Dog & Whistle is an upcycling pet food company founded by Eric Adams. Upcycling, also called creative reuse, involves repurposing by-products, waste materials and unwanted items into new objects or products in an artistic style or environmental value.
Excess food can be fed to animals, converted into energy or composted. Dog & Whistle redistributes high-quality excess food and converts it into human-grade pet food. This practice not only combats food waste but also contributes to the global fight against hunger, making a significant environmental impact.
Adams sat down for an interview explaining Dog & Whistle’s sustainable practices and what sets it apart from other dog brands.
First things first, would you mind sharing your background and history.
Adams: I was born and raised in Gary, Indiana, and my childhood was filled with love, support, and dogs; I always had a dog companion. I grew up with my parents, who were married, but they later divorced.
My father remarried, so I have stepbrothers and sisters, but I was the only child of my mother, who sadly passed away when I was ten years old.
Despite the challenges of losing my mother at a young age, both my parents and extended family provided a stable and nurturing environment. We were family-oriented, which helped us stay connected and build lasting bonds.
Do you have any standout memories that contributed to your career?
Adams: Growing up, I witnessed my parents work hard and provide for our family. My grandmother’s cooking inspired me, and I followed in her footsteps by attending Baker College to study culinary arts.
My family taught me integrity, honesty, and building meaningful connections, and in my business endeavors, these values have guided me to do right by people and stay true to myself.
What inspired you to start Dog & Whistle, and how did you transition?
Adams: It has been an exciting journey from chef to the pet food industry. After pursuing my initial passion for culinary arts, I transitioned to front-of-house management, leading restaurants for over 15 years.
Having gained a deep understanding of food quality, customer preferences, and operational excellence, I became eager to explore new opportunities to apply my knowledge and skills.
Dog & Whistle was inspired by my grandmother’s ethos of not wasting food, finding value through upcycling, and a desire to provide pets with the same level of care and quality. I’ve created nutritious and delicious dog meals with my food preparation and ingredient-sourcing expertise.
I’m looking forward to making a positive difference in the future.
By Stephanie Teasley
