Barking Mad Podcast

Hosted by BSM Partners

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Oct 2026

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We’re leaving the fluff at home to bring you no-nonsense commentary, fresh insights, and bold predictions about all things pet care. Whether you’re a pet parent, an industry professional, or a veterinary expert, Barking Mad promises you the conversations you crave from pet experts everywhere.

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October 14, 202632 min

SUPERZOO 2026: What the Industry’s Veterans Know About Staying Relevant

What keeps a pet brand relevant for years, decades, or even centuries? At SUPERZOO 2026, Jordan and Dr. Steph talked with pet industry veterans about how established businesses keep finding new ways to care for animals, from a family company founded in 1805 that helped popularize lickable cat treats to scientists developing AI tools for checking dogs’ teeth. These conversations reveal a shared challenge for pet products. They need to appeal to the people buying them while meeting the needs of the animals using them. In this episode, our hosts explore how science shapes meaningful innovation and where treating pets like children gets complicated, because what catches our eye on the shelf isn’t necessarily what serves them best. Helpful Links: 🍃Check out Central Garden & Pet: https://www.central.com/ 🐶 See what INABA has going on right now: https://inabafoods.com/ 🐱 Take a look at Mars Pet Nutrition: petcare And visit the Waltham Petcare Science Institute: https://www.waltham.com/ Don’t forget to check out GREENIES Toothscan: https://www.greenies.com/pages/greenies-canine-dental-check/ https://www.pethonesty.com/ 🐕 See what Animal Essentials has to offer: https://animalessentials.com/ 🍪 Take a peek at Three Dog Brands: our-story 🎤 Exlore Kallman Worldwide: https://www.kallman.com/ Episode Chapters: 00:00 Industry Veterans, Fresh Thinking 01:21 Meaningful Innovation and Consumer Trust 07:20 A New Way to Bond with Pets 10:34 Prioritizing Research and Proactive Pet Care 15:00 Putting Product Promises to the Test 19:17 Rethinking What Pets Really Need 23:51 Human-Inspired Treats for Dogs 27:44 Connecting the Pet Industry Across Borders 30:45 Human Expectations, Animal Needs

October 7, 202624 min

Fromm, Food Fads, and the Fine Print: Conversations from SUPERZOO 2026

Pet food packaging gives us plenty to compare, but how much does it actually tell us about the food? Recorded at SUPERZOO 2026, this episode brings Fromm Family Pet Food’s PhD nutritionist, Dr. Danielle Opetz, together with hosts Jordan Tyler and Dr. Stephanie Clark to unpack Fromm’s guiding philosophy. They explore why digestibility, nutrient availability, and processing deserve more attention than the latest buzzword, and how marketing can leave pet owners feeling guilty, when they should be feeling informed. Plus, Danielle shares the thinking behind Fromm’s commitment to independent pet retailers and what’s next for targeted nutrition. Along the way, cats get some attention, pet treats start looking suspiciously like toddler snacks, and “human-grade” gets a reality check. Helpful Links: 🐶Learn more about Fromm Family Pet Food: https://frommfamily.com/ 🐕And check out Fromm Family Nutritionals: https://frommfamily.com/nutritionals-dog/ Episode Chapters: 00:00 — Intro: Meet Fromm's Dr. Danielle Opetz 02:27 — The Danger of Over-Supplementing Pets (More Isn't Better) 05:39 — Targeted Pet Nutrition & Local Pet Store Advice 09:44 — How to Avoid Pet Food Fads & Marketing Myths 16:33 — "Human-Grade" Cat & Dog Food Claims Explained (SUPERZOO) 21:20 — The Future of Fromm Pet Food & Upcoming Innovations

September 30, 202640 min

September Zoomies: The Scoop on New DCM Research

Grain-free dog food has spent years in the DCM hot seat, but what is the research actually saying?In this month’s Zoomies, September Zoomies, Jordan Tyler and Dr. Stephanie Clark revisit the controversy surrounding dilated cardiomyopathy and unpack the recent Dog Aging Project findings. Together, they trace how an investigation became a source of widespread fear and discuss the research gaps that still exist between diet and canine heart health. From mistaken diet histories to the limits of taurine testing, their conversation explores why finding answers is more complicated than pointing to an ingredient list. Jordan and Dr. Steph also share helpful advice for pet parents, including questions to ask pet food brands, a breakdown of why a dog’s individual health needs belong in diet discussions, and heart health warning signs to bring to your vet’s attention. Helpful Links 🦴Here are some of our previous episodes about DCM and pet research: diets-and-dcm-in-dogs-are-the-answers-found-in-poop behind-the-research-revealing-the-truth-about-diet-and-dcm-in-dogs fellowship-of-iron-and-earth-from-farm-to-bowl-with-tim-mcgreevy think-twice-even-bad-science-can-get-published 🐕 The most recent Dog Aging Project study: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/vms3.71213 🩺 And Dr. Steph’s take on it: decoding-the-dog-aging-project-data-grain-free-diets-cardiac-diagnoses-and-what-the-latest-research-really-means 🐾 Read BSM Partners’ research on DCM in dogs here: dcm Chapters: 00:00 — Grain-Free Dog Food & Heart Health: The DCM Debate Explained 02:05 — DCM in Dogs Explained: What Is Dilated Cardiomyopathy? 07:23 — Grain-Free Dog Food & DCM: What Started the Investigation? 10:34 — Can Blood Tests Detect DCM in Dogs? Understanding the Limitations 21:30 — Dog Aging Project: What the Study Found About Dog Food & DCM 25:38 — Dog Food & DCM: Why Pet Owner Reports Can Be Misleading 29:41 — How to Choose the Right Dog Food: Questions to Ask 36:15 — DCM in Dogs: Early Warning Signs & Symptoms

September 23, 202627 min

Built Different: The Founders Shaking Up SUPERZOO 2026

What turns a personal passion, an unexpected opportunity, or a problem with your own pet into a business? At SUPERZOO 2026, we sat down with six founders whose very different paths led them to one place: building products they believe can make life better for pets and the people who love them. In this episode of Barking Mad, hear from Dr. Lindsay Wendt of Botanical Bones, Autumn Smith of Parents 2 Pawz, Ashton Hood of Shepherd Boy Farms, Dr. Michelle Dulake of Fera Pets, Jessica Berger of Bundle x Joy, and Carrie Van Wert of Giddy Kitty. From a veterinarian whose experience with her own dog changed the way she practiced medicine to a goat farmer who stumbled into pet nutrition and an entrepreneur rethinking enrichment specifically for cats, these founders share the stories behind their brands and what it really takes to turn an idea into a pet business. Show Notes Learn more about the brands and founders featured in today’s episode: 🦴Botanical Bones: https://botanicalbones.com/ 🐶Parents 2 Pawz: https://www.parents2pawz.com/ ☀️Shepherd Boy Farms: https://shepherdboyfarms.com/ 🐕Fera Pets: https://www.ferapets.com/ 💙Bundle x Joy: https://bundlexjoy.com/ 🐱Giddy Kitty: https://giddykitty.com/ Episode Chapters: 00:00 — Pet Industry Founders: Six Stories of Innovation & Entrepreneurship 01:18 — Botanical Bones: A New Approach to Pet Wellness 05:49 — Parents 2 Pawz: Turning a Pet Product Idea Into Innovation 09:23 — Shepherd Boy Farms: The Accidental Start of a Pet Food Brand 13:03 — Fera Pets: From Veterinary Medicine to Pet Wellness Brand 17:57 — Bundle x Joy: Building a Pet Brand Without the Guilt 21:44 — Giddy Kitty: Rethinking Cat Toys & How Cats Play 24:57 — Pet Care Innovation: Six Founders, One Mission

September 16, 202623 min

Chew on This: Pet Toy Innovation from Interzoo 2026

What makes a great pet toy? It turns out there’s a lot more to the squeakers, stuffing, and strange shapes than meets the eye. In this episode of Barking Mad , we explore how animal behavior, safety, sustainability, health, and even pop culture are influencing the next generation of pet toy design. Recorded at Interzoo 2026 in Nuremberg, Germany, Jordan Tyler sits down with veteran toy designer Sandra Vartanian of Lelo Designs, Victor Carpio of Inventor Cat, and Brandon Lu of PAWTY Toys to explore three very different approaches to innovation. From designing toys that safely satisfy a dog’s natural instinct to destroy to turning feline dental care into play, these conversations reveal how thoughtful design can make play safer, more enriching, and a whole lot more fun. Show Notes: 🐶Check out BarkBox here: https://bark.co/pages/join-barkbox-fext-ff 🎾 And listen to a previous episode where we sit down with Derek Rippe from BARK: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/superzoo-2026-part-i-the-blood-sweat-and-treats-of-dog-toy-design-with-bark 🦴Take a look at what the team at Lelo Designs is cooking up: https://lelodesigns.com/ 🐕Explore more from Outward Hound here: https://outwardhound.com/ 🦷Learn more about Inventor Cat and their unique approach to cat dental hygiene: https://www.inventorcat.co.uk/ 🎉Check out PAWTY Toys’ fun and trendy designs here: https://pawty.com/ Episode Chapters: 00:00 — The Surprising Science Behind Pet Toys 02:13 — How the Pet Toy Industry Got Started 05:39 — Are Dogs Supposed to Destroy Their Toys? 07:07 — Sustainability & the Future of Toy Design 09:41 — Turning Cat Dental Care Into Play 14:57 — When Pet Toys Meet Pop Culture 19:24 — Designing Toys with More Than One Life 22:37 — Thanks for Listening & See You Next Time!

September 9, 202646 min

August Zoomies: Behind the Curtain with BK Pets & SUPERZOO 2026 Trends

Social media has become a go-to source for pet nutrition advice, but how do you know who to trust? In this episode of Zoomies, Jordan Tyler and Dr. Stephanie Clark sit down with Bryce Francois of BK Pets to talk about his journey from following and promoting unsupported pet nutrition beliefs to questioning the evidence behind it and becoming an outspoken advocate for science-backed information. Bryce shares his experience of publicly changing his mind, the personal and financial consequences of challenging his former community, and why pet parents should verify credentials and be open to changing their minds when evidence evolves. Plus, Jordan and Stephanie recap what caught their attention at SUPERZOO, from a growing focus on digestion and functional products to buzzwords like “longevity” and “vitality,” and weigh in on the latest pet food news and recalls from August. It’s a spicy, fast-paced conversation about misinformation, marketing, and what it really means to make informed choices for our pets. Show Notes 🐶 Check Out the BK Pets On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebkpets/?hl=en On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebkpets On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebkpets ⚖️ Learn More About DOJ’s Civil Complaint against Darwin’s Natural Pet Products: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-files-complaint-stop-washington-firm-manufacturing-and-selling-0 🐾 Read About This Month’s Recalls Fromm Family Foods: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/fromm-family-foods-voluntarily-recalls-turkey-pate-wet-food-dogs-and-diner-classic-milos-meatloaf Oma’s Pride: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/updated-omas-pride-voluntarily-recalls-one-lot-woof-complete-canine-chicken-recipe-6-lb-bag-because Years: https://www.years.com/pages/care?srsltid=AfmBOorx8UptZjCpMIoZirDrcP-f2nn7e13nRcZsNjBeXhmxe0hQ1yCZ https://www.petfoodindustry.com/safety-quality/pet-food-recalls/news/15833010/years-recalls-fresh-meals-over-dog-eye-illness 🎧 Listen to Past Episodes of Zoomies here: April 2026: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/april-zoomies-headlines-from-the-world-of-pet May 2026: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/may-zoomies-growing-meat-recalls-and-pet-food-goes-to-court June 2026: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/june-zoomies-boy-kibble-recalls-and-one-nasty-fly July 2026: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/july-zoomies-beagle-backlash-pet-food-lawsuits-and-superzoo-bets Episode Chapters 00:00 — Welcome to August Zoomies 01:01 — Where are You Getting Your Pet Nutrition Info? 02:26 — Introducing Bryce Francois of BK Pets 12:05 — Publicly Changing Your Mind 20:20 — Evaluating Pet Food Claims and Credentials 27:02 — Our SUPERZOO Impressions 36:18 — This Month's Pet Food News and Recalls 45:37 — That’s a Wrap! See You Next Month

August 28, 202637 min

SUPERZOO 2026 Part I: The Blood, Sweat and Treats of Dog Toy Design with BARK

What do birthing cows, treat-dispensing trolls, and character development have in common? They’re all part of the wonderfully weird world of BARK, where making great dog toys requires a surprising mix of creativity, engineering, behavioral science, and best of all, unhinged creativity. Recorded live from the SUPERZOO 2026 show floor, this special episode goes behind the scenes at BARK to explore the creativity, science, and obsession behind some of the brand’s most memorable and joy-inducing products. Show Notes Learn more at https://bark.co/ . Check out BARK’s new Licksters enrichment system: https://bark.co/products/licksters-toy Searching for more? https://bark.co/pages/barkbox-changed-my-life Read more about what went down at SUPERZOO 2026! https://www.petfoodprocessing.net/keywords/429-superzoo (And stay tuned for more episodes from the show floor coming soon!) Episode Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to SUPERZOO 2026 & Meet BARK 01:34 – Bertha the Birthing Cow & BARK’s Weirdest Toys 03:36 – Designing Dog Toys for Two Audiences 07:30 – How BARK Turns Weird Ideas Into Play 10:20 – Licksters, Enrichment & the Future of Dog Toys 14:02 – Where Enrichment and Play Collide 15:28 – Why Dogs Actually Want to Destroy Their Toys 18:01 – The Surprising Science Behind How Dogs Play 22:21 – Inside BARK’s Massive Toy Design Machine 25:35 – Blood, Sweat & Treats: Bringing a New Toy to Life 29:21 – Meet the Weird and Wonderful Characters of BARK 31:50 – Putting Dogs First—and Loving Every Minute of It 32:56 – Pet Parenting Around the World

August 12, 202634 min

July Zoomies: Beagle Backlash, Pet Food Lawsuits & SUPERZOO Bets

The pet world never stays quiet for long. In the July edition of Zoomies, Dr. Stephanie Clark and Jordan Tyler catch up on the headlines making waves across the pet industry, from the ongoing controversy surrounding research beagles and Seattle’s viral raccoon, to a bigger conversation about veterinarians, nutrition education, and where pet parents should turn for specialized nutrition advice. Plus, they break down an unusual Pedigree recall, unpack the latest pet food class action lawsuits and labeling debates, and look ahead to SUPERZOO with a few predictions of their own. From longevity and human-grade claims to stroller-riding pets and colorful creative grooming, tune in for the latest pet industry news, trends, and plenty of fun and fluffy commentary. Show Notes 🦝 Read about Jimothy the Raccoon: https://mashable.com/life/jimothy-raccoon-seattle-internet-reactions 🦮 Could raccoons be headed toward domestication? https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1j8j48e5z2o 💪 Meet the man fighting to legalize pet raccoons: https://www.npr.org/2025/02/25/nx-s1-5302663-e1/kansas-man-wants-the-state-to-legalize-raccoons-as-pets 🥩 Learn more about vets and pet nutrition: https://www.petfoodindustry.com/blogs-columns/adventures-in-pet-food/blog/15830346/vets-and-mds-share-lack-of-nutrition-knowledge https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/personal-professional-development/breaking-the-barriers-to-positive-in-clinic-nutrition-conversations/ ⚠️ Get the scoop on the Pedigree recall: https://www.petage.com/mars-petcare-issues-recall-of-pedigree-dog-food-due-to-potential-fraudulent-distribution-of-product/ ⚖️ Explore the most recent class action lawsuits 🐶 YöPup: https://www.classaction.org/news/ypup-frozen-yogurt-cups-contain-no-yogurt-class-action-lawsuit-says 🛒 Target: https://www.classaction.org/news/target-lawsuit-claims-natural-kindfull-dog-and-cat-foods-contain-synthetic-ingredients-artificial-preservatives Episode Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to Barking Mad 01:02 – Beagle Controversy, Boycotts & a Viral Raccoon 05:24 – Do Veterinarians Get Enough Nutrition Training? 11:33 – An Unusual Pet Food Recall 14:16 – Even More Class Action Lawsuits 20:22 – Gearing Up for SUPERZOO 2026 26:06 – Betting on the Biggest Pet Industry Trends 29:11 – SUPERZOO Wild Cards: Animals, Outfits & Show Floor Bets 33:57 – Wrapping Up and What’s to Come

July 29, 202641 min

A Pet Parent’s Guide to Greenwashing

Everywhere you look, pet food brands are promising to be eco-friendly , responsibly sourced , or better for the planet . But what do those claims actually mean, and how can pet parents separate meaningful sustainability efforts from clever marketing? Hosts Jordan Tyler and Dr. Stephanie Clark are joined by Allison Reser Hamburger of the Pet Sustainability Coalition and Paul Shapiro, CEO of The Better Meat Co., to unpack why sustainability feels so complicated. Together, they explore the tradeoffs behind ingredient sourcing, packaging, alternative proteins, and more while debunking common misconceptions about sustainability in pet food. Show Notes 🌐 Check out additional resources from: Pet Sustainability Coalition: https://petsustainability.org/ Better Meat Co.: https://www.bmcingredients.com/ 🌱 Learn more about Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): https://ecochain.com/blog/life-cycle-assessment-lca-guide/ 👚👕 Read more about greenwashing in the fashion industry: https://changingmarkets.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/CM-License-to-greenwash-online-reports-layout-final.pdf 🍔 ...and across the food industry: https://changingmarkets.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Feeding-us-Greenwash-final.pdf 🔍 Did you know you can access pet food ingredient definitions online? Peep Chapter 6 of the AAFCO Official Publication, which carries nutritional standards for dogs and cats in the United States: https://www.aafco.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2025_OP_Chapter_6_enc.pdf ♻️ Tune in to our previous conversations about sustainability in pet care: Breaking the ‘Byproduct’ Bias: Rethinking Rendered Ingredients in Pet Food The Rising Tide of Invasive Species: How Pet Nutrition Could Be a Solution One Man’s Trash Is Another Dog’s Treasure: The Story of Upcycled Pet Food The Beautiful Story of Regenerative Agriculture: Does the Future of Pet Food Start with Soil? Looking for Love: Swiping Right on Sustainable Cat Litter Bug Appétit: From Ick to Innovation on Insect-Based Pet Food Is Recyclable Pet Food Packaging A Lie? Unraveling The Pet Industry’s Plastic Waste Problem Episode Chapters 00:00 – Why Does Sustainability Feels So Complicated? 01:33 – Why We Don't Trust Sustainability Claims 06:06 – Sustainability Is All About Tradeoffs 07:09 – Greenwashing: Fact vs. Marketing 09:05 – Debunking Sustainability Myths in Pet Food 18:01 – The Future of Alternative Proteins 23:04 – Measuring Real Sustainability Progress 26:25 – Why Sustainable Products Often Cost More 33:04 – Remember: It’s About Progress Over Perfection 35:07 – How to Shop Smarter & Ask Better Questions 37:02 – The Future of Sustainable Pet Food 40:40 – Closing Thoughts & Stay Tuned!

July 15, 202634 min

Sharks and Kibble: The Unexpected Connection and What You Can Do About It

Sharks have survived for more than 400 million years, but now, many species are dwindling in numbers. In this episode of Barking Mad , Jordan Tyler sit down with conservation experts from the Shark Trust, AZA SAFE Shark & Ray Program, Aquarium Conservation Partnership, and Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch to set the record straight on one of the ocean’s most misunderstood animals. Jordan explores explore why shark populations are declining, how sustainable fisheries can support both conservation and global food systems, and why seafood traceability has become increasingly important, specifically when it comes to your pet’s bowl. Jordan also dives into ways pet owners can support healthier oceans through informed seafood choices and everyday actions that help protect sharks and rays for generations to come. Show Notes 🔷 Learn more about each of the organizations mentioned in today’s episode: The Shark Trust: https://www.sharktrust.org/ Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) SAFE Shark and Ray: https://www.safesharks.org/ Aquarium Conservation Partnership: https://www.aquariumconservation.org/ Seafood Watch: https://www.seafoodwatch.org/ 🧪 Find out more about shark meat found in pet food: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2022.836941/full 🪝 Learn more about the partnership between SAFE Shark and Ray, The Shark Trust, ACP, and Seafood Watch to identify more sustainable sources of seafood to feed animals in human care: https://www.aza.org/connect-stories/stories/sustainable-procurement-of-feed-sources 🗳️ Cast your Vote for the Ocean! https://votefortheocean.org/ 🦈 Get involved in Shark and Ray Awareness Month with these resources! Check out The Shark Trust’s “Creature Feature” series, which educates about the incredible shark and ray species we’re working hard to save! https://www.sharktrust.org/Blogs/creature-feature Use resources by Seafood Watch to find sustainable seafood options: https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals-the-ocean/how-to-choose-sustainable-seafood/seafood-guides Read more about the Seafood Watch Best Choice Restaurant Program: https://www.seafoodwatch.org/stories/best-choice-restaurant-program Learn more about other organizations that collaborate with Seafood Watch to safeguard our ocean ecosystems and keep fish on the menu: https://www.seafoodwatch.org/collaborations/conservation-partners/map Episode Chapters 00:00 – The Truth About Sharks 08:35 – The Global Shark Conservation Crisis 12:00 – The Problem of Overfishing 16:45 – Is There a Shark in Your Pet Food? 21:25 – Putting Seafood on Watch 28:00 – How You Can Save the Sharks 33:30 – Closing Thoughts & We’ll See You Next Time!