This woman-run holistic pet food company is changing how people think about pet food

Can you eat it yourself? That’s what Debbie Pelczynski asked herself when she started My Healthy Pet, the Canadian, family-owned natural pet food company she founded 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 her career as a pet food retailer and pet food distributor representative, but found she wasn’t happy about what she was distributing. It was this dissatisfaction that led her to start My Healthy Pet, the first holistic pet food company to manufacture in Canada. Today, Debbie’s products are available worldwide. All ingredients are of Canadian, USA, or New Zealand origin, and her products are distributed fresh. In addition to food, they offer a variety of holistic supplements that are carefully formulated to target common pet conditions.

 “If we can’t eat it, why should our pets?”

“Through determination, education, research, and hard work, I was able to create a brand that allowed me to 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 the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials, 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 chemicals like 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 colourings or flavours, fillers, or binders. They use only non-allergenic ingredients because many pets are allergic to ingredients commonly found in commercial foods. 

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

Biggest challenge?

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 helps to boost activity of thyroid gland, promotes hair growth and colour pigmentation, and minimizes shedding, biting, and scratching by addressing a lack of minerals and vitamins which are not found in most commercial pet 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!