What’s really in your dog’s food? Inside the pet food industry with Clayton Payne

In this episode, Nathan sits down with Clayton Payne, pet industry veteran, Chief Commercial Officer of The Bug Factory, and host of Pet Business Disruptors, for a refreshingly honest look behind the scenes of the pet food world.From growing up in his parents' pet shop to building a wholesale business for 22 years and now farming insects as a sustainable protein source, Clayton has seen every corner of this industry.Whether you're a curious dog guardian, a raw feeding convert, or someone just trying to do better by your dog, this conversation is packed with practical, no-nonsense insight. Pull up a chair, this one's a good one.What you'll learn in this episode:✅ Why where you buy your dog's food says more than you might think, and what the difference really is between a supermarket, a pet shop, and a raw food retailer✅ How dog food is actually made, from formulation and manufacturing to packaging and getting it on shelves✅ Why the raw food market has grown from less than half a percent to around 10% of the UK market, and what's driving it✅ What to actually look for on a dog food label (and what words to ignore entirely)✅ The two big myths Clayton wants busted: mixing raw and kibble, and feeding the same protein every day✅ What "natural," "wholesome," and "sustainable" actually mean on packaging. Spoiler: not much✅ Where the pet industry is headed, and why mushroom-based supplements might be the next big thingKey takeaways:If meat isn't the first ingredient, put it back on the shelf. There's usually something better in the same price rangeYou don't have to overhaul everything at once. Even small additions like bone broth or pumpkin powder alongside kibble can make a real differenceDon't just take your vet's word on nutrition. They're generalists, not nutritionists, and there are brilliant specialist resources out thereVariety of proteins matters. You wouldn't eat the same meal every night, and neither should your dog🐾 Find ethical, qualified pet professionals near you at Yappily the directory for dog guardians who care about doing right by their dog.🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Yappy Hour and leave us a review — it helps more dog lovers find us!