Rachael Ray Opens Up About Her Dog’s Unique Name and Helping Animals in Need

Animal lover, cookbook author, celebrity chef, TV personality and businesswoman Rachael Ray introduced Nutrish™ pet food in 2008. Since then, Nutrish™ has had a portion of the proceeds from each sale of Nutrish™ dog and cat food products go to The Rachael Ray Foundation™, which helps animals in need.

Rachael Ray spoke to us all about the new packaging for Nutrish™ and how her adorable pup Isaboo is a driving force behind the brand.

Image via: Post Consumer Brands

ParadePets:

Can you tell me about how the Rachael Ray Foundation helped pets after the
horrific LA fires along with the ASPCA and the Best Friends Animal Society?

Rachael Ray:

During the LA fires, the Rachael Ray Foundation’s partners, ASPCA and Best Friends Animal
Society, worked closely to provide much-needed help for pets in crisis. Together, they were able to deliver emergency supplies, shelter, and medical care to animals who had been displaced or hurt. They also helped with the long-term goal of finding loving homes for those pets once the immediate danger passed. It was an incredibly challenging time, but our partnership with these organizations changed the lives of so many animals.

ParadePets:

Did you have pets growing up? Bella is your only fur baby now? How did
you decide to adopt her? Does she have any funny quirks? How has pet adoption
influenced your life?

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Rachael Ray:

We grew up near Lake George, New York, and I was surrounded by animals. I lost my first
Pit Bull, Boo, in 2005 and adopted again soon after that. I loved the name Isabella but wanted to honor Boo so we named her Isaboo. She was our baby, and she traveled all over with us. She played a big role in why I wanted to develop the pet food brand Nutrish™.

When she passed away in 2020, we adopted Bella Boo and kept the name tradition going. So, as you can see, pet adoption has really influenced my life. It’s why a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Nutrish™ has always gone to animal welfare— like shelters and spay/neuter programs — as well as other charities helping animals in need.

ParadePets:

What inspired you to start Nutrish™? If you could sum up the top three
benefits of Nutrish™ for pet parents what would they be?

Rachael Ray:

I helped found Nutrish™ back in 2008 because of my deep-rooted passion for animals. What really inspired me was the experience of cooking for my own dogs too. Why shouldn’t they have a quality meal? I’m proud to say that Nutrish™, as part of Post® Consumer Brands today, continues to uphold our core mission which is to provide pets with premium recipes made with real ingredients at an affordable price.

The top three benefits of Nutrish™ for pet parents to know would be sensible nutrition made
with high-quality, real ingredients as well as ongoing commitment to helping animals in need.

1. Nutrish™ delivers reliable, safe and delicious recipes using real chicken, beef, vegetables, and seafood ensuring pets, both dogs and cats, receive complete and balanced food in wet and dry as well as treats to help your pet thrive.

2. Nutrish™ emphasizes transparent communication, enabling pet parents to understand exactly what they are feeding their pets and can feel confident in their decisions. Nutrish™ now puts product claims and nutritional credentials at the forefront on graphics and in communication

3. Nutrish™ uses a portion of its proceeds to support animal shelters and organizations through the Rachael Ray Foundation which has donated $95 million to help animals in need.

ParadePets:

Are you developing any new pet products?

Rachael Ray:

Nutrish™ has recently undergone a packaging refresh featuring modern, premium and beautiful new designs. This new look not only enhances the shelf appeal but also reflects the continued commitment to sensible nutrition through a variety of Whole Health Blend recipes delivering key benefits: active mind, healthy body, and balanced energy. On top of amazing everyday recipes offering in the Whole Health Blend line-up, Nutrish™ recently released new formulas that offer enhanced nutritional benefits.

The new formulas include Nutrish™ Whole Health Blend Large Breed for dogs, which is tailored to meet the nutritional needs of larger breeds; Nutrish™ Everyday Immune Support for dogs, designed to promote immune and digestive health; and Nutrish™ Everyday Digestion for Cats, formulated with prebiotics, live probiotics, and fiber-rich ingredients to support digestive wellness.

ParadePets:

Does Bella help taste test products?

Rachael Ray:

Yes, it is safe to say Bella is the number one fan of Nutrish™ ! Currently, Bella gets excited whenever eating the Nutrish™ Large Breed Real Chicken, Pea, Brown Rice & Carrot recipe. It’s similar to the Spring Chicken with Carrots and Peas dish I prepare too.

ParadePets:

Does Bella go overseas with you when you travel?

Rachael Ray:

Yes, of course, we take Bella overseas to our home in Tuscany. We bought the home in 2019 and made a whole TV show about how we restored this old farmhouse – it was called “ Rachael Ray’s Italian Dream Home” and you can stream it here on FYI. Bella makes a bunch of cameos in the episodes. She is also always popping up behind the scenes of my cooking show which we film in our home in Tuscany – Rachael Ray in Tuscany. Here is a fun photo of Bella from my Instagram in Italy.

Thanks to Rachael Ray for answering all of our questions! If you’d like to follow Rachael on Instagram you can do so here, and to learn more all about Nutrish™ and how it can help your pet live their best life, you can visit its website.

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