The Crunchy Carnivore

Could giving your dog a break from food actually support their health and wellbeing? Or is fasting something that should be approached with caution? In this episode, we take a deeper look at fasting for dogs from a holistic perspective and explore why some holistic practitioners consider strategic fasting or periods between meals an important part of canine wellness. We discuss: 🐾 What fasting me...

What if the hardest part of taking a holistic approach to your animal isn’t changing their food, environment, or lifestyle—but learning to be patient while their body heals? In this episode of Crunchy Carnivore, we’re talking about one of the biggest challenges in the holistic animal journey that often gets overlooked: patience. When you move toward a more natural, species-appropriate approach to...

In this episode of the Crunchy Carnivore Podcast, we sit down with renowned integrative veterinarian Dr. Marlene Siegel for a fascinating conversation about taking a more holistic approach to animal health. Dr. Siegel shares her perspective on looking beyond symptoms and exploring the root causes of disease, while discussing the wide range of modalities she uses in her integrative veterinary pract...

Discover the fascinating world of CBD oil and medicinal mushrooms for dogs in this in-depth conversation with Angela Ardolino, founder of CBD Dog Health and MycoDog. In this episode, Angela shares her experience working with natural wellness solutions for dogs and explains how CBD for dogs, functional mushrooms, and holistic pet care support canine wellness. We explore the science, practical consi...

Are antibiotics creating a bigger problem for our pets? In this episode, we take a closer look at antibiotic resistance in dogs and cats through a holistic pet health perspective. Antibiotics can be lifesaving when appropriately prescribed—but repeated or unnecessary use may contribute to antimicrobial resistance, making certain infections harder to treat. So what can pet parents do to support the...

What if the real question isn’t “How do I make the symptoms stop?” but “Why is my dog reacting this way?” In this episode, we take a deeper, holistic look at dog allergies and explore that it's not as simple as diagnosis = drugs/avoidance. Instead of simply treating the symptoms, we’re asking a bigger question: What could be contributing to your dog’s allergic response in the first place? 🐾...

As a holistic veterinarian, Dr. Levy has seen firsthand that the true cost of rescuing a dog extends far beyond the adoption fee. Rescue dogs often arrive with unique physical, emotional, behavioral, and nutritional needs that require patience, commitment, and a whole-body approach to healing. In this video, we'll explore the real financial, emotional, and health costs of adopting a rescue do...

When it comes to caring for our animals, many people are told to "follow the science." But what does that really mean? In this video, we explore why scientific studies can be a helpful tool—but also, not all studies are created equal. Study design, funding, sample size, statistical significance, and real-world application all matter. We'll explain why it's important to evaluate...

Dog obesity is reaching epidemic levels, with overweight dogs facing increased risk of diabetes, joint problems, inflammation, heart disease, and shorter lifespans. In this video, we explore the real causes behind canine obesity, why traditional feeding advice may be failing, and how a holistic approach to dog weight loss, natural dog nutrition, raw feeding, fresh food diets, and metabolic health...

What happens when over 50 years of dog training experience meets a holistic, whole-body approach to canine wellness? In this episode of "The Crunchy Carnivore Podcast", we sit down with Minnesota-based trainer Katie of Katie’s K9 to explore how decades of hands-on experience have shaped her grounded, no-nonsense philosophy on training—and ultimately led her to embrace and educate others...

Are you struggling with your dog's behavioral issues and wondering if medication is the only answer? In this episode of The Crunchy Carnivore Podcast, we dive deep into the common veterinary approach of prescribing drugs like Prozac, Paxil, Trazodone, and Gabapentin for pet behavior modification. But is medicating your furry friend always the best solution? Join us as we explore the efficacy...

Ever wondered if feeding fresh food to your pet is a good idea? In this episode, we dive into the world of kibble vs raw pet food from a veterinarian's perspective. Dr. Jessica Levy shares her initial skepticism and the surprising journey that changed her views on feeding pets beyond kibble and canned food. 🐾 What you'll learn: - The initial perception of homemade pet food in veterinary...

Sit down with Dr. Jessica Levy, Melissa Weidenhamer, and Bre Drake from Tailswell to unpack two of the toughest truths in the holistic pet space: it takes courage and there is no “easy button.” Together, we dive into the reality behind natural pet care—the time, intention, and emotional investment it takes to choose a holistic path for your animals. From nutrition and lifestyle to preventative car...

Curious about homeoprophylaxis for dogs and whether it really works? In this episode, we break down the truth behind this controversial approach to disease prevention. We explore what homeoprophylaxis actually is, how nosodes are made and used, and how they compare to traditional vaccines. You’ll learn the key differences in how each approach supports (or challenges) your dog’s immune system, plus...

Lyme disease is one of the biggest health concerns for pet parents—but are we looking at it the right way? In this episode of The Crunchy Carnivore Podcast , we take a deep dive into Lyme disease from a holistic veterinarian’s perspective, uncovering what’s often overlooked in conventional conversations. From tick exposure to immune resilience, this episode goes beyond fear-based messaging and int...

What would you do if your dog suddenly stopped eating—and no one could tell you why? In this powerful episode of The Crunchy Carnivore Podcast, we sit down with Air Gustafson, an everyday dog mom whose life took an unexpected turn when her beloved dog Morty faced a terrifying health crisis. After multiple vet visits and no clear diagnosis, Air found herself searching for answers—and running out of...

What does “raw” actually mean when it comes to your dog’s food — and are all raw diets created equal? In this eye-opening episode, we're pulling back the curtain to unpack the truth about raw feeding. Because here’s the reality: just because a label says “raw” or "natural" doesn’t mean it delivers the biological nutrition your dog was designed to thrive on. We’ll dive into: What tru...

Are supplements the missing link in your pet’s health—or just clever marketing? In this episode, listen in to how we break down the truth about supplements for your pets. With so many powders, chews, and tinctures lining pet store shelves, it’s easy to assume “more is better.” But does your dog actually need supplements? And if so, which ones? We dive into: How to determine whether your dog truly...

Join us as we hear from veteran breeder Paula Vandervoort, and hear about her experience with one of her dog's ending up with a severe autoimmune disease as a result of vaccination.  She shares the challenges she faced, including juvenile arthritis and extreme behavioral changes, which ultimately changed her entire view and approach to dog health and her breeding program.   We discuss the pot...

Could something as simple as massage be the missing piece in your dog’s health routine? In this eye-opening episode of The Crunchy Carnivore Podcast, we explore one of the most overlooked yet incredibly powerful tools in holistic pet care: animal massage and bodywork. Joining us is Victoria from The Balanced Orchid, an animal massage and bodywork specialist, who breaks down exactly what this pract...

Detox is one of the biggest buzzwords in the wellness movement and we're going to break down this often-misunderstood concept.  Let's define what it really is, what we should detox our pets from, how it works in the body, and what we should expect when it comes to helping our animals with it.  Whether you've raised you pets naturally or are just coming over from a more conventional...

Thinking about raising a puppy naturally—but feeling overwhelmed by all the conflicting advice online? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Crunchy Carnivore Podcast, we break down the Natural Rearing (NR) approach and give you clear, practical guidance for raising puppies the way nature intended. From nutrition to socialization, from health to behavior, we cover the topics most people don’t t...

Get an experienced vet and breeder's take on important questions to ask yourself, what to research, and preparation to do well before you decide on bringing home a new addition.  Everything from deciding on a puppy vs older dog, to where to acquire them, to what should be at home ready and waiting for when they do arrive.  All of these considerations will help you have the most enjoyable and...

Homeopathy - Have you ever heard of it?  If you have, was it in a positive or negative light?  If you haven't, why is that?  What is it?  Is it even real, or is it all placebo effect?  Join us as we address all of these questions and more and attempt to demystify this often confusing and misunderstood modality. Resources: “Beyond Flat Earth Medicine” - by Dr Timothy R Dooley “Direction of Cur...

Feeling judged, attacked, or misunderstood for choosing holistic care for your pets? You’re not alone—and today, we’re tackling the elephant in the room . In this episode of The Crunchy Carnivore Podcast , we sit down with holistic advocate Nicole Nelson for a real, no-nonsense conversation about the opposition holistic pet parents often face—from friends and family, online communities, and even p...