Pet Food Processing - January 2025 - 46

COMPANY PROFILE
Searching for sustainability
A key benefit to the alternative proteins that Arch Pet Food
uses in its products is that they are highly sustainable in
comparison to traditional proteins used in pet food such as
chicken and beef.
" One of the biggest challenges is producing a product
that is legitimately better for pets than what's on the market
and also very sustainable, " Mutschler said. " For us, it's
kind of a no brainer. Cricket protein, black soldier fly larvae
or Silver carp, they're ridiculously nutritious and incredibly
sustainable.
" It almost feels too easy in some ways, " he added. " For
example, cricket uses 99% less water per pound for production
than beef, so there are elements of what we do that are
inherently way more sustainable. "
According to the two founders, the company will not
compromise on what it stands for, meaning striving for the
best both nutritionally and sustainably is a top priority.
Ensuring that all bases of Arch's carbon footprint are
addressed, packaging is also a priority, with all of its treat
The Arch team
attended Global
Pet Expo 2024 in
Orlando, Fla., to
help spread the
word about its
product portfolio.
being able to provide a sustainable solution to pet parents
who are struggling to find options for their pets.
" When we're at a market or talking to a customer,
they'll say something about how their dog can't eat soand-so, "
Mutschler explained. " Seeing their face when
we tell them that we made these products because of that
problem is the best. " There are millions of dogs in the
United States alone that have these issues, so it's very fun
to be able to be in this space. "
Crickets, a key ingredient in Arch's products, contain all
10 essential amino acids and are full of essential nutrients,
including vitamin B, calcium, potassium, and Omega 3
and 6 fatty acids. Additionally, Arch's products are gluten,
soy, beef, chicken and dairy free, avoiding all of the most
common allergies among dogs.
The brand's functional treats offer specific health benefits.
The varieties include Skin & Coat Health, Hip & Joint
Health, Digestive Health and Calming Bites with CBD, as
well as single-ingredient Silver carp treats
for cats and dogs.
" There's a notion that when you buy a
hypoallergenic product, you're not necessarily
focused on the nutrition aspect, " del
Pino said. " But when you look at insects,
whitefish or even spirulina, the vegan protein
that we use, they're all really nutritious
and robust in addition to being sustainable.
So, we look for whether we can get the best
of everything. "
Arch offers functional treats formulated to
target specific nutrition needs in pets.
46 PET FOOD PROCESSING | Jan-Feb 2025 | www.petfoodprocessing.net
packaging using post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic.
" We've focused heavily on how we can continue to be as
responsible as possible on the packaging side, " Mutschler
said. " Ingredients are going to be the biggest contributor in
pet to sustainability and packaging is a close second. "
What keeps pulling me
into this business is how much
opportunity there is to make
a difference in pets' lives and
for the planet. "
Adam Mutschler, Arch
According to Mutschler, as of the end of 2024, the
brand's treat packaging contained about 41% PCR material,
which is well above average.
" The current [packaging] supplier that we have is moving
to 50% PCR which we're really excited about, " he added.
The company also uses US-based co-manufacturers
throughout the Midwest in an effort to further reduce its
carbon footprint.
" When talking about sustainability, there's ingredients,
packaging, processing and then there's locality. We've
looked at all four with intentionality, " del Pino explained.
Mutschler cites sustainability as a key factor for his excitement
in his company and a driving force for continued
innovation and improvement.
" I don't have any pets, but what keeps pulling me into
this business is how much opportunity there is to make a
difference in pets' lives and for the planet, " he said.
In addition to prioritizing sustainable choices in its production
practices, Arch also participates in environmental
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