10 Episodes Listeners Went Barking Mad for in 2025

In 2025, the Barking Mad podcast brought listeners 35 episodes (and counting—stay tuned on New Year’s Eve for a special episode!), each one packed with no-nonsense commentary, timely education, sharp advocacy, and spicy soundbites about all things pet care.

We traversed crowded trade show floors, contentious debates over nutrition and care, the landscape of viral internet fame, and complex regulatory debates, all while advocating for better, science-based approaches. Whether spotlighting emerging brands, unpacking confusing claims and trends, or separating true innovation from marketing fluff, we remain committed to curiosity, clarity, and candor.

As we close the chapter on 2025, let’s revisit the 10 episodes that resonated most with you and other listeners this year, plus a few honorable mentions that sparked thoughtful conversations and steaming-hot takes along the way. Happy listening!

Beyond the Brands: Your Backstage Pass to SUPERZOO 2025

Step onto the show floor at SUPERZOO 2025, North America’s largest pet industry trade show, without leaving the comfort of your home! In this episode, co-hosts Dr. Stephanie Clark and Jordan Tyler take you behind the booths and into their conversations with first-time exhibitors, longtime industry veterans, and innovators shaping what’s next for pets and their people. From playful product launches to thought-provoking insights on humanization, co-manufacturing, and what real innovation looks like, this is your backstage pass to the buzz, the lessons, and the laughs that made this year’s SUPERZOO experience unforgettable.

The Billion-Dollar Deception of DCM: Inside KetoNatural’s Class Action Lawsuit

This explosive episode unpacks the rise and fall of grain-free pet food, the controversial roles of the FDA and veterinarians, and the largest lawsuit in American pet food history. Through shocking data and first-hand accounts, join us as we expose how fear and misinformation reshaped an entire industry. Featuring an in-depth interview with Daniel Schulof, Founder and CEO of KetoNatural Pet Foods, this episode reveals the untold story behind one of the pet industry's most elusive scandals.

Bug Appétit: From Ick to Innovation on Insect-Based Pet Food

Bugs: your dog’s been eating them anyway—why not make it official? In this episode of Barking Mad, Jordan and Dr. Steph dig deep into the world of insect-based pet nutrition—from black soldier fly larvae to crickets to mealworms. You’ll hear from scientists, brand leaders, and strategists about the surprising nutritional benefits, sustainability wins, and cultural hurdles of feeding bugs to our pets. Whether you’re intrigued or totally grossed out, this episode will challenge what you thought you knew about both “ick” and innovation.

Looking for Love: Swiping Right on Sustainable Cat Litter

Is your cat litter giving you red flags? In this episode of Barking Mad, we’re breaking up with clay and introducing six sustainable litter options that are ready to commit—odor control, low dust, and all. From corn and walnut shells to tofu and recycled paper, meet the brands turning trash into treasure and poop into performance. Join us as we play matchmaker and help you find the purr-fect partner for your cat’s litter box needs!

Is Recyclable Pet Food Packaging A Lie? Unraveling The Pet Industry’s Plastic Waste Problem

Tons of brands say their packaging is recyclable, but what does that really mean and how does it actually happen? In this episode of Barking Mad, we unpack the truth behind pet food packaging: misleading claims, infrastructure gaps, consumer confusion, and the realities that make flexible plastics so difficult to recycle. With expert voices from packaging engineers, sustainability leaders, and recycling innovators, we explore where the system is currently breaking down—and the creative solutions shaping a more circular future.

Innovation or Imitation? Inside Zoomark 2025

Get ready to go behind the scenes of Zoomark 2025—Europe’s largest pet industry trade show—and uncover what really separates European and American approaches to pet nutrition. From ingredient innovation to marketing tactics, this conversation explores why European pet owners demand proof on product claims, while those in the U.S. are often driven by emotion and storytelling. We’ll share insights from a six-week tour across the continent, revealing cultural differences that shape how we feed and care for our pets. Whether you’re a pet parent or industry professional, this episode provides an expert perspective into innovation, cultural nuances, and what truly makes a pet product stand out in the European pet market.

Feeding the Future: Pet Trends and Technology from Global Pet Expo 2025

What do dog-friendly popcorn, AI-powered pet feeders, and feline chin acne have in common? They were all part of the conversation at Global Pet Expo 2025—and they tell a bigger story about where the pet care industry is headed. Join us in this exclusive episode as host Jordan Tyler takes you to the heart of the show floor, where tech innovation and nutritional trends collided. From smart feeding systems to shelf-stable cat meals with roots in raw nutrition, we explore true novelty in the pet tech category and share an important message about the overall state of pet care innovation.

Corgis Gone Viral: Meet Dash & Lili, the Internet’s Favorite Dog Duo

One toss of the toy changed everything for Adriane and Mike Wang and their “firstborn son.” In this heartwarming episode, you’ll meet the couple behind the internet’s favorite Corgi duo: Dash & Lili. Recorded live from the floor of SUPERZOO 2025, this episode takes you behind the camera to reveal their real story behind their virality online, why the Wangs are so selective about brand partnerships, and what they’ve learned about truth in pet food marketing. From grading poop (yes, really) to spotlighting shelters in need, this conversation is a celebration of authenticity, compassion, and the bond we share with our beloved animal companions.

Holistic Pet Nutrition: Not a Category, But a Concept

Confused by the term “holistic” on pet food labels? You’re not alone. In this episode of Barking Mad, we unpack what holistic pet nutrition really means—from food energetics and antioxidants to species-appropriate diets and the One Health approach. With expert guests and a no-nonsense approach, join us as we help you navigate the science, the claims, and the gray areas of holistic pet nutrition so you can feed with confidence, not confusion.

Trends to Watch in 2025, Part 5: Personalized Nutrition & Preventive Care

Buckle up for the fifth and final episode of our Trends to Watch in 2025 mini-series! This fascinating episode is all about personalized pet nutrition, from breed-specific formulations and custom kibbles to high-tech wearables that can track all kinds of health and wellness metrics in real-time. Join us as we explore how the future of pet nutrition is set to become increasingly tailored to each individual pet’s needs.

 

Small Brands, Big Impact: Emerging Brands & Innovations from SUPERZOO 2025

Many of the industry’s boldest ideas are bubbling up from fresh, fearless entrepreneurs reshaping the future of pet care. In this episode of Barking Mad recorded live on the SUPERZOO 2025 show floor, hosts Dr. Stephanie Clark and Jordan Tyler spotlight the startups and innovators rewriting the rules of pet nutrition and wellness. From fresh, vet-formulated diets and allergy-friendly treats to nutrient-dense regenerative organ blends, cost-effective functional ingredients, and a novel hydration gel, you'll hear firsthand how these brands are transforming pet owners’ pain points into opportunities.

Copper Confusion: Separating Science from Speculation in Pet Nutrition

There’s a heated debate happening in the pet food space around copper in dog food. This essential trace mineral is critical for canine health, yet veterinarians have recently begun to speculate on excessive dietary copper causing liver disease in dogs—but there’s much more to this story. Join us as we unravel the copper controversy with experts from BSM Partners, Zinpro Corporation, and Trouw Nutrition.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: How the PURR Act Could Undermine Pet Food Transparency and Safety

What if the pet food labels you rely on to keep your furry family members safe suddenly became meaningless? What if brands could swap ingredients without telling you, slap trendy buzzwords on packaging without proof, and sidestep the very regulations designed to protect your pets? That’s exactly what’s at stake with the PURR Act—a piece of proposed legislation that promises to “unify” pet food regulations, but could actually strip away transparency, eliminate state oversight, and allow for deceptive marketing claims. Join us as we expose the hidden dangers of the PURR Act with Austin Therrell and Dr. Charles Starkey, breaking down exactly how this bill could make it easier for big pet food companies to cut corners while leaving pet parents and smaller brands in the dark.

But wait, there’s more! Celebrate the holidays with Jordan and Dr. Steph in our 2025 Holiday Special shared this Christmas Eve, and stay tuned for our New Year’s Special, in which we’ll share our top-performing episodes from 2025, discuss of our personal favorite stories and segments, and tease our many exciting plans for 2026. (You know that crotchety dog in our logo? You’re about to know him a whole lot better…)

From all of us at Barking Mad, we’re grateful for a year filled with thoughtful guests, engaged listeners, and conversations that hit harder and linger longer than mere soundbites. (Don’t worry, there were plenty of silly soundbites, too.) We’ll continue to evolve, but our mission will always stay the same: honest conversations, informed perspectives, and a little snark where it’s warranted. Thank you for listening, sharing, and challenging us along the way—and stay tuned for what’s next!

🎧 Find Barking Mad on the BSM Partners website, as well as on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, and Podlink.

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About the Author

Jordan Tyler is the Director of Media at BSM Partners and co-host of the Barking Mad podcast. She has more than seven years of experience reporting on trends, best practices and developments in the North American pet nutrition industry. Jordan resides in Bentonville, Arkansas, with her husband and their three furry family members.