In this episode, Nathan sits down with Clayton Payne, pet industry veteran, Chief Commercial Officer of The Bug Factory, and host of Pet Business Disruptors, for a refreshingly honest look behind the scenes of the pet food world.

From growing up in his parents' pet shop to building a wholesale business for 22 years and now farming insects as a sustainable protein source, Clayton has seen every corner of this industry.

Whether you're a curious dog guardian, a raw feeding convert, or someone just trying to do better by your dog, this conversation is packed with practical, no-nonsense insight. Pull up a chair, this one's a good one.

What you'll learn in this episode:

✅ Why where you buy your dog's food says more than you might think, and what the difference really is between a supermarket, a pet shop, and a raw food retailer

✅ How dog food is actually made, from formulation and manufacturing to packaging and getting it on shelves

✅ Why the raw food market has grown from less than half a percent to around 10% of the UK market, and what's driving it

✅ What to actually look for on a dog food label (and what words to ignore entirely)

✅ The two big myths Clayton wants busted: mixing raw and kibble, and feeding the same protein every day

✅ What "natural," "wholesome," and "sustainable" actually mean on packaging. Spoiler: not much

✅ Where the pet industry is headed, and why mushroom-based supplements might be the next big thing

Key takeaways:

• If meat isn't the first ingredient, put it back on the shelf. There's usually something better in the same price range
• You don't have to overhaul everything at once. Even small additions like bone broth or pumpkin powder alongside kibble can make a real difference
• Don't just take your vet's word on nutrition. They're generalists, not nutritionists, and there are brilliant specialist resources out there
• Variety of proteins matters. You wouldn't eat the same meal every night, and neither should your dog

🐾 Find ethical, qualified pet professionals near you at Yappily the directory for dog guardians who care about doing right by their dog.

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