By My Pet Carnivore
Day Two of the Feed Real Summit 2025 in sunny San Diego started strong — and stayed that way! The sessions were packed with science, fresh perspectives, and a few ideas that had everyone in the room re-thinking what we think we know about pet health and nutrition.
🌱 Dr. Conor Brady — Is Plant Fiber a Lot of Hot Air?
The day began with a bang thanks to Dr. Conor Brady, who opened with the provocative question: “Is plant fiber a lot of hot air?”
Before diving into fiber, Dr. Brady explored what really makes something a pathogen. We tend to label bacteria & yeast like Salmonella, E. coli, and Candida as “bad,” but as he explained, not all strains are dangerous — many are simply part of a healthy microbiome. “A pathogen,” he said, “is any organism in the wrong place, at the wrong time, and in the wrong number.”
From there, he dove into the main topic — plant fiber — and dropped a jaw-dropping truth: there are no studies proving that plant fiber helps with digestion, stool bulk, or colon health in dogs or humans. In fact, several studies suggest the opposite!
- Dogs digest nutrients more efficiently on diets without added plant fiber.
- Lower-fiber, meat-rich diets actually produce more beneficial short-chain fatty acids.
- Bloat is linked to the fermentation of plant fibers — something raw-fed dogs rarely experience.
Dr. Brady even shared a study where removing all plant fiber from the diet completely resolved chronic constipation in humans.
So where should we look for beneficial “fiber”? He introduced the concept of animal fiber — the indigestible portion of meat and connective tissue that acts similarly in the gut. There are studies backing up the benefits of collogen & bone broth for gut health. Examples include:
- Soluble animal fiber: muscle meat, tendons, collagen, bone broth
- Insoluble animal fiber: skin, fur, feathers, nails, hooves
He emphasized that he’s not anti-plant — plants can still offer antioxidants and phytonutrients — but he urged pet parents not to feed plants just for fiber. Cooked plants can have a place, but avoid giving raw plant material, especially to sick dogs.
Learn more from Dr. Brady at DogsFirst.ie or on The Raw Pet Medics YouTube Channel.
🍽️ Dr. Carol Smeja — How You Feed Matters Just as Much as What You Feed
Next, Dr. Carol Smeja shifted the focus from what we feed to how we feed. Her presentation was a refreshing reminder that our dogs’ instincts still mirror their wolf ancestors — and that the feeding environment plays a huge role in comfort, behavior, and digestion.
She explained that wolves eat in open spaces where they can see, hear, and smell freely — never from bowls tucked in corners. When we feed dogs from a stainless-steel bowl against a wall, we unintentionally limit their senses and can even create feeding stress.
Some of her top takeaways:
- Feed your dog on a flat, open surface (like a mine PetPlatter or low tray) rather than a bowl.
- Give them space and visibility while eating to reduce stress.
- Separate foods in the meal so your dog can choose what order to eat in.
- Be present and mindful during meal prep — skip the phone scrolling!
Many cases of “picky eating,” Dr. Carol noted, may actually be discomfort caused by the feeding environment. Learn more about her research and feeding tools at MinePetPlatter.com.
🍄 Lee Carroll — Ancient Remedies for Modern Dogs
The final lecture of the Summit came from Lee Carroll, who explored the fascinating world of mushrooms — nature’s ancient remedy for modern health.
He began by explaining that mushrooms aren’t plants or animals but are actually genetically closer to animals! In the wild, carnivores consume fungi naturally through the digestive tracts of their prey.
Lee highlighted several key compounds found in mushrooms:
- Ergothioneine (ERGO): a powerful antioxidant that mushrooms make - basically a mushrooms form of glutathione. People & pets can also use ERGO to protect cells and mitochondria.
- Beta-glucans: structural fibers that act as prebiotics and help train the immune system.
- Triterpenes: natural defense molecules that support heart, liver, and immune health.
He encouraged pet parents to feed or supplement mushrooms regularly (preferably cooked with fat or as tinctures/powders) and then walked us through some favorites:
- Lion’s Mane: great for brain, gut, and nerve health; safe to feed as a food.
- Reishi (“The Mushroom of Immortality”): supports longevity, calm, allergy relief, and immune modulation — best used long-term.
- Cordyceps: supports stamina and recovery.
- Golden Oyster: the highest natural source of ERGO for cellular health.
His closing message was simple but powerful: eat and feed mushrooms often for long-term health, resilience, and longevity — for both you and your pet.
🗣️ Q&A, Connection, and Closing Thoughts
The day wrapped up with a lively Q&A panel and plenty of conversation between attendees and speakers. After two incredible days filled with science, stories, and shared passion, one thing was clear: the real food movement for pets is only growing stronger.
We left feeling inspired, energized, and deeply grateful — for the speakers, the community, and most of all, for you, our amazing customers. Without your support, My Pet Carnivore wouldn’t have been able to sponsor this event and help bring evidence-based, species-appropriate nutrition to the forefront.
Until next year — here’s to feeding real and helping our pets live their healthiest, happiest lives! 🐾💚
