PODCAST
Raw Remedies
Natural Health for People and Pets
S2 Ep 10 | July 1, 2026 | 57 MIN
Beyond complete & balanced- the nutrients that truly matter with Kay Stewart
S2 Ep 10 | July 1, 2026 | 57:22 MIN
In this episode, I’m joined by Kay Stewart, RVT, CPCN, educator with the Feed Real Institute, to discuss one of the most overlooked topics in pet health: nutritional deficiencies. Together, we explore the nutrients most commonly lacking in homemade diets, why whole foods work differently than synthetic nutrients, and how simple additions like eggs, fish, organ meats, and variety can dramatically improve health.
As a functional medicine nurse practitioner, I also draw comparisons between human and canine nutrition, highlighting how many of the same deficiencies show up in both species through changes in the skin, hair, nails, immune system, and energy levels.
In this episode we discuss:
- Why physical exam findings can reveal nutritional deficiencies before bloodwork
- The nutrients most commonly lacking in homemade diets
- Why zinc, manganese, choline, vitamin A, and omega-3 fatty acids deserve extra attention
- Why eggs are one of nature’s most nutrient-dense foods
- The importance of liver and why variety matters more than feeding one type
- Natural vs. synthetic copper and the controversy surrounding copper storage disease
- Why fish may be the most powerful addition to your dog’s bowl
- How omega-3s support the skin, brain, joints, heart, and immune system
- Why puppies have unique nutritional requirements
- How the microbiome begins at birth and why early nutrition matters
- Budget-friendly strategies for feeding fresh food
- Why “complete and balanced” starts with nutrient density, not just a spreadsheet
- Practical ways to introduce more variety into both human and canine diets
Discounts:
Real Dog Box is offering 10 of my listeners a $20 gift card! To enter to win, please join my newsletter and 10 winners will be chosen on 7/1/26.
PODCAST
This week’s guest
Kay Stewart, RVT, CPCN
Kay Stewart, a researcher, writer, and veterinary educator for the Feed Real Institute, is a Registered Veterinary Technician and Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist. She received her degree in veterinary technology from Purdue University. Kay spent 32 years of her career in biomedical research, managing two animal facilities at the University of Notre Dame. She was the voice for the animals, ensuring the best possible living environments and treatments. Kay published numerous articles and presented at local, regional, and international conferences on multiple topics, including the impact of environmental enrichment on laboratory animals. She has co-authored, contributed to, and edited several books.
As the faculty advisor for students interested in veterinary medicine or other animal-related careers, Kay created the Pre-Vet Club of the University of Notre Dame and St. Mary’s College, as well as a service club, the Proponents of Animal Welfare Service (PAWS), to engage her students with local animal organizations and charities. Her guidance was instrumental in the admission of hundreds of students to veterinary school. Her students held an annual Domer Doggy Walk to raise funds for local animal charities. She also co-founded the St. Joseph County Spay/Neuter Program, a 501 (c) (3) organization to assist low-income pet owners with the costs of spaying and neutering their dogs.
In 2017, Kay received the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine Distinguished Veterinary Technology Alumnus Award in recognition of her dedication to service, education, research, animal care, and the veterinary technology community.
But it wasn’t until she found the job at the Feed Real Institute that she finally felt her passion for animals and her skills in research and writing were being authentically utilized. She now spends every workday researching and writing about the impact of fresh food on dogs’ health, well-being, and longevity! Her career objective is to reach as many veterinary professionals and pet parents as possible to share the benefits of fresh food for their dogs. Her overall goal is to see fresh food in the bowls of all dogs and cats!
To follow Kay & Feed Real:
-Website: feedreal.com, feedreal.com/courses, real.dog/kara
-Email: kay@feedreal.com
-Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/feedrealmovement/
https://www.instagram.com/feedrealsummit/
https://www.instagram.com/realdogbox/
-Short Leash Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@FeedReal/podcasts
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