The dogs kitchen

About Jo Heuston

I'm a qualified canine nutritionist specialising in balanced diets for dogs with ailments. I am an APNC Registered Associate recognised for clinical therapeutics (APNC - The Professional Association for Pet Nutrition Consultants).

I have over twenty years experience as a devoted dog guardian and a deep personal understanding of the challenges that come when dogs face serious health concerns.

My passion for canine nutrition was born when my own dogs were diagnosed with serious health issues; chronic kidney disease, stroke, seizures and canine cognitive dysfunction. They needed dietary support, they were my world and their health was shattering. I wanted to do everything I could to help them.

I found the advice available was confusing and conflicting. Online forums and social media groups were well intentioned but without real expertise. I was burnt out and losing sleep trying to figure it all out on my own, burning through food and supplements which was eye wateringly expensive and incredibly wasteful. I had no idea if i was doing the right thing,

Commercial pet food claims, pet shop advice and pet food marketing messages only added to the confusion. I honestly did my best but I made a promise to my dogs then and the ones that came after to do better.

This promise started years of study and is now my profession to help pet guardians who are often confused, anxious, overwhelmed and not sure who to trust, get the help they need.

I have invested years into formal education, qualifications and ongoing professional development so i can support dogs and their guardians with confidence, integrity and evidence based guidance, helping you feel supported every step of the way to remove the guesswork.

I founded the dogs kitchen to provide clear evidence based guidance, with tailored nutritional plans that support the individual dog, to empower guardians with knowledge and confidence and to work ethically and collaboratively with veterinary professionals.

I have direct experience supporting dogs with a variety of health needs whose veterinary diagnoses have included chronic kidney disease, pancreatitis, canine cognitive disorder, seizures, stroke, tumours, osteoarthritis, separation anxiety, food intolerances, and microbiome-related issues.

My Qualifications:

Association of Pet Nutrition Consultants - Level 4 Canine Nutrition Consultancy Award.
Practitioner Diploma Applied Zoo pharmacognosy
Level 5 Certificate in Sustainability & Environmental Management ( Level 6 P-ISEP Accredited)
Ofqual Regulated Diploma in Canine Nutrition including:
Ofqual Level 4 Canine Microbiome, Immunity and Behaviour
Ofqual Level 4 Principles of Canine Nutrition
CPD Level 3 Certificate in Canine Nutrition & Health
Ofqual Level 2 Award in Canine Care & Welfare
Ofqual Level 2 Human Health & Nutrition

Why the dogs kitchen

Professionalism

Ethical & Inclusive

Professionalism

I'm a qualified APNC registered canine nutritionist specialising in formulating balanced diets for health conditions. I am detailed in my work and will ensure your diet plans and formulations are evidence based and up to date on the latest research.

I believe balance matters and food should support the whole dog, be bioavailable and not just meet minimum requirements for regulatory needs.

Commitment

Ethical & Inclusive

Professionalism

I am committed to helping pet guardians navigate the confusing world of canine nutrition, especially when their dog is living with a diagnosed health condition.

Guardians deserve accessible, honest, targeted, and evidence led support rather than overpriced generalist marketing that cannot show how it provides balance and doesn't provide the professional backing data.

Holistic Wellness

Ethical & Inclusive

Nutrition should support gut health, skin & coat, immune resilience, energy levels, behaviour, emotional balance and overall vitality. No two dogs are the same. I take an holistic approach and always look at the dog in front of me.

I support APNC's call (working with RCVS) to protect Canine Nutritionist as a term under the Veterinary Surgeons Act, seeking to limit only qualified professionals to used this term and to support veterinary surgeons as para -professionals..

Ethical & Inclusive

Professional nutrition support should be accessible to all guardians whether feeding raw, gently cooked home prepared or commercial diets and across a range of budgets.

I offer an accessible and inclusive service to meet guardians where they are.

I work strictly within my professional scope and always collaborate with veterinary professionals where medical input is required. Nutrition is a powerful support tool but it is not a replacement for veterinary care.

Canine nutrition support...naturally

About Jo Heuston

Why the dogs kitchen

Professionalism

Ethical & Inclusive

Professionalism

Commitment

Ethical & Inclusive

Professionalism

Holistic Wellness

Ethical & Inclusive

Ethical & Inclusive

Ethical & Inclusive

Ethical & Inclusive

Ethical & Inclusive

Do you need nutrition support for your cherished pet?

Canine nutrition support...naturally

About Jo Heuston

Why the dogs kitchen

Professionalism

Ethical & Inclusive

Professionalism

Commitment

Ethical & Inclusive

Professionalism

Holistic Wellness

Ethical & Inclusive

Ethical & Inclusive

Ethical & Inclusive

Ethical & Inclusive

Ethical & Inclusive

Do you need nutrition support for your cherished pet?

These cookies are not for dogs.