Today’s pet parents are shopping for more than just food; they’re searching for solutions that address their pet’s needs. With a growing emphasis on holistic wellness, transparency and quality, personalization has emerged as a powerful differentiator. At Pet Wants, the fast-growing pet food franchise, personalization isn’t a buzzword — it’s a business model.
“We aren’t just here to sell a bag of food,” said Jeff Rachu, director of nutrition programs at Pet Wants. “We are here to offer solutions. We want to understand each pet’s needs — whether it’s skin issues, coat problems or sensitivities. Then we build a plan to address their needs.”
Why Personalization Matters More Than Ever
As pet humanization continues to grow, pet parents are seeking the same quality and care in their pet’s diet that they would expect for themselves.
“More and more pet parents are treating their pets like their own children,” Rachu said. “They want natural products — no dyes, artificial flavors or fillers like byproducts and corn. They want to see animal proteins as the first ingredients because pets use those proteins more efficiently.”
That shift toward transparency is driving demand for custom nutrition, and Pet Wants is leading the charge.
The Pet Wants Process: From Sensitivities to Solutions
What makes Pet Wants unique is its ability to identify each pet’s nutritional needs. The brand offers in-house sensitivity and intolerance testing — for example, a noninvasive hair sample test that gives pet parents a detailed report of potential dietary triggers.
“We ask pet parents to send in a hair sample, and they get a great report showing what the pet should avoid,” Rachu said. “That test comes back to our Pet Wants owners, and they interpret it for the customer. Then they develop a treatment plan — what kind of food is best, what supplements might help and how to support that pet long term.”
It’s a highly personalized approach that goes far beyond what’s offered in traditional pet retail.
“Our franchise owners are trained to be nutrition experts — they know what questions to ask, how to recommend supplements and how to develop a plan,” Rachu said. “We give common-sense guidance and always recommend consulting a vet for serious issues.”
Franchisees as Trusted Advisors
This ability to create custom nutrition plans — backed by rigorous training — has made Pet Wants franchisees more than just pet store owners. They’re pet health and wellness educators and trusted members of their communities.
“Our franchisees go through hours and hours of nutritional training,” Rachu said. “We work with premier partners in CBD, essential oils, probiotics, digestive enzymes — and bring them in to train our owners. Every month, we host training webinars with experts in different fields. That’s how we keep our team sharp.”
This expert-backed education helps franchisees build lasting customer relationships and drive repeat business.
“We’re all about prevention,” Rachu said. “When we see recurring issues like itchy skin or digestive problems, our owners know how to help.”
Personalized Products That Meet Modern Needs
Pet Wants’ commitment to personalization is also reflected in its exclusive product lines. The brand offers its own private-label dry dog and cat food formulas, all made with natural ingredients and no fillers. Recently, the company launched freeze-dried complete meals and single-ingredient treats, for example, which are all flash frozen to preserve nutrients.
“Freeze-dried is really gaining traction,” Rachu said. “It’s not the most convenient or cheapest option, but it’s a healthier alternative that’s growing in popularity. It gives pet parents another way to personalize their pet’s nutrition.”
Additionally, Pet Wants is expanding its private-label supplement line, helping address common issues like joint pain, digestion and skin conditions with targeted, natural products.
Delivering Convenience and Custom Care
Personalization at Pet Wants goes beyond product — it extends to how pet parents interact with the brand. Whether it’s shopping online, stopping by a market event or visiting a local retail location, Pet Wants meets customers wherever they are.
“A lot of pet parents want convenience,” Rachu said. “They want to be able to get food, treats and chews delivered — but also want the option to walk into a store and ask questions. That’s where we live. We’re at events, we have e-commerce, our app and we’re in local communities. It’s about aligning with the customer’s needs to compete and thrive.”
A Personalized Future for Pet Wellness
With the pet industry shifting toward wellness and transparency, Pet Wants’ personalized approach is well-positioned to lead the pack.
“We do a lot of things differently than other pet stores or chains,” Rachu said. “Our focus is on nutrition, customization and solutions. That’s what sets us apart.”
By combining proprietary formulas, individualized testing, high-end training and community connection, Pet Wants has created a business that doesn’t just sell — it solves.
To learn more about personalized pet nutrition and franchise opportunities with Pet Wants, visit: https://1851franchise.com/petwants.