The Raw Research: Dr Anna Hielm Bjorkman on the Science of Pet Nutrition

Dr Anna Hielm-Björkman joins Lisa and Dr Brendan Clarke in this installment of For Pet’s Sake: Feeding Them Well. Vet, professor and researcher, Dr Anna has studied the difference diet makes to our pet’s lives for years, and is a passionate advocate for supporting pet health and wellbeing through nutrition.

In this episode, Lisa and Brendan are joined by Dr Frankie Jackon-Spence MBChB BMedSc MRCP, and Vizsla Ruby. Dr Frankie is all about how small changes can make a big impact on our health and wellbeing. So of course, she takes the same approach with Ruby, starting with what’s in her bowl.

Retired Olympic gold medalist, father of three and pet-parent to Whippet Clunkers, Greg Rutherford joins the podcast this week. Alongside host Lisa Faulkner and Dr Brendan Clarke, Greg talks through the importance of nutrition, and how the loss of two beloved dogs led to him completely re-evaluating what he feeds his pets.

In this episode, Lisa is joined by Hannah Stitfall, her dog Isabelle and Dr Brendan Clarke. Photographer, film maker and conservationist, Hannah is passionate about animal welfare, and knew that raw, natural nutrition was the best way to help Isabelle thrive.

In the first episode of For Pet’s Sake: Feeding Them Well, host Lisa Faulkner and dog Rory are joined by Dr Brendan Clarke for Rory’s doggy health MOT. From digestion to weight and more, discover just how a raw diet helps our dogs thrive.

In this episode of For Pet’s Sake, Mark is joined by Emanuel, founder of Treat Therapeutics, to explore the powerful connection between your pet’s gut health and allergies. From itchy skin and ear infections to digestive upsets, many common allergy symptoms in dogs and cats can be traced back to imbalances in the gut microbiome.Emanuel explains how the diversity of bacteria in the gut plays a vital role in regulating the immune system and why diet and environment are such key factors. The discussion covers how highly processed, carbohydrate-heavy foods can disrupt the microbiome, while fresh, natural diets help restore balance and reduce inflammation.Listeners will learn how supporting gut health can ease allergy symptoms, improve digestion, and boost overall wellbeing. Practical advice includes recognising early warning signs of imbalance, choosing the right diet to encourage a healthier microbiome, and understanding how targeted nutrition can transform the way pets feel inside and out.This episode is essential for pet owners dealing with allergies, sensitive stomachs, or recurring skin problems and offers science-led solutions for supporting long-term health and happiness.

In this episode of For Pet’s Sake, Mark Scott sits down with Dr. Conor Brady to tackle the growing issue of pet obesity. Studies show that 59% of dogs and 61% of cats are overweight or obese, yet many owners don’t realise the serious health risks associated with excess weight. Dr. Brady explains that obesity in pets leads to chronic inflammation, joint problems, reduced lifespan, and increased veterinary costs.They discuss why the pet health sector has struggled to address obesity effectively, highlighting that unlike human healthcare systems, there is little financial incentive for companies to reduce obesity rates in pets. They also critique the common veterinary approach of recommending high-carbohydrate diets like kibble, despite research showing that increasing protein and reducing carbohydrates supports safe and sustainable weight loss.Dr. Brady emphasises the benefits of feeding pets whole, natural foods that are easier to digest than ultra-processed, chemically preserved options. Raw feeding is discussed as a closer-to-nature approach that naturally reduces carbohydrate intake and helps maintain a healthy weight. Practical tips for owners include aiming for a lean body condition where ribs can be felt but not necessarily seen, incorporating hydrotherapy or acupuncture for older or recovering dogs, and avoiding high-fibre “light” kibbles—particularly for brachycephalic breeds—due to links with panting and bloat.This episode is essential listening for pet owners looking to support healthy weight management, improve their pet’s overall wellbeing, and prevent obesity-related illnesses. Learn actionable strategies to help your dog or cat achieve a happy, healthy, and active lifestyle.

On this episode of For Pet’s Sake, Mark from Bella+Duke chats with feline behaviour expert Jude about why cats hunt, pounce, and display predatory behaviours—even when well-fed. Discover how indoor and outdoor environments, play, enrichment, and diet influence feline instincts, and learn practical strategies to redirect hunting behaviours safely. Jude also explains the importance of respecting your cat’s natural instincts while providing mental stimulation, interactive play, and appropriate outlets for energy. A must-listen for cat owners looking to deepen their understanding of feline behaviour and create happier, more confident cats.

Mark from Bella+Duke sits down with Emmanuel, founder of Treat, to explore how the gut microbiome affects pet health, allergies, and overall wellbeing on For Pet’s Sake. Emmanuel shares his journey studying the gut bacteria in dogs, and how tweaking diets based on microbiome testing helped his dog recover from severe allergies. Learn how gut health influences digestion, behaviour, immunity, and chronic conditions, and why a varied, fresh diet supports a thriving microbiome. This episode also highlights the importance of environmental exposure, minimizing antibiotics, and participating in microbiome studies to advance pet science. Perfect for dog and cat owners looking to understand gut health, prevent allergies, and optimise their pet’s wellbeing naturally.

Dental disease affects up to 85% of dogs and cats over three years old, yet many owners underestimate its impact on overall health. In this episode of For Pet’s Sake, Mark from Bella+Duke speaks with Emanuel, CEO and founder of Treat Therapeutics, about the oral microbiome in pets. Emanuel explores how diet, saliva quality, age, and breed influence dental health, and why daily brushing and a nutritious, fresh diet are key to preventing periodontitis. Discover the link between oral health and systemic diseases like cardiovascular, kidney, and liver issues, and learn how oral probiotics and whole-body wellness strategies can support your pet. This episode is essential for pet owners seeking to improve dental hygiene, boost immunity, and ensure long-term wellbeing for their four-legged companions.