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The K9 Kitchen Featured in The Gulf Pulse: Why Reading the Label Matters
The K9 Kitchen Featured in The Gulf Pulse: Why Reading the Label Matters
What our founders shared about raw feeding, label transparency and the UAE pet food market.
We were recently featured in The Gulf Pulse, one of the UAE's leading news platforms. Journalist Nadia Faris sat down with our founders Jan Almheiri and Amy Johnstone to talk about raw feeding, label transparency and what's really going on in the UAE pet food market.
Here's a recap of what we shared — and why it matters for your dog.
How Did The K9 Kitchen Start?
It started with a dog, not a business plan.
Our Saluki, Sarhan, struggled for years with skin rashes, chronic ear infections and relentless paw-chewing. Vet visits. Medications. Special diets. Nothing worked.
When we finally switched him to a fresh, raw diet, the results were astonishing. Paw-chewing stopped within days. Ear infections cleared within a week. His coat fully restored within months.
We couldn't find food we trusted — so we built The K9 Kitchen from the ground up.
What's Really Going on With UAE Pet Food Labels?
This was the heart of our conversation with The Gulf Pulse.
Too many products look convincing from the front of the pack. Turn them over, and the ingredient list tells a very different story.
What we kept finding:
- Vague or untraceable ingredients
- Artificial preservatives
- Unclear sourcing and production methods
- Marketing terms like "natural" and "premium" with no consistent standard behind them
For dogs dealing with allergies or sensitivities, this isn't just a labelling issue. It's a health issue.
What Does "Clean" Pet Food Actually Mean?
It's a word that gets used a lot. Here's what it means to us.
Clean means:
- Real, clearly identifiable ingredients
- Full transparency on sourcing
- No hidden additives or artificial preservatives
- A label you can read and actually understand
Functional means:
- Food that actively supports your dog's health
- Targeting digestion, inflammation, skin, coat and sensitivities
- Nourishment — not just calories
Why Does Made in UAE Matter?
Everything The K9 Kitchen produces is made in-house in a human-grade commercial kitchen here in the UAE.
No outsourcing. No white labelling. No product that arrives from somewhere else and gets repackaged under our name.
That means:
- Full control over every ingredient
- Complete traceability from farm to bowl
- Recipes formulated to exceed FEDIAF nutritional guidelines
- A team in the kitchen every day, accountable for every batch
We are a UAE-built brand. Producing here. Employing here. Supporting local suppliers and talent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my dog's current food is good quality?
Turn the pack over and read the full ingredient list. You should see clearly named proteins (chicken, beef, lamb — not "meat meal" or "animal derivatives"), recognisable whole foods and clear sourcing information. If it's vague, that's worth investigating.
Is raw feeding safe for my dog?
Yes — when it's properly formulated. All K9 Kitchen meals are developed with veterinary professionals and exceed FEDIAF nutritional guidelines. We produce everything in a licensed human-grade commercial kitchen. You can also use our feeding guide for practical guidance.
Where can I read the full Gulf Pulse feature?
Read the full article here: The K9 Kitchen and the UAE pet food market.
Want to see the difference real food makes for your dog?
Explore The K9 Kitchen range today.