From Farm to Food Dish, the Partnership of Island Good Pet Foods

By Angus Keen, Summer Project Assistant

In recent years there has been a shift in the way we see our pets. Rather than being outside of the family dynamic, more than ever pets are considered an integral part of it. It’s not uncommon to affectionately hear the phrase “Cat Dad” or “Dog Mom” when people refer to their animal companions as if they were their children. And even if they ditch the parental labels, the owners of today are still seeking out the best possible methods of care for their pets. Whether it’s a daily walk on any of our beautiful and pet friendly Vancouver Island trails, rewarding them with a delicious treat designed to aid in pet health, or just spending the evening relaxing together. As pets become more important members of the family, owners everywhere have become more conscious of what their pet needs.

It’s no surprise then, that a number of Island Good pet food businesses have partnered with local farmers to bring our pets only the best in locally grown and sustainably sourced pet foods. They’re pet owners, too! And they recognize that commercially made pet food may not address our pet’s unique nutritional needs. They’ve seen shortcuts normalized by the commercial pet food industry in efforts to reach the largest possible markets and the use of pet meal, alternative proteins, fillers, and “pet-grade” ingredients has become all too common. To these owners, that isn’t good enough. Not for our pets. Not for their product. And certainly not good enough for us.

Brands like Foley Dog Treat Company recognize the need for healthier pet food options, and are pairing the quality of locally sourced ingredients with the understanding that more natural and less processed pet foods lead to an overall better and longer life for our pets. “Less shortcuts, less problems, and a much better product.” Daniel Stiefvater, owner of Foley said to me during a recent tour of his facility.

“This is pink salmon [used in the Vitality Dog Line] that is caught right here off the Island…The kale [used in the plant based FoleyBites] actually does come from the Island, and it actually comes from another Island Good member…All of our ingredients are human grade. We grind the ingredients ourselves. The meat we use here is the same meat your butcher would use to make a bison burger or a beef patty.”

Each of their dried dog treats is handled with the utmost care in every step of the process, from their ingredients to their packaging. We saw this care first hand as we met each of the team members and watched the treats go from local ingredients to a fantastic finished product. Through an exceptionally organized production, treats are crafted in a bakery-style kitchen, heated to kill any bacteria, and safely dried for several days to preserve them for shipping. Any offcuts are handled in the same way, and then donated to the many animal shelters in the area. The treats have been a hit across Canada and as Foley expands, they never want to lose touch with their Island roots. That’s why each bag is printed with “made on Vancouver Island,” a testament of the pride that Daniel and his team have for our home and the goodness found here.

And it’s not just Daniel! We reached out to a number of our other pet food businesses directly to hear their story and what partnerships with local farms means to them.

“I consider myself to be farm to bowl. I work with local farmers around Vancouver Island and the surrounding Islands to create all natural, all organic, all human grade dog and cat treats…My big passion is for all pets to be able to enjoy something that is tasty and nutritious…It’s just cool to be able to look at a treat and be like ‘oh, it comes from here.’ Just knowing and having that connection with the local community…That makes all the difference.” – Peanut Butter Kisses and Treats, Nanaimo

“Parry Bay Sheep Farm is located in Metchosin on Vancouver Island. They supply lamb to a number of restaurants and butcher shops on Vancouver Island. They treat their sheep like family pets! It’s a privilege to have had them partner with Grandpaw’s Treats, and supply us with lamb lung for our very popular, healthy “Lamb Puff “ treats for nearly ten years.” – Grandpaw’s Treats, Campbell River BC

And by buying local, you are helping contribute not only to your pet’s health, but to the nature that they so thoroughly love to explore. Island Good businesses have a commitment to utilizing sustainable practices in all their operations, with many already operating at zero-waste! Their aim is to make sure that all ingredients are used to their full potential, and nothing goes to waste.

“I have a very special relationship with many farmers in the Cowichan Valley who supply me with over 2000 LBs of organ meats and bones each year. I then use those meats and bones to produce natural, healthy treats and broths for dogs. I am so proud to be able to produce products which support our local farms and ensure more of the animals they raise are utilized completely. It’s a sustainable effort that begins in their Pasture and brought into homes for the luckiest pups on the Island” – Pathfinder Dog Adventures, Duncan BC

 

“Located in Storries Beach, just South of Campbell River, Fresh Fetch is committed to working with local farmers, fisheries and suppliers to provide premium pet nutrition to our Vancouver Island community and their pets.

Fresh Fetch has been Island Good certified since 2020 and remains strongly committed to the highest standard of quality while keeping sustainability and zero-waste prioritized. By sourcing as close to home as possible they ensure that their environmental footprint is low and that their support to other local businesses is high. All ingredients are used to their fullest potential and packaging is minimized. Fresh Fetch also donates to local animal rescue societies & shelters across Vancouver Island and in British Columbia as part of giving back. By working with local suppliers such as Walcan Seafood and Old Farm Market, Fresh Fetch can always honour their promise to deliver natural, nutritious, fresh, local and delicious nutrition to your four-legged companions’ bowls.

From farm to food dish, these businesses believe that local Island goodness doesn’t have to be reserved for just humans. Our furry friends and companions can enjoy it, too! By working together with local farmers, ingredients can be carefully selected on the basis that they are free from harmful chemicals and fillers. They also often retain more nutrients as less intensive methods of preservation are utilized. The result is a healthier and more nutritious product and the transparency of knowing when, where and how your pet’s food was made. In supporting these local brands and getting to know their owners (many of whom are ready to greet you at any of our Island farmers’ markets), you get to talk with people who know their products, have shook the hands with the farmers that grew their ingredients, and can pinpoint the exact treat that will be best suited for your pet. But most importantly, by supporting local businesses, you can be confident that the ingredients come from quality partnerships, that every step of the production process is handled with care, and that these owners care for their pets just as much as you care for yours.

So whether you’re a “cat dad” or a “dog mom,” fill your pet’s bowls with the goodness of something local and know that your pets are getting only the best from the partnerships that make our pet foods so Island Good!

Angus Keen is the Summer Project Assistant for Island Good. A new arrival to the Islands, Angus quickly fell in love with the sense of community that Island Good fosters. He will be attending VIU in the fall to pursue a Masters in Community Planning.

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