We love our dogs, and stats show it. As of 2023, 66% of US households have a pet – that’s 86.9 million homes. A big boost in pet ownership came with the pandemic. A Forbes Advisor survey reports that 78% of current pet owners introduced their new companions during this period. With more pets come more pet products, and in 2022, the global pet care market was worth over $235 billion.
Melissa Morales, the founder and CEO of Melmo’s Dog Treats, has a long and rich history of owning both show dogs and rescue dogs. Her passion: canine nutrition. She founded her company with a strong emphasis on health and ethics.
“We love our pets, and we spend money on them,” says Melissa. “This is a fact. And that means that lots of people are interested in starting businesses in this sector. But therein lies a problem: the industry has become choked with products that quite simply are not the best and safest options for our furry friends.”
The Melmo’s Difference
When it comes to pet care, Ms. Morales and her team at Melmo’s believe that quality and sustainability should be defining pillars. Pet owners now more than ever are closely examining labels, studying ingredient lists, and gravitating towards brands that resonate with their values. Among the front runners in this responsible approach to pet nutrition is Melmo’s Dog Treats, seamlessly merging canine well-being with eco-friendly practices.
Every treat is organic, and the product line-up even includes vegan treats, specially designed to assist dogs with or at risk of hip dysplasia, to promote a healthier physique. Melmo’s is recognized and approved by the Department of Agriculture, as the company has upheld stringent quality standards.
Locally Sourced for Freshness
Local sourcing may seem like just a trendy term, but in fact, it’s a core value that Melmo’s holds dearly. The use of local ingredients ensures freshness and also drastically reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation of goods. This reduction in transportation can lessen greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to less road congestion and less wear on infrastructure, resulting in a ripple effect of environmental benefits.
But there’s an added layer: by patronizing local suppliers, Melmo’s bolsters the local economy, so that farmers and suppliers receive fair compensation. This commitment to local sourcing paints a clear picture – Melmo’s Dog Treats goes far beyond merely selling treats; they’re investing in the community.
Benefits of Organic Treats
“Organic dog treats are making a significant appearance in the market, and there are good reasons for it,” Melissa Morales explains.
- No Harmful Chemicals: Organic dog treats are free from pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and other chemicals that can be harmful to dogs. Consuming organic treats ensures that your pet isn’t ingesting residues from these chemicals.
- Higher Nutritional Value: Some studies suggest that organic products can have a higher nutritional content than their non-organic counterparts. This means organic dog treats could provide more essential nutrients for your pet.
- Better Digestibility: Organic ingredients often mean a more natural product, which can be easier for dogs to digest, reducing the risk of upset stomachs.
- No Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs): Organic dog treats are free from GMOs, which some pet owners prefer to avoid due to concerns about their long-term health effects.
- Environmentally Friendly: Organic farming practices are designed to be sustainable and have a lower environmental footprint. By choosing organic treats, pet owners support a more sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture system.
- Ethical and Humane: Organic standards often have specific guidelines regarding animal welfare. Even if the treats don’t contain meat, the ingredients used might come from farms with higher animal welfare standards.
- Less Exposure to Antibiotics and Growth Hormones: Organic regulations prohibit or limit the use of antibiotics, synthetic hormones, and other medications in livestock, which can end up in non-organic dog treats.
- Natural Flavor: Without the presence of artificial flavors and chemicals, organic dog treats often have a more natural and robust taste that many dogs might find more appealing.
- Reduced Risk of Allergies and Sensitivities: The absence of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, which can sometimes trigger allergies or sensitivities in pets, makes organic treats a safer choice for sensitive dogs.
- Peace of Mind: For pet owners, knowing that the treats they give their dogs are free from potentially harmful chemicals and are produced in a way that’s better for the environment can offer peace of mind.
Given these benefits, it’s clear why many pet owners are gravitating towards organic options for their pets. However, it’s always crucial to read labels carefully and consult with a veterinarian to ensure that any treats or foods are suitable for a specific pet’s health needs.
Surviving the Impossible
During the pandemic, businesses in all industries were calling it quits. Pet treats were considered a luxury – but Melissa Morales wasn’t going to give up. She showed admirable resilience and adaptability and changed to meet new challenges.
“We introduced UV-protected packaging to preserve the freshness of the locally-sourced, human-grade ingredients used in the biscuits,” Ms. Morales shares. “We also recognized the importance of a digital pivot. So we expanded our presence in retail stores with a robust online footprint and launched a revamped user-friendly website featuring an events page to keep fans updated.”
While many businesses faced setbacks – or found themselves closing their doors – Melmo’s thrived.
Community Contributions
Ms. Morales isn’t content to rest on her laurels. She believes in giving back. Her company has ingrained itself within the fabric of the community through consistent charitable endeavors. Melmo’s regularly participates in partnering with local animal rescues, hosting adoption drives, and supporting spay and neuter programs.
These initiatives highlight a significant point: Melissa Morales and her team at Melmo’s care about much more than profit margins. It’s a brand with a soul, one that acknowledges its role within the larger pet ecosystem and actively contributes to it.
Animal Rescues and the Circle of Care
Working hand-in-hand with animal rescues, Melmo’s Dog Treats takes a direct approach in ensuring that even the most marginalized animals receive care and attention. Through donations, partnerships, and active involvement in rescue events, Melmo’s provides these animals with a taste of love and kindness, one treat at a time.
And every collaboration with an animal rescue offers Melmo’s invaluable insights into specific dietary needs and preferences, driving their product innovation. The feedback loop this creates ensures that the treats they produce are both tasty and nutritionally aligned with a diverse range of canine needs.
More Sustainable Pet Care
Consumers are increasingly conscious of the ethical and environmental implications of their purchases. That’s why brands like Melmo’s Dog Treats shine brightly. Their unflinching commitment to sustainability, ethical production, and community involvement sets them apart in the crowded pet care industry.
Ms. Morales is in this for the long-haul – and for the good of pets everywhere. She’s a tireless business owner, who has participated in over a thousand vendor events, from horse shows to craft fairs, spreading the word about Melmo’s. “We have even launched an exclusive online-only cat treat at Melmo’s,” she reveals. “The company is thriving and growing and I am so gratified to witness its success.”
She never stops working. Melissa Morales is wholeheartedly devoted to the well-being of all pets, as well as the success of Melmo’s Dog Treats. “I want to make a difference,” she says. “The well-being of our beloved dogs doesn’t have to come at the expense of our planet.”
For dog owners, this means that each Melmo’s treat given is a gesture of love towards their pet, and also a nod to a more sustainable, kinder world.Learn more: https://www.melmosdogtreats.com/
