This week we have a special bonus episode, where Johnny Manning welcomes beloved Australian TV personality Yvie Jones, known for her hilarious commentary on Gogglebox and her unforgettable time on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! Beyond her on-screen charisma, Yvie is a passionate advocate for animal welfare. She shares her journey into dog rescue and fostering, and the deep bond she’s built with the pups who’ve come into her life. From celebrity life to canine compassion, this heartwarming ...
Apr 29, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 51
Many cat owners mistake feline urinary issues for simple UTIs, but FLUTD is often caused by sterile inflammation, stress, or diet—not bacteria. Left untreated, it can lead to severe pain and even life-threatening blockages, especially in male cats. In this episode of Paws and Listen, host Johnny Manning is joined by Dr. Nicole Rous to break down the real causes of FLUTD, why diet plays a crucial role, and how to prevent flare-ups before they happen. From hydration hacks to stress management tips...
Apr 02, 2025•47 min•Ep. 50
Brittany the Pet Girl is back with Johnny Manning, and they discuss the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards and how they were originally developed for use with highly processed commercial foods (like kibble) to make up for the loss of nutrients due to extensive processing? While raw foods don’t suffer the same detrimental processing, we know that the Complete and Balanced statement on pet food is important to many pet parents. At Big Dog Pet Foods, our diets are form...
Mar 07, 2025•58 min•Ep. 49
In this episode of Paws and Listen, we’re tackling a topic that’s stirred up some debate among pet owners: desexing. Dr. Nicole and Johnny Manning explore the potential long-term health implications of desexing and the fascinating insights from new studies in the field. Tune in to learn how to make the best choice for your furry companion! It’s important to note that this episode is not meant to discourage desexing or cause concern or regret for those who have already made that choice. Instead, ...
Jan 17, 2025•51 min•Ep. 48
In this episode Dr. Nicole and Johnny Manning chat about how medicinal mushrooms are an exciting new tool in the toolkit for keeping our pets healthy. These powerful fungi can help strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, fight oxidative stress, and promote gut health, they offer a natural, science-backed solution for improving overall well-being. Dr. Nicole and Johnny also provide tips for easily incorporating mushrooms into your pet’s diet and explore the benefits of different types ...
Dec 20, 2024•46 min•Ep. 47
Is processed dog food doing more harm than good? On this episode of Paws and Listen, Johnny Manning chats with Dr. Jennifer Robinson, a holistic veterinarian from Melbourne Veterinary Acupuncture specialising in stomach and skin issues, anxiety, and palliative care for pets In this episode they dive deep into what processed food really means—for both humans and our furry friends. From kibble to canned meals, they’ll uncover how these convenient options are made, why they may be harmful, and the ...
Nov 20, 2024•48 min•Ep. 46
Spring is here, and so are seasonal allergies! In this episode, Dr. Nicole and Johnny Manning dives into the symptoms to watch for in pets that may be prone to seasonal allergies. Discover how to support their immune system and prepare them for allergy season with Dr. Nicole’s top tips and expert advice. Tune in to keep your pet feeling their best! Visit Big Dog Pet Foods Produced by Camilla Falkowski Edited by Daisy MacHunter...
Oct 31, 2024•54 min•Ep. 45
In this episode, integrative veterinarian Dr. Nicole Rous and Johnny Manning explore a thought-provoking topic: Why do vets graduate from university as kibble feeders? They also take a trip down memory lane as Dr. Nicole shares stories from her university days, including the “ah-ha!” moment that led her to discover the benefits of raw feeding for pets. Remember, be kind to your vet! 💕 Visit Big Dog Pet Foods Produced by Camilla Falkowski Edited by Daisy MacHunter...
Oct 11, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 44
In this special dental health episode of Paws and Listen, Johnny Manning and Dr. Nicole Rous focus on the crucial topic of pet dental care, especially since August is Dental Health Month—the perfect time to give your dog's oral health some extra attention! Dr. Nicole, passionate about dental care for pets, discusses the benefits of adding raw bones to your dog's diet—not just for nutrition but also for naturally cleaning their teeth. You'll also learn how to safely feed raw bones and discover th...
Aug 29, 2024•56 min•Ep. 42
In this episode, Johnny Manning interviews Dr. Edward Bassingthwaighte about the hidden dangers lurking in your household that can harm your pets. Dr. Houston explains how everyday chemical products, like herbicides, pesticides, and artificial fragrances, can pose risks, particularly with chronic exposure. They also explore the impact of emotional toxins, such as stress, tension, unresolved grief, trauma, and anger, which can affect your pet's well-being. Tune in to learn how to create a safer e...
Aug 09, 2024•33 min•Ep. 41
In this episode, Johnny Manning (Manno) interviews Lauren Elgie, the Managing Director of Service Dogs Australia. Lauren shares her expertise in genetics, biochemistry, animal breeding, and behavior, drawing from her studies at Massey University in New Zealand. She discusses the intricacies of breeding, artificial selection, husbandry, and how diet can address health issues, along with her experiences at Service Dogs Australia. Visit Big Dog Pet Foods Produced by: Camilla Falkowski Edited by: Da...
Jul 25, 2024•52 min•Ep. 40
Is your dog itchy? Dr. Nicole and Manno unpack the possible causes your dog could be scratching. Sometimes the trigger is obvious and sometimes it isn’t, and when it isn’t it can be so hard to watch your baby suffer while you try all the different remedies on the planet. With so many elements that can be associated with skin symptoms, it can be hard to determine the exact cause, it could be something they’ve eaten, something they’ve been exposed to on an outing or even something in your house th...
Jul 11, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 39
In this bonus episode of Paws and Listen, Johnny Manning sits down with Dr Neal Loh is an integrative veterinarian who specialises in a holistic approach to health and wellbeing of companion pets. He utilises acupuncture, herbal medicines and most importantly a fresh food diet to address root causes of diseases we encounter in our modern society. In 2023 Neal published a book named "Healing with Real Food", bettering the knowledge of pet parents and colleagues around the world. He is based in Pe...
Jun 27, 2024•41 min•Ep. 38
In this episode of Paws and Listen, Johnny Manning (a.k.a Manno) chats with Veterinarian Dr. Nicole Rous about a keto diet for dogs. Dr. Nicole explains how a keto diet, with its high fat, moderate protein, and low carbohydrate ratios, shows potential benefits for various health conditions in pets, including epilepsy, metabolic disorders, and possibly cancer, based on current research. Read more about ketogenic diets here: https://www.bigdogpetfoods.com/guides/ketogenic-diets-for-dogs Visit Big ...
Jun 06, 2024•44 min•Ep. 37
Step into the world of Wild and Free! Join Johnny Manning (a.k.a Manno) in an exciting conversation with Chris Essex, the Managing Director of Big Dog Pet Foods. From premium meat to nutrient-rich offal and bone, Wild and Free offers DIY raw feeders a convenient way to provide their dogs with balanced and healthy meals. Learn how this product line serves as a stepping stone to tailoring your pet's diet, offering the flexibility to add your choice of ingredients and ensure your dog gets the nutri...
May 30, 2024•17 min•Ep. 36
In another short and sweet episode, Dr. Nicole and Johnny Manning (Manno) discuss the best ways to introduce raw food to your puppy. As a vet, Dr. Nicole shares valuable insights into the benefits of a raw diet for growing pups and offers expert advice on the proper introduction process. Whether you're a seasoned pet owner or new to raw feeding, this episode provides practical tips and guidance to ensure a smooth transition for your furry friend. For more info on feeding raw to your puppy, check...
May 23, 2024•23 min•Ep. 35
In this episode of Paws and Listen, Johnny Manning (a.k.a Manno) chats with Dr Edward Bassingthwaighte, one of our favourite holistic vets (also known as the 'healing vet') about cancer in pets. This is a hard but important topic and definitely pulls on the heartstrings. This episode covers: how to deal with cancer in pets and how to prevent it. Read Dr. Edward's article on Supporting Pets with Cancer: Prevention & Treatments here: https://www.bigdogpetfoods.com/guides/supporting-dogs-with-c...
May 01, 2024•36 min•Ep. 33
In this short and sweet episode, Dr. Nicole answers our audience's burning, raw feeding questions for pets. If you have a raw feeding question you'd like answered in the next 'Ask us Raw Feeding Questions' episode, comment on this episode or contact us through our Instagram account at bigdogpetfoods: https://www.instagram.com/bigdogpetfoods/?hl=en For more info on raw feeding for your dogs, check out our education centre here: https://www.bigdogpetfoods.com/guides Produced by Camilla Falkowski E...
Apr 19, 2024•26 min•Ep. 32
Part 2 of Myth Busting around dog nutrition is here! Before you listen to this episode, make sure you listen to Part 1 of Myth Busting around dog nutrition. In this episode, Dr. Nicole Rous and Johnny Manning (Manno) continue to debunk the next 5 most common myths around dog nutrition. For more info on raw feeding for your dogs, check out our education centre here: https://www.bigdogpetfoods.com/guides Produced and edited by Camilla Falkowski...
Apr 11, 2024•41 min•Ep. 31
For far too long, misinformation has been circulating the internet and pet parents have become so confused about what to believe, that they have become scared to feed their pets real food. How crazy is that? In this episode, Dr. Nicole and Johnny Manning (Manno) aim to debunk the most common myths around dog nutrition. Sit back and enjoy this first part series as you go on a wild ride of unravelling myths with scientific truths. For more info on raw feeding for your dogs, check out our education...
Apr 03, 2024•44 min•Ep. 30
Brittany the Pet Girl is back with Johnny Manning, but this time she dives into the world of weight management and weight loss for pets and how you can support them with enrichment toys. Brittany the Pet Girl is the company trainer and veterinary Business Development Manager for KONG and will inspire you to enrich your pet's life in more ways than one Read KONG's article here: https://www.bigdogpetfoods.com/guides/enrichment-for-weight-management-in-dogs For Big Dog Pet Foods recipes, head here:...
Mar 22, 2024•49 min•Ep. 29
In this episode of Paws and Listen, Johnny Manning (a.k.a Manno) chats with Veterinarian Dr Nicole Rous about cognitive decline in pets. They explore how cognitive decline can impact your relationship with your pet, how to identify it and some preventative measurements you can take. Tune in to learn how you can help your furry friends stay sharp and happy as they age. Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome Evaluation Tool: https://www.purinainstitute.com/sites/default/files/2021-04/DISHAA-Assessment-Too...
Mar 07, 2024•56 min•Ep. 28
Join Johnny Manning (a.k.a Manno) on another exciting episode of Paws and Listen! This time, he's joined by Brittany the Pet Girl to unpack pet parenting, social cues with your pup, and yes, even diving into dog poop! Get ready for insights and relatable tales from the realm of responsible pet ownership. It's a must-listen for every pet parent out there! Britt the Pet Girl socials: https://www.facebook.com/iamthepetgirl/ https://www.instagram.com/iamthepetgirl/ For Big Dog Pet Foods recipes, hea...
Feb 22, 2024•57 min•Ep. 27
Please note that this podcast has a language warning. In this bonus episode of Paws and Listen, Johnny Manning sits down with the popular Dog Nutritionist, Writer, Research, Speaker and Consult on all things canine nutrition and health, Conor Brady. This conversation goes beyond just raw feeding for dogs, join Johnny and Conor as they delve into Conor's life story, exploring the pivotal moments that shaped his perspective on canine nutrition and more. From personal anecdotes to the challenges he...
Feb 08, 2024•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 26
In this episode of Paws and Listen, Manno chats with Veterinarian Dr Nicole Rous about chronic conditions in pets and their organ health. They talk about the importance of diet and how easily organs, such as kidneys, pancreas, and liver, can be influenced by diet quality. This episode also provides practical measures to improve the health of these organs. Guide on how to treat kidney disease in pets, head here: https://www.bigdogpetfoods.com/guides/how-to-treat-kidney-disease-in-pet For Big Dog ...
Jan 18, 2024•54 min•Ep. 25
It is a common concern among pet owners if essential oils and diffusers are safe to use around pets. In this episode of Paws and Listen, we have Johnny Manning and Dr Nicole Rous clear up some of the controversies around essential oils, how to safely use them and provide some practical tips to help you feel confident using them around your fur babies. Shy Tiger’s essential oils for pets (Dr Nicole’s brand): https://shytiger.com.au/collections/emotional-care Shy Tiger’s Guides on Essential Oils f...
Dec 21, 2023•48 min•Ep. 24
In this episode of Paws and Listen, we discuss all things puppies with dog trainer/behaviourist and host of the hit TV Show, Pooches at Play, Lara Shannon. Johnny Manning and Lara discuss everything you need to know about raising a happy, healthy puppy to fit right in with your family and lifestyle. Lara is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to raising a dog and discusses everything from puppy nutrition, obedience training, socialising and overall care for your pet. Not just for the puppies, th...
Nov 23, 2023•48 min•Ep. 23
This episode of Paws and Listen discusses the important topic of healthy weight for pets. John Manning chats with Dr Nicole Rous about body condition scores for pets, how to help dogs and cats lose weight, and the impacts of obesity in pets. This episode provides advice on dog weight loss food, realistic lifestyle changes and the emotional connection between pets and their humans. To check your pet’s body condition, head here: https://www.bigdogpetfoods.com/guides/how-to-tell-if-your-pets-weight...
Nov 09, 2023•54 min•Ep. 22
In this episode of Paws and Listen, we have one for the cat lovers. Johnny Manning and Dr Nicole Rous discuss cat care tips for beginners and Dr Nicole shares her advice on cats as an integrative veterinarian. Dr Nicole covers many important cat health issues and gives her holistic approach to providing your cat with everything they need to live a long and happy life with you. Read Dr Nicole's article on cat care here: https://www.bigdogpetfoods.com/guides/vet-advice-on-caring-for-cats Check out...
Oct 30, 2023•58 min•Ep. 21
This episode of Paws and Listen is the beginner's guide to raw food for dogs. John Manning chats with Chris Essex, Big Dog Pet Foods' founder and managing director who has been manufacturing raw food for pets since 2000. This episode provides a great introduction to raw food and its benefits, as well as some case studies and myth busting. If you're new to raw feeding for dogs, check out the Big Dog education section here: https://www.bigdogpetfoods.com/resources If you want to find Big Dog raw f...
Oct 12, 2023•56 min•Ep. 20
