DAFY (Dog Advice For You)

Gaia Musotti

The DAFY (Dog Advice For You) Podcast: Real Talk on Dog Health & Nutrition Are you confused by all the conflicting dog nutrition advice? One vet says kibble, another says raw. Brands push their own agenda. Social media is full of opinions. DAFY cuts through the noise with expert-backed advice. We bring together vets, nutritionists and holistic experts to tackle the topics that matter to you - from allergies to gut health and everything in between. No marketing spin, just honest, practical guidance to help you help your dog live a happier life, healthier and longer life.

  1. FEB 5

    Ep. 18 - How to Prevent Cancer in Dogs: A Vet Oncologist’s Approach

    Ep. 18 - How to Prevent Cancer in Dogs: A Vet Oncologist’s Approach Cancer is now the leading cause of death in dogs. But most owners are only taught how to spot cancer, not how to lower the chances of it developing in the first place. In this episode, I speak with Dr Kendra Pope, a board-certified veterinary oncologist who no longer just treats this disease but teaches dog owners how to prevent it. We talk about what actually increases cancer risk in dogs, why it often goes unnoticed for years and what owners can start doing long before a diagnosis ever happens. This conversation is not about fear. It is about control, awareness and giving your dog the best chance at a longer and healthier life. We cover: • Why cancer does not appear overnight • The difference between early detection and true prevention • How diet influences inflammation and immune function • What ultra-processed food does to the body over time • Why the gut microbiome is central to long-term health • How toxins quietly build up in everyday environments • Why weight, blood sugar and metabolism is important • How small daily choices shift risk over time • Why there is no neutral approach when it comes to cancer • What owners can realistically start changing now If you have ever wondered why so many dogs develop cancer, or felt powerless about it, this episode will help you understand what is actually within your control without overwhelm or extreme rules. Guest: Dr Kendra Pope BIO: Dr Kendra Pope is a board-certified veterinary oncologist with over 15 years of experience. She trained in conventional oncology and integrative medicine, including Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, herbal medicine and functional approaches. She now focuses on educating veterinarians and pet owners on cancer prevention and proactive health strategies to prevent cancer in their pets. Connect with Dr Kendra Pope: - Website: https://drkendrapope.com/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkendrapope - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drkendrapope Links mentioned in this episode: - Dr Kendra's Pet Cancer Prevention Course: https://www.prismpetsacademy.com/protectmypet - Dr Kendra's Quiz To Assess your pet’s cancer risk: https://www.prismpetsacademy.com/riskquiz 🎧 New episodes out every 2 weeks – follow DAFY for expert and science-led dog health and nutrition advice. 👩‍🔬 Want evidence-based and expert-led advice on dog health and nutrition? Join the DAFY community: https://www.skool.com/dafy/about  Follow DAFY on: - Instagram: www.instagram.com/dafy_dogadviceforyou/  - Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572353507238  - TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@dafy_dogadviceforyou  - LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/dafy-dog-advice-for-you/  #dafypodcast #dogcancer #cancerprevention #doghealth #holisticvet #integrativevet #caninenutrition #guthealth #petlongevity #dogwellness #proactivepetcare #veterinaryoncology

    1h 3m
  2. JAN 22

    Ep. 17 - How to Help Your Dog Live Longer in Today’s World | Rodney Habib

    Ep. 17 - How to Help Your Dog Live Longer in Today’s World | Rodney Habib Dog health and nutrition has become confusing There is too much advice and not enough clarity And most dog owners only start changing things when something goes wrong Waiting until your dog is “unwell” often leaves you with far fewer choices Helping your dog feel good every day is as important as how long they live for And the small things you do daily quietly shape their long-term health. In this episode I talk with Rodney Habib about what it really means to support dog longevity today and how to think like a Pet Parent 2.0. You will learn: What being a Pet Parent 2.0 actually meansThe real difference between ultra processed and fresh foodWhy the same diet can work for one dog and not anotherWhy gut health sits under almost everythingWhy testing gives answers and opinions don’tWhy cutting calories can quietly create deficienciesWhy online advice often creates more confusion than clarityIf you feel stuck between what your vet says, what you read online and what you feel is right, this episode will help you make clearer choices without overwhelm. Guest: Rodney Habib BIO: Rodney is a two-time New York Times bestselling author (The Forever Dog and The Forever Dog Life), international speaker and one of the leading voices in pet health and longevity. His work helps dog owners make better everyday choices around food, gut health and lifestyle to support long-term health and quality of life. Rodney is also the founder of Planet Paws, one of the largest natural pet health communities in the world. Connect with Rodney: - https://planetpaws.ca/ - https://www.rodneyhabib.com/ - https://www.facebook.com/rodneyhabib - https://www.instagram.com/rodneyhabib 🎧 New episodes out every 2 weeks follow DAFY for expert led dog health and nutrition advice👩‍🔬 Join the DAFY community https://www.skool.com/dafy/about Follow DAFY on: - Instagram: www.instagram.com/dafy_dogadviceforyou/ - Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572353507238 - TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@dafy_dogadviceforyou - LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/dafy-dog-advice-for-you/ #dafypodcast #rodneyhabib #theforeverdog #doglongevity #doglifespan #doghealth #dogguthealth #canineguthealth #caninemicrobiome #dognutrition #caninenutrition #freshfeeding #ultraprocessedfood #petparent #petparent2.0 #dogdisease #dogcaretips #healthydog

    1h 50m
  3. JAN 8

    Ep. 16 - Want to Home-Cook for Your Dog? Watch This Before You Start

    Ep. 16 - Want to Home-Cook for Your Dog? Watch This Before You StartWant to cook for your dog but you are worried you might accidentally create deficiencies over time?And how do you know how many calories your dog truly needs without under feeding their key nutrients?In this episode I chat with Dr Susan Recker about what balanced really means when you are home cooking, why rotational diets can still be deficient and how activity level changes everything.We cover:• Why nutrition can help or harm• The most common nutrient gaps in homemade diets• Why just rotate proteins is not enough• How calories affect nutrient intake• Why less active dogs often become deficient on standard feeding guidelines• Raw vs cooked feeding and how to reduce risk and choose what is right for your dog• What Animal Diet Formulator is and how it helps build balanced dietsIf you have ever followed a recipe from the internet or Facebook and wondered is this actually safe long term this episode will give you clarity without overwhelm.Guest:Dr Susan ReckerBIO: Dr Susan Recker is a veterinarian with nearly 30 years of experience, including small animal medicine, integrative therapies and veterinary education. She is the nutrition consultant, lead formulator and veterinary director at Animal Diet Formulator where she creates complete and balanced fresh food diets for dogs and cats and guides owners and professionals in effective nutrition strategies.Contact Dr Susan Recker via Animal Diet Formulatorhttps://www.animaldietformulator.com🎧 New episodes out every 2 weeks - follow DAFY for expert and science-led dog health and nutrition advice! 👩‍🔬 Want evidence-based and expert-led advice on dog health and nutrition? Join the DAFY community: https://www.skool.com/dafy/aboutFollow DAFY on:- Instagramwww.instagram.com/dafy_dogadviceforyou/- Facebookwww.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572353507238- TikTokwww.tiktok.com/@dafy_dogadviceforyou- LinkedInwww.linkedin.com/company/dafy-dog-advice-for-you/Helpful tool mentioned in the episode: Use this dry matter calculator to compare the true protein and nutrient levels between different dog foodshttps://www.omnicalculator.com/biology/dry-matter#dafypodcast #homemadedogfood #dognutrition #freshfeeding #rawfeeding #gentlycooked #dogweightloss #dogobesity #completeandbalanced #fediaf #aafco #caninenutrition #holisticvet #integrativevet #doghealth

    1h 10m
  4. 12/18/2025

    Ep. 15 - Spotting Pain in Dogs Early (and What You Can Do)

    Ep. 15 - Spotting Pain in Dogs Early (and What You Can Do) How do you know if your senior dog is in pain when they rarely show it? And which natural therapies can truly help - without relying only on medication? In this episode, I chat again with the wonderful Dr Heidi about how to recognise pain in older dogs and support them with gentle and science-backed therapies like acupuncture and laser therapy. We cover: - The subtle signs of pain most owners miss - Why it’s often dismissed as “just old age” - What acupuncture really does in the body - How laser therapy helps with inflammation and recovery- When to combine therapies for better results - Simple things you can do at home to keep your dog comfortable If your dog is slowing down or struggling with stiffness, this episode will show you how to spot pain early and learn simple, natural ways to bring them relief. Guest: Dr Heidi Hammel, DVM Dr Heidi Hammel is a veterinarian with over 17 years of experience, specialising in pain management and acupuncture. With a deep passion for senior pet care and extensive personal experience, she focuses on helping older dogs live healthy, happy lives and empowering pet parents with practical tips. Follow Dr Heidi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agingpawsvet/  or you can email her at: mvaneedles@gmail.com 🎧 New episodes out every 2 weeks - follow DAFY for expert and science-led dog health and nutrition advice!  👩‍🔬 Want evidence-based and expert-led advice on dog health and nutrition? Join the DAFY community: https://www.skool.com/dafy/about  Follow DAFY on :Instagram: www.instagram.com/dafy_dogadviceforyou/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572353507238 TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@dafy_dogadviceforyou LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/dafy-dog-advice-for-you/ #dafypodcast #seniordogs #dogpainrelief #acupuncturefordogs #dogarthritis #holisticvet #integrativevet #dogmobility #agingdogs #dogwellness #lasertherapydogs #caninearthritis #doghealth #painmanagementdogs #naturalpetcare #dogcomfort #dogparents #agingpawsvet #dogcaretips

    44 min
  5. 12/04/2025

    Ep. 14 - The Hidden Cause of Dog Skin Allergies No One Talks About

    Ep. 14 - The Hidden Cause of Dog Skin Allergies No One Talks About Why are so many dogs struggling with skin allergies, sensitivities or constant itching, even when their diet seems fine? And how can we tell which grooming or oral-care products actually support our dogs’ health instead of making things worse? In this episode, I speak with Dr Poonum Wilkhu, veterinary pharmacist, public health specialist, and founder of FurBabies™ Botanicals. We chatted about how to choose safer dog grooming products and protect your dog’s skin and coat through gentle, science-led care. We cover: • Why many dog grooming products are made for human appeal, not pet health • The role of the skin and oral microbiome in dogs • How skin allergies often start on the surface, not in the gut • Ingredients to avoid in shampoos and grooming products • How nutrition supports skin health and reduces inflammation • The science behind botanical, vegan pet care • Why scent identity matters and how artificial fragrances affect dogs • How owners can make informed, natural choices for their dog’s wellbeing If your dog has itchy skin, allergies, or recurring flare-ups, this episode will help you understand the real cause and how to support healthy skin naturally. Guest: Dr Poonum Wilkhu Dr Poonum Wilkhu is a veterinary pharmacist and public health professional, and the founder of FurBabies™ Botanicals. Inspired by her dogs, Dexter and DJ, she began researching gentle, evidence-based solutions for pets with sensitive skin and oral-care needs. Through her work, Poonum explores the connection between the microbiome, barrier health, and nutrition, combining pharmacy principles with integrative care to create products that genuinely support dogs’ wellbeing. She continues to study veterinary dermatology and oral health, advocating for transparency, consumer education, and higher standards in the pet-care industry. Connect with Dr Poonum: - Website: https://myfurbabies.co.uk/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/furbabies_botanicals/  - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naturalfurcare  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pwilkhu/ 🎧 New episodes out every 2 weeks - follow DAFY for expert, science-led dog health and nutrition advice! 👩‍🔬 Want evidence-based and expert-led advice on dog health and nutrition? Join the DAFY community: https://www.skool.com/dafy/about Follow DAFY on: - Instagram: www.instagram.com/dafy_dogadviceforyou/ - Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572353507238 - TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@dafy_dogadviceforyou - LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/dafy-dog-advice-for-you/ #dafypodcast #dogskincare #dogallergies #dogskinhealth #dogmicrobiome #furbabiesbotanicals #naturaldogcare #dogoralhealth #dogshampoo #holisticdogcare #dognutrition #dogwellness #pethealthawareness

    1h 8m
  6. 11/20/2025

    Ep. 13 – Healing a Chronically Ill Dog - The Natural Way

    Ep. 13 – Healing a Chronically Ill Dog - The Natural Way Why are so many dogs living with chronic issues like itching, gut problems or recurring ear infections? And why do the symptoms always seem to come back? In this episode, I speak with Dr Tina Hansen (AKA Purple Vet) - an integrative veterinarian and canine nutritionist from Norway - about how to address chronic illness at its root through food, environment and holistic care. We cover: - How gut health and inflammation are deeply connected -Why quick-fix meds often mask symptoms, not causes - Steroids, antibiotics and their hidden long-term effects - The role of nutrition in reversing chronic disease - How acupuncture, HMA and microbiome tests fit into healing - Practical steps every owner can start today Whether your dog is struggling with skin flare-ups, gut troubles, or ongoing meds, this episode will help you understand why and what you can do differently. Guest: Dr Tina Hansen (AKA Purple Vet) Tina is an integrative vet, acupuncturist and canine nutritionist. She combines modern veterinary medicine with natural therapies to help pets heal from the inside out. After working across the UK and volunteering around the world - from Africa to Thailand and the Caribbean - Tina founded Purple Vet, where she now offers holistic consultations, nutrition advice and online courses for pet parents. She’s also one of the co-founders of the Holistic Vet Sisters, a community of vets sharing free, research-based holistic advice for pet owners everywhere. Connect with Tina: - Website: www.purple.vet - Instagram: www.instagram.com/purple.vet - Facebook: www.facebook.com/thepurplevet - YouTube: www.youtube.com/@tinainthewild 📌 Want expert answers you can trust? Join the DAFY waitlist: bit.ly/4jE8o4Y 🎧 New episodes out every 2 weeks - follow DAFY for expert, science-led dog health and nutrition advice! Follow DAFY on: - Instagram: www.instagram.com/dafy_dogadviceforyou/ - Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572353507238 - TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@dafy_dogadviceforyou - LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/dafy-dog-advice-for-you/ #dafypodcast #holisticvet #dogguthealth #chronicdogillness #healfromtheinsideout #apoquelalternatives #holisticdogcare #dognutrition #dogskinhealth #guthealingfordogs #caninenutrition #purplevet #naturaldogcare #dogmicrobiome #wholedoghealth

    50 min
  7. 11/06/2025

    Ep. 12 - Who’s Really Qualified to Give Nutrition Advice for Dogs?

    Ep. 12 - Who’s Really Qualified to Give Nutrition Advice for Dogs? Feeling confused about who to trust with your dog’s nutrition? You’re not alone. In this episode, Dr Francisco Poblanno and I chatted about one of the biggest questions dog owners face: who’s actually qualified to give nutrition advice? We talk about the roles of veterinary nutritionists, PhD nutritionists, formulators and your everyday vet and how all of them fit together. We also talked about how holistic and conventional care can work side by side instead of against each other. You’ll learn: - What “nutritional adequacy” really means (and what it doesn’t) - How much nutrition training most vets actually get - Common red flags in pet food marketing - When it’s time to seek a nutrition specialist - Why better communication with your vet changes everything By the end, you’ll understand who’s truly qualified to guide your dog’s diet - and why credentials, context and collaboration matter more than opinions. You’ll walk away knowing what questions to ask, what to look out for and how to feel confident about the advice you follow. Guest: Dr Francisco Poblanno Dr Francisco Poblanno is a veterinarian (UNAM, 2016) with experience across small-animal practice and the swine industry in Mexico and the United States. After moving to Canada, he shifted his focus to small-animal practice in Ontario. His passion for nutrition led him to the Ontario Veterinary College, where he’s completing a DVSc in Clinical Nutrition and a residency with the European College of Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition (ECVCN). Follow Dr Poblanno on - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpoblanno/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francisco-manuel-poblanno-silva 📌 Want expert answers you can trust? Join the DAFY waitlist: bit.ly/4jE8o4Y 🎧 New episodes out every 2 weeks - follow DAFY for expert, science-led dog health and nutrition advice! Follow DAFY on: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dafy_dogadviceforyou/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572353507238 - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dafy_dogadviceforyou - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dafy-dog-advice-for-you/ #dognutrition #veterinarynutrition #petfood #doghealth #nutritionadvice #animalnutrition #holisticvet #veterinarycare #petownership #dafypodcast

    54 min
  8. 10/23/2025

    Ep. 11 - A Vet’s Strategy for Helping Dogs Live to 15 and Beyond

    Ep. 11 - A Vet’s Strategy for Helping Dogs Live to 15 and Beyond Did you know that up to 95% of cancers in dogs are environmental - not genetic?In this powerful episode, I speak with Sue Armstrong, one of the UK’s leading holistic vets about the rising rates of cancer and chronic illness in our dogs - and what we can actually do to prevent them.We cover:- Environmental toxins that silently affect your dog’s health- The dangers of glyphosate, even in your local dog walk- The heart-breaking story of “George” - and what every owner can learn from it- What a good diet really looks like- Why raw feeding isn’t black and white- How to build a health timeline for your dog to prevent disease before it starts- The clash between conventional and holistic care - and how to navigate bothThis is one of our most emotional and eye-opening episodes to date. Whether you're feeding kibble or raw, new to holistic care or just starting to question mainstream advice, this one is for you.Guest: Sue ArmstrongSue is an experienced holistic vet with over 40 years in clinical practice. She specialises in homeopathy, nutrition, acupuncture and integrative veterinary medicine. Her work focuses on helping dogs live longer, healthier lives by addressing root causes - not just symptoms.📬 Connect with Sue via Substack: https://suearmstrong.substack.com📌 Want expert answers you can trust? Join the DAFY waitlist: bit.ly/4jE8o4Y🎧 New episodes out every 2 weeks - follow DAFY for expert, science-led dog health and nutrition advice!Follow DAFY on:- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dafy_dogadviceforyou/- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572353507238- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dafy_dogadviceforyou- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dafy-dog-advice-for-you/#DogCancerPrevention #HolisticVet #DogChronicIllness #GlyphosateAndDogs #RawFeedingDebate #HomeopathyForDogs #DogHealthTimeline #DAFYPodcast #EnvironmentalToxinsDogs #dognutritiontips

    44 min

About

The DAFY (Dog Advice For You) Podcast: Real Talk on Dog Health & Nutrition Are you confused by all the conflicting dog nutrition advice? One vet says kibble, another says raw. Brands push their own agenda. Social media is full of opinions. DAFY cuts through the noise with expert-backed advice. We bring together vets, nutritionists and holistic experts to tackle the topics that matter to you - from allergies to gut health and everything in between. No marketing spin, just honest, practical guidance to help you help your dog live a happier life, healthier and longer life.