Beyond

Introduction

Beyond was founded by a team of passionate pet lovers who recognized the need for healthier and more natural pet food options. Their commitment to transparency and quality led them to create a brand that prioritizes real ingredients and sustainable sourcing. By focusing on providing pets with a diet that mirrors the natural foods they would seek out in the wild, the founders set out to change the way pet owners think about their furry friends' nutrition.

The philosophy of Beyond revolves around the idea that pets thrive on wholesome nutrition derived from real foods. The brand believes in using recognizable ingredients that are minimally processed, ensuring that every bite is packed with beneficial nutrients. This philosophy extends to their sourcing practices, as they strive to work with responsible suppliers and to produce food that is not only good for pets but also for the planet. The brand's mission reflects a strong commitment to the health of pets, fostering trust with pet owners who want what is best for their companions.

What makes Beyond special is its dedication to quality, transparency, and a holistic approach to pet nutrition. The brand simplifies the ingredient list, allowing pet owners to easily understand what they are feeding their animals. Beyond differentiates itself from other pet food brands by placing a strong emphasis on the nutrient profiles of its products and being forthcoming about ingredient origins. This focus builds a sense of community among pet owners who seek to nourish their pets with care and responsibility.

Signature Products

Beyond offers a range of products designed to provide pets with natural, high-quality nutrition. Each product is thoughtfully crafted to support a pet’s overall health and well-being.

• Beyond Grain Free Chicken Recipe : A blend of high-quality chicken and nutrient-rich vegetables, formulated for dogs with sensitivities to grains.
• Beyond Wild Prey-Inspired Dry Dog Food : Inspired by ancestral diets, this formula includes real meat and wholesome ingredients for a protein-rich meal.
• Beyond Superfood Blend Dry Cat Food : Combines nutrient-dense ingredients with real chicken, formulated to support a cat's health and vitality.
• Beyond Grain Free Salmon Recipe : Specially made for dogs, featuring salmon as the first ingredient, providing omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.
• Beyond Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe : A balanced food with real chicken and wholesome grains, designed to promote overall health in adult dogs.

Materials and Ingredients Used by Beyond

• Corn : Corn is a versatile ingredient commonly used in food products for its natural sweetness and texture. Beyond utilizes corn to enhance flavor profiles and provide a source of carbohydrates, making their products appealing to a broader audience.
• Wheat : Wheat is a staple ingredient known for its binding properties and ability to create structure in food items. Beyond incorporates wheat to improve the texture of their offerings, making them more satisfying and palatable for consumers.
• Potato : Potato is a popular ingredient recognized for its starchy content, which contributes to creaminess and mouthfeel in various dishes. Beyond includes potato in their formulations to add substance and a comforting quality to their products.
• Pumpkin : Pumpkin is an ingredient celebrated for its rich flavor and nutritional benefits, including vitamins and fiber. Beyond uses pumpkin to not only enhance taste but also to add an appealing color and boost the overall health profile of their products.
• Spinach : Spinach is a leafy green ingredient known for its nutritional content, including vitamins and minerals. Beyond integrates spinach to provide a healthful aspect to their offerings, appealing to health-conscious consumers looking for added benefits in their food choices.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From Beyond

These issues are related to the supply chain of the brand and need to be taken into consideration:

Soil Degradation:

Soil degradation occurs due to intensive monoculture farming practices commonly used for corn production. Continuous cultivation of corn on the same land can lead to nutrient depletion and reduced soil fertility. In the potato industry, heavy machinery works the land, compressing soil and reducing its ability to retain water and nutrients. This degradation not only reduces crop yields over time but also increases the need for chemical fertilizers, which can harm local ecosystems if they leach into water bodies.

Water Usage:

The production of corn, wheat, pumpkin, and spinach involves significant water usage, often for irrigation purposes. Corn and wheat farming in regions with limited rainfall can lead to water shortages and competition with local communities for these resources. Potatoes, though not often thought of as water-intensive, require substantial irrigation due to their shallow root systems. Spinach is typically grown in regions where water is plentiful, but it still demands significant irrigation, adding stress to water systems, especially during dry spells.

Pesticide and Herbicide Use:

The use of pesticides and herbicides is prevalent in the cultivation of corn, potatoes, and spinach to control pests and increase yield. These chemicals can have detrimental effects on human health and the environment, leading to issues like pesticide resistance, biodiversity loss, and pollution of water bodies through runoff. For example, atrazine is a commonly used corn herbicide that has been found in drinking water sources, posing potential health risks to nearby communities.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

Greenhouse gas emissions arise from several points in the supply chain, including the production of fertilizers and energy used for farming and transportation. Corn production is a contributor to nitrous oxide emissions, a potent greenhouse gas emitted from synthetic fertilizers. Similarly, wheat farming can lead to significant carbon dioxide emissions during tillage and fuel usage for machinery. Transportation of these crops to processing facilities and markets further adds to their carbon footprint, with pumpkin and spinach requiring careful consideration of their perishable nature, resulting in potential air transport emissions.

Soil Erosion:

In wheat and potato farming, soil erosion is a major concern, especially on sloped lands. These processes fundamentally alter landscapes by removing the topsoil, which is vital for maintaining agricultural productivity. In wheat farming, frequent tillage pulls the soil loose, exposing it to wind and water erosion. Potato cultivation can exacerbate this issue, particularly when hills are formed to bury tubers, leaving the soil vulnerable to being washed away by heavy rains.

Energy Consumption:

Energy consumption is a significant concern in wheat farming due to the reliance on mechanized processes for planting, tending, and harvesting. The energy demands are further amplified by the processing stages, which often involve grain drying, milling, and packaging. This substantial energy use, often derived from fossil fuels, increases the carbon footprint of wheat and contributes to environmental degradation.

Waste in Processing:

Processing waste is a notable issue with potato and pumpkin ingredients. Potatoes undergo peeling and cutting during processing, generating substantial waste in the form of skins and unusable parts. Similarly, the processing of pumpkins involves removing seeds and other non-edible parts, which can lead to significant volumes of organic waste if not properly managed or utilized for composting or animal feed.