Advertise on podcast: Toni Unleashed

In this episode of Toni Unleashed, Toni welcomes Geraldine Brouwer, co-founder of Big Country Raw, to discuss how a small family operation in Canada grows into one of the country's largest raw pet food brands. Geraldine shares how her own dogs inspire her raw feeding journey, from making food in her garage with her husband, Robert, to expanding into the United States. Toni and Geraldine explore the evolution of Big Country Raw's recipes, the importance of complete and balanced nutrition, and the challenges of maintaining food safety and quality as the company grows. They discuss why the brand incorporates supplemental vitamins and minerals, how its packaging makes raw feeding more convenient, and the importance of transparency in pet food manufacturing. The conversation also covers the benefits of introducing fresh food early in a pet's life, incorporating raw food into an existing diet, and adjusting feeding amounts to individual needs. With more raw feeding options becoming available, Geraldine shares her hopes for the industry's future and Big Country Raw's continued expansion across North America.

Returning guest Dr. Carmela Panza joins Toni once again to tackle some of the most common concerns pet parents bring into the vet's office. From recurring ear infections and itchy skin to digestive problems, Toni and Carmela discuss why simply treating symptoms may not address what's causing them in the first place. Carmela shares her integrative approach to pet health, emphasizing nutrition, gut health, supplementation, exercise, environment, and lifestyle. They also dig into vaccines, flea and tick prevention, chronic medications, and the importance of considering each pet individually rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach. Throughout the conversation, Toni and Carmela encourage pet parents to ask questions, educate themselves, and advocate for their animals. Their message is simple: pay attention to what your pet's body is telling you, look beyond the immediate symptom, and don't be afraid to seek another perspective when something doesn't feel right.

In this episode, Toni is joined once again by Emily Taylor to recap their recent volunteer trip to Save a Friend Puerto Rico. From the moment they returned home, the rescue was faced with another heartbreaking reality—more abandoned puppies and a constant influx of dogs needing medical care and forever homes. Toni and Emily reflect on the emotional highs and lows of working alongside Marla and the rescue team, and why the need for support never stops. The conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at what their days in Puerto Rico actually involve, from caring for dogs with medical needs and spending time with long-term shelter residents to taking adoptable dogs on adventures like rainforest hikes to build confidence and improve their chances of finding homes. Toni also shares updates on some of the individual dogs they met and the lasting impression they left. Throughout the episode, Toni and Emily discuss the importance of rescue work, responsible adoption, and using their platform to shine a light on organizations making a difference. It's an honest reflection on the challenges of animal rescue, the resilience of the dogs, and the people who continue showing up to give them a better future.

In this episode, Toni is joined by Emily Taylor to preview their return trip to Puerto Rico, where they'll once again volunteer with Save a Friend Puerto Rico. Reflecting on last year's experience, they discuss what they learned from working with shelter and stray dogs and how this year's trip will allow them to make an even greater impact. Toni and Emily talk about the changing needs of the rescue following the passing of its founder, Nelson, and the important work being led by Marla and the rescue team. From caring for puppies with medical needs to creating educational content and supporting daily shelter operations, they share what listeners can expect from this year's journey. It's an honest behind-the-scenes look at animal rescue, the challenges facing organizations on the island, and why they remain committed to returning to Puerto Rico to support the dogs and the people working tirelessly on their behalf.

In this episode, Toni welcomes back Dr. Carmela Panza, DVM, CVA, for a wide-ranging conversation on holistic veterinary medicine and what it means to support a pet's health beyond treating symptoms. Drawing from decades of experience, Dr. Panza explains how nutrition, hormones, oral health, and lifestyle all work together to influence a dog's long-term well-being. A large part of the discussion explores the effects of spaying and neutering, including the important role reproductive hormones play throughout the body. Dr. Panza also dives into dental health, the connection between inflammation and chronic disease, and why taking a proactive, whole-body approach can help prevent health issues before they start. Throughout the episode, she breaks down complex veterinary topics into practical information pet parents can understand and apply. More than anything, this conversation is about empowering pet owners to ask questions, seek education, and become active participants in their pets' healthcare. Whether you're interested in holistic medicine, hormone health, or making more informed decisions alongside your veterinarian, this episode offers valuable insight into caring for the whole animal.

In this episode, Toni is joined by Jacqueline Lemieux Bokor, photographer and author of a beautifully illustrated book inspired by her beloved dog, Boris. Jacqueline shares the remarkable story of how Boris came into her life, the deep bond they formed, and the profound impact he had on her family over the years. The conversation takes a heartbreaking turn as Jacqueline recounts the devastating house fire that claimed Boris's life while simultaneously saving her family's. Awakened in the middle of the night by Boris's urgent barking, Jacqueline, her husband, and their young daughter escaped a rapidly spreading fire that ultimately destroyed their home. Through grief, loss, and rebuilding, Jacqueline reflects on the unexpected signs, memories, and moments of grace that helped her find meaning in the tragedy. Years later, those experiences became the foundation for a heartfelt book that combines photography, storytelling, and poetry to honor the bond between people and their dogs. Toni and Jacqueline explore themes of love, loss, gratitude, and the ways our pets continue to shape our lives long after they're gone. It's a moving conversation about resilience, remembrance, and the extraordinary gifts our dogs leave behind.

In this episode, Toni is joined by Maria from Doggone Positive Training for a casual and wide-ranging conversation about dogs, training, nutrition, and life as pet professionals. The two kick things off by sharing stories from Global Pet Expo, including the irony of both attending the event and somehow missing each other despite being only steps apart. As the conversation unfolds, Toni and Maria compare notes on their own dogs, discussing everything from puppy energy and enrichment to multi-dog households and behavior management. They share real-life experiences with training challenges, mental stimulation, exercise needs, and the ongoing work that goes into raising happy, well-adjusted dogs. Toni also provides an update on Layla, Grayson, and Bo, reflecting on how each dog continues to teach her something different. Throughout the episode, Toni and Maria emphasize the value of learning from one another, staying curious, and advocating for your pets. It's an honest, unscripted conversation between friends who are passionate about helping dogs and the people who love them.

This episode is an introduction to our podcast. We start off by introducing ourselves and the variety of topics we will be discussing. This first episode is also an introduction to the tone of this podcast, though we will talk about serious topics, and are very passionate about helping animals thrive, we bring a light humorous approach making it welcoming to any and all listeners.    Emily and Toni discuss how they wound up in the pet world and why they are so passionate about it. History with vets, aliments and how we got to be so invested in pet health and wellness.  Topics we will cover and a sneak peak at some of the guests we will have on the show.    Direct any comments or questions to: [email protected]  Visit our website:: www.healthypetproducts.net  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthypetproducts/ https://www.instagram.com/toni.unleashed/  Facebook: Thttps://www.facebook.com/HealthyPetProducts / https://www.facebook.com/ToniUnleashed  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAMxTEiHqRkpWNakn4OA__A  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@healthypetproducts / https://www.tiktok.com/@toni.unleashed  Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/HealthyPetProducts/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/HealthyPetPgh

In this episode, Toni sits down with Amanda Smith, a functional canine nutritionist and founder of Canine Gut Solutions, to talk about the connection between gut health, nutrition, and chronic health issues in dogs. Amanda shares her journey from a 20-year career in veterinary medicine to becoming a nutrition consultant after her own French Bulldog was diagnosed with pancreatitis, leading her to question conventional feeding recommendations and explore a more holistic approach. Amanda explains why so many dogs struggling with issues like chronic itching, digestive problems, and inflammation may need more than symptom management. She discusses the importance of fresh food, gut health testing, food and environmental sensitivities, and how understanding what's happening inside the body can help pet parents make more informed decisions instead of relying on trial and error. The conversation also explores pet parent advocacy, asking questions, and building confidence when navigating veterinary care. Toni and Amanda encourage listeners to think critically, seek education, and remember that improving a dog's health doesn't have to be overwhelming. It's an insightful discussion packed with practical advice for anyone looking to better understand the role nutrition plays in their dog's overall well-being.

In this episode, Toni is joined once again by Emily Claire for the first official Raw Dynamic episode, centered around the story and philosophy behind Raw Dynamic Pet Food. Emily shares how the company originally started after one of the owner's dogs struggled with severe skin and coat issues, leading to the development of a fresh food approach that ultimately inspired the brand. A major focus of the conversation is accessibility and convenience in raw feeding. Toni and Emily break down why Raw Dynamic's cube format has been such a game changer for pet parents — especially for multi-dog households, foster situations, enrichment feeding, and those moments when you forget to thaw food ahead of time. They also discuss how making raw feeding easier and less intimidating helps more people transition away from heavily processed diets. Throughout the episode, Toni and Emily reflect on the growing raw feeding space, what separates Raw Dynamic from other brands, and why practicality matters just as much as ingredient quality when helping pet owners make long-term changes. It's a grounded conversation about fresh feeding, real-life routines, and removing barriers that keep people from feeding better food.

In this episode, Toni is joined once again by Dr. Carmela Panza for a conversation about the long-term effects of early spay and neuter procedures in pets. Together, they break down how removing reproductive hormones too early can impact development, structure, muscle tone, and overall health as dogs mature. Dr. Panza explains the role hormones play far beyond reproduction, including their connection to skeletal development, metabolism, strength, and balance throughout the body. Toni and Carmela also discuss how these conversations are often oversimplified, with many pet owners never fully informed about the potential tradeoffs or alternative approaches available to them. Alongside the discussion on sterilization, the episode touches on holistic care, acupuncture, and the importance of looking at the body as an interconnected system rather than isolating symptoms. It's an honest, educational conversation focused on helping pet parents make more informed and individualized decisions for their dogs.

In this emotional episode, Toni is joined once again by Emily Claire for a deeply personal conversation about grief, aging dogs, and the heartbreak of saying goodbye. Much of the discussion centers around Emily's bond with her dog, Sweet Pea — the role she played through major chapters of Emily's life, including helping care for her grandmother during cancer treatment and becoming a source of comfort for her entire family. Emily opens up about the emotional weight of end-of-life decisions, sharing the guilt, uncertainty, and second-guessing that can come with recognizing a dog's quality of life is changing. The conversation reflects on Sweet Pea's health decline, from confusion to the small everyday moments that signaled things were shifting. Toni and Emily also talk about the lasting connection people feel with pets after they pass, and how certain dogs leave an imprint that never fully fades. Throughout the episode, the two reflect on how deeply dogs shape our emotional lives through love, loss, healing, and personal growth. It's an honest and vulnerable conversation about companionship, grief, and why the pain of losing a dog is inseparable from the joy of loving them in the first place.

In this episode, Toni is joined by Jess Arrington of Wild Wellness Pet and host of The Pet Parenting Reset podcast for a candid conversation about dogs, lifestyle, and the realities of integrating pets into everyday life. Jess shares her personal experiences navigating routines, travel, and decision-making with her dog, highlighting how priorities shift when you're truly considering your pet in every aspect of your life. The conversation digs into the practical side of ownership—how environment, consistency, and preparation impact a dog's behavior and overall well-being. Toni and Jess talk through real scenarios, including managing change, setting expectations, and making adjustments that support both the dog and the owner without creating unnecessary stress. What stands out in this episode is the emphasis on intentional living with dogs. Rather than quick fixes or rigid rules, the focus stays on awareness, adaptability, and making thoughtful choices that align with your dog's needs. It's an honest, relatable conversation about what it actually looks like to build a life that works for both you and your dog. www.wildwellnesspet.com www.thepetparentingreset.com/

In this solo episode, Toni dives into the reality of ticks—why they're such a persistent issue and how pet parents should be thinking about prevention. She breaks down the risks ticks pose, the environments where they thrive, and why simply reacting after you find one isn't enough. Toni walks through different approaches to tick prevention, including conventional medications, natural options, and the pros and cons of each. She emphasizes the importance of consistency, daily checks, and understanding your dog's lifestyle when choosing a prevention strategy, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all solution. This episode is a practical guide to staying ahead of ticks without fear or overwhelm. Toni encourages listeners to be proactive, informed, and intentional—combining prevention methods, awareness, and routine to better protect their dogs year-round.

In this episode, Toni is joined by Carmela for a thoughtful conversation around pet health, nutrition, and the role of education in helping pet parents make better choices. Carmela shares her background and perspective on working directly with pet owners, emphasizing how overwhelming the space can feel without clear, trustworthy guidance. The discussion focuses on breaking down common misconceptions around food, ingredients, and what "healthy" really means in practice. Together, Toni and Carmela highlight the importance of asking questions, understanding sourcing, and looking beyond marketing when choosing products for your pets. Throughout the episode, the conversation stays grounded in real-world experience, reinforcing the idea that small, informed decisions can have a lasting impact on a pet's overall well-being. It's a practical, approachable discussion aimed at helping pet parents feel more confident navigating their options. Instagram: @holistic_animal_doc Facebook: @Carmela.Panza YouTube: @DrCarmelaPanza Email: [email protected]