Trapper’s Way, a Bergen County–based business that sells frozen natural raw food for dogs, was begun by Kathy Haupt out of her desire to heal her yellow lab, Trapper. After conducting extensive research into pet foods and nutrition, Haupt became convinced that the food she was feeding her dog was at the root of his chronic ear infections and digestive problems. As she reflects, “If you were to ask your doctor what is the most dramatic change you could make in your life to improve your health, what would he or she advise? A diet filled with healthy and natural foods? Why wouldn’t the same hold true for our pets?”

Haupt found that many of the illnesses that affect our canine companions are directly related to the foods they eat—whether from the inferior ingredients themselves that come with their own set of troubling side-effects (including allergies, cancer, and diabetes), or a lack of proper nutrition over time. In Trapper’s Way products, Haupt uses only USDA-inspected, human-grade all-natural beef or chicken, apples, pears, green beans, carrots, parsley, celery, eggs, and apple-cider vinegar. The ingredients are ground, mixed and then frozen in one-and four-pound containers. Nothing is processed, and no grains are included. A diet that served the ancestors of “man’s best friend” is now available to help your pooch reach optimum health today.

Trapper’s Way can be found at Mike’s Feed Farm in Riverdale, Paradise Pet, Inc., in Bloomfield, Amy’s Animals in Wantage and Just 4 Pooches (by special order) in Cranford. See TrappersWay.com for all retail locations.