A Journey Through Health, Nutrition, and Canine Companionship: An Interview with Dr. Will Maginness  

As the bond between humans and their canine companions continues to deepen, the importance of understanding our dogs’ health, nutrition, and behaviour has never been more critical. Recently, I had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Will Maginness, a veterinarian with a unique perspective on dog health, nutrition, and the profound connection between humans and their pets. Our conversation spanned a wide range of topics, from his journey into veterinary medicine to his innovative approach to dog nutrition and his passion for regenerative farming. What emerged was a fascinating portrait of a man deeply committed to improving the lives of dogs and their owners through education, prevention, and a holistic approach to health.

Dr. Will Maginness’s journey into veterinary medicine is anything but conventional. Growing up in Australia, he was obsessed with animals from a young age. I was just obsessed with dogs from day dot, he shared. However, his early aspirations took a detour when he pursued a career in Australian Rules Football (AFL). Drafted as a rookie by the West Coast Eagles, Will’s athletic dreams were cut short by a series of injuries that left him with broken bones and multiple surgeries.  

It was during this challenging period that Will’s first dog, Monty, a golden retriever, entered his life.He came to me at a very pivotal moment, Will recalled. I was at my lowest, and he was my first dog away from my family. Monty became a source of comfort and companionship, reigniting Will’s childhood passion for animals. This led him to pivot his career path and pursue veterinary medicine, a decision that would shape the rest of his life.  

A Holistic Approach to Canine Health  

Will’s background in sports and his personal experiences with injury and recovery influenced his approach to health and wellness, not just for himself but also for the animals he cares for. I was always very alternative with my approach to health,” he explained. That translated to how I look at dogs and their nutrition.

As a veterinarian, Will noticed a gap in the way dogs were being fed and cared for. Traditional veterinary education, he noted, often focuses on treating diseases rather than preventing them. We’re taught how to treat heart disease, liver disease, or kidney disease, but we don’t always look at the root causes he said. This realisation led him to adopt an integrative approach to veterinary medicine, combining Western medical practices with a focus on nutrition, socialisation, and preventative care.  

The Birth of 5 Hounds: A Passion Project  

Will’s passion for dog nutrition eventually led him to launch his own dog food company, 5 Hounds. The idea was born out of a desire to create the perfect product for his own dogs. I wanted to create something that I could sleep at night knowing my dogs were getting the best nutrition possible, he said.  

5 Hounds is a premium dog food brand that emphasises fresh, authentic food. Will advocates for feeding dogs a diet that includes raw meaty bones, lightly cooked meals, and a variety of proteins. I’m a big believer in once-per-day feeding, he explained. Dogs don’t need to feast as much as we do. Intermittent fasting can be beneficial for their health. 

The journey to launching 5 Hounds was not without its challenges. Will spent months researching, developing recipes, and navigating the complexities of starting a business from scratch. It was seven days a week of hard work, he said. But the effort has paid off. The response from customers has been overwhelmingly positive, with many reporting improvements in their dogs’ skin, coat, energy levels, and overall health.  

The Importance of Socialisation and Preventative Care  

Beyond nutrition, Will is a powerful advocate for the importance of socialisation and preventative care in dogs. He believes that many of the behavioural and health issues seen in dogs today can be traced back to a lack of proper socialisation and a poor diet.  

Dogs are very aware, he said. They pick up on emotions, body language, and energy. Socialisation is key to helping them develop into well-rounded, confident animals. Will’s own dogs—Monty, Cooper,  Kaiya, Lenny, and Odie—are a testament to this philosophy. Each dog has a unique personality, and Will takes great care to ensure they are well-socialised and mentally stimulated.  

A Commitment to Regenerative Farming  

Will’s holistic approach extends beyond dogs to the food they eat and the environment in which it is produced. He is a passionate advocate for regenerative farming, a practice that focuses on restoring soil health, improving biodiversity, and raising animals in a humane and sustainable way.  

I want to eat meat where I know how it’s been respected, Will said. He manages a farm in Victoria, where he raises sheep and other livestock using regenerative practices. The animals are slaughtered on-site by a professional butcher, and the dogs benefit from the bones and offal. It’s about honouring the animal’s life and ensuring they are treated with respect from start to finish he explained.  

A Voice for Change in Veterinary Medicine  

Throughout our conversation, it became clear that Will is not just a veterinarian but also a voice for change in the field of veterinary medicine. He is critical of the over-reliance on processed kibble and the lack of emphasis on nutrition in traditional veterinary education.  

The immune system lives in the gut, he said. When dogs are fed an ultra-processed diet, it can lead to a host of health issues, from skin problems to chronic diseases. Will’s mission is to educate dog owners about the importance of feeding their pets a species-appropriate diet and to challenge the status quo in the pet food industry.  

His advocacy has not been without controversy. Will’s outspoken views on nutrition and his refusal to conform to conventional practices have sparked debates within the veterinary community. I’m causing a bit of a stir, he admitted. But I think it’s important to have these conversations and to question the narrative. 

A Vision for the Future  

Looking ahead, Will has big plans for Five Hounds and his mission to improve dog health worldwide. Currently, the brand is available in Victoria, Australia, with plans to expand nationally and potentially internationally. Will is also exploring ways to make his premium dog food more accessible to a wider audience.  

I want to reach as many dogs as possible, he said. But I also want to keep the quality high and stay true to my values. Whether through retail partnerships or continued growth of the subscription service, Will is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of dogs and their owners.  

A Life Well-Lived with Dogs  

At the heart of Will’s story is his deep love for dogs. His five dogs—Monty, Cooper, Kaiya , Lenny, and Odie—are not just pets but integral members of his family. Each dog has a unique story, from Monty, who helped him through a difficult time, to Lenny, a rescue with special needs who has defied the odds.  

They’re my world,” Will said. “They inspire me every day to do what I do.

As our conversation came to a close, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by Will’s passion, dedication, and vision. His journey is a testament to the power of following one’s instincts, challenging the status quo, and making a difference in the lives of others—both human and canine.  

In a world where the health and well-being of our pets are increasingly important, Dr. Will Maginness is a beacon of hope and a reminder that, with the right care and attention, our dogs can live longer, healthier, and happier lives.