Kreatures Of Habit Podcast: Amy Zalnoradis on We Feed Raw - Why a Raw Food Diet is Best for Pet’s Health & Nutrition
Release Date: November 20, 2024
In this enlightening episode of the Kreatures Of Habit Podcast, host Michael Chernow sits down with Amy Zalnoradis, co-founder and Chief Brand Officer of We Feed Raw, to delve into the profound impact of a raw food diet on pets' health and nutrition. The conversation navigates through the history of pet food, the benefits of raw feeding, challenges in the pet food industry, and Amy’s inspiring journey in continuing her late sister’s vision.
1. Introduction to We Feed Raw and Amy Zalnoradis
Michael Chernow opens the episode by sharing his personal connection to pet wellness, highlighting his commitment to feeding his dogs, Bowie and Murphy, raw food. He introduces Amy Zalnoradis, who joined We Feed Raw after the tragic passing of her sister in 2014, the original founder. Amy’s dedication to maintaining and expanding her sister’s dream forms the foundation of their discussion.
Notable Quote:
“I want to make this as big and as meaningful and as impactful as it could possibly be.” – Amy Zalnoradis [05:12]
2. The Evolution of Dog Food: From Kibble to Raw Diets
Amy provides a comprehensive overview of the pet food industry’s evolution. She traces back to the origins of commercial dog food, starting with James Spratt’s invention of dry dog biscuits in 1860 and the introduction of kibble by Purina in 1956. Amy emphasizes how kibble, despite its convenience and cost-effectiveness, is ultra-processed and may not align with dogs' natural dietary needs.
Notable Quote:
“Kibble is ultra, ultra, ultra processed. Like it is cooked and extruded at extreme high temperatures, like 350 degrees, four times over.” – Amy Zalnoradis [00:00]
3. The Raw Food Advantage: Health Benefits for Dogs
The core of the episode centers on the benefits of a raw food diet. Amy explains that raw diets are biologically appropriate for dogs, mirroring what their ancestors consumed. She highlights significant health improvements observed in dogs fed raw, such as shinier coats, increased energy, and overall better health markers.
Notable Quotes:
“Within the first three, four weeks was really how shiny their coats got.” – Michael Chernow [04:50]
“It's about getting people to see what's actually happening, what this food is actually made of, and then making better choices.” – Amy Zalnoradis [17:17]
4. Addressing Kibble’s Drawbacks
Amy articulates three major criticisms of kibble:
- High Carbohydrate Content: Kibble often contains 40-70% refined carbohydrates, which are unnecessary for dogs and can lead to obesity and inflammation.
- Low-Quality Ingredients: The use of plant-derived proteins and rendered animal proteins from possibly unsafe sources.
- Ultra-Processing and Carcinogens: High-temperature processing creates harmful compounds like Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs), significantly higher in kibble than in raw food.
Notable Quote:
“Kibble is ultra, ultra, ultra processed… it creates these carcinogenic compounds.” – Amy Zalnoradis [00:00]
5. Ensuring Safety in Raw Feeding
A common concern about raw feeding is safety, both for pets and their owners. Amy addresses this by detailing We Feed Raw’s rigorous sourcing and production processes. The company uses USDA-certified facilities and cold pressurization to eliminate pathogens without heating the food, maintaining its nutritional integrity.
Notable Quote:
“We use a cold pressurization process, which is an all-natural process that uses pure cold water at extreme pressure to inactivate any potentially harmful pathogens.” – Amy Zalnoradis [20:08]
6. Overcoming Industry Challenges and Growing the Business
Amy shares the challenges faced in scaling We Feed Raw, from managing logistics of shipping frozen food nationwide to combating skepticism within the veterinary community. She underscores the importance of perseverance and continuous education in overcoming these hurdles.
Notable Quote:
“It's hard to do it right all the time by yourself. It's a lot of work.” – Amy Zalnoradis [18:57]
“When you don't give up and you get over to, like, you get to the other side of what that looks like, it's pretty amazing.” – Amy Zalnoradis [49:50]
7. The Impact of Raw Feeding: Real-Life Success Stories
Amy recounts several heartwarming testimonials from pet owners who have witnessed remarkable health improvements in their dogs after switching to a raw diet. From reduced seizures to the disappearance of skin issues, these stories underscore the potential of raw feeding to enhance pets' quality of life.
Notable Quote:
“She started our food and the dog has not had a seizure in six months.” – Amy Zalnoradis [24:38]
“Dogs fed raw have lower disease and inflammatory markers than those fed kibble diets.” – Amy Zalnoradis [37:59]
8. Future Directions and Industry Outlook
Looking ahead, Amy envisions We Feed Raw expanding its offerings to include more functional foods while maintaining the integrity of their raw products. She emphasizes the need for broadening awareness and acceptance of raw feeding as a viable and superior alternative to traditional pet foods.
Notable Quote:
“We're looking at more functional foods and whole foods that could maybe be more shelf stable.” – Amy Zalnoradis [47:19]
“We have this very education-driven approach… we have to educate people.” – Amy Zalnoradis [29:42]
9. Closing Thoughts: Commitment to Better Habits
Michael reflects on the importance of committing to better habits, both for himself and his pets. He underscores how making informed choices about pet nutrition is a critical aspect of responsible pet ownership and overall well-being.
Notable Quote:
“We are in absolute control… you can make those habits awesome.” – Michael Chernow [53:03]
“All you have to do is look at an animal's biological makeup and it reveals to you what they should be eating.” – Amy Zalnoradis [36:43]
Conclusion
This episode of the Kreatures Of Habit Podcast offers a compelling case for adopting a raw food diet for pets. Through Amy Zalnoradis’s expertise and personal narrative, listeners gain valuable insights into the benefits of raw feeding, the pitfalls of traditional kibble, and the dedication required to make informed dietary choices for their beloved pets. Whether you're a seasoned pet owner or considering a switch in your dog's diet, this conversation provides the knowledge and inspiration needed to prioritize your pet's health through better nutrition.
For more information about We Feed Raw and their products, visit wefeedraw.com or follow them on Instagram.
Notable Moments with Timestamps:
- 00:00 – Amy introduces the problem with ultra-processed kibble.
- 05:12 – Amy discusses fulfilling her sister’s vision.
- 16:27 – Michael expresses concerns about kibble’s safety and quality.
- 20:08 – Amy explains We Feed Raw’s safety measures.
- 24:38 – Success story of a dog with seizures improving on a raw diet.
- 36:43 – Amy highlights biological dietary needs of dogs.
- 47:19 – Future plans for We Feed Raw’s product lineup.
Key Takeaways:
- Raw Diet Benefits: Enhanced coat shine, increased energy, reduced disease markers.
- Kibble Issues: High in refined carbs, low-quality ingredients, ultra-processed with carcinogens.
- Safety Measures: USDA-certified production, cold pressurization to eliminate pathogens.
- Business Growth: Overcoming logistical challenges, educating the vet community and pet owners.
- Future Vision: Expanding product offerings, increasing raw feeding adoption.
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the podcast episode, providing an in-depth look at raw pet diets through the lens of an industry expert. Whether you're passionate about pet health or looking to adopt better habits, the insights shared by Amy Zalnoradis offer a roadmap to fostering a healthier, happier life for your furry companions.