The Entrepreneur DNA Podcast

Episode: CATS Framework: The Proven System to Keep Your Dog Healthy for Life
Host: Justin Colby (Bleav)
Guest: Dr. Randy Aronson ("Dr. Randy Pet Vet")
Date: February 25, 2026

Episode Overview

This life-oriented episode of The Entrepreneur DNA shifts focus from business tactics to personal enrichment—specifically, the vital role pets play in entrepreneurs’ lives. Host Justin Colby welcomes veterinary innovator Dr. Randy Aronson to discuss his holistic "CATS" framework, which aims not only to increase pets’ lifespan but, crucially, their healthspan and quality of life. Together, they dissect practical ways to enhance pet wellness, tackle common owner mistakes, and highlight how a healthier pet means a healthier entrepreneur.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why Pet Health Matters for Entrepreneurs

• Entrepreneur-Pet Wellness Link: Dr. Randy opens by explaining that ailing pets create emotional and practical stress for entrepreneurs, impacting productivity and well-being.

  • “If you’re going to be a top-level entrepreneur and have that DNA... if your pets aren’t well, you’re not doing well.” (Dr. Aronson, 02:52)

• Unique Approach: Dr. Randy specializes in complex, second or third opinion veterinary cases. His process is rooted in holistic wellness, moving beyond "putting out fires" to proactive care.

  • “I was the best at putting out fires... but what I wasn't seeing was wellness.” (Dr. Aronson, 04:43)

2. Origins of the CATS Framework

• CATS stands for: Complete Nutrition & Microbiome, Activity, Teeth, Stress Reduction.

  • “C is complete nutrition and microbiome. A is for activity, T is for teeth, and S is for stress reduction.” (Dr. Aronson, 06:57)

• Holistic Influence: Inspired by Dr. Andrew Weil’s integrative approach in human medicine, Dr. Randy began incorporating diet, supplements, and wellness into pet care.

3. Breaking Down the CATS Framework

C – Complete Nutrition & Microbiome

• Processed Food Problem:
  • 85% of pet diets are ultra-processed kibble, causing chronic inflammation.
• Recommended Shifts:

  • Incorporate fresh/freeze-dried/raw components or air-dried foods.

  • Prefer lightly cooked brands but beware of foods containing corn, wheat, soy, white potato, and rice—key “killers” for pets.

  • Supplement with omega-3s (preferably fish oil with the right balance), probiotics (like goat kefir, sauerkraut, or kimchi).

  • Notable Quote: “All killers in you and I, all killers in our pets. Prescription diets... usually a recommendation for a very inflammatory... type diet.” (Dr. Aronson, 07:23)

  • Reference: Recommends “The Forever Dog” by Dr. Karen Becker for science on minimizing pet inflammation.

A – Activity

• Daily Movement:

  • Pets, like people, require regular exercise and outdoor light.

  • Activity bonds owners with pets, improving health for both.

  • For cats: leash walks, laser pointers, “enrichment” games with treats.

  • Notable Quote: “Anything you can do to get those blood and lymphatics moving, gonna help your pet no matter what it’s doing.” (Dr. Aronson, 23:35)

  • Equipment Advice: Avoid collars/choke chains—prefer well-designed harnesses (e.g., Wonder Walker) that don’t restrict shoulders.

T – Teeth

• Importance of Dental Health:

  • Poor dental care leads to chronic health issues and unrecognized pain.

  • Annual dental exams for pets are a must.

  • Brush with wet gauze and pet-safe toothpaste, focusing on gum-tooth line.

  • Notable Quote: “What do you think your mouth would look like if you didn’t brush or floss for five years?” (Dr. Aronson, 27:08)

  • Chewing hard items like marrow bones or Nyla bones prevents calculus—much safer and more beneficial overall than risk of rare fractured teeth.

S – Stress Reduction

• Environmental Toxins:

  • Stress isn’t just emotional but chemical/environmental.

  • Avoid: plastic bowls (switch to stainless or ceramic), flame-retardant furniture treatments, formaldehyde-laden carpets, synthetic fragrances/plug-ins.

  • Ensure filtered, fresh water.

  • Notable Quote: “They get all that stress... the adrenal gland in their body has to continue to release cortisol because it’s... like a fight and flight response for them.” (Dr. Aronson, 29:05)

  • Discusses the emerging importance of proper lighting and hormone-sparing surgical options (like vasectomy/hysterectomy instead of full spay/neuter).

4. The Microbiome: The Next Big Wave (16:17, 19:09)

• Testing for the Gut:

  • Dr. Randy orders food/environmental sensitivity testing and microbiome DNA reports (via Animal Biome) for every case.

  • Microbiome corrections via probiotics and even “FMT” (Fecal Microbiome Transplant), just as in human medicine.

  • Strong gut health (microbiome) has major links to immunity, skin health, allergies, and even behavior.

  • Notable Quote: “Once you get [the microbiome] balanced, you wouldn’t believe Justin how things get better... The skin is amazing. There’s no sores anymore. There’s no stink, no malesthesia or staph.” (Dr. Aronson, 19:09)

5. Holistic Parallels: Pets Reflect Owners (13:56-16:17)

• Dr. Randy notes that many owners will do “anything and everything” for their pet’s wellness, even if their own self-care suffers.

• The dog’s health is often a mirror of the owner’s lifestyle and choices.

  • Notable Quote: “Everything that I do in our dogs and cats is the same thing that I do for me. And I’m 72 years old. I’m still riding 100-mile bike races.” (Dr. Aronson, 13:56)

6. Other Notable Tips & Insights

• Activity Starts Small: Even elderly/overweight owners can benefit from short walks.
• Pet Pain is Hidden: Dogs and especially cats rarely show pain obviously (“If they show pain in the wild, they get eaten” – 25:43). Owners must proactively seek signs and schedule care.
• Water Quality: Stress reduction includes avoiding hard/chlorinated water—always provide filtered water.

Memorable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• “If your pets aren’t well, you’re not doing well.” — Dr. Randy Aronson (02:52)
• “The hardest conversation that I have... is talking to a 250 pound person... about their overweight dog or cat.” — Dr. Randy Aronson (13:56)
• “Once you get [the microbiome] balanced, you wouldn’t believe Justin how things get better.” — Dr. Randy Aronson (19:09)
• “What do you think your mouth would look like if you didn’t brush or floss for five years?” — Dr. Randy Aronson (27:08)
• “Plastic bowls, new carpets, formaldehyde, rugs, flame retardants—these can all be toxic to your pet.” — Dr. Randy Aronson (30:43)

Segment Timestamps for Key Topics

• [01:15] Episode introduction and Dr. Randy’s background
• [02:48] Dr. Randy’s holistic approach & unique expertise
• [04:32] Origins and need for the wellness-driven approach
• [06:55] CATS framework explained (acronym breakdown)
• [09:07] Complete nutrition — what to feed (and avoid)
• [11:16] Raw food and lightly cooked food discussion
• [13:10] Owner health vs. pet health parallels
• [16:17] Microbiome and importance of gut testing
• [19:09] Success stories from correcting gut health
• [22:35] “A” for Activity: exercise and enrichment
• [24:22] Harnesses vs. collars: best practices
• [25:43] Why pets hide pain and spotting dental issues
• [27:14] “T” for Teeth: dental care tips
• [28:18] “S” for Stress Reduction: environmental dangers
• [30:42] Environmental toxins and household hazards for pets
• [33:10] Hormonal health, spay/neuter alternatives
• [35:07] Where to find/contact Dr. Randy

Where to Find Dr. Randy Aronson (“Dr. Randy Pet Vet”)

• Website: DrRandyPetVet.com / PawsTucson.com
• Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube (@drrandypetvet)
• Consults: Telemedicine available; in-person visits at Tucson, AZ
• Podcast/YouTube: Extensive educational content and Q&A

Summary Table: The CATS Framework

| Letter | Stands For | Key Advice | |--------|------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | C | Complete nutrition/microbiome| Ditch kibble. Add fresh/freeze-dried/air-dried foods. Use omega-3s and probiotics. | | A | Activity | Daily walks; use harness; enrichment for indoor pets; exercise boosts both owner and pet. | | T | Teeth | Annual dental checks; home brushing with gauze; provide safe chewing options. | | S | Stress Reduction | Remove plastic bowls, chemical cleaners, plug-in scents; use filtered water and watch lighting.|

Actionable Takeaways for Pet Owners

• Add minimally processed foods and whole-food supplements to your dog’s diet.
• Start even small increments of daily exercise for mutual benefit.
• Implement regular, simple dental care at home.
• Audit your home for plastics, chemical scents, flame retardants, and provide clean water.
• Request advanced testing for allergies and gut health; consider consulting a holistic vet.

“Share this with all your friends... everyone is going to want this!” (Justin Colby, 22:14)

For more on Dr. Randy’s methods and to arrange a personal pet consult, visit his official site or follow him on social media.