“Canine Nutrition isn’t what you think “— Georgina reveals the real truth

EDUPET is thrilled to be in conversation with Georgina, the visionary founder of Georgina’s Kitchen, a trailblazing brand in India’s canine nutrition landscape. Her journey began in 2012 when her dog, Vladimir Stitchkoff, was diagnosed with epilepsy, sparking a deep dive into the world of canine nutrition. What started as home-cooked meals rooted in love and curiosity has grown into one of India’s first freeze-dried dog food brands, now also offering air-dried options—each crafted with a science-backed commitment to species-appropriate diets. Georgina has honed her expertise through extensive courses in nutrition and holistic pet care, learning from global leaders in the field while grounding her work in hands-on experience. Driven by a mission to enhance dogs’ lives through better food, she remains a relentless learner, currently pioneering gut microbiome testing for canines. A devoted dog mom to Lord Tweedmouth and Lady Fleur January, Georgina’s passion and innovation continue to redefine pet wellness in India. Dive into this in-depth interview with EDUPET to discover her bold insights and transformative vision for canine health.

Q: The foundation of natural canine nutrition seems rooted in a return to ancestral diets. How do you see the evolution of canine nutrition unfolding in India, and why is there an urgent need to shift away from modern feeding practices ?

Georgina: I think India is at a turning point. Traditionally, dogs have been fed home-cooked meals or processed kibble, both of which come with issues—home diets have often been chicken & rice or curd rice with not sufficient nutrients, while commercial pet foods are highly processed, filled with preservatives, and linked to chronic health issues. As awareness grows, more dog parents are shifting towards ancestral diets, focusing on raw, whole foods that align with a dog’s evolutionary needs.

Q: Where do you believe the pet food industry in India is heading over the next decade? Are we on the cusp of a revolution in natural nutrition, or are we still shackled by outdated commercial interests?

Georgina: The pet food industry in India is definitely at a crossroads. On one hand, there’s a growing wave of small businesses championing real, natural nutrition for our dogs. On the other hand, a significant portion of the veterinary community still leans heavily on commercial dry food—largely due to the influence of legacy brands with deep pockets, high margins, and the ability to offer both glossy advertising and lucrative commissions. That said, there has been a noticeable shift in how many dog parents approach feeding. More people are asking the right questions and looking beyond kibble. The awareness around fresh feeding and functional nutrition is gaining momentum—but we still have a long way to go. We’re on the cusp of a nutritional revolution, but the real turning point will come when more veterinarians start embracing fresh food as part of their protocol. When the vet community is on board, that’s when we’ll see real systemic change. Can this shift happen within the next decade? I truly believe so—and I certainly hope it does.

Q: What are the most alarming health concerns in dogs that you’ve observed directly linked to poor nutrition? Can you pinpoint specific dietary culprits and offer actionable recommendations to reverse these trends?

Georgina: One of the most alarming health concerns I see in dogs today is obesity. What’s even more troubling is the social stigma around lean dogs—pet parents are often judged for underfeeding when, in reality, their dogs are at a healthy weight. Most people aren’t familiar with the concept of Body Condition Score (BCS) and rely instead on breed-specific weight charts, which is problematic, especially with the rise of backyard breeding where genetics are disregarded. Beyond obesity, there’s a noticeable uptick in cases of cancer, diabetes, heart enlargement, liver and kidney failure, and atopic dermatitis—all of which are strongly influenced by poor nutrition. The most effective solution is also the simplest: feed dogs a biologically appropriate diet. While the idea of fresh or species-appropriate feeding can feel overwhelming at first, small changes—like adding an egg or two to a dry food bowl, can be a powerful first step toward better health. Eliminating or reducing unnecessary fillers such as rice, potato, and oats can also lead to tremendous improvements in a dog’s overall well-being, as these ingredients often add bulk without offering much nutritional value.

Q: Commercial processed pet food is often touted as ‘complete and balanced,’ yet many holistic experts call this a myth. How do you view this propaganda, and what’s the real cost of buying into it for our pets?

Georgina: Let’s face it—there’s just no way every single bag of commercial pet food is truly “complete and balanced,” despite the industry’s relentless marketing. Holistic experts have been calling this out for years, and rightly so. Susan Thixton from Truth About Pet Food has independently tested multiple bags of dry food, only to find that many fail to meet the nutrient levels claimed on their labels. What’s even more concerning is that many fresh feeding advocates today are still relying on nutrient guidelines originally designed for the kibble industry, rather than re-evaluating them in the context of fresh, whole foods.

Nutrient values in real food aren’t fixed—they vary significantly based on factors like soil quality, climate, use of fertilizers, and more. Steve Brown, a leading expert in this space, highlighted how inconsistent the data can be even when following USDA nutritional analysis. The idea that we can create a perfect Excel spreadsheet of nutrients and trust that it’s the definitive answer to feeding our dogs is, frankly, absurd. No creature on this planet—humans included—eats that way.

That said, falling back on a simplistic diet like chicken and rice isn’t the answer either. Dogs need a diverse, evolutionary diet made up of meat, bones, fish, organs, dairy, leafy greens, plant matter, and other whole food ingredients that work together to nourish the body and maintain homeostasis.

The real issue is that most commercial pet food manufacturers are more concerned with hitting minimum nutrient targets on paper than with the actual bioavailability or species-appropriateness of their ingredients. This reductionist, nutrient-based approach ignores the importance of real, whole foods and the complex synergy between them. And the cost of buying into this myth? A lifetime of chronic illness, nutritional deficiencies, and missed opportunities to help our dogs truly thrive.

Q: Ultra-processed kibble dominates the Indian pet food market. Why do you consider it a ticking time bomb, and what scientific or anecdotal evidence have you encountered that exposes its dangers?

Georgina: Ultra-processed dry food—or any dry food, for that matter—genuinely scares me. We already know the damage ultra-processed foods can cause in humans, and the same logic absolutely applies to dogs. These foods are extruded at high temperatures, packed with fillers, rely on synthetic vitamins and minerals to meet basic requirements, and are preserved to sit on shelves for months or even years. That alone is a list of red flags that should make any pet parent think twice.

What’s even more worrying is the clear rise in disease among dogs, especially as the ultra-processed pet food industry has exploded across India. Obesity, renal failure, and atopic dermatitis are becoming alarmingly common. I had never seen obese streeties growing up—but now they’re everywhere, and it’s largely because they’re being fed commercial kibble or carb-heavy leftovers full of fillers.

Another overlooked issue is the overuse of dehydrated treats and chews. What was once an occasional indulgence has now become a daily routine. These dehydrated foods leave dogs in a state of chronic dehydration. Dogs need moisture to properly digest their meals—and when food is dry, their bodies have to draw moisture from their own cells just to process it. Over time, this can take a real toll on their health.

Then there’s the Maillard Reaction—a chemical process triggered by high-heat cooking— both of which are linked to inflammation, organ damage, and even cancer.

Fiolet et al. (2018) linked ultra-processed foods to higher cancer risk in humans.

Zicker (2008) found AGEs in pet foods contribute to diabetes, kidney disease, and chronic inflammation.

Ames (2007) outlined how food processing and Maillard byproducts damage long-term health.

India’s growing reliance on dry food—whether ultra-processed or dehydrated—is setting the stage for a long-term health crisis in our dogs. We need to stop confusing convenience with care. Feeding dogs should be about what supports their biology, not what fits neatly into our routines. Science backs it, but so does common sense: fresh, moisture-rich, biologically appropriate food is what truly supports long-term wellness.

Q: Marketing gimmicks by big pet food brands—such as ‘grain-free’ labels or celebrity endorsements—often mislead pet owners. How pervasive is this influence in India, and how can pet owners see through the noise?

Georgina: Marketing gimmicks by big pet food brands—like “grain-free” labels, shiny packaging, and celebrity endorsements—are everywhere in India now, and they often end up misleading well-intentioned pet parents. But at the end of the day, it all comes down to one thing: ingredients, ingredients, ingredients. That’s what truly matters. Pet parents need to look beyond the buzzwords and flashy ads and focus on what’s actually in the food. The bulk of the meal should be high-quality meat, not corn, soy, potatoes, wheat, or vague terms like “protein.”

On a lighter note, the brands that are genuinely committed to quality usually can’t afford massive ad budgets or celebrity partnerships. That’s because they’re putting their money where it matters—into sourcing real, nutritious ingredients. Many of them even try to price their products competitively with kibble, just to make it easier for more people to feed their dogs better. The more we learn to read ingredient labels and question the marketing noise, the closer we get to making truly informed choices for our dogs.

Q: There seem to be glaring gaps in canine nutrition knowledge among key stakeholders—vets, trainers, pet food brands, and even nutritionists. Who bears the greatest responsibility for bridging these gaps, and what role do professionals like yourself play in this ecosystem?

Georgina: There will likely always be some divide in opinions around what we should feed our dogs—and that’s okay, especially when nutritionists are debating within the framework of fresh, species-appropriate feeding. The real concern lies in the foundational gaps in veterinary education, where nutrition is often taught through a lens shaped by the kibble industry. If veterinary training included a more comprehensive, unbiased view of nutrition—grounded in biology rather than convenience—it could be a real game changer.

As professionals in the space, our role is to continuously educate and empower pet parents. We need to encourage them to take ownership of what they’re feeding, to question marketing claims, and to understand the biological needs of the species they’ve chosen to bring into their homes. Ultimately, change will come from the ground up—when informed, conscious pet parents start demanding better nutrition, the entire ecosystem will be forced to evolve.

Q: Pet owners in India often lack basic education on canine nutrition, relying instead on vet recommendations or flashy ads. Why is this a crisis, and what strategies would you propose to empower them with knowledge?

Georgina: In India, the crisis in canine nutrition goes beyond just flashy ads or vet recommendations—it’s deeply rooted in a price-conscious mindset where quantity often takes precedence over quality. Many pet parents still choose food based on how much they’re getting for the price, rather than what’s actually in the bag. This focus on volume over value can lead to long-term health issues for dogs, which often become far more expensive—both emotionally and financially—to deal with later.

There’s a critical need to shift the narrative toward why quality matters more than quantity. In my experience, the best quality foods usually come from small businesses started by passionate individuals who view dogs as family—not just pets. These brands prioritize sourcing and nutrition over profit margins, but often don’t have the loud marketing voices to match big commercial players.

To empower pet parents, we need to double down on education through expos, workshops, community events, and social media. These platforms are key to breaking myths, sharing knowledge, and helping people make informed choices. As I mentioned earlier, as long as we’re aligned on the principles of fresh, biologically appropriate feeding, it doesn’t matter who you choose to help you plan your dog’s diet—what matters is understanding your dog’s needs and making choices rooted in science and common sense.

Q: The rise of chronic conditions like obesity, allergies, and cancer in dogs is often tied to diet. How much of this do you attribute to the normalization of ultra-processed foods, and what’s one radical change you’d enforce to turn the tide?

Georgina: A significant portion of the rise in chronic conditions like obesity, allergies, and even cancer in dogs can be traced back to the normalization of ultra-processed foods. These diets, often sold as “complete and balanced,” are packed with biologically inappropriate ingredients, synthetic additives, and preservatives—things that were never meant to be part of a dog’s natural diet. When ultra-processed food becomes the standard, we start accepting disease as normal too.

If there’s one big shift I’d love to see, it’s more pet parents moving toward fresh feeding—even if it’s just a little at a time. Every small step counts. What’s just as important is knowing what’s actually going into your dog’s bowl, rather than relying on flashy labels and marketing buzzwords. You know what they say—don’t judge a book by its cover. The same applies to kibble bags. Flip them over, read the ingredients, and ask yourself if it’s something your dog was meant to eat. Or better yet, make your dog’s meals at home—you’ll be surprised how simple and impactful it can be.

Q: Vets in India frequently recommend kibble or processed diets, sometimes due to partnerships with brands. How does this conflict of interest undermine canine health, and what’s your advice to pet owners navigating this reality?

Georgina: Ultra-processed pet food is already a massive issue, but what makes it worse is the rise of “prescription” diets—essentially the same low-quality ingredients repackaged at a premium price. It’s baffling to see wheat as a main ingredient in diets meant for joint pain, especially when there’s no solid nutritional basis for it. These diets might include small amounts of glucosamine and chondroitin, which are actually beneficial for joint health, but that’s like trying to fix a bad diet with a multivitamin while still eating junk food.

The bigger issue is that most vets aren’t deeply trained in nutrition. Their education often revolves around AAFCO guidelines, which are built to support the processed pet food industry. So when they recommend commercial diets, it’s not always coming from a place of updated, unbiased nutritional understanding—especially when every bag on the shelf claims to be “complete and balanced” and comes with attractive incentives.

That said, this isn’t about pointing fingers at vets. They’re operating within a system that’s limited in scope. But it does mean pet parents have a responsibility to educate themselves. Understand the species you’ve brought home, and what it truly needs to thrive. Dry food, by design, is counterintuitive—it lacks moisture, is heavily processed, and often includes ingredients dogs were never meant to eat. Start small if you have to, but start somewhere: read labels, question marketing, and wherever possible, move toward fresh, biologically appropriate food.

Q: If you could deliver one unapologetic message to every pet owner in India and force one transformative change in the pet industry, what would it be, and why should it matter to them?

Georgina: If I could deliver one unapologetic message to every pet parent in India, it would be this: stop imposing your personal, religious, or ethical beliefs on your dog’s diet. Dogs are a different species with their own biological needs, and they deserve to be fed in a way that supports their health and respects their design. If you’re avoiding feeding your dog meat for religious reasons, ask yourself—why would a supreme being create a carnivorous species and then expect it to thrive on curd rice? It just doesn’t add up.

Over the past nine years, I’ve seen far too many dogs suffer from preventable illnesses—obesity, chronic allergies, kidney failure, diabetes—often tied to poor nutrition. And yes, you’ll always hear someone say, “But my dog has only eaten curd rice and is totally fine!” That’s like saying your 90-year-old uncle smoked every day and never got cancer—great genes and pure luck, not a nutritional blueprint to follow.

In a world where environmental stressors are already stacked against our dogs, continuing to feed them biologically inappropriate food is like playing with fire. If I could enforce one transformative change in the industry, it would be to make species-appropriate, fresh food the norm—not the exception. Because our dogs can’t speak for themselves, but they’re counting on us to make better choices for them.

Q: Looking ahead, how do you envision the role of holistic nutritionists like yourself evolving in India’s pet care landscape? What resistance do you anticipate from the commercial giants, and how will you counter it?

Georgina: To be honest, I don’t know exactly how things will unfold—but I do know that I’ll continue doing what I’ve always done: educate pet parents and advocate for better nutrition, for as long as I can. One of the most important shifts I’d like to see is more people taking ownership of what goes into their dog’s body. Even if just a handful make the change, see real improvements, and go on to tell others, that ripple effect can create meaningful change. That alone can start pushing commercial giants to step up and improve the quality of their food.

We’re not trying to shut anyone down—we’re simply asking for real, species-appropriate nutrition. Right now, we’re stuck in a loop: poor-quality commercial food leads to health issues, which leads to prescription diets and medications, often backed by the same companies. And now, another wave is arriving—longevity supplements and “anti-aging” drugs—offered as solutions to problems we’re actively creating. We need to pause and ask why we’re constantly fixing symptoms instead of the root cause. Choosing fresh food may require a little more time and effort, but the benefits far outweigh the inconvenience. It’s time we stop outsourcing our dog’s health to marketing teams and start reclaiming it through real food and conscious choices.

Q: In India’s canine health space, nutrition professionals and pet food brands are often seen as competitors. How can collaboration replace competition to drive innovation and improve canine health nationwide? What synergies do you see that could create a positive shift in the industry?

Georgina: There’s nothing inherently wrong with competition—in fact, I think the more credible pet food brands and qualified nutrition professionals we have in the country, the better it is for pet parents. Even if they’re technically competitors, the fact that they’re all promoting fresh, species-appropriate feeding sends a powerful message. When multiple voices echo the same truth, it makes people pause and question why they’ve been told the exact opposite for so long—that ultra-processed dry food is the gold standard.

That said, collaboration has the potential to be even more impactful. If like-minded brands and professionals come together with a shared goal of improving canine health, we can pool our knowledge, resources, and reach to make real change. I do think the fresh food space in India is still in its early stages, and with the current boom, things will take a while to stabilize. But once the dust settles, there’s plenty of room for synergy—to set new benchmarks, support research, educate pet parents, and most importantly, shift the focus back to the well-being of our dogs.

Q: Globally, raw feeding is gaining momentum, fueled by an expanding market of safe, commercial raw food options, and India is starting to follow suit with readily available, premium raw diets. In what ways do you envision raw feeding transforming canine health in India—particularly by combating the detrimental effects of processed foods and addressing chronic illnesses?

Georgina: This shift toward raw feeding has the potential to be truly transformative for canine health in India. We’re looking at fewer chronic illnesses, reduced vet visits, and overall improved longevity and quality of life for our dogs. With the veterinary population already stretched thin, the last thing we need is a rising wave of preventable diseases caused by poor nutrition. Raw feeding—when done right—can help reverse many of the issues triggered by processed foods, from skin conditions and obesity to digestive disorders and inflammation. As more premium, safe raw options become readily available, it empowers pet parents to make better choices and helps pave the way for a healthier future for our dogs.

Website: www.georginaskitchen.com

Instagram: @georginaskitchen.blr