Guaranteed Analysis: Pet Food Unleashed

Cat Nutrition, Kibble Shame, & Raw Debates with Dr. Gary Marshall

In this milestone 10th episode of Guaranteed Analysis, we’re joined by Dr. Gary Marshall — Vice President of the AVMA and proud feline practitioner. With nearly 30 years of experience in cat care, Dr. Marshall shares what working exclusively with cats has taught him about nutrition, communication, and compassion.
From navigating raw feeding debates to the truth about kibble and kidney health, we dig into the myths, challenges, and nuances that come with feline nutrition. We also talk about how to build trust with pet guardians, why “all life stages” diets can be a red flag, and how informed consent changes everything.
🐈‍⬛ It’s an episode full of wisdom, warmth, and just the right amount of weird.
🔗 Follow Dr. Marshall on Instagram: @it.might.get.weird 🎙️ Listen to his podcast: It Might Get Weird: Journeys in Veterinary Medicine - https://itmightgetweird.buzzsprout.com/
📍 Chapters: 00:00 - Meet Dr. Marshall 06:31 - Talking to Pet Guardians about Nutrition 19:28 - Pet Food Companies 21:40 - What Is Dr. Marshall’s Biggest Nutritional Challenge 28:38 - All Life Stages Food 31:29 - Cats and Kibble
Submit your questions to thepetfoodpod@gmail.com! Thank you so much for listening!
📢 Subscribe for weekly episodes where we cut through pet food myths and misinformation!

Episode 9 - Pet Food Q&A | Dr. Danielle Answers Listener Questions

Please try to enjoy each question and answer equally.
01:48 - Should you rotate your pet's food? 07:42 - How do you respond when people ask if your education was sponsored by the "Big 3?" 27:22 - What goes into the pricing of pet food? 29:18 - Where does the "90/10 Rule" come from? 33:35 - Is it true that palatability studies are mostly done with labradors and beagles? 38:14 - What supplements for arthritis are actually worth it? 44:24 - Is kibble bad for cats?
Submit your questions to thepetfoodpod@gmail.com! Thank you so much for listening!
📢 Subscribe for weekly episodes where we cut through pet food myths and misinformation!
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & More → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guaranteed-analysis-pet-food-unleashed/id1793281633 https://open.spotify.com/show/5X22l5mDoLIFU93ev2tTOv https://thepetfoodpod.podbean.com/
📲 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @thepetfoodpod → https://www.instagram.com/thepetfoodpod https://www.tiktok.com/@thepetfoodpod

Episode 8 - Science Doesn't Sell | Debunking Pet Food Myths with Mikaela from Nibble Nutrition

Do carbs cause diabetes? Will kibble dehydrate your dog? 🤔
Mikaela from Nibble Nutrition joins us to break down the science, tackle misinformation, and help pet guardians make evidence-based choices. We dive deep into nutrigenomics, pet food myths, and how to critically evaluate nutrition studies — because not all research is created equal and "old" studies do not mean "bad!"
📌 In This Episode: 00:00 - Intro - Meet Mikaela 04:28 - Translating academia/science/research 26:25 - What to look for when consulting about nutrition 28:00 - What is commonly misunderstood about nutrition (Spoiler: carbs aren’t the enemy!) 56:55 - Nutrigenomics – The future of pet nutrition?
🐶💡 Stop falling for pet food misinformation, and if an ad or something you read evokes a strong emotion in you, don't forget Dr. Danielle's advice to pause!
📢 Subscribe for weekly episodes where we cut through pet food myths and misinformation!
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & More → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guaranteed-analysis-pet-food-unleashed/id1793281633 https://open.spotify.com/show/5X22l5mDoLIFU93ev2tTOv https://thepetfoodpod.podbean.com/
📲 Follow Mikaela: @nibble_nutrition → https://www.instagram.com/nibble_nutrition/ https://www.nibblenutrition.ca/
📲 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @thepetfoodpod → https://www.instagram.com/thepetfoodpod https://www.tiktok.com/@thepetfoodpod

Episode 7 - Science, Heart, and Courage | Integrative Medicine with Dr. Lindsey Wendt

Science and heart — two sides of the same coin in veterinary medicine.
In this episode of Guaranteed Analysis, we’re honored to welcome Lindsey Wendt (DVM, CVA, CVFT, CCRT), a veterinarian whose journey from conventional practice to integrative medicine has been shaped by science, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to doing what’s best for her patients — including her own dog, Nala.
Together, we explore:
✨ Blending conventional and holistic medicine — why both matter ✨ The power of nutrition and industry misconceptions ✨ Synthetic vs. natural supplements — why the debate isn’t so simple ✨ Preservatives & pet food safety — what pet owners really need to know ✨ The courage to be adventurous in finding better treatments
Dr. Lindsey’s call to be “forever learners” is a breath of fresh air in these often-divisive conversations. Medicine isn’t just about knowledge on paper — it’s about evolving, asking bold questions, and using our collective power to push for transparency and higher standards in pet food.
🔹 Chapters: 📌 00:00 - Meet Dr. Lindsey! 📌 09:27 - Synthetic vs. "Natural" Supplementation 📌 28:11 - Preservatives in Pet Food 📌 31:50 - Interactions Between Supplements 📌 34:14 - Testing on Supplements & Medications 📌 39:31 - Power of the People! (How Consumers Shape the Industry) 📌 45:34 - AAFCO Feeding Trials Explained 📌 49:19 - How Small Pet Food Companies Can Still Provide Quality Nutrition
🎙️ Follow Dr. Lindsey Wendt → https://www.crystallotusvet.com/ https://www.instagram.com/crystallotusvet
📲 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @thepetfoodpod → https://www.instagram.com/thepetfoodpod https://www.tiktok.com/@thepetfoodpod 

Episode 6 - Special Kim-isode: All About Vet Techs

🐾 What Really Goes On Behind the Scenes in Vet Med? 🩺
Vet techs are the unsung heroes of veterinary medicine, but what do they actually do? In this episode of Guaranteed Analysis, we’re breaking it all down:
📌 What is a vet tech? 📌 Vet tech vs. vet vs. nurse – the key differences 📌 What vet techs do (hint: it's A LOT!) 📌 Specialties & careers beyond the clinic 📌 The challenges & rewards of being a vet tech 00:00 - Intro 01:37 - What is a Vet Tech? 03:33 - Difference Between a Vet Tech and a Vet 04:34 - What Vet Techs Do 17:11 - Vet Assistant/Licensed Vet Tech/Unlicensed Vet Tech 28:55 - Vet Tech vs. Human Nurse 43:07 - Advantages/Disadvantages 55:12 - Vet Tech Jobs Including Outside of the Vet Hospital 58:39 - What It Takes to Specialize
Join us as Kim Wilson (Veterinary Technician Specialist in Nutrition) gives an inside look at this essential role in animal care! 🐶🐱🐴 💬
📢 Subscribe for weekly episodes where we cut through pet food myths and misinformation!
📲 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @thepetfoodpod 
#VetTech #VeterinaryMedicine #AnimalCare #PetHealth #VetNurse #VetLife #GuaranteedAnalysis #Podcast #VetTechLife #BehindTheScenesVetMed

Episode 5 - Not All Raw Is Created Equal: The Risks, Benefits, Science, & Marketing

In this special mini episode of Guaranteed Analysis, we continue our deep dive into raw feeding for pets. Last week, we covered the basics—this week, we’re unpacking even more details, from the different ways pet owners approach raw diets to the biggest myths and misconceptions surrounding them.
Join our hosts as they discuss:🐾 The many definitions of “raw” (yes, even the extreme ones)🐾 The pros and potential benefits of raw feeding—when done correctly🐾 The risks, including bacterial contamination and nutritional imbalances🐾 How to minimize risks if you choose to feed raw🐾 Why veterinary professionals should be giving informed, nonjudgmental guidance rather than avoiding the conversation
Whether you’re a raw feeder, a skeptic, or just curious about pet nutrition, this episode provides a balanced, evidence-based look at the topic. Tune in, follow, and share with fellow pet lovers!

Episode 4 - Kibble, Fresh, Raw...What's Best For Your Pet?

Choosing the right diet for your pet can be overwhelming. With so many options—kibble, canned, fresh, raw, prescription diets—how do you know what’s actually best? In this episode of Guaranteed Analysis: Pet Food Unleashed, we break down the pros and cons of different pet food types to help you make informed decisions.
 
Join us as we tackle myths, discuss science-backed nutrition, and share expert insights into how different feeding methods impact pet health. Whether you’re a pet guardian or a veterinary professional, this episode is packed with valuable information on pet nutrition, ingredient quality, and feeding strategies.
 
💬 Topics Covered:
✔️ The two major categories of pet food
✔️ Kibble vs. wet food – benefits, risks, and common misconceptions
✔️ What does “ingredient-centric” really mean?
✔️ The rise of fresh and homemade pet food
✔️ Dietary drift and how small changes can unbalance a diet
✔️ The controversy around raw feeding – risks, benefits, and safety measures
✔️ How to make the best choice based on your pet’s health and your lifestyle
 
🔖 Episode Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
03:29 - Two Main Categories
10:46 - Kibble (Pros)
21:36 - Kibble (Cons)
25:15 - Wet Food (Pros)
28:14 - Wet Food (Cons)
32:42 - 2nd Category: "Ingredient Central"
37:16 - Fresh Category
39:43 - Fresh (Pros)
47:26 - Fresh (Cons)
55:20 - Dietary Drift
01:03:30 - Raw
01:11:34 - Wrap Up
 
📌 Subscribe for More Pet Nutrition Insights!
🐾 Follow us for expert discussions, myth-busting, and real talk about pet food. Like, comment, and let us know what you feed your pet!
 
🔗 Follow Guaranteed Analysis on:
📍 Instagram: @thepetfoodpod
📍 Newsletter: thepetfoodpod.kit.com
 
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!
 
#PetNutrition #GuaranteedAnalysis #PetFood #DogFood #CatFood #RawFeeding #KibbleVsRaw #PetHealth

Episode 3 - Dog vs. Cat Nutrition

In this episode of Guaranteed Analysis, we break down why feeding a cat like a small dog (or vice versa) just doesn’t work—and what every pet guardian should know about their pet’s diet.
We kick things off with a fun chat about pet names (Maple Pancake, anyone?) before diving into the science of essential amino acids, the role of taurine, and how dogs and cats process nutrients differently. Can dogs fast like humans? Should every cat be on wet food? Is kibble really the villain some influencers make it out to be? We unpack the myths, facts, and latest research around pet nutrition, hydration, and feeding habits.
🔹 Key Topics in This Episode:
✔️ Dogs vs. cats: Why they have different nutritional needs ✔️ Taurine, amino acids, and why cats require more than dogs ✔️ The truth about intermittent fasting for dogs ✔️ Fat, protein, and carbohydrates—how dogs and cats use them differently ✔️ Feeding trials: What they are and why they matter ✔️ Do cats really need to be on wet food? ✔️ Rotating diets: Is variety good or bad for pets? ✔️ The science behind pet food marketing claims
🐶🐱 Whether you have a dog, a cat, or both—this episode will give you the knowledge to make informed feeding decisions based on science, not social media trends.
00:00 - Intro 04:55 - Essential Amino Acids Examples: Taurine 09:00 - Dog Nutrition & Human Nutrition 11:40 - Dogs & Fat 15:40 - Intermittent Fasting 26:20 - Cat Nutrition 31:18 - Feeding Trials/Testing 38:10 - How to Feed Cats 43:33 - Rotating Foods 48:34 - Nutrition Requirements - Especially for Cats 57:35 - Cats & Hydration 01:05:54 - Wrap Up

Episode 2 - How to Read Pet Food Labels Like a Pro

Pet food labels can be confusing, but we’re here to break them down! In this episode of Guaranteed Analysis: Pet Food Unleashed, we’ll teach you:
✅ How to decode pet food labels
✅ Why pet food labels are (legally) designed the way they are
✅ How to spot quality ingredients vs. marketing fluff
Understanding your pet’s food shouldn’t feel like reading a secret code! Tune in and empower yourself to make better choices for your furry friend. 🐶🐱
🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more no-BS pet nutrition advice!
 
🎧 Listen wherever you get podcasts.
📲 Follow us on Instagram and YouTube: @thepetfoodpod
💬 Drop your questions in the comments! What confuses you most about pet food labels? 👇

Episode 1 - Introducing Dr. Danielle Conway and Kim Wilson!

🎙️ *Welcome to the first episode of Guaranteed Analysis: Pet Food Unleashed!* 🐾 In this debut episode, meet your hosts:
**Kim**: A vet tech with a deep love for pet nutrition and a passion for simplifying it for pet guardians.
**Dr. Danielle**: A veterinarian dedicated to evidence-based care and helping pets thrive through better nutrition.
Together, they’re here to cut through the noise of the pet food industry and empower you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions for your furry family members. 💡 *What you’ll learn in Episode 1:*
How Kim and Dr. Danielle found their paths in pet nutrition.
Their personal philosophies on feeding pets.
A fresh perspective on navigating the pet food aisle and decoding marketing claims.
Whether you’re a seasoned pet guardian, a veterinary profession, or just interested in nutrition, this episode is full of relatable stories, practical insights, and a touch of humor to kick off the Guaranteed Analysis journey. 👉 *Subscribe to Guaranteed Analysis for more episodes where we break down the science of pet food and bring expert advice straight to your ears!* 🎧 Find us on all major podcast platforms or follow along on social media (@thepetfoodpod). #GuaranteedAnalysis #PetNutritionPodcast #PetHealth #HealthyPetsHappyPeople #PodcastLaunch #PetCareTips #BigBeautifulBrains #BigBeautifulHearts 🎥 Thanks for watching! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes.