NUTRO Brand’s First-of-its-Kind Farmers Market for Dogs is Raising Awareness About the Vital Importance of Soil Health

Natural pet food brand NUTRO, proudly part of the Mars family of brands, is inviting dogs and pet parents to its first-of-its-kind farmers market designed with pet behaviorists to be uniquely for dogs. Guests can expect treats, toys and pet-safe food and experiences featured at snout-level, sensory touchpoints to engage pups’ touch and sight and so much more. The market pops up at The Park in the heart of The Grove, in Los Angeles – adjacent to the Original (human) Farmers Market on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., in partnership with actor and advocate Ian Somerhalder and his white shepherd, Sequoia.

“As a pet parent, I know we all strive to give our dogs the very best, especially with the food they eat. Healthy soil practices ensure the future of food for humans and pets and what better way to highlight this than through a community driven format like a farmers’ market?” Somerhalder said. “Sequoia will undoubtedly place herself right next to the pet-safe produce and treat stations. As for me, it’s an honor to work alongside NUTRO again to continue sparking a conversation about two of my greatest loves: dogs and the planet.”

Farmers markets connect us to our food and the farmers who grow it. Yet, many people don’t realize some of the ingredients in pet food are grown just like their own. NUTRO knows it starts from the soil up to help feed our future, for people and for pets. But the growth of food isn’t guaranteed in the future due to rapidly degrading soil. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, 90 percent of the Earth’s soil could be degraded by 2050*.

NUTRO is drawing attention to the importance of soil health and giving furry friends a unique experience with its Farmers Market for Dogs, taking great strides to ensure all activities are designed specifically for canine visitors and pet parents to enjoy. The market will feature pawsome activities crafted for dogs, including:

• A woof-worthy entrance, featuring a beautiful display of treats, toys and pet-safe produce.
• Dog-friendly herbs, plants and ingredients that stimulate dogs’ incredible sense of smell, plus other sensory touchpoints to engage their touch and sight.
• Tables at snout-level, prioritizing pup-first access to pick their favorite fresh local produce and the best smelling treats.
• Readings from MoonPaws Paw-strologists and pet-safe bouquets by The Petal Effect, available for your dog to curate in shades of blue and yellow (colors dogs see best!).
• Educational demonstrations showing the magic of healthy soil, for pet parents and dogs to get their paws dirty.
• ALL the treats, with free NUTRO products and samples.
• Limited-edition NUTRO Brand’s farmers market tote bag designed in collaboration with LA-based illustrator Jess Miller, made with organic cotton and perfect for your next farmers market haul (while supplies last).
• A NUTRO Main Stage for tricks and rewards, celebrating and strengthening the bond between dogs and their parents.
• Pup lounges outfitted with cozy beds for all shapes and sizes, offering a place to relax, re-charge and lap up some water before enjoying more.

“The NUTRO brand is giving dogs the experience they deserve by offering the joys of a traditional farmers market – time out in the sun, fresh produce, unmissable activities and connecting with the community – but with a heartwarming and tail wagging spin,” said Colten Kidwell, Vice President of Marketing at Mars Petcare. “In addition to a day of fun, we hope to raise continued awareness amongst pet parents of the importance of protecting healthy soil for the future of food, underscoring the mission of the NUTRO GREATER GROUND initiative.”

Launched in 2022, the GREATER GROUND initiative has made a $5 million commitment through 2027 to provide farmers in the brand’s supply network with training, support and funding to adopt healthy soil practices.

NUTRO believes pet parents can be a powerful force for change. To learn more about the Farmers Market for Dogs and the GREATER GROUND initiative, visit NUTRO.