Coquitlam (April 16, 2021) – Red Dog Deli Raw Food Company Inc. (Red Dog), a leading Canadian manufacturer of raw pet food and treats, announced today they have entered into a strategic partnership to help fuel its growth plans. This round of funding is led by Forage Capital Partners and pet food industry experts, John Hart, Scott Doyle and Edmund O’Keeffe.
Since 2004, Red Dog has provided pet parents with wholesome nutrition solutions for pets of every size and breed. The Company began when Inna Shekhtman and five friends joined together to develop food that would help their beloved dogs and cats thrive. Their goal was to create simple whole-food products, using human grade, ethically sourced meats and following human food-safety standards. In addition to great products, Red Dog has made a substantial investment in education, training and research regarding sourcing, food processing, pet food safety, food quality, and nutrition.
Red Dog is committed to working with its industry partners to create a community of suppliers, retail partners, pet experts and pet parents that are passionate about creating a healthier, safer and more sustainable model for nourishing their pets.
“We are excited to be partnering with this group of passionate and highly experienced individuals that share our values and commitment to sustainable food and business.” said Inna Shekhtman, CEO of Red Dog. “We know pet parents want their furry family members to thrive but need help and support along their journey to health. With this new partnership, we will increase our investment in education, product innovation and development that challenges the status quo of the pet industry and prioritizes fresh, biologically appropriate ingredients that promote pet health and longevity.”
“We are proud to partner with the passionate team at Red Dog on their growth strategy. Raw diets are a rapidly growing segment of the pet nutrition market in the North America. We are excited by the opportunity to build on the momentum retailers are seeing in Canada through continued innovation in both product and package formats.” – Steven Leakos, Forage Capital.
“Red Dog Deli is a highly differentiated, unique brand in the raw category. We embrace Inna and her team’s mission of providing better nutrition solutions through superior, fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients. We are extremely impressed with their state of the art, HACCP certified manufacturing facility. Having control over all aspects of sourcing, production and food safety is extremely important to everyone at the Company. Minimally processed, whole food ancestral based nutrition does make a difference in the overall health and well-being of pets. We are proud to be a part of this amazing journey.” – John Hart
About Red Dog Deli Raw Food Company Inc.
Red Dog Deli Raw Food Company Inc. is a manufacturer of raw pet food and treats under the Red Dog Blue Kat brand located in Port Coquitlam, BC. Western Canada’s leader in raw pet food continues to focus on producing quality products using the best food safety standards and delivering science-based education about pet nutrition. Red Dog Blue Kat real pet food products contain free-range, non-medicated meat and certified organic vegetables for maximum bioavailability and absorption. Red Dog Blue Kat products can be found in more than 200 quality pet retailers, including holistically minded veterinarian’s offices, in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick. For more information on Red Dog Deli, visit www.reddogbluekat.com
About Forage Capital Partners
Forage Capital Partners is Canada’s most experienced team of Ag & Food investors, having managed over $500 million in commitments to the industry over the last 18 years. Forage Capital Ag & Food Business Solutions Fund works to provide its portfolio companies with the stability and flexibility they need to expand and adapt their business models during these challenging times. The fund will invest with creative business owners that are looking to capitalize on new and innovative opportunities that will emerge as the Canadian economy recovers and prospers. For more information on Forage Capital Partners, visit www.foragecapitalpartners.com
Thank you for all your support in our journey together. We look forward to celebrating our mutual successes in this next chapter!
Inna Shekhtman
CEO | Top Dog | Red Dog Blue Kat
“We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals” - Immanuel Kant