PORTLAND — After spending most of her professional career in healthcare administration, education and business development, Katie McCarron was driven to the pet food industry out of what she calls “necessity.” Creating human-grade pet food helped her aging dog Rosie live happily for a few more years and gave McCarron the impetus to start Portland Pet Food Company.
The pet food and treat company has been going strong since 2014 and has even received accolades as one of the fastest-growing companies in 2024 by Inc. magazine. But despite the company’s recognition in the industry, McCarron is most gratified by serving the pets she loves.
“I’m most proud of watching the Portland Pet Food Company team grow and remain dedicated to the core mission: ‘If you can’t pronounce it and don’t know what it is, why would you feed it to your best friend?’” she said.
In the following Q&A, McCarron shares how her life and the lives of many pets have been changed since she became “top dog” of Portland Pet Food Company.
PFP: How did you get your start in the pet industry, and how did that experience lead you to where you are now?
McCarron: I entered the market out of necessity, to find a healthy solution for my elderly dog. After trying several commercial foods that she refused to eat, I began cooking human-grade meals for her — and she finally started eating. She lived another three years, sustained only by Portland Pet Food.
Recognizing that others might be struggling to feed their dogs, I founded Portland Pet Food in 2014. Today, we remain committed to our mission of sourcing only USA-grown, human-grade ingredients that are traceable, sustainable and highly nutritious for both dogs and cats.
PFP: What has been your biggest challenge — personal or professional — related to your work in the pet industry?
McCarron: My biggest challenge has been finding the right balance between work and family, which is a common struggle for many business owners. I am deeply committed to providing alternative meal and treat options that support pet health, but the demands of a growing business can take a toll on family time. Fortunately, my family shares my passion for pets and understands that my work is driven by a desire to create healthy products for our pets.
PFP: Tell me about a professional accomplishment in the pet industry that you are proud of.
“I’m incredibly proud of our company’s rapid growth and recognition in the pet industry. Being named to the 2024 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies was a significant milestone,” said Katie McCarron, founder of Portland Pet Food Company.
McCarron: I’m incredibly proud of our company’s rapid growth and recognition in the pet industry. Being named to the 2024 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies was a significant milestone. As a woman, it was especially gratifying to have our company recognized by the Women’s President Organization as one of the 50 fastest-growing companies in 2024. However, I’m most proud of watching the Portland Pet Food Company team grow and remain dedicated to the core mission: “If you can’t pronounce it and don’t know what it is, why would you feed it to your best friend?”
PFP: What is top of mind for you and/or your business in the industry right now?
McCarron: Our top priorities currently include sustainable sourcing and strengthening our partnerships with local suppliers to minimize emissions and reduce our carbon footprint. In addition, expanding our business and raising brand awareness are key goals for 2025.
PFP: If you could pick three trends influencing the industry today, which are the most important and why?
McCarron: The three most important trends influencing the industry today are sustainability, transparency and functional ingredients.
Sustainability: Reducing our carbon footprint is crucial for the industry, as consumers increasingly seek products that contribute positively to the planet.
Transparency: Clear labeling and honesty about ingredients are vital, as they directly impact the health and wellbeing of animals. Consumers want to know precisely what they’re feeding their pets.
Functional Ingredients: While functional ingredients are a hot trend, we must be cautious. Some claims can be misleading, as small amounts of added ingredients might offer minimal benefits or be compromised during processing. True functionality comes from natural, human-grade ingredients prepared with care, not heavily processed.
PFP: What is something about the pet industry that people outside of the industry may not realize?
McCarron: Many people outside the pet industry may not realize how pet food is sourced and produced. Additionally, there’s often a lack of understanding about ingredient labeling. As an industry, we have a responsibility to address this by ensuring greater transparency and educating consumers about what’s really in the products they’re feeding their pets.
PFP: What advice would you give to other women in this industry?
McCarron: Support each other and enjoy what you are doing!
PFP Just for fun, do you consider yourself a dog person or a cat person? Or, if you have pets of your own, tell us a little bit about them.
Katie McCarron with her pup Winnie.
| Source: Katie McCarronMcCarron: I’m both a dog and cat lover, though I tend to lean more toward dogs due to my cat allergy. Despite that, we've had both dogs and cats in our home over the years. Currently, our home is brightened by our pup, Winnie, who keeps us entertained and loved.
In her current role as founder and top dog of Portland Pet Food Company, Katie McCarron is focusing on producing locally sourced, human-grade pet food. Prior to founding her company in 2014, she spent her professional career in healthcare administration, education and business development. Her experience bridged medical research administration and education with a focus on nutrition. Her first business, Academic Network, provided educational programs for national and international food and pharmaceutical companies. After selling Academic Network, she founded Portland Pet Food Company. McCarron earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Lewis & Clark College.
Continue reading about other female leaders featured in our Women in the Pet Industry series.
