We recently connected with Jordan Gutierrez and have shared our conversation below.
Jordan , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
Our story begins with our own dogs—our family. We started Native Raw Eats because we were determined to find a solution to the health struggles our fur babies faced. Traditional diets weren’t working, and it became clear that nutrition was the key to giving them a better quality of life. After transitioning to a raw diet, the changes were undeniable—health improvements, more energy, and longer, happier lives.
That’s why we’re so passionate about what we do. Our mission isn’t just about providing food; it’s about providing life-saving nutrition. Every recipe we create, from our raw meals to our single-ingredient treats, is designed to nourish and improve the health of your pets.
And what we’ve learned along the way is that pets don’t just like our treats—they love them! While they’re happily munching away, we know they’re also benefiting from all-natural, nutrient-packed ingredients that are good for their overall health.
This company is built on the love and commitment we have for our own fur babies, and we’re honored to share that with others. Every customer and their pet becomes a part of this journey with us.
Jordan , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
1. Jordan Gutierrez: Jordan is a proud member of the Quechan tribe and a Marine Corps veteran who served as a machine gunner. His love for dogs runs deep—it’s personal for him, as he’s seen firsthand how proper nutrition can transform a pet’s health and happiness. Jordan oversees the production of our raw diet and single-ingredient treats, ensuring every product meets the high standards he’d want for his own dogs. He pours his dedication and discipline into every batch, driven by his commitment to helping pets thrive.
Vicente Martinez: Vicente brings over 30 years of agricultural experience to Native Raw Eats, and his expertise has been a cornerstone of our success. As a proud Latino small business owner, Vicente co-created the raw diet that’s at the heart of what we do. He’s passionate about building relationships and sharing his wealth of business knowledge, always looking for ways to strengthen our company and support the community. His leadership is rooted in hard work and a deep belief in the power of good food—both for people and pets.
Davene Arellano: Davene is the creative force behind Native Raw Eats, bringing our vision to life in ways that connect with people on a deeper level. As a Latina business owner, she draws on her culture, personal experiences, and artistic talent to craft the aesthetic and branding that makes Native Raw Eats stand out. Davene’s passion isn’t just about design—it’s about making sure that every part of our company feels welcoming, genuine, and true to our mission. She’s the heart behind the look and feel of everything we do.
2. Our journey into this business started with Opie, Jordan’s 10-year-old pittie who’s more than just a dog—he’s family. Back when Opie was only two, he struggled with weight issues and severe allergies. No matter how much we spent on vet bills or high-end kibble, nothing seemed to work. When Opie tore his ACL and had to undergo surgery, we knew we had to do something different.
That’s when Vicente, Jordan’s father-in-law, suggested trying a raw diet. At first, the idea felt completely out of the blue—feeding raw wasn’t something we’d ever considered. But Vicente, with his decades of agricultural experience, took it upon himself to develop a recipe specifically for Opie’s needs.
The results were life-changing. Within months, Opie’s weight stabilized, his allergies disappeared, and his energy levels skyrocketed. Today, at nearly 10 years old, Opie is thriving—he’s healthy, active, and when he goes for dental checkups, the vet says he has the mouth of a two-year-old pup.
Seeing how much of a difference a raw diet made for Opie inspired us to share it with other pet owners. It’s not just about food—it’s about giving pets the chance to live their best, healthiest lives. And for us, it all started with Opie.
3. At Native Raw Eats, we’re passionate about providing pets with the nutrition they deserve. We create an all-natural raw diet dog food that’s available in three delicious flavors, all designed to meet the needs of your furry family members. What makes our raw diet special is its convenience—it’s a subscription-based service that we deliver straight to your door biweekly or monthly if you’re here in Colorado.
We also handcraft single-ingredient treats that are perfect for both cats and dogs. These treats aren’t just tasty—they’re healthy, too, giving your pets the simple, wholesome snacks they love. And the best part? We ship our treats all over the U.S., so no matter where you are, your pets can enjoy them!
4. At Native Raw Eats, we know how busy life can get, so we make feeding your pets easier and healthier. Our biweekly subscription takes the hassle out of running to the store for dog food—you’ll always have fresh, nutritious meals delivered right to your door. But it’s not just about convenience. Our raw diet helps keep your pups healthy, inside and out, giving them the energy and vitality they need to live their best lives.
And when it comes to treats, we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between something your pets love and something that’s good for them. That’s why our single-ingredient treats are both—simple, nutritious, and full of flavor that makes tails wag and cats purr.
What sets us apart is that we’re pet parents too. Everything we make is something we’d proudly give to our own fur babies. It’s not just about solving problems—it’s about creating solutions that bring joy and health to pets and their people.
5. One of the things we’re most proud of is being a minority-owned pet company. It means so much to us to represent our cultures and bring something unique to the pet industry. Pet health isn’t often talked about in many communities, and we’re passionate about changing that—exposing people from all walks of life to the benefits of proper nutrition for their pets.
We also understand how overwhelming it can feel to do what’s best for your pets while staying on budget. That’s why we’ve made it a priority to keep our products both accessible and affordable without ever compromising on quality. At the end of the day, it’s about making sure every pet has the chance to live a long, happy, and healthy life.
For us, this isn’t just a business—it’s deeply personal. We’ve seen how proper nutrition has transformed the lives of our own dogs, and we’re proud to share that with others. At Native Raw Eats, we’re here to support your pets like they’re part of our family—because to us, they are.
Have you ever had to pivot?
For Jordan, one of the biggest pivots in life was transitioning out of the Marine Corps and adapting to civilian life. The structure and purpose of military life are so different from the uncertainty that can come with finding your place afterward. It was a challenging adjustment, but it also opened the door to new opportunities.
Starting Native Raw Eats gave him something to pour his heart into—a mission he truly believes in. Being able to combine his love for dogs with his drive to make a difference has been a blessing. Creating products that improve the lives of pets and their families has given Jordan a renewed sense of purpose, and it’s a journey that continues to inspire him every day.
How’d you meet your business partner?
The relationships between the co-founders of Native Raw Eats are truly special. Jordan and Vicente’s bond goes way back—Vicente is Jordan’s father-in-law, and they’ve been in each other’s lives since Jordan was just 16 years old. Now, at 32, Jordan considers Vicente not only family but also a trusted partner. Their shared values and Vicente’s decades of agricultural experience have made them a powerful team.
Davene became part of the family in her own unique way. She first met Vicente as an employee at one of his other businesses, where her creativity and passion immediately stood out. Over time, her talent for design and bringing ideas to life became a natural fit for Native Raw Eats. Together, the three of us have built something that’s not just a business but a family-driven mission.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Nativeraweats.com
- Instagram: @nativeraweats
- Facebook: Native Raw Eats
Image Credits
Lucia Gutierrez