Bringing our experience into practice
Our experts have years of experience in treating animals – and they’re the brains behind our nutritious food. Most importantly of all, they’re pet lovers, just like you.
They understand the changing health concerns dogs and cats face at each life stage and will tailor their pet advice accordingly. They’re here to offer guidance that’s grounded in science – guidance you can trust. Please get in touch
Meet the incredible team powering Hug…
Dr Dorien F Nel- DVM (Utrecht) MRCVS
“As a child, I was usually found outdoors with my dog ‘Mrs Van Puffelen’ and my Shetland pony Polly, not far from my childhood home near Brussels. I’ve always known I was meant to become a vet, and so I did, graduating from the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands. In 2004, my husband and I moved to the UK, where I’ve been practising as a Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon ever since.
Interest in dog and cat nutrition didn’t come to me until a few years into my career when it dawned on me that our pets aren’t designed to eat ultra-processed, long-life kibble. I started querying why I’d been told this was the best option at vet school.
The team at Hug are committed to delivering the freshest and healthiest meals possible – I assist them by making sure that the food they produce can stand veterinary scrutiny. Furthermore, I’m here to help with any veterinary related query, concern, nutritional condition, or ailment.”
Dr Susan Andresier – BVetMed MFHom(vet) MRCVS
“I qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 2002 and worked in general small animal practice for ten years. I trained in acupuncture with the Association of British Veterinary Acupuncturists (ABVA) in 2007 and began using acupuncture alongside conventional medicines/therapies. In 2012, I set up my own holistic referral practice – Acupaws.
I also studied at the Portland Centre for Intregrative Medicine, where I gained an MFHom(vet) qualification. I’ve trained extensively in veterinary herbal medicine and am the current Chairperson of the British Association of Veterinary Herbalists.
As well as treating my patients, I write holistic pet care articles and run holistic training courses. Outside of work I’m busy spending time with my husband, three children, two dogs, and tortoise!”
Caroline Hearn – Therapist, MICHT, Dip. ICAT
“I’m a sports and holistic therapist qualified to treat canine, equine, and human patients.
A lifelong obsession with dogs, a passion for holistic healthcare and natural nutrition, and a love of foraging in the countryside led me to form the company Hedgerow Hounds, which makes veterinary-approved nutritive herbal blends for dogs.
I also write regularly for the holistic magazine Edition Dog, covering subjects such as raw feeding, canine therapies, and the progress of the herbal sensory garden I created for my dogs.”
Katie McCaul– Nutritionist, BSc ANutR Dip Naturopath VN
“Originally qualifying as a veterinary nurse, my years in practice taught me how to help clients and their pets through illness and difficult times. I was fortunate enough to go on and study Animal Behaviour and Physiology at university, which changed the way I look at the domesticated dogs and cats we co-habit with today.
Realising how important nutrition is to animals’ emotional and physical health, I began working in the raw food industry. Full of questions, I was on a quest to find the key to our pets’ happiness, which led me to a research role, studying Naturopathy – and now Hug!
I am passionate about supporting owners’ choices, helping
