Best Pet Food 2025 — The Charlottean
About CORE K9
We believe dogs deserve the same quality of food we expect for ourselves — real, wholesome ingredients cooked with care. We're a local, purpose-driven brand committed to giving your best friend the best life.
Founder & CEO
Felicia Cordray
Meet the Founder
A passion for dogs, rooted in love.
CORE K9 was born out of love for my own dogs — especially Dutchess — and a deep desire to give them healthier, fresher meals than what I could find on the shelf.
After struggling to find food that met my standards, I took matters into my own hands. What started in our home kitchen has grown into a mission to help other pet parents feed their dogs real, gently cooked food they can feel good about.
As a minority woman-owned business based right here in Charlotte, NC, every bag of CORE K9 represents my commitment to quality, sustainability, and the bond between dogs and their humans.
"From our family to yours, thank you for trusting CORE K9 to be part of your dog's life."
— Felicia Cordray
Founder & CEO, CORE K9
The Dog Who Started It All: Dutchess
Like many pet parents, we believed the hype about kibble — that it was scientifically formulated and the best thing for our dogs. We fed Dutchess kibble for most of her life, trusting we were doing right by her.
Then we lost her to aggressive cancer that had already spread through her chest. Our hearts were shattered.
When Lexi and Laila joined our family, we kept thinking back to all the times Dutchess had an upset stomach. Every time, the vet gave the same advice: "Stop the kibble. Feed her a bland diet — plain boiled chicken, rice, and a little pumpkin until everything settles down."
We finally asked ourselves: If gently cooked, real food is what vets recommend when dogs are sick… why aren't we feeding it all the time?
That question changed everything. Dutchess may be gone, but her legacy lives on in every meal we make — and in every dog who gets to eat the way nature intended.
From Catering Kitchen to Dog Bowl
Powered by our sister company, Catering by Cordre — a 10-year Charlotte staple.
Repurposed, Not Wasted
Extra chef-quality ingredients from our catering events are transformed into nutritious dog meals before they spoil.
Local Sourcing
Ingredients flow through our Charlotte-based kitchen, shortening supply chains and keeping quality high.
Chef-Level Care
The same attention to detail we bring to weddings and corporate events goes into every batch of CORE K9.
James Pendergast
Pet Nutrition Expert
Expert Formulation
Every Recipe Backed by Science
Our recipes are developed by James Pendergast, a leading authority in fresh pet food nutrition with over 20 years of experience. He ensures every meal is nutritionally complete for dogs at all life stages.
We don't guess when it comes to your dog's health — we rely on expertise, research, and rigorous standards.
Best Pet Food 2025
Voted by Charlotte dog parents
— The Charlottean
What We Stand For
Dogs First
Every decision we make starts with one question: Is this what's best for dogs?
Real Ingredients
Human-grade meats, whole grains, and fresh vegetables — nothing artificial, ever.
Sustainability
Reducing food waste by repurposing chef-quality ingredients that would otherwise be discarded.
Local & Small-Batch
Made fresh weekly in Charlotte, NC — supporting our local community.
Science-Backed
Every recipe is AAFCO complete and formulated by a pet nutrition expert.
Transparency
We tell you exactly what's in every bag — because you deserve to know.
Ready to See the Difference?
Join Charlotte pet parents who made the switch to fresh, gently cooked nutrition.
20% off automatically applied at checkout • Free shipping over $49.99
