About Nikki

Nikki Giovanelli

Hello, I’m Nikki - I’m a recently widowed single-mom of twin boys who are five, and two senior mixed-breed shepherds named Ranger and Ash. I started this business in probably one of the hardest times of my life - my twins were about a year and a half, and my late-husband was bed-bound due to an unknown illness. Honestly, I wanted something in my life that made me happy - and I love helping people with their pet’s diet and educating them about nutrition.

Looking back, I think fate played a big role. I went from an RVT in-clinic (a registered veterinary technician, or nurse), to going back to school and further my education in Animal Nutrition. Life is such a journey, filled with both highs and lows.

My goal in my business to help educate, guide and support you at feeding your pet. I want to work with you, not against you to achieve the best diet for your pet - be that kibble, canned, fresh food, a homemade diet - or a combination.

Education

  • I’ve been working with animals professionally since 2007 in various different capacities (receptionist at a veterinary hospital, veterinary assistant/triage nurse at a wildlife facility, kennel technician at a boarding facility). But I eventually ended up going to school to get my veterinary technician license to make it official, graduating in 2014.

    License# CA RVT 10772

  • Before going to veterinary technician school I actually got my bachelors from San Diego State University in Biology, with a Zoology tract. While in school I took courses on Comparative Animal Physiology, Animal Behavior, and Ornithology. I even did an undergraduate thesis on the Phylogenetics of Rattlesnakes in my local area - which quickly made me realize I love research, but I’m not a fan of running hundreds PCRs for genetic data.

  • After realizing I wanted to pivot my role in veterinary medicine I took an online diploma program through Southern Illinois University to fill in some gap in my education. In particular I chose this set of courses because it teaches pet food formulation on a dry matter, caloric basis for AAFCO, and how for formulate based on the NRC.

    Courses: Introduction to Companion Animal Nutrition, Introduction to Animal Nutrition, Topics in Companion Animal Nutrition, Canine and Feline Nutrition, Companion Animal Clinical Nutrition, and Ration Formulation for Companion Animals (18 units and over 270 hours of education)

  • I am currently enrolled in a Master’s Program at University of Glasgow in order fill in any gaps in my education. This program consists of two years of coursework, then a final dissertation.

    Courses Taken: Animal Nutrition Digestive Anatomy and Physiology, Animal Nutrition Biochemistry and Metabolism, Feed Composition and Evaluation

  • Clinical Animal Nutrition has been a passion of mine since I started as an RVT in clinic back in 2014, and over the years I have focused much of my CE required hours on nutrition-related topics. Here are just a couple of certificates have obtained:

    NAVC (Vetfolio) - Pet Nutrition Coach Certificate (CE 10hrs)

    NAVC (Vetfolio) - Therapeutic Pet Nutrition Coach Certificate (CE 10 hrs)

    University of Tennessee Nutritional Case Management Certificate (CE 10hrs)

    WSAVA Nutrition Guidelines Certification (CE 2hrs)

    The Science Dog Masterclass Certificate - taught by Linda Case (CE 20hrs)

    VetGirl Animal Nutrition Certificate (CE 10hrs)

  • Ash (left), Ranger (right)

  • Luna (RIP)

  • Ranger & Ash

  • Teakey (RIP)