Celebrity chef Rachael Ray and Dr. Preston Buff, principal scientist at Post Consumer Brands, discuss simple ways to support pets’ health through smart nutrition, supplements, and loving routines.
Rachael Ray
Celebrity Chef, TV Personality, Businesswoman
Preston R. Buff, Ph.D., Dipl. ACAN
Principal Scientist, R&D, Post Consumer Brands
What’s your best tip for transitioning pets to a healthier diet without upsetting their stomachs?
Preston Buff: When you make the decision to change your pet’s food, I recommend buying the new food before you run out of the current food. Make sure that you have enough of the current food so you can gradually transition. Every pet is unique in how they respond to changing their diet. I recommend a transition over a period of 10 days to help minimize any gastrointestinal upset. I recommend starting with replacing about 25% of the old food with the new food for the first few days, then replacing 50% of the old food for a few days, then 75% for a few days. Then you can start feeding only the new food. If your pet has any difficulties transitioning, you should contact your veterinarian.
What role do supplements play in maintaining the health and well-being of our pets?
PB: Some supplements can provide an added benefit for pets, but before choosing to add a supplement to your pet’s routine, you should consult with your veterinarian. Adding a supplement that provides added nutrients, such as vitamins or minerals, to your pet’s diet could offset the nutrient balance of their diet. When feeding a complete and balanced pet food, such as Nutrish, your pet should have all the nutrients they need. There are also some foods that provide targeted benefits, such as a diet with added prebiotics and probiotics, like Nutrish Everyday Digestion dry cat food, or added antioxidants for immune support, like Nutrish Whole Health Blend dog and cat foods.
What are some of your favorite ways to bond with Bella while also ensuring she stays healthy and happy?
Rachael Ray: Bella is a rescue, and our bond grew through big life changes. She came from a shelter, and when we adopted her, we were mourning the loss of our beloved Isaboo. Just weeks later, our house burned down, and Bella had to adjust again — but through everything, she stayed gentle and loving.
Today, Bella lives however she wants. Every bed, every couch — it’s all hers. She’s shy around new people and loud noises, but she trusts me and my husband completely. Her full name is Bella Boo Blue, which honors my first two dogs, Boo and Isaboo, keeping all of them close to my heart. We celebrate Bella’s “gotcha day” every June, often alongside her best friend Layla, in Italy.
Caring for Boo, Isaboo, and now Bella inspired a business that now helps rescue animals everywhere — a way of honoring the trust and unconditional love they have given me every day.
Nutrish has been in business for more than 15 years. What can you attribute to its success today?
RR: Nutrish’s success has always been rooted in love for animals and a belief that they deserve the same care, quality, and respect we would give to any family member. Every product we created was first tested by my own dogs or my mother’s cats. Their health and happiness guided every decision from the very beginning. What started as a small, deeply personal project grew into something much bigger — a community of pet parents who trust us because they’ve seen how much better their animals feel on our recipes.
Nutrish’s mission has never stopped at the bowl, however. Through the proceeds, we’ve been able to help rescue and care for countless animals beyond just cats and dogs. I’m proud to say Nutrish’s success is because it was never just about business; it has always been about service, heart, and giving back to the animals who give us so much.
In what ways is the Rachael Ray Foundation helping animals in need?
RR: The Rachael Ray Foundation helps animals in need by supporting a wide range of rescues and organizations, big and small. Our largest partner is Animal League America. They’ve been family to us for years and continue to save countless lives. Through the Foundation, we also provide grants that support shelters and rescue groups in increasing lifesaving efforts, such as adoption drives, spay and neuter programs, and shelter intake prevention initiatives.
At the end of the day, it’s about giving love, hope, and strength to the creatures who often go unseen. When you bring an animal into your life, you don’t just save them — they make you a better human, too.
