In this episode, I sit down with Ruby Balaram, CEO of Real Dog Box and founder of the Feed Real Institute, for a heart-to-heart about one of the most overwhelming—and important—topics in pet care: food. From her start as a paralegal to becoming a bold voice in the fresh food movement, Ruby shares how a deeply personal journey with her partner’s 12 year old dog lit a fire to bring truly nourishing, species-appropriate ancestral food back to dogs’ bowls. We dive into what’s actually in commercial pet food, why you need to read the labels carefully, the biggest debates shaking the industry, and how pet parents can cut through the noise to make feeding choices they feel proud of. If you’ve ever stood in the pet food aisle feeling lost, or felt side-eyed for wanting to feed differently, this is the conversation your heart (and your dog!) needs.
KEY INSIGHTS:
✨ How adding even one fresh, whole ingredient can start transforming your dog’s health.
✨ Why ingredient quality matters more than the marketing on the bag (and why “human grade” is a non-negotiable).
✨ The difference between real preventive care and the “wellness” most pets get at annual checkups.
✨ How transparency from pet food companies should look and the red flags when it’s missing.
✨ Why feeding variety is key to a healthy microbiome, nutrient balance, and resilience against disease.
✨ The surprising emotional benefits of mealtime joy for your dog.
✨ How intolerance testing can help take the guesswork out of diet decisions.
✨ Why the raw food bacteria debate is more nuanced than it seems and what the research really says.
✨ How the Feed Real Summit is bringing together pet parents, vets, and industry leaders for practical, immersive learning on canine longevity.
RESOURCES:
🐾 The Feed Real Summit (Oct 11–12, 2025 in San Diego)
DM us on Instagram @integrativepet if you want 20% off your ticket (we have a limited number of coupon codes so come grab yours).
Follow Ruby on Instagram: @realdogbox
Follow the Feed Real Summit: @feedrealsummit
FOLLOW:Follow Dr. Lily: @dr.lilychen
Follow Integrative Pet Wellness Center: @integrativepet