How to Build a Dog Wellness Routine:
A NZ Vet-Informed Guide
The best thing you can do for your dog's long-term health isn't a single product or a one-off vet visit. It's a consistent, considered routine — built around nutrition, movement, grooming and preventative care.
Modern dog ownership in NZ is evolving. More owners are thinking proactively about their dog's health rather than reactively. They're reading labels, asking questions and investing in products that support long-term wellbeing rather than just treating problems when they arise.
This guide breaks down what a genuine dog wellness routine looks like — daily, weekly and monthly — and the products we trust to support each part of it.
Daily: The Foundation of Good Health
Nutrition
What your dog eats every day is the single biggest lever you have on their long-term health. Quality ingredients, appropriate protein levels and the right balance of nutrients matter more than most owners realise.
Our pick: Animals Like Us Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food Why we selected it: Animals Like Us is a NZ-born brand built on a simple premise — dogs should eat real food. Their freeze-dried raw range delivers the nutritional benefits of raw feeding with the convenience of dry food. Benefits: High protein, minimal processing, no artificial additives. Freeze-drying preserves nutrients that cooking destroys. Suitable as a complete meal or a nutritious topper. Lifestyle context: For the owner who wants to feed better without the complexity of a full raw diet. Real food, made simple. Quality story: Developed in New Zealand using locally sourced proteins. Animals Like Us is built on genuine nutritional science — not marketing.
Hydration
Dogs need constant access to fresh, clean water. On walks, at home and especially in winter when indoor heating dries the air. A quality water bottle for walks removes any excuse.
Our pick: Thirsty Dog Bottle Why we selected it: The Thirsty Dog Bottle is the most elegant solution to on-the-go hydration we've found. Simple, leak-proof and genuinely easy to use with one hand. Benefits: Integrated bowl, leak-proof design, easy one-handed operation. Suitable for all breeds and sizes. Lifestyle context: Clip it to your bag and forget about it — until your dog needs it. Quality story: Designed for daily use by active dog owners. Built to last, easy to clean.
👉 Shop Thirsty Dog
Enrichment
Mental stimulation is as important as physical exercise — particularly for working breeds and high-energy dogs. Daily enrichment reduces anxiety, prevents destructive behaviour and supports cognitive health.
Our pick: LickiMat Why we selected it: LickiMat is the most versatile enrichment tool available. Vet-recommended and globally trusted, it works at mealtimes, during grooming, at the vet or any time your dog needs to focus and calm down. Benefits: Slows eating, reduces anxiety, provides mental stimulation, supports digestion. Works with wet food, peanut butter, yoghurt and more. Dishwasher safe. Lifestyle context: Build it into your daily routine — breakfast on the LickiMat, walk, rest. Simple, effective, consistent. Quality story: Developed in Australia with veterinary input. Used by vets, groomers and trainers worldwide.
👉 Shop LickiMat
Weekly: Maintenance & Prevention
Grooming
Weekly grooming isn't just about appearance — it's preventative health care. Regular brushing removes dead hair, distributes natural oils, prevents matting and gives you the opportunity to check for lumps, skin irritation or parasites.
Our pick: Troopets Natural Dog Shampoo Why we selected it: Troopets produces some of the most effective natural dog shampoos available in NZ. Gentle enough for sensitive skin, effective enough for dogs who actually get dirty. Benefits: Natural ingredients, free from harsh chemicals, suitable for all coat types. Leaves coats clean, soft and healthy-smelling without stripping natural oils. Lifestyle context: A weekly wash routine that your dog tolerates — and that leaves them genuinely clean rather than just temporarily fragrant. Quality story: Formulated with natural ingredients and a genuine commitment to skin and coat health. No shortcuts.
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Skin & Coat Check
Run your hands over your dog's coat weekly. Look for dry patches, redness, unusual lumps or signs of irritation. Catching issues early is always better than treating them late.
Our pick: Fur Love Natural Skin & Coat Care Why we selected it: Fur Love makes targeted skin and coat treatments for dogs — natural formulas that address specific issues without harsh chemicals. Benefits: Natural ingredients, targeted formulas for dry skin, coat conditioning and paw care. Gentle enough for sensitive dogs. Lifestyle context: Add it to your weekly grooming routine — a few minutes of attention that pays dividends in long-term skin health. Quality story: Developed with a focus on natural, effective ingredients. No unnecessary additives.
👉 Shop Skin & Coat Care
Monthly: The Bigger Picture
Supplements
A quality supplement routine supports joint health, gut health, coat condition and immune function — particularly important for puppies, seniors and working dogs.
Our pick: Dog by Dr Lisa Why we selected it: Dog by Dr Lisa is a vet-developed wellness range created by New Zealand veterinarian Dr Lisa Chimes. It's the most credible supplement brand we stock — because it's built on genuine veterinary science. Benefits: Vet-formulated supplements targeting joint health, gut health, skin and coat, and immune support. Developed specifically for NZ dogs and conditions. Lifestyle context: Add to food daily — a simple habit that compounds over months and years into meaningfully better health outcomes. Quality story: Developed by a practising NZ vet with a genuine commitment to evidence-based pet health. Not wellness theatre — real science.
👉 Shop Dog By Dr Lisa
Our pick: Olive's Kitchen Natural Dog Supplements Why we selected it: Olive's Kitchen makes natural, food-based supplements that complement a quality diet. Simple ingredients, genuine benefits. Benefits: Natural, whole-food ingredients. Supports digestion, coat health and overall vitality. Easy to add to any meal. Lifestyle context: For the owner who prefers food-first nutrition — supplements that feel like food, not medicine. Quality story: Made with real ingredients and genuine nutritional intent. No fillers, no artificial additives.
Vet Check
A monthly at-home health check — weight, teeth, ears, eyes, nails and coat — keeps you across your dog's baseline health and means you'll notice changes early. Pair this with an annual professional vet visit as a minimum.
Your Dog Wellness Routine at a Glance
Daily — Quality nutrition, morning and evening — Fresh water, including on walks — Enrichment — LickiMat, puzzle feeder or active play
Weekly — Brush coat and check skin — Bathe as needed (weekly to fortnightly depending on breed) — Check ears, eyes and paws
Monthly — At-home health check — weight, teeth, nails, coat — Review supplement routine — Restock any essentials running low
Wellness isn't a product. It's a practice. But the right products make the practice easier, more consistent and more effective. That's what we're here for.
StevieLicksx® — The Good Pet Company. Shop online. NZ Delivery.