For over 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of helping animals thrive by refusing to settle for the status quo. In 1999, I opened the first functional medicine veterinary hospital in the U.S.—where every decision, from anesthetics to supplements, was guided by one principle: only utilize what I’d trust using in my own life.
That meant bypassing bulk veterinary supplies to source pediatric human anesthetics and human-grade specialty surgical materials instead. It meant building custom protocols using cutting-edge therapies—IV vitamin C, polypeptides, and botanicals—that were years ahead of standard veterinary care.
It also meant refusing to stock feed-grade supplements. When no suitable formulas existed for animals, I partnered with the human supplement companies I trusted and asked them to craft custom, species-appropriate blends—pure, potent, and precisely dosed for cats, dogs, and exotic animals.
Over time, those same companies began asking: “Can we share your formulas with other veterinarians?” And so, my role evolved from practitioner to formulator—quietly helping raise the bar in veterinary nutraceuticals and fresh food formulation.
Now, after decades of formulating behind the scenes for respected brands, I’ve created
my personal answer to a growing need. These are the formulas I trust enough to give my own animals. The ones that didn’t exist on the market, so I made them myself.
Proactive Paws™ was created to fill the gaps—with innovative, effective, clean products that don’t currently exist in the animal health space. We’re not here to compete, we’re here to complement, collaborate, and contribute.
We believe in the power of whole foods, potent botanicals, and science-backed supplements to prevent disease and promote resilience. And we believe in community: veterinary professionals, pet parents, and wellness seekers coming together to share knowledge and elevate care.
If you’re here, it’s because you care deeply. So do we.
Welcome to Proactive Paws—where prevention meets purpose.
Animals have shaped Dr. Karen Becker’s life from the very beginning. At 13 she began volunteering at her local humane society, at 14 she was licensed as a state wildlife rehabilitator, and by 16 she was federally licensed to care for migratory species. In 2004, she was approved to rehabilitate endangered species, marking a lifelong commitment to protecting the most vulnerable animals.
Dr. Becker earned her degree in Wildlife Biology from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point before completing her DVM at Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine. She pursued advanced training in zoo and exotic medicine and became certified in acupuncture and rehabilitation.
In 1999, she opened the first proactive, functional medicine animal hospital in the U.S., later founding an exotic animal clinic and a rehabilitation and pain management center. Her veterinary career has always centered on functional medicine—identifying and addressing lifestyle, dietary, and environmental factors before disease occurs, and creating personalized wellness plans to help animals thrive.
Her educational outreach has reached a global audience. Together with Rodney Habib, she co-authored The Forever Dog(2021), which became the first animal health book to hit #1 on the New York Times bestseller list, and her best-selling recipe book, The Forever Dog Life (2024), translated worldwide. Their social media platforms have generated more than a billion views and built a community of over six million engaged pet lovers.
Dr. Becker also co-founded the Companion Animal Nutrition and Wellness Institute (CANWI), a non-profit that funds independent, peer-reviewed research on how processing impacts pet food quality and longevity. Her work with CANWI, alongside board-certified nutritionists and scientists, continues to shed light on areas of veterinary nutrition often overlooked in mainstream education.
In recognition of her contributions, Dr. Becker has received numerous awards, including the 2023 Stange Award for Meritorious Service in Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State’s highest honor for alumni achievement. She also serves as a faculty member for the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies and continues to design wellness products, consult internationally, and mentor pet parents through online communities such as Inside Scoop.
Through every project, Dr. Becker’s mission remains constant: to empower animal lovers and veterinarians to prevent disease, extend vitality, and ensure that pets live not only longer lives—but better ones.
