Therapeutic Nutrition That Actually Works: A Vet's Perspective

When I work with pet parents, I always start with this principle: we don't build a recipe around what's trendy, we build it around what your dog needs to heal. 

Here's what that looks like in practice: 

• If the pancreas is inflamed, we keep fat ultra-low—much lower than any standard dog food 
• If the stomach is sensitive, we use gentle proteins and soothing ingredients like pumpkin 
• If the liver is struggling, we carefully manage copper or protein, depending on the specific issue 
• If kidneys need support, we balance protein and phosphorus to ease their workload 
• If the heart needs help, we reduce sodium and add omega-3s for inflammation 

And because many dogs react to common proteins like chicken or beef, we've developed recipes with novel proteins like camel and duck. These are proteins most dogs have never encountered before, which means their immune systems won't react to them.

Digestive problems are incredibly common. I see them daily, especially after the hot summer months or when families return from vacation. From loose stools and gas to chronic sensitivities, these issues can make dogs (and their families) miserable. 

The spectrum ranges from sudden gastroenteritis, where your dog is fine one day, then vomiting with diarrhoea the next after drinking contaminated water or eating something spoiled in our heat, to chronic conditions like IBD causing persistent diarrhoea and weight loss.  

Stress colitis is particularly common: dogs seem fine when picked up from boarding, then develop diarrhoea within days as stress hormones catch up with the gut. Of course, our extreme summers create their own problems, with heat causing intestinal permeability that compromises digestion for weeks afterward. Some breeds are especially vulnerable and more prone to developing digestive issues, like German Shepherds to IBD, Labradors to dietary indiscretion, and Boxers to inflammatory colitis. 

That's why we developed two versions of our Digestive Care recipes: Moderate Fat and Low Fat. Both use easily digestible proteins like turkey and duck, combined with pumpkin for fibre, and rice and oats for gentle energy. 

The Moderate Fat version works well for temporary upsets like stress colitis from boarding, mild sensitivities, or recovery from gastroenteritis. Think of it as gentle support for dogs whose digestive systems need a break but aren't severely compromised. The Low Fat recipe is essential for chronic or severe conditions like IBD, protein-losing enteropathy, or when the pancreas is also affected. If your dog has ongoing diarrhoea, significant weight loss, or your vet has diagnosed a specific digestive disorder, Low Fat is usually the right choice. 

Most parents tell me they notice firmer stools and less gas within the first two weeks. Dogs with mild sensitivities or those recovering from boarding stress often do well on the Moderate Fat version, while those with chronic conditions or recovering from serious upset benefit from the Low Fat option. 

Pancreatitis is a serious condition that requires immediate attention and careful management. The vomiting, the pain, and the emergency vet visits are challenging for everyone involved. For these dogs, fat becomes the enemy. Even small amounts can trigger another painful episode.

Here's what's happening inside: the pancreas produces digestive enzymes that normally stay inactive until they reach the intestines. During pancreatitis, these enzymes activate prematurely while still in the pancreas, essentially causing the organ to digest itself. It's intensely painful and creates a cascade of inflammation. Fat is the primary trigger because it requires the most pancreatic enzymes to digest; so every fatty meal forces an already inflamed pancreas to work harder, potentially triggering another attack.

That's why therapeutic nutrition with ultra-low fat content is so critical: it gives the pancreas the rest it desperately needs to heal while still providing complete nutrition. Think of it as putting the pancreas on sick leave while ensuring your dog still gets all essential nutrients.

Certain breeds face dramatically higher risk. Miniature Schnauzers, for instance, are five times more likely to develop pancreatitis when they have elevated triglycerides and nearly a third of healthy Miniature Schnauzers have naturally high triglyceride levels. Yorkshire Terriers and Toy Poodles, both popular in the UAE, share similar predispositions. Add a fatty treat or table scraps during a family gathering, and you have a recipe for disaster.

Our Pancreas Care recipe is one of the lowest-fat therapeutic diets available, but we've worked hard to keep it tasty. We use ultra-lean proteins and add just enough honey and banana for palatability without compromising safety.

I recently assisted a customer with a Dachshund who had suffered multiple pancreatitis episodes. Her family was exhausted from emergency visits and terrified of feeding her anything that might trigger another attack. Once we transitioned her to this ultra-low fat diet, she went six months without a single flare-up. For her owner, it meant finally being able to relax instead of constantly worrying about the next emergency.

October in the UAE is what I call "allergy season on steroids." The dust storms that typically occur this month carry not just sand, but bacteria, pollutants, and fungal spores. Dogs who've spent the summer in air-conditioned environments suddenly face this assault of allergens just as their systems are recovering from heat stress. 

Allergies often show up as chronic ear infections, itchy paws, or upset stomachs that never quite resolve. When I see these patterns, especially in breeds like French Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, or Maltese who are genetically predisposed to allergies, I often recommend trying something completely new. 

That's where our novel protein recipes come in. Camel with Quinoa and Camel with Dates offer proteins most UAE dogs have never encountered. We also have Turkey with Honey, which works well for many dogs who can't tolerate chicken. 

Here's something interesting I explain to clients: even though turkey and chicken are both poultry, they're different enough that many dogs who react to chicken do perfectly fine with turkey. The proteins have different structures, and that small difference can mean everything to a sensitive immune system. 

These recipes give us options when dogs need a fresh start, particularly after October's dust storms or following stressful events like moving homes, which is something many expat families in the UAE face regularly. 

In my experience, healing happens in stages: 

First 1-2 weeks: The adjustment period. You'll likely see calmer digestion, better stools, and less discomfort. Some dogs show improvement within days, especially those recovering from acute stress like boarding. 

By one month: This is when the real changes become visible and you will see more energy, shinier coat, and fewer symptoms. Parents often tell me their dog seems "more like themselves." October allergy sufferers typically show significant improvement by November if we've found the right protein. 

Over time, Wundercare+ becomes not just a meal, but part of long-term management that helps prevent relapses. Dogs on the right diet have fewer flare-ups, need less medication, and generally enjoy better quality of life. This is especially important for breeds with genetic predispositions.

After years of consultations, here's what I've learned: the best therapeutic food is the one your dog will actually eat. 

Many prescription diets are highly processed and unappetizing. Dogs might eat them reluctantly, or parents end up adding toppers that can undo the therapeutic benefits. That's particularly problematic here in the UAE, where dogs may already have reduced appetite from the heat. 

Therapeutic food shouldn't feel like punishment. When a dog enjoys their meals while getting the precise nutrition they need, everyone wins: the dog heals, and parents can stop worrying about whether their dog is getting proper nutrition. 

As both a veterinarian and someone who cares deeply about nutrition, I believe in the power of food to heal. When we're unwell, we naturally adjust what we eat: choosing soup for a cold, avoiding rich foods with stomach upset, reducing salt for heart health. We carefully consider what goes into our bodies because we know food affects how we feel. 

Our dogs deserve this same thoughtful approach. They're family members who depend entirely on us to make the right nutritional choices for them. When your dog faces health challenges, they need the same dietary consideration we'd give ourselves when unwell. 

The difference is dogs can't tell us what helps or hurts. They can't choose their own therapeutic diet or explain their symptoms. That responsibility falls to us, their family, to recognize when standard nutrition isn't enough and to provide them with food that supports their healing. 

When food becomes therapeutic, it should still be real food with recognizable ingredients prepared with care. That's the principle behind every Wundercare+ recipe, and it's what I recommend for dogs in my care. Because whether we're feeding ourselves or our four-legged family members, the goal remains the same: using nutrition to support health and improve quality of life. 

If your dog has been diagnosed with a health condition, or you've noticed symptoms after environmental stress, talk to your vet about whether therapeutic nutrition could help. Our team is here to support your dog's journey to better health, one meal at a time.