Meet Jill Villaluna of Upward Dog Provisions in Venice Beach

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Villaluna.

Jill, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Dog food was never on my vision board. It evolved out of necessity and love.

My pups, Tiffany and Jackson, started having health issues early on. First, it was the occasional ear infection, runny eyes, and sores on their paws. As they aged, their symptoms became more frequent, more severe and they started developing skin tags and fatty tumors. Medication didn’t work very well or for very long, and many treatment options were inconvenient, expensive and invasive.

Frustrated and desperate, I began looking into their diet and learning about how proper nutrition could support their body’s natural healing and recovery response. I took it down to the basics, exploring the canine’s ancestral diet and unique digestive system.

I discovered that canine ancestors thrived on a diet of fresh meats and wild grasses. They would scavenge for carbohydrates only when fresh prey wasn’t available. Separating meats from carbs allowed their bodies to efficiently digest proteins and fats, easily absorbing the essential amino acids and fatty acids that are required for healthy bodily function.

I was shocked to find carbohydrate fillers in nearly every commercially available dog food. Sweet potato, chickpea, quinoa, lentil, corn, oat, rice, etc., are common ingredients in even the most premium brands. These starchy carbs are rarely eaten raw and require cooking or processing to make them digestible. Surely canine ancestors would not instinctively consume these ingredients often or in large quantities.

Was the food I had been serving my pups their whole life contributing to their poor health? I decided to find out.

Using the canine ancestral diet as a guideline, I formulated a smart, clean, simple recipe that I could make from home. In just a few weeks, Tiffany & Jackson’s symptoms disappeared. They were happy and energetic, plus, they devoured their meals every time!

I began preparing the food for many of my dog-lover friends and neighbors who were curious about what I was doing and they witnessed similar success with their dogs.

In 2014, I formed a non-profit company, Free Range Orphans, to provide canine-appropriate meals to dogs fighting cancer and other diet-related illnesses.

In 2015, I started Upward Dog Provisions, a holistic dog food company based in Venice, California.

Today we proudly provide over ten thousand fresh prepared meals per year to lucky dogs throughout Los Angeles.

Has it been a smooth road?
No! It has definitely has not been a smooth road! It has been a bumpy one, full of unique and exciting challenges at every turn.

Change is difficult and often only embraced when no other options are available. This was true for me. It was years before I considered changing my dog’s diet. Convincing even the most well-meaning dog owner to change their idea of what is appropriate for their dog to eat has been surprisingly challenging.

Recognizing this resistance to change, I recently began offering GOOD FEED the K9 Cleanse. Now dog owners can experience the benefits of clean eating without making a lifelong commitment!

Our smart, clean, simple meals complement the canine digestive system so there is no transition required. Free of starchy carbohydrates, our recipe soothes inflammation, eliminates toxins and helps isolate variables of food sensitivities, all while supporting a dog’s natural healing and recovery process. Plus, there are no added supplements in our meals, which means no worries of vitamin overdosing or contradictions with prescribed medications.

GOOD FEED the K9 Cleanse offers excellent support for dogs recovering from surgery, experiencing digestive problems, struggling with weight loss, infection, or allergy flare-ups.

It has been incredibly rewarding to be able to help dogs and their owners at a time when they need it the most.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Upward Dog Provisions – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Upward Dog Provisions is a holistic dog food company serving all of Los Angeles.

We believe that the body is an incredible machine capable of building and repairing itself and that whole food ingredients are the most intuitive source of nutrients that nature provides.

We are known for GOOD FEED, freshly prepared, gently cooked meals, crafted to complement the canine digestive design. Unlike most commercially available dog foods, our recipes are starch-free, preservative-free, made with fresh meats and leafy green vegetables. We are committed to the preservation of our planet’s resources, delivering locally, and utilizing reusable or 100% recyclable packaging.

We are most proud of the way our business has grown: out of love, necessity and support from our community.

Make it Smart. Keep it Clean. It’s that simple.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I’ve lived in Los Angeles since childhood.

My favorite thing about L.A. is the diverse community of creative, mindful, passionate people that are drawn here from across the world to explore their dreams and share their gifts. Often these folks are dog lovers as well 🙂

My biggest beef with L.A.? No dog-friendly beaches!… Fortunately, just outside the city limits, there are a few open beaches where pups can run free and enjoy our gorgeous coastline.

Pricing:

• GOOD FEED the K9 Cleanse. Smart clean simple meals starting at $100. Free delivery throughout Los Angeles.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.UpwardDogProvisions.com
• Email: info@upwarddogprovisions.com
• Instagram: @upwarddogprovisions
• Other: @upwarddoggy

Image Credit:
Matt Misisco mattmisiscostudios.com @mattmisisco

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