This week, I’m joined by Dr. Tina Hansen (aka the Purple Vet), an integrative veterinarian from Norway with a global perspective and a huge heart for real nutrition. She’s worked with animals all over the world, from the UK to South Africa to the Caribbean to Argentina to Zimbabwe, and what she’s seen will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about pet food. In this episode, we dive into why some of the healthiest animals she’s treated aren’t eating premium kibble at all… and why ultra-processed food may be contributing to the chronic issues we see in pets today. Tina breaks down how to start feeding fresh without overwhelm, when raw food makes sense (and when it might not), and how nutrition can literally transform allergy, autoimmune, and gut cases…sometimes when nothing else has worked. This conversation is packed with insights that simplify pet care. Let’s jump in!

KEY INSIGHTS:

• Dr. Tina shares her incredible experiences treating pets and wildlife across the globe from South Africa to Argentina to remote Caribbean islands.

• Why chronic disease was practically nonexistent in certain parts of lower income countries where kibble prices were super high.

• Why feeding fresh food (even scraps!) often creates better health outcomes than expensive ultra-processed diets.

• How pets might have a harder time absorbing synthetic vitamins in kibble than nutrients from whole food.

• Why medications like steroids and antibiotics should be a last resort not the first line of care and how it makes it much harder for the pet to heal in the long term.

• How nutrition can be the single most powerful healing tool (when used correctly!)

• How raw feeding can be done safely and simply even for beginners.

• Why we need to rethink the “standard of care” in conventional vet medicine and how ignoring the root cause can cause more harm than good.

• How a hair mineral analysis can give you deeper insight into your pet’s health.

• Why early nutrition and lifestyle support can prevent years of struggle.

• And a gentle reminder: Vets are under huge pressure to do it all and they really are trying their best.

  
  

  RESOURCES:

  You can access Dr. Tina (aka the Purple Vet’s) amazing free resources and courses for pet parents 💜👇

  Purple Vet Courses

  
  

  FOLLOW:

  Dr. Tina: @purple.vet

  Purple Vet: https://www.purple.vet/

  Integrative Pet Wellness Center: https://integrativepet.com

  Integrative Pet Wellness Center on Instagram: @integrativepet

  Dr. Lily Chen on Instagram: @dr.lilychen @the.unicorn.vet

  
  

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