Originally published on 9/5/25

Rachael Ray was one of the most beloved chefs of the early 2000s thanks to her hit Food Network show 30 Minute Meals and her talk show, which was rightfully named after her. Over the course of those, she also wrote several cookbooks and even released kitchenware and home decor lines. But now the 57-year-old is focusing on something entirely different: her dog food brand Nutrish. Woman’s World recently caught up with Ray to learn more about both the brand and her love for pets. Read on to discover what she has to say. 

Rachael Ray talks about her love for pets 

Like so many of us Ray loves her dog Bella—which she shares with her husband of 20 years, John Cusimano. In fact, she often posts about her on social media, sharing cute photos and updates on their adventures, a lot of which inspired Nutrish—a pet food brand that has given over $95 million to help animals since its founding in 2008. 

“It all started with my dog, Isaboo. She was such a huge part of our family and I wanted her to have the best, just like I would for any loved one. So, we started making pet food the same way I make human food: with real, simple ingredients that you can trust. Giving back was set in stone from the beginning. That $95 million goes to shelters, rescue groups and animal organizations doing amazing work. I’m involved in every step— from the inspiration behind the recipes to the impact we’re making—and the mission stays front and center in everything we do with Nutrish,” she shared. 

“When we first launched Nutrish, it wasn’t the norm to think of pet food the same way you think of dinner with your family. I learned that people want transparency and they care deeply about their pets. A standout moment for me was visiting a rescue that had received funding from our organization. Meeting the animals, seeing the difference we were able to make—that’s what it’s all about.” 

Like so many of her other products, Ray herself handcrafted the Nutrish recipes, telling Woman’s World, “A lot of ideas stem from what I’m cooking at home. If it tastes good to me and it’s made with clean, recognizable ingredients, the team starts thinking: how can we make a pet-friendly version of this?  With my trusted partner at Post Consumer Brands, they’ve continued to expand the line with recipes that help support specific needs—like digestion, high protein and overall wellness. The Nutrish™ Real Beef, Pea & Brown Rice Recipe Whole Health Blend Dry Dog Food is one we’re really proud of. It’s full of great stuff and pets are loving it.” 

Rachael Ray shares what’s next for her 

If you miss seeing Ray on your television screens, don’t worry because she said she’s “been working on some new media and storytelling projects that focus on the heart of the home—food, family, and community—including my new show, Meals in Minutes, which you can catch every Monday, at 9/8c on FYI, Disney+ and Hulu.” 

On top of that, she’s also “continuing to grow the Nutrish line and finding more ways to give back through the Rachael Ray Foundation. Supporting animals in need, feeding people in need and funding education are things I’m really passionate about.” 

And finally, she is continuing to promote her bestselling cookware line, which, she says “all comes back to making life better and easier for families, whether that’s two-legged or four-legged.”

“My cookware line is designed to help home cooks feel confident and have fun in the kitchen. Nutrish does the same thing for pet parents by giving them peace of mind that they’re feeding their pets real, nourishing food. Whether it’s a skillet or a bag of kibble, it’s all part of helping people feel good about what they’re serving up at home.” 

Link to original: womansworld.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=579264&action=edit