My Background
I'm Amanda Brooks, a certified canine nutrition specialist (MS Animal Nutrition, CNS) with 12 years of experience formulating raw diets and supplements for working dogs. My journey into canine nutrition started alongside my veterinarian mother in rural Oregon, where I saw firsthand how diet affects working farm dogs.
After earning my Master's degree in Animal Nutrition from Oregon State University, I spent three years studying traditional raw feeding practices across Europe, visiting kennels in Germany, Switzerland, and the UK that had been feeding working dogs the same way for generations.
Why I Created This Site
The pet supplement industry frustrates me. I've watched companies sell underdosed products with misleading claims, capitalizing on pet owners' love for their animals. Most "joint supplements" contain token amounts of active ingredients, padded with cheap fillers and marketed with celebrity endorsements.
This site exists to cut through the nonsense. I share the same protocols I use for my own dogs, backed by clinical research and refined through years of real-world application. No affiliate links, no sponsored content. Just honest information from someone who formulates these products professionally.
My Dogs
I maintain three working dogs who inform everything I write:
- Finn - 9-year-old Border Collie with early elbow arthritis. He's my test case for arthritic protocols.
- Maple - 6-year-old Australian Shepherd on prevention protocols. Active in agility and herding.
- Koda - 11-year-old Border Collie with significant hip dysplasia. She taught me about palliative joint care.
Every protocol I recommend has been tested on my own dogs first. I won't suggest anything I wouldn't give to Finn, Maple, or Koda.
My Approach
Evidence Over Marketing
If a study exists, I'll cite it. If the research is weak, I'll say so. The pet supplement industry thrives on vague claims; I prefer specificity.
Dose Matters
A supplement with the right ingredients at the wrong dose is worthless. I focus on therapeutic dosing, not label-friendly amounts.
Supplements Support, Not Replace
Pills won't fix a dog that's overweight, sedentary, or needs surgery. Supplements are one tool in a comprehensive approach that includes weight management, appropriate exercise, and veterinary care.
Honesty About Limitations
Supplements can't regenerate cartilage. They can support joint health, reduce inflammation, and slow progression. I won't promise miracles.
Professional Consultations
The protocols on this site draw from consultations with:
- Dr. Sarah Chen - Cornell University veterinary nutrition department
- Dr. James Wheeler - Board-certified veterinary nutritionist, Seattle
- Dr. Lisa Martinez - Veterinary pharmacologist, UC Davis
- Dr. Patricia Delaney - Board-certified veterinary nutritionist, UC Davis
- Dr. Rebecca Torres - Certified canine rehabilitation practitioner, Seattle
I'm not a veterinarian. I work alongside veterinary professionals to develop nutrition protocols. Always consult your veterinarian before starting any supplement regimen, especially for dogs with existing health conditions.
Credentials
- MS Animal Nutrition - Oregon State University (2014)
- Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)
- Member, Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Technicians
- Published contributor to peer-reviewed journals on canine dietary science
Contact
I don't offer individual consultations through this site. For complex nutritional needs, please work with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN) who can review your dog's complete medical history.
For questions about content on this site, reach me at amanda [at] canine-joint-health.net.