Why I became a canine nutritionist
Back in 2006, I was given a one-and-a-half-year-old Labrador named Joey. His previous owner was returning to Germany and couldn’t take him with her, so suddenly this big, gentle dog became my responsibility.
To be honest, I didn’t really know what I was doing at the start. Thankfully, Joey arrived with an instruction folder – immunisations, training certificates, feeding notes – and for the first six months I felt like I’d been handed someone else’s child. But slowly, as dogs do, he became my shadow, my best friend, and the absolute apple of my eye.
When Joey was nine, I noticed a small white patch forming inside his left eye. The vet gave us drops, but within a week it had grown – until half his eye was white. Specialists didn’t know what it was. Words like surgery, eye removal and possible tumour were mentioned. I remember driving home with tears streaming down my face, terrified I was about to lose him.
Then, one day at the park, a stranger noticed Joey’s eye and gently said, “Have you tried a holistic vet?”
At the time I had no idea what that meant. She explained that some vets also study natural medicine, food therapy, acupuncture… and that maybe, just maybe, it was worth exploring.
That conversation changed everything.
It was the beginning of my education in how food affects our dogs’ health, immunity, energy, and longevity. I discovered a world of natural healing, evolutionary nutrition, and the powerful role fresh food can play in supporting the body. And the best part?
I didn’t lose Joey.
Not then, and not for a long time.
My beautiful boy lived another seven wonderful years, passing away at the ripe old age of sixteen – happy, grey-muzzled, and still full of love.
Those extra years were a gift.
And they were the start of my passion for canine nutrition.
When Jessie Arrived, Everything Became Clear
After Joey passed, I wasn’t sure I could open my heart to another dog. I was busy running Aunty Jo’s, surrounded by dogs every day – but coming home to a quiet house didn’t feel right.
Eventually, after months of trying to convince myself otherwise, I realised I needed a dog of my own again. That’s when Jessie entered my life: a tiny, cheeky, all-black Chihuahua pup who sat in an empty food bowl watching her siblings – which felt very on-brand for joining Aunty Jo’s.
With Jessie, I found my spark again.
I wanted to learn more, do more, help more.
I threw myself into studying under Dr Ian Billinghurst – one of the world’s leading evolutionary veterinary nutrition experts – and became BRNC certified in canine raw feeding. I combined this education with nearly two decades of hands-on experience working with dogs and their humans.
Little by little, I began helping customers with questions about allergies, itchy skin, tummy troubles, weight issues, and endless vet visits. I saw how small changes made big differences. Shiny coats. Better energy. Happier tummies. Fewer medications. Fewer bills.
And every time someone thanked me…
I quietly thanked Joey and Jessie.
Why I Now Offer Canine Nutrition Consultations
For years, people have been asking:
“Jo, how much should I feed?”
“What does real raw feeding look like?”
“Why is my dog always itchy?”
“Where do I start without feeling overwhelmed?”
So today, I’m finally offering something that brings my whole journey full circle:
One-on-One Canine Nutrition Consultations
These consultations are warm, supportive and down-to-earth – designed to take the confusion out of feeding and give you a simple, personalised plan based on real food and evolutionary science.
Because when we feed our dogs better,
they live better.
Just like Joey did.
Just like Jessie does.
And I’d be honoured to help your dog live their happiest, healthiest life too.
Luv Aunty Jo
