Dog Food Expert

Dog Food Expert

Welcome to The Dog Food Expert Podcast, your go-to resource for cutting through the noise of the pet food industry. Hosted by leading nutrition specialists, we bridge the gap between complex science and your dog’s dinner bowl. Whether you are curious about the benefits of raw feeding, looking for a foolproof transition guide, or seeking convenient "cold-pressed" alternatives for life on the go, we provide the expert insights you need to help your dog thrive. No fillers, no fads—just honest advice for a healthier, happier pet.

  1. FEB 1

    The Power of Offal: Why Organ Meats Are Essential in a BARF Diet

    For many dog owners, the idea of handling hearts, livers, and kidneys can be a bit squeamish. However, in the world of raw dog food, these ingredients are non-negotiable. In this episode of The Dog Food Expert Podcast, we explore the nutritional science behind the BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diet and why "whole prey" feeding is the key to a thriving dog.We strip away the complexity of raw feeding to explain why a diet of pure muscle meat leads to malnutrition. Expert Daniel breaks down the specific benefits of each organ, explaining how brands like Naked Dog formulate their recipes to mimic the ancestral canine diet.In this episode, we cover: The Muscle Foundation: Why high-quality protein (beef, turkey, lamb) is essential for amino acids, but why it's only part of the puzzle. Nature's Multivitamin: The role of Liver in providing concentrated Vitamin A, Iron, and Folate for immune health and vision. The "Organ Muscle": Why Heart is prized for its rich Taurine and CoQ10 content, supporting cardiac function and metabolism. Detox & Minerals: How Kidney supplies essential trace minerals like Zinc and Selenium. Gut Health Hero: The power of Green Tripe—packed with natural probiotics and digestive enzymes to support a healthy microbiome. Bone for Structure: Why natural Meat with Bone is superior to synthetic calcium supplements for skeletal strength and dental hygiene. Why Listen? If you want to understand the why behind the ingredients in your dog's bowl, this episode is a masterclass in canine nutrition. Learn how to ensure your dog gets a complete spectrum of vitamins and minerals naturally.

    4 min
  2. JAN 15

    Supermarket Meat vs. Raw Dog Food: Is It Safe to Feed?

    Supermarket Meat vs. Raw Dog Food: What Every Owner Needs to Know As the popularity of natural feeding grows, one question pops up more than any other in pet owner communities: "Can I just feed my dog raw meat from the supermarket?" It seems like a logical shortcut. After all, if the mince is good enough for your spaghetti bolognese, surely it’s good enough for your dog’s bowl? However, the reality is far more complex. While the ingredients may look similar, there is a critical difference between the meat you buy for yourself and certified raw dog food. In this deep dive, we explore why treating the butcher's counter as a pet shop can pose serious safety risks and lead to long-term nutritional deficiencies for your four-legged friend. The Safety Gap: Why "Human-Grade" Isn't Always Safer When you buy a tray of beef or chicken from the supermarket, it is sold with one vital assumption: you are going to cook it. Cooking is a kill step. High temperatures destroy harmful pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria that may be present on the meat. Because human food regulations assume this cooking process will happen, supermarket meat is not subjected to the same rigorous pathogen testing for raw consumption that certified raw pet food is. The Risk of Pathogens If you feed that supermarket mince to your dog raw, you are bypassing the safety net. While dogs have robust digestive systems, they are not immune to foodborne illnesses, and neither are you. Handling contaminated meat increases the risk of spreading bacteria around your kitchen, putting your human family members—especially children and the immunocompromised—at risk. The Certified Difference This is where brands like Naked Dog stand apart. As a UK Pet Food Certified producer, their raw food undergoes strict microbiological testing specifically designed for raw consumption. Their production process is audited from start to finish to ensure that the food entering your home is safe to be eaten exactly as it is—raw. The Nutritional Trap: The Danger of "Just Meat" Beyond safety, the biggest issue with DIY supermarket diets is nutritional balance. A common mistake well-meaning owners make is feeding their dogs plain muscle meat (like steak or mince) and assuming it constitutes a complete diet. In the wild, a wolf doesn't just eat the muscle; it eats the whole prey. A balanced raw dog food diet must mimic this ratio to provide essential nutrients: Bone: Essential for calcium and phosphorus (vital for skeletal health). Organs: Liver and kidney provide crucial vitamins and minerals that muscle meat lacks. Vegetables/Superfoods: Provide fiber and antioxidants. The Consequences of Imbalance Feeding a diet of purely supermarket muscle meat can lead to severe deficiencies over time. A lack of calcium, for example, can cause brittle bones and growth issues in puppies. A lack of organ meat can lead to vitamin deficiencies that affect the immune system and coat condition. Certified complete meals take the guesswork out of this. They are formulated to contain the precise ratio of meat, bone, and offal required for a dog to thrive, ensuring they get a "complete and balanced" diet in every bowl. What About Bacon and Sausages? While we are discussing supermarket meats, it is vital to address processed pork products. Dogs should never eat bacon or sausages. Unlike fresh pork (which can be safe if treated properly, like the Wild Boar in Naked Dog’s range), processed meats are: High in Salt: Which can cause dehydration and kidney stress. High in Fat: A leading trigger for pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition. Seasoned: Often containing onion or garlic powder, which are toxic to dogs. The Verdict While the intent behind feeding supermarket meat is good—wanting to give your dog fresh, natural food—the execution can be risky. To ensure your dog gets the benefits of a raw diet without the risks of pathogens or malnutrition, it is always safer to stick to a reputable, UK Pet Food Certified raw dog food brand. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about peace of mind.

    4 min
  3. JAN 13

    Raw Feeding Without the Mess: Is It Safe? (The Naked Dog Solution)

    Raw dog food is widely recognized as one of the healthiest, most natural ways to feed your pet. However, for many owners, the nutritional benefits are overshadowed by a single, nagging question: "Is raw feeding safe for my home?" Nobody wants raw meat leaking in their fridge or the stress of complex preparation routines. In this episode of The Dog Food Expert Podcast, hosts Alex and Daniel tackle the "faff factor" head-on. We explore how modern packaging solutions are revolutionising the raw feeding experience, transforming it from a messy chore into a clean, convenient routine. In this episode, we cover: The Hygiene Hurdle: We address common concerns about bacteria and cross-contamination in the kitchen. Learn why Naked Dog’s sturdy, resealable tubs are safer than traditional pouches or bags. The "Scoop and Seal" System: Discover the simplicity of the tub system: scoop what you need, snap the lid tight, and store safely in the fridge for up to four days after defrosting. No leaks, no smells, no stress. Environmental Impact: Feeding raw doesn't have to mean more waste. We discuss how fully recyclable packaging makes this choice safe for the planet, too. Storage Hacks: How stackable tubs save essential freezer space compared to awkward, slippery bags. Why Listen? If you want to give your dog the diet nature intended but have been holding back due to safety or mess concerns, this episode proves that raw feeding can be just as straightforward as kibble—only fresher and healthier.

    3 min

About

Welcome to The Dog Food Expert Podcast, your go-to resource for cutting through the noise of the pet food industry. Hosted by leading nutrition specialists, we bridge the gap between complex science and your dog’s dinner bowl. Whether you are curious about the benefits of raw feeding, looking for a foolproof transition guide, or seeking convenient "cold-pressed" alternatives for life on the go, we provide the expert insights you need to help your dog thrive. No fillers, no fads—just honest advice for a healthier, happier pet.