HELLO FROM THE HUMANS AND PUPS BEHIND RYŌKEN INSTINCT!
I'm Martha, the founder behind Ryōken Instinct. Alongside my partner Michael and our beloved “ryōken” Miru and Miji, I've poured my soul into building something special.
Inspired by Miru's adoration for adventure, I envisioned a line of products unlike any other on the market. We didn't just want to make treats; we wanted to craft experiences. After earning my PhD in cellular and molecular physiology from Stanford, I brought home my first dog and quickly became a "crazy dog mom." We took him exploring everywhere in the PNW and sometimes even further.
What frustrated me on our adventures is when my partner and I would pack snacks for our longer outings, we had walls and walls of options, yet nothing for our beloved companion. Every single option was either low quality, or not catering to the metabolic demands of active dogs.
Leveraging my extensive background in metabolic process in humans, I formulated our Ruku Bars to support canines living active lifestyles. Each handmade bar is a blend of unique, sustainable ingredients, a testament to our commitment to quality and innovation.
Our mission is simple: to strengthen the special bond between you and your four-legged best friends with sustainable, adventure-filled nutrition. We pride ourselves on innovation, creating unique treats that stand out in the pet world.
WHAT DOES RYŌKEN MEAN TO US?
Ryōken 猟犬 (pronounced: ryoh-ken) is Japanese for hunting dog.
Shibas were originally bred as hunting dogs for small game, making it the perfect homage to our shop dogs’ roots. What drew our household to this breed was their deep loyalty, a trait seen in most Japanese hunting dog breeds.
When researching how hunting dogs were viewed in Japan and across the globe, it became clear that ryōken were highly revered and valued by their owners. During the Edo period, Samurais saw their hunting dogs as companions and extensions of themselves. They shared the same game they hunted, mirroring our commitment to using human-grade ingredients in our products.
Ryōken Instinct is for the passionate owners who treasure their dogs as the Samurais once did. We see our dogs as our comrades, conquering the world and its adventures together. We are here to serve those who dare to love their four-legged companions deeply and want to experience a life full of meaning and shared experiences.