Today we’d like to introduce you to Serena West.
Serena, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Pinky’s Peak Provisions is a small-batch, handcrafted dog food company made with local, organic, human-grade, grain-free ingredients. Ten years ago, my four-legged fur baby, Pinky, was diagnosed with cancer. Naturally, I was devastated. I rushed her in for surgery and a series of chemo treatments, which went on for several months. She handled them very well and I thought we were finished with that awful illness. However, a couple of years later, cancer returned, although it was a different type. I wasn’t sure how to handle it again, but I immediately started doing a lot of research as to why and how cancer is so prevalent in our pets in this day and age.
One of the basic underlying reasons for illness in dogs is the same for humans… our environment… what we breathe, what we contact, and especially WHAT WE INGEST! There are so many pet foods (and human foods) on the market these days made with inferior ingredients, definitely not what our grandparents used to buy! As with people’s food, much of it is produced in foreign countries in factories which do not have our quality standards. Here and abroad, oftentimes, sub-par ingredients are used and frequently loaded with pesticides and herbicides not fit for consumption. Fillers and chemicals are used, which can cause weight gain, lethargy, and lack of nutrition.
I began taking Pinky to visit a holistic naturopath veterinarian. My ideas were confirmed; the food we feed our pets does indeed make a dramatic difference in the health and vitality of our pets, and poor quality toxic foods can contribute to bad health for our “kids.”
So… with tutelage from my vet, I began cooking different recipes for Pinky and for her buddy, Raleigh. These recipes were made form organic meats and vegetables, no grains or gluten. Real, whole food is loaded with the vitamins and minerals that come from food naturally. They immediately loved it! They lost excess weight, their coats were shinier, eyes brighter and they definitely had more energy: no more allergy or digestive issues.
Pinky was with us another five, healthy years and I must contribute her longevity to her new healthy diet. She was a happy go-getter until the end. Raleigh, who was six years younger, is still going strong. Heidi joined us four years ago and she and Raleigh are my taste testers and quality control agents. We have a line of frozen Super Stews, immune-boosting Super Bone Broths, and nutritious Super Snacks. I can be found every Saturday morning at Cowtown Farmer’s Market 8-12. My products can also be found the Sunflower Shoppe in Fort Worth and Colleyville, the Bartonville Store and Meat Market, The Local Farmer in Mansfield, and Burgundy’s Local in Fort Worth and Dallas.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Starting any new business always has challenges. Trying to get people to understand the importance of good quality ingredients for their dogs was and continues to be a battle. However, with so many pet food recalls and pet illnesses on the rise, awareness is also on the rise.
One of the main outlets for selling Pinky’s Peak Provisions is attending regular farmer’s markets. By their very nature, markets are a challenge. I am out there year-round so that includes the extreme heat of Texas summer, the bitter cold of winter, the rain, the wind, the bugs but when I get reports about happy, healthy, wagging tails, I know this is what I am meant to do!
Pinky’s Peak Provisions – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Pinky’s Peak Provisions is a small batch, handcrafted, organic dog food business. All products are made with human-grade ingredients, with as much sourced locally as possible.
We have three lines of products:
Super Stew – which comes frozen and can be served alone or as a topper; Organic Chicken n’ Veggie, Grass-Fed Beef n’ Veggie, and Wild-Caught Salmon n’ Veggie.
Super Broth – Super concentrated bone broth made for dogs so there is no salt, pepper, or onions. However, it is cooked with other veggies and herbs to provide a great immune system boost. Naturally derived probiotics, anti-imflammatory properties, glucosamine, collagen and condroitin. It comes in Grass-Fed Beef or Prairie-Raised Chicken.
Super Snack – dehydrated to maintain nutrition. No flours, sugars, oils or unnecessary ingredients. Protein and Veggies. More Than Turkey Jerky, More Than Beef Jerky, and Tasty Sweet Taters.
I make every item myself; I shop for the ingredients, cook it all, and package it myself. Everything is fit for human consumption… if I didn’t eat something, I certainly wouldn’t feed it to my dogs!
When my customers return week after week and tell me that their dog is so happy with the food and snacks, that makes me happy and proud, reports of disappearing allergies, improved joint and skin health, improved energy and general well-being… that’s what I love to hear and that keeps me going in the kitchen every day.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success for me is doing something that I enjoy, which also provides a health benefit for others. If someone comes to me with their dog who has a health issue, and I can help to improve their situation through good nutrition, that is my goal.
Pricing:
- Frozen food and bone broth $4 – $8
- Dehydrated snacks $5
Contact Info:
- Phone: 817-821-7386
- Email: pinkyspeakprovisons@gmail.com
- Instagram: pinkyspeakprovisions
- Facebook: facebook.com/PinkysPeakProvisions
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