An Interview With Our Founder: Revolutionizing Pet Food Sustainability with Wild Earth
Summary
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Ryan Bethencourt, a biotech entrepreneur and animal lover, founded Wild Earth to create a healthier, more sustainable alternative to traditional meat-based pet food.
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The brand uses innovative proteins like koji and yeast, offering complete, balanced nutrition that’s plant-based and easy on sensitive stomachs.
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Wild Earth’s recipes are vet-approved, hypoallergenic, and cruelty-free, making them a great choice for health-conscious pet parents.
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With a focus on sustainability, Wild Earth significantly reduces the environmental impact of pet food, which accounts for up to 30% of meat production emissions in the U.S.
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The company is transforming the pet food industry, inspiring a shift toward ethical, eco-friendly nutrition backed by science.
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Looking ahead, Wild Earth is committed to continued innovation, expanding its product line, and helping more pet parents make choices that are good for their pets and the planet.
When it comes to the food we feed our pets, most of us want three things: nutrition, trust, and a clear conscience. Ryan Bethencourt, the founder of Wild Earth, saw an opportunity to deliver all three and then some. A visionary biotech entrepreneur with a love for animals and the planet, Ryan is rewriting the rules of pet nutrition. With a bold vision and an even bolder mission, he’s helping pet parents rethink what's in the bowl… for good.
Background and Inspiration
Before launching Wild Earth, Ryan had already made a name for himself in the world of biotechnology. His background in synthetic biology and lab-grown meats wasn’t just about tech for tech's sake, it was deeply personal. As a lifelong dog lover and passionate environmentalist, he began to question the ethics and environmental impact of traditional meat-based pet food.
It wasn't just a hunch. Research shows that pet food is responsible for up to 30% of the environmental impact from meat production in the U.S. (Source: UCLA). That’s a staggering figure. Ryan knew there had to be a better way, a cleaner, kinder solution that didn’t compromise on health or flavor.
Founding Wild Earth
Creating Wild Earth wasn’t an overnight success story. It took grit, science, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. At the core was a simple but powerful idea: feed pets with plant-based and cellular agriculture technologies instead of animal meat.
Most people didn’t believe that dogs could thrive without meat. Ryan didn’t just challenge that belief, he put it to the test. By working with veterinary scientists, food technologists, and pet nutrition experts, he created formulations that delivered complete, balanced nutrition without a single ounce of beef or chicken. The hurdles were real, from raising capital to changing consumer minds, but so were the victories. When Wild Earth launched its first line of plant-based dog food, the response was louder than expected.
Innovative Approaches
One of the most groundbreaking aspects of Wild Earth is its use of koji and yeast proteins. Never heard of koji? It's a type of fungi traditionally used in Japanese cooking (think soy sauce and miso), but it’s also packed with protein and essential amino acids. Wild Earth uses koji alongside yeast proteins to craft nutritionally complete pet food that’s both sustainable and highly digestible.
Unlike traditional meat-based foods that come with the baggage of hormones, antibiotics, and potential allergens, Wild Earth’s formulas are hypoallergenic, clean, and cruelty-free. That’s a win for dogs with sensitive stomachs and an even bigger win for the environment.
And let’s not forget the treats. Wild Earth’s dog treats are low-calorie, high-protein, and totally plant-based, making them perfect for training, spoiling, or just because your dog gave you that “please” look.
Industry Impact
When Wild Earth stepped into the market, it wasn’t just offering a product, it was starting a movement. The pet food industry, long dominated by meat-based brands, was suddenly faced with a challenger that dared to be different. More importantly, it dared to be better.
Ryan’s appearance on Shark Tank helped bring the brand into the mainstream spotlight. But it was the results and wagging tails that did most of the talking. Pet owners started seeing the difference in their dogs’ energy levels, coat health, and digestion. Veterinarians took notice. Competitors followed suit. What was once considered a fringe idea has now sparked conversations across the industry about ethics, climate change, and better pet care.
With Wild Earth, Ryan hasn’t just disrupted an industry… he’s raising its standards.
Future Vision
When asked about the future of Wild Earth, Ryan’s answer is clear: innovation, accessibility, and impact.
The team is currently exploring new plant-based formulations, expanding product lines, and scaling their reach to make sustainable pet nutrition the norm, not the exception. That includes possible expansions into plant-based cat food, cellular agriculture for more protein options, and partnerships that support regenerative agriculture.
More than that, Ryan envisions a future where pet owners feel empowered to choose better, not just for their pets, but for the planet. It’s about creating food that’s nourishing, ethical, and sustainable from start to finish.
And the mission doesn’t stop at product shelves. Wild Earth is committed to transparency, ingredient integrity, and community, building a brand that pet parents can not only trust but truly feel good about.
Conclusion
To wrap it all up, Ryan Bethencourt didn’t just want to build a pet food company, he wanted to make a real difference. And with Wild Earth, he’s doing exactly that. By using smart, sustainable ingredients like koji and yeast, Wild Earth offers pet food that’s both nutritious and good for the planet. Unlike traditional meat-based foods, these plant-based options help reduce our environmental footprint in a big way. They're also hypoallergenic and approved by vets, making them a great choice for dogs with sensitivities.
What really sets Wild Earth apart is its bigger mission - to change how we think about feeding our pets. It’s not just about what’s in the bowl; it’s about making thoughtful, healthy, and ethical choices that benefit our furry friends and the world they live in. The future looks bright, and Wild Earth is leading the charge with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability.
So the next time you're filling your dog’s bowl, think about the impact of what you're serving. With Wild Earth, you’re choosing more than just food, you’re choosing a better future. Ready to make the switch? Head over to Wild Earth and explore the plant-based products that dogs (and their humans) are loving.
