Pet Food Facts vs Fads - with Cat the Vet

In this episode of The Consult Room, I’m joined by Cat Henstridge, better known online as Cat the Vet, to unpack one of the most confusing areas of pet care: nutrition.

From raw and grain-free diets to vegan and insect-based foods, we explore how pet owners can separate facts from fads in an industry filled with marketing, misinformation, and social media noise. Cat shares her insights as one of the UK’s most trusted veterinary voices online, tackling myths head-on and highlighting what really matters when it comes to feeding our pets well.

Together, we discuss the science behind balanced diets, the rise of pet obesity, the ethics of feeding trends, and how vets can communicate more openly about nutrition without fear of backlash.

In This Episode:

• Why pet food myths spread so easily online

• The truth about raw, grain-free, and vegan diets

• How marketing and “fear-based” ads influence pet owners

• The importance of complete and balanced nutrition

• Why affordability and access must be part of the nutrition debate

• What to look for on pet food packaging

• How to spot misinformation on social media

Key Takeaways:

• Nutrition is a science - not a trend

• Fear-based marketing undermines trust in vets

• Complete and balanced diets can be found at all price points

• Social media has amplified myths about “natural” and “premium” feeding

• Vets need to be braver and more open when talking about pet diets

Resources and More Info:

🌐 Visit theconsultroom.co.uk for more pet health advice and podcast episodes
🐾 Follow @DrPaulTheVet for expert insights and updates
📱 Follow @CatTheVet for myth-busting pet content
📚 Learn more about pet nutrition at wsava.org/nutrition-toolkit

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