Revolutionizing Pet Nutrition: The Raw Feeding Movement with Mersey Raw!

In this episode of the Westies and Besties podcast, host Alex Griffin interviews Ben McIntyre, the founder and CEO of a rapidly growing raw dog food company in the UK.

They discuss the journey of transitioning to raw feeding, the challenges faced in the pet food industry, and the importance of educating pet owners about nutrition.

Ben shares his personal story of how he became passionate about raw feeding after experiencing health issues with his own dog.

The conversation also touches on the regulatory landscape, the relationship with stockists, and the future of raw feeding as more pet owners become aware of its benefits.

Click here to find out more about Mersey Raw!:

https://www.merseyraw.com/

Takeaways

Ben's journey into raw dog food began with a desire to feed his own dog a healthier diet.

The raw feeding industry is experiencing significant growth due to increased awareness of pet nutrition.

Building strong relationships with independent stockists has been crucial for business success.

Transitioning to a raw diet can be daunting for pet owners, but guidance is available.

Regulatory bodies play a vital role in ensuring the safety of raw pet food.

The sourcing of meat for raw feeding is often from reputable suppliers, ensuring quality.

Veterinary practices are increasingly recognizing the benefits of raw feeding.

The kibble market's dominance raises concerns about dog health and nutrition.

Consumer awareness is key to changing perceptions about pet food.

Ben's company aims to feed 100,000 meals a day by 2030.

Sound bites

"I was like a dog with a bone."

"We started in a really small cafe."

"We are inspected to the eyeballs."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Raw Feeding and Business Success

02:18 The Journey into Raw Dog Food

05:42 Challenges and Growth in the Industry

09:23 Transitioning to a Purpose-Built Facility

12:07 Building Relationships with Stockists

14:49 The Rise of Raw Feeding Awareness

17:42 Product Development and Customer Education

20:33 Quality Assurance and Sourcing Meat

24:44 Navigating Animal Health Regulations

27:52 Product Development and Innovation in Pet Food

29:05 The Role of Veterinarians in Pet Nutrition

31:34 Critique of Commercial Pet Food Industry

34:19 The Impact of Diet on Dog Health

38:21 Changing Perceptions of Dog Food

38:42 Economic Benefits of Raw Diets

40:03 Building a Positive Company Culture

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