Best Bets for Pets - The latest pet product trends - Pets & Animals - Pet Life Radio Original

This week on Best Bets for Pets, host Michelle Fern welcomes Chris McFadden, founder of FOXVINO—a unique athleisure brand inspired by love, loss, and the powerful bond we share with our pets. After losing his beloved dogs Foxy and Vino, Chris turned grief into purpose, creating a clothing line that blends comfort, self-expression, and mental wellness. In this heartfelt episode, he shares how pets shape our emotional lives, how honoring their memory can lead to healing, and why today’s consumers are gravitating toward meaningful, purpose-driven brands. Plus, learn how FOXVINO gives back to rescue organizations and important causes, and how our pets continue to inspire healthier, more connected lives. EPISODE NOTES: From Loss to Legacy: The Story Behind FOXVINO Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/best-bets-for-pets-the-latest-pet-product-trends-pets-animals-pet-life-radio-original--6667904/support.

On this episode of Best Bets for Pets, host Michelle Fern welcomes author Jamie Okh to share the touching true story behind The Fun and Furry Tales of Rex: Adoption Day. Inspired by a real-life moment when three puppies arrived at her doorstep, Jamie recounts how one special pup—Rex—captured her heart and became a beloved family member. Told from a puppy’s perspective and brought to life through beautiful photography, this charming children’s book celebrates adoption, compassion, and the powerful bond between pets and their humans. Jamie also discusses the importance of rescuing animals, the emotional journey behind the book, and how storytelling can inspire kindness, gratitude, and empathy in children and families alike. EPISODE NOTES: The Fun and Furry Tales of Rex: Adoption Day Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/best-bets-for-pets-the-latest-pet-product-trends-pets-animals-pet-life-radio-original--6667904/support.

Start the year off right with a fresh, polished look for your pets! On this episode of Best Bets for Pets, host Michelle Fern welcomes Maria Fernandez, Senior Director of Brand and Product Development at Tweezerman, to talk about their innovative line of pet grooming tools. From nail clippers and slicker brushes to tick removal tools, Maria shares why quality matters when grooming your furry companions—and how the right tools can turn grooming from a stressful chore into a relaxing, spa-like bonding experience. Learn expert-backed tips from vets and groomers, how to avoid common grooming mistakes, and why investing in premium tools can protect your pet’s health and comfort. Whether you groom at home or between salon visits, this episode is packed with must-know advice for every pet parent. EPISODE NOTES: The Secret to Stress-Free Pet Grooming (Hint: It’s the Right Tools from Tweezerman!) Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/best-bets-for-pets-the-latest-pet-product-trends-pets-animals-pet-life-radio-original--6667904/support.

On this episode of Best Bets for Pets, Michelle Fern welcomes Dr. Heather Berst, Medical Lead at Zoetis, to talk about the Zoetis Breed Explorer—a fun, vet-approved tool designed to help pet parents find the dog or cat breed that truly fits their lifestyle. With more than 400 breeds featured, the Breed Explorer offers insights into energy level, family friendliness, grooming needs, health considerations, and more. Michelle and Dr. Heather discuss why choosing a pet based on looks alone can lead to surprises, how breed traits can influence behavior and health, and why informed, responsible pet ownership starts before you bring a new furry family member home. Whether you’re considering a purebred, a mixed breed, a kitten, or a puppy, this episode is packed with practical advice to help match the right pet with the right person. EPISODE NOTES: The Breed Explorer: What Breed Is Best for You? Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/best-bets-for-pets-the-latest-pet-product-trends-pets-animals-pet-life-radio-original--6667904/support.

On this episode of Best Bets for Pets, host Michelle Fern tackles an important topic for anyone who travels with their pet — especially the more than 800,000 U.S. truck drivers who bring their dogs (and sometimes cats) along for the ride. Volvo Trucks North America has partnered with the Center for Pet Safety to conduct the first-of-its-kind evaluation of pet safety in a Class 8 long-haul truck — and the results may surprise you. Michelle speaks with Chris Stadler of Volvo Trucks about the all-new Volvo VNL, which passed the pet safety assessment, including strength-tested anchor points compatible with CPS-certified harnesses and carriers, an industry-leading battery-powered Parking Cooler that keeps pets comfortable up to eight hours without idling, and innovative sleeper-cab design features that support safe pet travel. Whether you drive a big rig or a family SUV, this episode highlights crucial lessons about securing pets, managing temperature, and raising the bar for travel safety for our four-legged co-pilots. EPISODE NOTES: Big Rigs & Barking Co-Pilots - Volvo: Raising the Bar on Pet Travel Safety Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/best-bets-for-pets-the-latest-pet-product-trends-pets-animals-pet-life-radio-original--6667904/support.

On this episode of Best Bets for Pets, host Michelle Fern talks with David Teaster, Product Marketing Director for SATELLAI, about a breakthrough in pet technology that could change how we understand our dogs. SATELLAI is introducing PetSense™ AI—the world’s first multimodal AI model designed specifically for pets. Built into SATELLAI’s GPS collars, PetSense analyzes real-time data like posture, breathing, sleep patterns, activity levels, and even vocalizations to create a personalized baseline for each dog. The result? Earlier health insights, smarter training support, and greater peace of mind. David also shares details about the new, adventure-ready Collar Go, an affordable GPS and AI-powered wearable built to keep up with active pets—without the premium price tag. EPISODE NOTES: Can AI Understand Your Dog? A First Look at PetSense Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/best-bets-for-pets-the-latest-pet-product-trends-pets-animals-pet-life-radio-original--6667904/support.

With the New Year here and wellness top of mind, Best Bets for Pets host Michelle Fern explores how small nutrition changes can make a big difference in your pet’s health. This episode spotlights Vital Essentials, a raw dog and cat food and treat brand that makes feeding real, nutrient-rich food simple and approachable. Joined by Ashlyn Lane, Consumer Experience Manager at Carnivore Meat Company and an animal nutrition expert with deep industry and hands-on training experience, Michelle dives into the benefits of raw nutrition — including improved digestion, increased energy, shinier coats, and overall vitality. Listeners will learn why you don’t need a full diet overhaul to see results, how adding just 20% raw protein can support wellness, and why single-ingredient treats like minnows, beef liver, and crunchy mini nibs are an easy way to get started for both dogs and cats. EPISODE NOTES: New Year, Healthier Pets: Simple Raw Nutrition Wins with Vital Essentials Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/best-bets-for-pets-the-latest-pet-product-trends-pets-animals-pet-life-radio-original--6667904/support.

On this episode of Best Bets for Pets, Michelle Fern welcomes AskMambo co-founders Anthony Cospito and Arlu Gomez to share the personal story behind a fast-growing AI platform designed specifically for dog parents. Anthony, a longtime tech executive, was inspired to create AskMambo after his own dog, Mambo, became ill and he discovered just how difficult it was to find trustworthy, dog-specific answers online. Generic searches—and even general AI tools—fell short, offering advice that didn’t reflect his dog’s unique situation. Together with Arlu Gomez, Anthony built AskMambo to help translate everyday dog behaviors, explain symptoms, decode confusing vet-speak, and strengthen the human-pup bond in a way that feels personal, supportive, and human—like chatting with a knowledgeable dog-loving friend. Michelle and her guests explore how AskMambo works, why it resonates with today’s pet parents, and how smarter, kinder technology can help people better understand and care for their best friends. EPISODE NOTES: AskMambo: AI That Actually Understands Your Dog Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/best-bets-for-pets-the-latest-pet-product-trends-pets-animals-pet-life-radio-original--6667904/support.

On this episode of Best Bets for Pets, Michelle Fern dives into a topic every pet parent must understand: the real cost of caring for our furry family members. From rising veterinary expenses to often-overlooked “startup costs,” Senior Vice President and General Manager of Pet at CareCredit, Jonathan Wainberg, returns to unpack why pet care costs continue to climb — and what smart, practical steps pet parents can take to budget for both routine and emergency expenses. Jonathan explains how tools like CareCredit and pet insurance can work together, shares insights on the biggest financial surprises new pet owners face, and offers lifesaving advice for planning ahead. If you’ve ever wondered how to prepare for the true financial side of pet ownership, this episode is a must-listen. EPISODE NOTES: The Real Cost of Pet Love: Budgeting for Your Best Friend Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/best-bets-for-pets-the-latest-pet-product-trends-pets-animals-pet-life-radio-original--6667904/support.

Get ready for tail wags, belly laughs, and a whole lot of canine chaos! In this episode, we dive into A Dog Lover’s Activity Book: Pawsome Puzzles, Games & Fun for Canine Fans — the hilarious and heartfelt new activity book by writer and longtime rescue-dog advocate Debra Simon. Packed with coloring pages, quizzes, mazes, word games, and scenes every dog owner will recognize (yes, including muddy pawprints and suspiciously quiet moments), this book celebrates everything we adore — and occasionally tolerate — about life with our four-legged best friends. Debra joins us to share what inspired the book, her decades of working with rescue pups, and why she believes dog lovers have their own special personality type. Whether your pup is a zoomie machine or a professional slipper destroyer, this episode is guaranteed to make you smile, laugh, and appreciate the wonderful chaos that comes with loving a dog. EPISODE NOTES: Paws, Play & Pure Dog Joy: Inside A Dog Lover’s Activity Book Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/best-bets-for-pets-the-latest-pet-product-trends-pets-animals-pet-life-radio-original--6667904/support.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year on Best Bets for Pets! Host Michelle Fern welcomes Pet Life Radio’s Executive Producer, Mark Winter, for their annual Holiday Pet Gift Guide Show — packed with pawsome products for furry family members. From interactive toys and snack trays to stress-free grooming tools, superfood treats, recovery essentials, air-purifying tech, goat’s milk shampoo bars, and even big-dog specialty gear, this episode unwraps the hottest holiday must-haves for pets and pet parents. Whether you're shopping for playful puppies, senior sweethearts, or extra-large fur-babies, Michelle and Mark help you find gifts that promote joy, comfort, enrichment, health, and a clean home — all while making life easier for pet parents. If you love spoiling your pets during EPISODE NOTES: BEST Holiday Gifts for Pets 2025 — Toys, Treats, Grooming & More! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/best-bets-for-pets-the-latest-pet-product-trends-pets-animals-pet-life-radio-original--6667904/support.

In this awesome episode of Best Bets for Pets, host Michelle Fern sits down with Emmy-nominated TV host, entrepreneur, and animal advocate Rocky Kanaka, whose viral rescue stories have touched millions worldwide. Rocky shares the inspiration behind his powerful new book, Sitting with Dogs: Stories of Rescue Dogs Going from Lost to Loved — a collection of nine unforgettable tales of hope, healing, and second chances. From the boxer who saved his life to the many shelter dogs who changed his heart forever, Rocky opens up about turning passion into purpose through storytelling, rescue work, and his mission to help every dog find a forever home. EPISODE NOTES: From Lost to Loved: Rocky Kanaka’s Sitting with Dogs and the Power of Rescue Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/best-bets-for-pets-the-latest-pet-product-trends-pets-animals-pet-life-radio-original--6667904/support.

This week on Best Bets for Pets, host Michelle Fern chats with Cynthia Murray, founder of 4Legz All-Natural Dog Treats — the company that truly puts the “natural” in all-natural! What began with one dog’s special needs has grown into a mission-driven brand that makes 100% non-GMO, human-grade dog treats using only ingredients you can pronounce. Inspired by Cynthia’s hearing service dog, Odie, 4Legz was born from love, compassion, and a promise to make treats safe for every pup — even those with allergies. Beyond crafting wholesome snacks, 4Legz empowers the disabled community through inclusive employment opportunities and supports animal-friendly causes across the country. Tune in for this heartwarming story of purpose, pets, and perseverance — proof that one good dog can change the world. EPISODE NOTES: The Sweet Story Behind 4Legz: All-Natural Treats with Heart Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/best-bets-for-pets-the-latest-pet-product-trends-pets-animals-pet-life-radio-original--6667904/support.

This week on Best Bets for Pets, Michelle Fern sinks her teeth into feline oral care with Pet Honesty’s new Fresh Dental Bites for Cats.. Building on the hit Dog Dental Powder, these dual-texture chews (loved by 9 out of 10 cats) offer an easy, vet-approved way to fight plaque, tartar, and bad breath—no toothbrush required. Michelle chats with Dr. Greg Reinhart, Ph.D., about the science behind the formulation, including postbiotics, kelp, SHMP, fish oil, barley, and Pet Honesty’s fresh-breath blend, and why over 70% of cats over age 2 show signs of dental issues. If you’ve struggled with brushing or want a simpler daily routine, tune in for practical tips, ingredient insights, and how these bites fit into a preventative dental plan. EPISODE NOTES: Bite-Sized Dentistry: Pet Honesty’s Fresh Dental Bites Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/best-bets-for-pets-the-latest-pet-product-trends-pets-animals-pet-life-radio-original--6667904/support.

This week on Best Bets for Pets, Michelle Fern sits down with Ayaz Ahmadov, CEO & founder of Dosty—the all-in-one app helping pet parents navigate both everyday care and true emergencies. Built on proprietary AI that weighs 40+ data points (breed, diet, health history, and more), Dosty delivers tailored insights for each pet’s unique profile—plus a global toolkit of symptom checkers, daily routine planners, health trackers, and smart reminders. Michelle and Ayaz dig into why pet care is primed for a “super app,” the surprising user trends he’s seeing, and how trustworthy, personalized tools can counter risky social-media advice amid rising vet costs and inconsistent pet-insurance support. If you’ve ever wished for a vetted, always-on co-pilot for pet health, this conversation is your roadmap. EPISODE NOTES: A Vet in Your Pocket:: Inside Dosty’s AI Pet-Care Super App Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/best-bets-for-pets-the-latest-pet-product-trends-pets-animals-pet-life-radio-original--6667904/support.

This week on Best Bets for Pets, Michelle Fern chats with Elliott Schackne, integrative nutritionist and founder of Jaffee’s Bone Broth. Inspired by his work rehabilitating sick foster dogs, Elliott created a brand-new line of homemade bone broths — each batch crafted in his own kitchen with the help of his family. Using only the highest quality ingredients sourced from independent farms that raise 100% grass-fed, free-range, and wild-grazed animals, Jaffee’s Bone Broth is unlike anything else on the market. With no fat, salt, or added flavorings, and featuring the only bone broth for dogs that includes fully edible bones in every pouch, Jaffee’s is on a mission to help your dog live its healthiest and happiest life. EPISODE NOTES: Yummy Jaffee’s Bone Broth: The First Dog Bone Broth with Edible Bones Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/best-bets-for-pets-the-latest-pet-product-trends-pets-animals-pet-life-radio-original--6667904/support.

This week on Best Bets for Pets, Michelle Fern sits down with Nick Mikhail, founder of Penthouse Paws, to talk about the future of smart pet care! From automated feeders and wireless water fountains to innovative grooming wipes and the upcoming Litter IQ with built-in UV light and 4K camera, Nick shares how Penthouse Paws is making life easier (and cleaner!) for pets and their parents. Discover how his four cats—including three high-maintenance Sphynx—helped inspire products designed with quality, safety, and convenience in mind. Plus, Michelle shares her own experiences testing the products with her cats, including Dennis and his ear care routine. Tune in for a mix of innovation, heart, and practical tips every pet parent will love. EPISODE NOTES: Yummy The Future of Pet Care: Penthouse Paws Innovation Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/best-bets-for-pets-the-latest-pet-product-trends-pets-animals-pet-life-radio-original--6667904/support.

This week on Best Bets for Pets, host Michelle Fern sits down with Good Owners CEO Darin O. Saw-Bellisario, Ph.D. to explore a groundbreaking new innovation in the pet world: dogGPT. Fresh off winning the 2025 Orange Dot Award for Smart Pet Living Innovation, Good Owners is revolutionizing dog ownership with the world’s first AI-powered platform built to answer every dog parent’s questions about health, behavior, and lifestyle. Darin shares how dogGPT is set to transform the lives of millions of owners struggling to find reliable guidance online. From addressing common training and health challenges to empowering a new “dog knowledge economy,” this episode takes you behind the scenes of how AI and pet care are colliding to create smarter, happier, and healthier lives for dogs everywhere. Don’t miss this deep dive into the future of being a great dog parent! Best Bets for Pets listeners! Use promo code BESTPETS to get 30 days of free access to the Guide, including a version of dogGPT! Just go to: goodowners.guide. EPISODE NOTES: Yummy dogGPT Unleashed: How AI is Transforming Dog Parenting Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/best-bets-for-pets-the-latest-pet-product-trends-pets-animals-pet-life-radio-original--6667904/support.

On this episode of Best Bets for Pets, Michelle Fern sinks her teeth into an exciting conversation with Joe Roetheli, the founder of PetsBestLife.com and creator of the revolutionary dog dental treat, Yummy Combs. These honeycomb-shaped chews aren’t your average dental snacks — they’re a complete oral health and nutrition solution! Designed with deep pockets to clean dogs’ teeth to the gum line, Yummy Combs help remove plaque and tartar with 360-degree cleaning action while delivering over 50 health benefits. EPISODE NOTES: Yummy Combs: The Dental Treat with a Bite of Wellness Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/best-bets-for-pets-the-latest-pet-product-trends-pets-animals-pet-life-radio-original--6667904/support.

This week on Best Bets for Pets, Michelle Fern sits down with the one and only Brooke Shields! The iconic actress, model, and lifelong animal advocate shares her deeply personal journey into pet wellness and her new partnership with Prospect Pet—a brand dedicated to clean, transparent, and conscious pet care. After her beloved dog Pepper fell ill, Brooke was inspired to take action, asking why it was so hard to find high-quality, healthy products for pets. That question led her to Prospect Pet, where she’s now on a mission to raise the bar for pet health everywhere. Joining the conversation is Julie Spencer, Senior Director of Marketing at Prospect Pet, who gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the brand’s commitment to integrity and wellness. Don’t miss this heartfelt, empowering, and informative episode that proves even Hollywood royalty gets dog mom guilt—and turns it into purpose. EPISODE NOTES: From Red Carpet to Dog Park: Brooke Shields Gets Real About Pet Health! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/best-bets-for-pets-the-latest-pet-product-trends-pets-animals-pet-life-radio-original--6667904/support.