This Woman-Run Holistic Pet Food Company Is Changing How We Think About Pet Food

Can you eat it yourself?

Can you eat it yourself?

Last Updated:August 16, 2019

Can you eat it yourself? That's what Debbie Pelczynski asked when she founded My Healthy Pet, the Canadian, family-owned natural pet food company in 1993. Her not-so-small goal? To change the pet food industry.

"Growing up, dogs were my best friends," she laughs. "I scrapbooked everything about dogs—if I could cut it out and paste it, I had it."

She began as a pet food retailer and distributor rep, but grew unhappy with what she was distributing. That dissatisfaction led her to start My Healthy Pet, the first holistic pet food company to manufacture in Canada. Today her products are available worldwide, with ingredients from Canada, USA, or New Zealand, distributed fresh. Besides food, they offer holistic supplements formulated for common pet conditions.

"If we can't eat it, why should our pets?"

"Through determination, education, research, and hard work, I created a brand that let me sleep at night," she says, adding, "If we can't eat it, why should our pets?" Read our article on people food your dog will love!

If people only knew what was in many commercial dog foods…

All commercial and premium pet foods only have to meet aafco standards, Debbie explains. What people don't know is that these so-called standards permit animal by-products and slaughterhouse refuse and may contain unacceptable levels of mercury and lead.

Enter pet food that exceeds human grade standards.

In contrast, all My Healthy Pet products are formulated to exceed FDA guidelines for human consumption. They use only top-quality natural ingredients and absolutely no chemicals, animal by-products, added salt, added sugar, artificial colours or flavours, fillers, or binders. They use only non-allergenic ingredients because many pets are allergic to common commercial ingredients.

"I wanted companion animals to live longer, healthier lives," Debbie says plainly. "You are what you eat…and the same applies to your pets!"

Staying independent; not working with investors or partners. And continually breaking through the glass ceiling!

Best part of your job?

Bringing my dogs to work!

What is your #1 bestseller?

Holistic Blend Seagreens powder, which boosts thyroid activity, promotes hair growth and colour, and minimizes shedding, biting, and scratching by addressing mineral and vitamin gaps not found in most commercial foods.

What is the number one most important thing pet parents can do for their dog's health?

Be aware. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and trust your instincts!