Hidden Gems: Meet Samantha Henson of Next Generation Pet Wellness

Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Henson. 

Hi Samantha, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey into the world of animals began as a toddler. I was fascinated by all animals, their husbandry, what they ate, why they ate what they ate, and so much more. On my fifth birthday, my parents gave me an encyclopedia of all the registered dog breeds; we learned soon after that that I had an eidetic memory and had memorized every breed in the book. I then moved on to cat breeds and marine life. At 12 years old, I took on a newborn puppy that needed round-the-clock care, and from then on, I was hooked on caring for animals. That puppy grew up to be a 100-pound mastiff mix and my very best friend. When Joey’s life was cut short at the age of 6, I was devastated. I began to research what could’ve happened and spiraled down an endless rabbit hole of information about the pet food industry and the really, very dark side of it. I felt betrayed by an entire industry and knew that one day I would challenge it and help make it better. 

After graduating, I went to school to become an emergency veterinary technician with the intent of becoming a veterinarian with a nutrition-based practice. Unfortunately, I soon learned that I would not receive the nutrition training I needed in vet school, so I enrolled in a separate school to become a clinical pet nutritionist. 

Fast forward to my nutrition practice opening in 2017 and we have not looked back once. My practice is made up of myself and other talented nutritionists and formulators and together we have a goal of helping 1 million pets. We are nearing 300k and pushing for 400k by the end of 2023. 

We have experienced unbelievable growth and are now able to work with pet owners and pet companies all over the world. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has been a smoother road than many other startups I have seen. I, personally, struggled during the pandemic with raising 3 small children, (a virtual kindergartener, a toddler, and an infant) while trying to maintain a business and cater to the growth we were experiencing but we made it through (with lots of therapy) and are better for it. Going from this being a part-time side gig while we were raising babies to a full-blown practice was a challenge full of learning and growing pains. 

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
NGPW exists as a three-part practice. On one side, we have our individual patient sector. Nutrition consultations, personalized recipe formulation, chronic illness care, weight loss programs, etc. You name it, we have seen it. From 17-year-old cats in stage 3 kidney failure to puppies with bone cancer, to anorexic iguanas, we have seen it all. Our nutritionists are able to educate pet parents about all kinds of diets and we NEVER shame or judge a pet parent on what they are feeding their pets. We don’t force you to feed the most expensive diets in the world or make you feel bad if you are on a budget. We are real people, and we operate the practice with kindness and empathy for all. 

On another side, we run a business-to-business consultative sector. I have helped over 15 pet food, treat, and supplement companies around the world go from idea to launch and beyond, and love being able to have my formulations making a difference in the pet industry. Anytime we can get healthier food to more pets, sign me up. Anytime we can create jobs and help another entrepreneur’s dreams come true, sign me up. My work as a pet nutritionist has been featured in Forbes, Fox News, Pet Product News, Petworks, The Dodo, and many other publications over the years and I feel so honored to be making a difference. 

The third side of the business is our product side. I am the author of the book “Healing Your Pet’s Gut Microbiome” and the creator of “The Perfect Pet All-In-One Canine Supplement”. Both of which came out of necessity during covid. 

For months on end, I was having the same conversation with pet owners about their pet’s gut microbiomes and what to do that I knew I just had to get it on paper. We recently sold our 1000th copy and I am always thankful that so many dogs will benefit from it. 

The Perfect Pet supplement is quite possibly my proudest formulation to date. It is a true all-in-one supplement powder for dogs (and cats) and has helped thousands of pet owners be able to balance home-cooked meals, better support commercial diets, and provide benefits to their pet’s hips, joints, skin, coats, and gut. It is available online and in pet stores around the Midwest. 

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Anyone that I have mentored over the years has directly reached out to me and asked for mentorship. I appreciate it when a mentee or apprentice knows what they want and goes for it. For networking, LinkedIn and building a team of peers that get together at trade shows, conventions, and other industry-specific events can be very beneficial, and fun! 

Pricing:

• $90 for a 30-minute pet parent consult
• $150 for a 30-minute + personalized recipe
• $199 for a 3-month weight loss program
• $375-450/hour for B2B consulting

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nextgenerationpetwellness.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextgenerationpet/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nextgenerationpet
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-henson-a7986018a/
• Other: https://linktr.ee/nextgenerationpetwellness