Barking Mad

Tons of brands say their packaging is recyclable. But what does that really mean—and how does it actually happen? In this episode of Barking Mad, we unpack the truth behind pet food packaging: misleading claims, infrastructure gaps, consumer confusion, and the realities that make flexible plastics so difficult to recycle. With expert voices from packaging engineers, sustainability leaders, and recycling innovators, we explore where...

Confused by conflicting headlines about pet nutrition? In this episode, we break down how to spot trustworthy research, avoid common pitfalls in scientific studies, and use AI tools to become a savvier, science-minded pet parent—no PhD required. Join co-hosts Jordan Tyler and Dr. Stephanie Clark with expert guest Dr. David Harmon as they speak truth to misinformation, give you the confidence to separate facts from fiction, and advo...

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!

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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 cont...

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, an...

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 safeguar...

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 u...

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 wi...

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 ...

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 ...

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 fu...

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 st...

The workplace is evolving, and with it, the challenges of recruiting and retaining top talent have become a critical focus for businesses across industries. Dr. Frank Niles, Principal Business Psychologist at BSM Partners and a seasoned expert in business transformation and leader development, explores the intersection of workplace culture, generational differences, and leadership strategies in this episode. With compelling data on...

There’s a heated debate happening in the pet food space around copper in dog food. This essential trace mineral is critical for canine health, yet veterinarians have recently begun to speculate on excessive dietary copper causing liver disease in dogs—but there’s much more to this story. Join us as we unravel the copper controversy with experts from BSM Partners, Zinpro Corporation, and Trouw Nutrition.

Buckle up for the fifth and final episode of our Trends to Watch in 2025 mini-series! This fascinating episode is all about personalized pet nutrition, from breed-specific formulations and custom kibbles to high-tech wearables that can track all kinds of health and wellness metrics in real-time. Join us as we explore how the future of pet nutrition is set to become increasingly tailored to each individual pet’s needs.

As the pet industry grapples with the 300 million pounds of flexible plastic packaging it generates annually—99% of which is currently unrecyclable—innovative solutions and consumer education are becoming more crucial than ever to the achieving a more circular economy for pet food and treat packaging. This episode highlights the progress being made toward this goal, while also addressing the barriers that remain along the supply ch...

In this third installment of our Trends to Watch in 2025 mini-series, we’re delving into the microscopic world of biotic ingredients and their transformative impact on pet health and wellness. Tune in to learn how prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics work together to positively influence not just digestive health, but also mood, cognition, skin health, and overall wellbeing. Plus, learn about the science behind careful strain se...

Would you feed your pet bugs? What about lab-grown meat? How about a vegan diet? From insect protein to cultivated meats and beyond, we’re exploring the landscape of alternative protein sources poised to transform the way we feed our pets, and even ourselves. In this episode, the second installment of our Trends to Watch in 2025 mini-series, we address cultural barriers like the "ick factor" surrounding insect protein and delve int...

Happy New Year! As we ring in 2025 together, we’re bringing you the top five pet care trends to watch in the coming year, from sustainable initiatives and alternative proteins to biotic ingredients and personalized nutrition. In this first episode of the series, we’ll explain greenwashing, explore the potential of upcycled ingredients and the legacy of rendered ingredients, debunk misleading data, and discuss other barriers and opp...