Pet Health Junkies

In this episode of Pet Health Junkies, we sit down with Austin & Kat to talk about one of the hottest (and most confusing) topics in pet wellness: how to use CBD, functional mushrooms, and other botanicals thoughtfully for dogs and cats. With so many products on the market promising calm, immune support, and longevity, it can be hard to know what’s legit, what’s marketing, and what actually fits your individual animal. We dig into how CBD really works in the endocannabinoid system, why full‑spectrum, well‑formulated products matter, and where mushrooms like reishi, turkey tail, lion’s mane, and cordyceps can support immune health, resilience, and aging. We also explore how smart botanical blends can complement diet and lifestyle changes instead of trying to replace them, and why “more” is not always better when it comes to dosing sensitive pets. Throughout the conversation, we come back to practical guardrails: how to read labels, questions to ask brands, red flags to avoid, and how to partner with an integrative or open‑minded vet when you’re bringing CBD or mushrooms into your pet’s plan. If you’ve been curious about plant medicine for your animals but don’t want to fall for hype or overwhelm their systems, this episode will help you slow down, zoom out, and use these tools with intention.

In this episode of Pet Health Junkies, Jessica, Pam, and Janet sit down to unpack a huge shift we’re all watching in real time: big pet food companies muscling into the “fresh” and “better-for-them” space. With major players acquiring raw, freeze‑dried, and fresh brands and rolling out their own refrigerated lines, it’s getting harder than ever for pet parents to tell the difference between genuine innovation and well-funded marketing. We talk about why the big companies have the money, distribution, and ad budgets to shape the narrative—and what that means for independent brands, local shops, and the people trying to read between the lines on the bag. You’ll hear our take on whether these “fresh” offerings are actually moving the needle on species‑appropriate nutrition, or just repackaging the same old thinking in shinier form. Dr. Marlene Siegel joins us for a powerful cameo to bring it back to basics: what dogs and cats are biologically designed to eat, why carb‑heavy, ultra‑processed diets fall short, and how that mismatch drives inflammation and chronic disease over time. We also explore simple ways to make more aligned choices—whether you’re buying from a big box store, an independent retailer, or feeding raw at home—without getting paralyzed by all the noise. If you’ve been watching the pet food aisles explode with “fresh,” “natural,” and “real” claims and wondering what’s real and what’s just a land grab, this conversation will help you see the bigger system at play and stay grounded in what actually serves your animal.

In this episode of Pet Health Junkies, we’re joined by holistic veterinarian and author Dr. Jeff Feinman to talk about why so many pets are still struggling—even when their families are “doing everything right”—and what needs to change in how we think about pet care. Dr. Jeff’s new book, Path to Pet Wellness , lays out a love-centered, science-informed framework that helps pet parents move beyond chasing symptoms and diagnoses toward true vitality and balance. We dig into the paradigm shift he’s calling for: seeing symptoms as messages rather than enemies, focusing on BEAM (Behavior, Energy, Appetite, Mood) as everyday wellness markers, and integrating the best of conventional medicine with holistic, energy-based approaches. Dr. Jeff shares how this “whole-istic” lens changes decisions around chronic disease, acute flares, and those frustrating cases where tests look “normal” but your pet clearly doesn’t feel their best. You’ll also hear practical ways to start shifting out of fear-based, urgent “fix-it” mode into a calmer, more trusting partnership with your pet and your care team—without abandoning diagnostics or necessary meds. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting advice and just want a grounded, hopeful roadmap for helping your animal truly thrive, this conversation will give you a new lens on what “wellness” can mean.

In this episode of Pet Health Junkies, we’re stepping back from protocols and products to look at something just as vital for our pets’ wellbeing: the way they change our hearts. Jessica and Pam are joined by author and fellow podcast host Kim Lengling, whose new book, 15 Ways Pets Teach Us Kindness , explores how animals gently invite us to slow down, forgive more, love deeper, and extend grace to ourselves. Together, they talk about what it really means to be present with our animals, and how noticing the small, everyday moments with them can shift us out of fear and into gratitude. Kim shares how her faith, love of nature, rescue work, and advocacy for veterans living with PTSD all weave into her message of hope and kindness. You’ll hear stories that challenge the idea that the world is mostly negative—and show how our pets quietly remind us, every day, that beauty and goodness are still everywhere if we’re willing to look. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world, this conversation is a gentle reset: a reminder that your pet isn’t just your companion, but also one of your greatest teachers.

In this episode of Pet Health Junkies, we’re flipping the usual script on pet care and asking a simple question: what happens when you actually listen to your animal? Jessica, Pam & Janet are joined by animal communicator Linda Roberts to explore how animal communication can become a meaningful part of a pet’s care team, right alongside your vet, nutritionist, trainer, and other practitioners. You’ll hear how tuning into your pet’s perspective can reveal hidden stressors, clarify confusing behavior or health issues, and help you make more aligned decisions about treatments, supplements, and lifestyle changes. We also talk about what animal communication is (and isn’t), how Linda works with both guardians and professionals, and how to bring this modality into your pet’s life without abandoning common sense or conventional care. If you’ve ever wondered whether your pet is trying to tell you something—or how to integrate “woo” with real‑world wellness—this conversation is for you.

In this episode of Pet Health Junkies, we’re asking a big question a lot of pet parents have: is turmeric really right for your dog or cat? We sit down with MaryBeth Powers, the creator of Teddy’s Turmeric Tamer, to talk about how Teddy’s own health journey inspired a carefully crafted turmeric blend for pets. MaryBeth shares what makes turmeric so unique as a natural inflammation and wellness support, how to use it safely, and what to watch for in quality products versus marketing hype. We dig into real‑world results, common misconceptions, and simple ways to start incorporating turmeric into your pet’s routine—so you can decide if this golden spice might be a helpful piece of your pet’s holistic health puzzle. Visit www.pethealthjunkies.com to follow Jessica, Janet, & Pam, and for FREE resources such as 🐈 Optimum Cat Nutrition PDF 🐕 Beginner Dog Training videos ⚕️Veterinary Visit Worksheet When we know better, we can do better.

In this episode of Pet Health Junkies, we’re joined by the creators of Frame Your Feline to talk all about turning your home into a true cat paradise. We dig into why vertical space matters so much for your cat’s confidence, safety, and stress levels, and how thoughtful wall setups can completely change the way your cat experiences their environment. You’ll learn simple, practical enrichment ideas that work in real homes and real budgets—plus how to use elevated spaces to reduce tension in multi‑cat households and support your cat’s natural instincts. Visit www.pethealthjunkies.com to follow Jessica, Janet, & Pam, and for FREE resources such as 🐈 Optimum Cat Nutrition PDF 🐕 Beginner Dog Training videos ⚕️Veterinary Visit Worksheet When we know better, we can do better.

Supporting Stressed and Sensitive Cats with Color Therapy (with Julie‑Anne from Naturally Cats) invites you to look at your cat’s world through a whole new lens—literally, through color. In this episode, we're joined by feline behaviorist and energy practitioner Julie‑Anne from Naturally Cats to unpack how different colors can influence your cat’s emotions, stress levels, and sense of safety. We talk about why so many “quirky” behaviors are actually signs of overwhelm, how color therapy fits alongside other holistic tools, and simple ways to start using color in your home without buying a bunch of new stuff. You’ll hear real‑life examples of cats who’ve relaxed, opened up, or finally settled tension in multi‑cat homes once their environment was energetically adjusted. By the end, you’ll have practical, gentle strategies to support your stressed or sensitive cat—using color as one more easy, powerful way to help them feel balanced and understood. Visit www.pethealthjunkies.com to follow Jessica, Janet, & Pam, and for FREE resources such as 🐈 Optimum Cat Nutrition PDF 🐕 Beginner Dog Training videos ⚕️Veterinary Visit Worksheet When we know better, we can do better.

Dr. Marlene Siegel is a veterinarian of over 40 years, was one of the first to start a commercial raw food company, and focuses in whole body health with her clients and in her teaching. Her 6 step protocol addresses whole body, mind & spirit to transform you and your pets in the highest version of health and wellness. Listen as she describes each and every step, giving you a roadmap to success! Visit www.pethealthjunkies.com to follow Jessica, Janet, & Pam, and for FREE resources such as 🐈 Optimum Cat Nutrition PDF 🐕 Beginner Dog Training videos ⚕️Veterinary Visit Worksheet When we know better, we can do better.

Detox has almost become a buzz word lately, and while it's great that we are talking about it, it's important to know HOW to actually do it and how to prepare the body to do it so that we don't wind up making our pets sicker than they were before we intervened. Dr. Marlene Siegel joins the Pet Health Junkies podcast to help us decode the secrets of detoxing for pets! Visit www.pethealthjunkies.com to follow Jessica, Janet, & Pam, and for FREE resources such as 🐈 Optimum Cat Nutrition PDF 🐕 Beginner Dog Training videos ⚕️Veterinary Visit Worksheet When we know better, we can do better.

Join Jessica, Pam & Janet as we talk about some of the things that we come across ALL THE TIME and what we'd like everyone to know! It's true that common sense isn't all that common, and while we are teasing to some degree, and we know that we have intentionally educated ourselves in an area that most haven't, some things would be pretty obvious if we just stopped and thought logically about it. That's what this episode is about. Stopping, removing biases, and thinking logically. We hope you enjoy our rant! Visit www.pethealthjunkies.com to follow Jessica, Janet, & Pam, and for FREE resources such as 🐈 Optimum Cat Nutrition PDF 🐕 Beginner Dog Training videos ⚕️Veterinary Visit Worksheet When we know better, we can do better.

Herbs are some of natures most versatile, gentle, and potent medicine for all animals. Canine herbalist Rita Hogan joins Pet Health Junkies this week as we talk about herbs for dogs and cats, and her new book, The Herbal Dog! Get your own copy of The Herbal Dog on Amazon: https://amzn.to/41HnvD5 Visit www.pethealthjunkies.com to follow Jessica, Janet, & Pam, and for FREE resources such as 🐈 Optimum Cat Nutrition PDF 🐕 Beginner Dog Training videos ⚕️Veterinary Visit Worksheet When we know better, we can do better.

She is the founder and formulator of Herbsmith and Medicus Veterinary Diets and has decades of veterinary practice under her belt! This week, she dives in to omega supplementation and HERBS 🌿 . . . nature's original medicine Visit www.pethealthjunkies.com to follow Jessica, Janet, & Pam, and for FREE resources such as 🐈 Optimum Cat Nutrition PDF 🐕 Beginner Dog Training videos ⚕️Veterinary Visit Worksheet When we know better, we can do better.

Dr. Chris Bessent is an integrative veterinarian and the founder of Herbsmith, The Simple Food Project, and Medicus Veterinary Diets. We can do SO MUCH better than those ultra-processed foods with an Rx label on them, which is why she created Medicus. Visit www.pethealthjunkies.com to follow Jessica, Janet, & Pam, and for FREE resources such as 🐈 Optimum Cat Nutrition PDF 🐕 Beginner Dog Training videos ⚕️Veterinary Visit Worksheet When we know better, we can do better.

Coconut oil is one of my favorite things to have around the house. I use it every single day for myself and very often for my pets. Even with all of it's amazing benefits, there is still some negativity floating around the internet about coconut oil, so we invited the ladies behind Coco Therapy on the show to help us all understand the benefits - including why it's actually a really great addition to food for a dog with pancreatitis! Visit www.pethealthjunkies.com to follow Jessica, Janet, & Pam, and for FREE resources such as 🐈 Optimum Cat Nutrition PDF 🐕 Beginner Dog Training videos ⚕️Veterinary Visit Worksheet When we know better, we can do better.

In this conversation, Dr. Rob Silver discusses the safety and medicinal properties of mushrooms for pets. He explains that while some mushrooms can be toxic, many edible and medicinal mushrooms are safe for pets. Dr. Silver emphasizes the importance of sourcing mushrooms from reputable companies that can provide accurate identification and analysis of their products. He also discusses the ideal growing environments for mushrooms and the different delivery methods available, such as powders and tinctures. Additionally, Dr. Silver highlights the potential benefits of mushrooms for cancer treatment, immunity, and autoimmune diseases in pets. In this conversation, Dr. Rob Silver discusses the power of reishi mushrooms and their extensive history and research. He also recommends using other supplements like CBD, PEA, and ashwagandha for immune regulation. Mushrooms may not be effective for every condition, such as lipomas and certain types of cancer. Fresh mushrooms can be beneficial, but supplements offer a more concentrated and standardized dose. Long-term use of mushrooms is recommended for optimal wellness. Mushrooms, particularly shiitake, can also have positive effects on dental health. Dr. Rob Silver hosts monthly Q&A sessions on Facebook for further discussion and education on mushrooms and holistic health. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties 01:24 Introducing Dr. Rob Silver and the Importance of Mushrooms 04:13 Are Mushrooms Safe for Dogs? 05:42 Different Types of Mushrooms and Their Toxicity 07:09 The Safety of Mushrooms in Pet Food 08:53 The Ideal Environment for Growing Mushrooms 11:07 Mushrooms and Their Medicinal Properties 23:50 Mushrooms for Immunity and Delivery Methods 31:12 Mushrooms for Cats and Autoimmune Diseases 40:12 The Power of Reishi Mushroom 41:32 Using Mushrooms for Autoimmune Issues 44:03 Mushrooms for Lipomas and Arthritis 47:30 Using Fresh Mushrooms vs. Supplements 50:06 Dosage and Administration of Mushroom Supplements 53:54 Long-Term Use of Mushrooms for Wellness 56:05 Mushrooms for Dental Health 58:24 Accessing Dr. Rob Silver's Q&A Sessions 01:00:32 Exploring Energy Work and Holistic Health 01:03:58 Appreciation for Dr. Rob Silver's Work Visit www.pethealthjunkies.com to follow Jessica, Janet, & Pam, and for FREE resources such as 🐈 Optimum Cat Nutrition PDF 🐕 Beginner Dog Training videos ⚕️Veterinary Visit Worksheet When we know better, we can do better.

We are continuing our discussion on reading pet food and pet treat ingredient labels. It's a very confusing world and we want to keep brining you information on how to discern what those labels actually mean. Visit www.pethealthjunkies.com to follow Jessica, Janet, & Pam, and for FREE resources such as 🐈 Optimum Cat Nutrition PDF 🐕 Beginner Dog Training videos ⚕️Veterinary Visit Worksheet When we know better, we can do better.

Billy Hoekman is the Nutrition and Communication Director for Green Juju, which is one of our favorite companies. What's really great about any chat with Billy is that he doesn't view everything through the lens of what Green Juju does ... he looks at the industry as a whole to help us better understand not only why ingredients matter but also why trusting the company making the food matters. We can get into the weeds of pet food ingredients and why we want this over that, but at the end of the day ... do you trust the company making the food to keep it's promises and be transparent with you for the health of your pet? Visit www.pethealthjunkies.com to follow Jessica, Janet, & Pam, and for FREE resources such as 🐈 Optimum Cat Nutrition PDF 🐕 Beginner Dog Training videos ⚕️Veterinary Visit Worksheet When we know better, we can do better.

We're obsessed with pet health . . . treats and chews for dogs and cats are no exception. Our philosophy is: what purpose is it serving? So, when you give a chew or treat to your dog or cat, why are you giving it? Is there a nutritional benefit? A dental cleaning benefit? Maybe you just need to occupy them for a while. We get it! Listen to today's episode where we break it all down and help you figure out how to choose the best options for your healthy pet! Visit www.pethealthjunkies.com to follow Jessica, Janet, & Pam, and for FREE resources such as 🐈 Optimum Cat Nutrition PDF 🐕 Beginner Dog Training videos ⚕️Veterinary Visit Worksheet When we know better, we can do better.

Time for an uplifting show! We talk so much about what's wrong with today's pet care that we thought it'd be nice to have a show dedicated to why we love our pets (and your pets, let's be honest!) so darn much! We hope you enjoy this episode and can't wait to hear from you about your love of pets! Instagram: Jessica @thepetparentingreset Janet @pupology.atx Pam @purrrfectlyholistic Visit www.pethealthjunkies.com to follow Jessica, Janet, & Pam, and for FREE resources such as 🐈 Optimum Cat Nutrition PDF 🐕 Beginner Dog Training videos ⚕️Veterinary Visit Worksheet When we know better, we can do better.