The Crunchy Carnivore
The Crunchy Carnivore is a podcast for pet owners and pet professionals who desire to learn about and implement a completely holistic lifestyle for the animals in their lives. In each episode your hosts, holistic veterinarian Dr Jessica Levy and Natural Rearing breeder Melissa Weidenhamer, will bring knowledge and insights into holistic options for your animal’s health and well-being.
The Crunchy Carnivore
Raw Food Roulette
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What does “raw” actually mean when it comes to your dog’s food — and are all raw diets created equal?
In this eye-opening episode, we're pulling back the curtain to unpack the truth about raw feeding. Because here’s the reality: just because a label says “raw” or "natural" doesn’t mean it delivers the biological nutrition your dog was designed to thrive on.
We’ll dive into:
- What truly makes a food raw — and how processing can quietly strip away the very benefits you’re paying for
- Why high-pressure processing (HPP) and sterilization methods matter — and how these techniques may alter enzymes, beneficial bacteria, and nutrient integrity
- Why ingredient sourcing and quality are non-negotiable — from muscle meat to organ balance to the often-overlooked importance of variety
- How to read beyond marketing claims and confidently choose food that supports your dog’s gut health, immune resilience, skin, coat, and long-term vitality
We’ll share practical guidance to help you avoid common pitfalls — and empower you to make decisions rooted in facts, not sales tactics.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your dog’s “raw” food is as natural as it sounds… this episode may change the way you look at the bowl forever. Because when it comes to your dog’s health, quality isn’t optional — it’s everything.
Resources:
"The Good And The Bad Of HPP Dog Food" - Great article by Dogs Naturally
"Pet Food Ingredients: The Disclosed and the Non Disclosed" - by Susan Thixton
Examples of Pet Food Companies That Currently DO NOT Use HPP
BJ's Raw, Raw Feeding Miami, My Pet Carnivore, and Hare Today
Want some help with feeding raw or doing things more naturally?
Raise 'Em On Raw - Our simple yet thorough guide on the foundations of feeding raw
NR Foundations Bundle - Our top 3 guides to set you and your dog on the natural path
Don't miss future episodes!
Make sure to follow to catch more insight into the holistic approach for animals in an inviting, honest, and realistic way, right here on The Crunchy Carnivore Podcast.
Connect with Dr Levy & Melissa
Instagram | wellspring_haa
YouTube | Wellspring Holistic Animal Academy - YouTube
Website | wellspringhaa.com
Email | wellspringhaa@gmail.com
