
Saving the Planet One Drink at a Time: The Story of Totoniks
From Pet Business Disruptors by Clayton Payne
March 29, 2026 · 1h 2m · Episode 89
About this episode
Geoff Bowers shares his journey from dog trainer to raw pet food pioneer, emphasizing nutrition and sustainability.
Clayton is joined by Geoff Bowers, the founder of Totoniks. Geoff shares his fascinating journey, from his early career as a military and police dog trainer in Manchester to becoming a pioneer in the raw pet food industry in New Zealand. He discusses his deep passion for dog welfare and the scientific research that led him to discover the critical importance of blood and hydration in a dog's diet. Geoff also talks candidly about the challenges of fast business growth, his transition from K9 Natural to founding Totonics, and his commitment to creating the best possible nutrition for pets while prioritizing environmental sustainability. KEY TAKEAWAYS Blood is a nutrient-dense ingredient that contains essential vitamins, minerals, and growth factors like IGF-1, which are often missing from standard pet diets. A dog's sense of smell is significantly improved when they are properly hydrated and have a moist nose, which is best achieved through wet food or nutrient-rich drinks. Fast-expanding businesses often require significant cash flow and careful management to avoid the risk of bankruptcy, a lesson Geoff learned through his experience with K9 Natural. Totoniks focuses on…
People in this episode
Host: Clayton Payne
Guest: Geoff Bowers
Topics covered
- pet nutrition
- environmental sustainability
- business growth
- dog welfare
- raw pet food
Keywords
- dog nutrition
- hydration
- eco-friendly
- blood in diet
- business challenges
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Totoniks, K9 Natural
Places: New Zealand, Manchester
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