On this episode of Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino, Angela chats with Lauren Becks, founder of Girls Gone Raw, about the bones and chews showing up on “raw bars” everywhere and how to tell the clean from the questionable. Lauren shares what real, species-appropriate chews should look and smell like, why bright white bones and bright colors raise flags, and how vague labels can hide flavor sprays and bleaching. We dig into sourcing that actually means something, from small farms and traceable supply to why organs like liver and kidney require extra care and modest portions. Lauren explains bone safety in plain terms, including raw versus cooked, temps that change collagen, and why heavy weight-bearing bones can break teeth or splinter. We also cover smoked bones, whole-prey benefits, and matching chews to your dog’s style so power chewers stay safe. Join Angela and Lauren for practical shopping tips, smarter choices at the treat bar, and a straightforward way to feed closer to nature without the junk.
Episode Recap:
- The overwhelming amount of options we have when it comes to dog chews and pet treats, and how to recognize additives, preservatives, and misleading appearances. (02:33)
- Loopholes in labeling regulations when it comes to chews, and why pet parents must look deeper than just the ingredient list. (04:07)
- The critical role of sourcing and why integrity in choosing farms and suppliers makes or breaks a product. (07:04)
- The challenges small pet businesses face, balancing ethical sourcing, costs, and sustainability. (09:15)
- How personal experiences with their pet’s diagnoses led both Angela and Lauren to dig deeper into ingredients, sourcing, and natural approaches to restore balance and support long-term wellness. (14:04)
- Shortcuts and additives may look cheaper upfront, but investing in clean, biologically appropriate food and holistic care saves pets (and people) from bigger costs and health struggles later. (21:30)
- Why biologically appropriate diets matter: from whole prey to raw bones, dogs and cats thrive on food closer to what they’d eat in nature. (24:49)
- Why whole food, whole plant, and whole prey approaches always outperform isolates or overly processed products. (32:34)
- Safe, minimally processed chews and bones (like meaty or fur-on options) not only avoid the risks of bleached or smoked products but also give dogs natural enrichment that engages their senses and instincts. (39:12)
Episode Resources:
Follow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our CBD & Holistic Pet Advice Facebook Group.
