Amy Zalneraitis on We Feed Raw: Why a Raw Food Diet is Best for Pet’s Health & Nutrition
Nov 20, 2024
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Amy Zalneraitis, the co-founder and Chief Brand Officer of We Feed Raw, dives into the transformative power of a raw food diet for pets. She shares her personal journey of fulfilling her sister's dream by launching the company. The conversation contrasts kibble with raw food, spotlighting health advantages and longevity benefits. Amy discusses the challenges of shifting pet diets and the stringent safety measures in raw food production. She also teases the exciting future of We Feed Raw and the ongoing pet nutrition revolution.
Amy Zalneraitis shares her personal motivation behind We Feed Raw, fulfilling her sister's dream of promoting pet health through nutrition.
A raw food diet for pets is shown to significantly improve health outcomes compared to kibble, reducing inflammation and enhancing vitality.
Building a community around pet nutrition fosters consumer loyalty, emphasizing the importance of education in the pet food industry.
Deep dives
The Dangers of Kibble
Kibble is highly processed, cooked at extreme temperatures, and contains carcinogenic compounds known as advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These AGEs are formed during high-heat processing, raising concerns about health risks, including inflammation and various chronic diseases. Research shows that levels of AGEs in kibble can be significantly higher than those found in processed human foods. This process makes kibble not only unhealthy but also unreliable as a nutritionally adequate diet for dogs.
Benefits of Raw Dog Food
Feeding dogs a raw diet has demonstrated several health benefits, such as improved coat condition, reduced inflammation, and enhanced overall vitality. For instance, one pet owner reported her dog, who suffered from frequent seizures, experienced complete recovery after switching to raw food. The use of high-quality ingredients in raw food diets supports better digestion and nutrient absorption, thereby contributing to a dog’s improved health span. Unlike kibble, raw diets can help reduce markers of disease, leading to happier and longer-lived pets.
The Evolution of Pet Food Industry
The history of dog food reveals significant shifts from scraps and leftovers to the introduction of kibble in the 1860s. Early commercial dog food was initially met with skepticism as it promised convenience over nutrition. The industry has been dominated by a few big brands, often using low-quality ingredients deemed unsafe for human consumption. Today, there's a growing awareness and demand for alternatives, such as raw feeding, as pet owners seek healthier options for their dogs.
Community and Branding in Pet Food
Building a strong community around pet health and wellness is essential for brands in the pet food industry. It's not just about selling products, but also about educating pet owners on the benefits of feeding raw versus kibble. Creating an authentic brand that resonates with customers establishes trust and loyalty, transforming consumers into advocates. As the awareness of pet nutrition evolves, companies focused on community engagement see growth and increased customer retention.
Entrepreneurial Journey and Resilience
The journey of building a pet food company presents numerous challenges, particularly in scaling operations and maintaining product quality. Entrepreneurs often face moments of doubt, especially during periods of rapid growth or unforeseen setbacks. However, resilience and a commitment to the original mission—improving pet health—can lead to significant achievements. Sharing personal stories and learning from challenges fosters a supportive entrepreneurial community, reinforcing the idea that persistence can turn dreams into reality.
On this episode, Amy Zalneraitis, co-founder and Chief Brand Officer of We Feed Raw, shares the mission behind the company and why a raw food diet for pets can improve overall health and longevity. Hosted by Michael Chernow, they dive deep into the benefits of feeding your pets raw food, the challenges of transitioning from kibble, and the future of pet nutrition.
On this episode:
4:33 – How Amy is fulfilling her sister’s dream: The personal story behind the founding of We Feed Raw.
12:57 – Kibble vs. Raw Food: What’s the difference? How does a raw food diet compare to traditional kibble when it comes to pet health?
22:22 – Pet Health Spans: How the right food impacts your pet’s longevity and quality of life.
29:52 – The Founding of We Feed Raw: The inspiration and journey behind starting the raw pet food movement.
44:08 – Looking Ahead: What’s next for We Feed Raw in the next five years?
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