Shepherd Boy Farms

What Shepherd Boy Farms does

Shepherd Boy Farms is a family-owned, Indiana-based pet food manufacturer founded in 2015 that produces premium freeze-dried raw nutrition products for dogs and cats. The company's core technology is a proprietary freeze-drying (lyophilization) process that flash-freezes fresh ingredients and removes moisture through vacuum pressure at sub-zero temperatures (-30 to -50°F), achieving up to 96% nutrient retention versus 25-50% in dehydrated products while delivering a 2-year shelf-stable product with 1-4% moisture content. Manufacturing takes place at the company's SQF Level II certified facility in Greensburg, Indiana, with every batch tested by independent third-party labs before release.

The product portfolio spans four categories: eight protein recipes of freeze-dried dog food (Beef, Chicken, Bison, Pork, Fish, Alligator, Venison, Rabbit) with USA-sourced proteins, organic produce, and goat's milk; four freeze-dried cat food recipes; thirteen single-ingredient freeze-dried treats including organ meats, novel proteins, and Lobster & Coconut; and four freeze-dried raw goat's milk supplement blends (Classic, Golden Blend, Fruit Blend, Super Greens). Pricing ranges from approximately $13.70 for goat's milk supplements to $47.20 for larger dog food bags, with treats between $15.70 and $20.90.

The company operates a hybrid direct-to-consumer and wholesale distribution model, selling through its own e-commerce site with subscription options, major marketplaces (Chewy, Amazon), and independent pet food stores across all 48 continental US states. Revenue mechanics are split between subscription/recurring DTC orders and one-time retail/wholesale purchases, with a 15% promotional discount on first subscription orders. In 2025, the company announced a $50 million, 100,000-square-foot Greensburg manufacturing facility that will triple co-manufacturing capacity and create 50 new jobs, alongside the launch of premium Lobster & Coconut treats. The founder and CEO is Ashton Hood.

Name

Shepherd Boy Farms

Legal name

Shepherd Boy Farms

Website

https://shepherdboyfarms.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Shepherd Boy Farms is a family-owned, Indiana-based manufacturer of premium freeze-dried raw pet food, treats, and goat's milk supplements for dogs and cats, sold through direct e-commerce, Chewy, Amazon, and independent pet stores nationwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Pet Food (Freeze-Dried Raw)

NAICS

Dog and Cat Food Manufacturing (311111), Animal Food Manufacturing (3111)

SIC

Food And Kindred Products (2000)

akta.pro primary industry

Freeze-Dried & Dehydrated Pet Food (AFADAFAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Frozen & Raw Pet Food (incl. freeze-dried) (CRADAFAD)

Keywords

• Freeze-dried pet food
• Raw dog food
• Freeze-dried cat food
• Single-ingredient pet treats
• Pet goat milk supplements

Headquarters

HQ city

Indiana

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Personnel, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Direct E-commerce Sales: Direct-to-consumer sales through company website ShepherdBoyFarms.com with subscription/recurring order options for dog food, cat food, treats, and goat milk products.
2. Retail/Wholesale Distribution: Wholesale distribution through independent pet food stores nationwide and major pet e-commerce platforms (Chewy, Amazon).
3. Wholesale Accounts: B2B wholesale accounts for retailers and pet store partners.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Shepherd Boy Farms manufactures and sells premium freeze-dried raw pet food, single-ingredient organ and meat treats, and goat's milk supplements for dogs and cats. All products are made in the USA from human-grade ingredients using a proprietary freeze-drying process that preserves up to 96% of nutrients and yields a 2-year shelf-stable product without the need for refrigeration or synthetic additives.

Product overview

Shepherd Boy Farms is a family-owned pet food and treats company that produces premium freeze-dried raw products for dogs and cats. The product portfolio consists of three main categories: (1) Freeze-Dried Dog Food - 8 protein recipes including Beef, Chicken, Bison, Pork, Fish, Alligator, Venison, and Rabbit, all featuring organ meats, organic produce, and goat's milk; (2) Freeze-Dried Cat Food - 4 recipes including Beef, Chicken, Pork, and Fish, featuring ground bone, organ meats, goat milk, and organic ingredients; (3) Freeze-Dried Treats - 13 single-ingredient meat treats including Beef Hearts/Liver, Bison Liver, Chicken Breast/Hearts/Liver, Duck Heart/Liver, Lamb Hearts/Liver, Pork Hearts, Minnows, and Lobster & Coconut; and (4) Freeze-Dried Raw Goat's Milk supplements in 4 varieties (Classic, Golden Blend, Fruit Blend, Super Greens Blend). All products are manufactured in Greensburg, Indiana, made with human-grade ingredients, retain 96% nutrient retention through freeze-drying, and carry a 2-year shelf life. Products are sold direct-to-consumer via their website, Amazon, Chewy, and independent pet stores nationwide.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Freeze-Dried Beef Recipe (Dog Food) Award-winning freeze-dried raw beef recipe for dogs featuring USA-sourced beef and organ meat, organic fruits and vegetables, and goat's milk; complete and balanced nutrition for all life stages with no synthetic vitamins or minerals needed.
• Freeze-Dried Chicken Recipe (Dog Food) Award-winning freeze-dried raw chicken recipe for dogs featuring premium USA-sourced chicken, organ meat, organic produce, and goat's milk, formulated for all life stages.
• Freeze-Dried Bison Recipe (Dog Food) Award-winning freeze-dried raw bison recipe for dogs featuring lean bison meat and organ meat sourced from the USA, organic fruits and vegetables, and goat's milk; high in iron and B vitamins.
• Freeze-Dried Pork Recipe (Dog Food) Award-winning freeze-dried raw pork recipe for dogs featuring high-quality pork protein, organ meat, organic produce, and goat's milk; rich in B vitamins and amino acids.
• Freeze-Dried Fish Medley Recipe (Dog Food) Award-winning freeze-dried raw fish recipe for dogs featuring wild-caught fish, organic produce, and goat's milk; rich in omega-3 fatty acids for skin, coat, and joint health.
• Freeze-Dried Alligator Recipe (Dog Food) Award-winning freeze-dried raw alligator recipe for dogs featuring lean alligator meat, organic produce, and goat's milk; a novel, hypoallergenic protein source rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
• Freeze-Dried Venison Recipe (Dog Food) Award-winning freeze-dried raw venison recipe for dogs featuring premium New Zealand venison, USA-sourced organic produce, and goat's milk; a novel, lean protein ideal for dogs with food sensitivities.
• Freeze-Dried Rabbit Recipe (Dog Food) Award-winning freeze-dried raw rabbit recipe for dogs featuring premium French rabbit, USA-sourced organic produce, and goat's milk; a lean, hypoallergenic protein source.
• Beef Recipe for Cats Freeze-dried beef recipe cat food featuring beef with ground bone, organ meats, goat milk, organic carrots, spinach, blueberries, flaxseed, and probiotics; rehydrates with water for a nutrient-rich meal.
• Chicken Recipe for Cats Freeze-dried chicken recipe cat food featuring chicken with ground bone, organ meats, goat milk, organic superfoods, flaxseed, cod liver oil, and probiotics; grain-free and minimally processed.
• Pork Recipe for Cats Freeze-dried pork recipe cat food featuring pork with ground bone, organ meats, goat milk, organic produce, and probiotics; rich in protein with omega-3s for coat health.
• Fish Recipe for Cats Freeze-dried fish recipe cat food featuring salmon, tuna, and whitefish, goat milk, organic vegetables and cranberries, flaxseed, cod liver oil, and probiotics; high in omega-3 fatty acids.
• Freeze-Dried Beef Hearts Treats Single-ingredient freeze-dried beef hearts treats for dogs and cats; high in protein, low in calories, made from 100% USA-sourced beef hearts, ideal for active pets and those with sensitivities.
• Freeze-Dried Beef Liver Treats Single-ingredient freeze-dried beef liver treats rich in iron, B vitamins, and amino acids; gentle on stomachs, ideal for training, meal enhancement, or special snacks.
• Freeze-Dried Bison Liver Treats Single-ingredient freeze-dried bison liver treats; nutrient-dense, rich in iron, B vitamins, and amino acids, excellent for pets with allergies or food sensitivities.
• Freeze-Dried Chicken Breast Treats Single-ingredient freeze-dried chicken breast treats; high in protein, single-ingredient purity, easy to digest, perfect for training rewards, meal toppers, or special treats.
• Freeze-Dried Chicken Hearts Treats Single-ingredient freeze-dried chicken hearts for pets; nutrient-dense with essential vitamins and minerals, gentle and easy to digest, suitable for pets with sensitivities.
• Freeze-Dried Chicken Liver Treats Single-ingredient freeze-dried chicken liver treats; high in protein, iron, and B vitamins, versatile as training rewards, meal toppers, or special snacks.
• Freeze-Dried Duck Heart Treats Single-ingredient freeze-dried duck hearts; high in protein, low in fat, rich in taurine and B vitamins, supports heart health, energy, and overall wellness; allergy-friendly.
• Freeze-Dried Duck Liver Treats Single-ingredient freeze-dried duck liver treats loaded with iron, B vitamins, and amino acids; ideal for pets with food sensitivities.
• Freeze-Dried Lamb Hearts Treats Single-ingredient freeze-dried lamb hearts; protein-rich with essential vitamins and minerals, made from 100% USA-sourced lamb hearts with nothing added.
• Freeze-Dried Lamb Liver Treats Single-ingredient freeze-dried lamb liver treats; rich in iron and B vitamins, supports energy, vitality, and overall well-being, easy to digest for pets with sensitivities.
• Freeze-Dried Pork Hearts Treats Single-ingredient freeze-dried pork hearts; rich in taurine and B vitamins, supports heart health and energy, easy to digest, ideal for pets with sensitivities.
• Freeze-Dried Minnow Treats Single-ingredient freeze-dried minnow treats made from wild-caught minnows; rich in omega-3s for skin and coat health, perfect as training rewards, meal toppers, or special treats for cats and dogs.
• Lobster & Coconut Freeze-Dried Treats Freeze-dried lobster and organic coconut treats; dual-source protein with real lobster and coconut flour, high in fiber and healthy fats, preservative-free, available in 2oz and 5oz sizes.
• Freeze-Dried Raw Goat's Milk - Classic Freeze-dried raw goat's milk supplement for dogs and cats; made from pure, raw milk from pasture-fed goats raised without antibiotics or hormones, rehydrates with water to create a creamy, nutrient-rich topper.
• Freeze-Dried Raw Goat's Milk - Golden Blend Freeze-dried raw goat's milk blend with added superfoods for dogs and cats; rehydrates with water for a nutrient-dense, probiotic-rich supplement supporting gut health, skin, coat, and immunity.
• Freeze-Dried Raw Goat's Milk - Fruit Blend Freeze-dried raw goat's milk with fruit superfood blend for dogs and cats; combines goat's milk probiotics with antioxidant-rich fruits for immune support and digestive health.
• Freeze-Dried Raw Goat's Milk - Super Greens Blend Freeze-dried raw goat's milk with super greens blend for dogs and cats; combines goat's milk with nutrient-dense greens for enhanced gut health, immunity, and vitality, available in Small (16 fl oz) and Large (32 fl oz) sizes.

Quantifiable outcome

• 96% nutrient retention vs. 25-50% in dehydrated products
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Independent Pet Store PartnerscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNationwide network of independent pet food stores carrying Shepherd Boy Farms products. Retailers can contact [email protected] for partnership inquiries.
• ChewycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor pet e-commerce marketplace distributing Shepherd Boy Farms products to pet owners nationwide.
• AmazoncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGlobal marketplace presence for Shepherd Boy Farms products, enabling international distribution and access to Amazon's pet owner customer base.
• Indiana Economic Development CorporationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState economic development agency supporting the company's expansion in Indiana with the new 100,000-square-foot manufacturing facility.
• Dr. Evelyn Kass, DVM - Pet Nutrition DoctorminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSmall animal veterinarian with 30+ years experience providing pet nutrition education content for Shepherd Boy Farms blog, including articles on gut health and safe holiday foods for pets.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Vital Essentials: Direct competitor offering freeze-dried raw pet food, treats, and toppers with similar emphasis on USA sourcing and single-ingredient formulations. Competes head-to-head in freeze-dried treats and meat-based product lines, including organ treats.
• Open Farm: Premium pet food company offering freeze-dried raw, gently cooked, and kibble products with strong emphasis on ethical sourcing and ingredient transparency. Comparable premium pricing, DTC-first strategy, and similar target consumer seeking traceable, high-quality ingredients.
• Stella & Chewy's: Direct competitor in the freeze-dried raw pet food category, offering raw-coated kibble, freeze-dried raw dinners, and treats for dogs and cats. Comparable premium positioning, similar DTC + retail distribution, and overlapping target customer of health-conscious pet owners willing to pay for raw nutrition.
• K9 Natural: New Zealand-based freeze-dried and frozen raw pet food brand with strong novel protein portfolio. Direct comparable in product format (freeze-dried raw), ingredient philosophy (grass-fed, high-meat), and premium positioning, though focused more internationally.
• Northwest Naturals: Direct competitor in freeze-dried raw pet food and treats for dogs and cats. Similar product line including single-ingredient and complete meal freeze-dried offerings, comparable ingredient philosophy, and overlapping specialty/independent retail distribution.
• Nature's Logic: Premium pet food brand emphasizing whole food nutrition with no synthetic vitamins, similar to Shepherd Boy Farms' positioning. Offers both kibble and raw/freeze-dried lines, competing for the same health-conscious pet owner segment.
• Primal Pet Foods: Direct peer producing freeze-dried and frozen raw pet foods including meals, treats, and toppers for dogs and cats. Comparable organic and natural ingredient positioning, similar product format, and overlapping specialty/independent retail channel strategy.

Broad incumbents

• Instinct (Nature's Variety): Larger established raw and freeze-dried pet food brand owned by AGROLAB. Offers comparable raw/freeze-dried product lines including freeze-dried raw meals and treats, but with broader distribution scale and additional kibble/wet product categories.
• Orijen (Champion Petfoods): Premium pet food brand owned by Champion Petfoods with a broad product portfolio including dry, freeze-dried, and raw-coated offerings. Competes in the same premium segment but at significantly larger scale with broader geographic reach and marketing budget.

Emerging players

• The Farmer's Dog: Direct-to-consumer fresh, human-grade pet food brand competing in the same premium fresh/raw nutrition category. Different format (refrigerated vs. freeze-dried) but comparable target customer and premium pricing, representing both competition and category validation.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Shepherd Boy Farms