Our Mission:
Positively Impact
1 Million Pets
We're getting there, we are currently in the tens of thousands!
A Message from our founder, Samantha Henson
Hi! I'm Samantha, founder of Next Generation Pet Wellness, clinical pet nutritionist, and pet nutrition specialist.
I have spent the last 13 years dedicating my life to the health and wellness of animals and I can truly say that I love what I do. I have helped thousands of cats and dogs live their happiest and healthiest lives through proper, biologically appropriate nutrition, supplementation, and exercise. I give pet owners the tools and education they need to help their furry family members.
I started Next Generation Pet Wellness as a way for people to get unbiased information about pet nutrition. It’s so difficult for pet owners to research online, or even in a store, and not feel overwhelmed by all the choices. I don’t sugar coat things, and because I’m not tied to any specific brand of food, I can be completely honest and remain impartial.
You may be wondering if you would ever need a pet nutritionist or know someone who might. I see dogs and cats (and other pets) from every walk of life and every budget.
- Samantha Henson
Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan
We service pet parents worldwide!
Our home office in downtown GR
Our Promise
We value science and the ever changing world of nutritional research. Information has certainly changed since the veterinary text books of the 60's and as a practice, we are never done learning (and un-learning) all things pet nutrition.
Up-to-date pet nutrition advice...that is our promise.
Our Values
Integrity
Education
Honesty
Results Driven
Empowerment
Meet Our Team
We are proud to be a 100% women-owned and led business. Get to know our wonderful team of talented, experienced pet nutritionists.
Samantha Henson
Founder, CPN
A pioneer in the personalized pet nutrition space, Samantha Henson is the award-winning clinical pet nutritionist and founder of Next Generation Pet Wellness. She started her career as the CPN for Premier Pet, before moving on to start NGPW in 2017. Driven by a mission to help positively impact one million pets, Samantha is best known for inspiring pet owners everywhere to better care for their companions.
When Samantha isn't living and breathing all things pet nutrition, she's at home spending time with her husband, 3 kids, and a zoo's worth of beloved pets!
Education + Certifications
Grand Valley State University:
Bachelors in Biology
Bachelors in Zoology
DNM University: Pet Food Nutrition Specialist
Animal Behavior College for Veterinary Technology
Academy of Natural Health Sciences: Clinical Pet Nutritionist
Best of Petworks Winner 2020
Best of Petworks Winner 2021
Pet Food Innovator of the Year 2018
Grand Rapids "40 under 40" Nominee 2021
Grand Rapids "40 under 40" Nominee 2022
Abby Ignagni
Abby is a Certified Pet Nutritionist of 8 years. She is currently working to obtain her 9th certification in pet nutrition. She has been in the pet industry for 10 years and loves every minute of it.
Abby’s specialty is working with the “average joe” of pet parents. She loves to work with beginners who are just getting started in this world of pet nutrition. Her passion is educating and creating the perfect plan for your pets: one that works for your lifestyle and your budget. We all want happy healthy pets!
Abby has worked with pets with allergies, chronic ear infections, over/under weight, sensitive tummy’s, picky eaters, as well as major health issues.
Education + Certifications
Vet Bloom: Current Student
AAHA Diabetes Educator Certificate Program
The Science Dog Master Program:
Basics of Canine Nutrition
Puppies to Seniors: Feeding Dogs through the Life Cycle
Academy of Natural Health Sciences:
Certified Clinical Pet Nutritionist
Certified Dog Nutritionist
Certified Feline Nutritionist
Dog Food Smarts: Making, Marketing & Safety of Food for Dogs
Dogs Naturally Magazine: Pet Food Nutrition Specialist
Advanced Canine Nutrition Specialist: Current Student
Animal Behavior College:
Certified Dog Trainer
Certified Pet Nutritionist
Meredith Winter
Meredith is a multi-certified nutritionist specializing in diet formulation and analysis. Her experience in pet retail has helped her work with owners to find healthy & balanced solutions for all kinds of pets— from puppies to picky eaters to those suffering from illnesses & allergies.
Meredith approaches each consultation on an individual basis, paying close attention to the pet’s preferences and needs (as well as the owner’s!). She finds that her pending degree in secondary education is useful in answering questions and guiding pet parents on the journey towards companion animal health.
Meredith is currently taking on clients looking for raw or cooked diet formulations that they can prepare at home, as well as recipe analysis consultations. She believes a healthy, species-appropriate diet is the foundation for companion animal’s health and longevity. Meredith is eager to connect with new clients and their furry friends and become a resource for wellbeing!
Education + Certifications
Wayne State University:
Current Student
B.S in Secondary Education
Minor in Biology
Certification in:
Canine Nutrition
Canine Diet Formulation
Companion Animal Services Institute: Current student
Amanda Jessup
Amanda is a canine and feline nutritionist certified through the Academy of Natural Health Sciences. She is currently working on a clinical nutrition certification. She has worked in the pet industry for eight years and has helped hundreds of dogs and cats with illnesses such as allergies, digestive disorders, chronic infections, kidney disease, and other major health problems.
She also works with large and giant breed puppies, ensuring they have the proper diet and supplements for healthy growth and development. She enjoys working with the anxious pet parent to ensure the diet of their companion has the proper formulations and supplementations for their individual needs.
Her passion is educating pet parents and giving them the tools they need to keep their companions happy and healthy.
Amanda lives in metro Detroit with her two dogs and four cats. Her hobbies include painting, hiking, camping, and gardening.
Education + Certifications
Academy of Natural Health Sciences
Certified Clinical Pet Nutritionist
Certified Dog Nutritionist
Certified Feline Nutritionist
