Short Leash Podcast

Feed Real Institute

Short Leash is a bi-weekly podcast from the Feed Real Institute hosted by Dr. Sue Howell and Kay Stewart that breaks down the latest stories in canine health, nutrition, veterinary medicine, and the pet industry, minus the noise and misinformation. Each episode explores what’s happening in the dog world and what it actually means for dog owners from a wellness and longevity perspective. From species-appropriate nutrition and behavior to integrative therapies and emerging research, Short Leash brings expert context to the conversations shaping modern canine care. Because your dog’s health doesn’t happen once a year at the vet...it happens every day at home.

Episodes

  1. 14 hrs ago

    Functional Foods for Dogs: Are We Asking Too Much From Dog Food? Gut Health, Supplements & Omega-3s

    Functional Foods: Are We Asking More From Our Dog's Food? Dog nutrition has evolved beyond simply providing calories. Today's dog owners want food that supports gut health, immunity, mobility, healthy aging, and more. But are we asking too much from our dogs' food? In this episode of Short Leash, Dr. Sue Howell and Kay Stewart discuss three major trends shaping canine nutrition: • Why digestive health is becoming the new baseline for pet food • What a new study on insect protein may (and may not) tell us about inflammation • Why the supplement industry is booming—and whether more supplements actually mean better health They're joined by Chef Scot Hill, Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist and founder of Woof Creek Wellness, for a conversation about functional foods, whole-food supplements, omega-3s, ingredient quality, and why building a strong nutritional foundation matters more than chasing the next miracle ingredient. If you've ever wondered whether nutrition influences more than just your dog's weight, this episode is for you. In This Episode• Digestive health and whole-body wellness • Functional foods vs. marketing claims • Insect protein research • Whole-food supplements • Bioavailability and nutrient absorption • Omega-3s and inflammation • Why variety matters • Building health from the foundation GuestChef Scot Hill is a Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist, former executive chef, and founder of Woof Creek Wellness, where he develops whole-food supplements designed to support long-term canine health. Short Leash Listener OfferSave 25% at Woof Creek Wellness through January 31, 2027 with code SHORTLEASH: https://www.woofcreek.com/discount/SHORTLEASH SourcesDigestive Health Is Becoming the New Baseline for Pet Food https://www.petfoodindustry.com/regions/latin-america-carribean/article/15824859/digestive-health-is-baseline-pet-owners-want-multifunctional-nutrition Study Finds Insect Ingredient Shows Anti-Inflammatory Properties in Dogs https://www.petfoodindustry.com/nutrition/research-notes/news/15824581/study-insect-ingredient-shows-antiinflammatory-properties-in-dogs NASC Conference Report: Trends Fueling Pet Supplement Growth https://www.petfoodprocessing.net/articles/20546-nasc-conference-report-trends-fueling-pet-supplement-growth?utm_source=Pet+Food+Processing+Daily+Scoop&utm_medium=Newsletter&oly_enc_id=6866E8018034D1A Subscribe to the Short Leash newsletter for bite-sized dog news and new podcast episodes every other week: https://shortleash.co 🐾 Dog news, minus the nonsense. #DogNutrition #FunctionalFoods #DogHealth #FreshFeeding #GutHealth #Omega3 #DogSupplements #HolisticDogs #ShortLeash #FeedRealInstitute

    41 min
  2. Jun 29

    Are We Treating Dog Anxiety or Building Resilience? | Rita Hogan on Holistic Dog Health

    Is dog anxiety becoming more common...or are we missing the bigger picture? In this first episode of Short Leash, Rita Hogan joins Dr. Sue Howell and Kay Stewart for an honest conversation about what may really be driving anxiety in dogs. Rather than viewing anxiety as simply a behavioral problem, they explore how stress, nutrition, movement, the nervous system, and the human-animal bond all influence long-term emotional health. The discussion covers recent dog news, including new medications for separation anxiety and emerging longevity drugs, before diving into a practical conversation about building resilience instead of only treating symptoms. In this episode you'll learn: • Why so many dogs show signs of anxiety today • How human stress can affect canine behavior • The difference between treating anxiety and building resilience • Herbs, mushrooms, and omega-3 fatty acids that may support the nervous system • Why movement, enrichment, sleep, and fresh air matter more than many people realize • How energetics, seasonal feeding, and individualized nutrition fit into holistic care • Why gut health, liver function, and the lymphatic system can influence behavior • What dog owners should consider before relying solely on medication Whether your dog struggles with separation anxiety, reactivity, fear, or chronic stress, this episode offers a broader framework for thinking about canine wellness and resilience. Subscribe for new episodes every other Sunday where we break down the biggest stories in dog health and bring expert context to the headlines. 🎙️ Short Leash is dog news, with expert context. Sign up for our newsletter at Shortleash.co Hosted by: Dr. Sue Howell, DVM Kay Stewart, RVT, CPCN Special Guest: Rita Hogan, Canine Herbalist https://www.canineherbalist.com About Short Leash Short Leash is a Feed Real Institute original, hosted by Dr. Sue Howell and Kay Stewart. Created by Turk and Ruby, with executive production by Ruby and Nelly. Every episode cuts through the noise surrounding dog health, nutrition, and longevity by combining the latest news with expert conversations that help dog owners make more informed decisions. Learn more at Shortleash.co #DogAnxiety #SeparationAnxiety #DogHealth #HolisticDogHealth

    52 min

About

Short Leash is a bi-weekly podcast from the Feed Real Institute hosted by Dr. Sue Howell and Kay Stewart that breaks down the latest stories in canine health, nutrition, veterinary medicine, and the pet industry, minus the noise and misinformation. Each episode explores what’s happening in the dog world and what it actually means for dog owners from a wellness and longevity perspective. From species-appropriate nutrition and behavior to integrative therapies and emerging research, Short Leash brings expert context to the conversations shaping modern canine care. Because your dog’s health doesn’t happen once a year at the vet...it happens every day at home.