Bella & Duke

In this episode, Mark Scott is joined by Dr. Conor Brady to tackle a growing issue affecting our four-legged friends – obesity. With over half of cats and dogs now overweight or obese, they explore what a healthy body shape really looks like and why those extra pounds can seriously impact your pet's health and lifespan. From the pitfalls of processed pet food to the power of a species-appropriate raw diet, this episode is packed with practical advice. You'll learn how to assess your pet's body condition, the role of movement (think hydrotherapy and acupuncture!), and simple ways to make better feeding choices – all to help your best friend live a longer, happier life.

Description:In this episode, we're joined by Emmanuel, co-founder of Treat, to explore the fundamentals of the gut microbiome - and why it matters for both humans and pets. Emmanuel shares his unique journey from biomedical engineering into the world of microbiome research and explains how dogs may hold the key to understanding human health.We dive deep into the role of bacteria, fungi, and viruses in our gut, the impact of diet and lifestyle, and how raw feeding could potentially reduce allergies in pets. Emmanuel also highlights fascinating insights into how the microbiome affects behaviour, chronic disease, and even skin health.Whether you're a pet parent, science nerd, or just curious about how the gut works—this episode is packed with practical insights and big ideas.Topics Covered:What is the gut microbiome, and why is it crucial?Similarities between human and canine microbiomesDogs as models for studying human diseaseThe impact of diet and antibiotics on the microbiomeWhy diversity and bioavailability matter in pet foodThe gut-brain connection: behaviour, mood, and moreRaw feeding and its potential benefits for petsEarly warning signs of microbiome imbalanceKey Takeaways:The gut microbiome plays a major role in digestion, immunity, behaviour, and overall health.Processed diets and modern lifestyles contribute to chronic disease in both humans and pets.A diverse and balanced diet supports a healthier gut ecosystem.Raw feeding may reduce allergies and support skin and coat health.Rotating food types can improve microbial diversity.Good gut health starts with quality, bioavailable ingredients.Chapters:00:00 – Introduction and Background03:01 – The Gut Microbiome and Its Impact on Health09:00 – Canine Microbiome as a Model for Human Diseases13:18 – Understanding the Microbiome19:32 – The Importance of Research22:15 – Addressing Chronic Diseases25:01 – Why Diet Diversity Matters27:14 – The Gut–Skin Connection31:19 – Signs of Microbiome Imbalance37:15 – What Bioavailability Really Means41:50 – Gut Health & Allergy Reduction

In this episode, Mark sits down with Jude to explore the benefits of feeding cats a raw meat diet. Jude shares her journey of transitioning her cat, Moo, to raw food and the incredible changes she noticed in Moo's health and behaviour.They dive into key differences between commercial dry food and raw diets, highlighting the importance of high-quality ingredients and moisture in a cat's diet. Jude also shares practical tips for cat owners looking to make the switch—emphasising the need to take it slow and introduce variety.Plus, they discuss the potential for future research into how diet influences cat behaviour.

In this episode, we're joined by our podcast partners in crime: Mark Scott, co-founder of Bella+Duke, and Dr Connor Brady, renowned canine nutritionist and author. Together, we dive into a pressing issue affecting our four-legged friends—obesity in cats and dogs.Did you know that 59% of dogs and 61% of cats are classified as overweight or obese? Mark and Connor explore how this epidemic is linked to the normalisation of unhealthy body conditions, the role of ultra-processed pet foods, and the stark similarities to human dietary challenges.Connor delves into the science behind obesity, from the impacts of high-carbohydrate diets to the hormonal havoc caused by insulin and leptin. Mark highlights the importance of real, whole food diets, drawing parallels between nutrient-rich raw feeding and the pitfalls of nutrient-deficient kibble.Join us as we break down the myths, reveal the dark truths about pet food production, and share actionable advice for keeping your best friends healthy, happy, and in their natural, lean state.

In this episode we sit down with Canine Behaviourist Nikki Mather from Positive Steps Dog Training, and discuss how illness can impact your dogs behaviour.

The latest episode of the Life Well Loved podcast is here! In this episode, Mark Scott and Dr. Connor Brady discuss the ever-growing issue of pet obesity. From the impact it has on our furry friends' health, to the role diet plays in maintaining a healthy weight and more.  

In this live episode of the Life well loved podcast we're chatting with Jude all about raw feeding.  Whether you're a seasoned pet owner or new to raw feeding, this episode provides valuable insights to ensure your furry friends thrive on a raw diet

Join us on this episode of the Life Well Loved podcast as we dive into the fascinating journey of Carolanne, our new Veterinary Nurse who has a passion for pet nutrition. Carolanne tell us her story, starting with her love for animals and her journey into veterinary nursing. We'll hear about her beloved pets and what inspired her to switch from working at a kibble company to advocating for raw pet food.Discover the eye-opening truths Carolanne uncovered about the nutritional differences between kibble and raw food, and why she made the  decision to transition her own pets to a raw diet. Also in this episode, Jude and Carolanne delve into the significant benefits of raw feeding, offering insights and expert opinions on why it's a superior choice for pet health. They'll cover everything from improved digestion to shinier coats, and more.  Tune in for an engaging chat that highlights the importance of what we feed our furry friends.

In the latest episode of the Life Well Loved podcast, we're talking to Vidivet founder Ben Sweeney about the important role nutrition plays in our pet's health.    With years of hands-on experience as a vet under his belt, Ben founded Vidivet in 2020 so that pet-parents could receive personalised, expert advice on their pet's health, (and to settle lots of worried minds too).  

In this episode of the Life well loved podcast we're chatting with with our guest Nikki, the founder of Positive Steps Dog Training. Nikki, a qualified dog trainer and behaviourist, shares her expertise on how diet influences behaviour and the remarkable transformations she's witnessed in her clients' dogs, especially after transitioning to raw diets. From her background in canine behaviour to overcoming fussiness in dogs during training and feeding, Nikki provides invaluable insights into nurturing the bond between dogs and their owners.

In this episode of the Life well loved podcast we're chatting to Nerys who will be attending Crufts this year with her dog Pink. Listen to this episode as Nerys shares her knowledge and experience with dogs and chats about Pink's journey to the worlds greatest dog show. 

In this episode of the Life well loved podcast we're chatting with Emma, who is currently undertaking a Bachelor's degree in Animal Welfare and Behaviour and has a degree in Feline Behaviour. Listen to the latest episode to find out how Emma shows her 19 cats she loves them and how their diet can play a part in their relationship.

In this episode of the Life well loved podcast we're chatting with  Elizabeth, pet-parent to Belle, the 11 year old yellow Labrador. With elbow dysplasia, arthritis and an underactive thyroid to contend with, it's fair to say Belle has experienced her challenges, but she's not letting any of that slow her down! Listen to the latest episode to find out exactly what Belle's secret is to a long, happy life.  Read our other customer stories here https://www.bellaandduke.com/customer-stories/

Kim is passionate about rescuing. And she's on a mission to showcase the love and joy that pets can bring to our lives. In this episode, she shares the story of her rescue dog, Dexter, and discusses the challenges and misconceptions around rescuing too.

The festive season can be a dangerous time for pets, with an abundance of food around the house that may pose a threat. Jude McCoy - our Canine Nutritional Advisor - shares her top tips on how you can safely enjoy the festive season with your furry friend.

Dr Brendan Clarke joins the podcast this week to discuss all things RawSAFE accreditation and what it means for our pets.

We have run our annual Health & Happiness survey, speaking to 1,399 dog owners, 212 cat owners and 33 cat and dog owners to concretely understand the beneficial impact its customers have seen since switching to a raw diet for their pets. Check out with episode with James and our CEO, Mark Scott, to find out more on the results.

In this episode we are joined by former British no. 1 tennis player - Johanna Konta.  Johanna is a long time customer of Bella & Duke for her pups Bono, Sidney & Gimzo. She joins James for a chat on all things nutrition, pet ownership and fuelling your body like an athlete and how that can also apply to our pups!

Jude is our in-house community manager and all round superstar. She has been working at Bella & Duke for years and has recently become qualified as a canine nutritionist. Jude and her group of moderators run our online Facebook group ‘The Pack' , an extremely engaged online community with nearly 30k members. They help and advise pet owners with any issues they may have - customers or not.

Justin is on a mission to get a million more cats adopted! To do that he teaches the easy way to have a cat! People often think cat ownership is difficult, costly and time consuming. Justin is keen to bust those myths and tell us about his cat's journey on Bella & Duke.   

In this episode we speak to Leisl de Lafontaine about all things Therapy Dogs Nationwide.  Therapy Dogs Nationwide is a national charity where visiting volunteers take their own dogs into establishments to provide comfort, distraction, and stimulation. They visit places such as schools, hospice, and prisons. They are one of the few animal charities in the UK who support raw feeding.  In 2023, Bella & Duke have partnered with TDN to support the work they do in the community.    

Pets and dodgy tums. If you're a pet owner, chances are at some point you've dealt with them having an upset stomach. In this episode, Dr Conor Brady touches on diarrhoea diets, fasting, using stews, electrolytes, how to conduct an elimination diet properly, a bit on probiotics (the difference between soil and others and when to use).

Separation anxiety is an extremely prevalent problem for pets and pet parents often find it a real struggle to address. Hear from Canine Behaviourist, Caroline Spencer on what separation anxiety is, why it happens & her tried and tested method to ‘take the sting out of leaving'.

Meet Steph, and her Chihuahua Paddy. From a very young age Paddy suffered from multiple health issues due to his fussiness. Absolutely nothing would encourage Paddy to eat and his owner Steph was at a loss, until they found Bella & Duke. This is their story…

Dr Brendan Clarke, Vet & Chief Veterinary Consultant at Bella & Duke discussses healthy pets. He talks through some routine health checks to consider for your pet, drawing on his background in conventional medicine and alternative therapies including homeopathy, acupuncture, herbs and nutritional support for companion animals.  

At Bella & Duke, we care deeply that our pets have always been right by us. That's why we champion pet health and well-being, challenging the status quo so that pet-centred, species-appropriate nutrition becomes the natural choice for every pet owner. We came to be in honour of 4 deeply loved family dogs; Morpheus, Trinity, Barney and Gus. Their shared love of family walks in the woods is how our founders Tony and Mark met. Hear more about our story in this touching episode with our CEO and Co-Founder Mark Scott. 

The pet food industry is huge- with various options available to pet owners- dry kibble, tinned wet food, raw pet food and it can be confusing for pet owners to really understand what is best for their pet.    Chief Nutritional Officer (CNO) from Bella & Duke , Rowan Sanderson is here to discuss the differences between a common choice for pet owners (kibble) and growing in popularity raw pet food, with advice for pet owners when considering what works for their pet.   

Mischa has a dachshund called Slinky, and a spaniel pup called Flo. Slinky has suffered from both allergies and IVDD, and ,Mishcha was at a loss until she found raw feeding. She's been feeding Bella & Duke for several years, and has been an active member of the community, taking part in the feeding board trial. This is their story...

Rowan Sanderson sits down with Dr. Brendan Clarke to explain how to use a measuring stick to track your puppy's growth. This is a key tip that will help you determine when it's time to make the switch from puppy food to adult food. There comes a point when a puppy reaches the peak of growth. At this stage, their nutritional needs change. If you continue to feed them “puppy levels” of food, you'll end up with an obese dog. Watch as Brendan demonstrates his simple but efficient method to determine precisely when your dog has reached its adult size.

Rowan Sanderson sits down with Dr. Brendan Clarke to discuss what to do if your dog or cat accidentally ingests one of the following seven toxic items: Chicken bones Chocolate Grapes Ibuprofen Paracetamol Onions Garlic They cover what it is about each of these seven that makes them toxic to our pets, and also address why one of these items is actually beneficial to your dog or cat when consumed only in small amounts.

Rowan Sanderson sits down with Dr. Brendan Clarke to discuss the difference between kennel cough and whooping cough, or Bordetella and how to treat a dog who is experiencing mild coughing fits. Listen in as Brendan explains how to tell whether you need to take your dog to the vet or to let the cough pass after a few days with the help of natural remedies. In particular, he discusses how to offer your dog honey to soothe a sore throat and echinacea to support their immune system.

Rowan Sanderson sits down with Dr. Brendan Clarke to discuss a common issue that many pet owners have when transitioning their dog or cat from processed food onto raw: fussiness. The food industry as a whole has evolved into churning out addictive meals and snacks which are, more often than not, far from whole and healthy. Rowan reminds us that, like children, “animals don't always know best and they need your guidance.” Check in with your vet in case your pet is experiencing other complications such as dental problems or organ function issues. Otherwise, be patient with your pet as you lead them through the weaning process. Remember that, by switching them onto raw, you have just made one of the best decisions possible for your furry friend.

Rowan Sanderson sits down with Dr. Brendan Clarke to empower you with the facts you need to know if you have made the decision to feed your dog or cat raw. Most vets have been taught to focus on medicine over nutrition. This is one of the reasons that the magic of raw feeding is often underappreciated in the veterinary industry. But, as Brendan says, “Nutrition is the first step to health.” Prevention should always take precedence over cure. Build a bridge with your vet to help them open their eyes to this fact. After all, your vet only wants the best for your pet.

Rowan Sanderson sits down with Dr. Brendan Clarke to shatter the myth that grain-free dog food causes heart disease. In fact, grain-free dog food has nothing to do whatsoever with heart disease. The simple matter is that your dog is a carnivore and cannot adequately digest grains and related foods. Listen in as Rowan and Brendan address the three primary factors that people need to understand concerning this issue—including ingredients used to replace grain in grain-free foods, lack of taurine, and the types of heart disease people generally talk about with regards to this myth.

Rowan Sanderson sits down with Nick Benger, an expert dog trainer known for his appearance on Amazon's TV series "The Pack". He is also the host of the Dog Talk with Nick Benger Podcast. Nick walks us through his natural training methods. The term “natural training” is often misunderstood to mean taking advantage of your dog's instincts to the point of harming them just to get them to learn a new trick. Nick says that natural training “should be more about relationships”. Owners, he believes, must always try to strengthen the bond they have with their dogs. Listen in as Rowan and Nick discuss what types of punishment are acceptable in natural dog training and how to incentivize your dog to exhibit healthy behaviors without having to resort to punishment in the first place.

It's Bella & Duke's birthday! In this special episode, Rowan Sanderson sits down with co-founder Tony Ottley to reflect on the company's road to 30 million meals after just five years! “What keeps us going,” says Tony, “are the stories that we hear from our customers telling us what a difference it has made moving their pets onto Bella & Duke.” Listen in as Tony goes down memory lane and shares how the idea to start a raw pet food subscription service was born out of sadness. Rowan then speaks on the company's rapid success and widespread acceptance in the wider market. Finally, Tony answers a few questions from the Bella & Duke community.

Rowan Sanderson sits down with Dr. Brendan Clarke to discuss how to identify heatstroke, what are the symptoms, and how to prevent it, and what to do if your dog is currently experiencing it. Heatstroke takes place when an animal is not able to adequately in a hot environment. For many animals, their normal temperature is around 38 degrees. If their core temperature elevates above 40 degrees, a variety of physiological changes occur and they may exhibit symptoms such as nausea, loss of energy, or, in the worst case scenario, seizures. Listen in as Rowan and Brendan give their pointers on how to minimize your pet's risk of heatstroke and what you can do if you don't have immediate access to the vet while your dog is overheating.

Rowan Sanderson sits down with Dr. Brendan Clarke to discuss the often-overlooked but vital topic of toxic blue-green algae. They define exactly what it is, what to look out for, and how to ensure a safe environment for your dog whilst swimming. Listen in as Brendan explains how to spot toxic algae and how they may potentially stick to your dog's fur. He also offers advice on mitigating contamination if your dog does come into contact with an algal bloom, as well as symptoms to watch out for and when it is time to visit the vet.

Rowan Sanderson sits down with Dr. Brendan Clarke to discuss how to prevent your dog from overheating as they explore and play under the hot summer sun. Listen in as Rowan and Brendan offer several quick tips to becoming more aware of what can cause your dog to overheat, including why you must be extra careful if you have a short-nosed dog, why you should never leave your dog in the car, a simple test to see if the ground you are walking on is too hot, and when it is time to call your vet.

Rowan Sanderson sits down with Dr. Brendan Clarke to discuss your pet's mental health and, specifically, why raw feeding is far more beneficial for your pet and its well-being. Your pet's well-being is a cornerstone of the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare, and healthy feeding plays an active role in this. Listen in and learn why raw, minimally-proceeding feeding is the best option for your dog's mental health. Our hosts also discuss the magic of feeding your dog meaty bones and bone broth on top of their usual raw meals. Finally, Rowan and Brendan touch on Bella & Duke's initiative in honor of “Pet Mental Health Awareness Month” in June 2021.

Why does my dog eat poo? Rowan Sanderson sits down with Dr. Brendan Clarke of the Raw Feeding Veterinary Society (RFVS) and Co-Host of Raw Pet Medics to discuss all you need to know about the common Coprophagia, commonly known as eating poo.  Dogs can be led by zoopharmacognosy, which is the ability in animals to smell good nutrients anywhere even in poop. But sometimes, they are driven by flavour in additives found in commercially processed foods that don't get digested and come out with the same attractive scents as the food.  It is important to feed your dog with a varied diet to make sure it's getting enough nutrients to avoid it seeking them in its environment. Apart from keeping your environment clean and pick up after other dogs, there are other nutritional steps you can take to protect your dog from eating poop. Listen in to this episode to learn what they are and much more!

Today’s special episode of Mythbusters features a compilation of conversations between Rowan, our chief nutritionist, Mark our CEO and raw feeding vet Brendan Clarke tackling several common myths around raw! Listen in as we bust the idea that… Cats Aren’t Carnivores and Can’t Eat Raw Meat There is No Evidence for the Benefits of a Raw Diet Raw is Not Good for Your Dog Because It is Filled with Bacteria Raw is Expensive “My dog is too old/young to start on raw.” You Cat Will Thrive on a Specially-Formulated Biscuit  

Rowan Sanderson sits down with Dr. Brendan Clarke of the Raw Feeding Veterinary Society (RFVS) and Co-Host of Raw Pet Medics to discuss all you need to know about bone broth. Listen in as Brendan lists the many benefits of bone broth to your dog or cat and how you can make some right at home. He also explains when and how to feed bone broth to your pet, whether they are suffering from diarrhea or transitioning onto a raw diet. Finally, Rowan and Brendan go into the science of bone broth, describing the value of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and how you can make sure that you tailor your bone broth recipe around your particular pet’s needs and preferences.

Rowan Sanderson sits down with Dr. Brendan Clarke, Co-Host of Raw Pet Medics and member of the Raw Feeding Veterinary Society (RFVS) to discuss all you need to know about apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is widely available, and is relatively inexpensive; but Brendan recommends sticking to an organic product that is not reconstituted with acetic acid or has had the apples sprayed with chemicals to deter pests or keep them from growing molds or shield them from various diseases. Listen in as Rowan explains exactly what apple cider vinegar it is and what to look for in a product depending whether you intend to apply it topically or to ingest it. He then describes the main benefits of apple cider vinegar and his recommendations for using it topically on your dog.

This episode we bust the myth that cats can live happily and healthily on ‘specially formulated’ biscuits. Dr Brendan Clarke and Rowan, our Chief Nutritional Officer, go through 3 major reasons why feeding dry cat food, especially biscuits, is suboptimal for your feline friend’s health.

Rowan Sanderson sits down with Dr. Brendan Clarke, Co-Host of Raw Pet Medics and President of the Raw Feeding Veterinary Society (RFVS) to discuss five tips and tricks to getting your cat used to a raw diet. Pet food manufacturers often throw in extra ingredients that Rowan and Brendan refer to as “cat crack”: amino acids or salt that are added to their meals that make what would otherwise taste like mush enticing and addicting once a cat has had a taste. This is why your cat is “fussy” when it comes to trying different foods. Be patient with them and work to gradually decrease their addiction to their regular meal because, as Rowan explains, you will literally be saving your cat’s life by switching them onto raw.

Rowan Sanderson sits down with Nick Benger, an expert dog trainer known for his appearance on Amazon's TV series "The Pack". He is also the host of the Dog Talk with Nick Benger Podcast. Nick discusses best practices for dealing with separation anxiety between dog and owner. Now that more and more people are going back to work, separation anxiety amongst dogs has been on the rise. Nick says that you should not distract your dog as you leave the home. Rather, acclimatize them to your departure. He also recommends keeping a pet camera to allow you to monitor their behavior while you’re out of the home, and lists a few signs to watch out for on your camera that may point to anxiety. Listen in as Nick also throws a few questions at Rowan about the benefits of raw in general.

Rowan Sanderson sits down with Dr. Brendan Clarke, Co-Host of Raw Pet Medics and President of the Raw Feeding Veterinary Society (RFVS) to discuss when to wean your kitten or cat onto raw. Brendan offers best practices for making this transition whether your kittens were born at home, you acquired your kittens from a breeder, or you are weaning an adult cat that will only eat what it is familiar with.

Rowan Sanderson sits down with Dr. Brendan Clarke, Co-Host of Raw Pet Medics and President of the Raw Feeding Veterinary Society (RFVS) to discuss kidney disease in cats. The kidneys are responsible for reducing toxin buildup in the body from whatever is ingested. They also are responsible for fluid balance (to make sure the person or animal is well-hydrated and excreting the right amount of urine), salt balance, and the management of a variety of hormones such as those that reduce blood pressure. Listen in as Brendan lists the principal causes and signs and symptoms of kidney disease in cats, what to expect at your visit to the vet, how to treat your cat, and ensure its long-term health.

Rowan Sanderson sits down with Nick Benger, an expert dog trainer known for his appearance on Amazon's TV series "The Pack". He is also the host of the Dog Talk with Nick Benger Podcast. Nick discusses best practices for encouraging healthy behaviors from your dog and keeping aggression at bay. “We need to put more emphasis on engagement with the dog,” says Nick. He believes that the best way to impart good behavior is by adhering to first principles: By being deliberate with the routine, training, and even the types of food you feed, owners effectively nip “bad” behavior in the bud. Nick shares tips on how to use classical conditioning to reinforce good behaviors and differential reinforcement to curb aggression. He also explains why lack of socialization or, in many cases, socialization gone wrong are the number one cause of deep-seated aggression in dogs.

Rowan Sanderson sits down with Dr. Brendan Clarke, Co-Host of Raw Pet Medics and President of the Raw Feeding Veterinary Society (RFVS) to discuss how to transition your cat to raw. As obligate carnivores, cats are more likely to be affected by carbohydrates found in processed foods. If anything, cats benefit more from a raw diet than dogs. Cats are also much more fastidious about what is in front of them, and they rely heavily on their sense of smell. Cats would much rather eat foods with an aroma that they are familiar with. Strange smells will make cats suspicious until they get used to it. Ultimately, every cat is different; so you will have to adapt these tips to what suits your individual cat. Listen in and learn Brendan’s five top tips for getting your cat to switch over to raw.