The Challenge
At 11 years old, Pugzy had already been on quite a journey.
Â
After successfully reducing his weight from 12.5 kg to around 10.5 kg, the focus shifted towards supporting him through his senior years.
Â
His main concerns included recurrent ear inflammation and infections, paw licking, dental health and supporting his ageing gut.Â
​
A microbiome test also identified an imbalanced gut microbiome, highlighting the need for a more targeted approach to his digestive health and dietary diversity
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
The
Results
Pugzy’s microbiome test identified a Level 2 gut imbalance, with higher levels of Bacteroides/Bacteroidales, lower Clostridia, and a secondary Fusobacterium imbalance.
Â
Although microbial richness was relatively low, gut wall integrity remained high. The report also highlighted reduced digestive comfort and gut resilience, alongside a moderate-to-high skin/allergy risk, helping to guide the focus of his nutritional plan.
.webp)
The PN Nutricare Solution
I moved Pugzy towards a fresh-food approach, combining carefully formulated home-cooked meals with complete fresh commercial food for flexibility.
​
His nutritional plan focused on lean proteins, green vegetables, whole-food ingredients and greater plant and fibre diversity, alongside targeted microbiome support.
Â
His calorie requirements were carefully considered to help maintain his healthy weight, while household products were also reviewed to reduce potential environmental irritants.Â
​
The aim wasn’t simply to change his food, but to create a realistic, sustainable approach that supported his gut, skin, weight and overall wellbeing as a senior dog.
The Transformation
​
Since introducing fresh food in March 2026, Pugzy has continued with his home-cooked and fresh meals and completed his initial microbiome support programme.Â
Â
No further ear infections have been reported, although a separate cyst-like growth around his ear required treatment.Â
​
By September, his ears were noticeably less inflamed, although some discharge remains and is being managed with a veterinary-recommended ear solution. His breath has also noticeably improved, while regular dental care continues to form part of his senior-health routine.Â
​
Pugzy’s journey shows how personalised nutrition can work alongside veterinary care to support the whole dog, from the gut and skin to healthy ageing and everyday wellbeing.
Â
.jpeg)
Ready to Start Your Dog's Journey?
Every dog is different.
Â
A tailored nutrition plan takes their individual needs, lifestyle and health into consideration to provide practical, personalised nutritional support.
​
Discover how personalised nutrition could support your dog