Born to Eat Wild

Charleston’s nutrition-forward food boutique will enrich your pet’s life

By Denise K. James » Photos by LaVonda Downard Photography LLC

When Caroline Charette looked for a small business with a strong history in Charleston, The Wild–a nutrition-focused pet food shop–seemed to be an ideal fit. A year-and-a-half ago, Caroline and her husband, Alex, were thrilled to continue providing Lowcountry pet owners with whole food nutrition–a reputation implemented by The Wild’s previous owners.

While she’d had a career in management consulting, Caroline was eager to become an entrepreneur with a purposeful mission. The pet health industry blended her love of animals with her background in environmental science; she earned a degree in the field prior to her master’s in business.

“I always had an interest in nutrition, and I even thought about going into veterinary medicine,” she says.

The team of animal lovers stayed on staff with Caroline for the new iteration, and together, they’ve maintained the quality that pet owners appreciate when deciding on their dog’s or cat’s best diet.

The business mission, written by The Wild’s original owners in 2003, remains the same: “To redefine pet nutrition in the community and help Charleston pets live longer and happier lives through quality nutrition and biologically appropriate diets.”

But what is a biologically appropriate diet? The shop’s name, The Wild Pet Nutrition, is actually a clue. As animals whose ancestors are wolves and wildcats, pets are carnivores, and they need natural, animal-based proteins to live healthier lives.

Unfortunately, a number of pet food brands available in supermarkets and big-box stores contain wheat, soy, gluten and corn, and these fillers can mean a shorter life for your furry friend, as well as a compromised immune system, skin and gut health issues and other illnesses.

“All our foods are free of harmful chemicals, preservatives, byproducts and fillers still found in many readily available, highly processed and misleadingly marketed options,” Caroline says.

Because no two dogs or two cats are the same, every staff member at The Wild is certified in pet nutrition and possesses knowledge of all products in the store—and there are no bad choices. Much of the space is devoted to fresh, whole and raw food, while shoppers who need dry food options will find only those who meet The Wild’s high standards.

Individualized nutrition plans include specific feeding amounts and how to successfully implement a new diet.

“We take a holistic approach, so mental enrichment and stimulation are another important consideration,” Caroline said. “We have a selection of interactive mats and toys, treat-release bowls, toys with hide-and-seek pieces and other options.”

A diverse natural treats and chews bar, supplements, quality supplies and a self-serve pet wash are offered as well.

What the toys, treats, supplements and foods have in common is intention in their sourcing. Caroline and the rest of the team at The Wild stay informed about pet nutrition and industry developments and exclusively carry products that instill confidence in the consumer. Shoppers have the confidence in knowing exactly what they are buying, and educational handouts offer peace of mind when making a purchase. Handouts have covered topics such as raw diets, raw dairy benefits, dental health, grain versus grain-free, weight management, ingredient checklists, recalled pet foods and more.

The shared goal among Caroline and the team is to become the go-to neighborhood pet store for Charleston. The Wild’s snazzy new branding and website, as well as the ease of online ordering, have contributed to its customer base growth. However, what keeps pet parents devoted is seeing the health and vitality of their pet after using the products. The entire crux of the business, Caroline says, is the joy of helping pets have better lives.

“We believe our pets should eat as nature intended, with ingredients they would choose themselves in the wild and what their digestive systems and bodies need to not only survive, but to thrive,” she says.

The Wild Pet Nutrition

West Ashley

3417 Shelby Ray Ct. Ste B, Charleston

James Island

1175 Folly Road Ste D, Charleston

www.thewildpetstores.com