Alumni

Brutus Bone Broth, Hotelie’s Pet Brand, Keeps Tails Wagging

Stories You May Like

As ‘Dr. Daphne,’ Veterinarian Celebrates the Human-Animal Bond

With a Woof and a Swab, Vet Prof’s Company Decodes Doggie DNA

What’s White and Fluffy and Has a Dozen Paws? Alum’s Dog Troupe!

Cofounded by Kim Moffitt Hehir ’94, it offers not only its namesake liquid libation but biscuits, freezable treats, and more

By Melissa Newcomb

Many pet owners swear by bone broth as a way to keep their furry friends—especially older ones—healthy and active. Kim Moffitt Hehir ’94 and her sister experienced that first-hand with Brutus, their 135-pound mixed-breed rescue dog, whom they kept happily running around the house into his later years on a diet including bone broth.

“There are so many benefits to it, like amino acids and many vitamins and minerals,” says Hehir, a Hotelie. “It helps naturally detoxify, and it’s great for hydration.”

A golden retriever waits for broth to be poured into a bowl of food. — Brutus Bone Broth comes in liquid form and in individual powder packets.

A dog outside laying its head on a backpack that has a travel Brutus bone broth and treats tucked in pockets. — Brutus Bone Broth comes in liquid form and in individual powder packets.

The broth they regularly fed Brutus was homemade. The process—which involves boiling animal bones for hours, until they begin to break down—is labor-intensive, but they’d found no pet-safe alternative on the market.

Why? As Hehir explains, bone broths made for human consumption often have high levels of sodium, as well as seasonings—like garlic and onion—that can be toxic to dogs.

There are so many benefits to it, like amino acids and many vitamins and minerals. It helps naturally detoxify, and it’s great for hydration.

So in 2017, Hehir and her sister were inspired to cofound Brutus Bone Broth, a pet food and treat brand.

Its nutrient-infused broths (priced at about $10 for 32 ounces) can be given as a meal topper to tempt picky eaters; incorporated into homemade pet food recipes; served alone as a treat; or frozen to make an enrichment toy.

Kim Hehir with her sister at a food trade show featuring Brutus Bone Broth products on shelves behind them and a light-up sign that says "Let's make pour decisions." — Hehir (at right) promoting the brand with her sister and cofounder, Sue Delegan.

Flavors include beef, chicken, and pork, and there are formulas to protect hips and joints and to promote skin and coat health.

The broth comes in liquid form—in cartons that are refrigerated after opening—or powdered in on-the-go sticks (about $2 each) that are mixed with water.

Stories You May Like

Its treats include broth-infused biscuits (about $10 for an eight-ounce bag) and turkey-flavored “brothcicles” (about $10 for six) that are served frozen, like ice pops.

And beyond broth, a newly introduced goat milk meal topper (about $9 for 16 ounces) is designed to support gut heath.

As Hehir explains, the company’s broths are human grade.

Kim Hehir holding her diploma at commencement in her academic regalia. — At Commencement.

Its Minnesota-based manufacturer also produces nutrient-rich broths that are distributed to starving populations in the developing world; the Brutus broths are infused with veterinarian-recommended dosages of supplements that support pet heath.

Its products are available online and in more 15,000 stores across the country including Petco, PetSmart, Walmart, Target, and Wegmans.

The brand has been featured in the New York Times, whose Wirecutter product-recommendation site cited its to-go packets in an “ultimate guide to traveling with your pet.”

As Hehir explains, bone broths made for human consumption often have high levels of sodium, as well as seasonings—like garlic and onion—that can be toxic to dogs.

Inc. magazine included Brutus on its 2023 list of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S., at number 373.

“Many people don’t just want to give their dog a treat,” observes Hehir, who previously worked as head of strategy for a luxury hotel company.

“They want it to do something positive for them—just like they may not want to eat something themselves if it’s not healthy for their body.”

Kim Hehir with her sister holding puppies at an event for SmileTrain that Brutus Bone Broth sponsored. — The cofounders—with puppies!—at a benefit gala.

And while most of Brutus’s customers are canine, Hehir points out that many of its products are suitable for other species, including cats.

“A wildlife rescue is using our goat milk to feed their baby squirrels,” Hehir says.

She adds: “Getting testimonials that we have changed animals’ lives is my favorite part of the business.”

The company is based in Miami, where Hehir lives with her husband (Sean Hehir ’96), children, and golden retriever.

“We have a lot of working, hunting, and military dogs that love our bone broth because they don’t want to drink water when they’re amped up and working,” Hehir observes. “Our bone broth is like Gatorade for them.”

(All photos provided.)

Published October 13, 2025