Canidae™, a premium pet food company, is taking a significant step towards a more sustainable future with the nationwide rollout of its innovative Kibble Refill Stations. This groundbreaking initiative, launched in partnership with Petco, aims to reduce reliance on single-use plastics within the pet food industry and encourage more eco-conscious business practices.
The Kibble Refill Stations, now available at participating Petco pet care centers across the country, function similarly to bulk dispensers for coffee beans or nuts. Pet parents can bring their own reusable zipper bags to fill with their pet’s favorite kibble, thereby eliminating the need for disposable, reinforced plastic bags. According to the Pet Sustainability Coalition, over 99% of these pet food bags end up in landfills rather than being recycled. Following a successful pilot program in Southern California, Canidae and Petco plan to expand this innovative refill technology to 100 Petco locations throughout 2022.
This program offers pet parents a more affordable option, with potential savings of up to 45% per pound compared to the premium price typically associated with eco-friendly pet products. For instance, purchasing four pounds of Canidae Pure kibble from a Refill Station could save a consumer over $9 compared to a conventional 4-pound pre-packaged bag. The stations will initially feature two popular recipes: Pure Real Salmon & Sweet Potato, a grain-free, limited-ingredient diet, and Sustain Premium Recipe with Cage-Free Chicken, a sustainable option that includes wholesome grains.
“The pet food industry has long lagged behind the rest of the food and CPG industries when it comes to sustainability and environmentally friendly practices,” stated Bret Furio, Chief Executive Officer of Canidae. “At Canidae, we’ve set a goal for ourselves to eliminate more than 80% of our plastic packaging in the next 8 years, in hopes that the rest of the industry follows suit. We know Petco shares a passion for wellness and sustainability for pets and pet owners alike, so this partnership is a great first step in our journey to deliver Goodness to pets, people, and the planet.”
The environmental impact of pet food packaging is substantial, with the Pet Sustainability Coalition estimating that 300 million pounds of plastic pet food and treat bags are generated annually in the United States. Canidae anticipates eliminating the need for 50,000 dog food bags within the first year of this program alone. Beyond the consumer-facing refill bags, Canidae has also re-evaluated its bulk kibble distribution, transitioning to fully recyclable bulk bags for store replenishment. This comprehensive approach to packaging not only addresses waste but also helps mitigate supply chain challenges related to packaging development.
Shari White, Petco Senior Vice President of Merchandising, emphasized the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility. “As a health and wellness company, all of us at Petco are acutely aware of our collective impact on our planet’s natural resources and we’re committed to driving positive change across our business, industry and the world at large,” she said. “We’re dedicated to offering pets and pet parents more products made with sustainable ingredients and materials; and we are incredibly proud of this exclusive partnership with Canidae to bring their innovative Kibble Refill Station technology to Petco customers.”
The patent-pending Kibble Refill Station is an integral part of Canidae’s broader “Cycle of Goodness” initiative. This commitment extends to sourcing ingredients from regenerative farms, utilizing verified sustainable proteins, exploring eco-friendly transportation methods like rail over trucking, and continuously working to reduce the company’s overall carbon footprint in food production, refinement, and distribution.
Canidae’s dedication to sustainability is rooted in its founding principles. Established in 1996 by pet owners aiming to create superior pet food, Canidae has consistently prioritized better nutrients, flavor, and overall well-being for pets and people. Their commitment is reflected in vet-reviewed, balanced nutrition with no fillers, artificial flavors, or preservatives. The company actively partners with US farmers and green technology firms to implement sustainable farming practices, reduce environmental impact, and nurture the human-animal bond.
Petco, operating as The Health + Wellness Co., shares this dedication to improving the lives of pets and their owners while minimizing environmental impact. With over 1,500 locations and a growing network of in-store veterinary hospitals, Petco offers comprehensive wellness solutions and online resources for pet health. Through its affiliation with Petco Love, the company supports numerous animal welfare groups and facilitates pet adoptions nationwide.
For more information about Canidae’s sustainability efforts and product offerings, please visit www.canidae.com. To locate a Petco store near you, visit www.petco.com.
About Canidae Pet Food Company
Founded in 1996, Canidae® was created by pet owners dedicated to producing higher quality pet food with better nutrients and flavor. Their commitment extends to sustainable practices, partnering with US farmers and green technology companies to lower pesticide use and adopt regenerative farming methods. All Canidae products are vet-reviewed, balanced for optimal health, and free from fillers, artificial flavors, or preservatives.
About Petco, The Health + Wellness Co.
Petco is a leading health and wellness company focused on enhancing the lives of pets, pet parents, and its partners. Since 1965, Petco has been committed to setting new standards in pet care, offering comprehensive wellness solutions through its products, services, and community initiatives. Operating over 1,500 locations, including numerous in-store veterinary hospitals, Petco provides extensive resources for pet health and wellness via its website and app. In partnership with Petco Love, the company supports animal welfare organizations and has facilitated millions of pet adoptions.
