Bone appetit! Photo: Courtesy of Réal Mesa
Chef. Humanitarian. Gourmet dog food purveyor? José Andrés adds to his increasingly diverse resume with a new line of "Mediterranean-inspired" pet food launching in October.
What's happening: The "Longer Tables" podcaster is now building bigger bowls with Reál Mesa, a "chef-curated" line of dog food with a mission to "nourish the relationships between families and their pets through elevated meal experiences."
Why it matters: Andrés is arguably the biggest name to dive into the pet food game since Rachael Ray launched Nutrish in 2008. Like that company, partial proceeds from each sale go to a good cause: Andrés' global disaster relief nonprofit World Central Kitchen.
The intrigue: Unlike Ray, Andrés doesn't have a dog. Reps tell Axios he has a lifelong love of animals and provides animal care through WCK.
On the menu: Chicken & Vegetable Asado, Lamb & Tomato Stew, and a Wild-Caught Salmon Feast (yes, we're still talking about dog food). In addition to the fancy main proteins, there's chef-y produce (figs! kale!) and "a proprietary blend of herbs and spices."
- The launch includes one puppy and three adult options, plus treats and meal-toppers like chicken kabobs. They'll be available next month (date and prices TBD) on Amazon and Chewy.
Between the lines: Andrés continues to diversify his portfolio with a new media company, a restaurant consulting business that launched in August, and lab-grown meat.
- Perhaps pet food is the logical next frontier given the market for upscale canine experiences.
Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Washington D.C..
More Washington D.C. stories
No stories could be found
Get a free daily digest of the most important news in your backyard with Axios Washington D.C..