Amy Renz, CEO of Goodness Gracious, shares her journey in the pet food industry and the importance of whole foods and quality ingredients. She discusses the dangers of synthetic vitamins and minerals and the impact they can have on the body. Amy also delves into the topic of metabolic disease in dogs and the factors that contribute to it. She highlights the complexity of pet food regulation and the challenges faced by fresh food companies. Overall, Amy emphasizes the need for balanced nutrition and the role it plays in promoting optimal health for pets. In this conversation, Amy Renz discusses the negative effects of endotoxin on the body and how it can lead to damage and diseases of the gut, brain, and cardiovascular system. She also highlights the role of ultra-processed pet food in the increasing trend of obesity in dogs. Amy explains that the motivation behind commercial pet food is primarily driven by profit, which can compromise the quality and health benefits of the products. She reveals the influence of big kibble companies on veterinary hospitals and the lack of nutrition education in vet school. Amy shares her mission with Goodness Gracious, which focuses on doing the right thing for companion animals, the planet, and improving the connection between humans and animals. She emphasizes the importance of mindful sourcing of ingredients and the positive impact of fresh food diets on dogs' overall well-being. Amy encourages continual learning and improvement in the pet food industry and discusses the availability and distribution of Goodness Gracious products.TakeawaysEndotoxin can cause damage and diseases in the gut, brain, and cardiovascular system.Ultra-processed pet food contributes to the increasing trend of obesity in dogs.The motivation behind commercial pet food is primarily driven by profit.Big kibble companies have influence over veterinary hospitals and the information provided to pet owners.There is a lack of nutrition education in veterinary school.Goodness Gracious focuses on doing the right thing for companion animals, the planet, and improving the human-animal connection.Mindful sourcing of ingredients and fresh food diets have positive impacts on dogs' well-being.Continual learning and improvement are essential in the pet food industry.Chapters00:00Introduction and Background01:09Starting Goodness Gracious04:57Expanding Product Lines07:46Focus on Whole Foods08:42Importance of Quality Ingredients17:49The Dangers of Synthetic Vitamins and Minerals22:23The Impact of Synthetic Nutrients on the Body36:02Metabolic Disease in Dogs44:45The Complexity of Pet Food Regulation50:19Factors Affecting Pet Health53:09Endotoxin and its Effects on the Body54:25Ultra-Processed Pet Food and Obesity55:04Motivation Behind Commercial Pet Food56:17Big Kibble Companies and Veterinary Hospitals57:29Lack of Nutrition Education in Veterinary School58:23Misleading Information from Big Kibble Companies59:20Goodness Gracious' Mission and Values01:00:00Mindful Sourcing of Ingredients01:01:03The Impact of Fresh Food Diets on Dogs01:02:11Continual Learning and Improvement01:08:50The Importance of High-Quality Pet FoodSupport the show? Sign up for the FREE Beginner Dog Training Series at https://www.thepetparentingreset.com/? Follow Jessica on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thepetparentingreset/