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🐾 Summary

In this thought-provoking episode of Tails of Truth, holistic veterinarian Dr. Angie Krause and veterinary nurse, JoJo, dive into the complicated and ever-evolving world of dog food, exploring everything from fresh cooked diets and home cooking to the latest findings on urinary stones linked to certain fresh dog food brands.

Listeners get an inside look at how pet food industry trends often mirror human diet fads, from paleo to grain-free, and how these shifts can sometimes lead to unintended health consequences for dogs. Dr. Angie draws on her firsthand experience working for major brands like I and Love and You, Open Farm, and Stella & Chewy’s to explain what’s behind the marketing, where nutrition meets science, and how pet owners can make informed choices.

They unpack the University of Minnesota’s discovery of a new type of urinary stone (calcium tartrate tetrahydrate) linked to choline bitartrate — an ingredient found in several popular fresh food brands, including The Farmer’s Dog, Nom Nom, and Just Food for Dogs. Dr. Angie discusses how the industry is likely to adapt, the importance of transparency in pet nutrition, and why dog food trends should always be guided by science, not social media.

The duo also explores the role of BalanceIt.com in creating nutritionally sound home-cooked diets, how AAFCO standards determine nutrient minimums and maximums, and the delicate balance between convenience, cost, and canine health. They end the episode by addressing grain-free diet myths, legume-based diets, and taurine deficiency in breeds like Golden Retrievers, tying it all together with a call for balanced, evidence-based feeding choices.

If you’ve ever wondered whether fresh cooked diets are safer, healthier, or simply trendy — this episode is your science-driven, judgment-free guide to understanding the truth behind your dog’s bowl.

🎧 Key Takeaways

• Fresh cooked diets like The Farmer’s Dog and Nom Nom are growing in popularity for their palatability and whole-food appearance.
• Home cooking requires precise nutrient balancing 
• AAFCO standards guide nutritional minimums and maximums for complete diets.
• University of Minnesota researchers discovered a new type of urinary stone (CTT urolith) linked to choline bitartrate used in some fresh dog foods.
• Past grain-free diet trends led to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) concerns, showing how industry trends can have medical consequences.
• Pet food trends often mirror human diet fads, from paleo to veganism.
• Diet consultations are increasingly popular as pet parents seek personalized nutrition guidance.

🎙️ Sound Bites 

"I love this segment of the market — the fresh cooked.” - Dr

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