2024 Impact Report

2024 SOCIAL & ENVIRONMENTAL

Impact Report

A NOTE FROM OUR FOUNDER As we reflect on another year at The Honest Kitchen, I feel incredibly proud of the team here who brings their passion, dedication and love of animals (and good food!) to work every single day!

These are uncertain times for many organizations all over the country, but we have remained steadfast in our mission to keep helping pets get on the path to good health through good food as we navigate supply chain challenges and the risks of ingredient cost increases while upholding the strictest possible quality standards across our product lines.

We’ve added several new key team members in recent months to help continue the positive momentum and growth of our brand. We’ve also collectively volunteered with a broader array of organizations than ever before, and some highlights are included on page 18.

We made a move to sourcing American Humane Certified chicken across our dehydrated food line. For us, the term good food really speaks to the concentric circles of influence we have in terms of social and environmental values, extending all the way to the fields where our crops are grown and the ways our meat-producing animals are raised, and partnering with American Humane allows us to formalize this commitment in terms of chicken welfare as we continue our long-range goals of raising the bar across our supply chain.

We were also able to expand our partnership with American Humane in 2024 by becoming the official partner for their Second Chance Grant Program, which provides financial assistance to help offset the critical costs of rescued animals who are homeless or the victims of human cruelty.

Like many companies, we’re experiencing significant uncertainty and devoting considerable resources to risk mitigation and contingency planning at the moment, but we’re proud of the efforts we’re simultaneously continuing to make on the social, environmental and governance front, and we’re committed to further improvements in the year ahead.

Lucy Postins Founder & Chief Integrity Officer 02

Contents Mission & Promise

04

Human Grade Standards

06

2024 Highlights

09

Our Impact Ingredients Packaging & Process People

10 11 13 14

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O U R M I SS I O N

To put as many pets as possible on the road to good health through good food.

O U R P RO M I S E

To create the healthiest products that help pets live a long and happy life.

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05

Human grade.

BECAUSE PET FOOD SHOULD BE FOOD.

Why go the extra mile to make our pet foods human grade? Simple—we believe everyone, including our pets, deserves food that’s safe, nutritious and tasty. Our food is made with high quality, human grade ingredients and produced to the same standards of quality and safety as the food you eat. Because the happiest time of day should be the healthiest. ​

us The World’s 1st Ever Human Grade Pet Food Follows human food safety standards, which include 100+ safety requirements

Follows livestock feed safety standards, which include a minimum of 15 safety requirements

Uses non-GMO ingredients verified as human-edible

Can use ingredients rejected for human consumption, including feed grade byproducts and fillers

Only uses highest-quality, thoughtfully sourced protein, like wild caught fish and cage free turkey Minimally processed using production methods like cold pressing, roasting and gentle dehydration

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1,000+ Feed Grade Pet Food Brands

them

Able to use protein not safe for human consumption, including ‘4D’ meats (dying, dead, diseased or downed) Highly processed using production methods that may include extrusion, which uses extreme heat and pressure

What Goes Into Human Grade Standards When we say we love our pets, we mean it! That’s why we invented an entire category of pet food to feed them with the same quality and safety standards we insist on for our family. Does this mean making our foods is a lot more difficult than it is for most other pet foods? Yes. Is providing pets with safe, healthy and nourishing foods worth it? Absolutely!

I N G R E D I E N TS • Ingredients meet the standard set forth by AAFCO for human grade status • Each individual ingredient supplied to The Honest Kitchen is fit for human consumption

Q UA L I T Y & R EG U L ATO RY P O L I C I E S • “Standard” compliance is strictly monitored and verified with each vendor, manufacturer, warehouse and carrier

M A N U FACT U R I N G N E T WO R K • Each ingredient and the resulting product are stored, handled, processed, and transported in a manner that is consistent and compliant with regulations for current good manufacturing practices for human edible foods (GMPs) as specified in 21 CFR 117 • The manufacturing facility is licensed to produce human food by the appropriate authority

The Benefits of Human Grade

77%

of customers report improved overall wellbeing & energy*

80%

of customers report improved digestion*

71%

of customers report improved skin & coat health*

*Based on a poll of more than 1,000 Honest Kitchen customers who feed a variety of complete & balanced recipes daily to dogs and cats. Responses reflect customer responses where their pet displayed that specific problem. For informational purposes only—results are not guaranteed and may not be typical for other pets.

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08

2024

Highlights

100% 93% 73% of the produce we buy is non-GMO

of Whole Food Clusters’ ingredients are grown in North America

of dehydrated recipes’ ingredients are grown in North America

We purchased more than

We used more than

1 5,0 0 0,0 0 0 L B S

2,50 0,0 0 0 L B S

of non-GMO produce

of organic produce

100% 69%

of the virgin paperboard we use is from Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) compliant sources

of our total workforce identifies as female

In 2024 our team collectively volunteered

596 HOURS

60%

of our workers in management positions or higher identify as female

$24,000 grant

to support American Humane’s Second Chance Grants® Program

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Being a Certified B Corporation is crucial for The Honest Kitchen, as it underscores our commitment to social and environmental responsibility. As we celebrate our second year in the program, we recognize that consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability and ethical practices in their purchasing decisions. The certification not only strengthens our credibility but also builds trust with customers who share our values. It helps us attract and retain passionate employees who are dedicated to making a positive impact in the pet food industry. Embracing B Corp principles allows us to lead by example and inspire others to prioritize purpose alongside profit.

How We Measure Our Impact I N G R E D I E N TS page 11

PAC K AG I N G & P RO C E SS page 13

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P EO P L E page 14

Product

I N G R E D I E N T S O U RC I N G

Ingredients are everything. Since 2002, we’ve been uncompromising with the quality & integrity of our raw ingredient sourcing.

From eggs and salmon to pumpkin and parsley, we only use wholesome foods you recognize from your own kitchen. To meet our uncompromising standards, our suppliers must provide proof of food origins, screening, handling, cleaning and more.

We only source from folks we know and trust, including a few we started with back in 2002. And, what we leave out is as important as what we put in.

• When possible, we choose local suppliers to help minimize the carbon footprint associated with transportation.

• We choose several fruit and veggie ingredients grown in Europe, where most countries have voted to either partially or fully ban GMOs. • We consolidate purchases from our raw ingredient supply partners whenever we can, which helps to minimize the environmental impact of freight.

100% 93% 73% of the produce we buy is non-GMO

of Whole Food Clusters’ ingredients are grown in North America

of dehydrated recipes’ ingredients are grown in North America

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Product

I N G R E D I E N T S O U RC I N G We purchased more than

We used more than

1 5,0 0 0,0 0 0 L B S

2,50 0,0 0 0 L B S

of non-GMO produce

of organic produce

We’re passionate about the issue of genetic modification, not only because of the negative effects that GMOs have on the environment, soil and surrounding land, but also because increasing numbers of studies are demonstrating that consuming GMOs has adverse effects on animals and people. You can read more about GMO safety at nongmoproject.org/gmo-facts. In 2024, we bought over 2.5 million pounds of organic produce. This includes grains, quinoa, flaxseed, kelp, chia seed and coconut as well as a portion of our dehydrated chicken. Our Certified Organic quinoa is grown by hundreds of independent family microfarmers who use regenerative agriculture practices as part of a cooperative in Bolivia and Peru.

We bought

53 5,1 60 L B S of Marine Stewardship Council fish in 2024

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is a nonprofit organization that helps safeguard the health of the world’s oceans by recognizing and rewarding sustainable fishing practices. In 2024, 100% of all fish purchased—that’s 535,160 pounds!—was MSC Certified Fish, including wild caught salmon, cod, whitefish and wolffish. The herring in our Smittens® is responsibly sourced fish, governed under the Latvian Ministry of Agriculture.

We bought over 3.7 million pounds of chicken in 2024. 100% of the chicken in our dehydrated diets is cage free, and more than half is American Humane Certified (AHC). AHC, founded over 150 years ago, is an internationally recognized leader in promoting the humane treatment of animals.

In 2024, we bought

2,61 0,93 8 L B S of AHC chicken

“American Humane Society is thrilled to certify The Honest Kitchen,” said Haley Grimes, Director of Farm Program Operations at American Humane Society. “Their certification is a testament to their commitment to sourcing humanely raised chicken and elevating animal welfare in the pet food industry. We hope more pet food companies follow the lead of The Honest Kitchen by committing to source American Humane Certified proteins.” To learn more about our partnership with American Humane and how we’re helping pets in need, see page 17.

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Product

PAC K AG I N G & P RO C E SS Currently, a total of 76% of our packaging is made from renewable materials and is fully recyclable after use.

Our dehydrated food boxes are made from 18% postconsumer paperboard, and our shipping cartons are 40% recycled material.

76%

of our packaging is made from renewable materials and is fully recyclable after use

We’re currently investigating ways to reduce our total packaging usage with innovative materials to lessen the environmental impact of our boxes, bags and pouches. We also strive to minimize our use of plastic throughout our supply chain. Our items are designed to use as little plastic as possible, and we never use plastic void fill in our directto-consumer shipments.

Reducing Food Waste We’ve proudly created a program to help reduce food waste by diverting test batches, tailings and any non-sellable finished goods to local hog farms as a source of nutrition.

100%

of the virgin paperboard we use is from Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) compliant sources

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People

A T E A M O F P E T LOV E RS We’re a team of pet-obsessed foodies who put our heart and soul into our work! At The Honest Kitchen, we’re committed to helping pets live longer, healthier lives while also prioritizing environmental sustainability. We even have a dedicated wall in our office with photos of our beloved animal companions, serving as a daily reminder of the positive impact we’re striving to achieve.

Our Vales

Cultivate Connections We foster collective growth by cultivating meaningful connections. We lead with compassion while nurturing relationships with teammates, business partners, and communities.

Consciously Disrupt We boldly challenge the status quo, asking tough questions and reshaping the dialogue on pet wellness. We’re committed to driving positive change by continuously raising the bar, pushing boundaries and striving to improve.

Be Dogged We embrace accountability, attack problems and chase down our goals with tenacity. We never take shortcuts, but instead find resourceful and innovative ways to get things done.

What is your favorite part about working for The Honest Kitchen?

“I may be biased, but I feel like I work with the best people out there. I work with the best team on the planet. We are a giant family, and we all take care of each other. I know that I can count on anyone from any department to lend a helping hand if needed.”

– Paige Woodring

“I’ve been raving about The Honest Kitchen long before I started working here. The feeling of working for a company that you have a vested interest and belief in is underrated. The people I have worked with since I joined have made it even better!

The Honest Kitchen team is the best!”

“The people and the culture 100%. It’s what drew me to the company in the first place and it’s only gotten better. I am so proud of what we represent and how everything aligns to what I personally believe in.”

–Brian Lee

–Devon Jensen

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People

WO R K FO RC E & SU P P L I E R D E M O G R A P H I C S

Miki with Charlie Chief Marketing Officer

n rker & Rowa Lucy with Pa y Officer rit eg Int ief Founder & Ch

& Millie with Frida Laurette urement oc Pr of VP

Heather VP of QA & Regulatory

Affairs

In 2002, The Honest Kitchen was started by a then-27-year-old female founder who is still an owner, sits on the Board and serves as the company’s Chief Integrity Officer.

Today, we are proud to have several women in key leadership positions driving positive change in our organization.

69%

of our total workforce identifies as female

60%

of our workers in management positions or higher identify as female

As a responsible organization, part of our commitment involves going beyond our own direct impacts and actions to weave accountability and social/environmental responsibility throughout our entire supply chain.

We’ve recently enacted policies to formally commit to choosing suppliers that are owned or led by women or minorities, when all other quality factors for an ingredient are equal.

We’re committed to continually improving and raising the bar on everything we do, whether it’s helping our people to grow as individuals, sourcing ingredients that meet even higher standards and certifications, or reducing our carbon pawprint with more efficient processes and better packaging. Thanks for supporting The Honest Kitchen as we work to meet our social and environmental goals.

16

People

G I V I N G BAC K

This year, The Honest Kitchen was proud to be named the official 2024–2025 Partner of American Humane’s Second Chance Grants® Program. As part of this partnership, we awarded a $24,000 grant to support their vital work—helping rescue groups and shelters provide critical medical care and housing for animals who are homeless or victims of cruelty. These grants offer real hope to pets in desperate need, giving them the second chance they deserve.

Our mission has always been rooted in the belief that all pets deserve to thrive— and that starts with compassionate care and high-quality, human grade nutrition.

Supporting Second Chance Grants® is an extension of that commitment and part of our continued effort to champion the welfare of all animals, especially the most vulnerable.

Buddy August 2024 Recipient

Reba September 2024 Recipient

Tom November 2024 Recipient

We donated over

$500,000

to non-profits including Special Olympics Virginia, Topeka Kennel Club, The Rescued Pup, EastLake Elementary PTA, Green Elementary PTO and Epilepsy Foundation of Missouri and Kansas.

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People

C O M M U N I T Y I M PACT

In 2024 our team collectively volunteered

596 HOURS

to a variety of different non-profit organizations including local food banks, pet rescues, women and youth programs and more.

The Honest Kitchen prioritizes and fosters employee engagement within the local community. Every team member is encouraged to contribute to their community, either collectively as a team or individually, with an allocation of 40 hours per employee per year.

We empower our employees to select their preferred organizations autonomously. By participating in volunteering opportunities, our team members not only take on more proactive roles in their communities but also contribute to causes close to their hearts.

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People

E M P LOY E E S P OT L I G H T Letty Saenz | Helping Hands Restoring Hearts Helping Hands Restoring Hearts is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide basic living necessities—school materials, clothing and counseling—to women and children in need.

“Our primary goal as an organization is to walk women and children through their journeys towards personal growth and stability. We see this life as a complicated puzzle that we want to help people solve and thrive in. Helping Hands Restoring Hearts is here to change someone’s world one puzzle piece at a time.“

Kaitlyn Wessel | Fostering

“Over the past 15 years we have fostered a total of 85 dogs. It has been such an amazing and rewarding experience to be a part of each and every one of these dogs’ lives! We have seen so many families completed with their canine friends and have even adopted two of our own fosters over the years. Fostering is a lot of work—not every dog you get is perfect, but each one has a unique personality that you fall in love with. Our city shelters are always at max capacity with bully breed type dogs. I have made it my mission to help as many block-headed babies as possible find their forever homes.

Aside from fostering, I work with our organization and local animal control to evaluate and place additional dogs with the organization’s foster base. On average, we pull 100 to 125 dogs a year from our local shelters alone and upwards of 500 from out-of-state partners.”

Bonnie Dixon & Rachael Carr | Beach Clean-Up For Rachael and Bonnie, beach clean-ups are about more than just clearing trash—they’re a way to build community, support the planet’s health, and share joyful moments with coworkers. Each piece of debris collected is a step toward healing the earth—and themselves.

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At The Honest Kitchen, we’re driven by an unwavering commitment to not just elevate the quality and integrity of our products, but to nurture our community and planet. Each step we take—be it empowering our team’s growth, meticulously sourcing ingredients that raise standards for ethical and environmental stewardship or pioneering greener, more compassionate practices—reflects this deep resolve.

Our journey toward reducing our ecological footprint and championing social responsibility is inspired by a vision of a kinder, more sustainable world. Your support fuels our passion and propels us forward. Thank you for joining us on our journey as we work to create positive change in our industry and beyond.