Pet Food Processing - July 2023 - 77

Advertorial
THE JOURNEY OF PLATO PET TREATS FROM
VALLEY FIELDS TO FURRY FRIENDS
Fresno, California - Plato Pet Treats has
become a leading provider of premium
pet treats, driven by the vision and
collaboration of its founders. Bob and
Dana Montgomery, renowned protein
ingredient suppliers to the pet food
industry, partnered
with Kent Watts, an
experienced Pet
Specialty distributor
in Orange County,
California, and
a family-owned
retail store with a
rich history. Their
convergence in the
early 1990s led to
the pioneering use
of pig-ears as a dog
treat, resulting in
remarkable success
and the eventual sale
of the business.
Aaron Merrell, who gained
invaluable insights working in the
protein ingredient business with Bob &
Dana since high-school, partnered with
Kent, Dana, and Bob after completing
his MBA program at Fresno State.
Inspired by personal experiences with
high-quality nutrition for his family
pet, Aaron recognized the opportunity
to create something exceptional.
Leveraging their strengths in the
meat supply business, Aaron crafted
a business plan that presented a new
kind of pet treat and made a proposal
to start a new company. With shared
passion and commitment, they formed
the foundation of Plato Pet Treats.
Plato Pet Treats quickly established
itself as a brand committed to unrivaled
quality and nutrition. Drawing upon
the fertile landscapes of California,
renowned as the top agricultural
producing state in the country, they
harnessed the finest
ingredients. The
founders' profound
understanding of
protein supply and
distribution, along
with Kent's extensive
experience in the
pet specialty sector,
guided the company's
growth and ensured
the highest standards
were upheld.
The collaboration and
expertise of Plato Pet
Treats' dedicated team
members, including
those from Aaron's
previous work, have played pivotal roles
in developing and building the company.
Through their collective efforts, Plato
Pet Treats discovered the transformative
power of air-drying. By delicately
removing moisture while preserving
essential nutrients, they unlocked a
truly innovative way to offer pets a
remarkable taste experience.
With their proprietary air-drying
technology, Plato Pet Treats is poised
to bring even more excitement and
innovation to pet owners worldwide.
Their deep-rooted knowledge and
connections in the raw material/
ingredients supply chain and the
pet industry as a whole give them a
significant advantage. In the coming
year, pet owners can anticipate a
range of new air-dried products from
Plato Pet Treats, delivering an elevated
experience that will have pets' tails
wagging from coast to coast.
Plato Pet Treats' success is rooted in
its passion for excellence, dedication
to pets' well-being, and commitment
to sourcing the highest-quality
ingredients. Located in the heart of
the San Joaquin Valley, the richest
agricultural area in the country, the
company benefits from its access to
abundant, top-quality ingredients. With
its founders' shared vision and diverse
expertise, Plato Pet Treats continues
to set a new standard for premium pet
treats, enriching the lives of pets and
bringing joy to their owners.
Pet Food Processing - July 2023

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