In this episode of the Westies and Besties podcast, host Alex Griffin interviews Ben McIntyre, the founder and CEO of a rapidly growing raw dog food company in the UK.

They discuss the journey of transitioning to raw feeding, the challenges faced in the pet food industry, and the importance of educating pet owners about nutrition.

Ben shares his personal story of how he became passionate about raw feeding after experiencing health issues with his own dog.

The conversation also touches on the regulatory landscape, the relationship with stockists, and the future of raw feeding as more pet owners become aware of its benefits.

Click here to find out more about Mersey Raw!:

https://www.merseyraw.com/

Takeaways

Ben's journey into raw dog food began with a desire to feed his own dog a healthier diet.

The raw feeding industry is experiencing significant growth due to increased awareness of pet nutrition.

Building strong relationships with independent stockists has been crucial for business success.

Transitioning to a raw diet can be daunting for pet owners, but guidance is available.

Regulatory bodies play a vital role in ensuring the safety of raw pet food.

The sourcing of meat for raw feeding is often from reputable suppliers, ensuring quality.

Veterinary practices are increasingly recognizing the benefits of raw feeding.

The kibble market's dominance raises concerns about dog health and nutrition.

Consumer awareness is key to changing perceptions about pet food.

Ben's company aims to feed 100,000 meals a day by 2030.

Sound bites

"I was like a dog with a bone."

"We started in a really small cafe."

"We are inspected to the eyeballs."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Raw Feeding and Business Success

02:18 The Journey into Raw Dog Food

05:42 Challenges and Growth in the Industry

09:23 Transitioning to a Purpose-Built Facility

12:07 Building Relationships with Stockists

14:49 The Rise of Raw Feeding Awareness

17:42 Product Development and Customer Education

20:33 Quality Assurance and Sourcing Meat

24:44 Navigating Animal Health Regulations

27:52 Product Development and Innovation in Pet Food

29:05 The Role of Veterinarians in Pet Nutrition

31:34 Critique of Commercial Pet Food Industry

34:19 The Impact of Diet on Dog Health

38:21 Changing Perceptions of Dog Food

38:42 Economic Benefits of Raw Diets

40:03 Building a Positive Company Culture

Watch FULL episodes on our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@westiesandbestiestv?si=JuTwRIbzGnsJW4-Q

For more Westie related information click here: https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/

Follow us on social media:

https://www.facebook.com/WestieBestieMag

https://www.instagram.com/westiesbestiesmagazine/

https://www.tiktok.com/@westiesandbestiesmag

In this conversation, Branca Gebbie of The Golden Paste Company discusses the complexities of turmeric and its most studied component, curcumin.

She emphasizes the importance of combining curcumin with piperine for better absorption and digestion, highlighting common misconceptions about turmeric consumption.

Don't forget to Like, Comment and Subscribe (free of charge) to our channel.

For more Westie related information click here: https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/

Follow us on social media:

https://www.facebook.com/WestieBestieMag

https://www.instagram.com/westiesbestiesmagazine/

https://www.tiktok.com/@westiesandbestiesmag

Takeaways

Turmeric contains over 200 components, with curcumin being the most studied.

Sourcing turmeric from a single source can enhance curcumin percentage.

Piperine from black pepper is essential for curcumin activation.

The body requires specific conditions to digest curcumin effectively.

Simply adding turmeric to food may not provide health benefits.

Understanding the activation process is crucial for turmeric's effectiveness.

Curcumin's benefits are often overlooked due to misconceptions.

Proper digestion is key to unlocking turmeric's potential.

Herbal medicine requires knowledge of ingredient interactions.

Awareness of how to consume turmeric can lead to better health outcomes.

Sound bites

"Turmeric has over 200 components to it."

"The body has to be able to digest it."

"I saw in the zone!"

In this episode of the Westies and Besties podcast, host Alex Griffin interviews Tina McCain, a certified master dog trainer and educator with over 30 years of experience. Tina shares her journey with West Highland White Terriers, her transition to raw feeding, and the importance of holistic health practices for dogs.

She discusses the benefits of essential oils, the significance of proper nutrition, and her insights on dog behaviour and training. Tina also emphasizes the importance of gradual dietary changes and the impact of chemicals on canine health. The conversation concludes with practical advice for dog owners and a commitment to educating others about dog wellness.

Watch FULL episodes on our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@westiesandbestiestv?si=JuTwRIbzGnsJW4-Q

Takeaways

Tina McCain is a certified master dog trainer with over 30 years of experience.

She emphasizes the importance of nutrition as the foundation of a dog's health.

Tina advocates for raw feeding and has seen significant health improvements in dogs.

Essential oils can be beneficial for dogs, but quality matters.

Behavioural issues in dogs can often be linked to physical health problems.

Tina uses holistic approaches, including acupuncture and homeopathy, in her practice.

She encourages gradual dietary changes when transitioning dogs to raw food.

Tina has fostered and rehomed many Westies through rescue efforts.

Education is key for dog owners to maintain their pets' health and well-being.

Tina believes that people often need more training than the dogs themselves.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tina McCain

03:05 Tina's Journey with Westies

06:03 Mary Mack Wellness Solutions

08:42 The Shift to Raw Feeding

11:58 The Importance of Nutrition

14:36 Essential Oils for Dogs

18:01 Behaviour and Training Insights

21:01 Holistic Approaches to Dog Health

23:38 Rescue and Rehoming Practices

26:55 Final Thoughts and Advice

If you and your Westie would like to be a guest, feel free to contact me on: alex@westiesandbesties.com

For more Westie related information click here: https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/

Follow us on social media:

https://www.facebook.com/WestieBestieMag

https://www.instagram.com/westiesbestiesmagazine/

https://www.tiktok.com/@westiesandbestiesmag