Ever walked into a pet store, stood in front of a wall stacked with food, toys, and supplements plastered in labels like “all natural,” “holistic,” and “wellness”… and thought, “Wait—which one's actually the best?”
This week on the podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Toni Shelaske—entrepreneur, holistic pet wellness advocate, former owner of Pittsburgh’s favorite natural pet shops, and host of the Toni Unleashed podcast. Together, we’re pulling back the curtain—sharing our go-to brands and getting real about what’s in your pet’s bowls, toys, and enrichment tools, including hidden toxins like lead that can sometimes sneak into products. 😳
Toni just got back from SuperZoo (one of the biggest pet product conventions in the world!) and she’s bringing us the scoop on what’s new, what’s next, and why shopping small and local could change how you care for your pet forever.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed walking the aisles of a pet store, this episode is your no-nonsense cheat sheet to help you shop with clarity and bring home only the best for your furry family member 🐾
KEY INSIGHTS:
✨ How freeze-dried raw, and gently cooked foods are shaping the future of pet nutrition—and why convenience and psychology still drive what we reach for.
✨ Why labels like “natural” and “holistic” can be marketing buzzwords, and the questions to ask for real transparency.
✨ How Toni built the raw food market in Western Pennsylvania and what 25+ years of feeding raw has taught her.
✨ The surprising truth about dog toys and bowls and why some companies follow child-level safety testing.
✨ Specific toy brands and enrichment ideas Toni recommends—like West Paw, Fluff & Tuff, Tall Tails, Soda Pup, and creative DIY snuffle games.
✨ Why bully sticks, yak chews, and coffee wood chews (Canophera sticks) can be great for puppies—and what to watch for with power chewers.
✨ How new tech gadgets (like automatic feeders) and innovative products (like Atomic Bubbles) are shaking up the pet space.
✨ Why independent pet stores offer more passion, product knowledge, and heart than big-box chains—and how they can help you discover hidden-gem brands.
✨ The mushroom supplement boom, CBD trends, and why sourcing, testing, and intentionality matter more than ever.
✨ How Toni is supporting families through The Izzy Fund nonprofit, helping pets stay with their families during medical crises.
✨ Why preventive care, community, and collaboration are the future of pet wellness—and how pet parents like you are leading the way 💛
RESOURCES:
Go listen to those Super Zoo episodes that explore the latest products for pets on Toni’s podcast 👉 Toni Unleashed
Check out Toni’s Pittsburgh-themed dog toys 👉 Yinzer Dog
Learn more about The Izzy Fund, a nonprofit that help cover pet’s medical bills: 👉 TheIzzyFund.org
Pet safe bubble brand 👉 Atomic Bubbles
US made pet toys brand 👉 Cycle Dogs
Some toxins to look out for in dog toys👇
How to find non toxic dog toys
FOLLOW:
Toni’s pet store: @ healthy pet products. Florida
Toni on Instagram on Instagram: @Iknowtoni
Integrative Pet Wellness Center: https://integrativepet.com
Integrative Pet Wellness Center on Instagram: @integrativepet
Dr. Lily Chen on Instagram: @dr.lilychen @the.unicorn.vet
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