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Dr. Gary Richter, DVM, MS
Founder of Ultimate Pet Nutrition
Animal longevity expert and award-winning veterinarian with over 20 years of clinical experience in integrative veterinary medicine
For more than two decades, Dr. Gary Richter has been one of the most respected voices in veterinary medicine. As the founder behind Ultimate Pet Nutrition, Dr. Richter brings an award-winning integrative approach to every formula, every ingredient decision, and every product that carries the Ultimate Pet Nutrition name. His mission is simple: to give your pet the happiest, healthiest life possible, starting with what’s in their bowl.
Dr. Gary Richter, DVM, MS
Founder of Ultimate Pet Nutrition
Animal longevity expert and award-winning veterinarian with over 20 years of clinical experience in integrative veterinary medicine
For more than two decades, Dr. Gary Richter has been one of the most respected voices in veterinary medicine. As the founder behind Ultimate Pet Nutrition, Dr. Richter brings an award-winning integrative approach to every formula, every ingredient decision, and every product that carries the Ultimate Pet Nutrition name. His mission is simple: to give your pet the happiest, healthiest life possible, starting with what’s in their bowl.
Dr. Gary Richter, DVM, MS
Founder of Ultimate Pet Nutrition
Animal longevity expert and award-winning veterinarian with over 20 years of clinical experience in integrative veterinary medicine
For more than two decades, Dr. Gary Richter has been one of the most respected voices in veterinary medicine. As the founder behind Ultimate Pet Nutrition, Dr. Richter brings an award-winning integrative approach to every formula, every ingredient decision, and every product that carries the Ultimate Pet Nutrition name. His mission is simple: to give your pet the happiest, healthiest life possible, starting with what’s in their bowl.
Education & Credentials
B.S. in Animal Science
University of Florida
Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine
(with honors)
University of Florida
Certified in Veterinary Acupuncture
Graduate Degree in Veterinary Western Herbal Medicine
M.S. in Veterinary Medical Science
University of Florida
Founder & Medical Director
Holistic Veterinary Care, Oakland, CA
Founded in 2009
Certified in Veterinary Chiropractic Practices
Clinical Philosophy & Integrative Approach
Clinical Philosophy & Integrative Approach
Dr. Richter didn’t set out to practice medicine the way it had always been practiced. After years of clinical training in advanced Western veterinary medicine — surgery, diagnostics, emergency care — he became increasingly drawn to the question that most practitioners overlook: Why is this animal sick in the first place?
That question led him to integrate Eastern traditions into his practice, including acupuncture, chiropractic care, and a deep study of nutrition. Inspired in part by biologically appropriate whole food, Dr. Richter came to believe that optimal nutrition isn’t one piece of the health puzzle — it’s the foundation that everything else is built on.
At Holistic Veterinary Care, the Oakland-based clinic that Dr. Richter founded, pets are treated as family members rather than patients, which is why he also founded Ultimate Pet Nutrition: to make his nutritional philosophy accessible to pet parents across the U.S, not just the few hundred he can serve annually in-clinic.
Awards & Recognition
Awards & Recognition
Dr. Richter’s work has earned him more than 30 awards for veterinary excellence, including some of the most distinguished honors in his field.
“America’s Favorite Veterinarian” (2015)
American Veterinary Medical Foundation
“Best in Veterinary Medicine”, Holistic Veterinary Care (2022) (2021)
Best of Oakland Awards Program
“Holistic Practitioner of the Year” (2019)
American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association
Best Canine Therapy Facility (2014)
Bay Woof
His Ultimate Pet Nutrition product line has also earned repeated recognition from the pet nutrition industry:
Dog Food Product of the Year (2024)
Nutra Complete Infusions, Pet Innovation Awards
Dog Vitamin/Supplement of the Year (2022)
Nutra Thrive, Pet Innovation AwardsMedical Association
Bestselling Author & Media Appearances
Bestselling Author & Media Appearances
Dr. Richter’s expertise extends well beyond the clinic. He is the author of three bestselling books that have helped pet owners across the country take a more proactive, informed approach to their animals’ health.
A sought-after voice in pet health, Dr. Richter has been quoted and featured by Forbes, Martha Stewart, NBC Los Angeles, and KTLA, and has appeared as a guest on The Gabby Reece Show and David Asprey’s podcast, The Human Upgrade.
Partnering with Rob Lowe for Pet Longevity
Partnering with Rob Lowe for Pet Longevity
In 2025, Dr. Richter welcomed actor and devoted dog advocate Rob Lowe as Ultimate Pet Nutrition’s Chief Pet Advocate. The partnership was a natural fit for Lowe and his wife, Sheryl. As passionate dog rescuers with six dogs of their own, they share Dr. Richter’s belief that better nutrition leads to happier, more vibrant lives for animals. Together, they’re working to bring Ultimate Pet Nutrition’s integrative nutrition philosophy to even more pet families across the country through education and community.
Dr. Richter’s Role at Ultimate Pet Nutrition
Dr. Richter’s Role at Ultimate Pet Nutrition
Dr. Richter founded Ultimate Pet Nutrition to bring his integrative nutrition philosophy to pet parents everywhere. He personally develops and formulates every product in the Ultimate Pet Nutrition lineup, including Nutra Complete, Nutra Thrive, Nutra Bites, Mobility Renew, Canine Fresh, and more.
His approach to food formulation reflects the same principles he applies in his clinic: whole-food ingredients, no fillers, no artificial preservatives, and a commitment to bioavailable nutrition — food the body can actually use.
Explore articles and resources authored by Dr. Gary Richter
Explore articles and resources authored by Dr. Gary Richter
Is Freeze-Dried Dog Food Better Than Kibble? A Vet’s Perspective
When it comes to feeding your dog, freeze-dried food and traditional kibble sit at opposite ends of the spectrum, and the differences go deeper than price. Integrative veterinarian Dr. Gary Richter has long championed minimally processed diets for their nutritional...
Is Freeze-Dried Dog Food Healthy?
Freeze-dried dog food is one of the most nutrient-dense options available for dogs today. Unlike kibble, which relies on intense heat that may affect some heat-sensitive enzymes and vitamins, freeze-drying removes moisture at low temperatures. As a result, it helps...
Does Freeze-Dried Dog Food Need to Be Refrigerated?
Freeze-dried dog food often comes with a few questions, and “Does freeze-dried dog food need to be refrigerated?” is usually the first one. The short answer: No, unopened freeze-dried dog food doesn't need refrigeration. In fact, you can skip the fridge entirely....
How Long Does Freeze-Dried Dog Food Last? A Complete Shelf Life Guide
If you're feeding your dog freeze-dried food or considering making the switch, understanding its shelf life is essential for both safety and savings. So, how long is freeze-dried dog food good for? The short answer: unopened freeze-dried dog food typically lasts...
Is Freeze-Dried Dog Food Raw? Here’s What Pet Owners Should Know
If you've been exploring raw feeding options for your dog, you've likely wondered: Is freeze-dried food considered raw? The short answer is yes — freeze-dried dog food is generally considered a form of raw food. Freeze-drying removes moisture without applying high...
Is Freeze-Dried Dog Food Safe? What Every Pet Parent Should Know
Walk through the pet food store today, or scroll through any pet parent forum, and freeze-dried dog food is impossible to miss. Sales have surged as more owners seek alternatives to traditional kibble, drawn by promises of a raw diet in a convenient, shelf-stable...
What Is Freeze-Dried Dog Food? A Complete Guide
Freeze-dried dog food is a minimally processed pet food made by removing nearly all moisture from raw ingredients at very low temperatures. This helps preserve the nutrition and flavor of a raw diet with the convenience of dry food. For pet owners who want the best...
The Real Value of Premium Pet Nutrition: What Makes Nutra Complete Beef Worth It
When it comes to feeding your furry friend, cost may be one of the first things that comes to mind. Many pet owners see the price tag of a premium food and assume it’s simply overpriced. But, while a high-quality diet like Ultimate Pet Nutrition’s Nutra Complete...
Info For Pet Parents: Why Does My Dog Nibble On Me?
Why does my dog nibble on me? Pet owners have been asking themselves that question for a long, long time. There are actually a lot of reasons this might be happening with your pup, and they might surprise you. While there are some instances where a dog nibbling could...
Info For Pet Parents: Why Is My Dog Sleeping So Much All Of A Sudden?
Why is my dog sleeping so much all of a sudden? Usually, your pet is a lively bundle of joy. But lately, they’ve been acting like they just pulled an all-nighter and need to catch up on rest. What gives? If your pet has been catching some major zzz’s lately, you may...
What Human Foods Can Cats Eat? People Food For Pets
It can be hard to resist feeding your cat a little bite of what you’re having every now and then. Those beautiful feline eyes can be hard to resist. But wise pet owners know that there are many human foods that cats shouldn’t eat. Cats have different nutritional needs...
Why Is My Dog Biting His Foot?
Just about every dog owner has asked, “What is my dog biting his foot for?” at one time or another. This might be happening for several reasons. Some potential dog biting foot causes are relatively minor. Only your veterinarian can truly determine why this behavior is...
Do Dogs Remember Their Siblings? (here’s an interesting study!)
When you add a new furry member to your family, it can be a tremendously exciting time. But even if your pooch is well-adjusted and happy, it’s easy to wonder whether they miss their mom, or their brothers and sisters. Do dogs remember their siblings? Would your pooch...
Are Cats Ticklish? Info For Pet Parents
Your sitting on your couch with your feline bestie curled up beside you, belly up. The temptation is just too much: you reach over and tickle that furry belly. Your cat reacts instantly, either with purring and a few “meows” or a swift swat. What gives? Are cats...
Dog Vomit Cheat Sheet: Different Colors & What They Mean
If your dog is throwing up or pooping abnormally, you should first seek out the advice from your vet and rule out any serious conditions. Dog vomit is a sign that your pet isn’t feeling well, but just how serious could it be? The answer may vary. Sometimes, dog vomit...
Cute Pets: Breeds Of Cats With Big Eyes
If you’re looking to bring home a beautiful, affectionate kitty, you’ve come to the right place. Many of these magnificent cats with big eyes are not only some of the cutest cats you’ll ever see, but they’re also playful, affectionate, loyal companions. Some of these...
Why Do Dogs Dig And How To Stop Dogs From Digging?
Digging is a natural doggy trait that dogs do for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately, your lawn or garden bed can pay the price for your furry friend's inclination to dig. Dogs have many reasons that they head underground, so you’ll need to understand their...
Is Your Dog Sniffing Ground Too Much? Here’s Why
It happens all the time: You take your dog out for a nice walk, hoping to help your best buddy get some exercise. But your dog sniffing ground constantly interrupts the walking flow. A lot. Keep in mind that while stopping and sniffing may be frustrating to you, it’s...
Help! My Cat Is Drinking Out Of The Toilet!
Imagine this: you’re brushing your teeth one day and you just happen to look down. What you see is shocking: your cat is drinking out of the toilet! Why does this happen? Is it safe for your cat? What can you do about it? Read on to find out. Common Reasons Why Your...
Can I Give My Dog Human Vitamins?
One of the most common questions pet owners have is, “Can I give my dog human vitamins?” After all, our pets are a part of our family and we want them to be as healthy and happy as possible.
Are Laser Pointers Bad For Cats Or Good For Play? The Pros And Cons Of Playing With Laser Pointers
You might have seen a cat transfixed by one of the many laser pointer toys on the market. They seem to love to chase that beam of light, and they get great exercise doing it. But is it really good for your pet? Are laser pointers bad for cats? It turns out there are...
What is Cat Bunting?
Cats show affection in strange ways sometimes. Cat bunting is one example. This occurs when your pet decides to rub or nudge their head on your leg, face, or another part of your body. You might not think this behavior means anything, but it really does. Learn how to...
A List Of The 10 Most Energetic Dog Breeds
Just like people, some dogs are far more energetic than others. It’s important to know this as a high energy pup will not fit into every lifestyle. For example, if you don’t have a lot of time to walk your pup, or dont have a yard for them to run in, a high energy dog...
Shiba Inu Vs Akita: What Are The Main Differences Between The Two?
They’re both adorable. They both look like somewhat like a fox. They’re both smart as whips. But when it comes to the Shiba Inu vs Akita dog breeds, what are the differences? Medium-sized dogs are great for families, and both the Shiba Inu and Akita puppy can grow up...
Where Should My Cat Sleep At Night Time? Info For Pet Parents
Where does your cat curl up for a good night's sleep? At one point or another you may have wondered if it's safe for your kitty to sleep in bed with you. Maybe you’ve thought about whether or not they’re better off having their own bed. Continue reading for a look at...
My Dog Sleeps With Eyes Open: Is Something Wrong?
Pet parents are used to seeing their pup sleep most of the day. But when a dog sleeps with eyes open, that can be a little unsettling. Is there any significance to your dog’s behavior? Is your dog simply dreaming while sleeping, or is there something wrong? Here’s a...
Different Cat Sounds And What They Mean
Have you ever wondered about the different sounds your cat makes and what they could mean? Cats communicate not only with each other, but with their humans as well. Whether they’re feral or domesticated cats, they have a language that’s quite remarkable. They’ll tell...
How To Calm Down A Puppy Who Is Over-Excited
You’re probably going to have to learn how to calm down a puppy from time to time. Puppies are like children in a lot of ways. They can get the “zoomies” seemingly out of nowhere. Calming down a high-energy puppy isn’t hard, but it will take some effort and time. Here...
Elderly Cat Care: How To Care For A Cat That Is Getting Old
As our beloved pets begin to hit their elderly stage of life, most pet parents begin to worry about ways to best take care of them. You obviously want to make sure your beloved companion stays as spry and comfortable as possible as they age. Rest easy: learning how to...
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Beef Bones Or They Are Extremely Harmful?
“Can dogs eat cooked beef bones?” The answer is a resounding, “no.” Cooked bones for dogs of any kind are simply too dangerous. It’s almost incredible now to realize it wasn’t that long ago that pet owners would routinely throw their dog a bone after dinner – not...
What Plants Are Poisonous To Cats? A Helpful Guide
If you’re bringing a new feline friend into your home, it’s natural to wonder what plants are poisonous to cats. Unfortunately, some of the plants that are toxic to cats are very popular – you might already have some of them. You won’t want to get rid of your favorite...
Cat Project Idea: Diy Cardboard Cat House
If a dog can have a dog house, why can’t your kitty have a cat house? You can make a DIY cardboard cat house easily. Sure, you could go online or go to a pet store to find a cat house – you could even add a DIY cardboard cat bed – but that’s no fun. You can make...
Why Is My Dog Wheezing? Potential Causes And What To Do
“Why is my dog wheezing?” It’s understandable to want an answer to this question. After all, it can be concerning to suddenly see your beloved pet seemingly having issues breathing. There are a lot of potential dog wheezing causes, but the good news is, many of them...
Puppy Birthday Party Ideas: Fun Ways To Celebrate Your Puppy’s First Birthday
A puppy birthday is always a special day, of course. But there’s just something about a puppy’s first birthday that makes it even more special. As a proud pet owner, you probably want to do something a little extra to mark this happy occasion. So, here are a few tips...
Easy Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats And Recipes
Homemade peanut butter dog treats are not only easy to make, but your pooch will absolutely love them. Whipping up some tasty homemade pet treatsdoesn’t take a lot of time, either. You could easily just give your pup a spoonful of unsweetened peanut butter, but what’s...
Dog Chewing Wood? Learn Why They Do It And How To Stop Them
A dog chewing wood really isn’t all that uncommon. In fact, it happens a lot more often than you might think. Dogs tend to engage in all sorts of inappropriate chewing – if they can put it in their mouth, they’ll probably chew happily for hours if you let them. But...
Food Aggression In Dogs: What To Do And How To Control
Food aggression in dogs is obviously a disturbing problem. One minute your beloved companion is seemingly enjoying a peaceful meal out of their food bowl, and the next minute, your sweet puppy is lashing out, either at you or one of your other pets. Why does this type...
How To Start Training A Golden Retriever Puppy: Tips And Advice
Yes, they’re irresistibly cute. But that’s not the only reason you see Golden Retriever puppies on dozens of TV commercials. Golden Retrievers are a famously people-friendly breed. They also famously have a lot of energy. However, puppy training a Golden Retriever may...
Puppy Training Classes And Obedience Training For Adult Dogs: Where To Start
Puppy training classes may not feel necessary for a new dog that only seems to cuddle and sleep. But, young dogs are at a critical point of development. By teaching them good habits at an early age, you help establish healthy behavior that will last their whole life....
How To Teach A Puppy Not To Bite
Nothing brings more joy to a household than a brand new puppy. And while there are a few learning curves when it comes to house training puppies and teaching them to sit, stay, and rollover, some new puppy owners may find that sharp puppy biting is another behavior to...
Help For Dog Parents: How To Stop Dog From Barking At Door
Every time the doorbell rings, your dog’s barking fills the room. You might even dread company coming over, since you know your dog will bark over and over again. So, what can you do about it? The good news is that there are a lot of safe, effective methods you can...
Goldendoodle 101: Info For The Dog Parent To-Be
A quick Goldendoodle 101 course might be in order if you’re thinking of getting a puppy or adult belonging to this beautiful, friendly breed. The goldendoodle name, as you might expect, comes from the fact that the breed is a cross between the golden retriever and...
Different Types Of Service Dogs And The Gear They Use: Working Dog Vests
If you’ve ever seen working dogs around malls or airports, you’ve probably seen their working dog vests. As it turns out, you can often identify the type of service dog by the vest they’re wearing. You might not have given a lot of thought to the importance of a dog...
Do You Live In A Dog Run House? Training Do’s And Don’ts For Pet Parents With A Dog That Rules The Home
Does it feel like you’re living in a dog run house, where your pooch rules the roost? If so, you’re not alone. A lot of dog parents are going through the exact same thing. The good news is, there are lots of ways you can restore the proper balance of order to your...
Can Cats Eat Sardines? Essential Info For Cat Parents
Can cats eat sardines? If TV shows you’ve seen growing up are to be believed, fish is a cat’s favorite food and it seems the easiest way to lure a kitty into your care is to open a tin of sardines or can of tuna fish. If you’ve ever watched a stray cat scarf down...