118. Insect Protein, Cat Evolution & The Future of Pet Wellness

In this fascinating episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine explore the future of pet nutrition, the science of evolution, and innovative approaches to preventative pet health. From sustainable insect-based proteins to feline evolution and longevity medicine, this episode highlights how science and technology continue shaping the future of pet care.

Story Time features: Kristen shares the story of a former software engineer who helped transform his dog’s health through insect-based nutrition, leading to the creation of a new pet food ingredient company focused on buffalo mealworm protein as a sustainable and highly palatable dietary supplement.

Chris explores the growing challenge facing the pet food industry: balancing environmentally sustainable ingredients with increasing consumer demand for premium, human-grade pet nutrition.

Special Guests: Dr. Jonathan Losos, Evolutionary Biologist & Author of The Cat’s Meow

Dr. Henry Yoo, Veterinarian & Executive Consultant, Infinity Medical Consulting

Pet Product Recommendations: Oneisall Smart Automatic Feeder for Two Cats – https://oneisall.com

Barkly Retractable Dog Leash with Personal Safety Alarm – https://mybarkly.com/

Q&A Topics: My dog seems incredibly smart and learns words quickly. How do scientists actually measure canine intelligence? (Submitted by Mark from Columbus, OH)

My son recently got a betta fish. What size tank and type of environment does a betta fish really need to stay healthy and happy? (Submitted by Laura from San Diego, CA)

Related Links: The Cat’s Meow by Dr. Jonathan Losos: https://global.oup.com

Planet Paws: https://www.planetpawsmedia.com

Infinity Medical Consulting: https://www.infinitymedicalconsulting.com

American Pet Products Association (APPA): https://www.americanpetproducts.org

DOGTV Unleashed FAST Channel: https://www.dogtv.com/unleashed

Pets Add Life: https://www.petsaddlife.org

Social Channels: Pets Add Life (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/petsaddlife

Pets Add Life (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/PetsAddLife

Pets Add Life (TikTok): https://www.tiktok.com/@petsaddlife

Pets Add Life (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@petsaddlife

Subscribe & Listen: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts!

Submit a question to the podcast: https://www.petsaddlife.org/podcast

Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV