The dogs kitchen

Frequently Asked Questions

Every dog and every owner is different, and it’s natural to have questions before you decide which service is right for you. Here you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions I’m asked about how I work, what to expect, and how nutrition can truly transform your dog’s health and happines

What’s the difference between a registered canine nutritionist and my vet’s dietary advice?

Veterinary nutrition advice is often focused on managing a diagnosed condition using prescription diets or broad feeding guidance. As a canine nutritionist, my role is to complement that not replace it. I work with you to build a diet that supports your dog’s unique needs, whether that’s restoring gut balance, improving nutrient absorption, or preventing future issues through whole, high-quality foods. Think of it as a partnership: your vet diagnoses, I help you feed in a way that supports recovery and long-term wellbeing.

Do you create completely balanced recipes, or can you help me choose the best commercial food?

Both! Some clients come to me wanting fully balanced, bespoke formulations created from scratch. Others simply need guidance to choose the best raw, cooked, or natural commercial food and learn how to top it up correctly. I offer two main consult types:

Tailored Plan (without formulation): perfect if you’d like me to review your current food and recommend improvements.
Full Formulation: bespoke recipe(s) created and balanced using nutritional software, ensuring it meets your dog’s exact requirements

My dog has allergies, anxiety, or kidney disease, can nutrition really help with that?

Yes in many cases, diet plays a huge role. The gut and immune system are deeply connected, and an imbalanced microbiome can influence everything from itchy skin to mood and inflammation. By identifying the right foods, improving nutrient balance, and supporting the gut–brain axis, we can often make a real difference in comfort, confidence, and energy levels.

In some cases, I may also recommend a microbiome test to identify what’s really happening beneath the surface as it’s often the missing piece in long-term recovery.

Do you work with raw, gently cooked or commercial wet and dry food?

i will always advocate for species appropriate feeding and work with you to reach the best diet for your dog. My focus is always on what’s right for your individual dog. Some dogs thrive on a raw diet, others do better with gently cooked, a high-quality commercial food supported with fresh ingredients can also be a solution. What matters most is balance, bioavailability, and the overall quality of ingredients. During your consultation, I’ll review your dog’s current diet, preferences, and health profile, then help you make the best evidence-based choice for them.

What happens after I book a consultation?

Once you book, you’ll receive a questionnaire to tell me about your dog’s history, current diet, and any symptoms or goals. I’ll then review everything before our 1:1 consultation, so our time together is focused and productive.

After the session, you’ll receive a personalised nutrition plan or recipes (depending on the service you’ve chosen), plus ongoing support for four weeks to help you implement changes confidently. You’ll also have the option to book discounted follow-up sessions or choose monthly ongoing support if your dog’s needs evolve over time.

Canine nutrition support...naturally

Frequently Asked Questions

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