When we were lucky enough to partner to launch Big Canyon, we knew what we needed to create: not just the most nutritious dog food that could be developed by top university pet food scientists, but an irresistibly tasty one, even for the pickiest eaters. After two years of extensive research and testing, Big Canyon was born.

To truly tell the whole story, we need to go back further. Big Canyon began when our paths crossed, but it has been decades in the making with our individual backgrounds:

Brandon Antin

Co-Founder, President

While working in the veterinary health industry, I saw how diet impacts overall well-being and how the right food could bring out energy, vitality, and joy.

As a result, I founded a charity providing pet food to families who couldn’t afford it because so many of the health issues I saw were preventable with better nutrition.

My firsthand knowledge of pet nutrition in a professional setting inspired me daily but truly, my passion to create a nutritious dog food brand began with Charlee.

From the moment my wife and I adopted her in 2010, Charlee was our best friend, our girl, our fur baby. But, she hated dog food. We tried it all and nothing excited her. Eventually she ate what she needed to get by, but it was never with enthusiasm. Despite some health challenges, she beat the odds and lived a long and happy life. When we lost her, it left a hole in our hearts we weren’t sure could ever be filled.

Enter Abby...

Abby had been living in a shelter for months—overlooked, quiet, and sad. From the moment we adopted her, the change in her demeanor was overwhelming and we were hit with a whole lot of love, but also that familiar problem: just like Charlee she hated dog food.

With the challenge both Charlee and Abby brought, I knew Big Canyon was my destiny.

They each came into my life for the very best reasons, and with the loving memories of Charlee and the daily reminders from Abby, Big Canyon came to life. When Abby tried it for the first time, something amazing happened—she ate it like it was the best thing she’s ever had...and she hasn’t stopped since.

Her energy is back. Her coat is healthy. And she gives the best, sloppiest doggie kisses you can imagine.

Andrea Luskin

Co-Founder, Board Member

Although I’ve spent most of my professional career working in finance and technology start-ups, my true passion has always been animals.

One of my earliest childhood memories is of my dad gently teasing me about how much time I spent snuggled on the floor next to my best buddy, our Dalmatian-German Shepherd mix, Surf.

My love of animals was clear from an early age, and couldn't be supressed when I saw some partying classmates offering beer to an adorable black Labrador puppy. Knowing I had to rescue her, Madison soon became a new housemate and constant companion; brightening (disrupting) study sessions, coming to classes, and on jogs around the neighborhood.

When I graduated, Madison grew into a family affair with my brother first offering to watch her, and then my awesome parents in Southern California taking over, as it was hard to give Madison the attention she needed while I was working full time in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Missing Madison, I began volunteering at the Marine Mammal Center, took time off to join a dolphin research expedition in Florida, and traveled near and far, visiting and supporting wildlife organizations: orangutans in Borneo, elephants in Africa, sloths and sea turtles in Costa Rica, and the local SPCA.


When the opportunity arose to work with Brandon producing a premium pet food that would combine my business experience with my passion for animal welfare, I couldn't resist. When I'm not pouring my heart into Big Canyon, you'll likely find me hiking through the hills and Big Canyons of California and Utah with my family's beloved Golden Retriever, Hallie—or snuggled up on the carpet next to her—the latter of which may still prompt my Dad to question my use of time.

Our stories don’t stop there. Beyond putting the very best in every bowl, there is something else that matters deeply to us: sustainability.

In addition to making great dog food, we're also focused on protecting the planet we all share. We source ingredients that reduce waste, minimize the use of extra land and water, and decrease unnecessary emissions—lowering our environmental pawprint so we can contribute to creating a better world for our pets and the people taking care of them.

From our fur babies to yours, Welcome to Big Canyon!