Rachael Ray Gives Back

Carl Turnley - Dog BonesMany people know Rachael Ray for her cooking show, but few people are aware of her philanthropic efforts. In addition to being an internationally-recognized business mogul, Ray loves to give back. Her latest efforts to help the community have come through her pet food line, Rachael Ray Nutrish.

Rachael Ray believes in creating a strong business foundation and then giving the profits away to philanthropic efforts. She says that you need to make sure you have the business success before you give money back to the community. And Ray certainly does have the business background. In addition to her Emmy Award-winning daytime television show called “Rachael Ray”, which is produced by CBS, she also has a number of popular Food Network shows. Rachael Ray has a signature line of products including cookware, food ingredients, dinnerware, and knives. She also has a lifestyle magazine called Rachael Ray Every Day.

Rachael Ray’s philanthropic efforts are almost as expansive as her business efforts. In 2007, she launched a nonprofit organization called Yum-o! This organization empowers kids and their families to get into the kitchen and create healthy and delicious family-friendly recipes. Rachael Ray then partners with organizations to feed hungry children.

In 2008, Rachael Ray decided to add helping animals to her philanthropy repertoire. She partnered with pet food experts at Ainsworth Pet Nutrition to create a line of food and treats for dogs called Rachael Ray Nutrish. This company began when Ainsworth Pet Nutrition reached out to Rachael Ray after seeing her and her husband speak passionately about animals and their own Pit Bull.

Nutrish was created to offer a healthy alternative to the other dog foods on the market. This was especially important at the time since there had recently been a string of dog deaths due to food that was made mostly from fillers. Rachael Ray’s Nutrish line is made of simple natural ingredients with real meat. The same year Rachel launched Nutrish, her love of animals led her to start Rachael’s Rescue. Through Rachael’s Rescue, Ray has donated her personal proceeds from her pet food business to no-kill shelters. This money goes to food and medical treatment for animals in need. Rachael’s Rescue has partnered with the ASPCA, Best Friends Animal Society, North Shore Animal League America, and a number of other trusted organizations.

In 2014, Nutrish launched its first ever cat food. It does not contain any artificial preservatives, flavors or poultry by-product meal. This food for cats comes in both wet and dry varieties. Rachael Ray also recently announced the launch of DISH from Rachael Ray Nutrish. This is a new line of super premium dry food for dogs. DISH utilizes U.S. farm-raised beef or chicken as the main ingredients and does not contain corn, soy, wheat, and gluten. The formulas for Ray’s pet food come from her recipes from her own kitchen using carrots, peas, slow-roasted chicken, diced apples or farm-grown potatoes.

Nutrish has become a disruptor in a marketplace that many considered already  saturated. There are many options for pet owners, but Rachael Ray’s is most definitely the highest quality. She even personally taste tests every pet food she creates.

Rachael’s drive to create Nutrish comes from her passion for animals and her passion for health. She has used her business platform not only to provide pet owners with the best products for their pets, but to help other pets in need. Whether she’s helping children or pets, Rachel makes sure to sell amazing products while also providing basic needs to those who are less fortunate.