124. Why Our Pets Are Sicker Than Ever: Additives, Toxic Load & the Limits of Conventional Care with Dr. Judy Jasek

In this episode of Your Natural Dog, Angela Ardolino is joined by Dr. Judy Jasek, a holistic veterinarian with decades of clinical experience, for a candid conversation about why our pets are sicker than ever. Together, they unpack how modern pet care, from highly processed supplements and foods to so-called “inactive” ingredients like fillers, binders, gums, starches, and spray-dried additives, can quietly disrupt detox pathways, burden the liver and kidneys, and undermine gut health, especially in older pets. Angela and Dr. Jasek also explore how the pet industry has changed over time, why marketing buzzwords can be misleading, and what pet parents can do instead to support the body’s natural ability to restore balance and resilience.Episode Recap:Angela introduces Dr. Judy Jasek, who explains why she identifies as holistic rather than “integrative,” and they discuss how the terms ‘holistic’ and ‘natural’ can be overused, both in pet care and supplements. (00:00)Why supplements can be a trap for well-meaning pet parents who want “natural” alternatives, and how health is the body’s natural state, we just need to support the body, not “create health” with products. (04:32)Angela and Dr. Judy call out “natural” supplement labels that hide harmful inactive ingredients, including common fillers like microcrystalline cellulose (wood pulp), and how many additives exist primarily to make manufacturing cheaper or easier (binders, bulking agents, flow agents). (07:02)They break down how big companies use buzzwords and emotional marketing to sell inferior pet foods and pet supplements, and why understanding where ingredients truly come from matters more than the label claims. (10:45)They talk about the common “senior dog spiral,” where joint pain leads to drugs and stacking interventions that overload detox systems. (16:00)The rise of cancer in younger pets and how much the landscape has changed across Dr. Judy’s career. They also talk about immune-suppressing allergy drugs and how turning off symptoms can create bigger downstream problems. (23:03)Angela talks about the rise of countless pet joint supplements, and the most popular pet joint supplements, like Cosequin, the problems with these isolates, and how hard it can be to even find full ingredient lists for many of these popular supplements. (28:05)The conversation highlights how corporate-owned veterinary systems often treat lab numbers and symptoms rather than treating the whole animal, leading to more drugs, more tests, and fewer answers for pet parents. (32:13)They dive into why inactive ingredients matter just as much as active ones, exposing how common fillers, sugars, and gums can fuel inflammation and gut imbalance in pets. (35:50)Angela and Dr. Judy highlight how foods like mushrooms, ferments, and small amounts of veggie fiber can support gut health by working with a pet’s natural instincts. (45:25)Episode Resources:Download Angela’s Resources including her Additives to Avoid, her Cosequin Ingredient Breakdown, and more at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloads Dr. Judy Jasek’s Animal Healing ArtsFollow Dr. Judy Jasek & AHA on Facebook, Instagram and SubStackHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela ArdolinoVisit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our CBD & Holistic Pet Advice Facebook Group.

In this episode of Your Natural Dog, Angela Ardolino is joined by Danielle Ruccia, a holistic wellness educator and detox-focused influencer known for helping pet parents simplify health decisions. Together, they talk about why so many pets end up stuck on a “hamster wheel” of processed food, pesticides, and stacked pharmaceuticals, and how stepping back into a food-first, low-toxin approach can make a real difference. Angela and Danielle also unpack common toxin exposures (from flea and tick treatments to household chemicals), why ingredient lists and fillers matter so much in pet supplements, and how to take practical detox and diet steps without getting overwhelmed or trying to do everything at once.Episode Recap:Angela introduces Danielle Ruccia and they discuss the backlash holistic voices can face, and how it's not about being “anti-vet,” just pro-education and advocating for your pets. (00:00)Angela and Danielle talk about how many pets arrive severely sick after years of processed food, pesticides, and stacked pharmaceuticals. (02:10)Danielle explains her core approach: keep it simple, because confusion and “too much info” leads to paralysis and no action. (05:05)Angela calls out the lack of consequences in pet care and criticizes common conventional meds and the “add another drug” cycle. (06:45)They talk about how common major toxin exposures are, including conventional flea/tick products and everyday household chemicals. (08:23)Danielle describes her own health story, years of skin issues, digestive problems, antibiotics, hormonal disruption, and aggressive medications; and how she started healing through education, and trial-and-error. (13:51)Both emphasize becoming your pet’s advocate and not blindly outsourcing health decisions to anyone, even “experts.”, and remember even trusted brands can change formulas and why reading ingredients and checking COAs matters. (23:36)They warn that more ingredients isn’t better, 10–12+ ingredient blends can be a red flag and make reactions impossible to troubleshoot. Trendy products can look good, but often rely on fillers, binders, and marketing over real formulation. (25:52)They discuss how even “better” pet foods can still be loaded with synthetic vitamin/mineral packs and why sourcing matters. (40:00)Angela and Danielle reinforce: it’s never too late, older pets can still thrive with the right changes and support. (45:25)Episode Resources:Download Angela’s Resources including her Pet Detox Guide and Additives to Avoid at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloads Follow Danielle Ruccia on Skool, Instagram and TikTokHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela ArdolinoVisit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our CBD & Holistic Pet Advice Facebook Group.

In this episode of Your Natural Dog, Angela sits down with Dr. Jannine Krause, a naturopathic doctor, acupuncturist, herbalist, and proud dog lover, for an honest conversation about what naturopathic medicine actually is (and isn’t), why “holistic” can be a misleading label, and how our dogs often seem to reflect what we’re going through emotionally and physically. They also dig into nutrition education gaps, pet food myths, and practical tools Dr. Krause uses at home with her own dogs.Episode Recap:Angela introduces Dr. Jannine Krause and previews the big themes: naturopathic vs. holistic care, why true naturopathic-style training doesn’t really exist in vet med, and the way pets can mirror our stress and health patterns. (00:00)Dr. Krause explains what a naturopathic doctor is, including the scope of her training and how it compares to conventional medical training, especially the emphasis on nutrition, whole foods, and botanical medicine. (01:10)The conversation shifts into veterinary care: Angela shares why it’s frustrating that pet parents don’t have the option to see someone with the combined depth of conventional + nutrition + herbal training specifically for animals. (06:20)They discuss a common industry issue: “pet versions” of supplements that are simply lowered-potency versions of human formulas—often without strong rationale—plus how pricing doesn’t always reflect those changes. (09:45)Dr. Krause shares how she supported her dog Brian through chronic ear issues and how real food and diet changes were a turning point, along with the uncomfortable experience of being aggressively questioned by her “integrative” vet when her dog lost weight and improved. (12:30)They dig into vaccination conversations and why it can feel confusing when preventive checklists show up during sick visits, plus how both human and veterinary systems often default to “pharmaceutical-first” approaches. (17:09)Dr. Krause expands on the “mirroring” theme: how our stress, mood, and household energy can show up in our pets, and why she sees this connection repeatedly with clients and her own dogs. (19:10)Angela and Dr. Jannine unpack how deeply pet parents have been conditioned to trust kibble, pharmaceuticals, and one-size-fits-all protocols—despite minimal nutrition education in veterinary medicine—and how real healing often begins when we question conventional advice, prioritize real food, and stay curious instead of accepting “there’s nothing else to try.” (24:28)They break down the difference between naturopathic doctors, functional medicine practitioners, and loosely used “holistic” labels, emphasizing how training, education length, board exams, and clinical depth matter. The takeaway is that titles alone don’t tell the full story, and pet parents (and human patients) need to ask questions, look at credentials, and trust their instincts. (30:50)Dr. Krause shares practical, at-home tools she uses with dogs: acupressure points (especially hips/back/spine/jaw), gentle bodywork, tuning forks, PEMF and red light, while making sure she is observing how pets respond in real time. (37:40)Diet and environmental toxins play a massive role in both human and pet health. They discuss how preservatives, synthetic vitamins, and chemicals in kibble and household products can accumulate in the body, contribute to weight issues and lumps in dogs, and disrupt overall balance, often improving only when real food and a cleaner, low-toxin environment are prioritized. (40:44)Episode Resources:Download Angela’s Guides including Comparing Pet Health Care Types: Naturopathic/Holistic vs Integrative vs Conventional at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloads Dr. Jannine Kraus’ Website & The Health Fix PodcastFollow Dr. Jannine Krause on Facebook, Instagram and YouTubeHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela ArdolinoVisit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our CBD & Holistic Pet Advice Facebook Group.

In this episode of Your Natural Dog, Angela Ardolino is joined by holistic pet health coach Naja Muller of Tonka’s Journey and Green Paws Holistic Pet Care. Naja shares how she’s helped her handicapped and chronically challenged dogs stay comfortable, mobile, and joyful using a holistic pain management toolkit, without relying on long-term pharmaceuticals. Angela and Naja dive into the five pain pathways, why conventional pain meds often lead to stacking multiple drugs with serious side effects, and how whole-plant cannabis, psilocybin, nutrition, and at-home therapies can work together to support dogs living with pain.Episode Recap:Angela introduces Naja Muller, Tonka’s Journey and sets the stage for a deep dive into chronic pain, handicapped dogs, and holistic pain support. (00:00)They break down the five pain-signaling pathways and explain how conventional drugs usually target just one, while cannabis and other botanicals can influence multiple pathways at once. (03:13)Naja shares her dog Tripp’s osteosarcoma story, how conventional pain meds quickly caused severe constipation, and how switching to high-THC and CBD plus a wheelchair transformed his final six months. (05:17)Naja shares about her dog Tonka’s congenital deformities, and how she committed early to a holistic pain plan instead of cycling through combinations of dog pain meds and their side effects. (07:19)They discuss their shared experiences using full extract cannabis (THC-rich oil) and CBD for pain support in dogs, including why whole-plant cannabis works differently than pharmaceuticals and practical tips for balancing THC and CBD for comfort without heavy sedation. (09:45)Angela and Naja unpack the problem with NSAIDs, opioids, steroids, Librela and other popular pain drugs for dogs, highlighting issues like gut damage, liver and kidney strain, and long-term fallout. (13:50)Why the conversation should actually be about being proactive with food and lifestyle, rather than adding more synthetic supplements and pharmaceuticals. Naja shares her go-to foods for joint support and inflammation. (18:24)Angela discusses the need to reframe hemp, functional mushrooms and adaptogens as functional food, rather than “supplements”, stressing clean sourcing, COAs, and why real liquid mushroom extracts beat cheap powders with fillers. (21:02)Naja shares the at-home modalities she uses with her dogs, including light therapy, infrared and PEMF mats, cold laser, tuning forks, Reiki, ozone and bodywork, to support comfort and recovery. (26:49)Naja describes her own experience microdosing psilocybin, then using it with Tonka, and the subtle but noticeable shifts she saw in his mobility, reactivity and emotional balance over time. (32:42)They close by urging pet parents not to blindly trust every prescription, to learn the real risks of dog pain meds and steroids, and to build proactive, “do no harm” holistic pain plans that protect quality of life. (40:02)Episode Resources:Download Angela’s Resources including Natural Alternatives for Arthritis Pain in Dogs and Cats & her Cosequin Ingredient Breakdown at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloads Follow Tonka’s Journey on Facebook, Instagram and TikTokLooking for a Holistic Pet Health Coach - Green Paws Holistic Pet CareHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela ArdolinoVisit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our CBD & Holistic Pet Advice Facebook Group.

In this episode of Your Natural Dog, Angela sits down with Kelly Bone, founder of Saving Pets One Pet at a Time, to talk about a topic a lot of pet parents are quietly struggling with: who can you actually trust with your pet’s health? Kelly shares the heartbreaking story of losing her dog, Duncan, to a recalled prescription pet food and how that grief turned her into a fierce advocate, lead plaintiff in a class action lawsuit, and the creator of a 175,000-member Facebook community. Angela and Kelly dig into what “holistic” really means, why the word is now slapped on everything from vet clinics to online coaches, and how pet parents can spot red flags in veterinarians, nutrition courses, supplements, and online “experts.” You’ll hear real talk about pet food recalls, dangerous drugs still on the market, unregulated supplements, and the rise of under-trained “holistic” practitioners. Most importantly, Angela and Kelly share practical ways to vet potential vets and coaches, read labels, build a trustworthy holistic team, and step fully into your role as your pet’s primary advocate.Episode Recap:Angela starts by defining what holistic truly means: treating the whole being, addressing root causes, and supporting the body’s natural ability to heal. (00:00)Kelly shares her dog Duncan’s story, how her healthy service dog suddenly became critically ill and died after eating contaminated Hill’s Science Diet dog food, and realizing how little these companies care about our pets, after Hill’s offered her $10 in coupons as recompense for killing her dog. (02:34)She explains how Duncan’s death led her to join a class action lawsuit against Hill’s and launch the Saving Pets One Pet at a Time Facebook group, which grew rapidly as thousands of grieving or worried pet parents reached out. (05:04)Angela and Kelly talk about the guilt of blindly following conventional vet advice, from prescription food, flea/tick meds, heartworm drugs, to constant vaccines, and why they now refuse to hand over full control again. (06:58)Angela calls out the explosion of inexperienced “certified” holistic pet coaches and pet nutritionists, many with less than 30 hours of training, yet charging hundreds of dollars per consult. (10:00)They outline red flags in “holistic” vet clinics, like pharma posters, prescription diets, annual vaccine postcards, and automatic chemical preventatives. Plus practical tips for vetting your vet: from visiting clinics in advance and asking the right questions, to being willing to drive or use telehealth to work with a truly holistic vet. (16:43)Angela and Kelly talk about the shocking lack of consequences when pet food companies harm or even kill thousands of pets, who are seen as merely property, and misleading pet food labels and supplements, warning about companies changing ingredients for profit, many with long lists of synthetic vitamins, fillers, and “other ingredients.” (22:21)Why long ingredient lists are a red flag and why nutrients should primarily come from real, whole foods rather than isolates sprinkled on top. (27:12)They discuss influencers who suddenly flip from promoting raw feeding to pushing kibble and prescription diets, and why pet parents should always follow the money and check for sponsorships. (30:10)Kelly shares about the 175,000 pet parents looking for help in her Facebook group, Saving Pets One Pet at a Time, many joining after their pets get sick because of commercial pet food, and why saving money by feeding your dog cheap kibble often leads to bigger vet bills later, plus ways to “freshen the bowl” on a budget. (36:19)Episode Resources:Download Angela’s Do No Harm Holistic Vet Checklist & more at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloads Finding a Holistic Vet: What Pet Parents Should Know by Angela ArdolinoFind more resources on Kelly’s website Saving Pets One Pet at a TimeFollow Kelly & Saving Pets One Pet at a Time on Facebook, Instagram and YouTubeHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela ArdolinoVisit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our CBD & Holistic Pet Advice Facebook Group.

Ever dream of hopping on a plane and exploring the world with your dog by your side? In this episode of Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino, we’re joined by Larry and Charly Pruden, founders of Pawdega, an ethical, non-toxic pet marketplace that makes it easy for pet parents to find the safest holistic brands all in one place. Larry and Charly have traveled across the globe with their French Bulldog, Milka, and they share their best tips for international and domestic pet travel, from navigating airline policies and import permits to choosing stress-free accommodations and maintaining holistic pet care routines on the road. If you’ve ever wished you could take your dog everywhere, or are simply curious about what life looks like on the road with a pup, this episode will give you the confidence (and checklists) to make it happen.Episode Recap:Angela opens the episode introducing Larry & Charly, founders of Pawdega, who travel all over the world with their frenchie Milka (01:00)How Larry and Charly started traveling with Milka, and the research involved with meeting requirements from country to country (02:10)Flying with your dog, from in-cabin pets and service animals to dogs flying in cargo, how to prepare your dog (04:41)Charly and Larry share the steps you can take to start traveling with your dog around the world, from checking embassy resources to first hand tips from experienced travelers (10:26)How they feed Milka while traveling in different countries, from local sources to freeze-dried raw dog food packed in a suitcase (12:44)Angela shares the realities of traveling from airbnb to hotel to airbnb all over the country with her dogs, and the everyday toxins present in cleaning products and household products in these hotels and homes across the country (16:22)Being prepared for any situation, as access to homeopathics or veterinary care isn’t always speedy or possible when traveling (18:00)Why supporting your pet’s immune system, and being proactive with natural support is vital, before a problem or diagnosis (20:40)Larry and Charly’s top tips for pet parents interested in traveling with their dogs, including considering whether your dog will do well traveling, double checking vaccine expiration dates, and calming CBD oil for dogs (21:47)Sharing Milka’s encounter with freeroaming dogs in Thailand, plus how to follow and support Milka, Charly, Larry, and Pawdega (27:10)Episode Resources:Download Angela’s Pet Travel Checklist & more at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloadsPawdega.usFollow Pawdega on Facebook, Instagram and YouTubeHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela ArdolinoVisit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our CBD & Holistic Pet Advice Facebook Group.

In this episode of Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino, we’re joined by guest Teri DiMarino, award-winning professional groomer of over 50 years, and we’re pulling back the curtain on the pet grooming industry. Angela and Teri talk about why so many pet parents struggle to find a groomer they trust, why the grooming industry is almost completely unregulated, what actually happens when you drop your dog off “for just a few hours,” and how to know if your dog is safe behind those salon doors. They get into hot-button topics like matted doodles, seniors and special-needs dogs, shaving double-coated breeds, anal glands, ear plucking, cage dryers, pricing, tipping, and why honest communication with your groomer can literally protect your dog. Teri also explains the standards of care, safety, and sanitation she’s helped create for groomers, and what questions you should be asking before you book your next grooming appointment.Episode Recap:Angela opens the episode discussing the common struggle to find a pet groomer you trust, and her past experience owning a grooming salon. (00:50)Teri shares her 52-year career in pet grooming and why pet parents often struggle to find a groomer they connect with (02:40)They discuss why licensing doesn’t necessarily stop bad groomers, but regulation and accountability can help protect both groomers and pet parents. (05:40)Teri explains how the Standards of Care, Safety, and Sanitation were developed by multiple grooming organizations to set best practices for safe, clean salons,  and how these standards are now recognized worldwide. (09:30)Teri explains why some dogs have incidents in salons, often due to hidden health conditions or misinformation from owners, and how accountability should work both ways. (13:55)Teri breaks down the difference between licensing, certification, and registration, and the misconceptions pet owners often have about what each means. (17:00)Teri and Angela remind pet parents to always be honest with groomers, explaining that lying about biting, brushing, or matting can cause injuries, legal issues, and unnecessary suffering for the dog. (21:00)Angela and Teri tackle the “to shave or not to shave” debate, explaining why shaving double-coated breeds doesn’t keep them cool and can actually damage the coat (28:40)Teri explains the debate around ear plucking, encouraging groomers to take a conservative approach, only clearing the ear canal when needed, keeping ears clean and dry, and referring severe cases to a vet. (39:57)Teri and Angela emphasize the groomer’s vital role in spotting early health issues, urging pet parents to trust their groomer, and tip generously (46:04)Angela and Teri discuss client misunderstandings, false reviews, and lawsuits in the grooming industry (50:30)They wrap up the episode with a brief touch on responsible vaccination practices, microchipping, and due diligence in animal rescue. (57:26)Episode Resources:Download Angela’s Holistic Groomer Checklist for Pet Parents & more at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloadsThe California Professional Pet Groomers Association, Inc.World Alliance of Grooming Associations Inc.Have a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela ArdolinoVisit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our CBD & Holistic Pet Advice Facebook Group.

On this episode of Your Natural Dog, Angela sits down with Dr. Margo Roman, a veterinarian with over 47 years in practice, to talk about what the veterinary oath really means, and what happens when vets try to speak openly about holistic or integrative pet care. Dr. Roman shares how her Massachusetts veterinary license was suspended for two years after she emailed clients about ozone and homeopathic options, which she’s now appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court after losing at the state level. Angela and Dr. Roman also discuss why they believe “do no harm” requires a fuller toolbox: acupuncture, microbiome work, ozone, nutrition, herbs, and the importance of ongoing education after vet school. The conversation looks at how policies, liability fears, and funding ties can discourage open discussion of holistic pet care. They also cover the “spectrum of care” model for real-world budgets, the debate over rabies titers and vaccine exemptions, why gut health is foundational, and practical ways pet parents can stay informed and advocate for more options.Episode Recap:Angela tees up free speech, the veterinarian’s oath, and why Dr. Roman’s case matters to pet parents. (00:08)The Veterinarian’s Oath, and how it extends beyond what’s taught in school. (03:15)Dr. Roman describe the lack of options being offered to pet parents by conventional veterinarians, and they discuss the declining numbers of holistic veterinarians. (04:49)Why continuing your veterinary education, from acupuncture to microbiome science, is essential to the “do no harm” oath, and how ignoring proven alternative modalities amounts to denying care.(07:55)Angela shares her experience getting an FDA letter and the pressure to stay silent about holistic education and testimonials. (10:12)Dr. Roman shares the story of her horse with cancer, Champ, who she was told to euthanize, but instead lived for over 8 more years under her care using homeopathy, acupuncture, nutrition, and later ozone therapy. When she tried to show the university her results, they refused to look. (11:50)The pandemic, recommending ozone therapy,  and the veterinary board’s response. (13:31)Introduction to “Spectrum of Care” for clients who can’t afford gold-standard workups. (15:46)How corporate and government control often limits access to natural options, the vital role of the gut microbiome and the endocannabinoid system, and how mushrooms and hemp have long supported balance in both humans and animals. (17:40)Dr. Roman describes the financial and emotional toll of defending her right to practice integrative medicine, including spending over a million dollars and facing ongoing board harassment. She explains how officials dismiss modalities like acupuncture and ozone therapy without ever studying them, and calls for accountability and open-mindedness among regulators who condemn what they don’t understand. (20:10)Dr. Roman argues that forcing veterinarians to vaccinate animals who are already immune or medically fragile goes against the veterinary oath, and shares her own experience with Rabies vaccination and antibody testing (22:43)Being your pet’s advocate, what Dr. Roman is working on now, plus ways to support her mission (30:09)Episode Resources:Download Angela’s resources & guides at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloadsThe Veterinarian’s OathDr. Roman’s Urgent Call for Veterinarians to Uphold their Oath and her Medical Freedom For Animals Legal FundDr. Margo Roman v. Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine, Massachusetts Supreme Judicial CourtDr. Roman’s Veterinary Practice Main Street Animal Services of HopkintonFollow Dr. Roman & MASH on Twitter, Facebook,and InstagramHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela ArdolinoVisit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our CBD & Holistic Pet Advice Facebook Group.

On this episode of Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino, Angela chats with Lauren Becks, founder of Girls Gone Raw, about the bones and chews showing up on “raw bars” everywhere and how to tell the clean from the questionable. Lauren shares what real, species-appropriate chews should look and smell like, why bright white bones and bright colors raise flags, and how vague labels can hide flavor sprays and bleaching. We dig into sourcing that actually means something, from small farms and traceable supply to why organs like liver and kidney require extra care and modest portions. Lauren explains bone safety in plain terms, including raw versus cooked, temps that change collagen, and why heavy weight-bearing bones can break teeth or splinter. We also cover smoked bones, whole-prey benefits, and matching chews to your dog’s style so power chewers stay safe. Join Angela and Lauren for practical shopping tips, smarter choices at the treat bar, and a straightforward way to feed closer to nature without the junk.Episode Recap:The overwhelming amount of options we have when it comes to dog chews and pet treats, and how to recognize additives, preservatives, and misleading appearances. (02:33)Loopholes in labeling regulations when it comes to chews, and why pet parents must look deeper than just the ingredient list. (04:07)The critical role of sourcing and why integrity in choosing farms and suppliers makes or breaks a product. (07:04)The challenges small pet businesses face, balancing ethical sourcing, costs, and sustainability. (09:15)How personal experiences with their pet’s diagnoses led both Angela and Lauren to dig deeper into ingredients, sourcing, and natural approaches to restore balance and support long-term wellness. (14:04)Shortcuts and additives may look cheaper upfront, but investing in clean, biologically appropriate food and holistic care saves pets (and people) from bigger costs and health struggles later. (21:30)Why biologically appropriate diets matter: from whole prey to raw bones, dogs and cats thrive on food closer to what they’d eat in nature. (24:49)Why whole food, whole plant, and whole prey approaches always outperform isolates or overly processed products. (32:34)Safe, minimally processed chews and bones (like meaty or fur-on options) not only avoid the risks of bleached or smoked products but also give dogs natural enrichment that engages their senses and instincts. (39:12)Episode Resources:Download Angela’s Additives to Avoid and other resources at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloadsSign up for the Girls Gone Raw Carnivore Crate - Don’t miss our collaboration with GGR for their October Box!Shop Girls Gone Raw with code YND10 for 10% OffFollow Girls Gone Raw on TikTok, Facebook,and InstagramHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela ArdolinoVisit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our CBD & Holistic Pet Advice Facebook Group.

In this episode of Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino, Angela and Carter sit down with Dr. Joel Ehrenzweig, veterinarian, researcher, and founder of Veterinary Health Research Centers — to talk about the groundbreaking Senior Dog Study they’ve been running together for the past year. Dr. Ehrenzweig shares why he shifted from a strictly pharmaceutical approach to fully embracing natural medicine late in his career. Angela, Carter and Dr. Ehrenzweig discuss how the Senior Dog Study is helping to validate what holistic practitioners have known for years: that functional mushrooms and natural adaptogens can potentially make a real difference in cognitive health, quality of life, and emotional connection for senior dogs.If you have an aging pup and have ever been told “there’s nothing we can do,” this episode will give you hope, real data, and real-life stories showing that there are options. Learn more about the Senior Dog Study. Episode RecapLaunching the Senior Dog Study – Carter shares how they recruited a diverse group of senior dogs experiencing cognitive decline—many from families who believed they had no options left—then tracked behavior, activity, and sleep to build a data-backed picture of progress over the course of the study. (00:31)Validating Centuries of Natural Medicine – Angela shares how rescuing senior dogs inspired her to prove that natural approaches—real food, hemp, mushrooms, and adaptogens—can help aging pets thrive without relying on pharmaceutical “longevity drugs.” Dr. Ehrenzweig reflects on his shift from a strictly pharmaceutical mindset, describing how client feedback opened his eyes to alternative options and why he was intrigued to join this groundbreaking study. (02:46)Rethinking Canine Cognitive Decline – Dr. Ehrenzweig explains why a CCD diagnosis shouldn’t be seen as “the end” for senior dogs, noting that it develops gradually and shares many similarities with human dementia and Alzheimer’s. He describes the challenge of studying such a complex condition and the promise of finding better options beyond pharmaceuticals. Dr. Joel expresses hope that demonstrating improvement in dogs could pave the way for better, more natural options for humans facing cognitive decline in the future. (08:10)The Power of Whole-Plant Medicine & Synergy – Angela shares why her mission is to create pure, whole-plant and mushroom formulas rather than isolated compounds, emphasizing that nature’s ingredients work best together. Combining adaptogens like Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, Ashwagandha, and Bacopa Monnieri creates a synergistic effect—targeting multiple aspects of cognitive decline and delivering the results seen in the Senior Dog Study. (11:55)Measuring the Impact of Mushrooms & Adaptogens on CCD – Carter explains how the synergistic blend of Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, Ashwagandha, and Bacopa Monnieri for dogs was designed to address multiple aspects of cognitive decline, from calming the nervous system to supporting neuroprotection and brain oxygenation. To capture these effects, the team used detailed questionnaires and scoring systems to track behaviors like nighttime waking, disorientation, and social engagement—finding that while every dog’s response is different, the combination consistently improved quality of life across a wide range of cases.(14:44)Recognizing the First Signs of CCD – Dr. Joel explains that one of the earliest and most telling signs of canine cognitive decline is a shift in sleep patterns—dogs sleeping more during the day, then pacing or appearing restless at night. With wearable collars, pet parents, and researchers, can now track movement and sleep 24/7, giving an objective view of these changes. (20:01)Real-Life Transformations from Mushrooms & Adaptogens – Angela shares moving stories of senior dogs who were scheduled for euthanasia but experienced dramatic turnarounds after starting on these mushrooms & adaptogens—regaining mobility, focus, and connection with their families in just days. Dr. Joel, a seasoned veterinary researcher with over 15 years of experience, admits he had never seen natural ingredients work this quickly and effectively, reinforcing just how extraordinary these study results have been. (26:22)Beyond Anecdotes, Real Evidence from the Senior Dog Study – Carter and Dr. Joel emphasize that the Senior Dog Study is more than just testimonials. By combining real-time collar data that tracks sleep, wake cycles, and activity with caregiver questionnaires and even blood biomarkers like BDNF and CRP, they’ve created an objective, data-backed picture of how dogs are responding. Dr. Joel notes that even when improvements vary, simply slowing decline can be a meaningful win for families — and in many cases, the results are dramatic, with dogs showing better engagement, calmer behavior, and restored quality of life. (32:42)Episode Resources:The Study: Prospective Evaluation of a Mushroom Derived Nutraceutical in Dogs with Cognitive DeclineLearn more about the Senior Dog StudyWant to be a part of the Senior Dog Study? More on Mushrooms & Adaptogens for Canine Cognitive DysfunctionVeterinary Health Research CentersDownload Angela’s Resources at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloadsHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Visit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our CBD & Holistic Pet Advice Facebook Group.