Canine Nutrition Coaching | New Zealand & Online

Finally, a nutrition plan that fits your dog and your life.

Science-backed guidance and real support, so you can feed your dog with confidence, whatever life looks like.

This is for you if...

You want clarity and confidence in your dog's nutrition

You're doing your best but not sure if it's good enough. Maybe you're questioning the food you're buying, want to know how to safely boost what you're already feeding, or you've gone down the rabbit hole and come out more confused than when you started. You want a clear, personalised plan without overhauling your whole life.

Foundations is likely your starting point

You're ready for real, structured change

You know something needs to shift and you want structured support to make it happen. Whether you're feeding, fresh food, or somewhere in between. And you want a custom plan, a balanced recipe, and someone in your corner as you implement it. You're not looking for general advice. You want accountability and a roadmap.

Transformation is built for you.

Your dog has a health condition and nutrition feels critical

Your dog has a diagnosis — IBD, kidney disease, allergies, cancer, something else complex — and you've tried everything. You need targeted, carefully formulated nutrition support and consistent expert oversight. This isn't about general improvement. It's about getting the nutrition right when it really matters.

Therapeutic is where we start.

Not sure which one fits? That's exactly what the free 15-minute chat is for.

Book yours here

How I Work with You

All coaching is led by me, Hilary Wilkie, Certified Canine Nutritionist and Coach. There are no templates here, no one-size-fits-all plans, and no generic advice you could have Googled yourself.

Every programme starts with the full picture

Canine nutrition coaching programmes

The whole dog — I look at your dog's health history, current diet, lifestyle, environment and long-term goals before making a single recommendation. Nutrition doesn't exist in isolation.

Your real life — A plan that works on paper but not in your home isn't a plan. Everything I recommend is tailored to what's actually realistic for you — your budget, your schedule, and your household.

The science — Every recommendation is grounded in current research and canine nutrition standards. Not trends, not influencer advice, not what worked for someone else's dog.

Ongoing support — I intentionally limit the number of clients I work with so I can give every dog the time and attention they deserve.

The Nutrition Coaching Programmes

  • 🏗️ Foundations

    One time consultation

    A clear, personalised canine nutrition plan for dog parents who want to feed better, without overhauling everything.

    Perfect if you want to:

    • Understand whether your dog's current diet is working for them
    • Safely boost or optimise what you're already feeding
    • Walk away with a clear plan and the confidence to act on it

    What's included:

    • 45-minute consultation call
    • Written summary of recommendations
    • Beginner's Guide to Optimal Nutrition
    • Food Diary Template
    • Food label analysis (commercial diets)
    • 2 weeks email support

    $185 per dog

    Apply Now 

  • 💪 Transfromation

    3-month coaching programme

    Structured support, a custom balanced recipe, and a dedicated canine nutritionist in your corner as you make real, lasting change.

    Perfect if you want to:

    • Make meaningful changes to your dog's diet with proper guidance and accountability
    • A custom balanced recipe formulated specifically for your dog
    • Support that goes beyond a one-off consultation

    What's included:

    • 45-minute initial consultation call
    • Custom Nutrition Plan
    • 1 balanced custom recipe (up to 2 reformulations)
    • Beginner's Guide to Optimal Nutrition
    • Food Diary Template
    • 2 x 30-minute check-in calls (weeks 6 and 10)
    • Fortnightly email check-ins
    • Closing email + 15-minute final session

    Three months gives us enough time to see how your dog responds, make adjustments as needed, and set you up for long-term success. Not just a short-term fix.

    $295 per dog

    Apply now 

  • 🧑‍⚕️ Therapeutic

    3-month coaching programme

    Targeted, expert-led canine nutrition support for dogs with complex or ongoing health conditions. Where getting the nutrition right really matters.

    Perfect if your dog:

    • Has a diagnosed condition where nutrition plays a direct role
    • Has been through multiple dietary interventions without success
    • Needs carefully formulated therapeutic nutrition and consistent oversight

    What's include:

    • 45-minute initial consultation call
    • Custom Nutrition Plan
    • 1 balanced customer recipe (up to 2 reformulations)
    • Beginner's Guide to Optimal Nutrition
    • Food Diary Template
    • 4 x 30-minute check-in calls
    • Weekly email check-ins
    • Specialist oversight at no extra charge
    • Closing email + 15-minute final session

    Three months gives us enough time to see how your dog responds, make adjustments as needed, and set you up for long-term success. Not just a short-term fix.

    $480 per dog

    Apply Now 

How It works

A simple, four-step process, from finding the right programme to seeing real results.

  • 1. Choose your programme

    Foundations, Transformation or Therapeutic — pick the level of support that fits where you and your dog are right now. Not sure? Book a free 15-minute chat and we'll figure it out together.

  • 2. Apply

    Tell us about your dog — their health history, current diet, and your goals. The more detail, the better. No payment required until we confirm we're a good fit.

  • 3. Your consultation

    We meet via video call — a conversation, not a lecture. Come with questions. I'll come prepared, having already reviewed everything you've shared.

  • 4. Your personalised plan

    Within a few days of your call, your plan lands in your inbox. For Transformation and Therapeutic clients, your coaching and support begins from there — keeping you on track as you put it into action.
Apply Now
Founder of Thrive Dog Kitchen

Your Canine Nutritionist & Coach

Meet Hilary

I became a canine nutritionist because I couldn't find the support I needed as a dog parent. When Jessie came into my life, I wanted to get her nutrition right, but every path lead to conflicting advice, clever marketing, and no clear answers.

That experience shaped how I work. I know what it feels like to care deeply and still not know what to do. So I don't just hand a plan and send you on your way. I meet you where you are, I stay in your corner, and I help you build the knowledge and confidence to feed your dog well.

I'm a Certified Canine Nutritionist and Coach based in the Wairarapa, New Zealand. I work with a small number of clients at a time so I can give every dog the attention they deserve.

Testimonials

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Every programme, whether a one-time consultation or a full three-month coaching journey, is built around one thing: giving your dog the best nutritional foundation possible, with the right level of support for where you are right now.

FAQ

Which programme is right for my dog?

The comparison table above is a good starting point. As a general guide: Foundations is for dog parents who want clarity and confidence in what they're already feeding. Transformation is for those ready to make real, structured change with a custom nutrition plan and ongoing coaching. Therapeutic is for dogs with complex or ongoing health conditions where nutrition plays a direct role. Still not sure? Book a free 15-minute chat and we'll figure it out together.

Who is eligible

Programmes are open to dogs over 12 months of age (large breeds over 18 months), as puppies have different nutritional requirements. Dogs with certain complex medical conditions may require referral to a veterinary nutritionist — if you're unsure whether your dog is a good fit, book a complimentary chat before applying.

Do you work alongside my vet?

 I encourage every client to keep their vet informed that they're working with a canine nutritionist — nutrition is one part of your dog's overall care, not a replacement for veterinary oversight. Where a case requires additional expertise, I have a trusted circle of professionals I can reach out to for further support and guidance.

Can I book for multiple dogs?

Yes! And you'll receive a multi-dog discount. Simply complete one application form per dog and the discount will be applied. See the comparison table above for pricing details.

What happens after the programme

That's entirely up to you. At the close of your programme we'll bring everything together, consolidate your progress, and answer any final questions. From there, you're welcome to book follow-up appointments as and when you need them — there's no obligation to continue, and no pressure to sign up for anything else.

I can't afford a consultation. Are there other options?

I understand that 1:1 coaching isn't the right fit for everyone right now. If your dog is healthy and you're looking for ways to improve their nutrition, our free Nutrition Resources are a great place to start. If you're specifically looking to understand what's in your dog's commercial food, Beyond the Label offers a personalised dog food analysis at a fraction of the cost of a full consultation.

Do you guarantee results?

Every dog is different, and outcomes will vary depending on their health history, current status, and how consistently the plan is implemented. What I can guarantee is a thorough, personalised approach and evidence-based guidance tailored specifically to your dog. Nutrition is one important pillar of your dog's overall health — my role is to make sure it's a strong one.

This is where it gets easier.

Every programme is built around your dog, their history, their health, and your real life. A structured, collaborative process with ongoing support so you can feed your dog with confidence.

Apply NowBook a free 15-minute chat