Introducing Holistic Hound: Nature’s Best for Your Best Friend

The idea for Holistic Hound was born from Erica’s personal experience with her dogs, Buster & Winnie.

Buster, an adorable and mischievous Foxy Jack, suffers from a grass allergy—a tough condition when living on a 12-acre lifestyle block where grass is everywhere. After trying various solutions (including a miserable period on steroids), Erica discovered that a simple natural soak helped to provide relief from his itching. This was the lightbulb moment that sparked the idea for a natural dog grooming range. However, already busy running a successful skincare business, she decided to put the idea on hold for the future.

Buster is also a digger and an enthusiastic explorer. While his adventurous spirit is something to be celebrated, he’s also an inside dog at night—cuddling on the couch and sleeping in the bedroom. Frequent washing is essential, but traditional shampoos risked irritating his sensitive skin. Fortunately, with two decades of natural soap-making experience, Erica formulated a gentle soap that cleans effectively without stripping natural oils or causing irritation.

Then along came Winnie, a Huntaway Collie X and a champion shedder. Regular brushing and a nourishing coat oil made all the difference in keeping her shedding to a manageable level and her coat glossy and soft.

Seeing the need for high-quality, natural grooming solutions, Erica teamed up with Suzanne, a fellow dog lover and internationally recognized expert in ethical, sustainable skincare. With a wealth of experience in formulating award-winning natural products, Suzanne was the perfect partner. As they explored the market, they found there were few New Zealand made natural dog grooming products that prioritized premium ingredients, and sustainable packaging options were even scarcer. That’s when everything clicked - their shared love for dogs, passion for natural ingredients, and commitment to sustainability became the foundation of Holistic Hound.

At Holistic Hound, we believe grooming should be as natural as a dog’s instincts. Our formulations are crafted with carefully selected ingredients that clean, soothe, and protect without unnecessary additives. Some of our hero ingredients include:

• Frankincense, kunzea, lavender, and calendula – known for their antibacterial and soothing properties.
• Matauri Bay Clay – a mineral-rich clay that detoxifies and soothes without disrupting a dog’s natural skin balance.
• Kawakawa – a powerhouse ingredient used for generations to calm hot spots, rashes, and irritation.
• Mango and kokum butters – deeply nourishing to keep coats soft and strong while protecting against environmental stressors.

Our range is simple yet effective:

• A solid grooming bar, perfect for sensitive skin and housed in a sisal bag for easy application.
• A paw soak for itchy paws, conveniently packed into tea bags for a mess-free, soothing soak.
• A salve, a must-have for calming dry, irritated paws and skin.
• A coat serum, ideal for detangling, reducing shedding, soothing irritations, and maintaining coat health.

Sustainability is at the heart of Holistic Hound. From our solid grooming bars that eliminate the need for plastic bottles to our recyclable and compostable packaging, every detail has been carefully considered to ensure we’re being kind to both hounds and the planet.

This journey has been one of passion, dedication, and collaboration. We’re so proud of what we’ve created and can’t wait for you and your hounds to experience Holistic Hound. Try the products, share your hound stories with us, and join us in making natural, sustainable grooming the new standard!

Erica & Suzanne x