For Pet's Sake: The pet wellbeing podcast

Dr Anna Hielm-Björkman joins Lisa and Dr Brendan Clarke in this installment of For Pet’s Sake: Feeding Them Well. Vet, professor and researcher, Dr Anna has studied the difference diet makes to our pet’s lives for years, and is a passionate advocate for supporting pet health and wellbeing through nutrition.

In this episode, Lisa and Brendan are joined by Dr Frankie Jackon-Spence MBChB BMedSc MRCP, and Vizsla Ruby. Dr Frankie is all about how small changes can make a big impact on our health and wellbeing. So of course, she takes the same approach with Ruby, starting with what’s in her bowl.

Retired Olympic gold medalist, father of three and pet-parent to Whippet Clunkers, Greg Rutherford joins the podcast this week. Alongside host Lisa Faulkner and Dr Brendan Clarke, Greg talks through the importance of nutrition, and how the loss of two beloved dogs led to him completely re-evaluating what he feeds his pets.

In this episode, Lisa is joined by Hannah Stitfall, her dog Isabelle and Dr Brendan Clarke. Photographer, film maker and conservationist, Hannah is passionate about animal welfare, and knew that raw, natural nutrition was the best way to help Isabelle thrive.

In the first episode of For Pet’s Sake: Feeding Them Well, host Lisa Faulkner and dog Rory are joined by Dr Brendan Clarke for Rory’s doggy health MOT. From digestion to weight and more, discover just how a raw diet helps our dogs thrive.

In this episode of For Pet’s Sake, Mark is joined by Emanuel, founder of Treat Therapeutics, to explore the powerful connection between your pet’s gut health and allergies. From itchy skin and ear infections to digestive upsets, many common allergy symptoms in dogs and cats can be traced back to imbalances in the gut microbiome.Emanuel explains how the diversity of bacteria in the gut plays a vital role in regulating the immune system and why diet and environment are such key factors. The discussion covers how highly processed, carbohydrate-heavy foods can disrupt the microbiome, while fresh, natural diets help restore balance and reduce inflammation.Listeners will learn how supporting gut health can ease allergy symptoms, improve digestion, and boost overall wellbeing. Practical advice includes recognising early warning signs of imbalance, choosing the right diet to encourage a healthier microbiome, and understanding how targeted nutrition can transform the way pets feel inside and out.This episode is essential for pet owners dealing with allergies, sensitive stomachs, or recurring skin problems and offers science-led solutions for supporting long-term health and happiness.

In this episode of For Pet’s Sake, Mark Scott sits down with Dr. Conor Brady to tackle the growing issue of pet obesity. Studies show that 59% of dogs and 61% of cats are overweight or obese, yet many owners don’t realise the serious health risks associated with excess weight. Dr. Brady explains that obesity in pets leads to chronic inflammation, joint problems, reduced lifespan, and increased veterinary costs.They discuss why the pet health sector has struggled to address obesity effectively, highlighting that unlike human healthcare systems, there is little financial incentive for companies to reduce obesity rates in pets. They also critique the common veterinary approach of recommending high-carbohydrate diets like kibble, despite research showing that increasing protein and reducing carbohydrates supports safe and sustainable weight loss.Dr. Brady emphasises the benefits of feeding pets whole, natural foods that are easier to digest than ultra-processed, chemically preserved options. Raw feeding is discussed as a closer-to-nature approach that naturally reduces carbohydrate intake and helps maintain a healthy weight. Practical tips for owners include aiming for a lean body condition where ribs can be felt but not necessarily seen, incorporating hydrotherapy or acupuncture for older or recovering dogs, and avoiding high-fibre “light” kibbles—particularly for brachycephalic breeds—due to links with panting and bloat.This episode is essential listening for pet owners looking to support healthy weight management, improve their pet’s overall wellbeing, and prevent obesity-related illnesses. Learn actionable strategies to help your dog or cat achieve a happy, healthy, and active lifestyle.

On this episode of For Pet’s Sake, Mark from Bella+Duke chats with feline behaviour expert Jude about why cats hunt, pounce, and display predatory behaviours—even when well-fed. Discover how indoor and outdoor environments, play, enrichment, and diet influence feline instincts, and learn practical strategies to redirect hunting behaviours safely. Jude also explains the importance of respecting your cat’s natural instincts while providing mental stimulation, interactive play, and appropriate outlets for energy. A must-listen for cat owners looking to deepen their understanding of feline behaviour and create happier, more confident cats.

Mark from Bella+Duke sits down with Emmanuel, founder of Treat, to explore how the gut microbiome affects pet health, allergies, and overall wellbeing on For Pet’s Sake. Emmanuel shares his journey studying the gut bacteria in dogs, and how tweaking diets based on microbiome testing helped his dog recover from severe allergies. Learn how gut health influences digestion, behaviour, immunity, and chronic conditions, and why a varied, fresh diet supports a thriving microbiome. This episode also highlights the importance of environmental exposure, minimizing antibiotics, and participating in microbiome studies to advance pet science. Perfect for dog and cat owners looking to understand gut health, prevent allergies, and optimise their pet’s wellbeing naturally.

Dental disease affects up to 85% of dogs and cats over three years old, yet many owners underestimate its impact on overall health. In this episode of For Pet’s Sake, Mark from Bella+Duke speaks with Emanuel, CEO and founder of Treat Therapeutics, about the oral microbiome in pets. Emanuel explores how diet, saliva quality, age, and breed influence dental health, and why daily brushing and a nutritious, fresh diet are key to preventing periodontitis. Discover the link between oral health and systemic diseases like cardiovascular, kidney, and liver issues, and learn how oral probiotics and whole-body wellness strategies can support your pet. This episode is essential for pet owners seeking to improve dental hygiene, boost immunity, and ensure long-term wellbeing for their four-legged companions.

In this episode of For Pet’s Sake, Mark from Bella+Duke talks to Charlotte, head of clinical administration at Wormcount, about parasite prevention, faecal testing, and why targeted deworming is better than blanket treatment. Learn how to spot signs of worm infestations, why chemical dewormers don’t provide long-term protection, and how PCR testing is revolutionizing parasite detection for pets. Charlotte also discusses zoonotic risks, the environmental impact of over-deworming, and the importance of routine testing for dogs of different lifestyles. If you’re a pet owner looking to safeguard your dog’s health, prevent resistant parasites, and understand modern parasite management, this episode is packed with essential insights.

Join Mark from Bella+Duke on For Pet’s Sake as he chats with Holly, Chief Science Officer at Animal Biome, about the fascinating world of the gut microbiome in dogs and cats. Holly explains how gut bacteria, fungi, and viruses influence digestion, immunity, and even mental health in pets. Discover the impact of diet—raw, fresh, or kibble—on gut microbiome composition, and learn why stomach acid and fibre intake are crucial for pet wellness. Holly also shares how Animal Biome’s testing services can provide personalized recommendations to balance your pet’s gut health, improve immunity, and prevent disease. This episode is perfect for pet owners who want to understand how diet, environment, and microbiome health are interconnected for thriving dogs and cats.

In this episode of For Pet’s Sake, brought to you by Bella+Duke, expert dog behaviourist Nikki from Positive Step Dog Training explains how to support your dog through life’s changes. From moving house and introducing new family members to coping with loss, pets are deeply sensitive to human stress and shifts in routine. Nikki shares practical tips to help dogs adapt, including gradual introductions, creating safe spaces, building positive associations, and maintaining consistent routines. Learn how to recognize signs of stress in pets—like appetite changes, vocalization, restlessness, and poor sleep—and how mental stimulation, sniffing, and exercise can ease anxiety. This episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting their dog to feel secure, happy, and confident during transitions.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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...

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.