

Learn more from Dr. Katy Miller about operant conditioning as an effective method for animal training: https://bsmpartners.net/insights/unleashing-potential-a-guide-to-training-animals-with-operant-conditioning/

Find more information about Black River Dog Training: https://brdogtraining.com/

How to Stand Out in The Wild West of Pet Supplements by Dr. Katy Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/standing-out-wild-west-pet-supplements-bsm-partners-32ixc/?trackingId=K6PgXhZPzBLgLDccTYzvgQ%3D%3D

Learn more about:

Pawnix Noise-Canceling Headset for dogs: https://pawnix.com/
ThunderShirt and other ThunderWorks products: https://thundershirt.com/
Pet Honesty’s Calming Supplements for dogs: https://www.pethonesty.com/collections/dog-calming

Show Notes

00:00 – Inside the Episode

01:53 – So, What Is a Noise Phobia?

03:02 – What Situations Might Induce a Noise Phobia?

04:46 – How Common are Noise Phobias in Dogs?

06:10 – Dr. Katy Miller on “Fight or Flight”

07:43 – Stress Behaviors to Look For in Dogs

10:31 – The Fiery Phobia Hamster Wheel (And How to Get Off!)

12:27 – Training as a Tool for Phobia Management

15:42 – But Don’t Worry—There Are Other Methods!

16:30 – How to Prepare Your Pet & Your Home

18:21 – What To Do During a Noise Phobia-Inducing Event

19:45 – Lessons Learned the Hard Way

22:46 – What To Do After The Event

23:57 – Are Pharmaceuticals An Option?

25:46 – Wearables, Pheromones, Supplements—Oh My!

26:13 – Introducing Kirsten Brand of Pawnix, A Noise-Canceling Headset for Dogs

27:20 – The Science Behind the Pawnix Headset

32:29 – Introducing Dominic DeDominicis of ThunderWorks, Maker of the ThunderShirt

35:13 – What Are Pheromones, and How Do They Work?

37:24 – Combining the Powers of Calm

38:39 – The Scoop on Calming Supplements

40:17 – Introducing Dr. Greg Reinhart of Pet Honesty, A Supplement Brand

41:06 – Favorable Results from an In-Home Use Test (IHUT)

43:21 – Supplements Can Be Effective, But They’re Not Instantaneous

44:48 – Melatonin, L-tryptophan, Gingko, and Other Calming Ingredients

47:18 – “Just Because It’s Natural Doesn’t Mean It’s Safe!”

48:09 – Exploring CBD: Use With Caution

51:13 – Key Takeaways from the Episode

52:16 – Conclusion and Farewell

No Dog Left Behind: Honoring The Unsung Heroes of America’s Military

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 03:00:00 -0400

This Veterans' Day, join us for a moving episode about America’s four-legged warriors—military working dogs, or MWDs. These unsung heroes serve on the frontlines of combat zones around the world, but the challenges they face extend beyond the battlefield and into retirement. In this episode, Bob Bryant, co-founder and vice president of Mission K9, and US Navy Veteran Elijah Holyfield speak with co-hosts Jordan Tyler and Dr. Stephanie Clark about the duties, sacrifices, and unmet needs of today’s MWDs.

Helpful Links

Learn more about Mission K9: https://missionk9rescue.org/, and follow the organization on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissionK9/

Learn more about The Ddamien Project, a partner organization of Mission K9 that specializes in caring for retired MWDs who aren't suited to be adopted out to the public due to behavioral or medical challenges: https://www.ddamienproject.org/

Read more about the unique roles working dogs play in our lives: https://bsmpartners.net/insights/celebrating-humans-best-friendship/

Learn more about military working dogs from the Department of Defense and the Association of the United States Army.

Find the full text of the proposed Honoring Our K9 Heroes Act: https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/_cache/files/e/4/e462d2d5-5f20-43f7-8973-b192ebdd09d7/7AF5380674B8629CDEA00BAFAE044AB4.honoring-our-k9-heroes-act.pdf

Show Notes

00:00 – Behind the Episode

02:34 – Introducing Bob Bryant and Mission K9

05:27 – What is a Working Dog?

08:32 – “Fur Missiles” with Elijah Holyfield, a US Navy Veteran

09:46 – The DoD Military Working Dog (MWD) Breeding Program

12:11 – Do Dogs Get PTSD?

15:04 – The Five R’s of Mission K9: Rescue, Reunite, Rehome, Rehabilitate, and Repair

20:05 – The Plight of Contract Working Dogs

23:21 – Carefully Pairing MWDs with Their Forever Homes

27:08 – The Ddamien Project

28:28 – Happy Endings for More Than 1,300 Dogs

29:19 – Life After Deployment

30:15 – Celebrating Happy Endings

31:49 – “Navy, Seek!”

34:17 – Supporting Canine Veterans After Service

38:18 – Stress Testing and Hot-Loading

40:13 – Long-Term for Mission K9

42:49 – How to Support Mission K9 Now and In the Future

44:10 – Conclusion and Farewell

Think Twice: Even Bad Science Can Get Published!

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 04:30:00 -0400

Do you have trust issues? We do, too. There is a lot of research out there, both good and bad, and the difference between reliable and not-so-reliable research typically comes down to one thing—study design. Using recent real-world examples, like the first-ever retraction in JAVMA’s 180-year history, join us as we expose the critical differences between well-designed studies and those that fall short.

Related Episodes

Incidence episode: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/a-mountain-or-a-molehill-what-science-really-says-about-the-incidence-of-dcm

Lit Review episode: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/pawing-through-the-research-uncovering-the-fatal-flaws-of-DCM

Examples of Poorly Designed Research

More on the JAVMA retraction: https://www.petfoodprocessing.net/articles/18426-unraveling-the-copper-controversy

The Effects of Feeding Pulse-Based, Grain-Free, Diets on Digestibility, Glycemic Response, and Cardiovascular Health In Domestic Dogs: https://harvest.usask.ca/items/a96ed26b-7cb5-4179-8308-20f67e7a9ffa

Development of plasma and whole blood taurine reference ranges and identification of dietary features associated with taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy in golden retrievers: A prospective, observational study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32413894/ (Check out the Expression of Concern for this one: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7480844/)

Taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy in golden retrievers fed commercial diets: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0209112

Responses in randomised groups of healthy, adult Labrador retrievers fed grain-free diets with high legume inclusion for 30 days display commonalities with dogs with suspected dilated cardiomyopathy: https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12917-022-03264-x

DCM Research by BSM Partners

Blood parameters research: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jpn.13946

Incidence paper: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fanim.2022.846227/full

Board-Invited Literature Review: https://academic.oup.com/jas/article/98/6/skaa155/5857674?login=false

Show Notes

00:00 – Welcome to the Episode

03:22 – Breaking Down the Research Pyramid

09:10 – Considering All the Factors (And Controlling for Them in Research)

10:00 – What is a Literature Review, and Why is it Important?

12:47 – The Peer-Review Process and Fatal Flaws

17:07 – The FDA’s Announcement: Biased Questions Led to Biased Answers

20:46 – FDA Saves Face in Subsequent Updates

23:18 – What Goes into a Well-Designed Study?

28:20 – Nothing is Impossible, Some Things Are Just Really Hard!

32:16 – Examples of Where Research Fell Flat

35:24 – Blood Parameters don’t Tell All

38:36 – Don’t Demonize Ingredients, Instead Study Nutrients

41:19 – Full Transparency: Potential Limitations in BSM Partners’ Research

44:17 – Conclusion and Farewell

Pawing Through the Research: Uncovering the Fatal Flaws of DCM

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 04:30:00 -0400

The BSM Partners Research Team has dug deep into existing research on canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), so you don’t have to. Join us as we uncover the rigorous processes behind peer-reviewed research, discuss the importance of identifying “fatal flaws,” and highlight how we can use literature reviews to pave the way for future research—and to debunk understudied or unsubstantiated preconceptions about pet health and nutrition.

Helpful Links

Board-Certified DCM Literature Review (Full Text): https://academic.oup.com/jas/article/98/6/skaa155/5857674?login=true

DCM Incidence Study (Full Text): https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fanim.2022.846227/full

DCM Incidence Episode — A Mountain, or a Molehill? What Science Really Says About the Incidence of DCM

Study Design — Think Twice: Even Bad Science Can Get Published!

Show Notes

00:00 – Welcome

03:12 – Introducing Dr. Anna Kate Shoveller and The Importance of Literature Reviews

06:30 – “Fatal Flaws” in Peer-Review

09:39 – What Inspired BSM Partners to Study DCM?

12:49 – What Exactly Is DCM in Dogs?

16:18 – Genetics as a Key Cause of DCM

19:11 – How Is DCM Diagnosed?

22:27 – Potential Treatment Options for Dogs Diagnosed with DCM

26:06 – Getting to the Root Cause

26:54 – Nutritional Interventions to Combat DCM

28:54 – How Nutritional Deficiencies Could Harm the Heart

30:38 – Writing a Board-Invited Literature Review on Canine DCM

33:25 – Identifying Gaps in the Research

36:44 – Limitations that Informed the FDA’s Announcements

42:15 – Darned If You Do, Darned If You Don’t

46:52 – Conclusion and Farewell

A Mountain, or a Molehill? What Science Really Says About The Incidence of DCM

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 04:30:00 -0400

When the FDA sounded the alarm in 2018, claiming a potential link between certain dog diets and a rise in canine cases of dilated cardiomyopathy, panic spread among pet owners and the industry alike. But was this warning based on solid evidence, or was the issue blown out of proportion? Join us as we examine the data that challenges the FDA's early conclusions and hear from leading experts, including veterinary cardiologist, Dr. Justin Thomason, who has worked tirelessly to uncover the truth. This episode offers a critical look at how the facts don’t always align with the headlines, and why collaboration and data are key to understanding complex health issues like DCM.

Helpful Links

DCM Incidence Study (Full Text): https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fanim.2022.846227/full

Board-Invited Literature Review Episode — Pawing Through the Research: Uncovering the Fatal Flaws of DCM

Study Design — Think Twice: Even Bad Science Can Get Published!

The Impact of DCM on Pulse Farmers — Fellowship of Iron and Earth: From Farm to Bowl with Tim McGreevy

Show Notes

00:00 – Introduction

03:20 – Conducting Research During a Pandemic

07:47 – Bringing on Board-Certified Veterinary Cardiologists

09:01 – Introducing Dr. Justin Thomason

12:26 – Understanding the FDA’s Initial DCM Announcement

14:22 – BSM Partners Steps in to Lead DCM Research

15:47 – Calling All Veterinary Cardiologists: We Want Your Data!

17:32 – The Problem with Most Veterinary Medical Record-Keeping

20:12 – Vets Jumping to Conclusions?

25:13 – Are Pets Protected Under HIPAA?

27:14 – The Critical Importance of Diet History

29:30 – Piecing the Puzzle Together

30:52 – Key Takeaways from BSM Partners Incidence Study

32:43 – The Availability Heuristic

33:57 – Digger Deeper into Breed and Age

36:23 – Best Practices for Diagnosing Canine DCM

42:13 – What Made Grain-Free Diets So Popular?

44:39 – The Widespread Impact, From Pulse Farmers to Pet Food Companies

46:28 – The Power of Collaboration

49:16 – What’s Up with Mixed-Breed Dogs?

50:09 – Don’t Go Looking for Zebras

52:13 – Good Record-Keeping for the Future

52:45 – Dr. Quest’s Key Takeaway from the Episode

53:54 – Conclusion and Farewell

Pulse Check: What Are Anti-Nutrient Factors, And Are They Hurting Your Pet’s Health?

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 03:00:00 -0400

You may have heard some grain-based pet food ingredients like peas, lentils, and legumes carry anti-nutrient factors (ANFs) that interfere with a pet’s ability to absorb essential nutrients. But did you know there are tried-and-true methods of mitigating ANFs during processing? Tune in to hear from Kansas State University Professor, Dr. Julia Pezzali and the BSM Partners Research Team as they break down the science behind ANFs, pet food formulation, and how common pet food manufacturing processes can help industry professionals address this issue.

Helpful Links

BSM Partners' digestibility research: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/six-month-study-found-both-grain-inclusive-and-grain-free-canine-diets-had-no-negative-effect-on-digestibility-301914014.html

Want to learn more about prebiotic fiber in pet food? We have you covered: https://bsmpartners.net/insights/prebiotics-in-pet-food/

Recent vitamin D recalls in pet foods: https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/vitamin-d-toxicity-dogs#:~:text=Food%20Complaint.-,Dog%20Food%20Products%20Recalled%20for%20Excessive%20Vitamin%20D,-In%20February%202023

Show Notes

00:00 – Introduction

03:15 – Demystifying the Kibble-Making Process

05:28 – What a Pet Food Ingredient List Can (And Can’t) Tell You

07:52 – What in the World is an Anti-Nutrient Factor (ANF)?

11:25 – Why Not Just Avoid Ingredients with ANFs?

12:15 – How BSM Partners Designed Diets for This Study

12:58 – The Sampling Process: Good Things Come in Three’s

15:40 – The Cost of Research Can Be a Challenge

18:31 – Which ANFs Did BSM Partners Test For?

19:02 – Mycotoxins and Biogenic Amines

20:36 – The Scoop of Fiber: A Blessing or a Curse?

25:22 – But What About Digestibility?

27:36 – The Value of Testing Raw Pet Food Ingredients

30:22 – Advice from Board-Certified PhD Animal Nutritionists

32:06 – Advice from a Veterinary Expert

33:51 – Putting the Pet Food Puzzle Together

35:21 – Certified True: The Stamp of Excellence

37:05 – Dr. Clark Breaks Down Key Takeaways from The Episode

38:53 – Conclusion and Farewell

Are AAFCO and FDA Ever Getting Back Together? How Their Split Will Reshape Pet Nutrition

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 08:30:00 -0400

Join us as we explore a significant regulatory shift brought on by the termination of a longstanding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between AAFCO and the FDA. The pet nutrition industry is facing an uncertain regulatory landscape. What does this mean for industry professionals, and how could its impacts trickle down to consumers? Tune in to find out.

Links

AAFCO, FDA Fail to Renew MOU for New Animal Food Ingredient Definitions — https://bsmpartners.net/insights/aafco-fda-fail-to-renew-mou-for-new-animal-food-ingredient-definitions/

Time for change: Addressing regulatory reform in pet food — https://www.petfoodprocessing.net/articles/18246-time-for-change-addressing-regulatory-reform-in-pet-food

AAFCO Considering Proposal for New Regulatory Pathway — https://www.aafco.org/news/aafco-considering-proposal-for-new-regulatory-pathway/

Show Notes

00:00 – Behind the Episode

04:30 – Understanding the Regulatory Relationship of AAFCO and the FDA

08:11 – Ensuring Safety and Availability of Pet Food Products

09:46 – Factoring in the PURR Act

12:48 – What is the Best Path Forward for Brands?

14:44 – A Pie in the Sky

15:31 – What Does This Mean for State Regulators?

18:01 – Narrowing the Highway

19:43 – The FDA’s Proposal: Animal Feed Ingredient Consultation (AFIC)

21:02 – Helping Brands Identify the Right Path for New Ingredient Approval

22:39 – Funding the Research Behind New Ingredients

24:97 – Common Pitfalls Along the Way

27:09 – Our Key Concern

27:45 – The Problem with GRAS

29:26 – Depriving Our Pets of Beneficial Innovation

31:45 – Challenges (and Advice) for Brands

34:01 – What Would Self-Regulation of the Pet Food Industry Look Like?

35:27 – Beware of Regulatory Capture

36:27 – Highlighting Resource Constraints at the FDA

37:40 – FEDIAF: A Shining Example of Self-Regulating Success

39:23 – We’ve Seen This Movie Before…

42:10 – Giving the Industry a Voice in Regulation

42:43 – How Self-Regulating Organizations (SROs) Empower Pet Owners and Industry Alike

44:35 – Leaning on Industry Experts (and Avoiding a Boeing-Like Disaster)

46:07 – Conclusion and Farewell

From Lab to Lawn: Putting Pups First in the Research Process and Beyond

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Barking Mad, Jordan Tyler sits down with Jessica Smidt, Co-Owner and Trainer with Think Positive Pets Training and Behavior Services, alongside two members of the BSM Partners Research Team—Dr. Bradley Quest and Dr. Stephanie Clark.

We explore how BSM Partners partnered with Jess and other KPA-certified dog training experts to ensure the 65 dogs used in its DCM research were successfully adopted to loving homes once the study concluded.

The conversation covers:

· The taboo of animal research

· How socialization and training can make all the difference for dog adoption

· Opportunities to improve adopter education for all animals

Jessica Smidt, co-owner and trainer at Think Positive Pets Training and Behavior Services, where she shares her love for dogs in the form of dog training, socialization, obedience and behavior consulting. Jess also serves as the Animal Assisted Therapy Program Coordinator for Mayo Clinic, where she has trained, assessed and placed therapy dogs so they can share the healing powers of companionship with patients who need it most.

Tune in to learn more about this partnership, and stay tuned for updates and heartfelt stories from some of the people who adopted these research dogs into their homes, coming soon on www.bsmpartners.net/resources.

Links:

Connect with Jessica Smidt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-smidt-0778652a/

Forever Fido Puppy Rescue near Rochester, Minnesota: https://foreverfido.org/

The Family Fido Fear Free Training, Boarding, and Daycare: https://www.thefamilyfido.com/

Jessica Smidt’s published research: https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Jessica-M-Smidt-2150739261

Show Notes:

00:00 – Behind the Episode

02:08 – Introducing Jessica Smidt, Deb Jones, Dr. Bradley Quest, and Dr. Stephanie Clark

03:03 – Getting to know Jess

03:45 – Researching with Animals: Keeping Welfare Top-of-Mind

05:56 – Breaking Down BSM Partners’ DCM Study (And the Importance of Conducting Dog Research on Dogs)

07:43 – Prepping Research Pups with Their Forever Homes

08:50 – An Expert’s Perspective on Socializing and Training Research Dogs

09:55 – An Exercise in Matchmaking

11:49 – Adopter Education is Crucial

12:44 – A Perfect Placement Rate!

13:17 – A Dog Trainer’s View on Shelter Adoption Challenges

17:09 – The COVID-Era Bell Curve of Dog Adoptions

17:51 – How Researchers Interacted With and Cared for These Research Dogs

19:33 – The High Cost of Dog Ownership (And of Research)

21:55 – No Dog Left Behind

24:28 – Cider, Grandpa, The Kardashian Sisters… Oh My!

26:00 – More on Jess’s Background and Her Own Rescue—Forever Fido Puppy Rescue

28:35 – Conclusion and Farewell

Plant Powered Pets: Interview with Dr. Mahsa Vazin, Founder of PawCo Foods

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Barking Mad, Dr. Stephanie Clark and Jordan Tyler interview Dr. Mahsa Vazin, founder of Pawco Foods, a company pioneering plant-based dog food. Mahsa discusses her unique journey from a Persian upbringing that emphasized meat and fear of animals to becoming a vegetarian and a pet food innovator with the mission to create sustainable, nutritious, and cruelty-free food for dogs.

The conversation covers:

Challenges of developing “Green Meat”
Leveraging AI for product optimization
Importance of sustainability in pet welfare

Tune in to learn more about the burgeoning plant-based pet food market and Mahsa's passion for positively impacting the environment and pet health.

Links:

PawCo Website: https://www.mypawco.com/

Show Notes:

00:00 - Introduction to Vegan Dog Diets and Dr. Mahsa Vazin

01:33 - Mahsa's Journey to Plant-Based Diets

02:57 - The Birth of PawCo and Its Mission

03:44 - Understanding Vegan vs. Healthy Pet Food

05:41 - PawCo's Target Audience and Market Demand

07:15 - Pioneering Plant-Based Meat for Dogs

08:30 - Core Values and the Future of Sustainable Food

09:22 - Winning Over the Rally In-Prize Pitch Competition Judges

10:51 - Big Funding = Big Plans for Expansion

11:31 - Leveraging AI for Innovation

12:45 - Perfecting the Palatability of Plant-Based Meat for Dogs

15:06 - The Secret to Mahsa and PawCo's Success

15:54 - Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles

17:08 - Mahsa's Dream of a Cruelty-Free World

17:46 - Unwinding from PawCo (The Job) with Paco (The Dog)

18:51 - Mahsa's Greatest Achievement So Far

19:17 - Conclusion and Farewell

Fellowship of Iron and Earth: From Farm to Bowl with Tim McGreevy

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Fellowship of Iron and Earth

A poem by Tim McGreevy

We do not seek fortune or fame. We work the land until we need a cane. We understand the face of pain. We feel the sting of judgment and shame. And we do our best to hide the strain of too much water or too little rain.

We are the people who plant and seed. We feed the world and those in need. The unsung heroes of death and birth. We are the fellowship of iron and earth.

We are the medics of our soil's health, the stewards of our planet's wealth on the front lines of drought and flood, battling the elements with flesh and blood. We are the first to feel the rising temperature range because we are the first responders to climate change.

We are the people who plant and seed. We feed the world and those in need. The unsung heroes of death and birth. We are the fellowship of iron and earth.

Our job is to put food on the table. And when people eat, the world is stable. We feed everyone who comes ashore. Black, white, brown, and more. So, we take an oath to feed the poor. For if we don't, there will be war.

We are the people who plant and seed. We feed the world and those in need. The unsung heroes of death and birth. We are the fellowship of iron and earth.

Tim McGreevy’s Pulse Breakfast

Cook lentils 30-45 mins (no need to pre-soak)
Add a little bit of butter and salt and pepper to taste
Serve in a bowl with an egg on the side

Research mentioned in the episode: Prospective evaluation of echocardiographic parameters and cardiac biomarkers in healthy dogs eating four custom-formulated diets

Show Notes:

00:00 - Introducing Tim McGreevy and the Power of Pulses

01:57 - How Tim Went from Farmer to Farmer's Advocate

06:20 - Research from the Pea and Lentil Council

08:26 - New Study Debunks Misunderstandings Around Pulse-Inclusive Diets

10:38 - The History of Pulse Ingredients in Pet Food

13:11 - Pulse Industry Impacts from DCM

16:47 - How Did the FDA Announcement Affect Farmers?

19:40 - Damage to US Crop Ecosystems

21:10 - Selecting the Right Pea Varieties for Pet Food (And Why This Is Critical For Research, Too)

27:03 - Demands Fueling Pulse & Plant-Based Innovation in the Pet Food Industry

29:10 - Pulses Proliferating at Natural Products Expo West, And Your Local Grocery Store

30:45 - The Age of Pea Proteins

32:21 - The Health (And Planetary) Benefits of Pulses for Pets

34:38 - A Poem by Tim McGreevy

37:04 - Tim's Pulse-Powered Breakfast Recipe

39:00 - Conclusion and Farewell

We’ve Gone Barking Mad… Introducing Our Rebrand!

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0400

BSM Partners is proud to announce a comprehensive rebrand of its podcast, formerly known as The Pet Industry Podcast, to Barking Mad! Curiosity will bite back in the following episodes, in which we’ll be stripping back the fluff and getting to the meat of hot topics and trends craved by pet owners, industry professionals and veterinarians alike.

Tune in to this trailer to hear from Co-Hosts Jordan Tyler and Dr. Stephanie Clark about the “why” behind Barking Mad, and what we have in store.

Show Notes

00:00 – Introducing Barking Mad, a podcast by BSM Partners

01:09 – Getting to know Dr. Stephanie Clark, PhD, CVT, PAS, CFS, Dpl. ACAS, VTS (Nutrition), her tales from the rear-end, and her three-legged rescue

05:08 – Dr. Steph and the Miss Frizzle approach

06:12 – Getting to know Jordan Tyler, her most awkward interview, and one of her pets’ special dietary needs

13:23 – Teasing Barking Mad’s “dog on the street”

13:52 – What to expect from Barking Mad?

15:58 – Controversy in pet nutrition

16:46 – What does Barking Mad mean anyway?

17:47 – How to let us know what you’re Barking Mad about

18:08 – Stay tuned for the first official episode of Barking Mad!

Unlocking the Power of Postbiotics in Pet Nutrition

Wed, 01 May 2024 03:00:00 -0400

This episode of the Pet Industry Podcast features Dr. Megan Sprinkle discussing the significance and science behind postbiotics in pet nutrition with guests from Cargill, Dr. Mark Franklin and Laurence Mills.

Dr. Franklin, with over 25 years of experience in animal nutrition, and Mills, the business development manager for Cargill in Europe, delve into the opportunities and benefits of using postbiotics in pet food. They address the lack of strong research on pet food ingredients and emphasize the importance of scientific validation in promoting pet health. The discussion includes insights into Cargill's background in fermentation, the definition and benefits of postbiotics compared to prebiotics and probiotics, and the challenges and opportunities in developing and marketing postbiotic pet products.

The conversation also touches on the consumer and brand advantages of postbiotics, including consistent health benefits across a brand's product lines and the ability to trademark licenses for marketing purposes. The episode concludes with thoughts on innovation in the pet industry and sustainability in pet nutrition.

Beyond the Blood: Why DCM Diagnosis Requires a Deeper Look

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Pet Industry Podcast, your host, Dr. Megan Sprinkle, and the BSM Partners' research team explore the debate over grain-free dog food and potential links to dilated cardiomyopathy or DCM in dogs. They delve into the research done by BSM Partners and co-author, board-certified veterinary cardiologist, Dr. Stacey Leach regarding where in the body to measure two important heart nutrients: taurine and carnitine. Different places in the body where these nutrients can be measured include blood plasma, whole blood, and skeletal and heart muscle.

The researchers find that there is no correlation between concentrations of taurine or carnitine in blood compared to what's happening in the heart. Therefore, measuring blood levels of carnitine and taurine is not an adequate indication of heart health.

In this episode, you will also discover what is common in this heart condition in people as you hear from a human cardiologist.

The BSM Research team includes:

Stephanie Clark, PhD, CVT, PAS, CFS, Dpl. ACAS, VTS (Nutrition)
Sydney McCauley, PhD, PAS, Dpl. ACAS
Brad Quest, DVM
Renee Streeter, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition)

Resources:

Learn more about BSM Partners on our website.
Learn more about the BSM Partners research.
Episode on research on digestibility of grain-inclusive and grain-free diets.
Episode to learn more about Dr. Leach's role in the research.
Learn more about our guest cardiologist, Dr. Niteesh Chitturu.

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction to the Pet Industry Podcast

00:12 The Controversy Surrounding Grain-Free Dog Food

00:35 The Importance of Scientific Studies in Pet Nutrition

01:00 Exploring the Link Between Diet and Heart Disease in Dogs

01:36 The Role of Blood and Plasma in Veterinary Diagnostics

01:49 Introducing the BSM Research Team and Their Study

01:53 The Limitations of Blood Tests in Diagnosing Heart Conditions

02:51 The Role of Diet in Human Cardiology

04:13 The Impact of Obesity on Heart Health

04:48 The Genetic Link to Dilated Cardiomyopathy

06:11 The Role of Nutrition in Heart Health

08:37 The Challenges of Measuring Nutrient Levels in the Body

09:05 The BSM Research Team's Approach to Studying Diet and Heart Disease

09:10 The Importance of Taurine and Carnitine in Canine Nutrition

11:17 The Challenges of Conducting Research in Veterinary Medicine

24:50 The Importance of Proper Sample Size in Research

27:34 Understanding Correlation in Research Studies

28:01 Understanding Correlation Plots

28:01 Pearson's Correlation Coefficient Explained

28:01 Correlation vs Causation: A Fun Example

28:37 Comparing Whole Blood and Plasma

28:47 Findings of the Study

29:19 Implications of the Findings

31:23 The One Health Approach

38:35 The Role of Pet Insurance

38:35 Key Takeaways from the Research

40:42 The Importance of Nutrition for Pets

Clucking Revolution: How Pet Chickens are Changing the Game in the Pet Industry ft Sean Warner, Grubbly Farms

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Pet Industry Podcast: The Rise of Chickens as Pets | Featuring Sean Warner of Grubbly Farms

Step aside puppies; we have poultry as pets! In this episode of the Pet Industry Podcast, hosts Dr. Megan Sprinkle and Dr. Mary Cope welcome Sean Warner, co-founder, and CEO of Grubbly Farms, a company focusing on creating premium products for poultry. Sean shares insights on the increasing popularity of chickens as pets, discusses the challenges and opportunities within the poultry pet industry, and explains how Grubbly Farms sources its insect protein and formulates its chicken feed.

They also cover the topic of balancing sustainability concerns with providing nutrition and health benefits for pet birds. If you're interested in the pet industry, sustainable farming or backyard poultry, then this episode is a must-watch.

For more information on pet chickens and how it's impacting the pet industry read our website article.

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction to the Pet Industry Podcast

00:15 The Rise of Poultry in the Pet Industry

00:39 Interview with Sean Warner, CEO of Grubbly Farms

01:21 Sean's Journey into the Poultry Industry

03:09 The Role of Insects in Poultry Nutrition

04:34 The Sustainability Aspect of Insect Protein

08:53 Understanding the Challenges of Backyard Poultry

09:02 The Legalities and Practicalities of Keeping Chickens

13:14 The Importance of Proper Nutrition for Poultry

14:09 The Future of Poultry Nutrition

40:27 The Impact of Poultry Ownership on Other Pet Choices

47:47 Closing Remarks and Podcast Outro

About BSM Partners:

BSM Partners is a multidisciplinary team of PhDs, board-certified veterinarians and nutritionists offering 400+ years of cumulative technical experience, supporting the development of thousands of products per year. From R&D to replenishment, we have you covered.

BSM Partners offers a wide range of services including research, product innovation, FSQAR, nutrition services, veterinary services, transformation, operations support, and engineering.

Learn more at https://bsmpartners.net/

BSM Partners on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/bsm-partners/

Behind the Brand: Pet Education with FetchFind Founder, Jaime Damato Migdal

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 03:00:00 -0400

In a world full of information, it can be hard to navigate what is true and helpful in taking care of our pets. We at BSM Partners want to help demystify some of this with The Pet Industry Podcast and bring you people we think are also on that mission.

Today, co-hosts, Dr. Mary Cope, PhD & Dr. Megan Sprinkle, DVM talk with a pet industry game-changer who is passionate about pets and is making the pet industry better for pet families. In this conversation that was recorded at the 2023 SUPERZOO, you will learn about many aspects of the pet industry including some of the biggest challenges.

About the Guest:

Jamie Damato Migdal is the CEO and founder of FetchFind, which is a platform and service that is revolutionizing pet care education. Jamie has been innovating within the pet industry for over 25 years. A sought-after consultant and public speaker, Jamie has built four national pet service companies and has wide-ranging industry expertise in education, technology, business development, sales, marketing, and management. Her fourth and current company, FetchFind, provides staff training and engagement, as well as digital marketing and other business solutions, to pet care services and pet-friendly companies around the globe. Jamie has been a pet radio host and in 2018/2019 was on an expert board for Pet Smart to help uplevel their grooming and training services.

Show Notes:

(01:47) How a passion for animals created several successful and inspiring business opportunities

(13:15) Exploring the human-animal bond

(15:59) How the human-animal bond became the basis of a business

(20:25) Striking the balance between passion for animals and business decisions

(23:15) Why the pet industry retains top talent

(24:24) The magic that happens when you bring passionate people together

(27:02) How business relationships start to fracture

(30:08) The biggest challenges for the pet industry

(32:11) The intersection of technology, education, and the pet industry

(34:28) What the ideal pet industry looks like

(35:59) How to create the ideal pet industry

(39:00) How pet parents can benefit from a unified educational system

(41:59) Jaime reveals her pet family

(45:00) Who is Jaime’s role model and why?

About BSM Partners:

BSM Partners offers a wide range of services including research, product innovation, FSQAR, nutrition services, veterinary services, transformation, operations support, and engineering.

Learn more at https://bsmpartners.net/

BSM Partners on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/bsm-partners/

Colostrum for Pets: Supplement For Pet Gut Health and Immunity

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Dr. Megan Sprinkle and Dr. Mary Cope from BSM sit down with Adam Geiger and Allison Millican from Zinpro to discuss what colostrum is, how colostrum can benefit our pets, and how pet parents should use colostrum in their pet's daily diets!

To learn more about colostrum, check out this article: https://bsmpartners.net/resources/bovine-colostrum-utilization-in-pets

About Zinpro:

With over 50 years of experience, Zinpro provides a full range of products, services, and expertise to ensure every animal gets everything they need to maximize well-being and productivity. They do this by developing a comprehensive group of tools, programs, and solutions that help improve animal health and maximize productivity.

Show Notes:

(01:39) Who are today’s guests?

(04:35) What is Colostrum? Why give it to our pets?

(07:51) How does Colostrum from a cow benefit a dog?

(10:15) Is Colostrum only for young pets?

(14:45) Does Colostrum keep our pet's guts happy and healthy?

(19:05) How is Colostrum different than supermarket milk?

(21:36) How do pet owners know the quality of Colostrum?

(24:09) How is Colostrum labeled on products?

(26:40) What are the misconceptions about Colostrum?

(33:59) Key takeaways about Colostrum for pet owners.

(37:05) Could Colostrum be incorporated into a balanced pet diet?

(39:32) Is Colostrum available as a supplement?

(43:31) Summary on today’s topic.

About BSM Partners:

BSM Partners offers a wide range of services including research, product innovation, FSQAR, nutrition services, veterinary services, transformation, operations support, and engineering.

Learn more at https://bsmpartners.net/

BSM Partners on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/bsm-partners/

Behind the Research: Revealing the Truth About Diet & DCM in Dogs

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Over the past few years, there have been many conversations stirred around diet-associated DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy) in dogs. Some wondered if grain-free diets have been the cause. In the longest and most detailed research study, BSM Partners researchers have some interesting findings that are discussed for the first time publicly.

In this episode, Dr. Megan Sprinkle and Dr. Mary Cope speak with research team members, including Dr. Renee Streeter, Dr. Brad Quest, Dr. Stephanie Clark, and Dr. Sydney Mccauley. The panel discusses the results of their research study with board-certified veterinary cardiologist, Dr. Stacey Leach.

Join us and dive further into your dog's bowl to uncover new information to help you make informed decisions for your pet!

BSM Partners

BSM Partners is a multidisciplinary team of PhDs, board-certified veterinarians, and nutritionists offering 400+ years of cumulative technical experience, supporting the development of thousands of products per year. From R&D to replenishment, we have you covered.

BSM Partners offers a wide range of services including research, product innovation, FSQAR, nutrition services, veterinary services, transformation, operations support, and engineering.

Learn more at https://bsmpartners.net/

Read the full research paper at https://doi.org/10.3389/fanim.2023.1271202

Show Notes:

(02:40) Testing Different Diets and the Impact on the Heart

(06:20) What Exactly Did the Team Test For?

(07:46) The Logic Behind Testing Different Diets

(09:31) Why the Research Team Created Their Own Diet to Test

(12:37) Who Formulated the Diets to Test

(15:08) The Impact Nutrients Have on the Intestinal Track

(18:01) Do Specific Dog Breeds Have Higher Rates of DCM?

(23:51) Were Some Dogs Excluded from the Study?

(25:50) How Long Did the Study Last?

(27:31) What Exactly is an Echocardiogram?

(30:17) The Advantages of Veterinary Cardiologists

(35:24) How the Team Ensures Impartiality in the Study

(37:45) What the Research Team Did to Test the Dogs

(39:45) The Impact of Covid on Testing

(43:32) How the Team Ensured that Dogs Maintained Proper Weight

(46:47) What are the Results of the Study?

Diets and DCM in Dogs: Are the Answers Found in Poop?!

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Have you ever wondered if diet ingredients have an impact on your dog's health? Have you heard the word 'digestibility' and wondered why it matters? Want to learn more about how diet impacts your dog's microbiome? In this episode, the team talks about the research discoveries and how the results may impact our dogs. Join us and dive further into your dog's bowl to uncover new information to help you make informed decisions for your pet!

BSM Partners

BSM Partners offers a wide range of services including research, product innovation, FSQAR, nutrition services, veterinary services, transformation, operations support, and engineering.

Learn more at https://bsmpartners.net/

Show Notes:

(01:55) What is this study about? Why should you care?

(03:13) The reasons behind doing the study.

(07:34) Why digestibility is important in nutrition.

(12:07) What is epigenomics and why is it important for your pet?

(13:45) How did the research team conduct their study?

(18:52) Macronutrients: What are they?

(19:11) Why it’s important to have tight control over an experiment.

(21:40) Helping manufacturers improve the consistency of their pet food.

(24:12) The importance of testing purebred and mixed-breed dogs.

(26:55) What data was collected?

(28:38) What the effects of different foods were on heart health.

(32:31) Key findings from the study.

(38:01) The surprising result of the study.

(40:23) The major finding: What’s good for us is good for our pets?

(42:22) What this study means for pet owners.

(47:17) The main takeaway.

To read the paper in the Journal of Animal Science: https://academic.oup.com/jas/article/doi/10.1093/jas/skad268/7239847

Read more about this research on our BSM Partners website: https://bsmpartners.net/resources/the-impact-of-protein-source-and-grain-inclusion-on-digestibility-fecal-metabolites-and-fecal-microbiome-in-adult-canines/

From SUPERZOO 2023: How the World Pet Association Helps You and Your Pet with Vic Mason, WPA President

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Dr. Megan Sprinkle and Dr. Mary Cope speak with Vic Mason, the President of the World Pet Association (WPA). They talk about what the WPA is and its goals, how the WPA helps you and your pet, and how you can make the most of your time at SUPERZOO.

Links:

World Pet Association Website

SUPERZOO Website

Show Notes:

(03:04) How a part-time job in his uncle’s pet store influenced Vic to dedicate his life to pets

(04:08) Vic’s journey in the pet industry

(06:25) What is the World Pet Association (WPA)

(07:45) The goal of WPA

(09:16) How the WPA powered through Covid

(11:54) The three big reasons people attend SUPERZOO

(14:36) How the WPA improves the pet industry through education

(16:22) SUPERZOO is more than just dogs and cats

(18:37) Critter Alley: bringing all pets to SUPERZOO

(21:57) Why the WPA strives to get pet associations working together

(23:00) How WPA works with international pet organizations

(24:25) How the industry can more involved with legal issues.

(25:59) How Vic became a "Doctor Doolittle"

(27:25) What Vic sees as the future for pet product retail

(29:07) How WPA strives to have the best information about pet care

(31:06) What is the foundation to pet care

(33:03) The most important goal for the president of WPA

(34:49) What Vic thinks about BSM Partners

(38:21) How Vic continues to learn

(39:13) What WPA does at SUPERZOO that creates fun

About Today's Guest Vic Mason:

Vic Mason became president of the World Pet Association in 2020, bringing 40 years of experience in the pet space including CEO and co-founder of the pet food company, Replenish Pet and past director of business development for Veterinary Service Inc., a West Coast animal health product distributor. Mason has served as a WPA board member since 2010 and was chairman before taking the role of president.

About BSM Partners:

BSM Partners offers a wide range of services including research, product innovation, FSQAR, nutrition services, veterinary services, transformation, operations support, and engineering.

Learn more at https://bsmpartners.net/

Transcript:

Dr. Megan Sprinkle, BSM: Welcome to the Pet Industry podcast, connecting you with the people behind the passion, the leading experts in the pet industry. I'm your host, Dr. Megan Sprinkle.

Dr. Mary Cope: And I'm your other host, Dr. Mary Cope.

Dr. Megan Sprinkle, BSM: Did you know that there is a pet industry, trade organization that endeavors to ensure a better future for people and pets, and spends a great deal of time and money working to protect your rights as pet parents? You probably don't have the opportunity to see behind the scenes of the pet industry. But this podcast is about making that connection.

Let us introduce you to Vic Mason. Vic Mason became president of the World Pet Association in 2020, bringing 40 years of experience in the pet space, Including C E O and founder of a pet food company, Replenish Pet. And past director of Business Development for Veterinary Service Inc. a West Coast Animal Health product distributor.

Mason has served as a WPA board member since 2010 and was the chairman before taking the role of President.

Vic is on a mission to unite the pet industry under a pet family-centered focus.

So without further ado, let's get onto this exciting conversation that we had at SUPERZOO.

This is SUPERZOO 2023. What has been your favorite part so far?

Victor Mason: Without question. our new logo. We've had the same logo for over 20 years. And the new logo is amazing. I had a smart small piece in it. Our marketing team did an amazing job. My small piece was we have five animals in the logo.

And I said we need to add in a couple more. And then they made a video. I hope you saw it. It was amazing. This is for sure my favorite part.

Dr. Megan Sprinkle, BSM: It was a little bit of a surprise. I did not realize that the logo was changing. 'cause it still had the traditional one with all the online. And then I also thought the same thing.

I walked up to register. And I saw it and I was, I loved it. So I agree.

Victor Mason: Having a 30-foot TV, and we got that from Mandalay Bay and that also made it even more amazing.

Dr. Megan Sprinkle, BSM: Any other thing you've really enjoyed with this show?

Victor Mason: I started, right before the pandemic.

And certainly, the pandemic closed our show in 2020. So just my favorite part was just seeing the energy. The number of people that came back We're definitely back, pre-pandemic. all the numbers show that, I can't count the number of exhibitors brands that came to me that said, Vic, this was the most amazing SUPERZOO ever.

That makes me feel good.

Dr. Megan Sprinkle, BSM: Oh, and you're right. You must have been booked out because we had somebody tell us that they went their traditional time to go register for the show, and it was already sold out. So you had some sad people.

Victor Mason: This is the downside of success. Everybody couldn't fit in it, so that was a bummer.

But, we did create a lot of FOMO. and people are certainly registering for next year. Yep. Very good.

Dr. Megan Sprinkle, BSM: You started talking about you, starting before the pandemic. So let's back up a little bit. How did you even get into the pet industry? And then how did you get involved with associations?

I think even when you're part of an industry, sometimes these associations can feel a little mysterious. So what is your story?

Victor Mason: They are a hundred percent mysterious. I'll just say that. That's fun. I actually started my uncle's pet store, when I was in high school. And one of my jokes or things I like to say is I know the industry from the bottom up.

So as a, a 16 year old working in a pet store, my job was to, clean up after the animals. So that's why I say that.

And,why I got on the board. I have had a long career in the pet industry over 40 years.

And,I, it really was a thought to give back. I was on, a successful career and to how, what can I do to give back? I came to a SUPERZOO. And made the mistake, or maybe it wasn't mistake of giving suggestions of how to make the show better to one of the staff. And they go, perhaps you should be on the board.

So that's how that started.

Dr. Megan Sprinkle, BSM: Yep. You accidentally volunteered. yes. So do you mind sharing a little bit about your adventure through the pet industry? And you talked about that you've had several decades of experience, so

Victor Mason: Wow, that would,how long is this? 'cause that could take a long time.

I've, the Cliff Notes version? Yeah. No, it's,started in retail. Had a long time in retail, learned about many products. Learned about how to care properly for animals. many different animals. some that aren't always nice. I remember, I used a welder's glove and let a, a type of lizard grab onto it so I could get out of his cage.

in, when I was, 24, 24 years old, I started my own distribution company.

And I think it was, 'cause everybody said I couldn't. So that drove me to want to do that. Kind of a specialized trade. It was a veterinary product into the retail trade. And it really got me to learn how, products get to market. Certainly back in those days, how products got to market are different than today.

There are many brands out there now that can sell direct to consumer. Back then it was more a two-step distribution where you would sell to a distributor. The distributor sold to the retailer. And then that product was available to a consumer, for them going into a pet store.

So distribution, that I owned a company then I worked for a large,distributor for 20 years. Met many people. I think I, I met more contacts with there. At one point we had 1000 brands that we were dealing with. Many times you you say, Hey, how's it going? Because you don't remember their name.

But it's a funny thing. But, so that's why we have badges at trade shows. 'cause, we can look down and look at that name.

Dr. Megan Sprinkle, BSM: Yes, I've used that many times and every, I think it's a big little industry. I, walking around with even my colleagues and they know everyone. So even with me being in the industry only a few years, it, like pet specific vet background, a little bit different. But, there's a lot of connections and That's nice.

Victor Mason: It should, it, that is absolutely true. And back to the point of why I wanted to give back is all the people you deal with. They're your family. you can call 'em work family or whatever else. we're we all have love for pets. And, I think that, that love just transcends to all the people that we deal with.

And we all have the same, outlook of what's going on. Yeah.

Dr. Megan Sprinkle, BSM: And I love being able to bring that spirit into a larger organization like the World Pet Association. So do you mind sharing a little bit about, W P A and what is it, what does it exist?

Victor Mason: The easy way to say that we're a nonprofit organization.

We have, uh,from anywhere from 12 to 16 board members. They're not paid. So they're really trying to help the industry. So we put on this amazing show. SUPERZOO. And in, in a business world, it, does make, bring in some money. We take that money and try to do good works back to the industry.

It, it may be an advocacy, where we go to Washington DC give information to help, lawmakers create laws that will help pets. Unfortunately, there are some out there that, wanna create laws that, prevent people from having pets.

We are, we're on that other side of, we, we believe that people should have pets. that human-animal bond really helps people. We can go into some of the good works that, that we do, but it's really, it's really that simple.

We make money from a trade show and we try to take that money to help the industry and help pets.

Dr. Megan Sprinkle, BSM: I think that kind of starts answering the next question I had and how does the WPA impact pet families, but anything else that might impact pet families that you do with the WPA?

Victor Mason: There's, again, there's always two sides to this. There's the business side, and then there's the life side. And, we've, we're working, with many companies. But the end goal is really to help pets and help people. It sounds so simplistic and of course, there's lots of barriers that get in the way to get to that point.

But it's really that simple. One of my favorite programs is, it's called HABRI. It's called the Human Animal Bond Research Institute. And yeah. Really all they do is do studies on how pets help people. And recently they came out with a study of how much a person would save in medical bills if they had a pet. which is amazing.

So when you go, and I'm sorry I don't have the stats with me, but,if you would save over your lifetime, tens of thousands of dollars if you have a pet. Because you'll be happier. and which makes you more healthy.

Dr. Mary Cope: it sounds like the primary funding for the WPA is SUPERZOO, which is a massive trade show. How many people attend?

Victor Mason: we, this year we had, over 21,000 people that registered.

Dr. Mary Cope: Yeah. it's an, it's absolutely enormous. And so when Covid hit, obviously with the laws that were put into place for distancing and limiting social gatherings, we couldn't have SUPERZOO in 2020. But yet, three years later, SUPERZOO is now bigger and better than ever. Can you share with us how you did that and take me through that journey?

Victor Mason: It was difficult. I started in, in this position in January of 2020. And, and had visions of how we would go forward, etc. And just a few months in into that, COVID started. We actually had to, stop. one of our, shows, other shows that we do. It's a grooming show in Atlanta. And it's a three-day show, and on the third day we had to cancel because of Covid.

Of course everybody then thought it was a gonna be a couple week thing, two weeks to flatten the curve. Exactly. And,it, it changed everybody's life. And in the, again, in, in the event business for Super Zoo, that was our main income. So there was a lot of, lot of hard decisions. The board was amazing through that time.

We still funded, all the good works that we did that year. Even though we knew financially it would hurt us,I, I actually went to the board and go, we can do everything. It'll probably cost us $5 million. And we went through that and did that in 2021. it was very challenging to get us a show back started. And, of so different from this year, but, that year the.

Weeks leading up to it. you would wake up every morning and look at your email to see who canceled coming to the show. There was actually a very big brand that canceled the night before the show. and I wrote a very strongly worded email, to tell them I was disappointed it didn't get them to come. But, so we really powered through in 2021 to get the show up and running.

Although it was much smaller than what we would call a normal show, we, like I said, powered through and got, and we made it happen. And I think that is the reason why our show is so successful today. Because that became our stepping stone, if we're having a show, we want to get all our pet people together.

And I think that was a really a turning point that, want to get the show going in 2021. to where we are today.

Dr. Megan Sprinkle, BSM: SUPERZOO is a, a big help for the WPA as an organization. But it's also a really big opportunity for everyone in the industry. It's, you know, I overheard that like everybody is here if you need a distributor. If you want a manufacturer. Like everyone is here at this show.

So by not having it during COVID, I can only imagine that also impacted everyone else in the industry. So what did you see from the impact on the industry as a whole through the past few years?

Victor Mason: Absolutely true. if you're looking from the business side, the reason people come to a show, there are three main reasons.

Networking, being number one. And, during Covid that didn't happen. And I go back to, what I said earlier, we're one giant family. and there was, people we hadn't seen in years really. so a lot of hugging, Hey, what's up? So networking is a big part of, events.

Education, which, really, stopped during that time. There's definitely, and we're looking into further that more education online. Digital education where, not only can you come to an event and learn something, which is always the best way. But you can always, 365 days a year, get online and look at a subject and learn, which I think is really important.

So we're partnering with a company, called FetchFind, with digital education. And, what, it's amazing how far that has come. So you can have fun, getting sitting in front of your computer and learning all at the same time. Stores can help, train their staff. And brands can actually get information out, directly to stores and consumers, which is pretty, pretty amazing.

Many people come to trade shows just to see what's new, what products are out there that are new, that are, that they can introduce to their customers. And many people know that, go going to a pet store destination and looking for that new product.

Maybe it's a toy. There's many very functional products out there that will help their animal. Nutrition is a big thing that, that somebody might learn. what the cutting edge of nutrition is and what might be best for their animal.

Dr. Megan Sprinkle, BSM: Since we're on this topic, have you noticed any trends this year from the show that you're seeing?

Victor Mason: In my past since I was a distributor, I was certainly involved in the buying process. And there's always a large amount of new products. This particular year we've had over, 1000 new products and a new product showcase. And it is, it's for sure one of the favorite place for everybody to goes.

I'll be honest, I dunno how all these inventive people think of new products. But they're always something new that's out there. And usually they happen because somebody, has a pet and they're trying to solve a problem. And many of them have to they come up with a new product. And it's always fun when, somebody comes up with the new products and has a successful business.

Dr. Megan Sprinkle, BSM: Speaking back to what the WPA does for the industry, you have worked on some big focuses, having missions and objectives. Because you as an organization are thinking about the industry as a whole, right? you're not just a single brand who's thinking about, how to, how's my brand get out there and do well.

So how does the WPA influence all these different brands for the better of the industry?

Victor Mason: Of course, we're neutral, to the business world when somebody's competing out there. But, I think from a broad, broader point, and if you could take the food category, getting education out there to teach people what animals need.

It's not that they need just a bowl of food and then you move on. There are many other aspects to how to care properly for an animal, whether it's grooming or nutrition. There's many things out there. So I think that's where we help is really, making, information available on how best to care for an animal.

And then the business really goes out there and creates those products to, to best serve those animals.

Dr. Mary Cope: And one thing I love walking around SUPERZOO for our listeners who have not ever attended, when we talk about the pet industry, it's so easy to get wrapped up with just dogs and...

Anal Glands in Dogs: Can fiber solve the problem?

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 03:00:00 -0400

In this mini episode, three of BSM Partners' nutritionists, Dr. Megan Sprinkle, Dr. Mary Cope and Dr. Stephanie Clark, explore the frustrating situation of anal gland problems in dogs. Through personal pet experiences, they will discuss why dogs have anal gland problems and how fiber may have a part in solving the problem.

BSM Partners

BSM Partners offers a wide range of services including research, product innovation, FSQAR, nutrition services, veterinary services, transformation, operations support, and engineering.

Learn more at https://bsmpartners.net/

Similar episodes:

Fiber: Understanding Your Pet's Gut Health. Listen here
Are Prebiotics Good for Pets? Listen here

Article resources:

Getting to know the gut: Prebiotics, more than just fiber. Read here.
Effective probiotics for our furry friends. Read here

Fiber: Understanding Your Pet's Gut Health

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Dr. Megan Sprinkle, Dr. Mary Cope and Dr. Stephanie Clark explore the topic of gut health for your pets. They discuss understanding the difference between fiber and carbohydrates, the difference between dogs, cats, and gut health, and understanding prebiotics and postbiotics.

BSM Partners

BSM Partners offers a wide range of services including research, product innovation, FSQAR, nutrition services, veterinary services, transformation, operations support, and engineering.

Learn more at https://bsmpartners.net/

Links:

Are Prebiotics Good for Pets? Listen here: https://bsmpartners.net/the-pet-industry-podcast/are-probiotics-good-for-your-pets

Show Notes:

(02:40) Difference between carbohydrates and fiber

(03:40) Fibers are carbohydrates?

(05:51) Insoluble versus soluble fiber explained

(06:53) Different dogs have different needs

(07:54) Adding canned pumpkin to dog food- is this good?

(10:43) Cats, constipation, and diarrhea

(13:18) Understanding the different fibers

(15:44) Should pet owners use pre and probiotics?

(17:01) Word of caution around adding too much fiber

(20:07) Cats, fiber, and hairballs

(21:58) What helps with fecal odor?

(23:25) Benefits of cat grass

(26:45) Good sources of prebiotic fiber

(28:33) Benefits of smart fiber supplementation

People of DCM: Leading Researcher Dr. Stacey Leach

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Dr. Megan Sprinkle, Dr. Mary Cope and Dr. Renee Streeter talk with Dr. Stacey Leach, a Board-Certified Specialist in Cardiology, Associate Teaching Professor of Cardiology, and Chief of Cardiology at the University of Missouri. In this episode, they discuss how Dr. Leach flourished in veterinary medicine, the groundbreaking research Dr. Leach has done on dogs, and how Covid impacted his research.

BSM Partners

BSM Partners offers a wide range of services including research, product innovation, FSQAR, nutrition services, veterinary services, transformation, operations support, and engineering.

Learn more at https://bsmpartners.net/

Show Notes:

(01:15) Why Dr. Leach Studied DCM

(02:51) How Covid Complicated the Research Study

(05:26) Balancing Research and Health Risks During Covid

(08:39) Challenges in Doing Biopsies on Dogs

(10:39) What Happened to the Dogs After the Study

(11:40) How a Veterinarian's Quick Thinking Saved a Family Dog and Inspired a Young Boy to Pursue Vet Medicine

(13:19) How Dr. Leach Became Specialized

Are Probiotics Good For Your Pets?

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Dr. Megan Sprinkle and Dr. Mary Cope talk with Dr. Steve Lerner, a Senior Scientific Advisor at Chr. Hansen. Topics they discuss include what probiotics are, best practices for giving your pet probiotics, and the future of probiotic research.

BSM Partners

BSM Partners offers a wide range of services including research, product innovation, FSQAR, nutrition services, veterinary services, transformation, operations support, and engineering.

Learn more at https://bsmpartners.net/

Show Notes

(01:02) How Dr. Steve fell in love with probiotics

(02:31) What exactly are probiotics?

(05:04) How probiotics help our digestive system

(08:29) Differences in probiotics made Easy

(11:25) How they choose the best probiotics for a particular purpose

(13:45) Dried versus wet versus refrigerated: What works best?

(17:37) How to find the right probiotic for your pet

(19:50) What probiotics can do for your pets

(24:13) Probiotics: Is there a difference between people and pets?

(27:58) Can you consume too many probiotics?

(38:04) The best way to give your pets probiotics

(42:01) What the future holds for probiotic research

(47:19) How technology changes so quickly

Behind current DCM research in dogs with Dr. Kate Shoveller

Wed, 17 May 2023 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Dr. Megan Sprinkle, Dr. Mary Cope, Dr. Brad Quest and Dr. Stephanie Clark from BSM sit down with Dr. Kate Shoveller, a leading pet researcher. Topics they discuss include companion animal nutrition, Dr. Shovellers’ work in research, and her thoughts about DCM.

Links:

Dr Kate Shoveller Bio: https://animalbiosciences.uoguelph.ca/abscpeople/ashovell

BSM Article on Dr. Kate Shoveller: https://bsmpartners.net/resources/women-in-industry-dr-kate-shoveller-professor-university-of-guelph-animal-biosciences/

Dr. Kate Shoveller

Dr. Anna Kate Shoveller, professor at the University of Guelph’s Department of Animal Biosciences, has a deep understanding of companion animal nutrition that is rooted in science, passed down and built upon by her team of nearly 20 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Shoveller’s commitment to pet food is illustrated by her dedication and respect for animals, research, and the formidable team of students, colleagues, and industry professionals with which she has surrounded herself.

BSM Partners

BSM Partners offers a wide range of services including research, product innovation, FSQAR, nutrition services, veterinary services, transformation, operations support, and engineering.

Learn more at https://bsmpartners.net/

Show Notes:

(01:55) How a chance encounter with a pig specialist lead Dr. Shoveller into the research

(05:13) Getting into pet nutrition: An invitation too good to pass up

(09:15) Bias: How to keep data pure to tell the real story

(14:07) Conflicting statements: How pet owners can find reliable sources of information

(17:37) Mixing science with emotion: A veterinarians perspective

(20:33) How Dr. Shoveller entered the world of pulse research and DCM

(24:25) International perspective: How Europeans view DCM versus North America

(28:20) What other factors impact the health of pets

(31:47) Advice to pet owners about pulses in diets

(36:16) How Dr. Shoveller is impacting future generations of researchers

(37:32) What is the biggest misconception about the pet food industry?

Female Entrepreneurship for pets

Wed, 10 May 2023 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Dr. Megan Sprinkle and Dr. Mary Cope talk with Angie Hohensee, founder and CEO of Pet Pasta, a unique, tasty, and nutritious pet topper. They discuss the idea that inspired Pet Pasta, the ups and downs of pet entrepreneurship, and advice for female entrepreneurs wanting to enter the pet space.

Also in the conversation is nutritionist and BSM Partners formulator, Dr. Stephanie Clark, PhD, CVT, PAS, CFS, Dpl. ACAS. Co-Founder of BSM Partners, Nate Thomas is also mentioned in the episode.

Links:

Pet Pasta Website: https://petpasta.com/

About the Founder

Angie Hohensee created the first nutrient-rich pasta made just for dogs. When used as a base, the Pet Pasta’s Boboghetti is a great addition to help balance a homemade diet. It can also be used as a topper or a nutritious treat.

BSM Partners

BSM Partners offers a wide range of services including research, product innovation, FSQAR, nutrition services, veterinary services, transformation, operations support, and engineering.

Learn more at https://bsmpartners.net/

Show Notes:

(01:19) How a random thought turned into a great idea for a business

(02:28) What do you feed dogs that are allergic to everything

(04:42) How Google helped Angie kickstart her business

(05:26) The Cold Call that Changed the Game

(06:12) From Humble Beginnings, a Business is Born

(07:43) What Makes Pet Pasta Different

(09:14) The Struggles of a Small Business in a Huge Pond

(10:08) Growing Pains: Finding the Right Kitchen

(11:23) Pet Pasta Finds a Great Ally

(12:29) How Pet Pasta Works With Your Dog’s Diet

(13:09) Advice for Entrepreneurs Wanting to Enter the Pet Space

(18:07) What does the Market Think of Pet Pasta?

(19:44) Common Questions to the Net Pet Pasta

(21:23) Practical Advice for Dog Parents

(23:09) What do Angie’s Dogs think about Pet Pasta?

Working Together to Benefit Independent Pet Retailers with IndiePet.org

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Dr. Megan Sprinkle and Dr. Mary Cope along with Nate Thomas and Seth Kaufman talk with Todd Dittman (Executive Director at IndiePet) and Al Puntillo (President of IndiePet and Co-CEO for Mud Bay). In this episode, they discuss behind-the-scenes challenges for independent pet store retailers, how IndiePet uses collaboration to give strength to their members, and why working with the Pet Sustainability Coalition is good for business.

About IndiePet

IndiePet's purpose is to empower independent and neighborhood pet retailers to work together as peers for the well-being of North American pets and pet owners as they maintain a strong, sustainable, and growing place at the heart of the pet industry. The company began as a small group of retailers meeting in conference rooms at SuperZoo from 2016 to 2019. In 2020, the company was formally established as the Independent & Neighborhood Pet Retail Association (IndiePet).

Recent/Relevant Articles:

Indie Pet

1. Indie Pet – Who Are We

2. New Year Brings More from IndiePet to You – Learn about IndiePet’s growth in 2022, and company plans for 2023

3. LinkedIn – Todd Dittman

BSM Partners

BSM Partners offers a wide range of services including research, product innovation, FSQAR, nutrition services, veterinary services, transformation, operations support, and engineering.

Learn more at https://bsmpartners.net/

1. BSM Partners – What We Do

2. Pet Age Honors 2022 Best Places to Work in the Pet Industry

Show Notes:

(02:49) How a chance meeting created an organization for good

(04:58) Why big box is threatening independent pet retailers

(06:32) Two powerful reasons independent pet retailers are better than big-box

(07:34) How Service Plays a Critical Role to Independent Pet Retailers

(08:59) Turning Business Competitors Into Category Collaborators

(11:11) Success with Customers: How Indie Pet trains employees to provide top-notch service

(12:33) How gamification plays into a high level of employee training

(13:32) The twofold approach Mud Bay takes to help pet parents and their pets that online retailers can’t

(15:04) IndiePet unlocks the mystery of delivering consistent recommendations

(16:53) How the Independent Pet Retailer becomes a curator to provide excellent customer service

(19:49) What IndiePet offers to its membership

(21:02) Two exciting programs (and 1 Event) that are coming to IndiePet members

(24:45) The Biggest Challenge in Pet Food Industry

(25:22) Myth: Online is cheaper

(27:57) Sustainability: the super fuzzy math

(30:59) How big box falls shorts with sustainability

(33:34) Sustainability guidelines created with Pet Sustainability Coalition

(34:58) The Partnership between IndiePet and BSM

(37:09) Mindshift: how veterinarians are evolving in pet nutrition

(38:13) How IndiePet is promoting collaboration between retailers and veterinarians

(40:53) The True Mission of IndiePet

(41:48) Connecting retailers directly to manufacturers

From MIT to Pet Food - The Journey of Renaldo Webb and PetPlate

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Dr. Megan Sprinkle, producer Whitney Russell, and Dr. Renee Streeter interview Renaldo Webb. Renaldo is the founder of the popular PetPlate. In this episode, they discuss how Renaldo discovered his passion for creating human-grade pet food, how he uses his MIT experience to help build a better company and experience for his customers, and his thoughts about African-American business owners in the Pet Industry.

About Renaldo Webb:

Renaldo Webb is the founder of PetPlate, with a mission to make better food for dogs so that they can live longer, healthier, and happier lives with their families. He founded the company in 2016 with a unique model of providing healthy pet food direct to consumers. It is frozen food formulated in collaboration with a Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist®, Dr. Renee Streeter. He graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a bachelor’s degree in physics. Before starting his pet food brand, he worked as a consultant for Catterton and McKinsey.

LinkedIn | Website

Recent/Relevant Articles:

About BSM Partners:

BSM Partners offers a wide range of services including research, product innovation, FSQAR, nutrition services, veterinary services, transformation, operations support, consumer strategy, and engineering. Learn more at https://bsmpartners.net/

Show Notes:

(01:12) How the Family Pet Lead to a Thriving Business

(02:35) How Renaldo’s MIT Experience Has Helped Grow PetPlate

(04:39) Teamwork Makes the Dreamwork

(06:45) From Shark Tank Failure to Massive Success

(09:35) Why Working with Customers During Testing is Critical

(12:44) Everyone’s Responsibility to Make the Industry Better

(13:20) Renaldo’s take on African American Business’ in the Pet Industry

(14:50) How PetPlate Shattered Human-Grade Dog-Food Myths

(15:40) Where PetPlate is Today

(16:08) Renaldo’s Advice for Young People Coming into the Pet Industry

Making Complicated Science Easily Digestible with Linda Case

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0400

We are continuing our series on “Women in Industry”. In this episode, Dr. Megan Sprinkle, producer Whitney Russell, and Dr. Stephanie Clark interview Linda Case. Linda Case is the founder of the popular Science Dog Blog. In this episode, they discuss how Linda discovered her passion for science writing, her thoughts on women and female leadership in the pet industry, and why she loves busting myths around pet nutrition.

Links:

Science Dog Blog: https://thesciencedog.com/

About Linda Case:

Linda Case is a well-known science writer, author, canine nutritionist, and dog trainer. She earned her B.S. in Animal Science at Cornell University and her M.S. in Canine Feline Nutrition at the University of Illinois. Linda is the author of numerous publications and nine books, including Feeding Smart with The Science Dog, Dog Smart, and Dog Food Logic. She is also the author of the popular Science Dog Blog. Linda and her husband Mike live in central Illinois and share their lives with three amazing dogs: Cooper, Alice and Stanley, and Pete the cat.

Show Notes:

(01:43) How Linda discovered her love of animals

(03:21) How a chance meeting helped her discover her love of writing

(05:07) The idea that gave birth to Science Dog Blog

(07:12) Linda's secret to communicating science to the masses

(08:22) Myth Busting: Linda's secret passion

(10:17) How Linda blends dog training and nutrition studies

(11:59) The mental strategy Linda uses to finish a book

(13:20) What has changed in the Pet Industry over the past few years

(17:30) Linda’s thoughts on larvae as a protein source

(19:48) What people don’t realize about pet nutrition

(21:44) Linda’s advice for women in pet nutrition

(24:03) What changes have happened with female leadership

(26:36) What Linda is most proud of in her career

(28:33) Linda on work-life balance

(29:48) What excites Linda the most about dogs

(30:55) Linda introduces her dogs

About BSM Partners:

BSM Partners offers a wide range of services including research, product innovation, FSQAR, nutrition services, veterinary services, transformation, operations support, and engineering.

Learn more at https://bsmpartners.net/

BSM Partners on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/bsm-partners/

Women in Pet Industry: A Panel Discussion

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Dr. Megan Sprinkle holds a Women in Industry discussion with Heather Govea (Chief Commercial Officer, Alphia), Catherine McCarthy (Vice President of Innovation, Stella & Chewy's), and Heidi Wilson (Business Development Manager, BSM Partners). This panel discussion talks about the role of women in the pet industry. In this interview, they will cover the following topics:

What inspired these amazing women to dedicate themselves to pets
What roles women play in the Pet Industry
What advice these inspiring women want to share with others

Show Notes:

(00:12) Why BSM Is Doing A Women In Industry Panel

(02:56) Meet Panelist Heather Govea, Alphia

(04:15) Meet Panelist Catherine McCarthy, Stella & Chewys

(05:25) Meet Panelist Heidi Wilson, BSM

(08:04) How Helping Lost Pets Inspired Heather Govea into the Pet Industry

(09:39) How a Golden Retriever Convinced Heather to Leave Veterinary Medicine to Become a Pet Diet Specialist

(11:43) How Catherine Discovered Pet Through Her Passion for Natural and Organic Foods

(13:21) Making An Impact: How Diet Inspired Catherine To Make Pet Her Career Field

(16:52) Candid Observation: How Heather Govea Views the Role of Women in the Pet Industry

(21:35) Strong Women Role Models: How Catherine’s Career was Shaped

(25:04) How a Strong Farm Work Ethic Influenced Heidi Wilson Working in Pet

(27:47) Heather’s Succinct Advice for Success In Pet or Any Industry

(30:12) Catherine’s Formula for Living Passionately Without Drowning Others Out

(33:42) Heather’s Vision of the Future of Working in the Pet Industry

(35:45) What Catherine Predicts Will Influence the Future of the Pet Industry

Turning Family Challenges into a Mission Business with Jim and Janet Scott, Rawz Natural Pet Food

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Dr. Megan Sprinkle, Steve Cauthen, and Whitney Russell talk with Jim and Janet Scott, founders of Rawz All Natural Pet Foods. In this episode, they talk about how a family tragedy turned into a family business, the powerful lessons that life reinforced with the Scotts, and how strong values gave a sense of purpose to their paraplegic son.

Links:

Raw Natural Pet Food Website

Show Notes:

(00:45) - How a family turned tragedy into a business with purpose

(04:36) - A paraplegic son finds purpose in helping other pet owners

(05:37) - How Jim’s entrepreneurial parents raised him with the entrepreneurial spirit

(07:16) - Lessons Jim pulled from other successful businesses into Rawz

(10:29) - Using Rawz to give back to charity

(11:36) - How the Rawz Fund is impacting the lives of so many

(14:48) - How Jim and Janet balanced entrepreneurship and raising a family

(18:15) - An unexpected life lesson at a sled hockey tournament

(20:19) - What other animals does Rawz support besides dogs

(22:51) - Are you transactional? Or transformational?

(24:41) - Jim’s mother shares wise advice

(27:34) - What powerful advice does Janet and Jim have for the pet industry?

(30:33) - Jim shares his very first job in his parent’s pet food business

(31:55) - How the family pets helped with their sons’ recoveries

(34:17) - How BSM has impacted Jim and Janet

Veterinarian in Pet Retail - Veterinarian perspective at Mud Bay

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode, board-certified nutritionist and veterinarian Dr. Katy Miller chats with Dr. Megan Sprinkle and Steve Cauthern. In this episode, they talk about the connection between veterinarians and pet nutrition. Dr. Miller shares her insights on pet nutrition, how owners can pick out the best food for their pets, and what Mud Bay Certified means.

Update: Dr. Katy Miller has joined the BSM Team.

Show Notes:

(03:13) Why Nutritional Education is Important

(04:48) Why a Pet Retailer Needed a Veterinarian

(06:29) How Staff Get Trained on Pet Nutrition

(07:18) The Impact Employee Training has on Customers

(08:30) What Most Veterinarians miss with Pet Nutrition

(10:46) How Anyone Can Pick Out Good Nutrition For Their Pet

(11:37) What is Mud Bay?

(13:18) What are Some Trends Dr. Katy is Excited About

(14:31) What MUD Bay Certified?

(17:50) Why Veterinarians Don’t Specialize in Nutrition

(19:31) What Dr. Katy Recommends for People Entering the Pet Industry

(21:30) Dr Katy’s Extensive Pet Collection

How a Teenager Turned Her Passion for Pets Into a Thriving Business

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Whitney Russell and Dr. Frank Niles talk with Ava Dorsey, founder of Ava’s Pet Palace. Ava founded Ava’s Pet Palace when she was just 8 years old. In this episode, they talk about how Ava’s Pet Palace got started, how Ava balances being a business owner and a teenager, and what her vision is for her company and the Pet Industry overall.

Links Mentioned In the Show:

Ava's Pet Palace Website: https://avaspetpalace.com/

Ava’s Pet Palace on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avaspetpalace/

Show Notes:

(03:00) - How Did Ava’s Pet Palace Get Started

(04:00) - What Else is Ava Working On

(05:02) - Ava’s Advice to Other Young Entrepreneurs

(07:12) - Who inspires Ava

(08:10) - How Ava Keeps Going When Times are Tough

(09:22) - What is Envision Lead Grow?

(10:47) - How Ava Helps Animal Shelters

(11:39) - How Ava Connects With Her Followers

(13:13) - Which Big Brand Stores Sell Ava’s Treats

(14:04) - What is Ava’s Biggest Challenge

(15:07) - What Accomplishments is Ava Proud Of?

(16:25) - How Ava Balances Being a Business Owner and a Teenager

(16:47) - What’s It Like to Have Mom as an Employee

(18:06) - What Else is Ava Passionate About?

(19:07) - Ava Shares Her Vision

(20:57) - How a Family Pet Inspired Ava to Start Her Business

(22:36) - How Ava Does Research On Cat Treats

(24:19) - What Helped Ava Get Followers On Her Social Media

(26:15) - How Ava Found Other Black-Owned Brands in the Pet Industry

(27:06) - How Ava found the right Co-Manufacturer For Her Pet Treats

(28:32) - Ava’s Vision For Her Company

(29:28) - The Secret Pet Ava Would Love To Have

Board-Certified Nutritionists in the Industry with Dr. Renee Streeter

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode, board-certified nutritionist and veterinarian Dr. Renee Street chats with Dr. Megan Sprinkle and Steve Cauthern. In this episode, they cover what a pet nutritionist is, the basics of pet nutrition, and thoughts about nutrition in the Pet Industry going forward.

Links mentioned in this episode:

https://bsmpartners.net/

Show Notes:

(01:31) Why Dr. Streeter became board certified pet nutritionist

(05:41) How leveraging other people’s knowledge helps with achieving success

(06:48) How Dr. Streeter worked with Dog Food to make it healthier

(08:16) Why continuing education is important for Nutritionists and Veterinarians

(11:34) How learning dog nutrition basics is helping understand chicken nutrition basics.

(12:23) How Dr. Streeter balances her challenging work with her personal responsibilities

(17:35) How Dr. Streeter makes the best of a challenging situation

(22:43) Thoughts about the Pet Industry Going Forward

Important Trends in the Pet Industry with Sean Conlon

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Dr. Megan Sprinkle and Steve Cauthren speak with Sean Conlon, the co-founder of Nashies Dog Treats. During their interview, they talk about Sean’s early adventures in entrepreneurship, how Sean got into the Pet Industry, and how a simple question sparked the idea for Nashies Dog Treats.

For more information about BSM, visit their website here: https://bsmpartners.net/

Links:

Thrive Foods: https://www.thrivefoods.com/

Show Notes:

(01:26) What started Sean’s entrepreneurial journey

(03:41) How Sean met his wife

(05:07) How Sean found his business partner

(06:14) How a pivotal moment changed Sean and Christina’s life

(09:20) Adventures in volunteering

(11:02) Leaving the wedding venue business for the human food industry

(13:02) Thrive Food enters the pet industry

(15:06) How Nashies Dog Treats was born

(16:27) Why Nashies dog treats took off

(17:47) What trends does Sean see for the pet industry?

(19:05) The importance of future casting.

(21:23) Why the process is more important than the end result

(22:36) How self-work revealed opportunities for self-improvement

(23:41) What tool Sean uses to help find personal blind spots

How the Pet Industry Can Contribute to Sustainability (Caitlyn Dudas from the Pet Sustainability Coalition)

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 03:00:00 -0400

About the Episode:

While at SuperZoo, Dr. Megan Sprinkle and Steven Cauthren had the chance to interview Caitlyn Dudas. Caitlyn is the co-founder and executive director of the Pet Sustainability Coalition.

In this episode, they talk about: What is the purpose of the Pet Sustainability Coalition; what are the opportunities for the pet industry to embrace sustainability; How the pet industry is benefiting from more female leadership.

Links from this episode:

Pet Sustainability Coalition: https://petsustainability.org/

https://bsmpartners.net/the-pet-industry-podcast/

Show Notes:

(4:18) How a chance meeting with Hunter Levins changed Caitlyn’s life

(4:49) Why consulting for businesses fits better with Caitlyn’s work

(5:22) How the Pet Sustainability Coalition was founded

(6:56) How consumers are impacting the Pet Industry

(8:11) Some unique sustainability challenges to the Pet Industry

(10:04) How big is the Pet Industry vertical?

(11:08) How a big market translates into big opportunity

(12:14) What is a big opportunity for the Pet Industry to focus on

(13:31) How the pet food space is changing

(14:41) How traceability and transparency are becoming mainstream

(15:52) Why transparency is important to the consumer

(16:27) How a lack of trust in corporate America drives corporate responsibility

(18:47) How to know if a company is really supporting sustainability efforts

(19:30) Why standardization of certifications is required

(20:01) Why the PSC created an accreditation program

(22:26) How sustainability can impact the bottom line for businesses

(23:58) Organic versus non-organic: which is more sustainable?

(24:43) What is regenerative farming?

(26:21) Why the recycling system is broken

(26:49) What is “circularity” and how it can help with recycling

(28:09) Why PSC focuses on helping businesses with sustainability

(30:47) What drives Caitlyn to continue her mission

(32:53) What Caitlyn sees is happening in the industry right now

(33:22) What is the financial impact to the industry within 5 years

(35:08) How women are impacting a male dominated industry

(36:46) How the industry is changing what is acceptable business behavior

Pets, Passion and Podcasting - BSM Partners' Origin Story

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 03:00:00 -0400

Episode 01:

About the Episode

Welcome to the Pet Industry Podcast! In this inaugural episode, hosts Dr. Megan Sprinkle, DVM and Steve Cauthren are joined by Nate Thomas and Seth Kaufman, the co-founders of BSM Partners.  The conversation includes the history of BSM Partners, Why the pet industry needs this podcast, and BSMs’ responsibility to change the pet industry for the better.

Please subscribe to follow the conversation about an industry near and dear to our hearts.

Links:

BSM Partners Website: https://bsmpartners.net/

Show Notes:

(01:28) How two executive operators built their own dream instead of working on someone else’s
(02:22) How to quit your 9 to 5 and build a consultancy realistically
(03:38) What it’s like to work with clients and a team you love
(04:27) The History of BSM Partners
(07:38)  How advice from Warren Buffet influenced the founders
(08:34)  How BSM Measures Success
(12:40)  The high standards BSM uses to hire employees
(14:10)  How the right employees help a company to succeed
(15:01)  Why BSM decided to start a podcast
(17:51)  Pets, Passion, and Podcasting
(20:56)  The special bond between owners and pets
(24:07)  Why one veterinarian gave up her clinic to work with BSM in the industry
(25:53)  How BSMs’ cutting-edge research helps the pet industry
(26:39)  Closing thoughts about BSM and its responsibility to the pet industry