SAN FRANCISCO — When Autumn Smith’s Doberman Kairo developed a severely compromised gut from his medication to treat giardia, standard kibble and treats with high processing levels suddenly became out of the question for him. To Smith, who had worked in healthcare as a sonographer for more than a decade, attempting to fix the issue with a prescription diet didn’t feel like the right answer.

“With my background, I really see how our bodies react to different treatments,” she said. “I wanted to go more of a holistic route with him.”

So, she did exactly that, hiring a veterinary nutritionist to formulate the perfect diet for Kairo using human-grade ingredients she prepared herself at home. It didn’t just work for him; he thrived on the new diet.

She didn’t stop at food either, as she began to make her own treats for him, air-drying them in her kitchen and experimenting with different functional ingredients. It was then that she realized she might be on to something for other dog parents in similar situations to hers. From that, she founded Parents2Pawz, a functional pet treat brand built on the belief that dogs with sensitive stomachs deserve treats that not only their tummies can tolerate, but that actively support their overall health and wellness.

Autumn Smith and her dog, Kairo.

“I didn’t want to just offer extra calories — I wanted treats that actually boost wellness,” Smith said.

Smith describes Parents2Pawz’s mission as a brand that can give pet parents with fur babies that have sensitive stomachs peace of mind — the same peace of mind she had been searching for. With Kairo serving as the brand’s chief taste tester, formulas must get the stamp of approval from his stomach and tastebuds before they hit the market.

“I want to be that brand for parents who deal with the same thing that I dealt with, to not have that fear when they go on to shop,” she said.

More than just a treat

Parents2Pawz currently offers three different treat varieties, each formulated with functional ingredients to address specific needs: Pumpkin Woofles, which support gut health and digestion; Cheese Woofles, which promote calm behavior and cognitive health; and Berry Woofles, which support blood flow and heart health.

A key functional ingredient of the Pumpkin Woofles is curcumin, which Smith chose specifically over conventional turmeric for its superior anti-inflammatory benefits.

“Curcumin has better bioavailability in pets, allowing more of the active compound to be absorbed and exert its beneficial effects,” she explained.

The key functional ingredient of Cheese Woofles is ashwaganda, which was selected over other potentially calming ingredients due to its long history of usage as a natural ingredient in both human and animal wellness applications.

“I felt more comfortable giving my own pet ashwagandha,” she said. “It’s something I’m more comfortable using when it comes to a natural product.”

Berry Woofles’ main ingredient is beet root powder, which was selected for its circulation benefits. This recipe is especially personal to Smith, as it supports healthy blood flow and circulation — something Smith prioritizes given the prevalence of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a serious cardiac condition that affects approximately 60% of Dobermans.

The treats were developed in collaboration with a clinical canine nutritionist, with an emphasis on minimal, human-grade ingredients that are safe for sensitive stomachs. Free of preservatives and fillers, the treats are air-dried by Smith herself in a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-registered kitchen to lock in nutrients and flavor without harsh processing.

“I won’t compromise — I’m not going to waver on any of that simply for a higher production capacity,” said Autumn Smith of Parents2Pawz.

One paw in front of the other

Smith has a clear vision for where Parents2Pawz is headed — from product line enhancements to operational upgrades to retail expansion — and she sets her sights on the future. Currently, her focus is on refining and expanding the product line, as she works toward bringing in a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to collaborate with on new formulations. In addition to potential new products, she is looking to potentially re-formulate the brand’s current products as high palatability supplements, taking the functional benefits to a new level.

“I’m investing in the knowledge and expertise to make sure what I create is effective and legit,” Smith said. “It’s a challenge, but it’s a good challenge.”

Among other product-related goals, Smith is hoping to expand Parents2Pawz’s product line to include novel proteins, a direction she was already considering due to Kairo’s dietary needs. As much of the industry sticks to chicken, beef and pork proteins, Smith sees a key opportunity to serve the pet parents who need something a little different than the average protein source.

Source: Parents2Pawz

From an operational standpoint, Smith is hoping to expand the Parents2Pawz’s production capabilities by either hiring additional help in the kitchen or through partnering with a co-packer that meets the brand’s quality standards.

“I won’t compromise — I’m not going to waver on any of that simply for a higher production capacity,” she said.

Currently, Parents2Pawz products are sold direct-to-consumer (DTC) through the brand’s website and through Shopify as well as markets and pop-up events. In the future, she wants to expand Parents2Pawz’s retail presence and enter independent pet stores to reach more pet parents.

The Black Pet Business Network’s R.I.S.E program, in which Smith is participating, helps support all of these goals and ambitions for Parents2Pawz, providing Smith with tools, relationships and brand visibility to evolve and grow. Smith said the program has already sharpened her thinking about her business, pushing her to decide which products she truly wants to bring to market. Smith plans to use her new connections and resources to expand Parents2Pawz and reach more pet parents with similar pet concerns.

“I want to do everything correctly,” Smith said. “I’m thankful for this program for already pushing me to advance my business.”

Founded out of the love for her own dog, Parents2Pawz is growing under Smith’s guidance with the same intention, quality and care that have defined every treat from the beginning.

Autumn Smith, founder of Parents2Pawz, is one of five founders in the pet industry participating in the Black Pet Business Network’s R.I.S.E program. At SUPERZOO, on Aug. 12 at 10:00 a.m., R.I.S.E participants will share their businesses with the industry during the Next Wave Pitch Competition.

Read more about the other founders and companies participating in R.I.S.E.