Kristina Johansen - Pet Nutritionist & Consultant

18/07/2025

A year ago, my dog tore his cruciate ligament. I remember how daunting it felt. When you’ve got a very active dog who suddenly has to rest and restrict movement, it’s hard on both of you.

I wanted to share this for anyone going through the same thing, because even though it might not feel like it right now, your dog will heal.

A year on, and he’s back to doing all the things he loves and just being his usual happy, healthy husky self. You’d never guess he’d had TPLO surgery.

And on another positive note, when his X-rays were taken, there were no signs of arthritis in his main joints. For an 11-year-old, that’s pretty amazing. I absolutely credit that to a lifelong healthy diet.

This photo was taken recently during a visit to his brilliant vet team who helped us through it all. ❤️

17/07/2025

✅ It’s absolutely vital that the diet covers all the bases!

✅ The core diet needs to be balanced to NRC guidelines.

✅ Even the 'healthiest' ingredients will fall short without added vitamins and minerals to cover the gaps.

✅ You can’t fix a weak base by layering on ‘extras’ - the full structure has to be sound.

❤️ 🐶

11/07/2025

10/07/2025

HOT DAYS CALL FOR COOLING SNACKS ☀️ (recipe below)

➡️ Spoon a dollop of Greek yoghurt into mini silicone moulds or an ice cube tray.
🍓 Gently press in a fresh summer berry (e.g. blueberry, raspberry, sliced strawberry).
🍯 Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
❄️ Freeze for 2 to 3 hours until solid.
🐾 Pop out and serve as a cooling treat!

02/07/2025

☀️

29/06/2025

❤️ 🐶 🐾 🌟

26/06/2025

Some fibres feed good bacteria. Others help those bacteria produce compounds such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) – the star players for gut health.🌟

So, it’s not just the amount of fibre that matters, but the type too. That’s why I always encourage my clients to rotate non-starchy vegetables and fruits in their dogs’ diet to keep things diverse and maximise the health benefits.

👉 Different fibres = different benefits
👉 Variety = better gut health

16/06/2025

Dear All,

I’m excited to share an important update with you. ✨

After much thought and reflection, I’ve decided to make a change that I believe better represents who I am and the work I do.

For that reason, Elmo's Kitchen is moving to KristinaJohansen.com. 🐾

You may be wondering why the change. Over time, I’ve felt that the name Elmo’s Kitchen no longer reflects the full scope of what I offer - a fully personal approach to helping your dog. 🐶

Our pets are family, and it’s always been important to me that you feel your pet is family to me too. 💛

While "Elmo’s Kitchen" has served me well, over the last 15+ years, I’ve built a strong reputation as a trusted consultant in pet nutrition, with an ever-growing network of referral vets and clients around the world. 🌍

Using my own name simply feels more aligned with the personal connections I have built and how I work. It will better reflect the expertise and tailored care I offer. This new chapter will also bring exciting opportunities for me grow into new areas of support and service. 🌱

Of course, this change won’t affect the services I provide, it’s simply a new chapter in how I present myself to you. I’m as committed as ever to helping your pets eat healthier and feel their best. 🐕

I’d also like to take this moment to say a big thank you to all my clients. Your trust, support, and loyalty have meant the world to me – I wouldn’t be where I am today without you 🙏

I look forward to welcoming you to kristinajohansen.com 💻

Kind regards,
Kristina

07/10/2024

If you have a dog with food allergies or IBD, you know how challenging it can be to find the right diet. But what if I told you there’s a diet that might be the solution to kickstart your dog’s health? ❤️🐹

"Facts on hydrolysed protein diets for dogs" dive into the benefits of these specialised diets and clear up common misconceptions that might be keeping you from trying them.

In this blog, you’ll learn:

1. What hydrolysed protein diets are, and how they work
2. Why they are so effective for dogs with food allergies or IBD
3. The facts behind the myths and how these diets can be used as a temporary tool to give your dog a chance to pause, heal and feel better

Facts about hydrolysed protein diets. Learn why these diets can be lifesavers for some dogs and how they can help with specific health issue

08/05/2024

🐶🦷 ❤️ I often get questions about dental care for dogs. While I'm not a veterinary dentist, I'm happy to share my knowledge on the topic. In this blog post, let's explore:

• A bit of basics: Why dogs develop periodontitis.

• The importance of brushing: How to do it effectively.

• Pros and cons: Dental chews, water additives, and the controversial subject of raw bones.

• Helpful products: A link to recommendations by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).

How to choose the right products, & home care techniques. Perfect for dog owners wanting to ensure their dog's dental health and wellbeing.

01/03/2024

Struggling with giving pills to your dog? 🐶 In this blog post, I’ve covered a variety of tips, tricks, and techniques to make medication time easier. From hiding pills in tasty treats to non-food methods, hopefully, one or more of these methods will work for you and your dog.

Strategies to give your dog a pill without stress. From hiding pills in food to non-food techniques & tips for tricky dogs.

27/02/2024

Heart disease can be a daunting challenge. To help you better understand the changes in your dog's body and the dietary changes we need to make, I've updated my guide, 'Diet for Dogs with Heart Disease.' In this blog, we’ll dive into the essentials, ensuring your dog receives the best care possible.

❤️Learn how your dog's heart works and the common types of heart diseases they may face.

❤️Find out how to adapt your dog's diet to support their heart, including the significance of protein, antioxidants, and the right balance of sodium.

❤️Insights on the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids and taurine.

❤️Why maintaining a healthy weight is vital and how to achieve it.

❤️Practical tips for encouraging a dog with heart disease to eat.

The role of sodium, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, supplements, weight management, and more, to improve your dog's health & quality of life.