Petropolist – Details, episodes & analysis

My conversation with Daniel Schulof brings to light the deep-rooted complexities of the pet food industry, highlighting the powerful grip some manufacturers have on this lucrative market. Schulof, founder of Keto Natural Pet Foods and author of Dogs, Dog Food, and Dogma, discusses the alarming rise in pet obesity, the flaws in traditional dog food, and how a few major pet food companies shape the world of veterinary nutrition. He emphasized the urgent need for change to protect the health of our pets.

Daniel Schulof urges pet owners to become more scientifically literate and to seek independent information rather than relying solely on vet-recommended foods, which may be influenced by these pervasive industry ties. As he puts it, the fight for better pet food requires awareness, education, and sometimes even going against the status quo. Schulof also warns against relying on social media and internet influencers, as they can often contribute to misinformation in harmful ways.

Listen to learn about his reasons for filing a class action lawsuit against Hill's Pet Nutrition and his hope for a shift in how the veterinary community approaches pet food.

October 1, 2024: A ruling is expected at some point in the next 6 weeks. We will be checking in with Daniel for the results of the ruling and more. Thank you for listening.

The views expressed in this episode are not necessarily those of The Petropolist Podcast team.

"I think we don't have enough veterinary professionals. I don't really care what the AVMA is saying that there is not a shortage.

I have, three practices right now that we're trying to staff. We have approximately 17, 18 veterinarians. We could use 25... ...people are leaving the industry and there are a lot of reasons for that... we are losing veterinary professionals. And I think one of the reasons we are losing them is they are becoming disenchanted and disenfranchised by private equity and corporate America. If we could give them a shelter to practice under where they're not asked to sell wellness plans. Don't get me started...Wellness plans were not designed by veterinary professionals, not anybody practicing or not anyone significantly connected and wanting to support the human-animal bond.

That's not how you do it! The human animal bond is in the crosshairs of these folks. It is a target to make money period, the end...

We all need to make money. We are, as veterinarians, severely burdened with student loan debt. We should all make a livable wage. We should be able to pay our loans and buy a house but no one is looking to be a millionaire or get rich when they go into veterinary medicine. Not most of us... I'm an entrepreneur so I'm a little outside of the box, but for the majority of veterinary professionals, we just want to practice our trade and our gift and be a part of supporting a healthy human animal bond and that, in my opinion, if we were allowed to do that, we'd have probably a longer career lifespan than we currently do..." Dr. Cherri Trusheim, DVM

What happens to the pet patients, their owners, and the veterinarians in charge of their care when private equity is managing pet care? With 66 percent of households owning at least one pet and with $136.8 billion of household income being spent on these pets (source 2023-2024 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association), the pet boom has not gone unnoticed by private equity firms. Mars is the biggest pet care consolidator, best known for making candy.  

Urban Animal founder Dr. Cherri Trusheim, DVM has observed it is negatively impacting all involved. This trend often detracts from employee culture. Corporatization also diminishes the standard of care by upselling and tying veterinary professionals’ compensation to the amount of products and services they sell. As a solution, Trusheim is introducing the first large-scale worker cooperative model as a solution to give power back to their team of more than 100 employees. and accessible, option-based care. 

Worker cooperatives are gaining popularity as a means to establish equitable and sustainable employment, partly fueled by recent legislation in Washington and a growing interest in the model.

The Cooperative Way, a consultancy group specializing in worker cooperative establishment, has collaborated with Urban Animal to inaugurate a cooperative venture. Dr. Cherri Trusheim's contribution of 5% of the company's value has served as the initial seed funding to propel the cooperative's launch.

Adam Schwartz, Founder, The Cooperative Way has noted that “workplace democracy and worker cooperatives are becoming an increasingly attractive option that addresses a variety of the nation’s most common workplace challenges, including labor shortages, corporate culture, pay equity, and succession planning. The model is often formed to lift people out of generational poverty, as lower-income, people of color, and immigrants have founded the majority of worker co-ops in the US.”  

Share this episode - If you are a veterinarian or you know a veterinary professional looking to have a better way of treating their patients while having a quality of life and well-being please have them listen to this episode and reach to Dr. Trusheim and Adam Schwartz.

What is the reason behind pet food manufacturers being able to evade accountability in many instances where their products have caused harm and even fatalities? Is there adequate oversight provided by regulatory bodies designed to monitor the food system or are they facing limitations that hinder them from effectively carrying out their responsibilities?

If you are in the pet industry or a pet owner, you owe it to yourself, your pets, and your customers to read this book.

With the 2023 release of TOXIC. From Factory to Food Bowl, Pet Food Is a Risky Business, Phyllis Entis has attained her long-standing goal of supplying pet owners with the information they need to understand the issues behind twenty years of pet food recalls and safety alerts.

A graduate of McGill University and the University of Toronto, Phyllis Entis received her introduction to the field of food safety at the hands of Canada’s Health Protection Branch, where she spent the first seven years of her professional life immersed in Salmonella, Staphylococcus, E. coli, and other bad actors from the microbial world.

After a long career in the food safety industry, Entis became a freelance consultant and writer. Her first book was published in 2002 by the Food Processors Institute. It was followed five years later by Food Safety: Old Habits, New Perspectives (published by ASM Press). In 2020, she released TAINTED. From Farm Gate to Dinner Plate, Fifty Years of Food Safety Failure.

TOXIC:

mybook.to/TOXIC2023https://www.audible.com/pd/Toxic-Audiobook/B0CCXDFHDK

TAINTED:

mybook.to/TAINTED2023https://www.audible.com/pd/Tainted-Audiobook/B09V7CSB8R

TOXIC Trailer on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdCvKiLYCnY

Connect with Phyllis:

eFoodAlert.comphyllisentis.wordpress.comhttps://www.amazon.com/stores/Phyllis-Entis/author/B071LRJ4JYhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/phyllis-entis-1697a849/https://www.facebook.com/groups/1271404153668892https://www.facebook.com/PhyllisEntis

Anne Carlson is the Founder and CEO of Jiminy’s, the industry-leading producer of sustainable dog food & treats using insect protein.  Anne was named 2019 Entrepreneur of the Year in the Food and Beverage category by the American Business Awards for her work on Jiminy’s. Prior to Jiminy’s, Anne was the VP of Market Intelligence at Big Heart Pet Brands where she led Shopper Insights, Market Analytics, and Strategic Projects.  Anne previously founded Secant, which she sold to IRI and has also worked for Accenture, Diageo and Seagram’s.  She holds a BA in Political Science, Economics, and Mathematics from Washington University in St. Louis, as well as an MBA from NYU.  Currently, Anne lives in Berkeley, CA with her husband (Eric), daughter (Boothe), and two pups Tuco (pictured) & Timber (healthy poop donating Great Dane).

https://jiminys.com/

With 65 stores, Bentley's Pet Stuff owner Giovanni Senafe takes me through the no-bullshit view of pet retail. Giovanni and wife Lisa Senafe have had their share of ups and downs and the lessons learned through their many experiences are being shared in this episode.  

Here are my favorite takeaways from the interview:

 - A lot of people really don't want to sell, they feel they are forced to sell...

-94% of the time it doesn't work out, owners don't make good employees...

-Our people are our biggest secret weapon

-Co-op on steroids

 - Own who you are

-If you over-promote the curbside and on-line right now you are commoditizing what is unique about the independents...

-Your loyalty is to your customers, your employees, and yourself...

This episode was brought to you by Doobert  - connecting rescues, volunteers, fosters, animal transport, and pet adopters through technology. Please help by joining the Doobert community through sponsorship and volunteering. 

*The views, information or opinions expressed during The Petropolist podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of its employees. The Petropolist is not responsible and does not verify for accuracy of the information contained in the podcast series available for listening on this site.  The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services.

This podcast is available for private non-commercial use only. You may not edit, modify or re-distribute this podcast.*

Science has shown that most of our immune system (and our pets) is found in the digestive tract.   

The digestive tract is also where much of the inflammatory reactions occur be it flatulence, nausea, vomiting, stomach aches...this happens when the body is trying to defend itself from what it perceives as a threat. This inflammatory reaction is the body's way of protecting and healing but our first reaction to this response is to suppress it by placing a big old band on it. It's hard to watch your pet lick their paws non stop or scratch their bodies into oblivion or have diarrhea every few days - it's hard to witness their discomfort and be stuck in a state of helplessness. Many veterinarians and doctors still have a rigid thought pattern when it comes to the distinction between allergies and intolerances which may lead us to take the wrong path when it comes to choosing what actions to take to help our pets heal.  

It's a bit of a tight rope for doctors  - we can't blame them for the missteps or the trials and errors.  This podcast is about avoiding those missteps and hopefully getting to the core of what is causing the discomfort for your pet.  

Get 10% off your test or your pet's test by clicking  either of the below links:

5StrandPettest/Tazz/Petropolist  or  https://www.5strands.com/?wpam_id=192   Use Code TAZZ10 at check out

*The views, information, or opinions expressed during The Petropolist podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of its employees. The Petropolist is not responsible and does not verify for accuracy of the information contained in the podcast series available for listening on this site.  The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services.

This podcast is available for private non-commercial use only. You may not edit, modify or re-distribute this podcast.*

Covering all the bases with retail and manufacturing in the time of COVID19  with Phil Chang otherwise know as Retail Phil. 

Phil Chang is a strategic marketer that helps with brand vision, messaging, and digital capabilities and content strategy.

Phil is also the co-host of This Commerce Life, a podcast that talks to small-medium businesses and all the things they worry about. 

Why should you listen to this episode? Because there is a bunch of practical, and usable information to help your business flow and start making money now!     

*The views, information or opinions expressed during The Petropolist podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of its employees. The Petropolist is not responsible and does not verify for accuracy of the information contained in the podcast series available for listening on this site.  The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services.

This podcast is available for private non-commercial use only. You may not edit, modify or re-distribute this podcast.*

I was so excited when George agreed to do The Petropolist Podcast - I have admired him as a business owner since I got into pet retail. 

I also have to extend my gratitude to George for helping pet owners of Brooklyn's District 38 under Councilman Menchaca during this tumultuous time  - he has donated a great amount of food and supplies to the pet owners that could not afford to feed and properly care for their pets -   Thank you for helping us with this ongoing project.  

Please make sure you shop local if you are in Brooklyn, NY:  

https://nycpet.com/

...and check out their new pet services starting this summer:

https://constantcarepetservices.com/

*The views, information or opinions expressed during The Petropolist podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of its employees. The Petropolist is not responsible and does not verify for accuracy of the information contained in the podcast series available for listening on this site.  The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services.

This podcast is available for private non-commercial use only. You may not edit, modify or re-distribute this podcast.*

Gary Pusillo, BS, MS, PhD, PAS, ACAN, AAFS

Dr. Gary Pusillo is one of this industry’s leading animal nutritionists, He has he dedicated his life to animal health and rescue, his formulations are the basis for some of the most successful animal pharmaceutical, nutrition, and natural health care products in the world and his products are used by almost every zoo in the USA.

Dr. Gary Pusillo is a certified professional animal scientist, a board-certified member of the American College of Animal Nutrition, a bachelor of science in animal husbandry, his master's degree in animal production, and his Ph.D. is in Animal nutrition. And add to this Dr. Pusillo is a full member of the American Academy of Forensic Scientists (AAFS); as he is one of the leading private practice forensic investigators in the animal & feed industry & is regularly called upon to testify as an expert trial witness. He is also the chief science officer for HEMPVET Pet Products

I wanted to highlight a few things, Dr. Pusillo said in this interview that stood out for me: 

“When consumers speak industry listens”

“Know your animal as an individual”

“The microbiome of the mouth is the gatekeeper…”

“Whatever the pet eats is up to you and unfortunately they have no choice in the matter…”

“Quality of life is food, love, environment, microbiome…”

“How is your cat & dog genetically programmed to use his foods…”

“Don’t let the books interfere with your education”

“What makes a product sell? Marketing…What makes a product perform is what’s actually in there…”

“Constellation effect takes the best part of the animals' metabolism, organs, and tissues connects them together to make…”

These are just a few of the points you should listen for – Dr. Pusillo is engaging informative and brings with him a wealth of knowledge that this industry desperately needs.

And please, don't forget to wash your hands.              

https://www.hempvet.pet/

*The views, information, or opinions expressed during The Petropolist podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of its employees. The Petropolist is not responsible and does not verify for accuracy of the information contained in the podcast series available for listening on this site.  The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services. This podcast is available for private non-commercial use only. You may not edit, modify or re-distribute this podcast.*

I decided to do a pet retail series because as business owners the challenges we face within each of our regions and within our own minds are so incredibly different.  Although I am in NYC I make choices that are completely different than my counterpart who is located a short few miles away - whether it is because of our beliefs or our business models or just the way we see our worlds evolving and the place we are in our lives...

As small business owners, we have the ability to pivot quickly when hit with adversity.

The only time I felt I couldn’t pivot and move onward was when I allowed fear to overtake my thoughts. The ‘what if’s’ were nothing short of worthless but fear caused these thoughts to have value hence causing an absolute breakdown of movement and functionality.

So much is shifting and so quickly. I feel I am busier now than when my retail store was fully operational… this is because I am pivoting and assessing everything from where I left off on 3/20/2020 to the space I want to be moving toward.

Speaking with fellow pet business owners has been enlightening and energizing. It certainly has made me feel less alone. Everyone has their individual stories with many similarities and just as many differences.

Most of us have chosen to fast track and pivot by expanding our digital footprints or by taking initiative on social media and engaging with our customers with genuine regard for their pets needs while being present for them and providing them with all of their pets' necessities during this time when they need us most.

We have always needed our customers, probably more than they realize. Perhaps, now, they may view our value in the community a little differently …perhaps there will be consistent support for the small businesses in the neighborhoods  - I am foolishly hopeful that the resurgence of this support will continue. Although I am hopeful – I cannot get cocky - the consumers’ menu will always include companies like Chewys and Amazon as options but perhaps pet retail is growing up and catching up and will be a force that will challenge the ‘big’ web guys, as we are the ones consistently here supporting our communities of pets and pet owners.

Thank you to Samantha Sarsilmaz of Point Loma Pet Pantry for taking the time to speak with me.  https://pointlomapetpantry.com/

*The views, information or opinions expressed during The Petropolist podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of its employees. The Petropolist is not responsible and does not verify for accuracy of the information contained in the podcast series available for listening on this site.  The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services.

This podcast is available for private non-commercial use only. You may not edit, modify or re-distribute this podcast.*