Cheap & Healthy Add-Ons to Instantly Boost Pet Food

Optimizing Your Pet's Nutrition for a Long, Happy Life - with Kat Donatello, Founder, Austin and Kat

Amy Castro: Welcome to Starlight Pet Talk. I'm your host, Amy Castro, and today we're talking about nutrition and supplements to keep your pets happy and healthy. Although there are a lot of great pet foods available today, there's probably no single food that meets every specific need your pet may have. This is where supplements come in. Our guest today is Kat Donatello, founder of Austin and Kat. With over 15 years as an athlete and business leader in the endurance sports world, Kat set out in 2014 to create holistic, all-natural products that would support her dogs' health, wellbeing, and help address some of the issues they were facing.

Amy Castro: What started out as an experiment in her home kitchen in Maine—trying different recipes to create wellness biscuits—quickly grew into a national brand. Today, Austin and Kat can be found in retail stores, vet clinics, and boarding and training facilities across the country. These products have helped thousands of pets live their best lives. So thank you so much, Kat, for joining us today.

Kat Donatello: I’m excited to be here, Amy. Thanks for having me!

Amy Castro: When I first heard of Austin and Kat, I assumed it was a pet food company. What is it really?

Kat Donatello: Well, first off, I’m Kat, and Austin is my black lab who was part of the original experiment back in 2014. Today, Austin and Kat is a wellness brand. We create supplements for dogs and cats that can be added to their already balanced diets. These products support pets as they age, address various ailments, and help fill any nutritional gaps they might have.

Amy Castro: So when you started, was Austin having issues, or were you just thinking proactively?

Kat Donatello: Actually, it was another dog of mine—Brady—who was the inspiration. He was an older dog showing signs of aging: disengagement, pain, and inflammation in his joints. As an athlete living a healthy lifestyle, I was focused on natural wellness for myself, and it made sense to apply the same thinking to my pets. I wanted solutions that didn’t involve long-term medications with side effects.

Amy Castro: That’s such a great point. We’re a lot more aware these days of the long-term effects of medications for ourselves and our families, but many people don’t think about that for their pets. Let’s dig a little deeper into that “quality of the bowl” idea. Why is nutrition such a critical piece of the puzzle?

Kat Donatello: It’s everything, really. Think about the kinds of meals we ate as kids—TV dinners and convenience food. It’s the same with pet food. Years ago, we bought a big bag of kibble and called it a day. But as we’ve learned more about nutrition for ourselves, we’ve realized our pets benefit from better food, too. Independent pet stores have done an amazing job educating owners and raising the bar. Small changes, like adding the right supplement or some fresh, healthy ingredients, can make a big difference in how pets feel and function.

Amy Castro: That makes sense. I had a golden retriever growing up who lived a long life on what was honestly a pretty junky grocery store food. My mom would’ve argued that if he lived to 14 eating that stuff, what’s the point of changing?

Kat Donatello: A lot of people say the same. But it’s like us eating processed food every day and still living to 80. Just because it happens doesn’t mean it’s optimal. We know now that small shifts can dramatically improve quality of life—more energy, better digestion, healthier skin and coat, fewer age-related issues. You don’t need to do a complete overhaul. Just enhance what you’re already doing.

Amy Castro: So what are some of your go-to supplements or ingredients that pet parents should look into?

Kat Donatello: We focus a lot on areas like anxiety support and joint health. That includes ingredients that promote calm during thunderstorms, fireworks, vet visits, or separations. For joint support, especially in seniors or larger breeds, we use a combination of botanicals and natural compounds to reduce inflammation and support mobility. Every pet is different, so the goal is to personalize and target those needs.

Amy Castro: And you don’t just focus on dogs, right?

Kat Donatello: That’s right. Cats are a growing part of our product line. In fact, we’ve got oils and toppers designed specifically for feline needs. Cats often struggle with joint pain, anxiety, and urinary tract issues, so we created formulas with things like antioxidant-rich ingredients and cranberry extract to help support them. And we’ve made sure they’re super palatable, because anyone with a cat knows flavor matters!

Amy Castro: I’ve definitely got some cats in my life who could use those. One had bladder stones before her first birthday, and another is starting to show signs of joint stiffness. It’s hard because cats are masters of hiding discomfort.

Kat Donatello: Exactly. One thing that’s really changed since the pandemic is how much more time we’ve spent observing our pets. People started noticing things they hadn’t before—maybe their cat wasn’t moving as much, or their dog wasn’t quite as spry. It made a lot of people more proactive about their pets’ wellness, which is great.

Amy Castro: Definitely. And the changes don’t have to be big or expensive. You mentioned adding blueberries or broccoli stems to meals—what are some other easy wins?

Kat Donatello: Anything that introduces variety or boosts nutrition. A sprinkle of kelp, some sardines in water, or the leftover bits of veggies you’re already chopping for dinner—just make sure what you’re adding is pet-safe. Rotate the proteins, try different toppers, and make the bowl more dynamic. It keeps things exciting for your pet and supports a broader nutrient profile.

Amy Castro: That’s a great tip. Just double-check first that the food is pet-safe. I always ask Alexa if I’m not sure. And avoid things like grapes, onions, or anything toxic to pets.

Kat Donatello: Exactly. You’re already in the kitchen, so use what you’ve got. It doesn’t need to be fancy. It just needs to be intentional.

Amy Castro: So now I want to flip to something a little more fun. I’ve started asking this in interviews: What’s something you’re personally or professionally looking forward to?

Kat Donatello: Ooh, great question! Personally, my husband and I are about to become empty nesters. So, we’re doing something a little wild—we’re renovating a school bus and planning to travel the country with our dogs for 18 to 24 months. We’ll be visiting retailers, connecting with pet parents, and living life on the road.

Amy Castro: That sounds amazing! I love that you’re building the journey around your pets. They’re coming with you?

Kat Donatello: Yep—three of our four dogs are road-tripping with us. The bus is being designed with them in mind: safe sleeping spaces, climate control, the whole deal. It’s a big project, but it’s exciting and it aligns with our lifestyle and our values.

Amy Castro: I love it. And we’re actually working on upcoming episodes about traveling with pets—whether to bring them or not, and how to do it safely either way. So I might be circling back to you for some tips on the road!

Kat Donatello: I’d love that.

Amy Castro: One last question: If people want to try your products but don’t have a local store that carries them, where should they go?

Kat Donatello: First, if you do shop at a local independent pet store—ask them to carry us! Most stores are happy to bring in products their customers request. But if you don’t have one nearby, you can always visit us at austinandkat.com. We’ve got detailed product info, a blog with seasonal advice, and everything you need to get started.

Amy Castro: That’s perfect. Support small businesses when you can, but nice to have the online option too. Any final thoughts before we wrap up?

Kat Donatello: Just this—don’t be afraid to ask questions. Whether it’s about ingredients, sourcing, or how to support your pet’s wellness, stay curious. The more you know, the better choices you can make. And there are so many of us in this industry who are here to help.

Amy Castro: Couldn’t have said it better. Kat Donatello, thank you so much for being here. And to everyone listening, thank you for joining us. And as always, if you don’t do anything else this week, give your pets a big hug from us.