Rabbit News!

Our rabbit sales rep Dominic Moll and his two youngest sons.

In recent months we have come across some sourcing issues. Finding local rabbit has been increasingly difficult, so much that we have had to search outside California. We strive to source as much of our ingredients right here at home, but when sources become so scarce that it affects our ability to produce products, we're forced to find the next best thing. We feel that we've found something even better, and we didn't have to source from New Zealand or even China like you'll find in many other pet foods. 

Enter De Bruin Brothers from Oskaloosa, Iowa. We came across this wonderful company a while back at a family dinner, and when it came time to look for another rabbit source that was consistent with our demand and met our expectations of quality, we turned to them. De Bruin Brothers, are a small family owned company with many values... and they're fun to talk to. All of their rabbit come from small family farms that raise their rabbit on a diet of sweet alfalfa, oats, wheat and barley with no antibiotics or hormones ever. We welcome you to check out their website www.debruinbrothers.com and see what they're all about.  
If you have any questions or feedback for us, feel free to call or email us. 

Pacific Northwest

      

The many out-of-state inquiries are about to decrease...just a wee bit. This week, smallbatch has begun production in the Pacific Northwest. We have now expanded our business model, accommodating customers outside of the sunshine state. 

Yes, we're now proudly making batches in Oregon! Woo hoo! Sourcing our ingredients, producing and distributing there, as well as to neighboring states(mainly Washington). Pretty exciting and scary stuff. We never imagined being available outside of San Francisco(home to all smallbatch beginnings), let alone outside of California. Our main focus has always been to make products that are sourced and made locally, we did not want to deviate from our main mission and beliefs. By applying this principle we feel that we've managed to expand without compromising our ideals or our products. 

It's exciting to make new connections with farms and ranches as well as stores outside of California. Much like California, Oregon has a bounty of resources and everyone has been incredibly friendly and helpful with us making the expansion easy. Of course, none of this would ever be possible without the support from all our customers throughout the years. Thank you, we are forever grateful. 

chicken source

Mary and her family.

Some of the chickens on the Pitman Family Farm.

People often ask us about our sourcing and how we determine what farms and ranches we work with. Our criteria is always simple yet stringent. We work with local farms and ranches all who share the same beliefs and practices that we do. This not only guarantees the freshest and healthiest products, but also helps keep our california economy vibrant while helping to reduce your pet's carbon paw print. Okay, so who are these amazing sources?

Let's start with one and go over what they do and why they do it so well!

Here we go...

Let us introduce you to Pitman Family Farms. They are located in Sanger California near Fresno. They provide us with all of our poultry that goes into our chicken, turkey, and duck batches and blends. Their Mary's organic brand can be found in many natural grocery stores across the state and it's the same chicken that your dog or cat are eating when fed our products. Here's a little bit you should know about Mary's Organic chicken, we think you'll find their practices pretty darn awesome.

- All of their chickens are air chilled. This system inhibits the spread of bacteria also saves about 30,000 gallons of chlorinated water(a method typically used in the industry) from being used. The results are healthier and better tasting chicken.

-All of their chickens have outdoor access, with outdoor areas that always include water and shade. Natural chicken behaviors are encouraged by providing the chickens with bales of straw used by chickens for pecking. Also eucalyptus tree branches used by chickens for playing and hiding. Oh, those silly girls!

-All chickens have access to large grassy foraging areas, this encourages tons of running around under bright, warm sunny skies.

-Their chickens are of a slow growing breed a non-commercial type, these chickens have a stronger immune system and stronger bone structure.

-All chickens are  hand raised in small groups.

If you'd like to browse their site or call Mary, do it! Also, next time you're shopping for yourself make sure to look for Mary's chicken in your butcher aisle, they offer whole pre-packaged chickens along with pre-packaged chicken breasts. You'll really taste the difference.

new dog slider flavors!

Last week we sent out a poll asking our customers and retailers to help us choose the next two dog slider proteins. The final results are in.

The next two dog slider flavors are...drum roll...

Turkey and Duck!

Thanks to everyone who voted and helped us make this decision, your input and feedback is so important to us.