Why Zero Waste Matters: Our Commitment to Sustainability and Utilizing the Whole Animal
Did you know that around 8% of global CO2 emissions come from food waste? As the global population continues to grow, the environmental impact of discarded food is becoming more significant. We believe it's time to rethink how we handle food and animal by-products. That’s why we’ve made it apart of our mission to ensure our products create zero waste, utilizing every part of the animal, as well as fruits and vegetables.
Our Journey: Crafting a Company with Purpose
When we first started, we committed to developing values that would guide us every step of the way. Over the course of two years, we carefully created our company vision, which included everything from packaging to sourcing practices and so much more. We’ve used this foundation to refine our formulations, enhance our protocols, and collaborate with industry leaders to reduce our environmental footprint.
One of the most impactful partnerships we've forged is with The Salish Center for Sustainable Fishing Methods. Their focus on reef-net fishing in the Salish Sea aligns perfectly with our mission, ensuring zero bycatch and the preservation of future salmon runs. They also cultivate sugar kelp off-season, helping us create a more balanced, nutrient-rich product. Together, we’re committed to sustainability, conservation, and supporting the local ecosystem, including the resident Orcas.
Using the Whole Animal for Zero Waste
We control every aspect of production, which allows us to use the entire salmon—nothing goes to waste. By utilizing every part of the animal, from the heads and tails to the bones and organs, we’re able to preserve nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that support the health of both canines and felines. Our approach isn’t just about minimizing waste; it’s about creating a product that truly benefits your animals and creates a more enriching experience for all.
Here’s how we use the whole animal:
- Heads & Tails: Freeze-dried heads and tails are rich in niacin (Vitamin B3) and calcium, supporting digestion, energy conversion, brain function, and play behavior.
- Salmon Meat: The lean protein from salmon meat is crucial for balanced nutrition and is available in products sold at Erewhon, Lazy Acres, Fermentation Farm, and Pug & Hound Apothecary.
- Carcass, Bones, Residual Meat, & Broth: We use leftover carcass meat and broth to enrich various recipes, providing essential minerals and nutrients. Our Salmon Furikake is a great example of this.
- Salmon Skins: Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, our freeze-dried salmon skins enhance skin and coat health, and can be found at Erewhon locations across California.
Our Commitment
We deeply respect the animals that sustain us and remain dedicated to using them in their entirety. We believe in the importance of seasonally harvesting and continue to explore new avenues of resourcefulness with a strong network of partners. We’re proud of the difference we’re making, not only in the health of our animals but also in the preservation of the environment.
We know your animals will love our products—and we’re committed to continuing this journey toward a more sustainable future.
