Explore every episode of the podcast Barking Mad
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Candid Conversations from the SUPERZOO Show Floor: Celebrating Neighborhood Pet Store Day! | 17 Sep 2025 | 00:35:14 | |
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:
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 | 10 Sep 2025 | 00:29:19 | |
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! | |||
| One Man’s Trash Is Another Dog’s Treasure: The Story of Upcycled Pet Food | 14 May 2025 | 00:42:20 | |
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 | 30 Apr 2025 | 00:33:44 | |
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? | 16 Apr 2025 | 00:42:30 | |
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! 🧠
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 | 09 Apr 2025 | 00:25:45 | |
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…
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 | 02 Apr 2025 | 00:40:39 | |
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:
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 | 19 Mar 2025 | 00:45:59 | |
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 | 26 Feb 2025 | 00:33:17 | |
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 | 12 Feb 2025 | 00:47:10 | |
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 | 29 Jan 2025 | 00:54:08 | |
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... | |||
| Copper Confusion: Separating Science from Speculation in Pet Nutrition | 15 Jan 2025 | 00:48:24 | |
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:
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 | |||
| The Rising Tide of Invasive Species: How Pet Nutrition Could Be a Solution | 03 Sep 2025 | 00:55:10 | |
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!👇
🧪 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
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| Trends to Watch in 2025, Part 5: Personalized Nutrition & Preventive Care | 03 Jan 2025 | 00:17:37 | |
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 | 02 Jan 2025 | 00:19:43 | |
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 | 01 Jan 2025 | 00:17:35 | |
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 | 31 Dec 2024 | 00:21:10 | |
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 | 30 Dec 2024 | 00:30:09 | |
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 | 18 Dec 2024 | 00:52:47 | |
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 | 11 Dec 2024 | 00:31:50 | |
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 | 27 Nov 2024 | 00:54:09 | |
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:
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... | |||
| No Dog Left Behind: Honoring The Unsung Heroes of America’s Military | 11 Nov 2024 | 00:45:36 | |
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! | 30 Oct 2024 | 00:47:03 | |
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... | |||
| Beyond the Brands: Your Backstage Pass to SUPERZOO 2025 | 22 Aug 2025 | 00:42:22 | |
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:
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 | |||
| Pawing Through the Research: Uncovering the Fatal Flaws of DCM | 30 Oct 2024 | 00:48:12 | |
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 | 30 Oct 2024 | 00:55:57 | |
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? | 16 Oct 2024 | 00:40:37 | |
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 LinksBSM 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 Notes00:00 – 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 | 02 Oct 2024 | 00:49:21 | |
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. LinksAAFCO, 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 | 18 Sep 2024 | 00:30:55 | |
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 | 04 Sep 2024 | 00:20:14 | |
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:
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 | 21 Aug 2024 | 00:40:41 | |
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
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! | 14 Aug 2024 | 00:18:57 | |
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 | 01 May 2024 | 00:43:04 | |
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 | 08 Mar 2024 | 00:42:39 | |
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:
Resources:
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... | |||
| Bug Appétit: From Ick to Innovation on Insect-Based Pet Food | 06 Aug 2025 | 00:47:16 | |
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:
🔬 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
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| Clucking Revolution: How Pet Chickens are Changing the Game in the Pet Industry ft Sean Warner, Grubbly Farms | 20 Dec 2023 | 00:48:40 | |
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/ More on pet chickens | |||
| Behind the Brand: Pet Education with FetchFind Founder, Jaime Damato Migdal | 09 Nov 2023 | 00:43:41 | |
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 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/ | |||
| Colostrum for Pets: Supplement For Pet Gut Health and Immunity | 25 Oct 2023 | 00:45:26 | |
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 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 Research: Revealing the Truth About Diet & DCM in Dogs | 11 Oct 2023 | 00:58:58 | |
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?! | 04 Oct 2023 | 00:51:01 | |
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 geneticist Dr. Andria Beal, founder of EpiPaws. 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 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/ 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 | 30 Aug 2023 | 00:41:44 | |
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: 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 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/ 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... | |||
| Anal Glands in Dogs: Can fiber solve the problem? | 26 Jul 2023 | 00:10:32 | |
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 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/ Similar episodes: Article resources:
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| Fiber: Understanding Your Pet's Gut Health | 19 Jul 2023 | 00:30:38 | |
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 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/ 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 | 28 Jun 2023 | 00:15:19 | |
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 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/ 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? | 14 Jun 2023 | 00:52:41 | |
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 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/ 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 | |||
| Holistic Pet Nutrition: Not a Category, But a Concept | 23 Jul 2025 | 00:43:52 | |
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 | |||
| Behind current DCM research in dogs with Dr. Kate Shoveller | 17 May 2023 | 00:41:48 | |
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 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/ 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 | 10 May 2023 | 00:27:05 | |
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 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/ 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 | 26 Apr 2023 | 00:44:44 | |
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 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/ 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... | |||
| From MIT to Pet Food - The Journey of Renaldo Webb and PetPlate | 12 Apr 2023 | 00:17:56 | |
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. Recent/Relevant Articles:
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, 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 | |||