The Crunchy Carnivore
The Crunchy Carnivore
Wellspring HAA
The Crunchy Carnivore is a podcast for pet owners and pet professionals who desire to learn about and implement a completely holistic lifestyle for the animals in their lives.  In each episode your hosts, holistic veterinarian Dr Jessica Levy and Natural Rearing breeder Melissa Weidenhamer, will bring knowledge and insights into holistic options for your animal’s health and well-being.  
The Allergy Trap Most Dog Parents Fall Into
What if the real question isn’t “How do I make the symptoms stop?” but “Why is my dog reacting this way?” In this episode, we take a deeper, holistic look at dog allergies and explore that it's not as simple as diagnosis = drugs/avoidance. Instead of simply treating the symptoms, we’re asking a bigger question: What could be contributing to your dog’s allergic response in the first place? 🐾 In this episode, we explore: • How the diagnosis of "allergies" is very misleading • Environmental a...
Aug 10
39 min
The Real Cost Of Rescue - Why Even 'Good' Rescue Dogs Struggle
As a holistic veterinarian, Dr. Levy has seen firsthand that the true cost of rescuing a dog extends far beyond the adoption fee. Rescue dogs often arrive with unique physical, emotional, behavioral, and nutritional needs that require patience, commitment, and a whole-body approach to healing. In this video, we'll explore the real financial, emotional, and health costs of adopting a rescue dog, along with practical ways to help them thrive naturally. You'll learn: 🐾 The hidden medical costs...
Jul 27
39 min
Where Are the Studies?!  The Difficult Truth Behind That Question
When it comes to caring for our animals, many people are told to "follow the science." But what does that really mean? In this video, we explore why scientific studies can be a helpful tool—but also, not all studies are created equal. Study design, funding, sample size, statistical significance, and real-world application all matter. We'll explain why it's important to evaluate research critically instead of accepting every published conclusion at face value. You'll learn: 🔶 Why scientific...
Jul 13
31 min
The Truth About Dog Weight Loss: Why 'Calories In, Calories Out' Is Failing Your Pet
Dog obesity is reaching epidemic levels, with overweight dogs facing increased risk of diabetes, joint problems, inflammation, heart disease, and shorter lifespans. In this video, we explore the real causes behind canine obesity, why traditional feeding advice may be failing, and how a holistic approach to dog weight loss, natural dog nutrition, raw feeding, fresh food diets, and metabolic health can help your dog thrive. If you’ve been searching for answers about overweight dogs, healthy dog...
Jun 29
32 min
Dog Behavior Issues? This 50-Year Trainer Says Your Looking at it Wrong
What happens when over 50 years of dog training experience meets a holistic, whole-body approach to canine wellness? In this episode of "The Crunchy Carnivore Podcast", we sit down with Minnesota-based trainer Katie of Katie’s K9 to explore how decades of hands-on experience have shaped her grounded, no-nonsense philosophy on training—and ultimately led her to embrace and educate others on more holistic practices for dogs. Katie has seen it all. From old-school training methods to today’s m...
Jun 15
33 min
Your Dog Doesn't Need Anxiety Drugs (They Need This Instead)
Are you struggling with your dog's behavioral issues and wondering if medication is the only answer? In this episode of The Crunchy Carnivore Podcast, we dive deep into the common veterinary approach of prescribing drugs like Prozac, Paxil, Trazodone, and Gabapentin for pet behavior modification. But is medicating your furry friend always the best solution? Join us as we explore the efficacy of these pharmaceuticals and discuss potential holistic alternatives that could address the root caus...
Jun 1
57 min
The Raw Dog Food Debate
Ever wondered if feeding fresh food to your pet is a good idea? In this episode, we dive into the world of kibble vs raw pet food from a veterinarian's perspective. Dr. Jessica Levy shares her initial skepticism and the surprising journey that changed her views on feeding pets beyond kibble and canned food. 🐾 What you'll learn: - The initial perception of homemade pet food in veterinary practice - Why vets traditionally recommend commercial pet food - The turning point: when opinions starte...
May 18
47 min
Even “Perfect” Pet Parents Face This Brutal Truth with Bre Drake
Sit down with Dr. Jessica Levy, Melissa Weidenhamer, and Bre Drake from Tailswell to unpack two of the toughest truths in the holistic pet space: it takes courage and there is no “easy button.” Together, we dive into the reality behind natural pet care—the time, intention, and emotional investment it takes to choose a holistic path for your animals. From nutrition and lifestyle to preventative care, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really means to go “all in” on your pet’s ...
May 4
1 hr 1 min
Can You Protect Your Dog Naturally? The Truth About Homeoprophylaxis Explained
Curious about homeoprophylaxis for dogs and whether it really works? In this episode, we break down the truth behind this controversial approach to disease prevention. We explore what homeoprophylaxis actually is, how nosodes are made and used, and how they compare to traditional vaccines. You’ll learn the key differences in how each approach supports (or challenges) your dog’s immune system, plus what holistic practitioners believe about long-term health and prevention. But we don’t stop the...
Apr 20
37 min
Lyme Disease EXPOSED: A Holistic Veterinarian’s Perspective
Lyme disease is one of the biggest health concerns for pet parents—but are we looking at it the right way? In this episode of The Crunchy Carnivore Podcast, we take a deep dive into Lyme disease from a holistic veterinarian’s perspective, uncovering what’s often overlooked in conventional conversations. From tick exposure to immune resilience, this episode goes beyond fear-based messaging and into a more balanced, whole-body approach to prevention and care. We explore what Lyme disease actual...
Apr 6
38 min
Load more