NATURAL CANINE NUTRITION AND HEALTH

Dogs First was born in 2010. Before that I was happily pursuing a career in Guide Dogs, working as a pup supervisor and guide dog trainer. My background meant I was always fixated with diet. Various happenings lead me more towards raw but it was only when I encountered the veterinary brick wall that I began to suspect something was askew. That threw me back into research, writing and lecturing full time.

In 2010 I formed Dogs First, a place to post my findings. I hope for it to be a resource of no nonsense, well-researched, factual information on all things canine nutrition and natural health. 

• Graduated with BSc. Hons from UCD, Ireland, 2002
• Graduated with a PhD in 2006 studying the effects of nutrition on the behaviour and gut morphology of mammals 
• From 2006-2009 I worked for both Irish and Australian Guide Dogs as a trainer and supervisor
• I hit the lecture circuit with the Natural Dog Seminar in 2010
• In 2011 I formed Dogs First and soon after created Ireland’s first raw dog food company in 2012 which had some success on Dragons Den 2013 (an no, I didn’t take the investment!). I moved the company on a few years later.
• The last five years I have been writing, researching and lecturing full time on natural canine nutrition & health
• I live with wife, daughter and insane cocker spaniel Dudley (what he may lack in brains and delicacy he makes up for with great determination, though that could be said for the both of us) in Wicklow, Ireland

I have a number of small revenue streams in this site. One is from the retail of my wonderful seaweed-based supplements (please see below!). I also, albeit rarely, link to some Amazon products that I think you might might need and I then earn a small percentage on any purchases you make. I also ask for donations at the bottom of my more vital articles (this nets me around €3 per day!). I get a few pennies for linking out to one or two raw dog food companies that I very much support as they put out great stuff (mostly ethical & organic which, as a veggie, is the only stuff I can promote and sleep at night). I also get a small percentage for recommending those nutritionists above.

I proudly have no ties, no contracts to any companies whatsoever. This means I’m pretty poor but I’m free to do and say as I please, as you’re about to find out.