Why Small Businesses Matter: Paul's Custom Pet Food
Why Small Businesses Matter
Shop small, do big things for your community
Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community. The shop local movement spreads virally as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story!
Meet Paul Gallant and Lynn Felici-Gallant, founders of Paul's Custom Pet Food.
Why did you start your business?
Our journey began in 2010 when our Golden Retriever, Hunter’s groomer discovered a lump the size of a walnut below his jaw. We had it biopsied and learned it was malignant: Hunter had cancer. Our traditional veterinarian recommended we see a veterinary oncologist right away. We met with a doctor and team of assistants who examined Hunter and walked us through the results of the biopsy. They informed us that his cancer was aggressive; left untreated, he had only 6 months to live. We were given the option of surgery, followed by chemotherapy and radiation. At the time, Hunter was just 3 years old. After many tears, we decided not to take the recommended traditional route. We shared the news with friends and family, and one friend suggested we see Dr. Hannah Wells, founder and practitioner of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine at Veterinary Wellness Center in Exeter, New Hampshire. We had an appointment with Dr. Wells the next day. Dr. Wells studied Hunter’s history, biopsy results, and oncology report. She conducted a thorough examination of him, including analysis of his chi. She explained that as a young and energetic Golden Retriever, he ran hot and that the tumor and cancer were also hot. She indicated he would need cool or neutral foods and herbs to fight the cancer, and asked if we were willing to cook for him. “Of course we are,” Paul said. Dr. Wells prescribed a mix of Chinese herbal medicines and a recipe for Hunter. She explained the differences between cool foods and hot foods, the importance of whole, chemical- and processed-free pet food, and the fundamental way that food interacts with each pet’s unique body. After eating a whole-foods diet and beating all odds for over 10 years, Hunter passed away at home in our arms in June of 2019. He was almost 13 years old. Today, we continue our commitment to making fresh, wholesome food for your pets, and for our own dog, Herbie, in Hunter’s name.
What is your best-selling product/service?
Our custom therapeutic recipes set us apart from other fresh pet food companies. The term "custom pet food" is a buzzword in the pet food industry. While many fresh pet food companies claim to offer customization through online algorithms, very few work directly with your veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist to create fresh food tailored to your pet's specific dietary needs. Paul's Custom Pet Food does. Suppose your companion needs a special diet due to a disease, allergy, or other medical condition. In that case, we collaborate with veterinarians, veterinary nutritionists, and canine/feline diet formulators to prepare fresh, prescription food specific to your pets’ unique dietary needs.
How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?
We prioritize buying local, whole-food ingredients to reduce our carbon footprint and support local agriculture. Some of the local farms we support are Riverbank Farm, Sunny Meadow Farm, Ox Hollow Farm, Toplands Farm, Parmalee Farm, Fort Hill Farm, and Sankow's Beaver Brook Farm. We actively participate in local farmers' markets and events, strengthening the local economy and fostering community connections. Our 2024 farmers' market lineup includes, New Canaan Farmers' Market, Westport Farmers' Market, Washington Depot Farmers' Market, Sam Bridge Winter Farmers' Market, and Ridgefield Farmers' Market.
Visit Paul’s Custom Pet Food website https://paulscustompetfood.com/ and follow along on social media Instagram @paulscustompetfood and Facebook.
Questions? Email info@paulscustompetfood.com
Paul's Custom Pet Food Kitchen + Market is located at 84 Railroad Street in New Milford. You can find them setting up shop at several area Farmers Market locations (see above).
HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!