How Nutritional Counseling Works
Once you complete the form below, our nutritionist will contact you within 48 hours to schedule the appointment online (via Google Meet, Zoom or by phone).
After agreeing on the day and time, you will receive a more detailed form to fill out, you will select the option that best suits you and once the payment is confirmed, you will simply show up for the 45-minute appointment, in which all the fundamental aspects will be analyzed.
Within 5 working days , you will receive your personalized nutritional plan , with monitoring and adjustments included for 8 weeks .
Plus: after your consultation with Dr. Maino, you will receive exclusive access to reserved discounts on our Naturcanin products!
Let's get to know Dr. Carola Maino better
My passion for dog and cat nutrition began with Tala, my Czechoslovakian wolfdog, who pushed me to increasingly understand the importance of a healthy, balanced and biologically appropriate diet.
This interest materialized in 2017 with the creation of Born Again Raw Feeders , a scientific dissemination blog dedicated to animal nutrition, with particular attention to the BARF raw diet.
Over the years I have built a solid academic and professional education:
- Master's Degree in Ecology and Ethology of Nature Conservation (LM6) , ethological focus, at the University of Parma, achieved with top marks;
- Master's Degree in Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics of Dogs and Cats at the University of Veterinary Medicine of Teramo, concluded with Honors in 2024, with a thesis entitled: Nutrigenetics, Nutrigenomics, Nutraceutics. Towards precision nutrition of dogs and cats ;
- Participation in numerous webinars and refresher seminars in the field of nutrition and clinical dietetics of dogs and cats , which allow me to keep my skills constantly updated and in line with the most recent scientific evidence.
As of October 2024, I am also a professional member (as a nutritionist) of the Raw Feeding Veterinary Society , an international reference point for those who promote a raw diet based on scientific foundations.
Naturcanin according to the nutritionist
I recommend Naturcanin to anyone who wants to introduce their dog or cat to the BARF diet because it represents a balance between quality, practicality and attention to animal welfare .
The complete menus are formulated to meet species-specific nutritional needs :
for the dog, facultative carnivore , include fleshy bones, meat, offal, vegetables, fruit and algae ;
for the cat, a strict carnivore , the composition includes fleshy bones, meat, offal, psyllium (as a source of fibre) and taurine .
Thanks to a variety of 14 menus for dogs and 4 for cats , Naturcanin allows you to create a varied and balanced diet plan, which is essential not only to ensure the intake of all essential nutrients , but also to respect the ethological and emotional needs of our animals, which are often underestimated.
The open and transparent labels , combined with the team's willingness to provide support and clarifications, make these products particularly suitable for those who, for organizational reasons, are unable to follow a completely personalized BARF diet , but do not want to give up a healthy and conscious diet .
For those who wish to independently manage the BARF bowl , Naturcanin offers a selection of meat supplements from controlled supply chains – meaty bones, offal and boneless muscle cuts – ideal for creating a tailor-made diet .
Functional and natural supplements, perfect for a customized diet
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a diet is really right for my pet?
A diet is suitable for your dog (or cat) when it responds in a balanced way to his biological needs — nutritional, metabolic, behavioral and emotional — taking into account factors such as species, breed, age, weight, activity level and health conditions. It must be well accepted, that is, the animal must eat willingly and with appetite, and contribute to his general well-being: a shiny coat, regular and good-consistent stools, and constant energy are positive signs. Finally, it is essential that the diet is evaluated and approved by an expert nutritionist, to ensure that it is truly complete, safe and suitable for his needs.
Can I do the BARF diet if I have no experience?
Yes, but with caution. Even those with no experience can start the BARF diet, as long as they are thoroughly informed and rely on the guidance of an expert nutritionist (veterinarian, biologist or veterinary technician with particular skills in BARF feeding). It is essential to know the basics to correctly recognize and balance all the components: it is not enough to put raw meat in the bowl.
Precisely for this reason, nutritional consultancy is the service we recommend. Alternatively, there are our BARF menus formulated by veterinary nutritionists.
I don't have much time: is the personalized diet difficult to follow?
Compared to kibble, a fresh diet (BARF or cooked) requires more time to research the ingredients, prepare and store. However, with good organization — for example, cooking in advance or freezing portions — it can become a sustainable routine even for those who are short on time.
My dog is a picky eater: what if he refuses food?
It is possible that some dogs initially refuse raw meat, especially if they have been accustomed to kibble for years. This is related to food imprinting, or the habit formed in the first months of life. The transition must be made gradually, and sometimes it is necessary to change the consistency, temperature or ingredients. Again, the support of a professional can help find the most suitable solution.