Chasing Our Tails, a national pet food manufacturer, has acquired Marsh Dog, a maker of wild nutria dog biscuits, for an undisclosed amount.
Closure of the 10-year-old Marsh Dog, based in Baton Rouge, LA, in May “elicited a flood of responses from environmental organizations, government agencies, retailers, and customers who support Marsh Dog’s efforts to harness the free market in addressing an environmental challenge,” according to a press released.
The release notes that wild nutria destroy wetlands in many parts of the country, but especially in Louisiana. Some 400,000 of the semi-aquatic mammals are removed annually to prevent coastal erosion.
Hansel Harlan, president of Marsh Dog, said, “We believe strongly in using the healthy, nutritious, and eco-sustainable protein of nutria, rather than seeing it wasted. Dog owners agreed and a grassroots movement began. Our family is thrilled to place Marsh Dog in the capable hands of Chasing Our Tails owner, Stephen Trachtenberg, whom we know will continue the work we began, converting dogs into Canine Conservationists.”
Chasing Our Tails, based in Southern Minnesota, “is a US leader in the manufacturing of premium single and limited ingredient US-sourced treats and chews,” according to the release. The company was established in 2009 by Trachtenberg and operates in over 100,000 square feet of manufacturing space.
Trachtenberg said, “We are excited to welcome Marsh Dog to our family of brands. We look forward to continuing the legacy of the Harlan family’s work while expanding the product line to include other US invasive species. Our first line addition will be Asian Carp which is an invasive species in Minnesota and several US waterways. We firmly believe that every canine can help in the conservation effort and that Marsh Dog will be an integral part of a solution to invasive species. In doing so, we can change the face of novel protein treat options.”
Chasing Our Tails plans to re-launch Marsh Dog’s current line-up later this month with line extensions to follow.