Unleashed Curiosity Podcast about Dog and Cat Health by Vital Pet Life

Vital Pet Life
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Weekly

Unleashed Curiosity by Vital Pet Life Podcast cracks the code on pet nutrition, wellness hacks & keeping your fur fam thriving! ✨ Join Donie Yamamoto, CEO and Founder and Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM as they share practical advice, expert insights, and myth-busting truths to help you become a more confident, educated, and empowered pet parent. We’re here to dispel misinformation, break down pet ingredients, and highlight key pet wellness strategies backed by veterinary expertise. From Q & A with Dr. Amber to ingredient transparency, this podcast is your authority on today’s pet care. It’s time to get informed, inspired, and confident in your pet wellness choices. Need clean supplements? We got you! Tune in, follow & unleash your pet questions: podcast@vitalpetlife.com ➡️ You could be next episode’s superstar! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  1. Dog Longevity Decoded: Treats, Nutrition & Rescue Truths | Beth Jackson of Oliver P. Toliver’s Thoroughly Tasty Treats

    5d ago

    Dog Longevity Decoded: Treats, Nutrition & Rescue Truths | Beth Jackson of Oliver P. Toliver’s Thoroughly Tasty Treats

    What if the treats you give your dog every day are actually getting in the way of their best health? In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity, Donie Yamamoto and Dr. Amber Da Silva sit down with Beth Jackson the purpose-driven founder of Oliver P. Toliver's Thoroughly Tasty Treats for a conversation that will change how you think about every snack you hand your pup. It all started with a 10-week-old rescue puppy who nearly died from Parvo. That fight for survival became the foundation of a brand built on one simple rule: every ingredient must earn its place. In this episode, you'll discover: 🐾 Why "natural" and "grain-free" labels are largely marketing jargon and what to look for instead 🦮 The magic of "sniffaris" and why 15 minutes of sniff-led walking beats a 2-mile run ❤️ How two rescue dogs became UCLA therapy dogs and the profound hospital stories that followed 🍠 Why Beth's ingredient standard is simple: "If I can't explain why it's in there, it shouldn't be" 📉 How daily treats are contributing to pet obesity and what the calorie math really looks like Whether your dog is a rescue, a senior, a puzzle-loving genius, or a treat-motivated chaos machine this episode is for you. Connect with our guest, Beth Jackson: Website: oliverptoliver.com Instagram: @oliver_p_toliver_dog_treats 🎉 GIVEAWAY ALERT — VPL × Oliver P. Toliver! We've teamed up with Oliver P. Toliver's to give away an incredible prize bundle for your pup! How to enter? Head to our Instagram to enter 👉🏻 https://vitalpet.life/VPLxOliverPToliverGiveaway ⏰ Giveaway runs June 23 – July 3 2026 | U.S. residents only. You may also listen here to our previous episode 🎙️ https://vitalpet.life/unleashed-curiosity-episode-101 Connect with us:ᐧ Facebook - facebook.com/vitalpetlifeᐧ TikTok: @vitalpetlifeᐧ Instagram: @vitalpetlifeᐧ X: @vitalpetlifeᐧ YouTube: @vitalpetlifeᐧ Check out our website - www.vitalpetlife.com Don't forget to follow us or send us your questions at ⁠podcast@vitalpetlife.com⁠ Thank you for tuning in! “Life of Riley” by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    30 min
  2. Moving Well, Living Longer: The Link Between Mobility and Pet Longevity

    Jun 17

    Moving Well, Living Longer: The Link Between Mobility and Pet Longevity

    Is your dog or cat slowing down? Before you chalk it up to normal aging, this episode might change how you see your pet's everyday movement. In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity, Donie Yamamoto and veterinarian Dr. Amber Da Silva dig into one of the most overlooked topics in pet health: joint mobility and what it really means for your pet's long-term quality of life. Dr. Amber busts some of the biggest myths pet parents believe, including why a dog that isn't limping or crying out can still be in significant discomfort. She walks us through the subtle behavioral signs that often go unnoticed, from stiffness after sleep, to avoiding stairs, to changes in litter box behavior in cats. And she explains why catching these signs early can make a real difference. You'll also hear a closer look at what actually happens inside a joint during the aging process, how cartilage, joint fluid, and surrounding tissue are all affected, and why the visible signs we wait for are often the last to show up. Dr. Amber and Donie also cover: Why proactive daily support matters more than waiting for a diagnosis What to look for in a quality joint supplement (and why many don't work) The key ingredients showing real research-backed promise for joint support How NSAIDs work, when they're appropriate, and what to monitor The vicious cycle of poor mobility, muscle loss, and weight gain, and how to interrupt it The key takeaway from this episode: a longer life means very little without the comfort and mobility to enjoy it. Protecting your pet's movement may be one of the most important things you do for them. Subscribe so you never miss an episode. If this resonated, share it with a fellow pet parent who wants more healthy, active years with their animal. Unleashed Curiosity is brought to you by Vital Pet Life. New episodes every week on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. 📩 Send your questions and topic requests at podcast@vitalpetlife.com 🌐 Learn more at VitalPetLife.com You may also listen here to our previous episode 🎙️ https://vitalpet.life/unleashed-curiosity-episode-100 Connect with us:ᐧ Facebook - facebook.com/vitalpetlifeᐧ TikTok: @vitalpetlifeᐧ Instagram: @vitalpetlifeᐧ X: @vitalpetlifeᐧ YouTube: @vitalpetlifeᐧ Check out our website - www.vitalpetlife.com Don't forget to follow us or send us your questions at ⁠podcast@vitalpetlife.com⁠ Thank you for tuning in! “Life of Riley” by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    19 min
  3. Pet Supplements, Ethical Breeding & Vet-Approved Health Advice with Dr. Karyn Kanowski

    Jun 9

    Pet Supplements, Ethical Breeding & Vet-Approved Health Advice with Dr. Karyn Kanowski

    What if your vet's training was shaped more by pharmaceutical companies than by nutrition science? In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity by Vital Pet Life, hosts Donie Yamamoto and Dr. Amber Da Silva sit down with Dr. Karyn Kanowski, veterinary content creator, supervisor at Pango Vet, and co-host of the Chatty Cattys podcast, for one of our most eye-opening conversations yet about pet health, pet supplements, and the future of animal welfare. 🔑 In this episode, we cover: Why pet supplements and nutrition may do more for your dog or cat than a prescription ever could The real welfare issues behind ear cropping, tail docking, and cat declawing What water quality (yes, really) could be doing to your pet's urinary health Why building a loose daily routine not a rigid one can reduce anxiety in your pets Dr. Karyn's #1 advice for every pet parent: have a financial contingency plan before your pet gets sick Whether you're a new pet parent or a longtime advocate for animal wellness, this episode will challenge the way you think about pet health, preventive pet care, and what it truly means to give your animals the best life possible. 🐶🐱 📍 Follow Dr. Karyn: @karyn.kanowski | catster.com | dogster.com | Chatty Cattys podcast Brought to you by Vital Pet Life, family-owned, committed to pet health, sustainability, and transparency. New episodes every week. 📩 Have questions or episode ideas? Email us at podcast@vitalpetlife.com 🌐 Learn more at VitalPetLife.com You may also listen here to our previous episode 🎙️ https://vitalpet.life/unleashed-curiosity-episode-99 Connect with us:ᐧ Facebook - facebook.com/vitalpetlifeᐧ TikTok: @vitalpetlifeᐧ Instagram: @vitalpetlifeᐧ X: @vitalpetlifeᐧ YouTube: @vitalpetlifeᐧ Check out our website - www.vitalpetlife.com Don't forget to follow us or send us your questions at ⁠podcast@vitalpetlife.com⁠ Thank you for tuning in! “Life of Riley” by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    1 hr
  4. Good Poops, Happy Dog: Getting to the Bottom of Digestive Trouble

    Jun 2

    Good Poops, Happy Dog: Getting to the Bottom of Digestive Trouble

    What's Behind Your Dog's Digestive Discomfort — And Why Diet Alone May Not Be Enough You've switched the food. You've been patient. But occasional loose stools, digestive gas, and coat issues keep coming back. In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity, Donie Yamamoto sits down with integrative veterinarian Dr. Amber Da Silva to explore what most pet parents never hear: gut microbiome balance may play a central role in your dog's overall wellness — and diet changes alone may not be enough to support it. Dr. Amber breaks down: ✔️ Why occasional loose stools, gas, and coat appearance may all relate to gut microbiome balance ✔️ The gut-skin connection and how probiotic support may benefit healthy skin and coat ✔️ What can affect microbiome balance (stress, diet changes — and how to support it) ✔️ Why even a nutritious diet works best when digestion and nutrient utilization are supported ✔️ The difference between single-strain and multi-strain probiotics — and why strain diversity matters ✔️ Why species-appropriate probiotic strains may better support your dog's gut microbiome than human-formulated products If you're looking for a new framework for understanding your dog's digestive health from the inside out, this episode is for you. New episodes every week. Subscribe so you never miss a science-backed conversation that helps your pet thrive. Follow Unleashed Curiosity by Vital Pet Life for science-backed conversations on pet health, longevity, and behavior. 👍 Like this episode if you learned something new 🔔 Subscribe for weekly pet health insights 📩 Share this with a fellow pet parent 📩 Have questions or episode ideas? Email us at podcast@vitalpetlife.com 🌐 Learn more at VitalPetLife.com You may also listen here to our previous episode 🎙️ https://vitalpet.life/unleashed-curiosity-episode-98 Connect with us:ᐧ Facebook - facebook.com/vitalpetlifeᐧ TikTok: @vitalpetlifeᐧ Instagram: @vitalpetlifeᐧ X: @vitalpetlifeᐧ YouTube: @vitalpetlifeᐧ Check out our website - www.vitalpetlife.com Don't forget to follow us or send us your questions at ⁠podcast@vitalpetlife.com⁠ Thank you for tuning in! “Life of Riley” by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    29 min
  5. The Future of Pet Wellness: What We Saw at Global Pet Expo 2026

    May 26

    The Future of Pet Wellness: What We Saw at Global Pet Expo 2026

    Donie Yamamoto and Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM, back from Global Pet Expo 2026 with one major takeaway: pet wellness is evolving fast; from personalized nutrition and microbiome innovation to sustainability and ingredient transparency, today’s pet parents are increasingly conscientious about the ingredients in the treats and supplements they give their pets. In this episode, they discuss the biggest trends shaping the future of pet longevity, why clean sourcing and recognizable ingredients matter, and Vital Pet Life’s exciting launch at the show of Only Salmon Oil for Dogs & Cats — the first pet supplement oil in the U.S. to carry the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) label. Follow Unleashed Curiosity by Vital Pet Life for science-backed conversations on pet health, longevity, and behavior. 👍 Like this episode if you learned something new 🔔 Subscribe for weekly pet health insights 📩 Share this with a fellow pet parent 📩 Have questions or episode ideas? Email us at podcast@vitalpetlife.com 🌐 Learn more at VitalPetLife.com You may also listen here to our previous episode 🎙️ https://vitalpet.life/unleashed-curiosity-episode-97 Connect with us:ᐧ Facebook - facebook.com/vitalpetlifeᐧ TikTok: @vitalpetlifeᐧ Instagram: @vitalpetlifeᐧ X: @vitalpetlifeᐧ YouTube: @vitalpetlifeᐧ Check out our website - www.vitalpetlife.com Don't forget to follow us or send us your questions at ⁠podcast@vitalpetlife.com⁠ Thank you for tuning in! “Life of Riley” by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    7 min
  6. Why Your Dog NEEDS to Sniff on Walks (It's Not What You Think)

    May 19

    Why Your Dog NEEDS to Sniff on Walks (It's Not What You Think)

    Your dog isn't walking — they're reading. Every fire hydrant, every blade of grass, every invisible trail left by a passing stranger — your dog is processing all of it through a nose that's up to 100,000x more powerful than yours. But most walks are designed entirely around human priorities: speed, distance, calories burned. In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity by Vital Pet Life, veterinarian Dr. Amber Da Silva and founder Donie Yamamoto break down the fascinating science of canine olfaction and why sniffing isn't a bad habit — it's a biological necessity. What you'll learn: Why dogs have 300 million olfactory receptors (vs. our 5–6 million) How sniffing reduces anxiety and builds confidence in dogs The difference between a "march walk" and a mentally enriching sniff walk What your dog is actually detecting when they stop at a fire hydrant Why restricting sniffing is like making your dog wear a blindfold Whether you have a high-energy pup or a couch potato, this episode will completely change how you think about the daily walk. 🐾 Slow down. Let them sniff. Your dog will thank you. 🎙️ Unleashed Curiosity is brought to you by Vital Pet Life — where curiosity, compassion, and science converge to help your pet live longer, healthier, and happier. 📩 Questions or topic ideas? Email us: podcast@vitalpetlife.com 🔔 Subscribe & leave a review — it helps more pet lovers find the show! You may also listen here to our previous episode 🎙️ https://vitalpet.life/unleashed-curiosity-episode-96 Connect with us:ᐧ Facebook - facebook.com/vitalpetlifeᐧ TikTok: @vitalpetlifeᐧ Instagram: @vitalpetlifeᐧ X: @vitalpetlifeᐧ YouTube: @vitalpetlifeᐧ Check out our website - www.vitalpetlife.com Don't forget to follow us or send us your questions at ⁠podcast@vitalpetlife.com⁠ Thank you for tuning in! “Life of Riley” by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    12 min
  7. 60-Second Ingredient Deep Dive with Dr. Amber, DVM: Oatmeal for Dogs and Cats Shampoo

    May 12

    60-Second Ingredient Deep Dive with Dr. Amber, DVM: Oatmeal for Dogs and Cats Shampoo

    You've seen it on every pet shampoo. But do you actually know what it does? 🌾 Unleashed Curiosity by Vital Pet Life launches a brand new segment — 60 Second Ingredient Deep Dives — and Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM is starting with one of the most common and most misunderstood ingredients in pet wellness. Today: Oatmeal. Not the breakfast kind. The kind that could be actively restoring your pet's skin health — or doing absolutely nothing — depending entirely on whether the brand you're using got it right. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 1:03 – What is oatmeal (in pet wellness)? 1:30 – What oatmeal does in your pet's body 2:10 – How often your pet needs it 2:35 – Red flags: low-quality oatmeal to avoid 🐶 IS THIS VIDEO FOR YOU? Watch this if your dog or cat experiences: Itchy or irritated skin Seasonal or environmental allergies Dry, flaky, or sensitive skin Post-grooming irritation Chronic skin issues despite regular bathing Or if you're simply a pet parent who wants to understand what's actually in the products you're buying. You may also listen here to our previous episode 🎙️ https://vitalpet.life/unleashed-curiosity-episode-95 Connect with us:ᐧ Facebook - facebook.com/vitalpetlifeᐧ TikTok: @vitalpetlifeᐧ Instagram: @vitalpetlifeᐧ X: @vitalpetlifeᐧ YouTube: @vitalpetlifeᐧ Check out our website - www.vitalpetlife.com Don't forget to follow us or send us your questions at ⁠podcast@vitalpetlife.com⁠ Thank you for tuning in! “Life of Riley” by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    3 min
  8. Dogs, Aging & the Future of Medicine: What We’re Learning from Canine Longevity, Health Science & Breakthroughs for Longer Lives

    May 5

    Dogs, Aging & the Future of Medicine: What We’re Learning from Canine Longevity, Health Science & Breakthroughs for Longer Lives

    🐾 Your Dog Is Aging Like You — And That's Changing Medicine Forever The Dog Aging Project is tracking tens of thousands of dogs nationwide — and what researchers are finding could reshape how we approach health for both dogs AND humans. Dogs don't just mirror us emotionally. They mirror us biologically. Same diseases. Same environment. Same aging pathways. Just on a faster timeline. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - The Dog Aging Project: What It Is 01:16 - Why dogs are the perfect human aging model 02:57 - Canine dementia & Alzheimer's parallels 04:28 - What pet parents miss about cognitive decline 05:20 - How to slow cognitive decline in dogs 06:26 - Cancer: the #1 killer in dogs & immune dysfunction 08:02 - Why dogs outperform mice as research models 09:07 - Rapamycin & the future of health span 10:20 - Shifting from reactive to proactive pet care 11:44 - What YOU can do as a pet parent right now 🔬 IN THIS EPISODE: Dr. Amber Da Silva and Donie Yamamoto break down canine dementia, cancer, chronic inflammation, and what the Dog Aging Project means for the future of veterinary and human medicine. 🐶 WATCH FOR THESE SIGNS OF COGNITIVE DECLINE: • Confusion or disorientation at home • Pacing or restlessness at night • Staring at walls or getting "stuck" • Forgetting familiar people or commands Early intervention is everything. Don't dismiss these as "just aging." 🔔 SUBSCRIBE + hit the bell — next episode: small changes that extend your pet's health span. 👍 LIKE if this changed how you think about your pet's health. You may also listen here to our previous episode 🎙️ https://vitalpet.life/unleashed-curiosity-episode-94 #DogAgingProject #DogDementia #PetHealth #DogLongevity #CanineCognitiveDysfunction #DogCancer #UnleashedCuriosity #VitalPetLife #PetWellness #IntegrativePetCare Connect with us:ᐧ Facebook - facebook.com/vitalpetlifeᐧ TikTok: @vitalpetlifeᐧ Instagram: @vitalpetlifeᐧ X: @vitalpetlifeᐧ YouTube: @vitalpetlifeᐧ Check out our website - www.vitalpetlife.com Don't forget to follow us or send us your questions at ⁠podcast@vitalpetlife.com⁠ Thank you for tuning in! “Life of Riley” by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    13 min
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5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Unleashed Curiosity by Vital Pet Life Podcast cracks the code on pet nutrition, wellness hacks & keeping your fur fam thriving! ✨ Join Donie Yamamoto, CEO and Founder and Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM as they share practical advice, expert insights, and myth-busting truths to help you become a more confident, educated, and empowered pet parent. We’re here to dispel misinformation, break down pet ingredients, and highlight key pet wellness strategies backed by veterinary expertise. From Q & A with Dr. Amber to ingredient transparency, this podcast is your authority on today’s pet care. It’s time to get informed, inspired, and confident in your pet wellness choices. Need clean supplements? We got you! Tune in, follow & unleash your pet questions: podcast@vitalpetlife.com ➡️ You could be next episode’s superstar! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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