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For Pet Owners

General

    • I connect pet owners and their general practice veterinarians with veterinary nutrition experts to create completely customized and safe homemade diets for your pets. This includes:

      • Expert Connection: Facilitating collaboration between you, your vet, and a veterinarian with advanced training in nutrition and homemade diets.

      • Customized Recipes: Utilizing recipes formulated by a veterinary nutrition specialist, tailored to your pet's individual needs, health conditions, and preferences.

      • Ingredient Sourcing Guidance: Providing resources and advice on where to source the necessary ingredients to ensure quality and safety.

      • Preparation Guidance: Teaching you the correct techniques and best practices for preparing your pet's food at home to maintain nutritional integrity and safety.

      • Ongoing Support: Offering continued support and guidance throughout the process, answering your questions, and collaborating with the veterinary team for any necessary adjustments.

      • Mini Nutritional Consultations: Offering guidance on choosing the right commercial diet, understanding feeding amounts, incorporating healthy toppers and treats, assessing your dog's weight and food intake, interpreting digestive signs (farts, stools), reading food labels, and calculating appropriate calorie intake.

      • Specialized Support: Providing strategies for dogs with food aversions and offering numerous food enrichment ideas.

      • Educational Resources: Supplying visual aids and tracking materials to help you better understand your dog's nutritional health.

      • Veterinary Discussion Points: Guiding you on essential questions to ask your veterinarian about your pet's diet.

      • Fresh Food Preparation Service: Providing the option for me to prepare your pet's customized meals for you.

      • Free Mini Consult Opportunities: Offering walk-in free mini-consults in select neighborhoods on most Wednesdays.

    • My in-person, one-on-one services are currently available from West Bay to Red Bay. However, I offer significant support and guidance remotely, making my services accessible even if you are not in my immediate area. Whether online or via WhatsApp, please reach out to discuss how I can help you create a safe and customized homemade diet for your pet, regardless of your location.

    • Initial Consultation: The initial consultation fee is $150. However, if you decide to proceed with a full customized diet plan, this $150 fee will be applied towards the $400 cost of the plan, effectively making the initial consultation free.

    • Customized Diet Plan: The total fee for a fully customized diet plan is $400 (with the initial $150 consultation fee included if you proceed). This price includes the consultation with the veterinary nutrition specialist who will formulate the recipe specifically for your pet. Please note that additional costs for necessary diagnostic tests (such as blood work and urinalysis, which are typically required) will be discussed with your general practice veterinarian and are not included in this fee. Depending on your pet's case, other tests may also be recommended by the veterinary team.

    • Mini Nutritional Consultation (Standalone): A standalone 1-hour mini nutritional consultation is priced at $150 and includes two weeks of follow-up support via WhatsApp.

    • Fresh Food Preparation Service (after a customized plan is in place): If you would like me to prepare your pet's customized meals for you, the pricing is as follows: a $30 visit fee plus the cost of the food. The cost of the fresh food ranges from $8.95 to $14.95 per 500 grams, depending on the specific ingredients and your pet's recipe.

    • I offer free walk-in mini-consults in various neighborhoods on most Wednesdays. The locations for these free sessions are announced on the "Women in Cayman" Facebook page. Please join the group for the latest schedule. You can also send me an email to inquire about the next location. These free sessions may be one-on-one or in a group format, depending on attendance.

    • The journey to a safe and customized homemade diet for your pet involves several key steps, ensuring collaboration and transparency at every stage:

    1. Initial Consultation: We begin with a consultation where I gather detailed information about your pet's health, your concerns, and your nutritional goals. This information is used to start a comprehensive diet questionnaire for our veterinary nutrition specialist and for our shared records.

    2. Veterinary GP Contact and Waiver: I will reach out to your pet's local general practice veterinarian with a waiver for them to sign, acknowledging their awareness of our plan and releasing your pet to work with our US-based veterinary nutrition specialist.

    3. Diagnostic Testing: You will be asked to schedule an appointment with your vet for current blood work and a urinalysis (if not already done recently) and a general health evaluation (if not within the last year). We also request a vet records release to share your pet's medical history with our specialist.

    4. Data Collection and Sharing: While we await the test results (which typically take about two weeks to receive), I immediately begin collecting detailed data on your pet's current and past diets, eating habits, and overall nutritional needs. This data is updated daily and shared on a secure online file accessible to you, your GP vet, and our specialist, ensuring complete transparency and allowing us to track progress with evidence.

    5. Nutrition Plan and Recipe Delivery: Once the test results are received, it takes approximately two weeks to receive the customized diet plan and recipe from our specialist.

    6. Client Webpage: Upon receiving the nutrition packet, I will create an easy-to-understand, password-protected webpage containing all the details. This page is accessible to you, your vet, and our specialist for ongoing reference.

    7. Ingredient Sourcing: Simultaneously, I begin sourcing the necessary ingredients, working closely with local suppliers like Kirk Market to obtain high-quality, natural meats without added preservatives or salt. If your vet recommends supplements, I can also source pet-safe options from retailers like Vitamin Shoppe and Island Naturals.

    8. In-Home Cooking and Education: The cooking process takes place in your home, with you. You can be as involved as you like. Some clients appreciate the convenience of me preparing the food while they attend to other tasks, while others prefer a more hands-on approach to learn how to do it themselves. I can also work with any household staff who may be involved in your pet's care. The amount of food we prepare depends entirely on your pet's needs and your freezer space.

    9. Storage Solutions: As the food contains no preservatives, freezing is essential for storage. I provide all the necessary ingredients. While you may choose to invest in a vacuum sealer, I have systems in place to facilitate vacuum sealing or the use of other appropriate bags and containers.

    10. Ongoing Support and Collaboration: I provide ongoing support and work collaboratively with you and the veterinary team to ensure the diet is working well and make any necessary adjustments. My goal is to empower you to have informed conversations with your vet about your pet's nutrition.

    • For cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice that are not rebooked within 5 days, there will be a charge of $30 plus 50% of the cost of the scheduled cooking service (to cover purchased ingredients that may spoil).

    • There is no cancellation fee for cancellations made with more than 24 hours' notice or if the service is rebooked within 5 days.

    • Yes, I can provide references from current clients. If you would like to speak with someone about their experience, please send me an email, and I will forward your contact information to a few of my clients who have kindly agreed to share their feedback.

Making Homemade Diets Safe

    • You've come to the right place! I specialize in making it possible for pet owners like you to safely prepare homemade diets that are completely tailored to your individual pet's needs.

    • The recipes we use are meticulously formulated by a veterinarian with advanced training in nutrition and a specialization in homemade diets. This ensures the recipes are nutritionally complete and balanced for your pet's specific requirements.

    • I understand that even with the right recipe, there are many nuances and potential pitfalls in preparing food at home. My role is to guide you through the entire process, ensuring safety and accuracy from the recipe to your kitchen and ultimately to your pet's bowl. I am also passionate about bringing the conversation about homemade diets into the open with your veterinarian to ensure a collaborative and safe approach.

    • Yes! All the recipes we utilize are formulated by a board-certified or residency-trained veterinary nutritionist, ensuring they meet your pet's specific nutritional requirements.

    • To create a truly customized diet, we require current blood work and a urinalysis from your pet. Depending on their specific health situation, other diagnostic tests may also be necessary, as determined by your general practice veterinarian. Once we have this information, it is reviewed by the veterinary nutrition specialist who will then formulate a balanced and complete recipe tailored to your pet's unique needs. This collaborative approach ensures the highest level of safety and effectiveness.

    • The process begins with a thorough assessment of your pet's individual needs, including their age, breed, health status, activity level, and any specific dietary requirements or sensitivities. This information, along with the results of necessary diagnostic tests, is then used by the veterinary nutritionist to create a truly tailored recipe.

    • My job is to be your guide and support system throughout the journey of feeding your pet a homemade diet. I facilitate clear communication and collaboration between you, your pet's general practice veterinarian, and the veterinary nutrition specialist. I help ensure the recipes are prepared correctly at home, address any questions or concerns you might have, and monitor your pet's progress to make any necessary adjustments in consultation with the veterinary team.

      • That's completely understandable, and ensuring your vet is comfortable is a priority! I work collaboratively with your pet's general practice veterinarian, keeping them informed throughout the process and addressing any concerns they may have. The goal is for everyone involved to feel confident that your pet's nutritional needs are being met safely and effectively. I am passionate about fostering open communication between pet owners and their vets regarding nutrition.

    • Yes, we are fully insured for your peace of mind.

Qualifications and Expertise

    • I am a Certified Canine Nutritionist, having obtained my certification from the Companion Animal Science Institute (CASI). This comprehensive training has equipped me with the in-depth knowledge and understanding of canine nutrition necessary to guide pet owners in making informed dietary choices for their beloved companions. Additionally, I have specialized training to help dogs with food aversions and a wealth of ideas for food enrichment

    • All the recipes are formulated by a veterinarian with advanced training in nutrition and a specialization in creating balanced homemade diets for pets.

    • Yes, I can provide references from current clients. If you would like to speak with someone about their experience, please send me an email, and I will forward your contact information to a few of my clients who have kindly agreed to share their feedback.

For Pet Professional

General Collaboration

  • I am eager to collaborate with general practice veterinarians, specialists, and other pet professionals to provide comprehensive nutritional support for their clients. This includes:

    • Referrals for Homemade Diet Guidance: Partnering with vets who have clients interested in exploring safe and customized homemade diets.

    • Nutritional Consultations: Offering my expertise in canine nutrition to complement your veterinary care.

    • Educational Opportunities: Collaborating on workshops, seminars, or online content to educate pet owners on the importance of proper nutrition.

    • Shared Client Management: Working together to monitor and adjust dietary plans based on the pet's health and your recommendations.

    • Referring clients is easy! You can provide them with my contact information (website, email, phone number). I will then reach out to the client directly and keep you informed throughout the process, ensuring seamless collaboration.

    • To provide the best possible service, I require:

      • Relevant Medical History: Including any existing health conditions, allergies, and past dietary issues.

      • Recent Diagnostic Results: Ideally, current blood work and urinalysis (within the last year) are necessary for customized diet plans.

      • Awareness and Consent: A signed waiver indicating your awareness of the client's interest in pursuing a customized homemade diet plan with my guidance and the input of a veterinary nutritionist.

      • Ongoing Communication: I value open communication and welcome your input and feedback throughout the process.

Collaboration with Veterinary Nutritionists

    • We can work with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist if preferred or any other qualified veterinarian. The veterinary nutritionist I collaborate with most frequently is Dr. Wolfe, who holds the following qualifications:

      • Bachelor of Science in Biology

      • Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine

      • NAVC Pet Nutrition Coach Certification

      • CIVT Veterinary Natural Nutrition Certification

      • Chi University Food Therapy Certification 1  

        C Pet Therapeutic Nutrition Coach Certification

      • CIVT Veterinary Integrative Therapeutic Nutrition Certification

    • With these extensive qualifications, our veterinary nutritionist partner is highly experienced and qualified to formulate customized diets for many conditions. However, there are certain limitations to the cases she can manage. These include, but are not limited to, formulating plant-based diets, diets for dogs with late-stage heart failure, late-stage kidney failure, or growing puppies.

    • Our veterinary nutritionist partner can develop formulas for healthy adult dogs, dogs with food sensitivities, dogs with allergic skin diseases, well-managed heart disease, dogs with a history of acute pancreatitis, liver disease, early stages of chronic conditions like kidney disease, dogs with food aversions, and diets for pain management, among others.

    • If you or your client would prefer the expertise of a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, we can provide a list of referral options. Regardless of who formulates the diet, K Nutrition will continue to provide the support you and your client expect, including guidance on implementation and in-home preparation.

Safety, Expectations and Qualifications

  • Safety is paramount. I adhere to a strict protocol that includes:

    • Recipes Formulated by Qualified Veterinary Nutritionists: All customized diet plans are developed by experienced veterinary nutritionists, and we offer the option of a board-certified specialist if needed.

    • Emphasis on Veterinary Collaboration: I require the involvement and awareness of the pet's primary veterinarian throughout the process.

    • Comprehensive Data Collection and Monitoring: Detailed information on the pet's health, diet, and progress is tracked and shared with all parties.

    • Focus on Proper Food Handling and Preparation: I educate pet owners on safe food handling and preparation techniques.

    • Ingredient Sourcing Guidance: I provide resources for obtaining high-quality, safe ingredients.

  • I am committed to:

    • Clear and Timely Communication: Keeping you informed at every stage.

    • Professionalism and Ethical Conduct: Adhering to the highest standards of practice.

    • Evidence-Based Recommendations: Utilizing current research and expert guidance.

    • Respect for Your Expertise: Valuing your clinical judgment and integrating your recommendations.

    • Comprehensive Client Support: Providing pet owners with thorough education and ongoing guidance.

  • I appreciate:

    • Open Communication: Sharing relevant medical history and diagnostic results.

    • Willingness to Collaborate: Being open to discussing the potential benefits and risks of customized homemade diets.

    • Timely Review and Feedback: Providing input on the proposed dietary plans.

    • Ongoing Monitoring: Collaborating on assessing the pet's response to the diet.

  • I rely on their expertise for:

    • Formulating Nutritionally Sound and Balanced Recipes: Tailored to the individual pet's needs.

    • Clear Rationale for Dietary Recommendations: Providing the scientific basis for the chosen ingredients and formulations.

    • Responsiveness to Inquiries: Addressing any questions or concerns that may arise.

    • I am a Certified Canine Nutritionist from the Companion Animal Science Institute (CASI). My training encompasses a comprehensive understanding of canine nutritional requirements, dietary formulation principles, and the impact of nutrition on health and disease. My expertise lies in facilitating the safe and effective implementation of customized homemade diets through collaboration and education

    • I hold a Safe Food Handler's Certificate (Canada), ensuring I adhere to the highest standards of food safety in preparing your pet's meals.

    • I possess expert knowledge of sourcing the correct ingredients and supplements in Cayman, a valuable skill given the unique challenges of sourcing on an island. I have cultivated strong relationships with local suppliers to ensure access to quality products.

    • For a full year prior to launching my business, I conducted a personal field study, meticulously tracking the health and well-being of 8 dogs fed homemade diets. This year-long study provided invaluable insights into the long-term effects of these diets, the specific challenges of preparing homemade food in Cayman, and the adaptations necessary to ensure optimal results. This practical experience sets me apart.

    • Yes, I am fully insured, including professional liability coverage relevant to the guidance and support I provide in creating and implementing homemade diets.