Most dog treats are built to sell, not to support health, and your dog’s gut usually pays the price first. I sit down with Botanical Bones founder Rachel Meyer and co-founder veterinarian Dr. Lindsay Wendt to unpack what “functional dog treats” should actually mean when you care about digestion, anxiety, allergies, and long-term wellness.
Rachel shares the real origin story: a rescue puppy named Carnaby with a sensitive stomach, a pantry full of whole-food ingredients, and a pandemic-era moment that turned neighborly treat drop-offs into a fast-growing brand. We talk about the leap from kitchen batches to a values-aligned manufacturing partner, why scaling can break founders if quality systems are not in place, and what it’s like building big brand presence with a tiny, self-funded team.
Dr. Lindsay brings the integrative veterinary perspective, starting with a “do no harm” standard that challenges the current pet treat industry. We get specific about the dog microbiome, ingredient quality, and why details like organic oat flour matter when glyphosate exposure can disrupt gut health. We also clarify the confusing line between treats and supplements, including what dosing is, how to read milligrams on a label, and why Botanical Bones formulates with botanicals and functional mushrooms.
We even go seasonal with Pumpkin Spice, exploring Traditional Chinese Medicine patterns like “dampness” and how they can show up as recurrent ear issues, urinary trouble, or loose stool. If you want smarter options for your treat jar and a clearer framework for choosing dog supplements, you’ll get it here. Subscribe, share with a dog person, and leave a review so more pet parents can find us.
Pet parent question or story of canine companionship to share ? Email charlotte@thebaroo.com .
*This podcast is for informational purposes only, even if, and regardless of whether it features the advice of veterinarians or professional dog trainers. It is not, nor is it intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary care or personalized canine behavior advice and should not be used as so. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the podcast author or the individual views of those participating in the podcast.
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