Dog Food Expert

The Dog Food Expert Podcast | The Dirty Bowl: Hidden Bacteria in Your Dog's Dish

Most pet parents spend hours researching the best ingredients for their dog’s diet, but how much time do we spend thinking about the vessel that food is served in? In this eye-opening episode of The Dog Food Expert Podcast, Sarah and James dive into the stomach-turning reality of bowl hygiene. Based on data from the National Sanitation Foundation, we reveal why your dog’s food dish is likely the fourth germiest place in your home—ranking right alongside the kitchen sponge.
The Danger of the "Biofilm"
Have you ever felt that slippery, slimy coating on the bottom of a water bowl? That’s not just old water—it's a biofilm. We explain how this protective layer allows dangerous pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, MRSA, and Listeria to thrive. We discuss the health risks this poses not just to your canine companions, but to everyone in your household, especially children and the immunocompromised.
Expert Cleaning & Material Science
Not all bowls are created equal. We break down why the material of your dog's dish matters for long-term safety:
The Problem with Plastic: Why porous surfaces and microscopic scratches make plastic bowls a haven for bacteria.
The Gold Standard: Why stainless steel, glass, and ceramic are the top choices for a hygienic feeding station.
The Sanitization Routine: Why "after every meal" is the only frequency that truly keeps bacteria at bay.
Whether you are a raw feeder dealing with higher bacterial loads or a kibble user who occasionally "skips a wash," this episode provides the practical, expert-backed steps you need to ensure your feeding routine is as safe as it is nutritious.

The Dog Food Expert Podcast Episode 6: Going Naked: The Benefits of Raw & Cold Pressed

Are you ready to transform your dog's health from the inside out? In this episode of The Dog Food Expert Podcast, Sarah and James tackle the two biggest topics in modern pet care: transitioning your dog to raw food and the rise of cold pressed dog food. If you’ve been looking for a way to move away from highly processed kibble but aren't sure where to start, this deep-dive episode is your roadmap to success.
Mastering the Switch: Transitioning Your Dog to Raw Food
Many pet parents are intimidated by the idea of raw feeding, fearing digestive upset or "detox" symptoms. We break down the science of biologically appropriate raw food (BARF) and provide a foolproof 7-day transition plan. You'll learn:
The 25% Rule: How to incrementally introduce raw meat to avoid stomach sensitivity.
Protein Rotation: Why starting with a single named protein like chicken or turkey is crucial for gut health.
The "Raw Glow": What to expect in terms of coat shine, energy levels, and dental health within the first 30 days.
Bioavailability: Why a grain-free, raw diet results in smaller, firmer, and less smelly stools.
The Modern Alternative: Cold Pressed Dog Food
For owners who need the convenience of dry food without the nutritional compromise of traditional kibble, we explore the benefits of cold pressed dog food. Unlike standard biscuits that are extruded at high temperatures, cold-pressed food is produced at low heats to preserve delicate enzymes, vitamins, and minerals.
The Perfect Travel Companion: Why cold-pressed is the ideal shelf-stable solution for raw feeders on the move.
Gentle Digestion: How cold-pressed pellets break down differently in the stomach to prevent bloating.
Mixed Feeding Strategies: How to successfully combine raw meals and cold-pressed snacks for a flexible, high-protein lifestyle.
Why "Naked" Nutrition Matters
We discuss the importance of stripping away the "junk"—the fillers, artificial preservatives, and mystery meats found in many commercial brands. Whether you choose premium raw dog food or a nutrient-dense cold-pressed option, the goal is the same: providing a diet that matches your dog’s evolutionary needs.
In this episode, you will discover:
The top 5 benefits of a raw diet for skin and dental hygiene.
How to manage the transition for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Why Cold Pressed dog food is becoming the top choice for busy pet parents.
Expert tips on storage, safety, and hygiene for a raw-fed household.
Subscribe to The Dog Food Expert Podcast to stay informed on the latest in canine nutrition, health trends, and expert feeding tips that help your dog thrive.
 

The Dog Food Expert Podcast Episode 4: The PB Debate: Is Peanut Butter Actually Good for Your Dog?

The PB Debate: Is Peanut Butter Actually Good for Your Dog? Summary: In this episode of The Dog Food Expert Podcast, Sarah and James break down the pros and cons of feeding peanut butter to your dog. While it's a protein-packed favorite for many, hidden dangers like Xylitol and excessive salt/sugar can turn a healthy treat into a health crisis. Learn how to choose a dog-safe peanut butter, the benefits of lick mats for enrichment, and why the "10% rule" is vital for preventing canine obesity.
Key Takeaways:
The Xylitol Danger: Why you must avoid "sugar-free" human peanut butter at all costs.
Nutritional Benefits: How healthy fats and Vitamin E support skin and coat health.
Dog-Specific Brands: Why "dog peanut butter" is often worth the extra cost.
Portion Control: How to use peanut butter for training without causing weight gain.
 

Beyond the Bowl: The Power of Raw Treats.

Are you undoing your dog's healthy diet with processed, sugar-filled snacks? In this episode of The Dog Food Expert Podcast, Sarah and James dive into the world of natural raw dog treats and why "functional rewarding" is the secret to long-term canine health. We explore the Naked Raw Dog Treats collection, moving beyond the "pretty" packaging of supermarket biscuits to discover the biological benefits of single-ingredient, air-dried, and raw rewards.
Treating with a Purpose
A treat should be more than just a distraction. We discuss how specific raw snacks act as natural supplements for your pet. From Beef Trachea—nature’s source of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support—to Duck Feet and Turkey Necks that provide essential "mechanical abrasion" to scrub away plaque and tartar. If you are looking for dental chews for dogs that actually work without the hidden starches, this episode is for you.
Training, Enrichment, and Mental Health
We break down the best high-value rewards for training, such as Omega-3 rich Sprats, and how to use "Mutts’ Cuts" bones for mental enrichment. Learn why chewing is a vital self-soothing behavior that releases endorphins and how to safely introduce Venison and Beef bones into your dog's routine. Whether you have a puppy in training or a senior dog needing joint care, we cover the best hypoallergenic dog treats and novel proteins for sensitive systems.
Key Topics Covered:
Nature’s Toothbrush: How raw bones and connective tissue improve canine dental health.
Joint Support: Identifying treats high in natural collagen and cartilage.
Training Hacks: Using small, high-value fish treats like sprats for better focus.
The Enrichment Factor: Using hollow treats for "boredom busting" activities.
Safety First: Expert tips on supervising raw bone consumption and size-appropriate treating.
 

The Dog Food Expert Podcast | Decoding the Label: How to Rate Your Dog’s Food

Are you tired of being misled by fancy marketing and pictures of gourmet steaks on a bag of kibble? In this episode of The Dog Food Expert Podcast, host Sarah and nutrition specialist James pull back the curtain on the pet food industry to show you how to truly rate your dog’s food.
Whether you are a fan of raw dog food, a supporter of grain-free diets, or looking for the best dry dog food, understanding the data behind the label is the only way to ensure your pet is thriving. We move past the branding and dive deep into the guaranteed analysis and ingredient lists to help you become a more informed pet parent.
What’s Really Inside the Bowl?
In this deep-dive episode, we explore the proprietary systems used to rank premium dog food and why not all recipes are created equal. You’ll learn:
The Truth About Meat Content: How to identify high-quality, named meat sources (like chicken and beef) versus "anonymous" ingredients like meat by-products or mystery animal fats.
Macronutrient Balance: Why the ratio of protein, fat, and carbohydrates is the most important factor in your dog's long-term health and vitality.
Decoding AAFCO Standards: What it actually means for a food to be "complete and balanced" for specific life stages, from puppies to seniors.
Red Flags & Controversial Ingredients: James reveals the additives to avoid, including artificial colors, chemical preservatives, and excessive plant-based fillers like corn gluten meal.
The Science of Star Ratings
Ever wondered why one flavor in a brand gets five stars while another gets three? We discuss why we judge every recipe on its own merits, looking at the glycemic index and fat-to-protein ratios. We also address the crucial difference between a "high-quality" food and the "right" food for your individual dog—whether they are a high-energy working breed or a senior dog with a sensitive stomach.
Safety, Recalls, and Transparency
A star rating is only a snapshot in time. We discuss the importance of monitoring dog food recalls and manufacturing safety practices. This episode is your guide to moving beyond the "face" of the bag and becoming an expert on your dog’s specific nutritional needs.
Key Topics Covered:
Raw Feeding vs. Processed Kibble
Identifying High-Protein Dog Food
Understanding Pet Food Labels & Ingredients
How to Transition to Better Quality Nutrition
The Role of Fillers in Canine Obesity
Tune in to learn how to read between the lines and give your dog the nutrition they deserve!
 

The Dog Food Expert Podcast Episode: The Naked Truth About Raw Feeding.

Raw Dog Food - Join The Dog Food Expert as we dive into the "Naked Dog" philosophy of raw feeding. We explore how stripping away fillers for a natural, meat-based diet improves your dog's skin, teeth, and energy. Plus, learn our foolproof seven-day transition plan and discover how Cold Pressed nutrition provides a convenient, travel-friendly alternative to raw without compromising on health.