In this episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine explore how artificial intelligence is changing veterinary medicine, how to make vet visits less stressful for cats and dogs, and how upcycled ingredients are bringing sustainability to dog food and treats. It’s a timely listen for pet parents curious about pet health technology and anyone looking for practical ways to reduce their pet’s fear and anxiety.
Chris kicks off story time with Raising Cane’s 30th anniversary. To celebrate, the chicken finger chain committed $30 million over 10 years to more than 10 animal welfare organizations, and founder Todd Graves personally pledged $20 million to the wildlife conservation group Re:wild.
Kristen shares new research from North Carolina State University, published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, that tested an AI-enabled digital stethoscope on 105 dogs and cats. The device caught most heart murmurs in dogs but only 2 of 22 murmurs in cats, and experienced veterinary clinicians outperformed it in both species. The takeaway: AI tools built for human medicine need species-specific validation before pet owners and vets can rely on them.
Veterinarian Dr. Natalie Marks, CEO of the Veterinary Angel Network for Entrepreneurs (VANE), joins the show to discuss the biggest changes she’s seen in more than 20 years of veterinary medicine, from better pain management to personalized disease screening. She shares Fear Free tips for getting a cat into a carrier without a fight and explains how pet parents can evaluate AI pet health apps and online advice.
Chef and entrepreneur Eric Adams, founder and CEO of Dog and Whistle, explains how he turned restaurant food waste into chef-inspired dog meals and treats made with upcycled ingredients. He also previews Can My Dog Eat This?, his new 24-episode short-form series on DOGTV that answers one of the most common questions pet parents ask.
The episode wraps up with two listener questions: why dogs go wild when the doorbell rings, and how to tell whether an aquarium fish is happy and healthy.
Special Guests:
Dr. Natalie Marks, Veterinarian, CEO of VANE & Chief Veterinary Officer of OpenVet
Dr. Natalie Marks walks listeners through three major shifts in veterinary care: recognizing and treating pain in pets, caring for their emotional health, and screening for disease earlier based on breed, age, lifestyle, and region. She shares practical Fear Free advice for cat owners, including keeping the carrier out as part of the furniture, lining it with fleece, and using calming pheromones and treats. She also offers a checklist for evaluating AI tools in pet care, from how a model was trained to whether its sources are trustworthy.
Eric Adams, Founder & CEO of Dog and Whistle
Eric Adams shares how years in culinary arts and restaurant management in Las Vegas showed him how much good food goes to waste, and how that sparked Dog and Whistle. He explains why he approaches pet food like a chef, starting with aroma and visible, identifiable ingredients, and how the Upcycled Food Association helped him connect with others working to reduce food waste. He also gives a sneak peek at Can My Dog Eat This? on DOGTV.
Pet Product Recommendations:
My dog is wonderful at home, but the second someone rings the doorbell, he completely loses it, barking, jumping, and running to the door. Is this excitement, fear, or protective behavior, and how can I teach him to react more calmly when people come over? (Submitted by Megan from Minneapolis, MN)
We have a small freshwater aquarium, and I’ve always wondered how you can actually tell if a fish is happy and healthy, since they can’t show discomfort the way a dog or cat might. What changes in swimming, eating, appearance, or behavior should fish owners watch for? (Submitted by Brian from San Diego, CA)
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