Qualified Pet Nutritionist & Creator of Balance Flake — Helping Pets Thrive Since 2006
Naoko Okamoto is a qualified Pet Nutritionist and Pet Care Advisor with nearly two decades of hands-on experience helping dogs and cats live healthier, longer lives through fresh, whole-food nutrition. Originally from Japan, Naoko moved to Australia more than 20 years ago and, driven by her passion for animals and cooking, left a career in the corporate world to dedicate herself to pet wellbeing full-time. What began with homemade meals sold at Sydney weekend markets grew into Chew Chew Pet Restaurant (2010) — one of the city's first cafés created specifically for dogs — and later Puppy Tail Café in Lane Cove. Along the way, she became known affectionately as Sydney's "Doggie Aunty": the go-to voice for pet owners navigating sensitivities, complex dietary needs, and the overwhelming world of pet nutrition.
Balance Flake was born directly from that experience. After years of seeing the same problems — pets struggling with weeping eyes, itching, poor digestion, and low vitality — Naoko developed a simple, daily supplement made from human-grade ingredients, inspired by Japanese nutrition principles and grounded in her training in molecular nutrition and the immune system. Her core belief: pets need real food — meat, fish, and vegetables — not processed fillers. Woof N' Whisker is the next chapter of that mission: bringing the same standard of care she practised in her restaurant kitchen into every Australian home.
CREDENTIALS & BACKGROUND
- Qualified Pet Nutritionist & Pet Care Advisor
- Trained in molecular nutrition and animal immune system health
- Nutrition background runs in the family — her mother is also a nutritionist [Neighbourhood Media]
- Active in Sydney's pet wellness community since 2006
- Founder, Chew Chew Pet Restaurant (Wollstonecraft, 2010)
- Founder, Puppy Tail Café (Lane Cove)
- Creator, Chew Chew Balance Flakes — now Woof N' Whisker Balance Flake
◆ AS FEATURED IN ◆
The Sydney Morning Herald
"Puppachinos and lamb omelettes: catering for the furry customers"
The Daily Telegraph
"Chew Chew Pet Restaurant leads dogs to a healthier lifestyle"
The West Australian
"Pampered pets get organic restaurant"
Willoughby Living
"Puppy Tail Café opens for dogs at Lane Cove"
Neighbourhood Media
"The café that's gone to the dogs"
Wollstonecraft News
"I knew my passion for dogs and cooking and I wanted to combine both. The idea of opening a pet-only restaurant was quite unique." — Naoko Okamoto
"The quality of the ingredients used by Naoko surpasses those used by some outlets catering to humans. And fresh salmon from the fish market."
"Some customers came with pets navigating serious health challenges. They came hoping to support their pet’s quality of life through better nutrition. That responsibility shaped everything about how we approach food."
FAQ
WHO IS NAOKO OKAMOTO?
Naoko Okamoto is a qualified Pet Nutritionist and Pet Care Advisor based in Sydney, Australia. She has spent nearly 20 years working directly with pets and their owners — first through Sydney's pioneering dog-friendly restaurants, and now through Woof N' Whisker. She is known for her belief that fresh, real food is the foundation of pet health.
WHAT IS BALANCE FLAKE?
Balance Flake is Naoko's original daily nutrition supplement for dogs and cats. It's made from human-grade ingredients — with no artificial colours or chemical preservatives — and designed to support gut health, immunity, skin health, and vitality. Just sprinkle it over your pet's regular food. Naoko first created it as a signature add-on at Chew Chew Pet Restaurant, where it came standard with every meal.
IS BALANCE FLAKE MADE IN AUSTRALIA?
Yes. Woof N' Whisker products are made in Australia, using time-honoured methods inspired by Japanese nutrition principles and human-grade ingredients.
WHAT CONDITIONS HAS NAOKO HELPED PETS WITH?
Through her restaurants, Naoko worked with pets and owners navigating a wide range of complex needs: sensitivities, digestive issues, low energy, poor coat health, and fussiness. Her approach focuses on supporting the body with real, whole-food nutrition — not quick fixes.
HOW IS WOOF N' WHISKER DIFFERENT FROM SUPERMARKET PET FOOD?
Most commercial pet food is processed and shelf-stable, which means it needs fillers, artificial preservatives, and additives to stay that way. Woof N' Whisker products use human-grade ingredients — the same standard Naoko applied in her restaurant kitchen. No shortcuts.
