66. The Problem with Kibble with The BK Pets

In this episode of Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino, we’re joined by Dr. Erin Holder, founder of the Veterinary Compassion Project. After experiencing compassion fatigue firsthand, Dr. Holder transitioned her career to focus on supporting veterinarians and animal care professionals struggling with burnout and compassion fatigue. A 2019 Centers for Disease Control study revealed that veterinarians are between two to four times more likely to die by suicide than the general population, highlighting a growing crisis in the veterinary community. Dr. Holder discusses the emotional toll faced by veterinarians and how her project provides resources, tools, and restorative retreats to foster well-being in this vital profession.Episode Recap:The Veterinary Compassion Project and its missionUnderstanding compassion fatigue and burnout in veterinariansWhy veterinary schools should address mental health early in educationRecognizing the signs of compassion fatigue and burnoutThe importance of having compassion for ourselves as veterinary professionalsBurnout and suicide in the veterinary community and its impact on the professionHow the veterinarian shortage affects not only pets but also food productionTools and resources from the Veterinary Compassion Project to empower veterinariansHow pet parents can support their veterinariansTips for dealing with compassion fatigue and burnoutAnnouncing the VCP Restorative Retreat 2025The critical role of boundaries in avoiding compassion fatigue and burnoutEpisode Resources:Veterinary Compassion ProjectVCP Restorative Retreat 2025VCP Resources for VeterinariansHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Angela ArdolinoCBD Dog HealthFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela (our founder) is up to, follow her on Facebook 

In this episode of Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino, we’re joined by Michelle Thomas, an expert in animal communication and holistic pet care. Michelle, founder of Magical Mutts, has dedicated her life to understanding the deep emotional and energetic connections we share with our pets. With a background in veterinary medicine and a personal journey of healing, Michelle brings a unique perspective on the importance of communicating with our pets on a deeper level. Angela and Michelle delve into the significance of this emotional bond, how it impacts both our pets and ourselves, and why addressing these connections is crucial for overall well-being.Episode Recap: What is animal communication?Discovering her gift and how Michelle harnessed itImportance of emotional connections with petsIntegrating veterinary medicine with energetic workIntuitive biofeedback sessions and their impactAddressing skepticism and the role of evidenceHealing together: the connection between pets and their ownersNervous system resets and the importance of holistic nutritionEpisode Resources:Magical Mutts with Michelle ThomasFollow Magical Mutts with Michelle Thomas on Instagram and Facebook Follow CBD Dog Health on Facebook and InstagramHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Angela ArdolinoCBD Dog HealthFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angie (our founder) is up to, follow her on Facebook 

In this episode of Your Natural Dog, Angela Ardolino and Carter Easler, CBD Dog Health's Director of Education, delve into the complexities of CBD industry regulation and the role of the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC). Angela and Carter dive into the NASC’s stance on broad spectrum CBD and how their funded research is not up to date with the hemp industry, highlighting how full spectrum hemp has already been proven through long-term studies to be both safer and more potent. The conversation also covers the NASC’s attempts to change industry standard definitions, the therapeutic potential and safety of THC for pets, and the impact of rescheduling cannabis on the CBD industry. Tune in to learn about the ongoing debate over CBD standards and regulations in the pet supplement industry, and why nature’s own remedies, like full spectrum hemp, can’t be patented, and can’t be beat.Episode Recap: What is the NASC?FDA doesn’t regulate pet supplementsBroad Spectrum vs Full SpectrumNASC trying to change industry standard definitionsEntourage effectThe Problem with the NASC’s CBD ResearchNASC is far behind the hemp industry’s expertiseStudies show Full Spectrum Hemp is safer & more potentTherapeutic potential & safety of THC for petsThe impact of rescheduling cannabis on the CBD industryYou can’t patent natureCBD COAs - Certificates of AnalysisEpisode Resources:More on Full Spectrum Hemp ExtractIs THC safe for pets?NASC Broad Spectrum StudyStudies on Full Spectrum HempFollow CBD Dog Health on Facebook and InstagramHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Angela ArdolinoCBD Dog HealthFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angie (our founder) is up to, follow her on Facebook 

In this episode of Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino, we’re joined by Flo Mason, founder of Crude Carnivore and a passionate advocate for pet health. Flo holds a master's degree in companion animal nutrition and has helped hundreds of pet parents transform their dogs' diets and lifestyles. Angela and Flo dive into topics like the evolution of education on animal nutrition, and the benefits of locally sourced, pasture-fed ingredients and the consequences of factory farming. Flo shares her journey of creating Crude Carnivore’s herb-infused bone broths and discusses the importance of supporting local farmers over profit. They also explore managing gut health naturally, including the role of probiotics, mushrooms, CBD, and adaptogens. Tune in to learn about the many benefits of bone broth and how Crude Carnivore is revolutionizing pet nutrition.Episode Recap: Specializing in animal nutritionStability of Omega-3 fatty acids in dog foodHow education on animal nutrition has evolvedBringing her experience to natural pet storesCreating Crude Carnivore herb-infused bone brothsBenefits of locally sourced, pasture-fed Factory-farming and how it affects your petCrude Carnivore was built on supporting local farmersPrioritizing sourcing over profitDiarrhea is a necessary step in healing, managing it naturallyProbiotics for gut healthMushrooms, CBD & Adaptogens for DigestionBenefits of Bone Broths & Mushroom Broth Benefits of infusing herbs into Crude Carnivore’s bone brothsEpisode Resources:Crude Carnivore - Use Code YND10 Follow Crude Carnivore on Instagram and Facebook Have a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Angela ArdolinoCBD Dog HealthFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angie (our founder) is up to, follow her on Facebook

In this episode of Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino, we're joined by Halle Stene, Owner of Lonestar Pet Treats, specializing in single-ingredient pet treats and natural nutrition for pets. Halle and Angela delve into various topics, including the effects of Valley Fever, the benefits of mushrooms for respiratory distress, and the importance of gut health for a strong immune system. They also explore the differences between dehydrated and freeze-dried treats, the benefits of quail eggs for dogs, and the need for transparency in the pet industry. Tune in to hear Angela and Halle's insightful discussion on the journey of crafting superior treats tailored for our pet’s health.Episode Recap: What is Valley Fever?Mushrooms for respiratory distressGut health for a strong immune systemCreating better treats for dogsDehydrated vs Freeze Dried TreatsQuail eggs for dogsFreeze-drying quail eggsNutritional content & cost effectiveness of freeze-dried treats & foodFinding the best CBD & Mushrooms for her storeThe need for transparency in the pet industryBenefits of quail eggs for petsDehydrated quail feet for petsFeed Real SummitVisit Lonestar Pet Treats in AZEpisode Resources:Lonestar Pet TreatsFollow Lonestar Pet Treats on Instagram, Facebook, and TiktokFeed Real SummitHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Angela ArdolinoCBD Dog HealthFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angie (our founder) is up to, follow her on Facebook 

In this episode of Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino, we’re joined by Amanda Wilbourne, founder of The Nautical Dog, Williamsburg’s only independently owned and operated pet market. Amanda shares her journey of opening The Nautical Dog in 2006 and its evolution into a trusted local pet store known for hand-picked, high-quality products. Angela and Amanda discuss the importance of supporting local independent pet stores, vetting products thoroughly, and educating pet parents on nutrition and wellness. They explore issues within the pet food industry, including recalls and the dominance of big corporations. Additionally, Amanda highlights The Nautical Dog's community involvement, including their partnership with the humane society in their Cat Cove.Episode Recap: Importance of local independent pet storesVetting products for The Nautical DogDoing the research and educating pet parentsThe pet food industry & pet food recallsBig pet corporations owning everything from pet food to veterinary clinicsSchwartzy’s Cat Cove & partnering with the humane societyThe Nautical Dog winning awards in the communityHow The Nautical Dog startedSeeing the impact on pets & their familiesThe More You Know - Pet Wellness SummitThere’s always more to learn when it comes to our petsThe importance of finding the right vet for you and your petEpisode Resources:The Nautical Dog and Schwartzy’s Cat CoveThe More You Know - Pet Wellness SummitFollow The Nautical Dog on Instagram and Facebook Have a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Angela ArdolinoCBD Dog HealthFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angie (our founder) is up to, follow her on Facebook 

In this episode of Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino, we’re joined by Dr. Sarah Ballantyne, an award-winning public speaker, New York Times bestselling author, and world-renowned health expert. Angela and Dr. Sarah discuss the differences between synthetic and real food sources of nutrients, including the enhanced bioavailability of nutrients from whole sources including animals, plants and mushrooms. They delve into the principles of a Nutrivore diet, the best sources of key vitamins for your pet, the importance of non-essential nutrients, the risks associated with synthetic vitamins and vitamin toxicity, and the potential dangers of taking too many supplements. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on how to nourish your pet effectively and safely.Episode Recap: The difference between synthetic and real sources of nutrientsWhat are non-essential nutrients?Full Spectrum nutrition vs isolated nutrientsEnhanced bioavailability of nutrients from whole food sourcesNutrients from animal sourcesWhat is a nutrivore diet?Nutrients from MushroomsWhat is the longevity vitamin?Vitamin-D enhanced mushroomsRisks of synthetic vitamins & vitamin toxicityRisks of taking too many supplementsMenopause & nutritionThe deal with collagen & collagen supplementsEpisode Resources:NutrivoreNutrivore, the book! By Dr. Sarah BallantyneFollow Dr. Sarah Ballantyne on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube Have a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Angela ArdolinoCBD Dog HealthFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angie (our founder) is up to, follow her on Facebook 

In this episode of Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino, we’re thrilled to welcome Jason Scott, founder of Feral Fungi, an ethnobotanist and spagyricist, as well as the mycologist behind Angela’s innovative line of spagyric mushroom extract tinctures for dogs, MycoDog. Join Angela and Jason as they dive deep into the fascinating world of myco-alchemy, exploring topics such as the mushroom extraction industry, sourcing mushrooms locally, and the challenges of ensuring transparency and purity in mushroom supplements. Angela and Jason offer valuable insights into the benefits of wild-harvested mushrooms, and cultivating mushrooms with intention in order to formulate the best mushroom extracts that prioritize medicinal benefits over profit. Tune in to discover the MycoDog difference and gain a deeper understanding of how to choose the right mushroom supplement to support your pet’s health and well-being.Episode Recap: What is myco alchemy?The mushroom extraction industryMyceliated grain & fruiting body extracts on the marketExperimenting with extraction methods for the most holistic mushroom productLack of transparency in the mushroom supplement industryMycelium products are not pure mycelium, and are not mushroom productsThe history of these mushrooms is the fruiting bodyMushrooms being grown on sawdust, a byproduct from the lumber industryThe importance of how mushrooms are grownWhat testing doesn’t show in your mushroom supplementBenefits of wild harvested mushroomsCultivating mushrooms with intention, on the right substrateSeeing the MycoDog difference in real dogsSourcing mushrooms locally, not overseasThe problem with mushroom powdersThe idea that its too expensive to source locallyWhy are companies spray drying mushroom extracts?Liquid extracts vs powdered extractsThe importance of dual extractionFormulating mushroom extract blends The problem with testing mushrooms for beta glucansCreating a mushroom product for the best medicinal benefits, not for profitEpisode Resources:Follow Feral Fungi on Instagram and FacebookFeral Fungi WebsiteFollow AlcheMycology on InstagramAlcheMycology WebsiteCatch up on Jason’s other Your Natural Dog episodesWhy Angela Created MycoDogMycoDog Spagyric Mushroom Extracts for dogsHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Angela ArdolinoCBD Dog HealthFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angie (our founder) is up to, follow her on Facebook 

In this episode of Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino, we’re joined by Krysta Fox, an integrative Veterinary Technician and owner of Pug & Hound Pet Apothecary. Krysta leverages her years of veterinary and pet industry experience to help pet parents find the best natural supplements and food for their pets. She hand-selects every product in her store, saving pet parents the time and effort of research and guiding them to the best natural options. Krysta and Angela delve into the mushroom pet supplement industry, discussing how to choose the right mushroom supplement for your pet and the challenges of trying to standardize nature. Tune in for insights on navigating the world of natural pet supplements, especially when it comes to mushroom extracts, and ensuring you’re getting the best health benefits for your pets.Episode Recap: It’s all because of Bruce the PugPug & Hound Pet ApothecaryBeing a disruptor in the pet industryRecognizing when a product is the real dealYou can’t standardize natureMedicinal mushrooms offer more than just beta-glucansTesting hasn’t caught up to these medicinal mushroom productsWhat not to lose sight of when comparing powders and tincturesConstantly doing the research to educate pet parentsMushrooms get their medicinal properties from what they’re grown onHow substrates and adulterants affect mushroom supplement qualityThe difference MycoDog mushroom supplements can makeAsk questions when choosing a supplement for your petPowdered mushroom extracts as a functional foodThe power of real whole plant & fungi medicineThe FDA & the natural supplement industryHow to choose the right mushroom supplement for your petEpisode Resources:Pug & Hound Pet Apothecary Follow Pug & Hound on Instagram and Facebook Mushroom Supplements: A Practitioner's Comparison More articles by Krysta Fox on CBD Dog HealthWhy Angela Created MycoDogMycoDog Spagyric Mushroom Extract Supplements for petsHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Angela ArdolinoCBD Dog HealthFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angie (our founder) is up to, follow her on Facebook 

In this episode of Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino, Master Herbalist Dr. Nicole Apelian joins the conversation, sharing her insights on the power of natural herbs and medicinal mushrooms. Dr. Nicole is a biologist, author, anthropologist, wilderness skills instructor, and was also a challenger on the History Channel’s "Alone" series. Dr. Nicole and Angela come together to talk about their parallel experiences formulating their mushroom extract products, creating mushroom extract & adaptogen blends for specific ailments, and disrupting the industry with their gold standard spagyric tinctures. As they dive into the world of herbs and mushrooms, they also share how their journeys were each sparked by a worrying diagnosis. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on the healing potential of mushrooms and herbs.Episode Recap: Dr. Nicole Apelian’s journey to herbalismForaging for food & medicine on AloneWhy mushroom extract tinctures instead of powdersSpagyric tinctures are the gold standardDr. Apelian’s experience with MSThe importance of diet and supporting the gut microbiomeBeing a disruptor in the pet industryLook for research & listen to real people’s reviewsFavorite mushrooms & herbsMushroom extract & adaptogen blends for specific ailmentsGo-to headache & migraine remediesDr. Nicole Apelian’s books and coursesEpisode Resources:Dr. Nicole ApelianDr. Nicole’s Apothecary Follow Dr. Nicole Apelian on Facebook and InstagramMycoDog Spagyric Mushroom Extract & Adaptogen tinctures for petsHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Angela ArdolinoCBD Dog HealthFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angie (our founder) is up to, follow her on Facebook