Barking Mad Podcast

Grain-free dog food has spent years in the DCM hot seat, but what is the research actually saying?In this month’s Zoomies, September Zoomies, Jordan Tyler and Dr. Stephanie Clark revisit the controversy surrounding dilated cardiomyopathy and unpack the recent Dog Aging Project findings. Together, they trace how an investigation became a source of widespread fear and discuss the research gaps that still exist between diet and canine heart health.

From mistaken diet histories to the limits of taurine testing, their conversation explores why finding answers is more complicated than pointing to an ingredient list. Jordan and Dr. Steph also share helpful advice for pet parents, including questions to ask pet food brands, a breakdown of why a dog’s individual health needs belong in diet discussions, and heart health warning signs to bring to your vet’s attention.

Helpful Links

🦴Here are some of our previous episodes about DCM and pet research:

diets-and-dcm-in-dogs-are-the-answers-found-in-poop

behind-the-research-revealing-the-truth-about-diet-and-dcm-in-dogs

fellowship-of-iron-and-earth-from-farm-to-bowl-with-tim-mcgreevy

think-twice-even-bad-science-can-get-published

🐕 The most recent Dog Aging Project study:

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/vms3.71213

🩺 And Dr. Steph’s take on it: decoding-the-dog-aging-project-data-grain-free-diets-cardiac-diagnoses-and-what-the-latest-research-really-means

🐾 Read BSM Partners’ research on DCM in dogs here: dcm

Chapters:

00:00 — Grain-Free Dog Food & Heart Health: The DCM Debate Explained

02:05 — DCM in Dogs Explained: What Is Dilated Cardiomyopathy?

07:23 — Grain-Free Dog Food & DCM: What Started the Investigation?

10:34 — Can Blood Tests Detect DCM in Dogs? Understanding the Limitations

21:30 — Dog Aging Project: What the Study Found About Dog Food & DCM

25:38 — Dog Food & DCM: Why Pet Owner Reports Can Be Misleading

29:41 — How to Choose the Right Dog Food: Questions to Ask

36:15 — DCM in Dogs: Early Warning Signs & Symptoms

What turns a personal passion, an unexpected opportunity, or a problem with your own pet into a business? At SUPERZOO 2026, we sat down with six founders whose very different paths led them to one place: building products they believe can make life better for pets and the people who love them.

In this episode of Barking Mad, hear from Dr. Lindsay Wendt of Botanical Bones, Autumn Smith of Parents 2 Pawz, Ashton Hood of Shepherd Boy Farms, Dr. Michelle Dulake of Fera Pets, Jessica Berger of Bundle x Joy, and Carrie Van Wert of Giddy Kitty. From a veterinarian whose experience with her own dog changed the way she practiced medicine to a goat farmer who stumbled into pet nutrition and an entrepreneur rethinking enrichment specifically for cats, these founders share the stories behind their brands and what it really takes to turn an idea into a pet business.

Show Notes

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

🦴Botanical Bones: https://botanicalbones.com/

🐶Parents 2 Pawz: https://www.parents2pawz.com/

☀️Shepherd Boy Farms: https://shepherdboyfarms.com/

🐕Fera Pets: https://www.ferapets.com/

💙Bundle x Joy: https://bundlexjoy.com/

🐱Giddy Kitty: https://giddykitty.com/

Episode Chapters:

00:00 — Pet Industry Founders: Six Stories of Innovation & Entrepreneurship

01:18 — Botanical Bones: A New Approach to Pet Wellness

05:49 — Parents 2 Pawz: Turning a Pet Product Idea Into Innovation

09:23 — Shepherd Boy Farms: The Accidental Start of a Pet Food Brand

13:03 — Fera Pets: From Veterinary Medicine to Pet Wellness Brand

17:57 — Bundle x Joy: Building a Pet Brand Without the Guilt

21:44 — Giddy Kitty: Rethinking Cat Toys & How Cats Play

24:57 — Pet Care Innovation: Six Founders, One Mission

What makes a great pet toy? It turns out there’s a lot more to the squeakers, stuffing, and strange shapes than meets the eye. In this episode of Barking Mad, we explore how animal behavior, safety, sustainability, health, and even pop culture are influencing the next generation of pet toy design.

Recorded at Interzoo 2026 in Nuremberg, Germany, Jordan Tyler sits down with veteran toy designer Sandra Vartanian of Lelo Designs, Victor Carpio of Inventor Cat, and Brandon Lu of PAWTY Toys to explore three very different approaches to innovation. From designing toys that safely satisfy a dog’s natural instinct to destroy to turning feline dental care into play, these conversations reveal how thoughtful design can make play safer, more enriching, and a whole lot more fun.

Show Notes:

🐶Check out BarkBox here: https://bark.co/pages/join-barkbox-fext-ff

🎾 And listen to a previous episode where we sit down with Derek Rippe from BARK: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/superzoo-2026-part-i-the-blood-sweat-and-treats-of-dog-toy-design-with-bark

🦴Take a look at what the team at Lelo Designs is cooking up: https://lelodesigns.com/

🐕Explore more from Outward Hound here: https://outwardhound.com/

🦷Learn more about Inventor Cat and their unique approach to cat dental hygiene: https://www.inventorcat.co.uk/

🎉Check out PAWTY Toys’ fun and trendy designs here: https://pawty.com/

Episode Chapters:

00:00 — The Surprising Science Behind Pet Toys

02:13 — How the Pet Toy Industry Got Started

05:39 — Are Dogs Supposed to Destroy Their Toys?

07:07 — Sustainability & the Future of Toy Design

09:41 — Turning Cat Dental Care Into Play

14:57 — When Pet Toys Meet Pop Culture

19:24 — Designing Toys with More Than One Life

22:37 — Thanks for Listening & See You Next Time!

Social media has become a go-to source for pet nutrition advice, but how do you know who to trust? In this episode of Zoomies, Jordan Tyler and Dr. Stephanie Clark sit down with Bryce Francois of BK Pets to talk about his journey from following and promoting unsupported pet nutrition beliefs to questioning the evidence behind it and becoming an outspoken advocate for science-backed information. Bryce shares his experience of publicly changing his mind, the personal and financial consequences of challenging his former community, and why pet parents should verify credentials and be open to changing their minds when evidence evolves.

Plus, Jordan and Stephanie recap what caught their attention at SUPERZOO, from a growing focus on digestion and functional products to buzzwords like “longevity” and “vitality,” and weigh in on the latest pet food news and recalls from August. It’s a spicy, fast-paced conversation about misinformation, marketing, and what it really means to make informed choices for our pets.

Show Notes

🐶 Check Out the BK Pets

• On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebkpets/?hl=en
• On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebkpets
• On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebkpets

⚖️ Learn More About DOJ’s Civil Complaint against Darwin’s Natural Pet Products: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-files-complaint-stop-washington-firm-manufacturing-and-selling-0

🐾 Read About This Month’s Recalls

• Fromm Family Foods: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/fromm-family-foods-voluntarily-recalls-turkey-pate-wet-food-dogs-and-diner-classic-milos-meatloaf
• Oma’s Pride: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/updated-omas-pride-voluntarily-recalls-one-lot-woof-complete-canine-chicken-recipe-6-lb-bag-because
• Years: https://www.years.com/pages/care?srsltid=AfmBOorx8UptZjCpMIoZirDrcP-f2nn7e13nRcZsNjBeXhmxe0hQ1yCZ

https://www.petfoodindustry.com/safety-quality/pet-food-recalls/news/15833010/years-recalls-fresh-meals-over-dog-eye-illness

🎧 Listen to Past Episodes of Zoomies here:

• April 2026: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/april-zoomies-headlines-from-the-world-of-pet
• May 2026: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/may-zoomies-growing-meat-recalls-and-pet-food-goes-to-court
• June 2026: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/june-zoomies-boy-kibble-recalls-and-one-nasty-fly
• July 2026: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/july-zoomies-beagle-backlash-pet-food-lawsuits-and-superzoo-bets

Episode Chapters

00:00 — Welcome to August Zoomies

01:01 — Where are You Getting Your Pet Nutrition Info?

02:26 — Introducing Bryce Francois of BK Pets

12:05 — Publicly Changing Your Mind

20:20 — Evaluating Pet Food Claims and Credentials

27:02 — Our SUPERZOO Impressions

36:18 — This Month's Pet Food News and Recalls

45:37 — That’s a Wrap! See You Next Month

What do birthing cows, treat-dispensing trolls, and character development have in common? They’re all part of the wonderfully weird world of BARK, where making great dog toys requires a surprising mix of creativity, engineering, behavioral science, and best of all, unhinged creativity. Recorded live from the SUPERZOO 2026 show floor, this special episode goes behind the scenes at BARK to explore the creativity, science, and obsession behind some of the brand’s most memorable and joy-inducing products.

Show Notes

Learn more at https://bark.co/.

Check out BARK’s new Licksters enrichment system: https://bark.co/products/licksters-toy

Searching for more? https://bark.co/pages/barkbox-changed-my-life

Read more about what went down at SUPERZOO 2026! https://www.petfoodprocessing.net/keywords/429-superzoo

(And stay tuned for more episodes from the show floor coming soon!)

Episode Chapters

00:00 – Welcome to SUPERZOO 2026 & Meet BARK

01:34 – Bertha the Birthing Cow & BARK’s Weirdest Toys

03:36 – Designing Dog Toys for Two Audiences

07:30 – How BARK Turns Weird Ideas Into Play

10:20 – Licksters, Enrichment & the Future of Dog Toys

14:02 – Where Enrichment and Play Collide

15:28 – Why Dogs Actually Want to Destroy Their Toys

18:01 – The Surprising Science Behind How Dogs Play

22:21 – Inside BARK’s Massive Toy Design Machine

25:35 – Blood, Sweat & Treats: Bringing a New Toy to Life

29:21 – Meet the Weird and Wonderful Characters of BARK

31:50 – Putting Dogs First—and Loving Every Minute of It

32:56 – Pet Parenting Around the World

The pet world never stays quiet for long. In the July edition of Zoomies, Dr. Stephanie Clark and Jordan Tyler catch up on the headlines making waves across the pet industry, from the ongoing controversy surrounding research beagles and Seattle’s viral raccoon, to a bigger conversation about veterinarians, nutrition education, and where pet parents should turn for specialized nutrition advice.

Plus, they break down an unusual Pedigree recall, unpack the latest pet food class action lawsuits and labeling debates, and look ahead to SUPERZOO with a few predictions of their own. From longevity and human-grade claims to stroller-riding pets and colorful creative grooming, tune in for the latest pet industry news, trends, and plenty of fun and fluffy commentary.

Show Notes

🦝 Read about Jimothy the Raccoon: https://mashable.com/life/jimothy-raccoon-seattle-internet-reactions

🦮 Could raccoons be headed toward domestication? https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1j8j48e5z2o

💪 Meet the man fighting to legalize pet raccoons: https://www.npr.org/2025/02/25/nx-s1-5302663-e1/kansas-man-wants-the-state-to-legalize-raccoons-as-pets

🥩 Learn more about vets and pet nutrition:

• https://www.petfoodindustry.com/blogs-columns/adventures-in-pet-food/blog/15830346/vets-and-mds-share-lack-of-nutrition-knowledge
• https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/personal-professional-development/breaking-the-barriers-to-positive-in-clinic-nutrition-conversations/

⚠️ Get the scoop on the Pedigree recall: https://www.petage.com/mars-petcare-issues-recall-of-pedigree-dog-food-due-to-potential-fraudulent-distribution-of-product/

⚖️ Explore the most recent class action lawsuits

• 🐶 YöPup: https://www.classaction.org/news/ypup-frozen-yogurt-cups-contain-no-yogurt-class-action-lawsuit-says
• 🛒 Target: https://www.classaction.org/news/target-lawsuit-claims-natural-kindfull-dog-and-cat-foods-contain-synthetic-ingredients-artificial-preservatives

Episode Chapters

00:00 – Welcome to Barking Mad

01:02 – Beagle Controversy, Boycotts & a Viral Raccoon

05:24 – Do Veterinarians Get Enough Nutrition Training?

11:33 – An Unusual Pet Food Recall

14:16 – Even More Class Action Lawsuits

20:22 – Gearing Up for SUPERZOO 2026

26:06 – Betting on the Biggest Pet Industry Trends

29:11 – SUPERZOO Wild Cards: Animals, Outfits & Show Floor Bets

33:57 – Wrapping Up and What’s to Come

Everywhere you look, pet food brands are promising to be eco-friendly, responsibly sourced, or better for the planet. But what do those claims actually mean, and how can pet parents separate meaningful sustainability efforts from clever marketing? Hosts Jordan Tyler and Dr. Stephanie Clark are joined by Allison Reser Hamburger of the Pet Sustainability Coalition and Paul Shapiro, CEO of The Better Meat Co., to unpack why sustainability feels so complicated. Together, they explore the tradeoffs behind ingredient sourcing, packaging, alternative proteins, and more while debunking common misconceptions about sustainability in pet food.

Show Notes

🌐 Check out additional resources from:

• Pet Sustainability Coalition: https://petsustainability.org/
• Better Meat Co.: https://www.bmcingredients.com/

🌱 Learn more about Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): https://ecochain.com/blog/life-cycle-assessment-lca-guide/

👚👕 Read more about greenwashing in the fashion industry: https://changingmarkets.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/CM-License-to-greenwash-online-reports-layout-final.pdf

🍔 ...and across the food industry: https://changingmarkets.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Feeding-us-Greenwash-final.pdf

🔍 Did you know you can access pet food ingredient definitions online? Peep Chapter 6 of the AAFCO Official Publication, which carries nutritional standards for dogs and cats in the United States: https://www.aafco.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2025_OP_Chapter_6_enc.pdf

♻️ Tune in to our previous conversations about sustainability in pet care:

• Breaking the ‘Byproduct’ Bias: Rethinking Rendered Ingredients in Pet Food
• The Rising Tide of Invasive Species: How Pet Nutrition Could Be a Solution
• One Man’s Trash Is Another Dog’s Treasure: The Story of Upcycled Pet Food
• The Beautiful Story of Regenerative Agriculture: Does the Future of Pet Food Start with Soil?
• Looking for Love: Swiping Right on Sustainable Cat Litter
• Bug Appétit: From Ick to Innovation on Insect-Based Pet Food
• Is Recyclable Pet Food Packaging A Lie? Unraveling The Pet Industry’s Plastic Waste Problem

Episode Chapters

00:00 – Why Does Sustainability Feels So Complicated?

01:33 – Why We Don't Trust Sustainability Claims

06:06 – Sustainability Is All About Tradeoffs

07:09 – Greenwashing: Fact vs. Marketing

09:05 – Debunking Sustainability Myths in Pet Food

18:01 – The Future of Alternative Proteins

23:04 – Measuring Real Sustainability Progress

26:25 – Why Sustainable Products Often Cost More

33:04 – Remember: It’s About Progress Over Perfection

35:07 – How to Shop Smarter & Ask Better Questions

37:02 – The Future of Sustainable Pet Food

40:40 – Closing Thoughts & Stay Tuned!

Sharks have survived for more than 400 million years, but now, many species are dwindling in numbers. In this episode of Barking Mad, Jordan Tyler sit down with conservation experts from the Shark Trust, AZA SAFE Shark & Ray Program, Aquarium Conservation Partnership, and Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch to set the record straight on one of the ocean’s most misunderstood animals.

Jordan explores explore why shark populations are declining, how sustainable fisheries can support both conservation and global food systems, and why seafood traceability has become increasingly important, specifically when it comes to your pet’s bowl. Jordan also dives into ways pet owners can support healthier oceans through informed seafood choices and everyday actions that help protect sharks and rays for generations to come.

Show Notes

🔷 Learn more about each of the organizations mentioned in today’s episode:

• The Shark Trust: https://www.sharktrust.org/
• Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) SAFE Shark and Ray: https://www.safesharks.org/
• Aquarium Conservation Partnership: https://www.aquariumconservation.org/
• Seafood Watch: https://www.seafoodwatch.org/

🧪 Find out more about shark meat found in pet food: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2022.836941/full

🪝 Learn more about the partnership between SAFE Shark and Ray, The Shark Trust, ACP, and Seafood Watch to identify more sustainable sources of seafood to feed animals in human care: https://www.aza.org/connect-stories/stories/sustainable-procurement-of-feed-sources

🗳️ Cast your Vote for the Ocean! https://votefortheocean.org/

🦈 Get involved in Shark and Ray Awareness Month with these resources!

• Check out The Shark Trust’s “Creature Feature” series, which educates about the incredible shark and ray species we’re working hard to save! https://www.sharktrust.org/Blogs/creature-feature
• Use resources by Seafood Watch to find sustainable seafood options: https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals-the-ocean/how-to-choose-sustainable-seafood/seafood-guides
• Read more about the Seafood Watch Best Choice Restaurant Program: https://www.seafoodwatch.org/stories/best-choice-restaurant-program
• Learn more about other organizations that collaborate with Seafood Watch to safeguard our ocean ecosystems and keep fish on the menu: https://www.seafoodwatch.org/collaborations/conservation-partners/map

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 – The Truth About Sharks
• 08:35 – The Global Shark Conservation Crisis
• 12:00 – The Problem of Overfishing
• 16:45 – Is There a Shark in Your Pet Food?
• 21:25 – Putting Seafood on Watch
• 28:00 – How You Can Save the Sharks
• 33:30 – Closing Thoughts & We’ll See You Next Time!

Summer is in full swing, and so are pet food recalls, lawsuits, and warm-weather safety concerns. In this month's edition of Zoomies, Dr. Stephanie Clark and Jordan Tyler round up the latest headlines that every pet parent should know. From the internet's latest obsession with "boy kibble" to expanding pet food recalls and the growing concern surrounding the New World Screwworm, this episode blends industry insight and practical advice with plenty of laughs along the way. Our hosts also share important reminders about fireworks safety, parasite prevention, and why staying informed about recalls can help protect your pets.

Helpful Links

🚫 Learn more about the Ridglan Farms shutdown: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jun/16/wisconsin-beagle-research-facility-shut-down

💪 Find out what “boy kibble” is all about: https://fortune.com/2026/03/01/what-is-boy-kibble-tiktok-trend-beef-rice-rfk-jr/

💬 Get the scoop on some of our previous DCM discussions:

• BSM Partners’ research: https://bsmpartners.net/research/dcm
• Our DCM episode: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/the-billion-dollar-deception-of-dcm-inside-ketonaturals-class-action-lawsuit

📋 Get more info on the latest recalls:

• GO Raw LLC: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/go-raw-llc-expands-voluntary-recall-include-one-lot-steves-real-food-freeze-dried-chicken-recipe-due
• Revival Animal Health: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/revival-animal-health-llc-voluntarily-recalls-canine-and-gm-milk-replacers-due-low-or-elevated
• Vitamin D article from one of our experts: https://bsmpartners.net/insights/too-much-too-little-too-late-why-pet-food-recalls-continue-for-vitamin-d/

🪰 Read more about the New World Screwworm here:

• AP News: https://apnews.com/article/screwworm-flesh-eating-parasite-cattle-texas-a7459200cef00d658d877755ad761f41
• USDA response: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animals/animal-health/livestock-and-poultry-disease/stop-screwworm
• Thought leadership from our veterinary expert: https://bsmpartners.net/insights/a-fly-of-a-different-color/

🔊 Take a listen to our episode on noise phobia: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/keep-calm-a-pet-parents-guide-to-managing-noise-phobias-in-dogs

🎧 Tune in to past episodes of Zoomies here:

• May 2026: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/may-zoomies-growing-meat-recalls-and-pet-food-goes-to-court
• April 2026: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/april-zoomies-headlines-from-the-world-of-pet

Show Notes

00:00 – Introducing the Barking Mad Facebook page!

01:13 – Animal Welfare Protestors Shut Down Ridglan Farms

02:11 – Amazon Pet Day Sales

05:13 – We’re Feeding Men Kibble Now?

11:03 – More DCM Drama

14:22 – Recent Pet Food Recalls

18:03 – Watch Out for the New World Screwworm

21:39 – Preparing Your Pets for Fireworks Season

22:41 – Final Thoughts & See You Next Time!

In this special episode of Barking Mad—recorded live at Interzoo 2026, the world’s largest pet industry trade show, and sponsored by Kallman Worldwide, Inc.—we sidestep the booths and bags to explore the founding stories, philosophies, and trends shaping the future of pet care. From personalized nutrition and shelf-stable fresh food to pet longevity research, veterinary telehealth, and entirely new product categories, this episode highlights the entrepreneurs challenging conventional thinking across the global pet industry.

Helpful Links

🎧 Missed our first episode from Interzoo 2026? Check it out here to get the scoop on the European pet care landscape!

💡 Learn more about the brands featured in this episode:

• Rolls Rocky
• Marleybones
• HappyBond
• Dr. Sam and Pivio
• King's Choice
• Kika Group

Show Notes

00:00 – Welcome Back to Interzoo 2026!

01:18 – Meet Angela Lanotte and her Family-Owned Italian Dog Treat Brand

08:31 – Meet The Founders Behind Marleybones

15:21 – Introducing Anja Skodda and the Science of Pet Longevity

21:49 – The Origin Story Behind Dr. Sam, One of Europe's First Online Veterinary Platforms

26:16 – The World's First Dog Juice? Hear the King's Choice Story

32:32 - Kika Group: A family business built on passion and expertise

40:15 - Final Reflections: What Connects Today's Pet Innovators?

40:42 – Stay Tuned for More from Interzoo 2026!