Advertise on podcast: Toni Unleashed

In this episode of Toni Unleashed, Toni talks with Emily Taylor of Raw Dynamic Pet Food about the importance of moisture and species-appropriate nutrition for cats. The conversation focuses on why dry, heavily processed diets often fall short and how moisture-rich food better supports feline digestion, hydration, and overall health. Emily explains Raw Dynamic's updated cat food formulas, including scoopable frozen and freeze-dried cubes and the addition of single-source bone broth matched to each protein. They also discuss the role of species-specific probiotics designed to survive cats' highly acidic digestive systems. The episode wraps with practical feeding tips—like avoiding whisker fatigue, rotating proteins, and prioritizing moisture from food—not just water bowls—to help cats thrive long term.

In this episode of Toni Unleashed, Toni Shelaske is joined by Cydian Kauffman of Pure Natural Water Northwest for a clear, approachable conversation about water quality and filtration. Together, they break down what actually comes out of the tap and why water quality can vary so widely from place to place. Cydian explains how municipal water systems work, what common contaminants may remain after treatment, and the importance of testing your water before choosing a filtration system. The discussion compares different filtration options—including whole-house systems, under-sink filters, and reverse osmosis—while addressing common misconceptions around "clean" water. The episode wraps with a practical look at how understanding your water source empowers better decisions for your home and health, encouraging listeners to ask questions, read water reports, and take control of the water they use every day.

In this episode, Toni is joined by former producer and longtime friend, Cydnee Traversari, to share the real-life story of her dog Rufus and his journey from being significantly overweight to thriving at 16 years old. The conversation offers an honest, relatable look at how easily weight gain can happen—and how powerful small, informed changes can be. Toni and Cydnee discuss early feeding mistakes, including relying on kibble guidelines, overestimating portions based on current weight, and unintentionally over-treating. Cydnee shares how switching to higher-quality, more nutrient-dense food, cutting portions, and eventually incorporating raw feeding helped Rufus lose over 10 pounds and dramatically improve his mobility, energy, and overall health. The episode also touches on behavior changes linked to diet, the role of joint supplements, managing senior dogs, and why questioning marketing and feeding charts matters. With humor, honesty, and zero judgment, this conversation reinforces a key message: better food, proper portions, and education can add years—and quality—to a dog's life.

In this episode of Toni Unleashed, Toni is joined by Emily Claire and Michelle McGraw of Say It Once Dog Training for an honest conversation about what it really takes to support dogs—and the people caring for them. Together, they explore how training, nutrition, fostering, and real-world exposure work together to build confident, well-adjusted dogs. The discussion breaks down the idea of structured socialization, emphasizing that it's more than just dogs interacting with each other. Michelle shares insight from her training work, highlighting how everyday environments, consistency, and clear communication play a major role in long-term behavioral success. Toni and Emily reflect on their experiences fostering rescue dogs, including the challenges of managing multiple dogs with different needs and energy levels. The episode reinforces a judgment-free approach rooted in education, patience, and small, intentional efforts that create lasting change for both dogs and their humans.

In this solo episode of Toni Unleashed, Toni Shelaske dives into the growing issue of pet obesity and why weight management is critical to long-term health and quality of life. With more than half of dogs and cats now considered overweight, Toni explains how overfeeding, excessive treats, and starch-heavy diets—especially kibble—contribute to the problem. She challenges common feeding assumptions, discusses portion control and fresh food additions, and shares personal insight from her dog Bo's weight-loss journey. The conversation also touches on fasting, treat habits, and the role humans play in pet weight gain. Maybe it's time to rethink daily feeding choices and join an ongoing focus on sustainable, realistic approaches to helping pets live longer, healthier lives.

In this episode of Toni Unleashed, Toni Shelaske welcomes back Rebecca Rose of inClover Pet Supplements for an in-depth conversation focused on skin and coat health, supplementation, and what truly supports pets from the inside out. Using Toni's own rescue dog Grayson as a real-world example, the discussion explores how nutrition and targeted supplements can dramatically improve skin recovery and coat quality after early health challenges. Rebecca breaks down the science behind inClover's Skin & Coat supplement, highlighting the role of clinically tested levels of biotin, zinc, and omega-3s, and explains why sourcing—particularly algae-based DHA—matters for both effectiveness and environmental sustainability. The conversation emphasizes repairing skin at the cellular level rather than relying solely on topical solutions. They also dive into label transparency, inactive ingredients, and the importance of NASC certification, offering listeners a clearer understanding of how to evaluate supplements responsibly. From dogs and cats to horses and even zoo animals, the episode reinforces a core message: thoughtful nutrition and daily supplementation help pets stay resilient in the face of stress, aging, and environmental challenges.

In this episode of Toni Unleashed, Toni Shelaske is joined by Michelle McGraw of Say It Once Dog Training and Emily Claire for a thoughtful conversation about the powerful connection between nutrition, behavior, and emotional regulation in pets. Together, they explore how daily choices around food, enrichment, and routine can significantly influence a pet's overall well-being. The discussion breaks down how highly processed diets—particularly kibble-heavy feeding—can contribute to blood sugar swings, behavioral challenges, and constant hunger. Toni, Michelle, and Emily share approachable, budget-conscious ways pet parents can improve their pet's diet, including incorporating fresh foods like eggs, fruits, vegetables, and other safe additions to the bowl. The episode also touches on training, anxiety, medication, and the importance of addressing foundational needs before turning to quick fixes. Emphasizing education, advocacy, and realistic expectations, the conversation highlights how meeting pets where they are—and making small, intentional changes—can lead to meaningful improvements in both behavior and quality of life.

In this episode of Toni Unleashed, Toni Shelaske sits down with Rebecca Rose, founder of InClover, to break down what truly supports joint health in dogs and cats. Rebecca shares the science behind mobility supplements, explains why ingredients like glucosamine aren't always enough on their own, and highlights the importance of targeting the entire joint structure—not just the cartilage. They discuss common mobility issues, early signs pet parents shouldn't ignore, and how inflammation and gut health play a bigger role in joint comfort than most people realize. Rebecca also explains what makes InClover's formulations unique, from clinically tested ingredients to bioavailable nutrient combinations designed to deliver real, measurable results. The conversation gives pet parents a clearer understanding of what to look for in a joint supplement, how to support pets as they age, and why starting early can make all the difference. https://inclover.com/

In this solo episode of Toni Unleashed, Toni Shelaske breaks down the truth about dental health for dogs and cats—starting with a key myth: kibble does not clean teeth. She explains how fresh food and biologically appropriate chewing play a far bigger role in preventing plaque and tartar. Toni shares her top natural chew recommendations, including roasted bones, raw femur bones, antlers, bully sticks, sheep horns, coffee wood, yak chews, and more. She covers how abrasion-based chewing supports dental hygiene, reduces anxiety, and keeps pets occupied during busy gatherings. She also touches on safe sourcing, choosing the right chews for your pet, and how gut health and fresh food contribute to better breath and overall oral wellness. Toni closes with practical tips for both dogs and cats—and a reminder to share the episode and leave a five-star review.

In this episode, Toni talks with Adam Spencer, founder of Furlanthropy, about his journey from devoted pet owner to creating a nonprofit crowdfunding platform that helps pet parents afford essential veterinary care. Adam discusses the financial hurdles many owners face and how Furlanthropy fills the gap by offering a transparent, ethical, and accessible way to raise funds during medical emergencies. They explore what makes Furlanthropy different—from flexible donation options to empowering families to manage their own campaigns with clarity and confidence. Adam also highlights the importance of transparency in nonprofit work and shares his vision for Furlanthropy's future as a long-term support system for the pet care community.

In this solo episode of Toni Unleashed, Toni revisits the ever-challenging topic of fleas and ticks—sharing what's working, what's not, along with having to face a tough decision for her own dog. She walks through her favorite natural prevention strategies—from herbal supplements and sprays to diatomaceous earth and ultrasonic tick tags—along with simple, effective tips for keeping pets safe year-round. Toni also gives updates on her pack: Bo's senior care and laser therapy, Grayson's recovery and glowing coat, and Layla's ongoing digestive journey. As always, she offers honesty, insight, and heart to help pet parents make the best choices for their animals. Learn more or connect with Toni at ToniUnleashed.com.

In this inspiring episode of Toni Unleashed, Toni sits down with Ava Dorsey, the founder and CEO of Ava's Pet Palace — a thriving pet treat company she started when she was just eight years old. Now 18, Ava shares how her childhood love for animals and passion for healthy ingredients grew into an award-winning, USDA Organic brand with nationwide retail presence. Ava talks about drawing her first "job plan" at age six, making tuna treats for her cat Pumpkin, and how family support and social media helped her business take off. She and Toni discuss her journey from baking treats in her kitchen to working with co-manufacturers, exhibiting at Global Pet Expo, and getting into major retailers like Meijer and Erewhon—all while staying committed to small, independent pet stores. They also dive into the challenges of balancing entrepreneurship with school, the power of staying true to your values, and Ava's advice for other young entrepreneurs: "Comparison is the thief of joy." Learn more or shop at avaspetpalace.com, and follow @AvasPetPalace on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and YouTube.

In this episode of Toni Unleashed, Toni talks with Amadeus and Tamaris, founders of Chocolate Detox for Dogs, the world's first over-the-counter chocolate neutralizer for pets. After nearly losing his dog to chocolate poisoning, physicist and patent attorney Amadeus created a safe, science-backed product every pet parent should keep in their first-aid kit. They discuss how Chocolate Detox works, why minutes matter after ingestion, and how vets are embracing it as a practical, affordable solution. The conversation also covers new products on the way, including grape detox, THC detox, and Safe Lick, a paw wipe that neutralizes lawn chemicals linked to cancer in dogs. Learn more at chocolatedetoxfordogs.com and follow @CD4Dogs on social media.

In this episode of Toni Unleashed, Toni chats with Mark Regan, co-founder of Call Poop Away, about how a simple idea turned into a thriving pet waste removal business serving Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Mark shares how he and his business partner grew from one Craigslist ad to hundreds of recurring customers, built a loyal team, and are now expanding through franchise opportunities. They discuss the ups and downs of running a "garage business," the surprising profitability of poop scooping, and creative add-on services like deodorizing sprays and tick treatments. Mark's story proves that with persistence, humor, and hard work, you really can make a business out of anything. Learn more at callpoopaway.com or follow The Poop Guys on social media for updates and laughs.

In this episode of Toni Unleashed, Toni welcomes Sean Zyer, founder of Earth Buddy Pet, for an in-depth conversation about the science and power of functional mushrooms for pets. Sean shares how his company began a decade ago with full-spectrum CBD and evolved into crafting small-batch, Colorado-grown supplements that support pets' immune systems, cognition, and overall health. Toni and Sean dive deep into the differences between fruiting bodies and mycelium, why both matter, and how to evaluate the quality of mushroom products. They explore the unique properties of five core mushrooms—reishi, lion's mane, turkey tail, cordyceps, and agarikon—and their roles in immune modulation, cognitive health, allergy support, and longevity. The conversation also touches on sourcing transparency, USDA organic cultivation, and how consistency and patience are key when introducing supplements. Sean explains why mushroom blends can benefit pets of all ages and how simple, sustainable approaches to health can make a long-term difference for animals and their humans alike. Learn more about Earth Buddy Pet at earthbuddypet.com, and check out their educational resources for deeper insights into mushroom science.