This month’s founder: Dr Lucy McKinna Noochy Poochy

UK

My vegan story

One morning 15 years ago, I woke up at 3am and just started crying for all the things I’d seen and been part of on farms throughout vet school and a few months as a mixed animal vet. Something just finally gave in, and I allowed myself to truly see and acknowledge how horrendous animal farming was and how upset I was by it.

Early inspiration

Five years ago, underwhelmed by the ingredient list on the back of the plant-based dog food I purchased, I became determined to make a comprehensive and complete dog food range. I felt there would be others like me, who would feed their dog a vegan diet if they were able to find a truly great product — where the health of the dogs eating it was of obvious and equal priority to the animals saved by not being in it.

Tips for other start-ups

DO IT! (Obviously)

The best thing about being vegan

Aside from how much better I feel (I mean in my heart — so much less guilt), I would argue that the ease of washing up after a veegz meal in comparison with a meal with animal products in it is the best ever bonus you could ask for.

You’re stranded on an island. What one vegan product/treat would you want with you?

There is nothing more miserable than being sunburnt — I should know! I’d be reaching for Attitude’s vegan, reef-friendly and cruelty-free ECOLOGO certified SPF 35 sunscreen while eagerly awaiting rescue.

Fun fact

My partner Tom and I met when we both had a crazy German dog each (me a Doberman, him a Rottie). Much to his despair, we now have 11 dogs and cats in total (courtesy of a stint in the Middle East) and Tom cannot escape, as he’s now a partner in the business.

What’s next

Oh, we have big plans. To take on the conventional pet food market… and prove that a (truly comprehensive, premium quality) plant-based diet is the best option for our growing number of dogs and the planet around us.

For more from Noochy Poochy, visit noochypoochy.com.

“I became determined to make a comprehensive and ” complete dog food range