Women entrepreneurs are redefining industries, breaking barriers, and driving innovation across sectors. As we celebrate Women’s Day, it’s crucial to highlight the role of women in the startup ecosystem, where they bring fresh perspectives, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership.
One such inspiring founder is Palak Jain, Founder of Paws for Green, a vegan dog food brand that is challenging industry norms and introducing sustainable, cruelty-free pet nutrition. In a market dominated by conventional pet food brands, Palak’s vision stands out—not only for its commitment to animal welfare and environmental sustainability but also for the entrepreneurial spirit that is reshaping the pet care industry.
In this exclusive Women’s Day interaction, TVW News India speaks with Palak Jain about her journey from an actor to an entrepreneur, the inspiration behind Paws for Green, the challenges of launching a plant-based pet food brand, and her vision for the future of sustainable pet care.
Here’s the interview
What inspired you to create Paws for Green, a vegan dog food brand, and how did you identify the need for plant-based nutrition in pet care?
My journey from actor to entrepreneur has been deeply personal and transformative. I accidentally became a pet parent when two beautiful souls came into my life. They taught me profound lessons about kindness and empathy—lessons that extended beyond just them to all living beings. I realised that just because animals can’t speak doesn’t mean they don’t feel pain, fear, or joy. Every animal has emotions, and they deserve compassion. This emotional awakening led me to transition from being a vegetarian to a vegan and inspired me to question why one life should be taken to sustain another when better alternatives exist. On a practical level, I identified a significant gap in the market for plant-based, cruelty-free pet food. My research confirmed that dogs, being omnivores, can thrive on plant-based diets when they’re nutritionally complete, and thus, Paws for Greens was born—a brand rooted in love, compassion, and sustainability.
Your products are formulated by veterinarians and nutritionists. Can you share insights into the research and development process that ensures your food is both nutritious and safe for dogs?
Our products are a result of extensive collaboration with veterinarians and nutritionists who have carefully crafted every formula to meet the specific dietary needs of dogs at every life stage—puppy, adult, and senior. Every ingredient is meticulously measured to ensure it contributes to the overall health, well-being, and growth of a dog. We’ve ensured that the food offers a high protein percentage—24-26% for adults and 28-30% for puppies—sourced entirely from clean, plant-based ingredients.
Allergens from meat and dairy are completely eliminated, reducing the risk of gut health issues, skin allergies, and digestion problems. Each ingredient is high-quality, human-grade, and sourced responsibly. Rigorous quality checks are performed to guarantee safety and efficacy. The result is a balanced, nutritious food that not only contributes to a healthier life for dogs but also supports their longevity.
Some pet owners might be skeptical about vegan diets for dogs. How do you address concerns about dogs needing animal-based proteins in their diets?
Skepticism is natural, especially when it comes to something as important as a dog’s diet. Dogs indeed require a balanced nutritional diet for their growth and overall health. However, the source of that nutrition is equally important. Many conventional dog foods use low-quality meat and dairy, which can transfer allergens into a dog’s diet. This often leads to issues like poor gut health, digestion problems, skin allergies, and even obesity due to fillers like corn, wheat, and soy.
At Paws for Greens, we’ve ensured that your dog gets all the essential nutrients they need—but from clean, plant-based sources. Our food is allergen-free, lighter on the stomach, and great for gut health. By providing high-quality, balanced nutrition, we eliminate the risks associated with poor-quality ingredients. Dogs consuming clean, nutritious food are not only healthier but can also live longer lives.
Every day of a dog’s life counts—they age seven times faster than humans, so every meal matters. Who wouldn’t want their dog to live a longer, healthier, and happier life? By choosing a cleaner, kinder option, we can help ensure that.
How does offering cruelty-free, plant-based dog food contribute to reducing the environmental impact of pet care and align with your brand’s values?
At Paws for Greens, our mission extends beyond compassionate living; it is also about contributing to the planet in measurable ways. Pets worldwide consume about 20% of the world’s meat supply, which significantly contributes to the staggering environmental toll of animal agriculture. Producing 1 kg of meat requires approximately 15,000 liters of water, and animal farming accounts for nearly 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
By manufacturing 10,000 kgs of our plant-based dog food, we are able to:
- Save approximately 3 million liters of water.
- Prevent the slaughter of thousands of animals.
- Save around 20 acres of land that would otherwise be used for animal agriculture.
- Reduce up to 50 metric tons of CO2 emissions that would have been released into the atmosphere.
Our food provides a compassionate alternative, but it also actively contributes to creating a healthier planet for future generations. While environmental discussions may still not be mainstream, they are more crucial now than ever. Every choice we make today shapes the world we leave behind.
It doesn’t take much to choose kindness—a kinder option for your pet, for other animals, and for the planet. Together, we can create a sustainable future that aligns with the well-being of all inhabitants of this Earth.
What were some of the biggest challenges in launching a vegan dog food brand, and how has the market responded to Paws for Green?
One of the biggest challenges we faced was educating people and breaking the deeply ingrained myths about dogs’ dietary needs. For years, commercial brands have perpetuated the narrative that dogs are like wolves and require meat-heavy diets to thrive. While it’s true that dogs are descendants of wolves, they have evolved over 40,000 years of domestication to adapt to life alongside humans. Modern dogs are omnivorous, not wild hunters, and their dietary needs have evolved to reflect their current environment, climate, and lifestyle.
Another challenge was helping pet parents understand the importance of being mindful of what they feed their dogs. Many commercial products on the market are filled with fillers, low-quality meat, and unclear or misleading labelling. Most pet owners don’t realize that these ingredients can contribute to long-term health issues like allergies, obesity, and gut problems. At Paws for Greens, we’ve made it a priority to list every ingredient clearly and transparently on our packaging, so pet parents know exactly what they’re feeding their furry companions.
While these hurdles were significant, the journey has been nothing short of fulfilling. The response from the market has been overwhelming. Pet parents who share our vision of cruelty-free living have embraced Paws for Greens wholeheartedly, and the community is only growing. Knowing that we’re contributing to something much bigger than just a brand—a movement toward compassion, health, and sustainability—fills my heart with immense joy and pride.
As a pioneer in plant-based pet food, what innovations or expansions do you envision for Paws for Green in the coming years?
We are constantly striving to evolve and meet the diverse needs of pets and their parents. One key focus for us is expanding our range to cater to specific requirements, such as formulating products tailored for puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with special dietary needs. Each stage of a dog’s life comes with unique nutritional needs, and we aim to address those with precision and care.
We are also working towards introducing biodegradable packaging to make our brand even more eco-friendly and reduce the environmental footprint of pet care.
Additionally, we plan to launch vegan toppers and supplements designed to promote overall well-being, addressing specific areas like joint health, skin and coat care, and gut health. These will further enhance the health benefits of our food offerings.
We are also excited about adding more variety to our range, from dry kibble to delicious gravy-style dog food in an array of flavors. This will give pet parents more choices to keep their furry companions happy, healthy, and excited about mealtime.
What advice would you give to pet owners looking to transition their dogs to a plant-based diet, and what should they consider during the process?
Transitioning your dog to a plant-based diet is a gradual process that requires patience and observation. Sudden dietary changes can upset your dog’s digestion, so it’s essential to introduce the new food in stages.
Start by mixing 20% of the new plant-based diet with 80% of their current food. Observe how your dog reacts to the change over the course of a few weeks, paying close attention to their behaviour, energy levels, digestion, and overall well-being.
Once your dog adjusts, gradually increase the proportion of the plant-based diet to 40% while reducing their current food to 60%. Continue monitoring their response over the next 2-3 months and keep increasing the amount of the plant-based food until it completely replaces the old diet.
The key is to ensure that the transition is slow and steady, allowing your dog’s digestive system to adapt seamlessly to the new diet. Every dog is unique, so the transition timeline may vary slightly depending on their specific needs and sensitivities.
By following this approach, pet parents can make the transition smoother while ensuring their dogs remain happy and healthy throughout the process.