The Crunchy Carnivore

Wellspring HAA
  • 5.0 (5)
  • PETS & ANIMALS

The Crunchy Carnivore is a podcast for pet owners and pet professionals who desire to learn about and implement a completely holistic lifestyle for the animals in their lives.  In each episode your hosts, holistic veterinarian Dr Jessica Levy and Natural Rearing breeder Melissa Weidenhamer, will bring knowledge and insights into holistic options for your animal’s health and well-being.  

  1. MAR 9

    Raw Food Roulette

    What does “raw” actually mean when it comes to your dog’s food — and are all raw diets created equal? In this eye-opening episode, we're pulling back the curtain to unpack the truth about raw feeding. Because here’s the reality: just because a label says “raw” or "natural" doesn’t mean it delivers the biological nutrition your dog was designed to thrive on. We’ll dive into: What truly makes a food raw — and how processing can quietly strip away the very benefits you’re paying forWhy high-pressure processing (HPP) and sterilization methods matter — and how these techniques may alter enzymes, beneficial bacteria, and nutrient integrityWhy ingredient sourcing and quality are non-negotiable — from muscle meat to organ balance to the often-overlooked importance of varietyHow to read beyond marketing claims and confidently choose food that supports your dog’s gut health, immune resilience, skin, coat, and long-term vitalityWe’ll share practical guidance to help you avoid common pitfalls — and empower you to make decisions rooted in facts, not sales tactics. If you’ve ever wondered whether your dog’s “raw” food is as natural as it sounds… this episode may change the way you look at the bowl forever.  Because when it comes to your dog’s health, quality isn’t optional — it’s everything. Resources: "The Good And The Bad Of HPP Dog Food" - Great article by Dogs Naturally "Pet Food Ingredients: The Disclosed and the Non Disclosed" - by Susan Thixton Examples of Pet Food Companies That Currently DO NOT Use HPP BJ's Raw,  Raw Feeding Miami, My Pet Carnivore, and Hare Today Want some help with feeding raw or doing things more naturally? Raise 'Em On Raw - Our simple yet thorough guide on the foundations of feeding raw NR Foundations Bundle - Our top 3 guides to set you and your dog on the natural path Don't miss future episodes! Subscribe and hit the bell to catch more insight into the holistic approach for animals in an inviting, honest, and realistic way, right here on The Crunchy Carnivore Podcast. Connect with Dr Levy & Melissa Instagram | wellspring_haa YouTube | Wellspring Holistic Animal Academy - YouTube Website | wellspringhaa.com Email | wellspringhaa@gmail.com

    36 min

  2. FEB 23

    Supplements - Story of a Marketing Success

    Are supplements the missing link in your pet’s health—or just clever marketing? In this episode, listen in to how we break down the truth about supplements for your pets. With so many powders, chews, and tinctures lining pet store shelves, it’s easy to assume “more is better.” But does your dog actually need supplements? And if so, which ones? We dive into: How to determine whether your dog truly needs supplementationWhy falling for trendy marketing can do more harm than goodThe critical importance of ingredient sourcing, bioavailability, and quality controlWhat it really means to “supplement with purpose”How to build a thoughtful, individualized supplement plan based on your pet’s age, lifestyle, and health historyYou’ll learn how to move beyond hype and make confident, informed decisions that support long-term wellness—not just quick fixes. If you’ve ever stood in the pet aisle and looked online just to find yourself overwhelmed by options or wondered whether you’re doing enough (or too much), this episode will give you clarity, practical guidance, and a more holistic perspective on supporting your animal’s health. Resources: "Herbs for Pets: The Natural Way to Enhance Your Pet's Life" - This book is your go-to resource for helping your pet with natural remedies! "What's in Your Vitamins?" - Great list of synthetic vitamin names to help you navigate ingredient lists National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) - A list of some of the responsible suppliers of animal health and nutritional supplements Don't miss future episodes! Subscribe and hit the bell to catch more insight into the holistic approach for animals in an inviting, honest, and realistic way, right here on The Crunchy Carnivore Podcast. Connect with Dr Levy & Melissa Instagram | wellspring_haa YouTube | Wellspring Holistic Animal Academy - YouTube Website | wellspringhaa.com Email | wellspringhaa@gmail.com

    40 min

  3. FEB 9

    Crunchy Coffee Edition V

    Ever heard of the term vaccinosis, or wondered if the holistic approach has any "real" credibility when it comes to science?  We're going to dive into that and more in this edition of Crunchy Coffee with expert and breeding veteran, Paula Vandervoort.  Paula has over 50 years of experience in the dog breeder and show world, almost half of which has been done with Natural Rearing practices.  Hear some of her firsthand experiences that started in tragedy and ended in triumph which is what has made her journey and vocation the success that it is today! Resources: "Creating Immunity Without Vaccines" - Paula's e-book including vaccinosis checklist V-tox Starter Kit - A great start to detox your pet from vaccines, chemicals and environmental toxins Dr. Todd Cooney's Parvo Data - Data on the use of nosodes compiled by Dr Todd Cooney NRBreeder.com - Find a NR education and a directory for NR Breeders Gentryboxers.com - Paula's breeding program Don't miss future episodes! Subscribe and hit the bell to catch more insight into the holistic approach for animals in an inviting, honest, and realistic way, right here on The Crunchy Carnivore Podcast. Connect with Dr Levy & Melissa Instagram | wellspring_haa YouTube | Wellspring Holistic Animal Academy - YouTube Website | wellspringhaa.com Email | wellspringhaa@gmail.com

    1h 3m

  4. JAN 26

    Crunchy Coffee Edition IV

    Have you ever thought about using massage to help your dog with common health issues like allergies or ear infections?  Most people haven't, but we're here to tell you all about this often-missed yet very powerful modality and how it can help your pets.  In today's episode we welcome Victoria from The Balanced Orchid to shed some light on what an animal massage and body work specialist is, the wide variety of things that it can help your animal with, and some excellent do's & don'ts to help head a lot of issues off at the pass. Resources: The Balanced Orchid- Learn more about animal massage and bodywork @the_balanced_orchid- Follow Victoria on Instagram IIAMB.org- Find an animal & bodywork specialist near you UKCDogs.com- Learn all about what it takes to earn The Total Dog through the UKC Don't miss future episodes! Subscribe and hit the bell to catch more insight into the holistic approach for animals in an inviting, honest, and realistic way, right here on The Crunchy Carnivore Podcast. Connect with Dr Levy & Melissa Instagram | wellspring_haa YouTube | Wellspring Holistic Animal Academy - YouTube Website | wellspringhaa.com Email | wellspringhaa@gmail.com

    44 min

  5. JAN 12

    Detoxification Demystified - It's simpler than you think.

    Detox is one of the biggest buzzwords in the wellness movement and we're going to break down this often-misunderstood concept.  Let's define what it really is, what we should detox our pets from, how it works in the body, and what we should expect when it comes to helping our animals with it.  Whether you've raised you pets naturally or are just coming over from a more conventional mindset, you'll want to listen in on this one! Resources: Affordable Pet Labs.com- Easy home collection kits Wellspring HAA- find all of our guides and resources Cancer Is Not a Disease – It’s a Healing Mechanism- by Andreas Moritz Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats- by Kymythy Schultze Give Your Dog a Bone- by Dr Ian Billinghurst Feed Real Institute- Excellent raw feeding education and resources Don't miss future episodes! Subscribe and hit the bell to catch more insight into the holistic approach for animals in an inviting, honest, and realistic way, right here on The Crunchy Carnivore Podcast. Connect with Dr Levy & Melissa Instagram | wellspring_haa YouTube | Wellspring Holistic Animal Academy - YouTube Website | wellspringhaa.com Email | wellspringhaa@gmail.com

    43 min

  6. 12/29/2025

    Your NR Puppy

    Have you ever wondered what types of things go into raising a puppy naturally?  Listen in as we discuss some important things to think about when choosing to go the Natural Rearing (NR) route.  We'll bring some clarity to some topics that are often swirling with confusion in all of the info online and on social media as well as touch on some things most people don't discuss.  There are SO many benefits to raising a puppy the way that nature intended.  We invite you into that approach and are here to help you learn how to find success in every area! Resources: Puppy Culture- Education for breeders, puppy owners, and dogs of any age. Natural Rearing- Breeding and Raising Dogs the Way Nature Intended- by Dr Jeannie Thomason Standard Process- Capitalize on the first 6 months to build puppies immune system - Canine Enteric Support & Canine Immune System Support NR Foundations Bundle - Our top 3 guides to set your puppy on the natural path Sound Proof Puppy Training App- For Apple Sound Proof Puppy Training App- Google Play CranioSacral Therapy- Learn about yet another fabulous modality to add to your NR toolbox IAHP.com- Find a craniosacral therapist near you, just enter your state and search Don't miss future episodes! Subscribe and hit the bell to catch more insight into the holistic approach for animals in an inviting, honest, and realistic way, right here on The Crunchy Carnivore Podcast. Connect with Dr Levy & Melissa Instagram | wellspring_haa YouTube | Wellspring Holistic Animal Academy - YouTube Website | wellspringhaa.com Email | wellspringhaa@gmail.com

    51 min

  7. 12/15/2025

    Before You Bring 'Em Home - Important Things to Consider Before Adding a Furry Family Member

    Get an experienced vet and breeder's take on important questions to ask yourself, what to research, and preparation to do well before you decide on bringing home a new addition.  Everything from deciding on a puppy vs older dog, to where to acquire them, to what should be at home ready and waiting for when they do arrive.  All of these considerations will help you have the most enjoyable and successful experience. Resources: Natural Rearing Breeder Connection - Natural Rearing Breeder organization Natural Rearing- Breeding and Raising Dogs the Way Nature Intended- by Dr Jeannie Thomason's Puppy Search Guide- A great resource on what to research and ask when searching for your next NR puppy NR Foundations Bundle - Our top 3 guides to set your dog on the natural path Don't miss future episodes! Subscribe and hit the bell to catch more insight into the holistic approach for animals in an inviting, honest, and realistic way, right here on The Crunchy Carnivore Podcast. Connect with Dr Levy & Melissa Instagram | wellspring_haa YouTube | Wellspring Holistic Animal Academy - YouTube Website | wellspringhaa.com Email | wellspringhaa@gmail.com

    41 min

  8. 12/01/2025

    Homeopathy - Pseudoscience or Real Medicine Rediscovered

    Homeopathy - Have you ever heard of it?  If you have, was it in a positive or negative light?  If you haven't, why is that?  What is it?  Is it even real, or is it all placebo effect?  Join us as we address all of these questions and more and attempt to demystify this often confusing and misunderstood modality. Resources: “Beyond Flat Earth Medicine” - by Dr Timothy R Dooley “Direction of Cure” - All Things Homeopathy on YouTube  Helios Homeopathy - Get your pet homeopathic remedy kit here Hanahmann Labs- Get a kit that is more extensive for you and your pets here Vital Animal-  A great online course to get started in homeopathy “A Healer in Every Home” - by Burke Lennihan “Everyday Miracles: Homeopathy in Action” - by Linda Johnston “Impossible Cure: The Promise of Homeopathy” - by Amy L. Lansky “Homeopathic Material Medica” - by William Boericke Don't miss future episodes! Subscribe and hit the bell to catch more insight into the holistic approach for animals in an inviting, honest, and realistic way, right here on The Crunchy Carnivore Podcast. Connect with Dr Levy & Melissa Instagram | wellspring_haa YouTube | Wellspring Holistic Animal Academy - YouTube Website | wellspringhaa.com Email | wellspringhaa@gmail.com

    39 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The Crunchy Carnivore is a podcast for pet owners and pet professionals who desire to learn about and implement a completely holistic lifestyle for the animals in their lives.  In each episode your hosts, holistic veterinarian Dr Jessica Levy and Natural Rearing breeder Melissa Weidenhamer, will bring knowledge and insights into holistic options for your animal’s health and well-being.  

Information

  • Creator
    Wellspring HAA
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Crunchy Carnivore
  • Show Website
    The Crunchy Carnivore

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