Wild Earth

Wild Earth, Inc. operates within the pet food industry, specializing in the development and sale of high-protein, plant-based dog food. The company was co-founded in 2017 by Ryan Bethencourt, an early investor in cellular agriculture and biotech, and Abril Estrada. Their journey began with a shared concern for the environmental impact and health implications of traditional meat-based pet food. Bethencourt's background in biotechnology and sustainable food ventures, including co-founding IndieBio, directly informed the company's scientific approach to creating animal-free pet nutrition.

The company's core business revolves around a direct-to-consumer model, selling its products primarily through its website and online retailers. Wild Earth's product line is centered on a proprietary blend of fungi, specifically a strain of Aspergillus oryzae known as Koji, which serves as the primary protein source. This approach is positioned as a sustainable alternative to meat, requiring significantly fewer resources to produce. The dog food is formulated to be nutritionally complete, offering a high-protein content that appeals to health-conscious pet owners seeking alternatives for dogs with common meat allergies or sensitivities.

A significant milestone in the company's history was its appearance on the television show "Shark Tank" in 2019. During the show, Ryan Bethencourt secured a $550,000 investment from billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban for a 10% stake in the company. This event provided not only capital but also substantial public visibility, which helped to accelerate its growth and brand recognition. The company targets dog owners who are focused on health, wellness, and sustainability, offering products such as plant-based kibble, supplements, and treats. Revenue is generated through the sale of these consumer-packaged goods.

Keywords: pet food, plant-based, direct-to-consumer, dog nutrition, Koji protein, sustainable pet products, biotech, animal-free, pet supplements, vegan dog food