Treating your furry friends right

A new online-based business brings options for pet owners in Revelstoke

Katherine Ladouceur and Nigel want dogs to be healthy. — Brandi Schier photo

The whole organic food movement isn’t restricted just to people—increasingly, pet owners are realizing the health and environmental benefits of feeding raw, natural pet food.

After moving to Revelstoke this past winter, Katherine Ladouceur found a lack of resources for feeding Nigel, her golden retriever-poodle companion. Recognizing the demand in the market, Ladouceur recently created Kat & Dog Natural Pets, an online-based pet food company, to serve the local community.

“Feeding dogs raw is a movement and it’s growing,” said Ladouceur. “Lots of people are starting to question what is in their dog’s food, whether it’s kibble or wet food. As a society, I think we are starting to understand that whole, natural foods are better than processed—no matter what the marketing tells you.”

Ladouceur's goal is to give the health- and environmentally conscious pet owners another option. Ladouceur said that Revelstoke is a huge dog-friendly community, and she believes Revelstoke and area residents will appreciate the aims of her new business.

Kat & Dog's most popular product is raw chicken food. The website also offers natural dog treats like bones and elk antlers, as well as other organic supplements. Ladouceur is moving into selling eco-friendly and sustainable dog supplies too, such as lifejackets and recycled collars. She plans to grow her business to service the region within about a two-hour distance of Revelstoke.

In future, Kat & Dog will offer deliveries to pet-friendly accommodation in the area to help travellers with challenges of feeding raw away from home.