Millions of small businesses around the nation struggle when they are competing with big corporations. Many end up throwing in the towel because they can’t find a way to give themselves an edge in order to survive. One small business, Hound & Gatos Pet Foods Corporation, has found a recipe for thriving among an industry of big dogs.

“Looking at the pet food industry as a whole, most people would shy away from even attempting to enter it,” explains Will Post, founder and CEO, Hound & Gatos Pet Foods Corporation. “But as the big corporations go one way, I tend to go the other, and that’s precisely what has helped me to thrive in this market. It’s all about finding your own way, despite what the big corporations are doing alongside of you.”

In 2014, there was over $21 billion spent on pet food sales in the country. Each year, that rate is rising, with people searching for the best foods to feed their pet. One company, Hound & Gatos Pet Foods Corporation, has been awarded “Most Trusted Pet Foods” three years in a row, making many wonder what it is that sets them apart and makes them so trusted in a sea of pet food options.

“Not all pet foods are equal, and the more you know about them the more that becomes apparent,” explains Will Post, founder and CEO, Hound & Gatos Pet Foods Corporation. “Most people are looking to feed their pet, but they don’t realize that a lot of pet junk and unhealthy foods come in nice packaging from companies with large marketing budgets.”

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, over 36 percent of households in America own dogs and 30 percent own cats. However, not every owner knows the proper procedure for winter pet care; every year thousands of companion and stray animals die from being left out in this extreme weather. These cases are investigated more by police and animal control agencies than any other form of animal abuse. A common misconception is the belief that the fur on animals’ back will insulate them from suffering in the cold winter temperatures or upcoming storm. However, without proper shelter, food and water, these domesticated animals’ chances of survival in frigid temperatures is greatly decreased. Guardians of Rescue, a nation-wide animal rescue organization, is expanding their “Gimme Shelter Program” to avoid the suffering of innocent animals this winter season.