Who We Are

Kate Klaire was that kid. The one stray animals seemed to follow home on a regular basis. As an adult, the pattern stuck, and Kate and her wife Jen opened their home to dozens of cats and dogs over the years, adopting many and fostering even more. So when her beloved pup Winnie stopped eating — not to mention, was no longer looking and feeling her best — she set out to create a healthier, tastier, more compassionately-produced alternative. She looked at what foods are best for dogs, and in what combinations, sourcing it all from local farms already adhering to the highest standards in animal welfare.

After weeks of research and experimenting in her own kitchen, Kate started feeding Winnie her new creation. Suddenly her appetite was back. And so was the spring in her step. As word spread, friends with finicky dogs began asking for the recipe. So, Kate began preparing buckets for Winnie, Sandy, Finn, Sprout, Maybe, Maggie, Hippo and Peanut Butters. The dogs devoured their meals, but no one proved as enthusiastic as a wiry little mutt named Guppy, who insisted on burying his prized portion in the backyard.

For decades, Kate’s professional life had been rooted in advocacy and education, working with kids in marginalized communities. In creating this sustainably produced new dog food, Kate knew she could make a big difference for animals — and for the planet as well. And so with the excitement and encouragement of two- and four-leggers alike, Guppy’s Bucket was born.