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Biz Buzz shares business tidbits from the tri-state area. In addition to this update from Dubuque, we will share more developments in Tuesday’s edition.
A new pet supply store has opened in Dubuque with a focus on fresh, healthy products.
Raw Rations Pet Food and Wellness recently opened at 2600 Dodge St., Suite C1, next to JOANN Fabric in Plaza 20. The store offers a variety of raw food for cats and dogs, healthy treats and other pet-supply products.
“We specialize in frozen food and clean-feeding options, … but we have a little bit of everything,” said co-owner Chelsie Parrell. “We have toys and treats and some specialty sports gear, so it’s not just pet food.”
Parrell runs Raw Rations with her husband, Dustin. The business started as a frozen pet food delivery service in 2020 before expanding to include a shipping component and retail location in Sauk City, Wis., in March of 2021.
As the business continued to grow, Parrell said it became clear that demand was high enough to support a second location. When a longtime staff member announced a move to Dubuque, it sparked interest in setting up shop on the other side of the Mississippi River.
“Doing some market research, Dubuque didn’t really have any (independent) pet stores like us,” Parrell said. “It felt like it was a great fit for us, and because of our delivery routes, we already had some existing clients (in the area).”
The mainstay of the business is raw pet food, which encompasses foods that consist of uncooked or minimally prepared animal parts. It can come frozen, freeze-dried or dehydrated, and the store also carries a variety of dry food.
Consumer demand for such products has grown in recent years, which Parrell attributed to its qualities and benefits. Raw food is typically higher in protein and has higher moisture levels, she said, and it more closely mirrors the diets of animals’ ancestors.
Raw Rations stocks various brands of dog and cat food, and staff are trained on the ingredients and benefits of the various offerings.
“We try to provide a full-service, knowledgeable experience for pet owners,” Parrell said. “We’re looking forward to helping a new community with having access to clean feeding options.”
Raw Rations Pet Food and Wellness is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Additional information is available online at rawrations.com.