Canine Reality Check

The pet food industry is awash with marketing gimmicks, vague claims and inadequate quality control that make it difficult for consumers and retailers to know who to trust. Too often, manufacturers lean on slick branding to obscure shortcomings, using terms like “natural” and “baked” to create a veneer of quality that doesn’t always hold up under scrutiny. The result? Pets are left vulnerable, and consumers are left misled by products that don’t live up to their promises. While manufacturers hold the primary responsibility to operate with honesty and transparency, pet owners and retailers have a critical role to play in questioning claims and digging deeper into the practices behind the products they choose. Building trust requires vigilance and accountability on all sides, and brands that fail to prioritize the health and well-being of animals while claiming the opposite should not expect to earn that trust but too often these brand are prioritized and idolized by pet retailers and pet owners that don't know what questions to ask or prefer to "just not go there". This interview dives into the story of Lotus Pet Food, a brand that challenges industry norms with a commitment to transparency, quality, and ethical practices. Daron Matsuura, a former pet retailer turned manufacturer, opens up about his journey with his partners to build a micro cannery and manufacturing facility right here in the USA—taking control of every step in the production process to deliver food they can truly stand behind. Daron and I don’t shy away from the hard truths like the deceptive practices that plague the industry, the uphill battle of sourcing sustainable ingredients, and the constant push and pull between staying true to integrity and keeping a business afloat. This isn’t just an interview—It’s a reminder that the shiny packaging and catchy buzzwords often hide darker realities, and that it’s on us to dig deeper, demand honesty, and support brands that put the health and well-being of our pets first. If you’ve ever questioned what’s in your pet’s bowl, this conversation will leave you with clarity—and maybe a fire to make better choices.

Mark and Dani Longo clearly, have a deep love for animals, their kindness and generosity shine through. Unfortunately, they were caring for two wild animals without the necessary qualifications as licensed wildlife rehabilitators. Their social media posts attracted a lot of attention, and it seems that someone, or perhaps a few unhappy followers, reported them to the NY Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). From there, things quickly escalated. Sadly, both animals were ultimately euthanized, and it appears that New York State has not been transparent about the situation, leaving many questions unanswered. NBC affiliate WETM reported that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is conducting an internal investigation into the seizure of P-Nut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon from Mark and Dani Longo's sanctuary. The DEC stated that they are reviewing their policies to uphold wildlife safety. According to WETM, the DEC and Chemung County Health Department claimed P-Nut was euthanized after biting an agent. WETM also noted they couldn't verify any cases of rabies in squirrels in New York State despite requesting test results for both animals. In this episode, we’re diving into the bittersweet story of Peanut and Fred—the animals who captured hearts online but became entangled in a complex web created by human choices. Despite the Longo’s love for these animals, perhaps the best interests of Peanut and Fred were overlooked maybe even ignored as social media fame, animal care, and legal boundaries clashed in heartbreaking ways. Our expert guests are: -Laura Simon, a wildlife ecologist and the President of the Connecticut Wildlife Rehabilitators Association. She ran a wildlife hotline for 18 years to assist the public and community leaders on ways to resolve a variety of wildlife issues and trained animal control officers, police, and rehabilitators around the country on phone advising methods. She has served on the Connecticut Rabies Advisory Committee and worked with state agencies to create a rabies vector species rehabilitation program and manual that served as a model for other states. Laura is also a board member of Reunite Wildlife, Inc. and has given presentations at state and national conferences on various aspects of resolving wildlife issues and preventing orphaning. She graduated from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies with a focus on wildlife policy. -Elizabeth Menegon, Founder and owner of the Hands to Paws mobile app and a dedicated advocate for public education and animal welfare. *The views, information, or opinions expressed during The Petropolist podcast or You Tube video series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the host or the employees of The Petropolist. The primary purpose of this show is to educate and inform. This show does not constitute medical or other professional advice news or services. Please contact a medical professional/veterinarian for all questions regarding the health of your pet.  The Petropolist show and podcast are available for private non-commercial use only. You may not edit, modify, or re-distribute this show.*

My conversation with Daniel Schulof brings to light the deep-rooted complexities of the pet food industry, highlighting the powerful grip some manufacturers have on this lucrative market. Schulof, founder of Keto Natural Pet Foods and author of Dogs, Dog Food, and Dogma, discusses the alarming rise in pet obesity, the flaws in traditional dog food, and how a few major pet food companies shape the world of veterinary nutrition. He emphasized the urgent need for change to protect the health of our pets. Daniel Schulof urges pet owners to become more scientifically literate and to seek independent information rather than relying solely on vet-recommended foods, which may be influenced by these pervasive industry ties. As he puts it, the fight for better pet food requires awareness, education, and sometimes even going against the status quo. Schulof also warns against relying on social media and internet influencers, as they can often contribute to misinformation in harmful ways. Listen to learn about his reasons for filing a class action lawsuit against Hill's Pet Nutrition and his hope for a shift in how the veterinary community approaches pet food. October 1, 2024: A ruling is expected at some point in the next 6 weeks. We will be checking in with Daniel for the results of the ruling and more. Thank you for listening.   The views expressed in this episode are not necessarily those of The Petropolist Podcast team.

"I think we don't have enough veterinary professionals. I don't really care what the AVMA is saying that there is not a shortage. I have, three practices right now that we're trying to staff. We have approximately 17, 18 veterinarians. We could use 25... ...people are leaving the industry and there are a lot of reasons for that... we are losing veterinary professionals. And I think one of the reasons we are losing them is they are becoming disenchanted and disenfranchised by private equity and corporate America. If we could give them a shelter to practice under where they're not asked to sell wellness plans. Don't get me started...Wellness plans were not designed by veterinary professionals, not anybody practicing or not anyone significantly connected and wanting to support the human-animal bond. That's not how you do it! The human animal bond is in the crosshairs of these folks. It is a target to make money period, the end... We all need to make money. We are, as veterinarians, severely burdened with student loan debt. We should all make a livable wage. We should be able to pay our loans and buy a house but no one is looking to be a millionaire or get rich when they go into veterinary medicine. Not most of us... I'm an entrepreneur so I'm a little outside of the box, but for the majority of veterinary professionals, we just want to practice our trade and our gift and be a part of supporting a healthy human animal bond and that, in my opinion, if we were allowed to do that, we'd have probably a longer career lifespan than we currently do..." Dr. Cherri Trusheim, DVM What happens to the pet patients, their owners, and the veterinarians in charge of their care when private equity is managing pet care? With 66 percent of households owning at least one pet and with $136.8 billion of household income being spent on these pets (source 2023-2024 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association), the pet boom has not gone unnoticed by private equity firms. Mars is the biggest pet care consolidator, best known for making candy.   Urban Animal founder Dr. Cherri Trusheim, DVM has observed it is negatively impacting all involved. This trend often detracts from employee culture. Corporatization also diminishes the standard of care by upselling and tying veterinary professionals’ compensation to the amount of products and services they sell. As a solution, Trusheim is introducing the first large-scale worker cooperative model as a solution to give power back to their team of more than 100 employees. and accessible, option-based care.  Worker cooperatives are gaining popularity as a means to establish equitable and sustainable employment, partly fueled by recent legislation in Washington and a growing interest in the model. The Cooperative Way, a consultancy group specializing in worker cooperative establishment, has collaborated with Urban Animal to inaugurate a cooperative venture. Dr. Cherri Trusheim's contribution of 5% of the company's value has served as the initial seed funding to propel the cooperative's launch. Adam Schwartz, Founder, The Cooperative Way has noted that “workplace democracy and worker cooperatives are becoming an increasingly attractive option that addresses a variety of the nation’s most common workplace challenges, including labor shortages, corporate culture, pay equity, and succession planning. The model is often formed to lift people out of generational poverty, as lower-income, people of color, and immigrants have founded the majority of worker co-ops in the US.”   Share this episode - If you are a veterinarian or you know a veterinary professional looking to have a better way of treating their patients while having a quality of life and well-being please have them listen to this episode and reach to Dr. Trusheim and Adam Schwartz.

Should Pet Retailers shoulder some responsibility for ensuring product safety and quality with the brands they stock and recommend? Food safety is critical. Those pet retailers who claim to be in the know and those who give direction and guidance to the pet owners are in fact the gate keepers of that critical space. Do these retailers take their roles seriously enough to look back at the history of a brand, it's owners, it's safety protocols, it problems, it's complaints....? Are you that retailer that talks big but is ok with a little bit of that 'white lie' for the sake of the sales? or are you the one that will hold brands accountable for their lack of compliance, integrity? Join me as I speak with Nicole Cammack about the role of the pet retailer in prioritizing safety, protecting consumers and your business. Your shelves tell your story!!

Tazz: What would you change within this industry that pertains only to indies? Sam: I'm going to go back to saying that independent pet has to come together to move the needle to support independent pet... The power is getting together and having a voice. Home Town Pet Shoppe

Dr. David P. Turner, a dedicated researcher at the Massey Cancer Center, is passionate about dogs and their well-being. Specializing in Cancer Prevention and Control research, Dr. Turner focuses on the adverse connections between advanced glycation end products (A.G.E.s) and human health. A.G.E.s, harmful oxidative compounds prevalent in processed and high-temperature-cooked foods, play a significant role in chronic diseases. In collaboration with his wife, Dr. Victoria Findlay, co-leader of the Cancer Prevention and Control research program, Dr. Turner co-founded the Anti-A.G.E. Foundation, a non-profit organization raising awareness about the health impact of processed foods. Driven by his extensive research on A.G.E.s' effects on human health, Dr. Turner shifted his focus to canine and feline companions. With the heavy consumption of processed foods by dogs and cats (by no choice of their own), which are often higher in A.G.E. content than human foods, he decided to investigate the potential harm these foods may cause to our pets’ health and lifespan. To learn more about the Anti A.G.E. research in pet foods please go to: https://anti-ages.org/a-g-e-s-in-pet-food To contribute to Anti-A.G.E.s foundation research please go to: https://anti-ages.org/ and scroll to the bottom of the page where you will see a DONATE button – Click and help  Are you interested in being a changemaker in the pet food community? Join us at the Coalition for Healthy Pet food – Email me at [email protected] with how you think you can contribute - and I will keep you updated with our next steps and the team member information. Please don’t think you need to have a PHD in nutrition or an email list of a million – no task is too small, and we are grateful to everyone that wants to step forward to help us build this important community. To watch Dr. David Turner’s TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvwMXqyrKG0

1.15.2024 ....The Purina Affair Phyllis Entis: I've been a food safety advocate for more years than I care to remember. I have been involved in food safety for half a century. Ever since I got out of school, I've been, one way or another, involved in food safety. Either on the corporate side, or the industry side, or as an advocate and it never seems to get any better.  Which is sad. Tazz Latifi: Has it gotten worse? Phyllis Entis: To some extent, I think it has because the industry has continued to grow and the regulatory bodies have continued to shrink.  And so, how do you enforce a speed limit if you don't have enough cops with radar guns?  Tazz Latifi: True, that's where the consumer advocates come in…  to pinpoint these trends.  So that you as the pet owners can have an awareness… to be able to make better choices for your pets and the foods you buy. If you are feeding Purina or any food that you think may be causing your pets to become sick please use the links below to get more information or to file reports with the FDA: Nestlé Purina PetCare and the direct link is https://efoodalert.com/nestle-purina-petcare/. FDA web pages dealing with reporting a complaint. These are:  How to Report a Pet Food Complaint (https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/report-problem/how-report-pet-food-complaint),  Consumer Complaint Coordinators (https://www.fda.gov/safety/report-problem-fda/consumer-complaint-coordinators) Safety Reporting Portal (https://www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov/SRP2/en/Home.aspx?sid=b0e3f2e8-01ed-48ac-ab88-7ec8a74c7105). The eFoodAlert website : https://efoodalert.com/ If you have not read Toxic yet - you should! here is where you can purchase a copy of TOXIC, Pet Food Is a Risky Business: mybook.to/TOXIC2023

You take your pet to doggy daycare or the groomer, or you've hired a dog walker or a pet sitter...are the staff at these facilities equipped to handle any of these potential emergencies? Are you? Bites and Scratches: Dogs may engage in play that involves nipping, biting, or scratching, leading to minor injuries. While most of these are part of normal play behavior, they can sometimes escalate. Sprains and Strains, Falls: Running, jumping, and rough play can lead to strains or sprains in dogs, particularly if they are older or have pre-existing conditions. Overexertion: Dogs, especially those with high energy levels, may overexert themselves during play, leading to exhaustion and related issues. Fights or Aggressive Interactions: Not all dogs get along, and conflicts can arise, resulting in fights or aggressive encounters. Pad Abrasions: Running and playing on hard surfaces can cause abrasions to a dog's paw pads. Foreign Object Ingestion: Dogs may occasionally pick up and swallow small items, toys, or pieces of material during play. Dehydration: Pets may become dehydrated, especially if they are active and there is insufficient access to water, are fed dry foods, or are stressed due to conditions you may not even be aware of until it becomes emergent. Stress-Related Issues: Some dogs may experience stress or anxiety in a group setting, leading to various health issues like bloat, seizures, or aggression. Cuts and Abrasions: Accidental nicks or cuts can happen during the grooming process they use sharp tools such as scissors or clippers. Clipper Burns: Improper use or overheating of clippers can lead to burns on a pet's skin. Nail Trimming Accidents: Cutting a pet's nails too short can result in bleeding and pain. Some pets may also resist nail trimming, leading to accidental injuries. Ear Injuries: Cleaning or plucking the ears can sometimes lead to accidental injuries, especially if the pet moves suddenly. Eye Irritation or Injury: Grooming products or tools can accidentally come into contact with a pet's eyes, causing irritation or injury. Allergic Reactions: Some pets may be allergic to grooming products, leading to skin irritation, redness, or itching. Bee stings or spider bites...do you know what to do? Heat-Related Issues/burns: Improper use of grooming tools, such as dryers, can lead to overheating or burns on a pet's skin. Stepping on a hot manhole cover, metal grates, or hot sand or pavement. Aggressive Behavior: In some cases, pets may exhibit aggressive behavior during grooming, leading to potential injuries to the groomer or the pet itself. Pre-existing Health Conditions: Groomers may accidentally exacerbate pre-existing health conditions in pets, especially if they are not aware of the pet's medical history. How about you? Are you prepared to handle emergencies, like choking, a snake bite, an allergic reaction from a bee sting, cardiac arrest, smoke inhalation, or consumption of something poisonous???? Do you think you know what to do? Do you think your groomers or pet care facilities are equipped with the knowledge to handle emergencies....? Bertha Villanueva-Shertzer, The Pet Medic and Aloha Dog Mom, talks about Pet emergencies in episode # 105. This may be one of the most important episodes you listen to. Please share this episode!!! Thank you.

"I knew that I wanted to do something in the pet industry but I also wanted to be a testimony to what a black woman with no college degree could achieve. I want to not only help pet owners give their pets a better life I want to inspire and give back to all the other people like me. People who look like me and people trapped in jobs and careers that they don’t love or enjoy.     Once the decision was made in my mind that I would be opening Brick City Pets, the pieces began to fall into place..." Louvenia Spencer