008 - Pet Food Labels Explained: What AAFCO Statements, Ingredients, and “Buzzwords” Really Mean

Inside Mermaid Vet: Sam on Her Role and What Pet Owners Miss

In this episode of the Mermaid Vet Podcast, we sit down with Sam, a key member of our clinical team at Mermaid Vet Hospital, to talk about her path into veterinary medicine, what brought her to Vero Beach, and what keeps her passionate about working hands-on with pets every day. We cover: * How Sam transitioned into veterinary medicine and surgical care * What daily life looks like behind the scenes in a busy general practice * Why interacting directly with pets is her favorite part of the job * The one topic she wishes every Florida pet owner understood better—and why it matters This is a relaxed, honest conversation about veterinary medicine from the perspective of someone who lives it every day, and a great listen for pet owners who want a deeper look into the people caring for their animals.

009 - Supplements, Raw Diets & the Biggest Dog Food Myths We See in Clinic

In Part 3 of our pet nutrition series on the Mermaid Vet Podcast, Dr. Peter Mosites and Tim Hopson dive deeper into one of the most confusing topics for pet owners: dog food, supplements, and nutrition myths. This episode focuses on what veterinarians actually see in real clinical cases — not marketing claims or trendy labels. We cover: * When supplements like omega-3s and probiotics actually help (and when they don’t) * Joint supplements, bioavailability, and why “more” isn’t always better * How to avoid low-quality or unregulated supplements * Common real-world cases like itchy dogs, overweight cats, and raw-fed pets with chronic diarrhea * Why grain-free diets, raw food, and buzzword marketing can backfire * A lightning-round breakdown of common nutrition red flags pet owners hear every day If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to choose the “right” food for your pet, this episode will help you cut through the noise and make more informed decisions. 👉 Be sure to listen to Part 1 and 2 of this nutrition series for foundational context. 👉 Have a question or topic you’d like us to cover next? We’d love to hear it.

008 - Pet Food Labels Explained: What AAFCO Statements, Ingredients, and “Buzzwords” Really Mean

In this episode of the Mermaid Vet Podcast, Tim and Dr. Peter Mosites dive deep into one of the most confusing parts of pet nutrition: pet food labels. From misleading ingredient names to misunderstood guaranteed analyses, we break down what actually matters when choosing a dog or cat food — and what’s just marketing noise. Dr. Mosites explains the AAFCO naming rules (the 100%, 95%, 25%, “with,” and “flavor” rules), why guaranteed analysis numbers can be deceptive, and how ingredient lists tell a very different story than the front of the bag. We also cover: * How to tell if a food is truly complete and balanced * Why most itchy dogs don’t have food allergies * What elimination diets and hydrolyzed protein foods are really for * Practical weight-management advice using body condition scoring * Why “one cup twice a day” can accidentally lead to obesity * How treats can quietly make up 20%+ of your dog’s daily calories If you’ve ever stood confused in the pet food aisle — or wondered whether you’re feeding your pet too much, too little, or the wrong thing entirely — this episode will give you the clarity you’ve been looking for. 🎥 Watch on YouTube for visual demonstrations: https://youtu.be/ff2ch2of0VM 🧮 Use our Dog Calorie Calculator at themermaidvet.com/dog-calorie-calculator/ 💬 Questions about your pet’s food? Drop a comment or email us at info@themermaidvet.com

007 - How to Choose the Right Diet for Your Dog or Cat: Vet-Approved Guidance on Kibble, Canned, Raw & Fresh Food

In Episode 7 of the Mermaid Vet Podcast, Dr. Peter Mosites and Practice Manager Tim Hopson tackle one of the most confusing topics in pet care: nutrition. From kibble to canned food, raw diets to trendy subscription meals, this episode breaks down what truly matters when choosing your pet’s diet—and what’s just marketing. You’ll learn:  • Why nutrition affects everything from weight and joints to skin, kidneys, and long-term disease  • The real pros and cons of dry kibble, including storage, cost, and nutrient consistency • Why wet food isn’t necessarily more hydrating—and when it’s the right choice • The major health and hygiene concerns behind raw diets (and why vets are cautious) • Which “fresh” and subscription diets have legitimate vet oversight (and which are mostly hype) • The truth about grain-free diets, DCM, and why this trend became a veterinary headache • When prescription or therapeutic diets are worth the cost—and what they’re designed to treat This episode is packed with practical, vet-backed advice to help pet owners make informed decisions, avoid common nutrition myths, and keep their pets healthier for longer. Whether you’re wondering which food is best, trying to avoid dangerous trends, or simply want to save money without sacrificing your pet’s health, this conversation gives you the clarity you’ve been looking for.

006 - The Hardest Day: What Pet Owners Should Know About End-of-Life Decisions

No matter how much love or care we give them, our pets can’t stay with us forever. In this heartfelt conversation, Tim and Dr. Mosites open up about the emotional realities of euthanasia in veterinary practice—what makes it so hard, what makes it meaningful, and how they help pet parents navigate those final days.  They discuss the subtle changes that signal declining quality of life, the difference between aging and suffering, and the compassionate steps taken to ensure a peaceful goodbye. This episode is an honest, comforting guide for anyone walking alongside an aging companion.