Have you ever been curious about feeding a raw diet? Wondering what some of the benefits and challenges might be?

Now, let’s get to the interview!

Transcription:

Laura Wombwell
Hi there, it’s Laura from Laura Wombwell Photography. And joining me today is Connor McAndrew of The Loyal Butcher. Hi, Connor, I’m so excited to be chatting with you today.

Connor McAndrew
Hi, Laura. I’m super excited as well. Thank you for having me on here.

Laura Wombwell
You’re so welcome. So I would love to know what got you started with The Loyal Butcher.

Connor McAndrew
So it It started about nine years ago, essentially the journey with my first dog, Dante, who’s a Cane Corso. And essentially, I was just trying to find my way into the industry, I was just about to start high school, and I was looking at different jobs. And I started working at Wag & Train back in the day. So starting off in the daycare industry, and doing dog walking on the side, as well as training. So it started off really with that, and then eventually transitioned to about five years ago, four or five years ago, when I decided to make a leap with the loyal butcher. And essentially, that was because of the issues that I was having with Dante and the food that he was eating, he was eating a kibble based diet, and we kept on jumping back and forth between different brands. And he just continued having issues. So I was just on my own kind of trying to figure out what would what would be best for him. So I just started researching and discussing with other breeders, vets who were open to alternatives, and yeah, just exploring and experimenting, and I landed up with feeding him a raw based diet. And that’s really how it all started. I just wanted to share the benefits that he was receiving with everybody else, it was just such a noticeable change. And yeah, that’s kind of what kicked off The Loyal Butcher.

Laura Wombwell
So how would you describe The Loyal Butcher to someone who hadn’t heard of you before?

Connor McAndrew
So The Loyal Butcher is a monthly meal plan service where we curate different meal plans based on your dog’s needs. And we deliver the food right to your doorstep. We help you through the transition from if you’re feeding kibble or another food, and then we help you through the ongoing nutrition as long as you’re with us.

Laura Wombwell
Excellent. So why raw food? I know you mentioned your dog Dante kind of got got you started down that road. But what what can you tell us about your experiences with feeding raw and helping others feed raw?

Connor McAndrew
Totally. So why raw is because it’s what’s biologically appropriate for their bodies. It’s like junk food for us. It’s not something that’s meant to be there, although I admit to eating that often. But yeah, it’s essentially just the proper fuel for their system. If you look back to them sharing 99.9% of their DNA with wolves and what they eat. That is essentially why it made sense and was a logical step to make that transition to raw. As far as the benefits – they go on and on. Whether it’s healthier coat and skin, a lot of dogs have inflammation issues that stem from kibble based diets. So that was something that I immediately noticed with Dante was the inflammation issues, whether it was hotspots that he was having, or anything like that. So that started to go away. The stools, which is a really good representation of what is going on internally with the dog. His stools were completely different as far as when he was on a kibble based diet, they were loose, there was a ton of of waste essentially. And when we transitioned over, the stools firmed up, there’s a lot less waste and Yeah, so those are just a few of the benefits of raw.

Laura Wombwell
So what is your favorite thing to help people with inside of your business?

Connor McAndrew
My favorite thing is, is helping them work through the issues that they’re currently having with their dogs. And it’s honestly, nine times out of 10, it’s just switching them over to a raw diet, as I mentioned before, inflammation is, is the big issue in dogs. So if I can help them, alleviate those inflammation issues, or reduce them significantly, or altogether go away, then that is what I love about it is seeing the pet owners them, seeing the enjoyment and life come back in their dogs, and them just being able to live their lives. So seeing their dogs or themselves just be happy. That’s the best part of my job.

Laura Wombwell
So I know raw food has some very vocal supporters, and then faces some challenges as well with kind of getting a foothold in in the pet food industry. Do you work with pet nutritionists and experts? And what’s some of the information out there?

Connor McAndrew
So, I’m actually a certified nutritionist myself. I do work and discuss the topic with other nutritionists out there or other vets. There are lots of resources out there. And there’s more studies being done. And that’s kind of the big thing between traditional vets and holistic vets is the studies being out there, that’s what what they want to see right to have some proof to have some evidence of, of the benefits. So Dr. Karen Becker, she’s a great resource. Hmm, honestly, there’s so many of them, but she’s kind of one of the key ones for me when I started out. And they are she was one of the leaders in that charge of spreading the word of the benefits of a raw based diet. So she has been pretty instrumental for me as well as other local, holistic vets breeders, and just reading and consuming as much other content from other reputable sources as well.

Laura Wombwell
Excellent. So what would you say are some of the challenges that you face operating your business?

Connor McAndrew
The challenges that I face are pretty well, just retaining the clients, right for the most part. As long as they have a successful transition, and ongoing experience, then that’s the key. The challenges, honestly, Nya is just kind of bugging me, right now. But one of the challenges is working with the vets who aren’t necessarily on board with a raw based diet. So whether it’s working alongside them, or just getting feedback from my members, and what they’re going through with their vets. Now, I’m not a vet, I don’t claim to be a vet or anything like that. But yeah, just going through their kind of personal journeys with their dogs with their vets and the issues that do arise along the way and how to handle them appropriately. And, and, yeah, that’s probably the biggest challenge.

Laura Wombwell
I think, you know, if you walk into any pet food store these days, you can see that raw is becoming more and more popular. Are you seeing more vets gradually being receptive to it?

Connor McAndrew
Yes, there’s definitely more of us who are being more receptive to it. The education component is one of those big challenges, right? So having as much information for my members to to either one to have access to me, that’s one of the big things that I try to provide to my members is access to myself so that I can answer questions. I can provide them with information so that they feel confident in what they are feeding their dog. And yeah, that’s definitely one of the things.

Laura Wombwell
What’s something that you wish that the general public knew about feeding raw?

Connor McAndrew
So yeah, just so that they knew that it’s safe to feed, just like our food being, whether it’s chicken, turkey, beef, any of the meats that we consume, it’s the same principles as far as cleaning or handling. Just transfer that over to the dog’s food. So if we just carry those principles over, you shouldn’t have much to worry about regarding salmonella comes up as far as a lot of pet owners wondering if their kids are going to get sick from that or other kind of bacterial related things. I just break it down as far as it’s the same as cooking a steak or getting any other meat prepared. So as long as you keep things clean, wash things up, sterilize things, you’re good to go.

Laura Wombwell
And the meat from your supplier is prepared in certified facility, correct?

Connor McAndrew
Yes, correct. They are a HACCP facility. And there are only one of three facilities in all of Canada. So that’s a pretty, pretty good thing to carry with you as a manufacturer, and it just is the right way to do things.

Laura Wombwell
So if someone was feeding a different diet currently, and wanted to make that transition to raw, what would be their first steps?

Connor McAndrew
The first steps would be emailing me or giving me a call. But essentially, for the most part, we have them fast for 24 hours. And then we make the transition over to a raw diet 100%. Now, some, some pet owners ask about weaning off of a kibble based diet to transition over. Personally, I don’t believe in kibble as a product. So I don’t recommend them to wean them off of something that’s already not good for them, it’s not going to have any more of an adverse effect on their system. If you were to just transition 100% over so that’s why I recommend that and the sooner that they’re that they’re on 100% raw diet, the sooner that they’ll be receiving those great benefits that go with it.

Laura Wombwell
Okay, so we’ve talked a bunch about how you are helping families and their pets have an excellent diet. I would love to talk a little bit about your pets who is living with you currently and how did they come to be there?

Connor McAndrew
So I have three Cane corsos not cane corsos a lot of people mistake them for that. So they’re Italian mastiffs. My oldest is Dante as I mentioned, he’s about nine years old. And then I have Ezra who is the daughter of Nya and Dante. So Nya is also the other one. So Dante he’s nine, Nya she’s four and Ezra he’s two. So I have the three of them in the house. So there’s a lot of weight being thrown around and a bit of slobber but that’s why we love them. So here’s actually use Nya, here’s one of them. So, yeah, they love being close to you or laying on top of you. There’s they’re super friendly and cuddly, they need socialization just like any other breed. It’s how you raise them. And they can be as good as any other dog out there, they may look a little bit scary, but they’re great dogs.

Laura Wombwell
Nice. So what are some of your favorite things to do with your three dogs here in the area.

Unknown Speaker
So, going on walks, training them, I used to do a bit of Schutzhund myself. So getting into the protection world and obedience world. I also showed them a lot in the States through ICCF. They are AKC registered and ICCF registered, so they do have their paperwork, so I can do that stuff. But yeah, just playing around. They love good game of tug. So that’s that’s what we do a lot. But just getting out adventuring, seeing new places. That’s what we love to do.

Laura Wombwell
Nice. Are there any resources that we don’t have here in southwestern Ontario that you would like to see for your dogs?

Unknown Speaker
Um, honestly, the resources are out there. I think. If anything, it would just be connecting those resources with people more whether it be the clubs, the organizations, making people more aware of them. I think that’s the big disconnect. It’s not that there aren’t enough of them. It’s just knowing where to look. And that’s kind of the big thing, as far as what I’ve experienced with my dogs.

Laura Wombwell
Absolutely. So I really appreciate you spending some time with me today, Connor. Before we end off, I have some quickfire questions for you.

Connor McAndrew
Fire away.

Laura Wombwell
All right. cat or dog?

Connor McAndrew
Dog.

Laura Wombwell
Favorite breed?

Connor McAndrew
Cane Corso

Laura Wombwell
What are your pets favorite treats?

Connor McAndrew
They love a good marrowbone Yeah, the marrow bones are key.

Laura Wombwell
Are your dogs full of beans full of dreams or full of something entirely different?

Connor McAndrew
I’d say dreams, they they sleep quite a bit. And they they do that every day. So I’d say they’re dreaming quite a bit.

Laura Wombwell
If a human actor were to play your dogs in a movie, which actors would play that?

Connor McAndrew
I think it would be The Three Stooges. So Larry, Moe and curly.

Laura Wombwell
I love that answer. Finally, if time and money were no object, what an incredible thing that you would do to spoil your pets?

Connor McAndrew
I feel like they’re already spoiled. But um, I would say probably, if I could I’d bring them back to Italy and have them see their homeland.

Laura Wombwell
Nice. Oh, that would be amazing. Well, Connor, I really appreciate you spending some time today. So before we close it out, how can the pet parents of southwestern Ontario best support you and your business?

Connor McAndrew
So you can find me online at www dot the loyal butcher co.com or you can email me at the loyal butcher co@gmail.com that’s the best way. Or if you know anybody else that’s already dealing with me. Then you can ask them how it’s going. And yeah, I’d be happy to chat with anybody out there. I’m here to help you and your dog. That’s, that’s why I do what I do. I love helping people and their dogs. So let’s, let’s make a change in your dog’s lifestyle.

Laura Wombwell
Sounds fantastic. Well, thank you so much, Connor. And thank you for listening. This is Laura Wombwell of Laura Wombwell Photography and Connor McAndrew of The Loyal Butcher. And we both hope that you and your pets have an awesome day.

Connor McAndrew
Bye. Thank you so much for having me, Laura. This was awesome. Look forward to seeing you in the future and you take care.

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