Our Story
NutriSource SuperStars Giving Program
SuperStars are go-getters, givers and life-changers.
Across the county, in every city and town, you’ll find SuperStars making a big difference in the lives of people and animals.
At NutriSource, we want to help these SuperStars shine bigger and brighter, so they have the resources they need to do the good they do.
Whenever you buy NutriSource for your pet, the benefits multiply. Because some of the proceeds from every purchase are going back into some really great, life-changing programs and initiatives in communities across the country.
Giving back is part of NutriSource’s core values
We give because we’re grateful for our success. We know we wouldn’t be successful without you. And we want to direct that into these causes.
That evolved into our SuperStars Giving Program. This lets us better showcase the good things that are happening in the world. At the same time, we want to uplift these SuperStars.
Read on to learn how NutriSource gives back with every purchase.
NutriSource Facility Dog Program
Meet Rocket. He was the very first NutriSource Facility Dog and has been a SuperStar to everyone he meets!
After his retirement in 2021, two new friends have joined the program, Inka and Fern. These special pups spend their day visiting children getting treatment and their families.
You’ll find them with their kind handlers at the M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital. Watch this video to learn more about the impact of Rocket and now Inka and Fern.
Because these amazing dogs bring so much love and comfort to people who need it, we decided to get more SuperStars into hospitals and expand the program with more facility dogs will joining the SuperStar team soon.
Boston Children’s Hospital | Pawprints Program
NutriSource expanded its support of facility/therapy dog programs at children’s hospitals across the country by making a five-year financial commitment to the PawPrints Therapy Dog Program at Boston Children’s Hospital, the top ranked children’s hospital in the country nine years in a row according to U.S. News & World Report.
The PawPrints program consists of over 20 dogs, owned by hospital volunteers. These dogs visit most inpatient units, several outpatient clinic areas, the emergency department, and other designated areas of the hospital, as well as some of the hospital’s satellite locations.
“For children in the hospital, spending time with the PawPrints dogs is often the brightest time of day,” said Miranda Day, Boston Children’s director of Family and Volunteer Services, “These furry friends comfort our patients in good times and in challenging moments. We are grateful for the support from NutriSource for our PawPrints program here at Boston Children’s!”
Thanks to you, we’ll be making an even bigger impact on the well-being and care of those getting treatment.
Children’s Mercy Kansas City
The NutriSource Facility Dog Respite Area will provide a green space at the hospital for the four Facility Dogs on staff at Children’s Mercy Kansas City. Hunter, Jellybean, Litta and Dusty will use this place to rest, enjoy some fresh air, and recharge before heading into their next appointment!
Sanford Children’s
Meet Fox, golden retriever who was raised at Canine Assistants to support patients alongside his handler. Fox will apply his skills and share his heart of gold with patients during their appointments and post-operative routines, offering an extra layer of comfort and care during difficult procedures. Fox will help reduce anxiety, encourage treatment, and offer a calming, warm presence during hospital stays.
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
“Hawk has already made an incredible impact on patient’s and family’s hospitalizations. He makes it so easy to elevate the emotional safety needs of patients as we address the complex stressors that come with being hospitalized in a pediatric hospital,” said Natalie Sell Certified Child-Life Specialist and Facility Dog Handler at Lurie Children’s. “From post-processing difficult hospital experiences to prepping kids for procedures, Hawk’s ability to provide a calm and supportive presence has been invaluable for my child life practice.”
The SuperStars are right in your town!
You know and NutriSource also knows that you’ll find some of the best SuperStars right in your community.
NutriSource is always on the lookout for more opportunities to help, through donations and partnerships. We help:
- Pet rescues
- Animal shelters
- Humane societies
- Nonprofit veterinary care
- Service Dog organizations
We believe by joining forces, we can help others shine!
Perham, Minnesota: NutriSource’s headquarters
At NutriSource, Perham, Minnesota, is the SuperStar on the map because that’s the location of our headquarters.
That’s why a portion of every purchase of kibble, cans and treats is put back into the community. Giving back has always been a priority for the Nelson family and they continue to share that vision today. Parent company KLN Family Brands contributes to many organizations making a significant impact in their local community including Make-A-Wish, Boys and Girls Club, United Way and American Cancer Society just to name a few.
Learn more about KLN Family Brands and the Nelson family’s long and proud tradition of giving.
Are you in? Here’s how you can be a SuperStar
Did you like what you heard about the amazing programs NutriSource supports? You can join our SuperStar efforts. And it’s as easy as giving your dog a treat.
When you pick up a bag of NutriSource SuperStars Training Reward Treats at your favorite pet retailer, it’s a win-win.
- Your dog feels rewarded after a job well done.
- 100% of the profits go to the NutriSource SuperStars giving program.
So creating this special treat that lets you join our efforts was a no brainer to us. It’s a treat with a higher purpose.