Modern Wellness Guide

Kacie Barnes, founder of Mama Knows Nutrition, empowers parents with balanced, judgment-free advice for nourishing kids and building a lifelong healthy relationship with food. What first inspired your passion for child nutrition, and how did that lead to you creating Mama Knows Nutrition? My passion for child nutrition was sparked by a mix of science and real life.

Water is the most essential nutrient for pets — full stop. But the traditional full bowl may not be enough to support optimal hydration. Anne Marie Bakke Global Nutrition Advisor, Waltham Petcare Science Institute Fresh water is foundational, but hydration doesn’t have to come from the bowl alone. Emerging research shows that food can play a meaningful role in maintaining hydration levels, helping pets stay healthier through the heat of summer and beyond.

Celebrity chef and Nutrish founder Rachael Ray talks about extending her kitchen philosophy to pet food and the role of charity in her work with animals. You’re known for being a chef for humans. What inspired you to also extend your skills to pet nutrition? I’ve always cooked with love in my own kitchen, and my pets are part of the family.

Kate Steinberg, a content creator and animal advocate, shares what drew her to shelter volunteering and what she’s learned about adopting and supporting rescue dogs. What first inspired you to get into animal rescue and adoption? I’m actually the ultimate cat lady. Although I only grew up with cats, I’ve always wanted a dog, and when I moved to California in 2023, we adopted our first rescue dog, Mike. After adopting Mike, I started to learn about shelters and how overcrowded they are.

For pet owners wanting to ensure they give their pets high-quality, trustworthy treats, the NASC Quality Seal provides a quick and easy way to verify that at a glance. Bill Bookout President, National Animal Supplement Council For many pet parents, treats are part of everyday life. Maybe it’s the tiny treat that motivates your puppy to learn a new command, the coveted chew your cat proudly carries off to a quiet corner, or the sweet reward you give your horse after a groom.

Whether it’s a dog greeting you at the door or a cat curling up beside you after a long day, these everyday interactions do more than make us smile; they can have a meaningful impact on our mental well-being. Pete Scott President and CEO, American Pet Products Association Science and millions of pet owners agree that pets aren’t just companions; they’re powerful contributors to mental health.

Chas Hobbs, the content creator behind @dear.fig, talks about shifting her platform from travel to pets and what life looks like with a tortoise in the house. What made you shift your social media presence from content about traveling to focusing more on your pets? When I started in the travel world, we had just one cat, whom my parents adopted when I was in high school. He moved to college with me, and even moved to Australia with me.

Alexis Devine, the owner of viral talking sheepadoodle Bunny, opens up about button training, canine cognition, and the role enrichment plays in pet wellness. What does a typical day in the life of Bunny look like? Bunny’s typical day has both structure and flexibility. One nice aspect of using a button system with her is that she can control the flow of her day to some extent.

Pookie Varisiri, the human behind viral feline Nala the Cat and the cat food brand Love, Nala, walks us through what daily wellness looks like for her famously photogenic rescue. What does a typical day look like for Nala? Nala’s days are pretty much a dream if you’re a cat. She wakes up, demands breakfast on her schedule (not mine), does a full patrol of the house, squeezes in several strategic naps, and somehow still has energy to supervise everything I do.

Pet parents are increasingly turning to technology in their pet’s health journey, but it’s important to know the cons as well as the pros to ensure your furry friend receives the best care possible.