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!