Who is the CEO of Bixbi pet

Made in the USA Pet Food: Do Your Customers Really Understand the Supply Chain?

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has disrupted many supply chain and manufacturing processes, giving USA-made dog food makers the opportunity to clear up misconceptions on ingredient sourcing and transportation practices.

The recent focus on supply chain issues has shed light on USA-made ingredient transparency and accountability, said James Crouch, founder and CEO of Bixbi Pet, a manufacturer in Boulder, Colo.

Made in the USA is not a trend for us, Crouch said. Sourcing the best domestic ingredients has been a core value for Bixbi, and weve spent years developing great relationships with domestic suppliers, allowing us to support our retailers and consumers with product that is in stock.

All Bixbis food and treats are made in the USA, and the majority of its proteins are sourced in the USA, apart from lamb, which comes from New Zealand, and duck sourced from France.

An increase of pet food shortages has also caused pet owners to perform their own research on USA-made products, and industry insiders report more requests for human-grade formulas.

The concept of locally sourced, human-grade pet food is relatively new, but demand will increase as more pet owners become knowledgeable about pet food supply chains, said Karen Neola, CEO of My Perfect Pet, a manufacturer in Sulphur Springs, Texas.

Because we use only human food ingredients and are licensed for human food manufacturing, we have met the same supply chain issues that every restaurant or grocery store has faced, Neola said.

Apart from lamb recipes, all of My Perfect Pets foods are sourced in the USA and prepared at its factory kitchen in Texas.

Full transparency is a part of our culture, Neola said. Part of our mission is to educate pet owners not only on the differences in pet food ingredients and processing, but also on sourcing and the impact the supply chain has on our economic and global health. We pay more for USA-sourced ingredients because we feel it is worth it, and we hope our customers feel the same.

Pet owners continue to search for USA-made dog food and treats that are natural, synthetic free, and made with human-grade ingredients with a limited ingredient panel, said Janie Smyser, owner of K9 Granola Factory, a treat manufacturer in York, Pa.

Having the internet at our fingertips means consumers are much more educated, and therefore aware of what they should or should not feed their companions, Smyser said. They know the negative effects of poorly sourced chews and are much more aware of their origin.

K9 Granola Factorys U.S.-made products offer pet owners a unique variety of nutritious treat options, despite pandemic-related supply shortages, Smyser said.

Our flexibility and creativity has allowed us to continue to operate without any major setbacks, Smyser noted. Initially sourcing carob, an ingredient used in several of our recipes, was a major struggle, so we quickly adjusted and developed a few fun new flavors, such as our Waffles and Ice Cream and Coconut Sparkler Gourmet Donuts. We recognize that independent retailers are experiencing shortages and delays, so we continue to adjust our line to meet the needs of our wholesale customers and support brick-and-mortar stores.

Consumer Education

The Difference Between USA Made and USA Sourced

Many consumers trust that when a pet food or treat manufacturer uses a made in the USA label, they are indicating that the product is also USA sourced. However, that might not always be the case, which is why there are benefits to educating pet owners about these products.

Consumers need to understand how to identify when and why ingredients may be sourced from locations outside of the U.S., said Janie Smyser, owner of K9 Granola Factory, a treat manufacturer in York, Pa.

While we pride ourselves on being a made in the USA business with most of our ingredients sourced here as well, a few of our ingredients come from outside the country, Smyser said. We source our banana chips from tropical locations across the globe due to growing requirements, and we source our goats milk from a fantastic, trustworthy goat farm in Canada. It is not always feasible for all ingredients to be sourced in the USA. It is almost impossible to grow bananas in our climate, so consumers should take the time to learn about the source of the ingredients in the products they are considering, and then make a purchase decision based on that knowledge.

Anthony Bennie, founder and chief nutrition officer of Clear Conscience Pet, a manufacturer in Cape Coral, Fla., agreed.

Made in the USA is important, but as we always tell our customers, quality clean ingredients are what matter most, Bennie said. Usually that makes USA sources the best option, but for some ingredients, overseas sources are essential. One example is chia seed, a great source of antioxidants and other micronutrients that cant be sourced from the USA.

Randy Walker, owner of Lakeshore Pet Boutique, a retailer in Douglas, Mich., said shoppers are aware of the stores U.S.-made product assortment.

People are becoming savvier about what they are feeding their pups, and we have a lot of people asking for single-ingredient treats, Walker said. Some treats we carry are from Mexico and New Zealand, but we like to educate the customer on the origin, how we sourced the products and why we chose to carry them.

When it comes to raw diets, the preference is that the products are made and sourced in the U.S. because it is more traceable, said Anthony Santilli, owner of Fangs & Fur, a retailer in Columbus, Ohio.

It is important for consumers to understand that the made in the USA label does not automatically determine the nutritional value or quality of a product.

We dont necessarily promote that its U.S. made, but more so that its responsibly sourced food from trusted farmers using proper practices, Santilli said. Our customers know the brands we sell are sourced here in the U.S., and if they are not, they are still being sourced ethically and responsibly.

Making sure consumers are informed about the sourcing and ingredient quality of their pets food and treats is a key role that independent pet supply retailers fill.

It is important for us to have conversations with our customers that help to educate them on the importance of quality pet food and treats, and part of that conversation is always about safe sourcing and, of course, healthy ingredients, said Alison Mackie, manager of Maggies Foods for Pets, a retailer in West Boylston, Mass.

Trade Talk

Ann Hudson, vice president of marketing for Whitebridge Pet Brands in St. Louis

More dog owners expect transparency from pet food manufacturers, particularlyfrom companies that focus on manufacturing in the U.S. What key points are dog owners looking for in made in the USA pet foods, and what is Whitebridgestake on transparency in the pet food industry?

For over a decade, many pet owners have sought out USA-made food and treats, largely because of safety and quality concerns. This trend can potentially grow even stronger amid todays supply chain issues, which have increased awareness of product origination.

At the same time, todays pet owners are more knowledgeable and demand greater detail about made in USA claims, beyond simply where a food or treat was manufactured. They want to know if its ingredients were sourced in the U.S. and how quality is built into the entire production process. This necessitates greater transparency and in-depth communication on the part of pet food manufacturers. Retailers, in turn, should be familiar with their suppliers stories so they can readily inform and answer pet owners questions.

For example, our Dogswell jerkies are not only made in the USA in our own Missouri-based plant, but the chicken and turkey used in them is also USA-sourced from local suppliers, who are carefully scrutinized to ensure they measure up to our strict quality and food-safety requirements. Once the meat is received, it is quickly turned into jerky, cooked via a slow oven-baking process, and packed in nitrogen-flushed bags for freshness.

Complete transparency, from sourcing through packaging, is particularly essential with a functional treat like Dogswell jerkies, which are given to enhance or maintain a pets well-being. The more pet parents know about our products, the more they trust the Dogswell brands safety, quality and functionality.

BIXBI: Damn Near Perfect Dog Food For A Lot Of Reasons

Theres no doubt about it - Americans love their dogs! We know that your pooch is the best breed, but have you wondered which are the most favored dog breeds in America? Forbes surveyed 10,000 dog owners across the 50 states to find Americas top dog breed. The survey involved the top 25 most popular dog breeds nationwide, according to the American Kennel Club. So, what is Americas top dog? As it turns out, no breed in particular is the countrys favorite at 13%.However, if Americans had to decide, theyd pick the Australian shepherd as a favorite, followed by the German shepherd and the bulldog.The highly intelligent and energetic Australian shepherd was ranked as the top dog breed in 10 states, including Alabama, Arizona, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Montana, Missouri, New York, and Virginia. This breed was also voted the second favorite in nine states. Although Aussies won the popularity vote, the German shepherd was the number one pick in 16 states. Thats more than any other breed!Known for its loyal and courageous nature, the German shepherd is the most common breed to serve as a police K9 but also makes a wonderful family companion. They ranked as the second favorite dog breed in nine states. Interestingly, more men than women picked German shepherds as their favorite breed (9% compared to 6%). Americas 3rd favorite breed, according to Forbes, is the bulldog. The English bulldog is a medium-sized dog breed, best known for its stocky build, large head, and wrinkled face. The bulldog ranked as the top dog in eight states, including Illinois, Connecticut, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Utah. Among all states, Nebraska ranked the bulldog lowest, placing this breed at 24th place, The lovable and friendly Labrador retriever ranked as the nations 4th favorite breed. Thanks to their affectionate, friendly, and energetic nature, Labs make great companions to people of all ages and families with children. Labrador retrievers ranked as the most favorite dog breed in 10 states, including Louisiana, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oregon, South Dakota, and West Virginia. Bernese mountain dog is the 5th favorite dog breed in the United States. Large in size and built for hard work, Bernese mountain dogs are easy to train and make affectionate, loyal, and faithful companions. So, its no surprise that this doggo ranked as the most favorite breed in nine states. Compared to four other top-ranked breeds, the Bernese mountain dog had the most varying results, with 10 states ranking this breed in the bottom 10.The beagle is the nations favorite small breed. Ranked as the 6th favorite breed overall, the beagle was placed in the top 10 favorite breeds in all but seven states. This breed received the lowest ranking in Utah, where it was voted as the states 3rd least favorite breed.The golden retriever comes in at 7th place, after being voted as the most favorite dog breed in Michigan and Wisconsin. Medium in size and best known for their gorgeous golden coats, golden retrievers are loving, loyal, and affectionate companions to active people and families with children. Goldens were the 2nd favorite dog breed in four states, including New Hampshire, North Dakota, Connecticut, and Vermont. This breed ranked the lowest in Alabama, where it received 17th place.These are Americas most favorite dog breeds, but the nation also has the least favorite doggo. This title goes to the Havanese, which was the bottom-ranked breed in 33 states.The Havanese is followed by Pembroke Welsh Corgi which was the least favorite dog breed in 17 states. And what about you? Whats your favorite and least favorite dog breed?Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

BIXBI Dog Food Reviews: Rawbble Kibble, Freeze-Dried, Treats, Supplements & More

One of the best ways to care for your dogs health is to provide the healthiest food possible. More and more pup owners are turning to all-natural diets as a far superior alternative to overly processed kibble.

BIXBIs extensive line of premium dog food, treats, and supplements are among several high-quality, healthier options on the market. What sets their products apart from the pack? Well help you decide if BIXBI is the best food for your pup.

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BIXBI Dog Food

Product Name: BIXBI Dog Food Reviews

Product Description: BIXBI offers dog food, treats, and supplements.

Summary

Our team rates dog food delivery companies based on several factors, including variety, nutritional value, pricing, customer support, and more.

After evaluating many top-tier dog food brands, treats, and supplements, weve found that BIXBIs products are noteworthy for their affordability when compared to other premium brands. Furthermore, we are impressed with their assortment of organic mushroom supplements, designed by specialists.

Pros

• Wide variety of dry, wet, and freeze-dried dog food, treats, and supplements
• Many gluten and grain-free options
• All-natural ingredients with no meat meal or by-products
• No soy, corn, rice, or wheat
• All products are third-party tested
• Ingredients sourced and food made in the USA

Cons

• Food and treats are on the pricey side compared to traditional kibble (but competitive for high-quality dog food)
• Several complaints that the Bark Pops arent good quality

Key Features

• Contains 100% fresh meat, high-quality fruits and vegetables, and essential vitamins and minerals with no artificial ingredients
• All of their pet food is formulated by a team of animal nutrition and veterinary experts
• Each recipe meets Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines for a complete and balanced diet
• Ingredients sourced from local, high-quality, whole foods in the U.S.
• Every batch of food and treats is tested for salmonella, E-coli, and listeria, as well as contaminants andenvironmental toxins
• Manufacturing facilities are regularly audited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
• Follows Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) food safety regulations
• Colorado-based BIXBI provides charitable support for the dogs in C-RAD (Colorado Rapid Avalanche Deployment) program

Products & Price

The following food products are for dogs, but BIXBI also carries freeze-dried cat food. And their supplements are for both dogs and cats.

BIXBI Liberty Dry Dog Food

BIXBIs Liberty Line is an all-natural dry dog food alternative to highly processed kibble. It comes in a variety of grain-free formulas (see below) and two formulas that contain healthy ancient grains. All of their food includes minimally processed protein, which is cooked only once to deliver more bioavailable nutrients.

BIXBI Rawbble Dry Dog Food

BIXBIs Rawbble line features freeze-dried raw-coated kibble thats grain-free and has limited all-natural ingredients. Its made with fresh meat, carbohydrates from lentils and whole peas, fruits, vegetables, and essential vitamins and minerals. The following pricing is for a 24-pound bag, but its also available in 4-pound bags.

BIXBI Liberty Wet Dog Food

BIXBIs wet dog food is great for picky eaters as a standalone meal or topper to dry food. The recipes contain 87-94% meat, liver, and broth with no potatoes, tapioca, carrageenan, guar, xanthan, or cassia gums. The 12.5-ounce cans are BPA-free and recyclable. The pricing below is per can.

BIXBI Freeze-Dried Rawbble

BiXBIs freeze-dried Rawbble dog food is a high-quality option for dogs on a raw food diet, or you can use it as a topper or treat. Every recipe includes 80-98% fresh meat, organs, and bone and contains no added hormones or antibiotics. It comes in three sizes: 4.5, 12, or 26 ounces.

BIXBI Dog Treats

BIXBI offers several types of all-natural treats for dogs.

Pocket Trainers

These small, soft treats are less than four calories each and make perfect training treats. They come in four flavors: bacon, chicken, peanut butter, and salmon.

Bark Pops

These light and crunchy dog treats are similar to small cheese puffs but a healthier alternative. Theyre also less than four calories each, so they make great training treats. And they come in three flavors: rotisserie chicken, white cheddar, and sweet potato & apple.

Jerky Treats

BIXBIs jerky treats come in two formulas, Hip & Joint or Skin & Coat, and each comes in three flavors: beef liver, chicken, and salmon. Theyre made with 100% U.S.-sourced meats and contain no artificial preservatives or flavors.

BIXBI Pet Supplements

BIXBI organic pet superfood daily mushroom supplements are formulated to support your pets overall wellness and specific health needs, like digestive problems, skin allergies, joint pain, and more. Theyre made with USDA organic mushroomsgrown in the U.S. Each jar contains a two-month supply of powder (for a 50-pound dog) that you can easily sprinkle onto your dog or cats food. The supplements get overall excellent customer reviews.

How Can BIXBIs Mushroom Supplements Help Your Pup?

BIXBI got its start by producing various mushroom supplements that serve medicinal purposes for dogs. In the video below, Founder and CEO James Crouch, who grew up on a mushroom farm, explains how these supplements can help your dogs health.

Whats Our Final Verdict?

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Weve reviewed dozens of high-quality dog food brands, treats, and supplements, and BIXBIs products stand out for their competitive pricing compared to similar premium brands. Were also impressed with their line of organic mushroom supplements, formulated by experts in the medicinal benefits of various types of mushrooms.

If youre still exploring other types or brands of healthy dog food, be sure to read our reviews of the best dog food delivery services, including personalized fresh meals and kibble, all-natural kibble, and dehydrated dog food. Also, check out our article on the best dog foodsfor most diet types, ages, health issues, and more.