Feed Real Summit 2025: A Weekend of Learning and Connection

This past weekend in San Diego, the Feed Real Summit 2025 brought together a passionate community of pet professionals, caregivers, and advocates for the third annual conference focused on dog longevity and wellness. 

Woof Creek had the privilege of being a Silver Sponsor for the summit and attending as exhibitors, and our team flew home feeling deeply inspired, energized, and eager to implement the cutting-edge knowledge we gained. The summit was not just a place for education, but also for fostering connections and building a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to improving the health and longevity of our canine companions!

A Weekend of Warmth, Discovery and Insight

The night before the event kicked off, the sponsors, speakers, exhibitors, and Certified Professional Canine Nutritionists (graduates of Feed Real’s education arm, the Feed Real Institute) got to share an evening together connecting and enjoying a Trivia Challenge over eats and drinks. Fun was had. Woof Creek’s own Chef Scot Hill CPCN helped his team win-ish, as no one actually knew which team won as hilarious shenanigans ensued: Event host, the esteemed Dr. Barbara Royal DVM, chased the night’s moderator, Kimberly Gautier of ‘Raw Feeder Life,’ around the room to settle a disagreement over trivia question wording. It was a pleasure to spend time with a group of wonderfully warm, light, and brilliant people.

The event kicked off with a warm welcome from Ruby Balaram, Director and CEO of the Feed Real Institute, the Real Dog Box, and Feed Real Summit, who set the tone for the weekend by reminding us all of the importance of nourishing our dogs with real food and holistic practices. The summit’s theme, feeding real and healing naturally, was woven into every session, workshop, and discussion. Whether you’re a veterinarian, pet parent, or simply a dog enthusiast, there was something valuable to take away from every moment.

From the science of cannabis therapy to the ethics of pet food sourcing, each session offered a unique and informed perspective on how to enhance the health and longevity of our fur kids. We were inspired by the range of expertise on display, with renowned professionals like globally recognized veterinarian and pet advocate, Dr. Barbara Royal, veterinary oncologist Dr. Trina Hazzah, and renowned herbalist and functional mushroom expert Lee Carroll leading discussions on innovative approaches to integrative pet care and nutrition.

Key Takeaways from the Summit

As Woof Creek attended as Silver Sponsors, we were fortunate to be exposed to a wealth of information, and we want to share some key highlights from our time at FRS25:

1. The Power of Cannabis Therapy for Dogs:
   Dr. Trina Hazzah’s session on the science and safety of cannabis in veterinary practice validated the therapeutic potential of cannabis for managing conditions like pain, anxiety, seizures, and even cancer in dogs. The importance of proper dosing was emphasized, “start low and go slow”, and it’s clear that cannabis can be a powerful tool when used correctly in a holistic care plan.

2. Hair Mineral Testing (HTMA):
   Chelsea Kent’s presentation on Hair Mineral Testing was a game-changer! HTMA offers a non-invasive way to detect mineral imbalances, heavy metal toxicity, and nutrient deficiencies that might otherwise go unnoticed. It’s a fantastic tool for identifying root causes of conditions like anxiety, allergies, and even certain cancers. The ability to pinpoint underlying health issues before they manifest as serious problems is something we’re excited to explore further, even for our own fur kids. (Chef Scot Hill will be taking an in-depth certification program to learn to analyze this diagnostic method with Dr. Ava Frick DVM, in order to help our pet parents dig into core solutions for their pets.)

3. The Role of Medicinal Mushrooms:
   Lee Carroll, PhD, shared fascinating insights on the use of functional mushrooms for lifelong canine wellness. Mushrooms like reishi, chaga, and maitake contain bioactive compounds that can support immune health, reduce inflammation, and promote longevity. We were particularly intrigued by the presence of ergothioneine (ERGO), a powerful antioxidant that, as Lee noted, can play a significant role in combating aging and disease. Woof Creek uses mushrooms in all our powder blends, and Chef Scot has already started experimenting with some new ideas from this informative deeper dive… stay tuned for what’s to come!

4. Holistic Feeding Strategies:
   Dr. Carol Smeja’s session on how modern feeding habits fail to meet our dogs' natural and ancestral dietary needs was an eye-opener. She discussed how the pet food industry often caters to human convenience rather than aligning with a dog’s evolutionary feeding instincts. We left the summit with a deeper understanding of how critical the what and how of feeding are in promoting a dog’s overall health.

5. The Ethics of Sourcing Pet Food:
   Hanna Mandelbaum’s discussion on ethical sourcing was both enlightening and motivating. As the co-founder of Evermore, a pet food company dedicated to ethical sourcing in a way that stands apart from other brands, Hanna’s session was especially valuable. As pet parents become more discerning about what they feed their dogs, transparency in sourcing is key.

Hands-On Workshops: Real Learning in Action

Beyond the keynotes and lectures, the summit also featured some truly exciting hands-on workshops. These were not only informative but practical for anyone looking to enhance their dog's care routine:

• DIY Fresh Food with Kay Stewart, RVT, CPCN
  A hands-on session focused on fresh meal prep, safety, and sourcing, Kay Stewart shared essential tips for preparing balanced, healthy meals for dogs. The workshop emphasized the importance of food safety, sourcing quality ingredients, and how to ensure your dog’s meals are both nutritious and delicious. It was an eye-opening session that left us all feeling empowered to provide better, fresher food for our pups. Woof Creek team member Ashley Lane, took this workshop, and found it fascinating, to say the least.

• The Fascial Network with Dr. Laurie McCauley, DVM
  Laurie McCauley’s workshop explored the use of tuning forks and fascial release techniques to support canine mobility and healing. This session opened our eyes to the importance of the fascia (the connective tissue in dogs' bodies) and how it impacts everything from movement to recovery. We learned valuable techniques for enhancing mobility and helping dogs heal from injuries or stress. (Chef Scot will be taking Dr. McCauley’s course on this intriguing modality.)

• Emergency First Aid Kit with Dr. Lynda Loudon, DVM
  Dr. Lynda Loudon’s session offered a holistic approach to emergency preparedness and acute care for dogs. She walked attendees through essential items to keep in an emergency first aid kit, as well as practical advice on how to handle emergency situations, from injuries to allergic reactions, with a focus on natural remedies. Upon Dr. Loudon’s request, Woof Creek donated to the  Emergency Kits our Hip + Joint Support, our Gut Health Support and Algal Oil as products to incorporate into pet wellness emergency care and proactive routines to promote joint health and mobility support! 

Exciting Changes Ahead 

The knowledge we gained at the Feed Real Summit is already sparking new ideas at Woof Creek. As we continue to advocate for a future where dogs live longer, healthier lives, we’re excited to implement what we learned and share these innovations with our community. 

The weekend was not only a valuable educational experience, but also a reminder of why we do what we do, because every dog deserves more tail wagging years®. 

Here’s to a future where feeding real and healing naturally is the standard for every dog’s wellness. We can’t wait to continue this journey, and we’re thrilled to have you along for the ride!

#FeedReal #FRS25