New Gold Standard in Pet Care: How Side by Side Pet Is Using AI and Whole Foods to Redefine Dog Nutrition

The pet food industry is rapidly evolving, with more pet owners demanding healthier, natural options for their furry companions. This shift is driven by an increasing awareness of the benefits of whole foods and the harmful effects of processed diets. Leading this change is Side by Side Pet, a company that’s exploring new avenues in pet nutrition with its patented AI tool, whole food ingredients, and the ancient wisdom of Eastern Food Therapy (EFT). Founded by Carol Bramson, Side by Side Pet is setting a new standard in pet care.

As part of a booming $247 billion global pet market, the pet food segment alone is valued at $121 billion and shows no signs of slowing down. With over 86 million households in the U.S. owning canine pets, the demand for healthier, natural food options has never been higher. Consumers are becoming more discerning, turning away from traditional, heavily processed food, especially kibble, that lacks essential nutrients. Instead, they’re seeking products that promise better health and longevity for their pets. The raw, freeze-dried pet food market, for example, generated $300 million in sales in 2019 and is projected to reach $800 million by 2024 — a trend that Side by Side Pet is perfectly positioned to ride.

A Holistic Approach to Pet Nutrition

Side by Side Pet offers a comprehensive approach to pet nutrition, focusing on whole foods and the time-tested principles of Eastern Food Therapy. Traditional pet foods often fall short of meeting pets’ nutritional needs, contributing to various health issues. With three decades of experience in health, nutrition, and private equity, Carol Bramson has turned her passion for her dog, Wrigley, into a game-changing brand that addresses the deficiencies in traditional pet diets.

By incorporating EFT, Side by Side crafts recipes tailored to the unique needs of each pet, promoting inner balance and well-being. This ancient philosophy views food as medicine, utilizing ingredients’ energetic properties — cooling (yin), warming (yang), or neutral (balanced) — to select the best whole foods for each dog’s specific needs.

What Else Sets Side by Side Apart?

But what truly sets Side by Side apart is their proprietary AI-powered Balance Indicator. This isn’t just another pet food company but a tech-savvy brand offering personalized nutrition recommendations. By simply uploading a picture of their dog with its tongue out, pet owners can tap into the Balance Indicator. The AI analyzes the image, identifying energetic imbalances in the pet and recommending the perfect diet to restore harmony and boost overall health. This unique tool gives Side by Side a cutting-edge advantage in a crowded market.

The Market Is Ripe for Disruption

Navigating the pet food market can be a minefield. Traditional kibble still dominates, largely due to aggressive marketing from big brands. However, a seismic shift is underway as more pet owners demand transparency and clean ingredients. Celebrities, influencers, and veterinarians, especially those versed in Eastern Food Therapy, are pushing the benefits of whole foods, and consumers are paying attention.

Studies from institutions like Purdue University and Helsinki University show that even a partial switch to whole food alternatives (20-25% of the diet) can significantly improve pets’ quality of life and longevity. To cater to this trend, Side by Side offers whole food diets in topper formats, allowing pet owners to enhance their pets’ food with healthier options. The company’s commitment to transparency and purity in ingredient sourcing has won over customers, retailers, and, of course, dogs.

“There’s immense potential for growth in this market,” says Bramson. Side by Side is looking to partner with like-minded companies and expand into new product segments. “The pet sector is challenging and highly competitive; meaningful change will come through collaboration.”

Looking to the Future

The future of pet nutrition looks promising. Trends are moving towards whole foods and personalized nutrition plans, perfectly aligning with Side by Side’s approach. The company is strategically positioned to lead this shift, offering innovative solutions that enhance pets’ health and well-being and supporting pet owners in making the best dietary decisions for their pets. As more pet owners seek healthier options, Side by Side Pet is setting a new gold standard in pet wellness and nutrition.