NEW YORK — Inc. has released its 2024 Inc. 5000 list, detailing the fastest-growing private US businesses throughout various industries, including pet. This year’s list included nine pet nutrition companies, all of which boosted three-year revenue growth from 2020 to 2023 of at least 82%.
In all, the companies named in the 2024 Inc. 5000 list tout a median growth of 208%, representing a total of $317.1 billion in revenue, adding 874,940 to the US economy. In addition, 500 of the companies are newly founded and 3,181 are repeat honorees.
“One of the greatest joys of my job is going through the Inc. 5000 list,” said Mike Hofman, editor-in-chief of Inc. “To see all of the intriguing and surprising ways that companies are transforming sectors, from health care and artificial intelligence to apparel and pet food, is fascinating for me as a journalist and storyteller. Congratulations to this year’s honorees, as well, for growing their businesses fast despite the economic disruption we all faced over the past three years, from supply chain woes to inflation to changes in the workforce.”
The highest pet nutrition brand on this year’s list at No. 38 is Maev, a human-grade, raw dog food company. The company touted revenue growth of a whopping 6,743%. Since its founding in 2018, the company has rapidly expanded and recently just launched its new Human-Grade Freeze Dried Treats for dogs. Last year, Maev’s Founder Katie Spies was recognized in Inc.’s 2024 Female Founders 250 for more than doubling the company’s employee growth and revenue.
Coming in at No. 1,112 is Farm Hounds with 460% revenue growth. Based in Smyrna, Ga., Farm Hounds specializes in natural dog treats, chews and meal toppers. To develop its products, the company sources raw protein from family farms that practice regenerative agriculture. Additionally, the company provides enhanced transparency to consumers, communicating from which farm a product was sourced from. The company was also included in the 2023 Inc. 5000 list.
Alpha Dog Nutrition ranked No. 1,247 with 415% revenue growth. Based in Neenah, Wis., Alpha Dog Nutrition manufactures premium nutritional supplements for dogs, targeting specific health concerns, including allergies, digestive health, itchy skin, healthy aging and joint health. The supplements are free from additives and fillers, according to the company.
At No. 1,304 with 398% revenue growth is insect-based pet nutrition company Jiminy’s. The company leverages the power of crickets and grubs to create its products and promote sustainability. Jiminy’s offers complete-and-balanced dog food and treats, and also recently launched its first dental product: Dental Chews. The company was also included in the 2023 Inc. 5000 list.
Coming in at No. 1,430 with 359% revenue growth is Portland Pet Food Company (PPFC), a woman-owned pet food producer. PPFC offers human-grade meals and treats for both dogs and cats.
“We are deeply honored to be named on the Inc. 5000 list for the first time. This recognition reflects the unwavering commitment, hard work and passion of our entire team,” said Katie McCarron, founder of PPFC. “From the beginning, our mission was to offer healthy, sustainable, human-grade pet food that enhances the lives of pets and their owners. This is fantastic news, aligning perfectly with the kickoff of our biggest tradeshow, SUPERZOO, and the celebration of our 10th anniversary in business. We’re proud to have expanded our reach to 5,700 retail stores across the United States, Canada, South Korea, Hong Kong and Japan, continuing our commitment to quality and care.”
Vital Pet Life, another woman-owned company, placed No. 2,992 on the list with 167% revenue growth. The company specializes in fish-oil based supplements for pets that tout a strict commitment to transparency. Founder Donie Yamamoto was recognized by in Inc.’s 2024 Female Founders 250 and the company was included in the 2023 Inc. 5000 list.
At No. 3,774 with 123% revenue growth is Prana Pets, a pet supplement manufacturer leveraging herbal oil blends to support health and wellness. Prana’s supplements seek to address highly specific health concerns in dogs and cats, including Cushing’s disease, hip and joints, liver, gut health, urinary health and more. All the company’s products are manufactured in FDA-inspected and cGMP-compliant facilities.
Coming in at No. 3,803 with 122% revenue growth is SmarterPaw, a multi-brand company offering a variety of pet products. Based in Lenexa, Kan., the company’s brands include Meowijuana® and Doggijuana®, both of which specialize in catnip-infused products for cats and dogs. Earlier this summer, Meowijuana relaunched its catnip-infused cat treats, containing twice the amount of catnip than the original formula. The company was included in the 2023 Inc. 5000 list.
Last but not least, Bow Wow Labs was ranked No. 4,739 with 82% revenue growth. Bow Wow Labs is a dog-focused company that offers a variety of natural chews, bully sticks and collagen chews, as well as oral health products for dogs. The company was included in the 2023 Inc. 5000 list.
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