Episode Summary If you've ever stood in the pet food aisle feeling completely overwhelmed by the options—grain-free, raw, organic, life-stage formulas, food that costs more than your own groceries—this episode is for you. Dr. Beth Barrett breaks down the fundamentals of pet nutrition across dogs, cats, horses, and even goats, sharing science-based guidance on what "well nourished" actually looks like for each species. From the critical role of macronutrients and micronutrients to why cats absolutely cannot be vegan, Dr. Beth demystifies nutrition with practical, no-nonsense advice. She tackles the big questions pet parents ask every day: Is expensive food actually better? What are "fillers" really? And why is your vet always recommending omega-3 supplements? This episode is a must-listen for any pet parent who wants to cut through the marketing noise and make informed choices about what goes into their pet's bowl. Episode Structure Segment Timestamp Content Intro 00:00–01:16 Michael welcomes listeners, introduces Dr. Beth, and frames the big question: What's the best diet for my pet? Section 1: Nutrition Fundamentals 01:16–09:30 Macronutrients vs. micronutrients, life-stage feeding, large breed considerations, and why "all life stages" labels make vets cringe. Section 2: Species Deep Dive 09:30–27:30 Dogs as omnivores, cats as obligate carnivores (and why they can't be vegan), horses as nomadic trickle feeders, and goats as browsers. Plus: the cost question and the microbiome connection. Myth or Muzzle 27:30–28:55 Myth tested: "Cats can be vegetarian or vegan if you supplement properly." Verdict: MYTH — and a dangerous one. Listener Corner 28:55–33:00 Question: "My dog is always hungry and begging for food. Should I feed them more?" Dr. Beth discusses body condition scoring, the Labrador hunger gene, and hyperthyroidism in cats. Dr. Beth's Passion Points 33:00–38:30 Body condition scoring for every visit, omega-3 supplementation (EPA/DHA), and the truth about coconut oil. Outro 38:30–39:15 Michael wraps up with thanks, teaser for upcoming episodes, and CTA. Key Takeaways Nutrition Basics Nutrition should be simple: ensure your pet gets the right balance of macronutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrates) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals). Protein is the most expensive nutrient because it's been pre-processed by another animal. Higher protein foods will naturally cost more. In Alberta, horses may be deficient in selenium because our soil lacks it—a ration balancer can help fill the gap. Be cautious about over-supplementing on top of a balanced commercial diet. More isn't always better. Species-Specific Nutrition Dogs are omnivores and can tolerate carbohydrates, but protein should still be the primary calorie source. Cats are obligate carnivores. They cannot produce their own taurine and must get it from meat. Without it, they risk cardiac problems and blindness. Cats cannot be vegan or vegetarian—this is non-negotiable. Aim for cat food with less than 10% carbohydrates to reduce diabetes risk. Many dry cat foods contain 40–50% carbohydrates—far more than cats need. Dr. Beth has seen diabetic cats go into remission after switching to low-carb diets. Horses are nomadic trickle feeders. Their stomachs should never be empty for more than three hours, or they risk gastric ulcers. Goats are browsers with a rumen-based fermentation system. They thrive on roughage, hay, and shrubs. Cost & Marketing Expensive food is "ish" better—higher cost often reflects better ingredients and processing (e.g., freeze-dried), but some premium brands are mostly marketing. Always check macronutrient content rather than relying on price or packaging claims. Feeding guidelines on the bag typically suggest more food than your vet would recommend, because manufacturers can't account for your pet's activity level. If you're interested in raw feeding, work with your vet. DIY raw diets using leftover hamburger won't be balanced and carry bacterial risks. Dr. Beth's Top Recommendations Do a body condition score every time you feed your pet. Adjust portions seasonally—Dr. Beth's dogs get 50%+ more food in summer when they're active. Supplement with omega-3 oils (fish oil or algae oil)—most diets don't have enough. Look for EPA and DHA specifically. Omega-3s support brain health, eye health, cognitive function, and help manage inflammation from allergies and arthritis. Coconut oil has no magical health benefits despite what TikTok says. It's just a saturated fat. For cats, sardines in water (not oil, not spicy!) are a great omega-3 source. Start slow—cats are opinionated. Myth or Muzzle MYTH: "Cats can be vegetarian or vegan if you supplement properly." VERDICT: MYTH — and a dangerous one. Cats are obligate carnivores who cannot produce their own taurine. Simply supplementing a vegan diet with taurine doesn't provide all the benefits of a meat-based diet. As Dr. Beth puts it: "You're fighting genetics. You're fighting who they are." Feed your cat meat—it's non-negotiable. Listener Corner Q: "My dog is always hungry and begging for food. Should I feed them more?" Dr. Beth's answer: It depends on their body condition. If your dog is underweight, yes—they need more calories. But appetite is not the same as need. Many dogs beg out of habit or emotion, not hunger. Start by learning to do a body condition score (your vet can teach you). If your dog is at a healthy weight, look at feeding strategies like slow feeders and structured mealtimes rather than increasing portions. Fun fact: Up to 25% of Labradors carry a genetic mutation that turns off their satiety signals. These dogs literally never feel full. If you suspect this, talk to your vet about low-calorie-density foods. And for cat owners: if your older cat suddenly becomes insatiably hungry, especially if they're losing weight, ask your vet to check their thyroid. Hyperthyroidism is common in older cats and creates a "metabolic fire" that drives constant hunger. Resources & Links Barrett Veterinary Practice — https://barrettvet.ca Cat Food Carbohydrate Calculator — Search "pet cat food carb calculator" to check the carb percentage in your cat's food Body Condition Score Chart — Ask your vet for a printable chart at your next visit, or search "dog body condition score chart" or "cat body condition score chart" Omega-3 Supplementation — Look for fish oil or algae oil with EPA and DHA listed on the label Sardines for Cats — Choose sardines packed in water (not oil, not flavoured) for an easy omega-3 boost Quotable Moments "Appetite is not the same as need." — Dr. Beth Barrett "Cats cannot be vegans. They cannot be vegetarian. If that's your interest, that's great—but don't layer that into your cat's diet." — Dr. Beth Barrett "If I can keep animals lean, they live longer lives. And that's what I'm about." — Dr. Beth Barrett "You will spend less money on every single disease category if your animal is in a lean body condition." — Dr. Beth Barrett
