Totally Raw Pet Food continuing to automate production to reach new markets 

News release

ACOA Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor and Parliamentary Secretary Darren Fisher chat with Totally Raw Pet Food Founder and CEO Karen Campbell at her storefront location in Dartmouth.
ACOA Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Parliamentary Secretary Darren Fisher and Janine Fraser, Director General of ACOA NS met with Karen Campbell, Founder and CEO of Totally Raw Pet Food, during a site visit at the Dartmouth facility in April.

Government of Canada funding helps pet food company expand and grow

May 8, 2023 · Dartmouth, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

ACOA’s strong connection with local businesses continues to play a vital role in ensuring that they are well positioned to find innovative solutions to today’s challenges. That is why the Government of Canada is helping Totally Raw Pet Food complete automation improvements so it can take control of its supply chain and meet growing customer demand.

Today, Darren Fisher, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Seniors and Member of Parliament for Dartmouth – Cole Harbour, announced a repayable contribution of $75,000, through ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program, to Totally Raw Pet Food. The investment will enhance the company’s manufacturing ability through the purchase of high-speed, automated equipment, ensuring it can produce its own bone ingredients for its numerous pet food recipes.

The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.

Last month, PS Fisher and Minister Petitpas Taylor had the opportunity to tour the company’s retail and production facilities in Darmouth to see its growth and hear about future plans. Totally Raw Pet Food grew from a small, family-run operation to a company with over 35 employees and exports across the country.

In addition to the support announced today, the Agency provided the company with a $105,000 repayable contribution in 2022 to acquire specialized, automated processing equipment to increase capacity, control inventory, improve quality and contribute to the company’s growth plan. ACOA also invested a repayable contribution of $365,625 in 2019 to support the purchase of processing equipment to help Totally Raw Pet Food meet growing local and national demand for its products.

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting projects that create efficiencies and help businesses scale up and reach new markets.  

Quotes

“The vitality of businesses across Atlantic Canada is key to our economic vibrancy. We’ll continue to invest in local businesses that are poised to seize growth opportunities through innovation and expand into new markets. The success of our local businesses builds resiliency in our communities and plays an important role in building a stronger future for all Canadians.”
- The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Totally Raw Pet Food is a Dartmouth success story that began with a personal need and grew through innovation, support, and determination to become Atlantic Canada’s largest producer of quality, healthy dog food. Totally Raw identified a need and built a highly successful business around making sure their in-demand products found their way to growing markets, building a strong foundation for economic success.”
- Darren Fisher, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Seniors and Member of Parliament for Dartmouth – Cole Harbour

“Raw pet food was a new concept in Canada when we began our relationship with ACOA 20 years ago. ACOA’s continued support has been pivotal in our growth and success. In addition, ACOA’s assistance has directly contributed to the meaningful employment of Atlantic Canadians. We look forward to the future – providing the best food for our best friends."
- Karen Campbell, Founder and CEO, Totally Raw Pet Food  

Quick facts

  • Founded in 2003 by Karen Campbell and Doug Malloy, Totally Raw Natural Dog Food Inc. (Totally Raw Pet Food) is Atlantic Canada’s largest producer and distributor of quality, healthy raw pet food, dehydrated treats, and pet supplements.

  • The company has two modern, state-of-the-art, processing facilities in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia and three retail storefronts in Halifax, Dartmouth, and Moncton.

  • Totally Raw has won several awards, including the 2019 "Small Business of the Year" from the Halifax Chamber of Commerce and the "Canadian Market Champion of the Year" at the 2019 Nova Scotia Export Achievement Awards, presented by Nova Scotia Business Inc. (now known as Invest Nova Scotia). It has also secured a national listing in Canadian Tire retail locations for its dehydrated pet treats.

  • Totally Raw has recently developed a nationwide partnership with TJX (Winners, Home Sense and Marshalls) for their natural dehydrated pet treats. 

Associated links

Contacts

Marianne Blondin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Official Languages and of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Marianne.Blondin@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Lauren Sinclair
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
782-641-6365
Lauren.Sinclair@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Karen Campbell
CEO
Totally Raw Natural Dog Food Inc.
karen@totallyrawdogfood.com

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