PRODUCT UPDATE: CK9 Variety Box includes Complete Pork instead of Complete Kangaroo/Boar.

RECIPE UPDATE: Simple Lamb - Click to see new ingredient list.

NEW BLOG POST: Why Is My Dog Still Itchy After Switching to Raw Food?

NEW SCHEDULE. SAME SERVICE. Click here to see our new delivery schedule.

August 1 - 15: 20% off Beef Marrow, Beef Neck, Beef Rib, Beef Knuckle, Beef & Pork Dino Bones

Meet Amanda Monsma: Co-Owner & Raw Canine Nutrition Specialist

Amanda Monsma, Co-Owner of Grand Dog Essentials, standing in front of sunflowers

Nutrition has always been a core passion of mine — first for my own health and naturally for my dogs. Preparing quality, nourishing food for humans and pets isn't just a daily task; it's my love language.

My journey into raw feeding began 13 years ago with Doozer, our Golden Doodle, who has been thriving on a raw diet since he was a puppy and is still going strong today. Seeing Doozer's vitality firsthand inspired me to dive deep into the world of canine wellness, eventually leading to co-owning Grand Dog Essentials and Four Roots Pet Products.

I believe that raw feeding shouldn't be overly complicated or full of guesswork. My goal is to combine real-world experience, formal education, and actionable guidance to help Alberta families feed their pets with confidence.

Credentials & Formal Training

To provide our community with safe, evidence-based nutrition advice, I prioritize continuous education in raw pet food formulation and holistic animal health:

  • Raw Dog Food Nutrition Specialist: Certified through Dogs Naturally, covering species-appropriate diet design, raw formulation, and balanced nutrient ratios.

  • Manufacturing & Quality Oversight: As Co-Owner of Four Roots Pet Products, I am directly involved in raw ingredient sourcing, quality control, and production standards for Western Canadian pet parents.

  • Lifelong Learner in Canine Health: Constantly studying industry research and foundational literature, including Dr. Karen Becker and Rodney Habib’s The Forever Dog and Dr. Conor Brady’s Feeding Dogs: The Science Behind The Dry Versus Raw Debate.

 

Holistic Movement & Wellness

Health is built on clean nutrition, intentional movement, and consistent habits. Applying principles from my completed Yoga Teacher Training and FRC Mobility Specialist (FRCms) certification, I view health through a whole-body lens.

When I’m not reviewing raw food formulations or helping customers, you can find me:

  • Staying Active: Lifting heavy at my local CrossFit gym, running, or riding my bike.

  • Expanding My Mind: Reading up on human wellness, canine nutrition, and personal growth.

 

Real Support for Your Raw Feeding Journey

Whether you’re curious about switching your puppy to raw, digestive issues, or navigating a tricky allergy, I’m always here to help.

Customers rate us 4.8/5 based on 633 reviews.