41. Feeding Smarter and Designing Better Lives for Pets

In this engaging episode, Kristen and Chris bring you two captivating conversations about enhancing the lives of pets through better nutrition and thoughtful design. First, we welcome Dr. Ernie Ward, an internationally acclaimed veterinarian, pet nutrition expert, and author of The Clean Pet Food Revolution. With the holiday season in full swing, Dr. Ward shares essential advice on healthy pet eating habits, avoiding the dangers of holiday treats, and understanding pet obesity. His insights will inspire pet parents to make smarter choices for their furry companions, ensuring a healthier and happier holiday season. Next, we sit down with Kate Benjamin, founder of Hauspanther and co-author of the best-selling books Catification and Catified to Satisfy. Kate merges her passion for design with her love of cats, creating stylish and functional spaces for feline friends. She offers practical tips for catifying homes, from creating climbing spaces to choosing stylish scratching posts. Kate's innovative ideas prove that form and function can coexist beautifully in a pet-friendly home. The episode wraps up with Chris and Kristen highlighting their Products of the Week, featuring sustainable, comfortable dog beds by Buffy and healthy chew treats from Himalayan Dog Chew. Plus, they tackle listener questions about pet food and breed-specific health concerns in the Q&A segment. Special Guests: Dr. Ernie Ward Topics: Pet nutrition, obesity prevention, and healthy holiday eating for pets. Related Books: The Clean Pet Food Revolution, Chow Hounds: Why Our Dogs Are Getting Fatter. Kate Benjamin Topics: Catification, stylish design for pet homes, and enrichment for feline wellbeing. Related Books: Catification, Catified to Satisfy. Products of the Week: Buffy Dog Beds: Sustainable, washable, orthopedic dog beds that double as napping spots for humans! Himalayan Dog Chew: Long-lasting, natural chew treats made from yak milk, offering a safe alternative to rawhide. Q&A: Sarah from Bristol, UK: How can I choose the right pet food for my dog’s specific needs, and are there ingredients to avoid? Dr. Ward's advice emphasizes balanced nutrition, ingredient transparency, and avoiding overly processed foods. Emily from Portland, OR: Are certain breeds, like Huskies or Bulldogs, guaranteed to have health issues, and how can I prepare? Kristen recommends breed-specific research, consulting vets, and considering pet insurance to manage risks effectively. Related Links: Association for Pet Obesity Prevention Hauspanther by Kate Benjamin Himalayan Dog Chew Buffy Dog Beds Social Media Channels: Follow Pets Add Life, DOGTV, Hauspanther, and Dr. Ernie Ward for more pet lifestyle inspiration. Presented By: The American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV.