Today we’d like to introduce you to Valerie Zapata
Valerie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 2014, I became a first-time dog mom when I adopted Cash, a sweet puppy posted for free on Craigslist. Cash had a rough start—he was found on the side of the road in the tumbleweeds of Oklahoma. He quickly became my soul pup! But soon after I adopted him, Cash started having serious health issues. From digestive problems to ulcers to kidney issues—the list went on and on. Despite countless vet visits, prescription kibble, and medications, his condition only worsened. Watching him suffer broke my heart, and I knew I had to find a better way.
After trying every type of kibble imaginable, I discovered the harsh reality: many commercial dog foods, even the prescription ones, are filled with harmful fillers, byproducts, and dangerous bacteria. Determined to help Cash, I turned to a holistic veterinarian who opened my eyes to the importance of proper canine nutrition. With their guidance, I began preparing fresh, balanced meals for Cash at home.
The results were nothing short of miraculous. His digestive issues, itchy skin, and other symptoms disappeared almost overnight. I finally had my happy, healthy pup back. This experience taught me how crucial nutrition is for our pets’ health and longevity. Inspired by Cash’s transformation, I dove deep into studying canine nutrition, eventually becoming a certified canine nutritionist coach. But I knew not every pet parent has the time or resources to prepare homemade meals for their dogs.
That’s why I started this business—a local, human-grade meal prep service for dogs that’s both healthy and convenient.
All our recipes are made fresh in Nashville, TN, with zero preservatives. We offer a 30-day supply tailored to your dog’s specific caloric needs, perfect for puppies as young as 4 months and continuing to benefit dogs at every life stage. We even create custom recipes for pups with specific health conditions, allergies, or preferences.
Today, I’m proud to offer four nutritionally balanced recipes and custom meal plans to help pet owners ensure their furry companions live longer, healthier lives. Whether you want to learn to cook at home or live locally for pickup, we’re here to accommodate!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road to getting here has been pretty smooth overall, though we’ve hit a few potholes along the way. Choosing Nashville as the home base was one of the best decisions I made. Nashville is incredibly welcoming to local small businesses, and the community here has embraced us with open arms. Nashville also has a vibrant pet friendly community and culture.
One of the most difficult challenges for me personally was gaining the confidence to take the leap on this long-time dream. Starting a business is intimidating, and believing in myself enough to make it a reality was a major hurdle. Things also took a turn when I lost Cash to cancer just six months before launching to the public and having to push through with a mourning heart.
Another small ongoing challenge is navigating the world of social media marketing. It’s not something I naturally gravitate toward, but I know it’s crucial for getting eyes on my business, so I’m constantly learning and improving in that area.
In terms of competition, there are a few similar companies operating online offering shipping in the US. Currently, I am not shipping, but I plan to become a shipping competitor when I launch our shipping service within the next few months. Currently, we’re about 30% more affordable than these web-based companies, and our food is truly human-grade ingredients, made locally with zero preservatives.
Despite these challenges, the path forward feels promising, and I’m excited about the growth that this business brings personally and professionally.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m currently focusing on the exciting rebranding of our growing company. Going forward, we will be known as Pure Pet Pantry, expanding our human-grade products to more pet owners and their furry feline friends.
Our new brand is driven by my passion for clean, healthy living for ALL pets and their families. My background in health and dental care, along with certifications as a pet nutritionist coach, has played a huge role in shaping this business. I’m continuously expanding my knowledge, particularly around canine and feline nutrition and digestive health, to offer the best possible meals for our pets.
What makes us different is our commitment to responsible pet ownership. We don’t just provide human-grade food—we aim to support pet owners in becoming the most educated and responsible pet parents they can be.
All our products are human-grade and safe for the whole family to use! Soon, we’ll also be launching an e-commerce platform on our site, offering a variety of helpful pet products alongside our new human-grade skincare line. This skincare line is specially formulated to be safe and beneficial for both pets and their owners. Our store will offer a convenient way for pet parents to access everything they need, from nutritious meals to products that enhance the well-being of both their pets and their families.
What I’m most proud of is being a third-generation Mexican-American female business owner, pursuing my dream even when others thought it was impossible. I’m proud to be the woman I’ve become, and I’m dedicated to seeing positive change through to the end, no matter the challenges.
Pure Pet Pantry stands out because we combine high-quality, locally sourced meals with a focus on educating and empowering pet owners, while also expanding into new areas that benefit the entire family. What if you counted your time in dog years?
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Infinite Intelligence Podcast- I listen to every morning during meditation.
The Power of Now – Book that change my perspective and belief of the power of the mind. You can do anything you put your mind and focus to
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Purepetpantry.com
- Instagram: @purepetpantry
