Dr. Douglas Howard: A Lifelong Passion for Helping People and Advancing Whole Food Nutrition

*Dr. Howard is a Chiropractic Physician and was a Professor of Medical Science and Research at Pavlov Medical University. While earning his medical degree from the Pavlov Medical University, he served as Dean of Foreign Student Affairs.

Born to Be a Doctor

You could say Dr. Howard* was born to be a doctor. While living in Enterprise, Utah, young Dr. Howard* landed himself in the emergency room (ER) at age 14—and not as a patient. He worked as a volunteer at Pioneer Memorial Medical Center in St. George, Utah, taking vital signs, cleaning up, and gleaning all he could from the hospital environment. By age 15, he was working in nuclear medicine at Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada. By 16, he had logged over 2,000 volunteer hours and was hired as an ER technician at Dixie Regional Medical Center.

It was there that young Dr. Howard* experienced a life-changing moment. A 2-year-old girl was rushed into the ER with cardiac and respiratory arrest. Dr. Howard* was the first on the scene and performed CPR until help arrived. “We saved her life,” he says. A year later, the girl’s mother brought her back to the ER. Pointing to Dr. Howard,* she told her daughter, “That’s the one that saved your life.”

From that point on, his dedication only deepened. He received a special waiver from the governor to earn his EMT certification before the age of 18, then studied premed at Dixie State College of Utah, now Utah Tech University. He went on to earn his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Cleveland Chiropractic College in 1986 and practiced in Salt Lake City, Utah, for several years.

A Turning Point in Russia

While earning his medical degree from Pavlov First Medical Institute in St. Petersburg, Russia, Dr. Howard’s* interest in nutrition took root. The Iron Curtain had only recently fallen. Most of the people of Russia were very poor at the time, many living on black bread and water. It became clear to Dr. Howard* that those who could afford, buy, or raise fruits and vegetables were healthy—and those who could not, were sick. The line was distinctive.

When he returned home to the United States, he dove into the world of phytonutrients: natural compounds found in fruits, vegetables, spices, and fibers that give them vibrant colors and distinct flavors. Phytonutrients, he knew, play an important role in nutrition. 

At the time, scientists were racing to isolate specific phytochemicals believed to have significant effects. But Dr. Howard* realized that it wasn’t about isolating a single compound. He set out to combine the full spectrum found in whole foods that work together in nature’s original balance.

In 1997, Dr. Howard* developed Balance of Nature Fruits & Veggies™ supplements, made with ingredients of 31 whole fruits and vegetables. His goal was simple: provide a convenient way for people to supplement their daily routine with whole fruits and vegetables.

Following the launch of Balance of Nature Fruits & Veggies supplements, Dr. Howard* developed the Balance of Nature Fiber & Spice™ supplement, made with 12 amazing spices and 4 whole fibers, creating a revolutionary fiber product with his unique formula.

Dr. Phytos is Created

After seeing how much his own family dog benefited from a homemade blend of freeze-dried fruits and vegetables, Dr. Howard decided it was time to extend his research beyond human health. He reached out to Dr. Jake Van Dyke, a respected veterinarian with a deep love for animals and a practical understanding of their daily needs. Together, they combined their expertise to create Dr. Phytos™ Phytonutrients™, a plant-based dog food topper designed to bring the goodness of fruits and vegetables to the bowls of furry family members everywhere.

Dr. Howard continues to champion simple, clean nutrition—now for people and pets alike.

A Life Dedicated to Learning and Teaching

Today, Dr. Howard* continues to teach and research. He is a Chiropractic Physician and was a Professor of Medical Science and Research at Pavlov Medical University. While earning his medical degree from the Pavlov Medical University, he served as Dean of Foreign Student Affairs. He regularly appears on podcasts, talk shows, and stages around the world to share what he’s learned.

Dr. Howard* and his wife, Susan, live in St. George, Utah, surrounded by their five children and 28 grandchildren—many of whom have grown up with Fruits & Veggies™ supplements as part of their family’s routine.