Nutrition designed for longer, healthier lives
The Science Behind Our Food
Behind every Happy Hounds recipe is a clear nutritional framework — designed, tested, and continuously refined by our in-house nutritionist, Andreas Durand.
With years of experience in canine nutrition, Andreas’s role is simple in principle, but rigorous in practice: to ensure that every meal supports long-term health and not just to meet the minimum legal requirements.
Meet Our Nutritionist
Andreas Durand is a registered Professional Scientist (SACNASP) with a BSc Agric Honours in Animal Science from the University of Pretoria, specialising in animal nutrition. He first found an interest in companion animal nutrition during his studies on the alternative protein source of black soldier fly.
After several years advising Happy Hounds, Andreas now leads our nutrition full-time — overseeing formulation, validation, and ongoing improvement of every recipe we produce. He is committed to remaining on the leading edge of research.
“The combined focus of care and science at Happy Hounds means that all formulated dog food recipes only work if a dog can digest it, enjoy it, and thrive on it over time.”
Andreas Durand
Professional Scientist (SACNASP) with a BSc Agric Honours in Animal Science from the University of Pretoria
"Ensuring every recipe supports real, long-term health."
His work sits at the intersection of:
Nutritional Science
Ingredient Functionality
Digestive Health
Real-World Results
What Does a Dog Nutritionist Actually Do?
Most people never meet the person behind their dog’s food.
Here’s what that work really involves:
Not all nutrients are equal — and not all ingredients deliver them in the same way.
We evaluate:
- Nutrient composition
- Digestibility & Bioavailability (what your dog can actually absorb)
- Functional benefits (e.g. gut health, energy, coat condition)
- Taste, texture and aroma
1. Translating Science into Real Food
Not all nutrients are equal — and not all ingredients deliver them in the same way.
We evaluate:
- Nutrient composition
- Digestibility & Bioavailability (what your dog can actually absorb)
- Functional benefits (e.g. gut health, energy, coat condition)
- Taste, texture and aroma
We go beyond compliance
Every ingredient is selected not just for its nutritional value, but for how it supports your dog’s body in real, measurable ways.
We consider:
- How nutrients are digested & absorbed
- How ingredients support digestion and gut health
- How they work together to improve overall wellbeing and long-term health
2. Balancing Diets Beyond the Label
We go beyond compliance
Every ingredient is selected not just for its nutritional value, but for how it supports your dog’s body in real, measurable ways.
We consider:
- How nutrients are digested & absorbed
- How ingredients support digestion and gut health
- How they work together to improve overall wellbeing and long-term health
Our approach, driven by having an inhouse Nutritionist is informed by:
- Veterinary collaboration and we are vet recommended.
- Continuous evaluation and incorporation of current scientific literature
- Ongoing research in canine nutrition, including in-house data collection and studies.
This ensures our diets evolve as new knowledge emerges.
3. Working with Vets and Research
Our approach, driven by having an inhouse Nutritionist is informed by:
- Veterinary collaboration and we are vet recommended.
- Continuous evaluation and incorporation of current scientific literature
- Ongoing research in canine nutrition, including in-house data collection and studies.
This ensures our diets evolve as new knowledge emerges.
Our recipes are formulated in line with South African, European, and American pet food regulations — ensuring safety, nutritional adequacy, and compliance at every level.
But we don’t stop at meeting minimum standards.
4. Quality, Safety & Standards
Our recipes are formulated in line with South African, European, and American pet food regulations — ensuring safety, nutritional adequacy, and compliance at every level.
But we don’t stop at meeting minimum standards.
Designed for real-life results
RP
Richard Parron
Verified
Happy Hounds is absolutely fantastic.
"Happy Hounds is absolutely fantastic. The people are very friendly and were quick to assist me with all my questions. They had so much knowledge, and it helps to know that they care about making a sustainable product. My dogs adore the Ostrich version. They cant get enough!"
Reviewed on Google, Feb 2026
AK
Agata Koutakis
Verified
No allergies, upset stomach and he is full of energy.
"Achilles, our Weimaraner, used to always suffer with an upset stomach and allergies. We decided to try Happy Hounds, and have never looked back. He has been eating HH for a number of years now and is thriving! No allergies, upset stomach and he is full of energy. Fresh food is the absolute best for all dogs. We're inspired by Emma, and team: prioritising sustainable farming, fresh produce, and canine health. Thank you for keeping Achilles so healthy! ;-)"
Reviewed on Google, Feb 2026
CT
Christel Tirrell
Verified
Spencer Doodle absolutely loves his Happy Hounds meals!
"We were fortunate to find HH here, coming from the US, where he fed on Farmers Dog food. After quite the search, Happy Hounds delivered and totally exceeded all our expectations."
Reviewed on Google, Oct 2025
KD
Karessa Dwarte
Verified
Amazing quality food that our fussy dogs love.
"Amazing quality food that our fussy dogs love, backed by outstanding and personal customer service."
Reviewed on Google, Jan 2026
MF
Mary Faulks
Verified
My dogs have been dining on Happy Hounds for years and they love it!
"It has helped eliminate skin allergies, additional weight and just the excitement of receiving the personalised delivery adds to the experience! ;) The food is prepared with love by an incredible team who are focused on providing sustainably sourced, healthy and delicious food for our furry children! 🤗"
Reviewed on Google, Apr 2025
Cd
Claire de Lange
Verified
Happy Hounds has truly been a game changer
"After months of navigating various health challenges and specific dietary needs, I decided to place an order with Happy Hounds based on a friend's recommendation—and we haven't looked back since. I can confidently say that Cleo now enjoys a healthier, fresher diet than I do! The Happy Hounds team provided incredible support when Cleo underwent several tests and procedures to restore her health. You won't find a more fabulous, caring, and compassionate team-delivering from their immaculate kitchen straight to your door!"
Reviewed on Google, 11 months ago
RE
Reinet
Verified
My dogs absolutely love the Venison meals.
"I am receiving absolutely stunning service and feedback from the team. My dogs absolutely love the Venison meals. I have a doggy with celiac disease eating it and he is doing very well on this food. My picky eater is also eating it with the odd piece of veggies being removed from her bowl."
Reviewed on Google, Oct 2025
CK
Conny Krauss
Verified
My 13yr old Border Collie has never looked so good
"Beautiful sheen on her coat, a bounce in her step, ever since she has been eating Happy Hounds delicious meals.... so HAPPY I have came across your brand :)"
Reviewed on Google, 9 months ago
NF
Nick Fordyce
Verified
A great range of products.
"A great range of products. My dog absolutely loves her Happy Hounds meals and bones! The insect protein is a great circular economy choice as well!"
Reviewed on Google, 8 months ago
LP
Liz Pienaar
Verified
This food has made him a happier old boy
"My dog is super happy on this food, and I've become a regular of Happy Hounds. He has skin allergies and arthritis, and this food has made him a happier old boy. Thank you for the service and great food!"
Reviewed on Google, Dec 2025
Learn more about your dog’s wellbeing
If you’ve ever searched things like “what should I feed my dog?”, “is fresh food better than kibble?”, or “what helps with itchy skin or sensitive stomachs?”- you’re not alone.
We’re building a library of clear, science-backed resources to help you better understand your dog’s nutrition, ingredients, and overall wellbeing.
Start with our blog for practical, everyday guidance, or explore deeper, more detailed write-ups on Substack.
Why Ingredient Quality Matters in Dog Food
Ingredient quality shapes how food functions in your dog’s body. Here’s ...
What Is Fresh Dog Food? Ingredients, Safety & How It’s Made
Fresh dog food is made from real, recognisable ingredients and...
Why Dogs Make Life Better: The Science Behind the Human–Dog Bond
Dogs have lived alongside us for thousands of years, developing a unique...
Frequently Asked Questions
A dog nutritionist designs and evaluates diets to ensure they provide the right nutrients in a form dogs can digest and benefit from over time.
No - not by default. It must be scientifically formulated to ensure all essential nutrients are present and properly balanced.
In South Africa, complete and balanced pet foods are issued a V-number, confirming that the formulation meets established nutritional standards.
Feeding a diet that isn’t properly balanced can lead to nutritional deficiencies over time — which is why formulation matters.
Fresh food retains more natural nutrients and is easier for the body to digest and absorb, particularly when gently cooked. Kibble is produced through an extrusion process — high heat and pressure used to shape and preserve the food - which can degrade heat-sensitive nutrients and affect digestibility.
Not all ingredients are created equal. Quality ingredients provide nutrients in forms your dog’s body can recognise, absorb, and use effectively. When food is made with the right and whole, minimally processed ingredients, it supports better digestion, more stable energy, and overall long-term health — rather than just meeting basic nutritional requirements.
Different proteins vary in digestibility, bioavailability, amino acid profile and allergenic potential. Protein quality is a combination of these characteristics and their effect on your dog.
Yes. Nutrition plays a role in gut health, energy stability, and even aspects of behaviour through the gut-brain connection.
In some cases, yes — particularly for medical conditions. We are currently developing science-led diets to support specific health needs.
