Our story

Our story: how one dog named Cooper started Get Joy

Get Joy was founded by Tom Arrix after his Golden Retriever, Cooper, was diagnosed with lymphoma in late 2018. Guided by veterinarians, Tom focused on the one pillar of dog wellness he could control, nutrition, and Cooper thrived for 18 more months with his family. Today Get Joy makes functional, gut-first nutrition, because gut health is whole-body health.

4.6 · 30,000+ happy dogs made the switch

Tom Arrix, Founder & CEO

As seen in

  • Forbes
  • Oprah Daily
  • The New York Times
  • People
  • Good Housekeeping
  • Inc.
  • TIME

In his words

Hear it from Tom

A story of perseverance that turned into a mission to create more joyful moments.

Tom Arrix, Founder & CEO

The journey

Why did Tom start Get Joy?

To help dogs and families get more joyful moments together, through functional nutrition.

Tom Arrix with his golden retrieversTom Arrix, Founder & CEO
  1. Late 2018

    Cooper's diagnosis

    Tom's Golden Retriever, Cooper, was diagnosed with lymphoma. Faced with that heartbreak, Tom did what any devoted dog parent would do: he took matters into his own hands.

  2. Guided by vets

    The three pillars of dog wellness

    Working with leading veterinarians, including Dr. Lindsay Thalheim of Cornell and Dr. Kendra Pope, Tom learned the three pillars of dog wellness: nutrition, genetics and environment.

  3. The turning point

    The pillar he could control

    Nutrition was the pillar he could control. A fresh, whole food routine helped Cooper thrive for 18 more months with his family.

  4. Get Joy is born

    Food is medicine

    Tom started Get Joy to impact the lives of dogs and families through functional nutrition, and to be your partner in the relentless pursuit of more joyful moments with your dog.

  5. Today

    Gut-first, by design

    Every Get Joy recipe starts with 100% USDA-sourced meat and organs and whole foods, and Freeze Dried Raw has Belly Biotics™, our blend of prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics, built right into the food.

What we believe

Gut health is whole-body health.

We're pioneering the next era of dog nutrition: functional, gut-healthy by design, simple to understand, and joyful to feed.

  • Gut-first, not format-first

    Fresh moved dog food forward. Functional, gut-healthy nutrition is the next standard, because gut health is whole-body health.

  • Outcomes you can see

    We judge food by what it does: better digestion, poops worth talking about, a coat that shows it and real energy all day.

  • Fits real life

    No tradeoffs between health, convenience and affordability. Better for them shouldn't be a bummer for you.

We're in it for the long haul

We're on a mission to improve the lives of families through pet health and nutrition. Because a longer, healthier life for your dog means more joy for the whole family.

  • Education & Awareness

    We walk alongside dog companions by offering real education and awareness to help them raise healthier, happier dogs.

  • Nutrition & Supplements

    Better health starts in the bowl, and only gets stronger with science-backed ingredients that help your dog thrive from the inside out.

  • Preventative Wellness

    Preventative wellness is why we exist, which is why we're creating a future where dogs don't just get treated when they're sick but stay well all year round with good nutrition.

★ 4.6 · Feed joy, feel joy

30,000+ Happy Dogs Made The Switch

Picky golden video posterPicky golden

“Nothing has ever sat well with him until I discovered Get Joy. Finn is obsessed with the chicken recipe.”

Sarah & Finn · 2-year-old golden retriever

Olivia's dog eating Get Joy from a slow feeder Within one week

★★★★★

"NEVER AGAIN will I feed processed foods to my dog. Blown away how this food fixed her stomach issue. Within one week I saw difference with her 💩. I now use Freeze Dried Raw, organ treats along with mobility chews. Love the brand, love the mission. I highly recommend."

Olivia M. · ✓ Verified · Freeze Dried Raw Meals

4 years in video poster4 years in

“No more digestive issues, and her weight is perfect. Her coat is gorgeous.”

Marie & Tilly Mae · customer for 4 years

Seamus, a golden retriever, on a trail Devours it

★★★★★

"Never believed food made a difference. I was so wrong! Tried Get Joy after seeing it in store, our dog Seamus devours the food. We made the switch and currently use Fresh Meals topped with organ treats - his routine is perfect. Me and Seamus are your biggest fans."

Clare G. · ✓ Verified · Fresh Meals

See all reviews 1 / 4

Vet developed

Who helps develop Get Joy recipes?

Our recipes are developed with veterinarians and animal nutrition scientists.

Dr. Lindsay Thalheim
Dr. Lindsay Thalheim, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)Veterinary Oncologist, Cornell University Veterinary Specialists
“Nutrition is a foundational pillar of canine wellness. Supporting gut health from day one helps dogs live longer, healthier lives alongside their families.”
Dr. George C. Fahey, Jr.
Dr. George C. Fahey, Jr., PhDProfessor Emeritus of Animal & Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois
“Optimizing a dog's digestive health is the single best way to keep them thriving. Gut health drives whole-body health, period.”
Dr. Brett Levitzke
Dr. Brett Levitzke, DVMFounder, Veterinary Emergency and Referral Group (VERG)
“Preventative wellness starts in the bowl. Fresh, gut-healthy nutrition is one of the most powerful daily tools we have to reduce chronic illness in dogs.”
Dr. Kendra Pope
Dr. Kendra Pope, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), CVA, CVCH, CVFTBoard-Certified Veterinary Oncologist & Holistic Medicine Specialist
“Food is medicine. Pairing whole-food nutrition with functional ingredients like pre, pro, and postbiotics is how we set dogs up to thrive.”

Questions about Get Joy

Who founded Get Joy?

Get Joy was founded by Tom Arrix, our Founder & CEO, after his Golden Retriever, Cooper, was diagnosed with lymphoma in late 2018. Guided by veterinarians, Tom focused on nutrition, and Cooper thrived for 18 more months.

Why is Get Joy gut-first?

Because gut health is whole-body health. About 70% of your dog's immune system resides in the gut, so digestion, skin and coat, energy and mood all start there. Read Gut Health 101.

What makes Get Joy different from other dog food?

We're function-led, not format-led. Every recipe starts with 100% USDA-sourced meat and organs and whole foods, and Freeze Dried Raw has Belly Biotics™ (prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics) built into every bowl. See every ingredient.

Who develops Get Joy recipes?

Our recipes are developed with veterinarians and animal nutrition scientists. Meet our experts.

Where can I buy Get Joy?

Right here at getjoyfood.com, where Auto-Ship lets you skip or cancel anytime, and in select stores. Find a store near you.

Joy starts from within

Better for them shouldn't be a bummer for you. Answer a few questions and we'll size the right meal to your dog.

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