Melissa Smith, a resident of Montclair, New Jersey, founded Local Dog Food Co. after witnessing the significant improvements in her rescue dog Roscoe's digestion due to homemade meals. Roscoe, a mix of pit bull and schnauzer, struggled with traditional grocery store dog food, prompting Smith to cook for him at home. "It was miraculous," she said, noting that his condition quickly improved.

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Last year, Smith expanded her cooking efforts into a business, running Local Dog Food Co. alongside her husband, Matthew. Her daily routine now includes grocery shopping, cooking meals in her kitchen, and delivering orders to customers.

The trend of opting for homemade dog food over processed options has gained traction as pet owners become more health-conscious. Smith's passion for dog nutrition stems from her upbringing in a dog-loving family, where her grandmother, a founder of Virginia’s Animal Aid Society, would prepare large quantities of dog food, referred to as "dog slop," for shelter animals.

To ensure her recipes are both delicious and nutritionally balanced, Smith worked with a veterinary nutritionist. She uses meats sourced from Taffera Family Farms along with grains, sweet potatoes, eggs, fruits, and vegetables in her meals. Local Dog Food Co.'s recipes adhere to the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials for adult dogs.

The company offers subscriptions or individual orders, with an 18-ounce portion priced at $12 plus shipping. Smith provides free delivery within Montclair and surrounding areas, charging $10 for deliveries up to 15 miles away. She aims to expand her delivery service statewide by late 2027. Orders can also be picked up at her home or purchased at local markets, including Montclair’s Van Hook Cheese & Grocery and Ironbound Farm Market, where she also sells at the Montclair Farmers Market on Saturdays.

Smith connects with her community of pet owners through her Instagram account, @localdogco. "I know all my customers," she said, emphasizing her desire to engage more deeply with her community.