Hannah Edwards never anticipated that her career path would lead her to taste dog food professionally. Yet, her unconventional job interview with Freshpet set the stage for a unique role in pet nutrition marketing.
During her interview, Edwards was presented with a bowl of the company's chicken recipe. Initially hesitant, she was pleasantly surprised by the quality and taste of the product. "It was reminiscent of a freshly cooked Sunday lunch, with detectable hints of carrots and other wholesome ingredients," she recalls.
This experience marked the beginning of Edwards' journey in revolutionizing pet nutrition. At Freshpet, regular taste testing is an integral part of her role as a marketing executive. Monthly evaluation sessions involve assessing the appearance, aroma, and taste of new recipes.
The company's approach to pet food aligns with the evolving trends in human nutrition. As people have shifted towards fresher, healthier diets, Freshpet applies the same principle to pet nutrition. This perspective challenges the conventional notion of ultra-processed pet food with long shelf lives.
Edwards notes that the pet food industry has undergone significant changes since its inception. The first commercial pet food was introduced in England in 1860, and the global market has grown to a value of $94.76 billion as of 2020. The concept of "human-grade" pet food, which Freshpet embodies, emerged in the early 2000s.
While Edwards' friends and family initially found her job unusual, some have since tried the pet food themselves. This openness to tasting pet food has led to interesting conversations about pet nutrition and the quality of ingredients used in Freshpet products.
"The general response from people trying our food is exactly the same as mine in that first interview: pleasant surprise. They like the idea of feeding their beloved companions something they would be comfortable eating themselves."
The company's commitment to quality extends beyond human taste tests. Freshpet invests significant time and research into ensuring their products are palatable and nutritionally balanced for pets. This approach aligns with the growing trend of "functional pet food," which emerged in the 1990s and focuses on health benefits beyond basic nutrition.
As Freshpet expands into cat food, Edwards expresses excitement about the new line. Her personal experience with the product has transformed her perspective on pet nutrition, making her role more than just a job but a passion project aimed at redefining how we nourish our four-legged family members.