The science of dog appetite with Vet Dr Brendan Clarke

We've made the emotional case. We've made the behavioural case. Now it's time for the science. In the final episode of For Pet's Sake: The Joy of Real Food, Charlotte Hawkins sits down with Dr Brendan Clarke — Clinical Director at Towerwood Vets and Chief Veterinary Advisor at Bella+Duke — to answer the question this whole series has been building to: what is actually happening inside your dog's brain and body when they love their food? From the thousands of scent receptors that shape how dogs experience a meal, to the gut-brain axis linking digestion to mood, to what dogs naturally choose when given the freedom to pick — this is the biology behind "Real Food = Real Joy," explained in plain English. Plus: what your dog's digestion, skin, coat and energy levels might be telling you about their diet. And to prove the point, meet Clementine, who's given a genuine choice between two bowls — no explanation needed, the answer speaks for itself.

Your dog can't tell you in words if they're happy — but they are telling you. You just need to know what to look for. In episode two of For Pet's Sake: The Joy of Real Food, Charlotte Hawkins is joined by canine behaviourist and author Louise Glazebrook ("The Book Your Dog Wishes You Would Read," "How to Raise the Happiest Dog"), her new rescue pup Toasty, and Chief Veterinary Advisor Dr Brendan Clarke, for a conversation about the science and signs of real canine happiness. We're tackling the big question head-on: is there really such a thing as a "fussy" dog — or is something else going on underneath? Louise breaks down the body language and behaviour signs owners often miss, why mealtimes are one of the most overlooked (and easiest) forms of daily enrichment, and how something as simple as smell, texture and variety can genuinely shape your dog's wellbeing. Spoiler: happiness in dogs isn't a vibe. It's observable — and feeding is one of the biggest levers you have.

Quick question: would you eat the same dinner every night for the rest of your life? No? Then why does your dog?In episode one of For Pet's Sake: The Joy of Real Food, host Charlotte Hawkins sits down with Great British Bake Off's Toby Littlewood — self-described "unapologetically obsessed with food" — and his very food-driven rescue dog, Bex. Joined by Dr Brendan Clarke (Clinical Director, Towerwood Vets & Chief Veterinary Advisor at Bella+Duke), they unpack why feeding time deserves way more thought than a quick tip into a bowl. Toby shares Bex's rescue story, the "fussy eater" reputation she came with, and how discovering raw feeding — even mixed in with her usual dry food — completely changed mealtimes for the better. Because here's the myth we're busting: you don't need to go all-or-nothing with raw food. Even adding some can bring real variety, flavour, and joy (plus the health benefits) to your dog's day.

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.