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Carnivore Inc. is a manufacturer of premium freeze-dried and frozen raw pet food and treats for dogs and cats based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The organization operates as one of the largest freeze-dried raw pet food producers in North America, maintaining a workforce of over 130 employees across its production facilities. The enterprise distributes its proprietary product lines, including the Vital Essentials and Nature's Advantage brands, through direct-to-consumer channels, global co-manufacturing partnerships, and major online retail marketplaces such as Chewy and Amazon. Following its strategic acquisition by private equity firm Arbor Investments in December 2021, the company expanded its physical retail footprint to encompass more than 7,200 retail locations across the United States and Canada, alongside active distribution operations in 14 international markets. Carnivore Inc. was officially founded in 2012 by Lanny Viegut and Cheryl Viegut.
Carnivore Inc. has raised $9.0M across 2 funding rounds.
Carnivore Inc. has raised $9.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Carnivore Meat Company is a Green Bay, Wisconsin-based manufacturer of premium raw frozen and freeze-dried pet food and treats, pioneering the raw pet nutrition category with brands like Vital Essentials and VE RAW BAR.[1][2][6] It serves pet owners worldwide, including dogs, cats, and other carnivorous pets, by providing nutritious, U.S.-made products distributed to over 7,000 retailers in the U.S., 14 international markets, and online, while also offering private label, co-packing, and ingredients globally.[1][2] The company solves the problem of delivering high-quality, natural raw pet nutrition amid rising demand for premium options, evidenced by its fifth consecutive year on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies (ranking 4,936 in 2024) and operation of the largest freeze-drying facility in the U.S.[1][6]
Carnivore Meat Company, long recognized as one of the most tenured raw pet food producers in the nation, emerged as a pioneer in premium freeze-dried and raw pet nutrition from its headquarters in Green Bay, Wisconsin.[1][2][6] Specific founding details and founders are not detailed in available sources, but the company has built its reputation through early innovation in raw pet food, including private label provision since at least 2012.[2] Pivotal moments include consistent Inc. 5000 recognition starting prior to 2024, reflecting sustained growth, resilience, and expansion of its state-of-the-art freeze-drying operations.[1]
Carnivore Meat Company rides the trend of premium pet nutrition, where pet owners increasingly seek raw, natural diets mimicking ancestral carnivorous needs for better health.[1][2] Timing aligns with booming pet humanization and wellness markets, bolstered by post-pandemic pet ownership surges and global demand for high-protein, minimally processed foods. Market forces like e-commerce growth and international expansion (e.g., Canada) favor its model, as it leverages advanced freeze-drying tech—the closest to food tech in its operations—for scalability.[1][2] It influences the ecosystem by elevating raw pet food standards, enabling private labels, and setting benchmarks for production efficiency in a fragmented industry.[1][2]
Carnivore Meat Company is positioned for global expansion, projecting growth in international markets and Canada through its production prowess and brand strength.[1] Trends like rising premium pet food adoption and supply chain localization will shape its path, potentially amplifying its leadership if it integrates more automation or sustainability tech. Its influence may evolve by dominating private label segments, fostering raw nutrition innovation, and sustaining Inc. 5000 momentum as a resilient growth engine in pet care.[1][2] This cements its role as an industry pioneer delivering vitality to carnivorous pets worldwide.
Carnivore Inc. has raised $9.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Carnivore Inc.'s investors include Anorak Ventures, Greycroft, IDG Capital, MaC Venture Capital, Mayfield, Mucker Capital, Norwest Venture Partners, The Venture Reality Fund, Y Combinator, Zeno Ventures, Andreessen Horowitz, Balderton Capital.
Carnivore Inc. has raised $9.0M across 2 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $6.0M Series A in June 2019.