PAWTALKS WITH CHEWMATE

What was the inspiration behind ChewMate?

Being a dentist married to a hygienist, we know that the single best thing anyone can do for their pet's oral and heart health is to brush their teeth. The problem is that dogs and cats hate to have their teeth brushed so after 3 years of R&D, we invented and patented a toothbrush toy that not only brushes but also flosses your dog's teeth as he chews and plays all day. It even has a built in treat dispenser for continuous stimulation and engagement.

How does your brand differ from other industry brands in the same category? What gives you the competitive edge?

TreatBrush works. See how well in real time on our website. Science backed and research driven, invented by accomplished dentist and hygienist who are world experts in oral care.

Describe the ingredients you look for in the products you use.

The ingredients we look for in the products we use are simplicity, practicality, effectiveness, affordability, science backed, purposed driven.

"We would like to continue bringing to market the very best in science, technology, nature and design."

Walk us through your development process — from ideation to the product we see on the shelf.

Ah-ha moment, sleepless nights, sleepless days, sleepless nights and days. Research amazon and AI.  Prototype.  working prototype. Research IP,  write  and submit provisional patent, source, factory prototype, prototype testing, validating,  packaging artwork and design, sampling, manufacturing, marketing, financing educating, motivating and facilitating better Oral Care.

What are some things you take into consideration during the creation of new products?

Does the product solve a problem that most people have in a simple, practical and affordable manner and can it be designed in such a way as to become proprietary through strong Intellectual property.

Other than ChewMate, what is something you are passionate about?

My wife, family, tennis, skiing, art, teaching, motivating and facilitating."

What is one major lesson you learned about running a business?

You will need much more money to start than you think. You have to gain as much knowledge about everything so you can make better and more informed decisions especially as to which experts to listen to.

What are some challenges you have overcome with ChewMate?

It has been difficult to differentiate ChewMate from the hundreds of other regular chew toys that put some bumps on the outside and claims it cleans teeth, or make a plastic rope and call it floss.  Our unique and patented "Floss Slots" are scientifically designed and arranged to clean a dog's teeth as they penetrate like a squeegee. The natural rubber toothbrush bristles triple cleans your dog's teeth gums and tongue.

What would you say is your most effective marketing channel?

Retail and Direct-to-Consumer

"Being a dentist married to a hygienist, we know that the single best thing anyone can do for their pet's oral and heart health is to brush their teeth."

Give us the backstory of your brand’s name.

ChewMate™ refers to chewing and Mate refers to our logo consisting of  Tooth and  Heart mascots, and they are Mates4Life. The tooth and heart are connected by the "Oral- Systemic" link and ChewMate motto is Healthy Mouth, Healthy Heart, Healthy Planet.

What would you like to see for ChewMate's future?

To continue bringing to market the very best in science, technology, nature and design. To find a like minded purpose driven strategic partner to grow with.

What do you think is the most prominent concern in the pet industry?

I think the most prominent concern in the pet industry is how to extract more money from the overstimulated, over inflated pet consumer. I think their prominent concern should be the costs of pet medical care and inflation corroding margins.