About Me

My name is Vicky and I am the owner of Nook on Lyne Labradors and the founder of Nutrition at Nook on Lyne Labradors.

I am a fully qualified and insured Associate Canine Nutrition Consultant with the Association of Pet Nutrition Consultants (APNC), working ethically, transparently and within a clearly defined professional scope.

I have shared my life with dogs for over 40 years. Dogs have never simply been pets in my life they have been family, teachers, companions and the constant thread running through everything I do. Over four decades I have lived alongside dogs through every life stage, puppies, adolescents, adults, seniors, and dogs with complex health needs. That lived experience combined with years of formal education underpins my work today.

Like many deeply committed dog guardians my journey into canine nutrition began with one simple but powerful question:

How can I give my dogs the healthiest, longest and happiest lives possible?

That question became a passion.

That passion became years of study.

And that study became my profession.

Why I Created Nutrition at Nook on Lyne Labradors

My dedication to dogs has always gone far beyond feeding recommendations or trends. It is deep rooted in an unwavering lifelong commitment to canine health, welfare, ethics and informed choice.

As both a longstanding dog guardian and advocate for Canine welfare I have seen first-hand how profoundly nutrition influences every aspect of a dog’s life, not just physical health, but behaviour, resilience, emotional wellbeing, and longevity. 

At the same time I witnessed growing confusion among dog owners. Online advice, social media trends, pet shop recommendations and conflicting opinions often left guardians overwhelmed, confused, anxious and unsure who to trust.

As a result I chose to invest years into formal education, qualifications and ongoing professional development so I could support dogs and their guardians with confidence, integrity and evidence-based guidance.

Nutrition is one of the most powerful tools we have to support health and I therefore created Nutrition at Nook on Lyne Labradors to bridge that gap:

• To provide clear, evidence-based nutritional guidance
• To offer practical, realistic support
• To create tailored nutrition plans that suit the individual dog
• To empower guardians with knowledge and confidence
• To work ethically and collaboratively with veterinary professionals

Nutrition at Nook on Lyne Labradors exists because dogs deserve more than guesswork when it comes to their health. I am here to support not judge and to place the dog’s welfare at the centre of every decision.

My Mission as a Canine Nutrition Consultant

My mission is to use nutrition as a tool for lifelong health, supporting dogs as individuals rather than fitting them into one-size-fits-all feeding models.

At the heart of my work is the belief that:

• Food should support the whole dog and not just meet minimum requirements
• Every dog is unique with individual needs based on breed, age, lifestyle, health status and sensitivities
• Guardians deserve accessible, honest, science-led support, free from fear-based marketing or trends

My Core Values

Holistic Wellness

Nutrition should support gut health, skin and coat, immune resilience, energy levels, behaviour, emotional balance and overall vitality and not simply fill a bowl. I take a truly holistic approach and always look at the dog in front of me.

Personalisation

No two dogs are the same. I create tailored nutrition plans based on life stage, health considerations, lifestyle, and the individual dog’s needs.

A fresh food diet for dogs typically composed of lightly cooked or raw whole ingredients can help manage and support several common canine health conditions and life stages by providing higher nutrient bioavailability and fewer artificial additives than traditional kibble alone.

Common Health Conditions Supported by a Fresh Food Diet

Digestive Disorders & Sensitive Stomachs:
Fresh diets are highly digestible, which can alleviate symptoms like chronic loose stools, gas, and bloating. Ingredients like pumpkin provide natural fiber to regulate both diarrhea and constipation.

Food Allergies & Sensitivities:
Because fresh food uses simple, recognizable ingredients, it is easier to avoid common triggers (like specific grains or proteins) and artificial preservatives that often cause itching and ear infections.

Skin & Coat Problems:
High levels of natural Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids in fresh ingredients help resolve dull coats, dry skin, and excessive shedding.

Obesity & Weight Management:
Fresh diets often have higher protein-to-carbohydrate ratios and higher moisture content, which promotes a healthy metabolism and increases satiety.

Inflammatory Conditions & Joint Pain:
Fresh foods often contain more natural anti-inflammatory compounds which can help with conditions like arthritis and systemic inflammation.

Low Appetite & Picky Eating:
The high palatability of real, fresh food often makes it better for dogs with low appetites including seniors or those with chronic illnesses, to eat more consistently. 

Kidney and Renal Health:
The high moisture content in fresh, lightly cooked food supports kidney function by promoting hydration and reducing the burden on the kidneys to filter waste.

Common Life Stages Supported by a Fresh Food Diet

Puppies:
Fresh diets provide high-quality protein and precise mineral levels (calcium/phosphorus) for stable growth, strong bones, and a resilient immune system. Early exposure to fresh proteins may also reduce the risk of adult allergies. 

Controlling calcium and phosphorus levels in large breed puppies is critical because their bones grow very rapidly and their bodies cannot properly regulate excess dietary calcium during early growth. Too much calcium or incorrect calcium to phosphorus ratios can disrupt normal bone development and lead to serious orthopaedic disease. 

There are 3 growth stages for puppies and each satge has its own nutritional requirements. Large breed puppies require stricter  nutritional control than small breed puppies mainly because their rapid growth and heavy adult body weight place much grealer stress on developing bones and joints. If nutrition is not balanced correctly skeletal problems are much more likely to occur.

Adults:
Focuses on sustaining energy, maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, and ensuring optimal weight to prevent the onset of chronic diseases.

Seniors:
Fresh food addresses cognitive decline, and muscle wasting by providing highly bioavailable protein and moisture-rich ingredients

Reproduction:
Proper nutrition is essential for successful breeding and healthy offspring.

Pre-Mating: fresh diet Support fertility antioxidant protection and reproductive hormone health.
Pregnancy: Implantation stage focuses on antioxidants folate and high-quality protein.
Organ Development Srtage focuses on DHA, protein and digestive support.
Rapid Growth Stage focuses on energy, easily digestible foods and hydration
                                                                                                                           It is vital to control calcium intake during pregnancy. The parathyroid gland is responsible for regulating calcium levels by producing the Parathyroid Hormone which helps release stored calcium from bones into the blood. When a dog receives too much calcium during pregnancy, the parathyroid gland senses high levels of calcium and suppresses PTH production and "shuts down" becoming less functional. Once the dog gives birth and begins producing milk, there is a massive drain of calcium. Because the PTH system was suppressed during pregnancy, the body cannot quickly ramp up causing a sharp drop in calcium (hypocalcemia). This interference makes the mother more likely to develop Eclampsia after giving birth, a medical emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention.                                                   Lactation: This is the most energy-demanding stage requiring up to 4x maintenance calories. Fresh food’s high moisture content (65%–75%) supports milk production and hydration. Increased calcium via edible bone or specific fresh recipes is vital to prevent eclampsia.

It is crucial that fresh food diets are balanced by a canine nutritionist as unbalanced homemade diets can lead to nutritional deficiencies or excesses

Empowerment Through Education

I don’t just tell guardians what to feed, I explain why. Education builds confidence and allows guardians to make informed choices long after our work together.

Accessibility & Inclusivity

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

A Collaborative & Ethical Approach

I work strictly within my professional scope, follow evidence-based principles 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.

My role is to guide, educate, and support and never to diagnose medical conditions. Ethical practice, professional boundaries, and collaboration are fundamental to my work.

A Final Word

This isn’t about fear, blame or perfection, it's about doing the best you can for your dog with the right information and support. There is no judgement on your feeding choice as recognising what's best varies by dog, owner and lifestyle.

At Nutrition at Nook on Lyne Labradors, my goal is simple and that is to help dogs live healthier, happier, longer lives and to help their guardians feel confident in every bowl they serve. 

Qualifications

I am a fully qualified and insured Canine Nutrition Consultant

Education & Training

• APNC - Level 4 Consultancy Award in Canine Nutrition
• Ofqual Level 4 in Canine Microbiome, Immunity and Behaviour
• Ofqual Level 4 in Principles of Canine Nutrition
• IPET Network Ofqual Requlated Level 3 Diploma in Canine Nutrition
• IPET Network Ofqual Regulated Level 3 Certificate in Dog Breeding, Litter Socialisation and Welfare
• IPET Network Ofqual Requlated Level 3 Certificate in Canine Behaviour for Breeders
• IPET Level 2 Certificte in Canine Body Language
• Advanced Puppy Profiling
• Ongoing North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) Veterinary Microbiome Certification 
• Monthly Continued Professional Development (CPD)

Why APNC Membership Matters

In an unregulated industry professional accountability is essential.The Association of Pet Nutrition Consultants (APNC) exists to raise standards and protect both dogs and their guardians.

As an Associate Member of APNC I am required to:

• Hold a recognised qualification in Ofqual regulated L3 Diploma in Canine Nutrition
• Work ethically and within a defined scope of practice
• Commit to evidence-based guidance
• Maintain ongoing education
• Follow a strict code of conduct

APNC membership gives clients confidence that they are working with someone who is:

• Qualified
• Accountable
• Science-led
• Ethically bound

Professional Associations

As well as APNC I am proud to be affiliated with the following respected professional bodies:

• College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies (CIVT)
• International Association of Animal Therapies (IAAT)
• Pet Professional Network
• Professional Dog Businesses UK (PDBUK)

These memberships reflect my commitment to professionalism, integrity and continual learning. 

All consultations are provided online supporting pet guardians across the UK and globally.

Complimentary 15-Minute Nutrition Consultation

Begin with a complimentary15-minute introductory call with me, Vicky,  a qualified canine nutritionist. During this call I will discuss your dog’s individual needs, your current feeding approach and your goals in order to help you understand which service would be most appropriate for you and your dog.

This is a no-obligation call and is ideal for dog owners who are exploring professional nutrition support and would like expert guidance from a qualified canine nutritionist before committing to a service.

Diet Assessment and Nutritional Guidance - £60

This service is designed for dog owners seeking clarity, reassurance and guidance without requiring a fully personalised diet formulation. Whether you are feeding a commercial food, raw, lightly cooked, or a mixed approach I will assess your dog’s current diet and provide tailored recommendations to support optimal health.

What’s included:

• A detailed questionnaire designed to gain a full understanding of your dog’s health, diet and lifestyle
• Assessment of your dog’s existing feeding plan
• A 30 minute canine nutrition consultation to discuss your goals and how I can best support you and your dog
• Details of calorific requirements according to your dogs age and activity levels to ensure optimum weight.
• A written nutrition summary outlining the key points and recommendations discussed during the consultation including guidance on suitable commercial dog food options, ingredients, supplements, and fresh-food additions
• 2 weeks email support
• 25% off follow up consultation within a 12 month period

Personalised Diet Nutritionally Balanced in Line With FEDIAF or AAFCO Guidelines. Formulated with either Gently Cooked or Raw Ingredients Using Animal Diet Formulation Software - £150 

This comprehensive service provides a fully personalised nutrition plan tailored to support your dog’s health, wellbeing and longevity.

Diets are professionally formulated using Animal Diet Formulation software in line with FEDIAF or AAFCO guidelines to ensure complete and balanced nutrition. Recipes can be formulated using either gently cooked or raw ingredients.

This package is ideal for owners who wish to use nutrition as a proactive tool for lifelong health, address individual needs and gain confidence in every meal they feed.

What’s included:

• A detailed questionnaire designed to gain a full understanding of your dog’s health, diet and lifestyle
• 60-minute canine nutrition consultation 
• A personalised diet formulation tailored specifically to your dog, including a complete and balanced home prepared recipe that meets  FEDIAF/AAFCO nutritional guidelines. The complete and balanced recipe may be fed as a full meal or used as a topper at no more than 10% of the total diet, helping to maintain nutritional balance and avoid deficiencies or excesses when added to your Dogs’s current diet
• Personalised diet plan together with a written nutrition summary outlining the key points and recommendations discussed during the consultation
• Details of calorific requirements according to your dogs age and activity levels to ensure optimum weight.
• 6 weeks email support
• Comprehensive PDF report including:
• Ingredients list and quantities
• Recipe instructions
• Macronutrient analysis
• Macronutrient information 
• Full nutritional breakdown of vitamins, minerals, fats, and amino acids

Biome4Pets Microbiome Test Kit with a 27 page Petbiome Profile Including Targeted  Supplement Recommendation to Correct Gut Imbalances. This Package also Inclues a Personalosed Diet Nutritionally Balanced in Line with FEDIAF or AAFCO Guidelines. Formulated with either Gentley Cooked or Raw Ingredients Using Animal Diet Formulation Softward £290

Hippocrates (c. 460–370 BCE), often hailed as the "father of modern medicine," is famously credited with the assertion that "all disease begins in the gut".

Scientific research has increasingly supported Hippocrates' intuition, particularly regarding the gut microbiome and intestinal permeability ("leaky gut") and the secondary health concerns caused by this condition.

A microbiome test provides valuable insights into a dog’s gut health and how it may impact their overall well-being. When a dog is in dysbiosis (an imbalance of the microbes) it can have a detrimental affect on a dogs health including digestive problems, allergies, immune issues, skin and coat health, weight management and even behavioural concerns.

You will receive a 27 page detailed Petbiome report on your dogs gut health providing insights into the core state of your dog’s microbiome focusing on its stability, diversity and resilience together with supplement recommendations to address any imbalances. The test and report are carried out by Biome4Pets.

This comprehensive package is ideal for owners who wish to use the belt and braces approach to health. By using targeted nutrition and personalised diet formulation using functional foods along side a microbiome test we can actively work to restore microbial balance. When done correctly food becomes the primary therapeutic tool for rebuilding a healthy canine Microbiome. Restoring a healthy Microbiome can significantly improve health and often reduces the need for long-term medications or supplements. Think of the microbiome as a foundation for overall health, if the foundation is weak many symptoms including digestion, immunity metabolism and even mood can be affected, strengthen it and the dog’s body has a better chance to heal itself.

Diets are formulated using Animal Diet Formulation software in line with FEDIAF or AAFCO guidelines to ensure complete and balanced nutrition. 

What’s included:

• A detailed questionnaire designed to gain a full understanding of your dog’s health, diet and lifestyle
• 60-minute canine nutrition consultation
• A personalised diet formulation tailored specifically to your dog, including a complete and balanced home prepared recipe that meets  FEDIAF/AAFCO nutritional guidelines. The complete and balanced recipe may be fed as a full meal or used as a topper at no more than 15% of the total diet, helping to maintain nutritional balance and avoid deficiencies or excesses when added to your Dogs’s current diet
• Personalised diet plan together with a written nutrition summary outlining the key points and recommendations discussed during the consultation
• Details of calorific requirements according to your dogs age and activity levels to ensure optimum weight.
• Microbiome test kit
• A 27 page report on your dog's gut health with supplement recomendations 
• 6 weeks email support
• Comprehensive PDF report including:
• Ingredients list and quantities
• Recipe instructions
• Macronutrient analysis
• Macronutrient information 
• Full nutritional breakdown of vitamins, minerals, fats, and amino acids.  

Biome4Pets Microbiome Test Kit with Petbiome Profile Including Targeted Supplement Recommendations to Correct Gut Imbalances - £170

A 27 page detailed report on your dogs gut health together with supplement Recommendations, no diet formulation, for guardians who
just want an insight into their dogs gut health

Targeted Supplements £32

Biome4Pets AMR
This is a combination of the anti-microbial bioactive polyphenols found in oregano, rosemary, thyme, berberine, and a soil-based probiotic.

This supplement is also available without Rosemary.

PetBiome Prebiotic

This is a high quality prebiotic formulated by extensive scientific research into the Microbiome of dogs and cats. It has been developed to rebalance a specific important community of gut bacteria associated with a healthy immune function. 

Designed for clients who have had a consultation within the past year and would like extra guidance and the opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns. This is especially great for new puppy owners who need support with the 3 growth stages and the calorific requirements of their individual puppy for each stage  

What’s included:

• 30 minute Canine Nutrition Consultation
• 1 week email support

Additional Recipes £45/£50

Designed for existing clients who have used the Personalised Diet Formulation Service in the previous 12 months

What’s included

1 x Recipe £50 each

3 Plus Recipes £45 each

To book any of the above services please email using the following link:

nookonlynelabradors@gmail.com

Nutrition during puppyhood is not just about growth it is about programming lifelong health.

Feeding puppies appropriately formulated fresh food whether gently cooked or raw can offer significant benefits when done correctly. These diets use whole, high-quality ingredients, often with minimal processing which helps preserve natural nutrients, enzymes and bioavailable amino acids.

Studies in both veterinary and human nutrition have shown that highly processed diets can negatively affect gut microbiota diversity, while fresh, minimally processed foods support a healthier microbial balance. Early microbial diversity is strongly associated with improved immune resilience later in life.

It is important that puppy nutrition is carefully balanced, particularly for growing dogs, large breeds, and those with specific developmental needs. My role is to ensure that fresh feeding is safe, complete, appropriate and evidence-led, never guesswork. All puppy formulations are in line with FEDIAF or AAFCO guidelines. 

Health and nutrient benefits of a fresh food diet for a puppy

• Optimal nutrient absorption and bioavailability. Gentle cooking at low temperatures or no cooking helps to break down proteins and starches, making them easier for a puppy to digest and absorb. The process retains natural enzymes and more of the ingredients' nutritional value, ensuring they get the most from every meal.   
• Improved digestion. The high moisture and natural fibre from whole fruits and vegetables found in fresh foods can be easier on a puppy's digestive system. This can lead to more consistent bowel movements and better overall gut health, which is especially beneficial for puppies with sensitive stomachs.
• Healthier skin and coat. Fresh diets rich in high-quality protein and essential fatty acids, such as omega-3s, help nourish the skin and promote a glossy, soft coat. Many owners report reduced shedding and less skin irritation after switching to a fresh food diet.
• Better hydration. Fresh food has a much higher moisture content compared to dry kibble. This extra hydration helps support kidney function and overall organ health, even for puppies who don't drink a lot of water.
• Supports a healthy immune system. The preservation of natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants  helps to build a stronger immune system for long-term health and disease prevention. Feeding a puppy fresh food can benefit their microbiome by increasing gut diversity and improving digestion. The process and ingredients in fresh food support a more diverse and balanced microbial community in the gut which is vital for a puppy's development. 
• Increased palatability. The real, fresh ingredients in gently cooked food have a more appetizing aroma, flavor, and texture for dogs. This can be especially helpful for picky eaters or for encouraging a healthy appetite.
• Ingredient transparency. The owners peace of mind, knowing they are feeding their puppy real, whole foods without artificial additives, fillers, or preservatives.
• Easier weight management. Fresh food diets are nutrient-dense, helping puppies feel full and satisfied with appropriate portion sizes. This can help prevent overeating and support a healthy weight as they grow. 
• Improved Learning and Trainability. 
  Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a crucial omega-3 fatty acid that provides significant benefits for puppy learning, cognition, and trainability. Studies have consistently shown that puppies fed diets enriched with DHA perform better in various cognitive tests than those on low DHA diets.
   
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22916855/

How to approach a fresh diet for a puppy

If you are considering a fresh, gently cooked or raw diet for your puppy please get in contact with me to discuss your options.