Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kai Lu. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kai, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?
In the pet industry, we are seeing several significant trends, particularly around the growing demand for more natural and healthy dog food and treats. Pet parents are increasingly seeking products with no fillers, no additives, and all-natural ingredients that contribute to their pets’ overall well-being. They are becoming more conscious of what goes into their pets’ diets, looking for options that are closer to what nature intended.
At Munchbird, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this movement by upcycling animal byproducts like rabbit ears, lamb feet, and organs that would otherwise go to waste, transforming them into nutritious, single-ingredient dog treats. By doing so, we not only create high-quality, sustainable products but also reduce food waste within the broader food ecosystem. These natural treats help address common health issues in dogs, such as allergies and digestive problems, and provide essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that support hip and joint health, as well as improve skin and coat quality.
One of our standout products is our rabbit ears with fur, which offer unique benefits beyond nutrition. The fur acts as a natural source of fiber, providing three key advantages. First, as dogs chew on the ears, the fine hairs help clean their teeth by getting between teeth and reducing tartar build-up, promoting better dental hygiene. Second, since the fur is indigestible, it travels through the digestive system, flushing and cleaning it naturally. Finally, as the fur exits with the stool, it helps firm up stools and aids in naturally expressing the anal glands. This is the gift and magic that nature offers to our pets—an all-natural way to support their health.
We’ve heard countless success stories from our customers, particularly at the farmers’ markets where we showcase our treats. One memorable instance involved a customer living in a nearby apartment building who purchased our furry rabbit ears. She later returned to share that she had given the treats to six other dogs in her building, and every single dog loved them. Another customer told us that her dog will only eat meals topped with our chicken jerky wrapped egg yolk crumbles now—a testament to how this product has become a must-have for picky eaters.
Our premium beef lung treats made from high-quality USA Angus beef have been another standout, providing a high-value, protein-rich snack that’s both delicious and nutritious. The positive feedback we receive not only reaffirms our commitment to offering the best for our furry friends but also highlights the growing preference for healthier, more natural pet products.
These trends show a clear shift towards more mindful pet care, where health, sustainability, and quality are prioritized—and at Munchbird, we’re excited to continue being a part of that change.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Munchbird®, a family-owned and operated dog treats brand based in Chicago, is dedicated to providing healthy, all-natural, single and limited-ingredient dog treats and food toppers, with a focus on alternative proteins. Our products promote dental health, support hips and joints, improve skin and coat, and cater to dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs. Leveraging innovative technology, we upcycle high-nutrient animal byproducts, such as rabbit ears and organ mixes, into nutritious and delicious treats. This process not only reduces waste but also enhances sustainability in the food ecosystem.
Munchbird®’s Journey – How We Got Started
Munchbird Dog Treats started with love, loss, and a mission to make dogs’ lives better. Kai, our founder and CEO, has been a dog mom for over 20 years in Chicago. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she lost her two senior dogs and adopted two new puppies. These puppies, growing up with little social interaction, developed anxiety. One became an aggressive chewer, gnawing on everything from iPhone chargers to laptop cables. The other had terrible teeth with severe tartar buildup.
Kai searched high and low for good chewing treats, but her dogs turned their noses up at 7 out of 10 she tried. Frustrated and determined, she decided to create Munchbird. Her mission? To find and offer the best treats that are both delicious and nutritious.
Munchbird is all about making dogs happy and healthy with treats they’ll actually love. What sets Munchbird® apart is the uniqueness of our treat offerings. Thanks to our cutting-edge technology and innovation, we’ve expanded our offerings to include a diverse selection of alternative proteins and meticulously handcrafted premium-quality treats.Our advanced processing technology and unique protein sources allow us to exceed the expectations of discerning pet parents.
Each of our treats is meticulously crafted to ensure it’s not just delicious but also tailored to address specific needs. Whether it’s promoting dental health, improving bad breath, providing support for hip and joint health, or catering to dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs by offering alternative proteins. We firmly believe that every pet deserves wholesome, nutritious treats that contribute to their overall health and happiness.
Industry recognition –
Munchbird Selected as Standout Startup at the Future of Food Startup Portfolio 2024!
We are excited to share that Munchbird (Dog Treats) has been selected as one of the standout startup brands at the Future of Food Startup Portfolio 2024, proudly sponsored by World Business Chicago. 🚀
This recognition is a testament to our commitment to providing healthy, all-natural dog treats that both dogs and their owners adore. We’re thrilled to be part of this prestigious event and look forward to sharing our passion for innovative and sustainable pet food solutions.
https://www.chicagoventuresummit.com/startup-portfolio
Munchbird Nominated for the 2024 Chicago Innovation Awards
We are thrilled to announce that Munchbird has been nominated for the prestigious 2024 Chicago Innovation Awards this September! This recognition highlights our commitment to creating healthy, sustainable, and innovative pet treats that prioritize quality and the well-being of our furry friends.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
The best source of new clients for us has been farmers markets. These markets provide a unique opportunity for us to connect directly with pet parents, showcase our treats, and share our story. It’s an ideal setting for building personal relationships, receiving immediate feedback, and allowing customers to see firsthand the quality of our products. The face-to-face interactions and sense of community at farmers markets have been invaluable in helping us grow our customer base and create loyal fans of Munchbird.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
I started the business by bootstrapping, which has been both rewarding and challenging. In the early stages, it was all about reinvesting personal savings into the business, knowing that initial returns might be slow. The first year was particularly tough because, while you’re not making much revenue, you still need to keep putting in more capital to keep things moving forward. This made managing working capital and cash flow incredibly important to ensure the business could survive and grow. It’s been a delicate balance of prioritizing spending, staying lean, and focusing on the essentials to navigate those early challenges and keep pushing forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.munchbird.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/munchbird_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/munchbird
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/munchbird
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@munchbird
Image Credits
Munchbird