Barking Mad Podcast

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

Helpful Links

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

🐱 Learn more about:

• World’s Best Cat Litter 🌽
• Fresh News 🗞️
• Catalyst 🪵
• sWheat Scoop 🌾
• Naturally Fresh 🌰
• Dofu Cat 🫛

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

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

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

Show Notes

00:00 – Welcome Back!

01:55 – The Toxic Traits of Unsustainable Litter Materials

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

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

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

16:58 – Contestant No. 2: Naturally Fresh

21:15 – Contestant No. 3: Fresh News

25:29 – Contestant No. 4: Catalyst

29:13 – Contestant No. 5: sWheat Scoop

31:29 – Contestant No. 6: Dofu Cat

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

36:45 – From Sticker Shock to Shocking Savings

 39:11 – Are Cat Litters Really Flushable?

41:26 – The Truth on Toxoplasmosis

44:34 – Be Careful with Composting

45:05 – Don’t Eat the Litter!

47:40 – Today’s Key Takeaways

50:25 – And The Winner Is…

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

Helpful Links

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

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

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

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

Show Notes

00:00 – Welcome Back!

03:29 – Zoomark 2025 By the Numbers

04:27 – Transportation Woes for a Massive Tradeshow

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

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

13:27 – Using Research to Truly Differentiate

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

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

31:56 – Wrap Up and Stay Tuned!

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!

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!

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

Helpful Links

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

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

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

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

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

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

Show Notes

00:00 – Welcome Back!

01:34 – Introducing Today’s Guests

02:14 – Why Certifications Matter for Pet Nutrition

03:31 – Understanding Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC)

04:27 – Cave Pets’ Certification Insights

05:42 – Sustaining versus Regenerating

07:30 – Making the Business Case for Regenerative Agriculture

10:01 – Regenerative Agriculture in Practice

13:17 – Holistic Benefits of Regenerative Organic Agriculture

17:04 – Show Us the Data!

19:49 – Consumer Demand for Regenerative Products

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

26:23 – A Complex Puzzle

33:35 – Other Regenerative Ag Certifications

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

39:16 – Conclusion and Farewell

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

Helpful Links

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

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

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

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

Learn more about the bird flu and pet food safety…

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

Show Notes

00:00 – Welcome Back!

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

06:18 – Feeding the Future with Smart Pet Technology

07:14 – Introducing David Yoon and Pawsync

08:41 – Overfeeding and the Pet Obesity Epidemic

11:47 – Meet Sophie Liles and PiFi

13:44 – Tech-Powered Portion Control

14:16 – Meija Eller Shares More About Artie

16:12 – Home-Cooked Meals Without the Hassle

18:04 – A Solution for Feline Obesity

21:11 – Minimally Processed, Minimal Effort

23:10 – Innovation, or Iteration?

24:19 – Thank You and Farewell!

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

Helpful Links

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

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

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

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

News articles:

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

Show Notes

00:00 – Welcome Back!

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

05:03 – Understanding the Current Pet Food Regulatory Landscape

06:17 – Breaking Down the PURR Act

10:02 – Taking Power Away from State Regulators

13:41 – Streamlining or Undermining?

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

17:27 – Key Concerns About the PURR Act

23:42 – Red Flags for Pet Parents

28:06 – The Real Risk of Undeclared Ingredient Substitutions

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

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

37:59 – Call to Action and Farewell

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

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 [email protected]

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

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: 

• Think Twice! Even Bad Science Can Get Published
• Pawing Through the Research: Uncovering the Fatal Flaws of DCM
• A Mountain or a Molehill? What Science Really Says about the Incidence of DCM
• Behind the Research: Revealing the Truth About Diet & DCM in Dogs
• Diets and DCM in Dogs: Are the Answers Found in Poop?!

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