In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Debi Potter, a dear friend and inspiring entrepreneur who has been a pioneer in the field of canine nutrition for over two decades. Debi turned a personal tragedy into a thriving business, Snake River Bakery, a company renowned for its fresh, healthy dog treats made from human consumable ingredients. Twenty-three years ago, Debi embarked on her journey into canine nutrition after losing her first dog to stomach cancer. This profound loss ignited her quest to understand how to improve dogs' diets. Her dedication led her to create Snake River Bakery, where she produces freshly baked dog treats from locally sourced ingredients. She offers distinctive flavors such as salmon, pumpkin spice, carob mint, and honey ginger, each designed with health benefits in mind. Throughout our conversation, we talked about the intricacies of starting and running a pet food business, from addressing regulatory hurdles to ensuring the highest quality ingredients. Debi’s story is a testament to passion and perseverance, as she expands her business and continues to educate pet owners on the importance of healthy nutrition for their furry friends. ### Key Takeaways: - **Dedication to Freshness and Quality:** Debi's treats are made fresh to order, utilizing only human consumable ingredients like wild-caught US-sourced fish and locally grown produce. This ensures maximum nutritional value and safety. - **Rigorous Standards and Compliance:** Debi has navigated and complied with stringent FDA and AAFCO regulations, underscoring her commitment to providing a safe, high-quality product. - **Consumer Education:** Debi emphasizes the importance of understanding pet treat ingredients. She advises pet owners to choose treats with fewer than five, pronounceable ingredients sourced from the US and warns against harmful additives like titanium dioxide. - **Creative Expansion:** In addition to treats, Debi now offers recipes for food toppers on her website, blending convenience with high nutritional standards. It was also wonderful to reflect on our long-standing friendship and to acknowledge the mutual support that has played a significant role in our respective journeys. Connect with Debi at https://www.snakeriverbakery.com