According to the Pet Food Institute, the commercially prepared pet food industry got its start in England in 1860. It then made its way to America around 1890, and it’s been evolving ever since. What goes into the dog food, how it’s prepared, and how it’s marketed have all seen changes over the years. Now, the pet food industry is taking another turn as one company is revolutionizing it and giving those with pets a way to treat their dogs more like family. Rather than pull a can or bag of dry kibble off a grocery store shelf, they have opened up the world’s first dog kitchen.
“People care about their pets and want them to be with their family for a long time, but they didn’t have a healthy way to feed them to help make that happen,” explains Dr. Oscar Chavez, a professor of canine clinical nutrition and staff veterinarian for Just Food for Dogs. “With our dog food we focus on preparing foods that people can feel good about feeding to their pets. They are made from healthy, wholesome ingredients, and have been designed to give them optimal nutrition and help them live a healthier life.”
Just Food for Dogs was founded by Shawn Buckley, who found himself concerned and a bit disgusted when he set out to investigate what is in most commercially prepared dog foods. His investigation turned up that most of them were filled with leftover byproducts that they shouldn’t be eating. Vowing to do better for his own two dogs, he created Just Food for Dogs, the world’s first dog kitchen. It didn’t take long, however, and that kitchen has grown to having 10 locations throughout southern California, with even celebrities such as Barbara Streisand and Jane Lynch being customers.
Vastly different from how commercially prepared dogs foods are made, Just Food for Dogs invites people into their kitchen to see the process for themselves. What people will find when they step into one of their kitchens is that the food is all fresh, and made from ingredients approved for human consumption. In other words, it’s foods that pet parents themselves could sample if they choose to. Those who cook the meals often sample them as well, to ensure quality.
“The pet mainstream commercially prepared dog foods on the market today are filled with ingredients that are harming our pets,” added Dr. Chavez. “The Just Food for Dogs meals are all handcrafted, made from scratch, and contain high-quality USDA produce and meats. These foods are going to help pets live a healthier, happier life for a longer time.”
Focusing on wholesome nutrition and freshness, the company doesn’t use any types of preservatives, growth hormones, BHA, BHT, pink slime, or artificial colors. All of their foods are made from recognizable ingredients that are approved for human consumption, vacuum sealed, and immediately frozen. They remain good for up to 12 months in the freezer, or 3-6 days once in the refrigerator. People can walk into the kitchens to order their meals for their dogs, even ordering for weeks or months at a time and then taking the foods home to put in the freezer, they can order online, or they can have it delivered if they live near one of the kitchens.
Today, people can walk into the kitchens or order from online and have meals for their pets that they can feel comfortable with, knowing they are not made from any harmful ingredients. The collection of meals includes turducken, turkey and whole wheat macaroni, beef and russet potato, chicken and rice, fish and sweet potato, lamb and brown rice, and venison and squash. Once each small batch is created, the meals receive a supplement, similar to a human taking a daily multi-vitamin, to help ensure all nutritional needs are being met.
“We exist and are rapidly growing because the more people find out how important good nutrition is for their pets, the more what we have to offer makes good sense,” explained Shawn Buckley, the founder of Just Food for Dogs. “We all love our dogs and want the best for them, and good nutrition is a major piece of the puzzle in giving them the best.”
The Just Foods for Dogs kitchens are located in southern California in Costa Mesa, West Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, Manhattan Beach, Capistrano Beach, Downtown Los Angeles, Anaheim Hills, Long Beach, Glendale, and Del Mar. The company also offers online recipes for those who want to make their own small batch pet meals from scratch at home. The company has a veterinary nutrition team of over eight veterinarians, including a board certified veterinary toxicologist. The company also offers treats, supplements, foods for special diets, and one flavor of cat food. To learn more about Just Food for Dogs, visit their site at www.justfoodfordogs.com.
About Just Food for Dogs
Based in Southern California, Just Food for Dogs creates small batches of handcrafted pet foods. The foods are made from ingredients that are approved for human consumption. Billed as the World’s First Kitchen for Dogs, there are ten locations where people can walk in to see the process and purchase food, or they can order online. To learn more visit their site at www.justfoodfordogs.com.
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Source:
Pet Food Institute. History of Pet Food. https://www.
