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. Apr 16

    Ep. 22 -The Power Of Fresh Food For Your Dog

    In this episode of the DAFY Podcast, I sit down with Dr Tina Hansen to discuss one of the most debated topics in dog nutrition today. From raw diets to gently cooked meals and kibble, dog owners are being pulled in different directions - often by professionals who strongly disagree with each other. So… what’s actually going on? In this conversation, we break down: - Why dog nutrition advice is so divided - What vets are taught about nutrition (and what they’re not) - Why many vets remain cautious about fresh feeding - The real impact of food processing on your dog’s health - Why this topic is far more nuanced than it seems This episode isn’t about telling you what to feed. It’s about helping you understand why the confusion exists - so you can start making more informed decisions for your dog. Guest: Dr Tina Hansen (AKA Purple Vet) BIO: Dr 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 🎧 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 communityhttps://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/ #dogfood #freshfeeding #dognutrition #doghealth #holisticvet #integrativevet #pethealth #dafypodcast

    48 min
  2. Apr 2

    Ep. 21 - The Mistake Most Dog Owners Make When Choosing a Vet

    In this episode of the DAFY Podcast, I sit down with Dr Lily Chen to talk about something most dog owners never question… the way veterinary care actually works. We explore why two vets can give you completely different experiences, what really happens inside a 15-minute appointment and why you might leave feeling like something is still missing. Dr Lily shares what she started to notice after years in practice and the moment that made her question whether she was truly helping her patients. If you have ever felt unsure, rushed or like you are not getting the full picture when it comes to your dog’s health, this episode will make you look at things very differently. Guest: Dr. Lily Chen, DVM, CVA, CAAS BIO: Dr Lily Chen is an integrative veterinarian based in Los Angeles, California, with 20 years of experience in small animal practice. She combines conventional medicine with acupuncture, microbiome therapy, ozone therapy and regenerative medicine to support a more holistic approach to caring for dogs and cats. Connect with Dr Lily: Website: https://integrativepet.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/integrativepet  Podcast: https://integrativepet.com/podcast/ 🎧 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 communityhttps://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/ #doghealth #dogcare #integrativevet #holisticvet #pethealth #dogowners #dogwellness #dafypodcast

    50 min
  3. Mar 12

    Ep. 20 - The Gut-Health Connection Most Dog Owners Miss

    Is your dog constantly dealing with allergies, ear infections or digestive issues? Many chronic health problems in dogs don’t start where the symptoms appear. They often start in the gut. In this episode of the DAFY Podcast, holistic veterinarian Dr Odette Suter explains why gut health plays such a central role in your dog’s immune system and overall wellbeing. Dr Odette is widely known online as the “Poop Lady” because of her work helping animals recover from chronic illness by restoring gut health and the microbiome. We discuss: - Why chronic conditions like allergies and ear infections often have deeper root causes - How the gut microbiome impacts your dog's immune system - Why asking “why is this happening?” matters more than treating symptoms - The role hormones can play in chronic illness - How inflammation in the gut can affect the whole body - Why faecal microbiota transplants are gaining attention in veterinary medicine - What healthy digestion and healthy poop actually look like Many dogs today live with chronic health issues for years. Understanding the root causes behind those symptoms can completely change how you support your dog's health long term. If your dog struggles with ongoing health problems and you want to better understand what might be happening beneath the surface, this episode is for you. Guest: Dr Odette Suter BIO: Dr Odette Suter is a holistic veterinarian originally from Switzerland who focuses on chronic disease, gut health and functional medicine. She helps pet parents around the world understand the root causes behind their animals’ health issues and supports them through a whole-body approach to healing. Connect with Dr Odette: - Website: https://odettesuterdvm.com - Masterclass: https://pha.odettesuterdvm.com/optin-masterclass-website - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/odettesuterdvm/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/odettesuterdvm - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4SxwTScpNQ3g5UODi84U6w 🎧 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/ #dogguthealth #dogmicrobiome #doghealth #holisticvet #dogallergies #dognutrition #pethealth #dafypodcast #dogcare

    1h 7m
  4. Feb 19

    Ep. 19 - Arthritis in Dogs: 7 Early Signs Most Owners Miss (and What to Do Next)

    Is your dog slowing down… but not limping? Most dog owners believe limping is the first sign of arthritis. It’s not. In this episode of the DAFY Podcast, senior pet vet Dr Amanda Steffen explains why limping is actually one of the last signs of arthritis and what subtle changes you should be watching for instead. We discuss: - Why “they’re just getting older” isn’t a diagnosis - How early arthritis can start (even in young dogs) - The subtle behaviour changes most owners miss - Why dogs hide pain so well - The link between obesity and arthritis risk - Proactive vs reactive veterinary care - Integrative options to improve comfort and mobility Arthritis doesn’t suddenly appear overnight. It develops gradually and the earlier you recognise the signs, the more you can do to protect your dog’s quality of life. If you want your dog to age comfortably, confidently and without unnecessary pain, this episode is for you. Guest: Dr Amanda Steffen BIO: Dr Amanda is a veterinarian focused on senior pets, mobility and integrative care. Her mission is to help pet parents around the world navigate their animal’s golden years with more confidence, compassion and clarity. Connect with Dr Amanda: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/senior_pet_vet - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Senior.Pet.Connection/ - Website: https://seniorpetvet.org/welcome 🎧 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/  #dogarthritis #seniordogcare #doghealth #dogmobility #ArthritisInDogs #integrativevet #dogpain #petparents #dafypodcast #dogcare

    1h 17m
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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

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.