Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Gertino.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When I created this business, my goal was to provide pet owners with options, allowing them to choose their own ingredients for the pet food that they were purchasing from me. Essentially, I wanted to be a private chef for pets and allow the pet owners to choose the ingredients so they could create their own recipe of dog or cat food. One of the challenge is along the way was trying to figure out how I was going to license and register through the Department of agriculture because they require lab testing for every recipe. However, since I wanted to offer my customers different options, allowing them to choose their own ingredients, this would mean that the variations are pretty limitless and I would have to spend a small fortune to get every recipe tested. It was through my own research that I finally found the option to get a permit through the Department of agriculture called a custom formula permit. The staff member that was helping me didn’t know about this permit until I found it on the law website and that is how I was finally able to get registered. I would say that was the biggest challenge and it was almost the end of my business idea however, luckily through sheer determination, I was able to get it done.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Mindful Mutt LLC?
I’m essentially a private chef for pets who creates custom pet feed formulas for pet owners, including dogs and cats. I make every order individual for each customer which allows them to know that they are getting fresh made food the day their order is being made rather than from a huge company that makes huge batches of food. I’m most proud of the fact that I can offer my customers the variety and the customization that they need because a lot of the pets that I serve have allergies, food, sensitivities, or other dietary needs that regular pet food cannot address. I also teach people to make their own pet food at home because right now I’m currently booked with a waiting list, so new customers either have to wait on my waiting list or if they’re interested I can help them make their own fresh pet food at home. I’ve written a book called DIY dog food and I’ve put together many recipes and I also offer consultations to help people work through the book and or recipes to make sure that they’re successful making food at home. Well, I am completely booked on dog food and cat food orders, I still offer treats and other toys and stuff like that for pets that people can shop for.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something that might surprise people is I don’t eat meat, but I cook it for the pets because I feel like that is going to be the most beneficial diet that carnivores can eat. I don’t believe in vegetarian or vegan pets, but I do believe in leaving the animals off my plate.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mindfulmutt.net
- Instagram: @mindful.mutt
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mindfulmutt
- TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@mindfulmutt
