Can Food Really Act as Medicine for Your Pet?

Can Food Really Act as Medicine for Your Pet?

Can food really act as medicine for your dog? It’s a question more pet owners are starting to ask — and for good reason.

What you feed your pet every day plays a bigger role in their long-term health than most people realise.

A recent article from PetfoodIndustry.com spotlighted something we at Newflands have known for years: pet parents want more from nutrition. They don’t just want to fill a bowl — they want to fuel wellness.

According to a 2025 survey, 80% of pet owners believe food is key to health, and over 20% actively choose foods that support specific conditions like digestion, skin, or joints.

But there’s a gap.

While owners are hungry for better nutrition, many veterinarians feel under-equipped to guide them. Just 20% of vets provide regular food advice — often because of limited training in nutrition during their studies.

Why This Matters

  • Pet nutrition is now on par with exercise as a top health priority for owners.
  • Many Pet owners don’t feel confident navigating the sea of options on their own.
  • The desire is there, but the path is unclear and not easy to navigate.

That’s where we come in.

Enter Hoki Oil: Pure Nutrition from the Sea

At Newflands, we believe in supporting pets with and simple, science-backed, sustainable nutrition. That’s why we created New Zealand’s first Hoki Oil for pets back in 2010 — and it’s been our best-kept secret ever since.

Our liquid gold offers powerful natural support for:

🐕 Skin & coat health

🐾 Joint mobility

💓 Heart and eye function

🍽️ Appetite and digestion

🧠 Cognitive support (especially for senior pets)

It’s 100% Hoki — sustainably fished and naturally rich in Omega-3s (EPA + DHA), making it a go-to supplement for both prevention and wellness support.

Why Vets and Pet Parents Both Trust It

Veterinarians often want to recommend real-food solutions but may not have time to research every product. That’s why we work to make things easy, transparent, and effective.

Hoki Oil is:

✅Used alongside vet protocols (e.g. joint meds, allergy support)

✅Palatable and gentle — even for fussy eaters or sensitive tummies

✅MSC Certified – the world’s leading sustainable seafood standard

✅Made in New Zealand – clean, traceable, and trusted


Filling the Nutrition Gap – Together

We’re not here to replace veterinary care — we’re here to complement it.

Our goal is to empower owners with natural tools that align with their vet’s plan, not compete with it. Whether your pet is aging, healing, or simply thriving, nutrition can be part of the solution.

Let’s work together — pet parent, vet, and brand — to give our animals the lives they deserve.

Ready to Try Hoki Oil?

If your pet’s diet could use a boost, start small.
Our award-winning Hoki Oil comes in liquid and capsule form, ideal for pets of all sizes and life stages.

👉 Explore Newflands Hoki Oil →

Your pet’s health journey starts in the bowl — we’re here to help you fill it with purpose.

📖 Sources & Further Reading:

PetFoodIndustry.com – "Pet Food as Pet Medicine"

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Fiona Robertson

About the Author: Fiona Robertson

Fiona Robertson is a trained veterinary nurse, qualified teacher, Newfoundland dog breeder, and founder of Newflands Pet Wellness. With a lifelong connection to animals and professional veterinary experience, Fiona pioneered New Zealand’s first Hoki Oil pet supplement in 2010 after her beloved Newfoundland, Rosie, was diagnosed with heart disease. Unable to find a natural, traceable, and sustainable fish oil locally, she used her veterinary nursing background to formulate a premium supplement using MSC-certified sustainable New Zealand Hoki. This commitment to innovation later expanded into pioneering hoki-based gravy and functional topper solutions for dogs, designed to support palatability, hydration, and daily wellness. Today, Fiona is exporting New Zealand’s finest pet wellness products to pet owners around the world, continuing to research and develop therapeutic‑grade supplements, treats, and care products that deliver measurable results for pet health worldwide.