Meet David Zuniga | Proud Florida Man, Dog Lover

We had the good fortune of connecting with David Zuniga and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi David, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I asked myself a single question while fishing with my dog on the beach. “Why can’t I combine the things I love, and use them to try and do some good?” I’d dehydrated treats for my dogs as a hobby, believing there is a brilliance in simplicity. No preservatives, no additives, just the meat. No need for marketing/packaging games.

It was June 2020, I had just relocated back to Palm Beach County from the Keys where my two bartending jobs (at resorts) had been eliminated due to COVID. I’d fed my dog raw for a while, mostly fish because it was so easy to get. I counted how many dogs had walked by me (137) while I caught nothing worthwhile for me, but a nice lunch for my dog. I’d wrestled with the idea of a pet treat business for a while but the conversations I had that day really made me commit to trying it. Locals, and visitors alike that had never considered the fish found in our inshore waters for their pets.

The pet treat space is full of charlatans that leverage consumer ignorance with marketing gimmicks or labeling games. Saying “limited ingredient” while still having fillers, or saying their sourcing is sustainable but use imported fish where the only check on their catch is the sticker on the bag. While commercial fishing does do harm to our oceans and sea turtle populations, not all commercial fishing is the same. I’d become frustrated with how much misinformation there was, I figured I could try and build a treat company that educates, gives back, and supports our local economy, when we need it most all at the same time. Florida doesn’t have the massive fishing fleets like other fisheries do up North and internationally. The species I use aren’t caught with long lines or drag nets, (Florida banned the use of gill nets in coastal waters in 1994, the mere presence of one on your vessel carries hefty penalties), they’re caught by hardworking people on smaller skiffs and center consoles, with cast nets or rod and reel. Some of the healthiest fisheries commercially are what recreational anglers deem to be “trash fish”, too bloody or oily for our palate but that’s what makes them so good for our pets, and safe because they are low on the food supply chain. They are also plentiful. That being said, the next time you catch a jack crevalle, you should bleed it and ice it quickly, then eat it and share how surprised you are.

Frankly, I just think it’s absurd that Floridians give their dogs (and/or themselves) Cod or Salmon when we have hardworking family fishermen as literal neighbors that can give us fresh, responsibly caught fish. I also thought why not use this disconnect to educate, and hopefully with time build an army of pet and ocean lovers that can accomplish big things together. If I love to fish, to enjoy my state with my dog, Rowan, by kayaking/paddleboarding and exploring our parks, and I know that protecting sea turtle nesting habitats equally protects my fishery and the areas I enjoy with my dog, then of course this business can do well and I can try and make an impact. The Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach is THE premiere sea turtle research and rehabilitation center globally. As a kid, I went to their summer camps on the old, tiny campus. While they’ve come a long way, there are still massive battles to be fought both on our beaches and in our rivers and estuaries with water quality.

The same can be said for our Florida farmers that have to compete with Big Ag. Florida is the birthplace of the American cowboy, we have a rich history of farming and they too are our neighbors. So I figured I can extend my ethos of staying hyperlocal to the organ meats I use, the most important thing to me is really trying to create a multiplier effect when someone buys from me. It’s not just supporting me, which I’m grateful for and as I grow can hopefully create good jobs, but also supporting an important cause for anyone that enjoys our beaches, and supporting the commercial fishermen and ranchers that don’t get enough credit for what they do, or get an unfair reputation because people are misinformed. I reject the idea that treat companies shouldn’t share too much, I think a pet treat company should overshare, and invite conversation because at the end of the day, we do all just want what is best for our pets.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I only hope my simple idea can inspire others to think about what they feed their pets, and be more diligent about buying local. I truly believe it is important to educate your customers, or at the very least give them the resources so they can explore answers to their questions. There is a brilliance in simplicity, and by offering truly single ingredient jerkies from local sources, while giving back to sea turtle research and rehabilitation, it can spark some conversations that make a difference.

This is, not easy. I often question myself “is this worth it?” filleting the fish myself, slicing the organ meat, packaging everything but I remind myself everything great takes time, and perseverance. My mother always insisted on that. When I have a supply issue, or unanswered question I remind myself everything is figure-out-able. Celebrate the small wins. A message from a customer saying their pet loved the mahi chew, or when a fellow vendor says they took notes from how I interact with people at a green market and try to apply it to their business, those things keep me going. Be grateful, no matter how much you may feel you aren’t making it, because there are people that have faith in you.

I learned that patience isn’t just a virtue, it’s a necessity. That despite your best effort to work out every single detail nothing will lessen the need to roll with the punches. For the first time in my life, I learned it’s ok to be a little selfish and enjoy some “me-time”, don’t feel guilty taking a break. Those breaks are important recharge sessions for the next day. Above all, keep it fun. Sweating it out at a farmer’s market isn’t as bad when you’re cracking jokes with other passionate people sharing what they love.

I want people to know that my offerings aren’t just healthy, they’re honest. That I try my very hardest to be a resource for the pet owner as much as an indulgence for the pet. And any feedback is always appreciated because honest feedback helps dreams grow.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Too many people but I owe so much to:

My parents, Pilar and Alberto Zuniga who have supported me from day 1, and sacrificed for me before I was even born.
My girlfriend Gabby, who amazingly wants to join on this adventure
Rich Vidulich, the “Pompano Professor” a legend who mentors me constantly on our fisheries, business, and reminding me to stay the course. www.PompanoRich..net for any surf fishing supplies, advice
My Accelerator cohort through 1909, a West Palm Beach non-profit for start-ups and creators who give a damn, www.weare1909.org

Website: www.FloridaManDogTreats.com

Instagram: @rjbites

Facebook: @RJBitesFL