About Hearthwood - a story that began at home, and a promise to do better.
As the founder of Hearthwood Pets, I share my home with two giant cats - a ginger tabby and a black silver Maine Coon - and dream of one day welcoming a dog into our family.
Our older ginger cat, Juju, has struggled with food allergies since his first birthday; he had to give up his favourite meals and switch to a veterinary diet. Veterinarians often note that the best way to identify a food allergy is through a strict elimination diet: feeding a novel protein for at least eight weeks, then reintroducing ingredients one by one to pinpoint the allergen. Determined to give Juju the best chance for relief, I began searching for simple, single-protein foods - and that’s how this journey began.
Freeze-dried meats quickly became our go-to choice. The freeze-drying process removes moisture while naturally preserving nutrients, keeping vitamins and enzymes intact. These meats are minimally processed, protein-rich, and irresistibly tasty. Many are made from a single meat source and are gentle on digestion, which is ideal for pets with food sensitivities or on elimination diets. Because they’re dried, they can be served as-is or rehydrated with water to restore natural moisture (over 70%), which also encourages hydration. This discovery opened the door to the world of freeze-dried pet nutrition.
Living in Western Australia, I longed for a local store dedicated to freeze-dried pet food. Imaging a place where pet parents could explore healthy, high-quality products and pick up a little treat while grabbing a coffee on the way home, ready to surprise their furry family members waiting at the door. Hearthwood Pets was born from that vision.
Our name evokes a hearth - the warm heart of a home - surrounded by nature, symbolising our commitment to natural ingredients and the comfort of companionship. We source from local farmers, using traceable, human-grade meats processed by our trusted freeze-drying partners backed by strong certifications.
But Hearthwood is more than a pet store. We hope it becomes a community gathering space, where neighbours meet, share stories, and celebrate the animals who make our lives whole. A place where you can pick up something special on your way home and share a moment of joy with the friend waiting at the door.
At its heart, Hearthwood Pets is a celebration of the lifestyle we share with our animals. Caring for them enriches our homes and reminds us that coming back to a wagging tail or a soft purr is one of life’s simplest, most profound joys.
21 October, 2025