When I think about the bond between pets and their owners, I feel the same warmth and joy as a cozy evening by the fire.
There’s a special kind of love that exists between pets and their humans. It’s a bond built on trust, companionship, and countless moments of joy. For many of us, our pets aren’t just animals—they’re family. And just like any family member, they deserve the very best. That’s where artisan pet products and pet food businesses come in. These small businesses are dedicated to creating high-quality, sustainable, and thoughtfully crafted products that enhance the lives of pets and their owners.
Today, I’m excited to share the stories of six incredible businesses that are redefining the pet industry. From handmade collars to organic treats, these companies are driven by passion, innovation, and a deep love for animals.
“Wild One’s products are more than just accessories—they’re an expression of your pet’s personality.”
Wild One
Wild One is redefining the pet accessory industry by combining style with functionality. Founded by Veronica Becchetti and Bill Wells, the brand offers a curated range of high-quality, thoughtfully designed products including leashes, collars, carriers, and toys. Wild One’s focus is on creating sleek, modern, and durable items that seamlessly integrate into the lives of pet owners, ensuring both their pets and homes are well-equipped. With a commitment to sustainability and vibrant color collections, Wild One brings a touch of sophistication to everyday pet care.
Wild One’s products are more than just accessories—they’re an expression of your pet’s personality. Whether it’s their versatile and chic leashes, the comfortable and stylish carriers, or their engaging toys designed to keep pets entertained, each product serves a dual purpose: enhancing the pet-owner experience while maintaining practicality. By focusing on a refined aesthetic without sacrificing quality, Wild One continues to lead the way in pet accessories that both you and your pet will love.
Check out their website for more information!
The Honest Kitchen
The Honest Kitchen was founded by Lucy Postins, a passionate advocate for pets’ health and well-being. Inspired by her own rescue dog, Lucy sought to create food that was not only delicious but also nutritious, free from fillers, by-products, and artificial additives. What began as a small, homegrown operation quickly turned into a company committed to making human-grade, all-natural pet food. Since its founding in 2002, The Honest Kitchen has become a pioneer in the pet food industry, focusing on meals made with premium ingredients. Their products are now sold nationwide and have earned a loyal following of pet owners who want to give their pets food that’s as healthy as it is tasty. The company’s mission is centered around transparency and integrity, providing customers with complete peace of mind about what their pets are eating.
Starting the company at the age of 27, Lucy worked tirelessly to prove that her product could meet FDA standards, making The Honest Kitchen the first of its kind. Despite the challenges, including balancing her growing business with motherhood, Lucy’s passion and determination propelled the company forward. Today, The Honest Kitchen is recognized for its innovative, high-quality pet food, and Lucy continues to lead as the Founder and Chief Integrity Officer. Her journey reflects the power of perseverance, passion, and creating a business rooted in moral standards that have helped shape the pet food industry.
Check out their website and Instagram for more information!
Solid Gold Pet Food
For over 40 years, Solid Gold Pet has earned its place as a pioneer in holistic pet food, providing natural, high-quality meals designed to promote overall health and well-being. Founded by Sissy McGill in 1974, the company has remained true to its mission of creating food that not only nourishes pets but also supports their long-term vitality. Sissy’s journey began with a deep belief that pets deserve the best, and her focus on holistic nutrition led to the creation of food that combines carefully selected, wholesome ingredients like meat, vegetables, and beneficial probiotics. Solid Gold’s grain-free formulas are designed to be easy on pets’ digestive systems while also improving coat quality and supporting immune health.
Sissy’s commitment to making food that is good for pets is rooted in her background in both the pet industry and animal nutrition. Over the years, Solid Gold Pet has continued to innovate, introducing new products and ingredients that meet the evolving needs of pets. Today, their extensive product line includes dry and wet food options, treats, and supplements, all created with the highest standards in mind. The company’s focus on quality ingredients and nutritional balance has made it a trusted brand for pet owners looking for premium, holistic options.
Follow them on LinkedIn and check out their website for more!
Orijen (Champion Petfoods)
Orijen, a brand created by Champion Petfoods, takes a biologically appropriate approach to pet food, emphasizing the use of fresh, regionally sourced ingredients that mimic the diets of wild animals. Founded by Reinhard Mohn, Orijen’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that pets, particularly dogs and cats, should eat the types of food that best support their evolutionary needs. This results in nutrient-dense, high-protein recipes crafted from fresh, whole foods like free-run poultry, wild-caught fish, and cage-free eggs, with minimal processing to retain as much of the natural goodness as possible. Orijen’s commitment to quality and sustainability has made it one of the leading brands in the pet food industry.
“Our mission is to provide dogs with healthy, delicious treats made from high-quality, nutritious ingredients.”
Champion Petfoods operates with the goal of not only feeding pets but also educating pet owners about the importance of proper nutrition. Their products are made in their own kitchens, using locally sourced ingredients, ensuring complete control over every aspect of production. With a focus on sustainability, Orijen is also committed to environmentally conscious practices, from responsibly sourcing ingredients to reducing their environmental footprint.
Check out their LinkedIn and Champion Petfoods for more!
Small Pet Select
Founded by Billy and William Gordon, Small Pet Select is dedicated to providing premium, all-natural products specifically designed for small pets, with a strong focus on enhancing their health and happiness. The company offers a range of high-quality food, bedding, hay, and accessories, all carefully crafted to meet the unique needs of small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters. By sourcing the best ingredients and materials, Small Pet Select ensures that their products are not only safe but also nourishing for pets, contributing to their overall well-being. The brand’s commitment to using natural, wholesome ingredients reflects its dedication to offering small pets the same level of care and quality that pet owners expect for their furry companions.
With a strong focus on customer satisfaction and transparency, Small Pet Select has built a reputation for reliability and care. Their products are made without artificial additives or preservatives, emphasizing a holistic approach to pet health. The company’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their packaging and sourcing practices, ensuring that their impact on the environment is minimized. Whether it’s providing fresh, hand-packed hay or offering eco-friendly bedding, Small Pet Select continues to be a trusted name among small pet owners who prioritize natural, high-quality products for their pets. Their mission is to make life better for small pets, one premium product at a time.
Check out their LinkedIn and website for more information!
Buddy Bites
Buddy’s Bites was founded by Ryan Black and Chris Lee with a simple yet powerful mission: to provide dogs with healthy, delicious treats made from high-quality, nutritious ingredients. Buddy’s Bites not only focuses on providing high-quality, nutritious treats for dogs but also gives back to the community through their food donation efforts. The company is committed to supporting shelters and rescue organizations by donating their healthy treats to dogs in need. By doing so, they aim to ensure that every dog, regardless of their background, has access to healthy snacks that support their well-being. This charitable aspect of the business reflects Ollie Jabs’ passion for making a positive impact on the lives of pets, both at home and in shelters.
Since its inception, Buddy’s Bites has been committed to transparency and quality, building a strong reputation within the pet food industry. The company uses only human-grade ingredients, such as natural meats, vegetables, and superfoods, ensuring that every treat contributes to a dog’s overall well-being. As the company continues to grow, Ollie and his team remain dedicated to their core values: promoting healthier lifestyles for dogs and making sure every product is crafted with care. Buddy’s Bites has become a trusted name among pet owners who prioritize their pets’ health, offering a range of treats that are as nutritious as they are tasty.
Learn more on their website and Instagram for more information.
Conclusion
These six pet food and product companies are redefining what it means to give your pet the best care. Whether you’re looking for gourmet meals, all-natural treats, or premium grooming products, these brands have you covered. It’s clear that when it comes to our pets, quality and care make all the difference—because when our pets thrive, we do too. So, the next time you’re looking to spoil your furry friend, check out these top brands and give your pet the indulgence they deserve.
To get even more inspiration, check out 7 Small Businesses in NYC Revolutionizing Sustainable Fashion with Zero Waste and 5 Local Boutiques in Montreal Bringing Unique Home Decor Designs to Life.
3 comments
3 Comments
Austin
April 2, 2025, 1:53 pmSo inspiring, pets deserve the best
REPLYSandra
April 2, 2025, 1:54 pmI've used solid gold before, they’re worth it!
REPLYBobby
April 2, 2025, 1:54 pmThese brands are way better than the dried kibble
REPLY