Using food as medicine, healing from the inside out

THE VET

DR BELLA O’CONNELL Veterinary surgeon working in general practice since 2002 – THE NUTRITION VET.

NUTRITION ADVICE AND SUPPORT TO MAXIMIZE HEALTH AND TACKLE DISEASE. HEALING FROM THE INSIDE OUT.

Why compromise? Get the best of both worlds, Veterinary expertise alongside independent impartial nutrition advice.

Nutrition is my primary therapy, and a change of diet may be all that is needed. As a vet I can also reduce the ‘educated-guess’ component of your pet’s condition. If necessary I can offer all the diagnostics that only a vet can provide, plus provide relief from symptoms in the lag time before the nutrition changes take full effect. In essence I consider myself a functional (or integrative) medicine vet.

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Cat with a plate of raw meat
Dog with a healthy meal

Independent and Impartial

Nutrition advice designed to suit your budget, beliefs and lifestyle. 

All food types are ‘on the table’, including raw, cooked, canned, and dry.

Information to Empower

Most disease processes are due to dysfunctional metabolism. The microbiome is the key component responsible for the efficient and effective running of all metabolic processes. A faulty microbiome leads to faulty metabolic pathways and this always results in disease.

Allergies, itchy skin, sensitive stomach, smelly breath, chronic ear disease, bottom rubbing, fussy eaters, weight issues, colitis, pancreatitis, gastritis, diabetes, seizures, kidney disease, dental disease, cancer, behaviour issues and more, can ALL benefit from a targeted improved nutrition programme.

Healthy dog running through grass

HOW IT WORKS

What the consultation with Dr. Bella involves:

  • A full discussion about your pet, including diet, lifestyle, temperament, interaction with other pets, phobias, travel issues, diseases past and present, vaccination history, litter information if known, and much more
  • Analysis of the entire clinical record from puppy/kitten to the present day, including any lab. tests, radiographs and referral reports
  • A written plan supplied within 5 working days
  • A courtesy copy is sent to your regular vet if you have one and have given permission. (This is strongly advised so that we all work as a team)

Consultations: There are a few options available, from one off consultations to package bundles.

If insured, check with your pet insurance company to see if this service is covered.

Services

On-line (Zoom) consultations and In-clinic (North Dorset) nutrition consultations

How it works

  1. Email your interest to bella@thenutritionvet.co.uk. We can then book a consultation slot at a time that suits.
  2. Bella will email a questionnaire and ask permission for your regular vets details (if you have one) so she can fully analyse your pets clinical records. 

On-line consultations (Zoom)

  • Beforehand Bella will have gone through the completed questionnaire and examined all the clinical records, (including lab. tests, x-rays, ultrasound/CT/MRI reports, specialist referral reports).
  • During the Zoom call Bella will want to see your pet.
  • Afterwards a summary and plan will then be emailed to you within 5 working days of the appointment. 
  • A courtesy copy will be sent to your regular vets (with your prior permission)

Fees (inc. VAT)

One-off consultation fees

General nutrition advice for healthy dogs and cats, new puppies and kittens – 30 minutes£65
Consultation on-line – 45 minutes£90
Consultation on-line for complex cases – 60 minutes£130
Follow up consultation (within 1 month of prior consultation) – 30 minutes£75

Package bundles

Healthy dog nutrition plan. Initial 45 minute consultation and two follow up 30 minute consultations, all within a 6 month period£180
Complex case nutrition plan 1. Initial consultation of 60 minutes and two follow up consultations of 30 minutes, all within a 6 month period£225
Complex case nutrition plan 2. Initial consultation of 60 minutes and three follow up consultations of 30 minutes, all within a 9 month period£265

Pet insurance: Please, check with your insurer as these veterinary consultations should be able to be claimed in the usual way. 

CLIENT REVIEWS

  • Monty is a wonderful family pet, an 8-year-old cockapoo, who unfortunately whilst being extremely active has had tummy troubles for the majority of his life. Over the years we’ve had suggestions from vets but had no real success in improving matters for Monty.

    Earlier this year we had a recommendation to speak to Bella, and I’ll be honest knowing both Monty’s unbelievably fussy nature to food, and my own scepticism, built on the fact that we’ve tried many options over the years, I wasn’t hoping for much. However, Bella listened and understood our concerns and offered us a new perspective via tailored nutrition plans after each of our meetings on Monty’s diet, supplements and healthy treats to help him on his journey back to good gut health. 

    To add I wasn’t sure that Monty would even entertain this new diet, I was so wrong. He absolutely relishes it, he is interested in food, something we’ve not seen before; we have clean bowls every meal, he is a happier, more energetic and most importantly healthier dog. We will continue to work with Bella and I think most importantly use the learnings to continue to improve Monty’s diet into the future.

    Unreservedly recommended.

    Stuart, Denise & Monty, 2025

    Stuart & Denise – MONTY

  • “After almost a year of taking my dog back and forth to the vets without getting to the bottom of what was causing her discomfort and persistent issues, seeking Bella’s help has been the best decision we’ve made.
    From our very first consultation, Bella was incredibly knowledgeable and genuinely invested in helping my dog feel better. She took the time to understand Luna’s history, diet and symptoms to create a tailored nutrition plan.
    Finally figuring out Luna’s issues she has also improved dramatically. She’s happier, more energetic and finally comfortable!”

    Sarah with Luna

  • “We came to Dr Bella with our 9 month old Labrador puppy who had very itchy dirty ears. She assessed and tweaked his diet and prescribed a probiotic ear spray. Within 2 weeks they were clear for the first time ever. A super happy pup with no more scratching and a very happy owner.”

    Sophie B with Simba