What is The Balanced Canine?

As the leader of The Balanced Canine – Natural Health & Wellbeing, Libby Halpin is a passionate advocate for canine wellness, living in the beautiful Kentish countryside. Her journey into canine health began with her rescue Westie, Molly, and deepened after the loss of her beloved Westie, Poppy, in 2018. Determined to help dogs live longer, healthier lives, Libby immersed herself in research on fresh food diets and holistic care.

With qualifications including BCCS.Dip Hth Nut, Dip.Dog Nutrigenomics, and several courses in homeopathy, raw feeding, and essential oils, zoopharmacognosy and more,  she now channels her expertise into supporting pet parents globally. Libby played a key role in The Healthy Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (THCKCS) as a researcher, writer, editor, and content creator, where she’s helped build a thriving community dedicated to natural canine health.

Libby’s favorite topic is gut health, as the immune system is predominantly concentrated in the gut and linked to both physical and mental health through the gut-brain axis. For her, gut health is a crucial tool in offering longevity to dogs.

Her Cavaliers, Teddy and Darcy, inspire her mission, thriving on a fresh diet and natural health protocols. Libby believes in empathy, inclusivity, transparency and creating a non-judgmental space for all pet parents, acknowledging that every dog and owner’s journey is unique. She strives to provide a supportive, welcoming community where pet parents can make informed, healthy decisions for their dogs.

As a firm believer in working with certified experts, Libby ensures that The Balanced Canine continues to promote responsible guidance. Her work is driven by a deep love for dogs, not profit, and she remains committed to helping dogs of all breeds and ages live their healthiest lives.

Anna, a proud pet mom to Bolt, Molly, and Luna, has been immersed in the canine world for over five years, with her journey fueled by a lifelong love for animals and a dedication to holistic care. Her work began with EverMore Dog Rescue, where she discovered the vital role nutrition plays in a dog’s health—a realization that motivated her to dive deeper into holistic dog care.

After a brief start at a pet food warehouse where she saw firsthand the lack of proper education and advice for pet parents, Anna joined @pawsnaturally, learning under the mentorship of the respected Lyn Thompson. Specializing in fresh feeding, weight management, and solutions for fussy eaters, Anna thrives in face-to-face consultations, where she can provide a personalized approach for each dog and their unique needs.

Anna’s experience volunteering with major holistic dog communities on Facebook exposed her to the challenge of unverified and, at times, harmful advice circulating online. She and her co-founder, Sophie, launched @Rawbellious to address this issue by promoting reliable, science-backed guidance for pet parents seeking trustworthy nutritional advice.

Committed to ongoing education, Anna has completed various courses and diplomas, with her current focus on Zoology. She also channels her passion for holistic dog care into blog writing for multiple platforms, sharing insights and practical knowledge with the community.

We are thrilled to have Anna with us, bringing her deep knowledge, hands-on experience, and genuine care for canine health. Welcome to the team, Anna!

Melinda is the devoted pet parent of two adorable tri-colored Cavaliers, Daisy Duke and Princess Leia. Daisy, her regal yet feisty princess, is known for demanding treats with every arrival, while Leia, affectionately dubbed the “ewok” for her endearing whiskers, has a quirky, curious side and loves to check in on her loved ones. Both are deeply loved lap dogs and are truly cherished members of her family.

Melinda’s journey into holistic pet care began when Leia, at just nine months old, suddenly refused to eat her food. Determined to find a solution, Melinda discovered the benefits of a raw food diet with the support of THCKCS and Pawsome Cavaliers. This change was transformative for her Cavaliers, and soon, Melinda was sharing her new knowledge to guide family and friends toward healthier options for their own pets—including a diverse crew of Cavaliers, Mini Aussies, Frenchies, Pugs, Schnauzers, and Lab mixes!

Her passion for natural canine health deepened through studies with Dr. Katie Woodley, founder of The Natural Pet Parent Community, where she focused on holistic, drug-free wellness. Her experience has made her a go-to resource on canine health in her social circles, and she’s excited to bring this expertise to The Balanced Canine group as an admin.

Melinda also contributes as the admin of the Utah Cavalier King Charles Lovers and as a moderator for @FreezeDriedPetFood&Treats. With a heart for sharing and a love for all things Cavalier, Melinda is thrilled to be part of this team, helping fur families lead healthier, more balanced lives. We are so grateful to have her with us!

Stacey is a passionate Canine Nutrition & Holistic Wellbeing Practitioner based in Horsham, West Sussex, where she lives with her family and her beloved 9-year-old Cocker Spaniel, Ted. Her journey into fresh feeding and holistic canine health began with her previous Springer Spaniel, Shadow, whose health and behavioral challenges from puppyhood led Stacey to explore new, natural approaches.

Since 2016, Stacey has immersed herself in the world of canine health and wellness, pursuing studies with iPet, Canine Principles, Dog Training College, Centre of Excellence, and Chirag Patel. In July 2024, she achieved a significant milestone by becoming a registered consultant with the Association of Pet Nutrition Consultants (APNC). Her key areas of expertise are managing “yeasty beasties” and exploring the fascinating connection between canine behavior and the microbiome.

Libby knew she had to have Stacey on board and is incredibly grateful to be working alongside her. She’s thrilled to learn from Stacey’s expertise as well as the rest of the team, knowing their collective knowledge will be invaluable to our community. Please join us in giving Stacey a warm welcome!

Yasmin has always had a deep love for all things four-legged, and she now shares her life with two beautiful Cavalier boys and two ponies. As a dedicated professional, she runs her own dog training and behavior business, specializing in understanding canine behavior and psychology. Her qualifications include an Advanced Diploma in Canine Behaviour and Psychology, alongside certifications in Positive Reinforcement Training, Canine Anxiety Management, and Fear-Free Training Methods.

Her commitment to expanding her knowledge allows her to truly understand how dogs learn, enabling her to help owners set their dogs up for success.

Yasmin has a particular interest in working with nervous and anxious dogs, and her holistic approach takes into account all aspects of a dog’s life—from training and behavior to nutrition and health. She often collaborates with other canine professionals to ensure each dog she works with gets the best possible care and support.

We’re honored to have Yasmin on board to help us build a strong, reliable, and nurturing community for all dog owners.

You can find more about Yasmins business here; www.doopiedog.co.uk

With a background as a former professional head chef, Rowena brings a deep passion for food, especially when it comes to creating nutritious meals for her dogs. Over the past six years, she’s gained invaluable experience, not only as a dedicated pet parent to five wonderful boys—Harry (6), Hector (5), and Logan (4), all fox red Labradors, Jacob (5), a black Labrador, and Klaus (almost 2), a Rottweiler—but also through fostering dogs along the way. All of Rowena’s dogs are kept intact, and she’s developed great expertise in caring for them.

Rowena’s passion for canine nutrition sparked when she realized her dogs, according to the norm, would be expected to eat the same meal every day—something she found uninspiring. Her love for crafting diverse, nutritious DIY meals for her boys is clear, and she’s far more particular about the quality of their food than her own! Between working with a trusted game supplier and using The Dog’s Butcher, her freezers are always well-stocked with fresh, high-quality ingredients.

In addition to food prep, Rowena has substantial experience managing various health conditions, including arthritis, joint pain, gut issues, yeast overgrowth, skin conditions, and reflux, all while working closely with her veterinary team. She strongly believes in exploring all treatment options to ensure the best outcomes for her dogs.

Rowena’s expertise also extends into supplements and balanced meals, whether cooked or raw. She’s passionate about optimizing her dogs’ diets by carefully adding supplements to boost vitamins and minerals when needed. In her downtime, you’ll find Rowena researching recipes and supplements with a glass of red wine in hand.

We couldn’t be happier to have her on board, and we know you’ll all benefit from her wealth of knowledge and practical experience!

With a background in marine biology and ecology, Taome’s scientific curiosity naturally extended to canine wellness when Ivy entered her life during her university years. Motivated by her love for Ivy, who arrived with her own unique genetic blend and health challenges, Taome has since committed herself to helping dogs thrive. Taome holds diplomas in canine nutrigenomics and Level 3 BCCS health and nutrition. She’s currently pursuing Level 3 iPET certification and studying canine herbalism, with additional CPD certificates in areas like Zoopharmacognosy, anatomy, and physiology. Her holistic approach to Ivy’s nutrition and well-being reflects her deep knowledge and continuous learning journey.

From previously consulting on raw feeding at her local store to prepping fresh, nourishing meals for Ivy, Taome brings hands-on experience and a wealth of expertise to our community. We’re honored to have her as part of the team, and we know her knowledge and passion will be invaluable for all members seeking balanced, science-based guidance for their dogs!

We are delighted to introduce Sheila as a valued Group Expert for The Balanced Canine (TBC). Sheila brings a wealth of experience and knowledge with her impressive academic and practical background in canine and human health:

• PhDin Education Management

• M.Scin Nutrition & Dietetics

• B.Scin Biochemistry

• PGCE with QTS(Qualified Teacher Status)

• Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)

• Post Experience Certificatesin Educational Counselling and Trauma Psychology Training

• Level 3 NOCN Diplomain Holistic Dog Grooming

Sheila’s life has always been immersed in the joy of a multi-dog household, focusing on raw feeding and natural approaches to canine care. Her journey began with Labradors and retrievers, leading to a lifelong love of West Highland White Terriers (Westies) since 1976. By 1985, Sheila welcomed Mastiffs into her home, and in 1986, she co-founded Bull Mastiff Welfare, a pioneering effort to rescue and rehabilitate unwanted Bull Mastiffs. This deep involvement in rescue work introduced her to fostering and supporting over 300 dogs, including Cane Corso and Neapolitan Mastiffs, solidifying her commitment to the wellbeing of dogs in need.

Sheila’s extensive expertise in nutrition and her compassionate approach to canine welfare make her a phenomenal addition to the TBC team. We’re thrilled to have her insights and support to help guide and educate our community.

Helena’s journey into canine wellness began over a decade ago, inspired by her German Shepherd’s sensitive digestion. With a passion for cooking from scratch, it wasn’t until she faced her dog’s health challenges that she discovered the transformative power of fresh, raw feeding.

In 2018, Helena and her family opened Poochie Park, a beloved dog park that started with just one brand of food. By 2019, driven by her growing interest in human health, the microbiome, and antibiotic resistance, she embarked on a deeper exploration of holistic nutrition and natural living. The pandemic further sparked her curiosity, prompting her to research vaccinations and chemical-free living, principles she now integrates into her lifestyle and pet care practices.

Helena is certified with an iPet Level 3 in canine nutrition under the guidance of Lisa Hannaby Baird and completed her studies in Applied Zoopharmacognosy, achieving her Practitioner’s Diploma after a dedicated two-year course. With a deep respect for Caroline Ingraham’s pioneering work, Helena’s passion for natural healing techniques is boundless. She is also certified in Level 3 first aid and continually seeks to expand her expertise, looking forward to starting a Level 4 course with Caroline Griffiths next March.

Her dedication to holistic canine health extends beyond certifications; Helena attends regular CPD events and listens avidly to audiobooks to stay updated (reading tends to lull her to sleep!). As an advocate for toxin-free environments, Helena ensures her household, including her beloved cats and dogs, is nurtured naturally—no plug-ins or chemical-based products in sight.

Helena’s commitment to learning, even as she embarked on this path later in life, is an inspiration to us all. We’re excited to have her insights and experience in our community and can’t wait for her to share her wealth of knowledge with our members.

We’re thrilled to introduce our good friend and the newest member of The Balanced Canine team, Peter Ciancarelli! Peter is a devoted dog health coach based in Medfield, Massachusetts, with a unique specialization in canine cancer and CBD.

Peter’s journey into canine health advocacy began with his beloved dog, Allie, whose health struggles inspired him to explore alternative options beyond conventional veterinary advice. Through years of dedicated research, resilience, and a holistic approach, Peter was able to help Allie rebound and live a fulfilling life until the age of 12 despite her battle with cancer. This powerful experience fueled his passion to help other pet parents navigate their own challenges, providing support and education around CBD/THC use and overall canine wellness.

Peter is the founder of the well-known Facebook group, Allie’s Crew, where he connects with dog owners around the world, offering guidance and sharing his extensive knowledge. Beyond his canine expertise, Peter has dedicated 13 years as a special education teacher, working with children and young adults on the Autism spectrum—testament to his profound empathy and commitment to bettering lives.

Peter is now a proud dog dad to Tucker, a resilient rescue with an incredible story of survival. Tucker was one of the “Haystack Pups,” found in a bale of hay after a tragic start to life when his mother was shot by a rancher. Despite his early hardships, Tucker’s life took a transformative turn when Peter adopted him from the Medfield Animal Shelter. Applying everything he learned from caring for Allie, Peter has given Tucker a thriving life, enriched with specialized care such as a new microbiome treatment from Dr. Margo Roman. Today, Tucker is an invaluable companion and assistant in Peter’s dog training sessions, embodying joy and resilience.

Peter’s mission is clear: to empower pet parents with knowledge and support so they can make informed, holistic choices for their dogs’ health and happiness. His arrival on The Balanced Canine team marks a significant step forward in expanding our resources and expertise in canine cancer and CBD education.