Ian Somerhalder and NUTRO's First-Ever 'Farmers Market For Dogs' Is Coming to LA and It's a Total Can't Miss
Farmers markets are generally considered to be pet-friendly; if you go, you'll often find someone walking their dog through, letting them sniff around and even buying them a treat if you see one. However, farmers markets are a decidedly human experience, and they sell a lot of human-focused products.
That is, until recently: NUTRO, a pet brand, has launched a new farmers market specifically for dogs! On Saturday, September 14th from 10am-6pm, pet parents will be able to stop by The Grove in LA for this first-of-its-kind experience hosted by NUTRO. To make this all come together, NUTRO partnered with Ian Somerhalder and his White Shepherd, Sequoia, who will both be in attendance!
There are lots of things that set this farmers market apart from your run-of-the-mill human farmers market, but the best ones are:
An entrance designed to engage your pup's sense of smell using dog-friendly herbs and produce.
Tables at snout-level for optimal sniffing and choosing. You don't have to do all the work!
Free samples of NUTRO products and fresh-grown, pet-safe produce.
A Paw-strologist station, where your dog can have their paw read by a Moon Paws professional.
A chance for dogs to play in the dirt while their parents learn about healthy soil.
Designated relaxation lounges for pups to take a quick nap, drink some water, and snuggle with the friends they've made along the way.
There will be plenty of other goodies to bring home, too, from build-their-own doggy bouquets of blue and yellow flowers to a limited edition tote bag. There's something for every dog at this sweet market, and there's no cover charge: just grab your pup, clip up the leash, and go!
Why Ian Somerhalder Stands With NUTRO
Ian Somerhalder is currently living on an impressive farm of his own, where he says he and his wife are mid-transition from their citrus, stone fruit and blueberry harvest, shifting into fall's prolific leafy greens and root vegetables. Unfortunately, he said, raspberries aren't so easy.
Image via Ian Somerhalder
When he's not busy with his own farm, he's busy advocating for animals - a fact that made him (and Sequoia) the perfect partners for this experience. Ahead of the market's epic opening day, ParadePets had the chance to ask a few questions!
When asked about why he was so supportive of NUTRO's healthy soil initiative, Somerhalder said:
The reality is that not everyone knows some of the ingredients in pet food are grown. So, drawing attention to the importance of soil health is so necessary because it ensures the future of these grown ingredients – both that we eat and for our pups. We’re only as healthy as what we put in our bodies, and the same is to be said for dogs, cats, and every other animal - their bodies also need to be in balance. When you give them the right food, it helps them have amazing amounts of energy to love our families, our kids, our friends, and stay healthier.
This is the second year of the actor's partnership with NUTRO, and he's been learning about their passion for healthy soil ever since. It's something not a lot of people think about, which is why providing an opportunity for pet parents to learn is so exciting!
Showing the magic of healthy soil for pet parents and dogs to get their paws dirty is going to be another fun part. I'm excited to see everyone experience this because I love seeing when you show someone something new, and it clicks in their brain, and they get to experience that with their friends, parents, significant others...or dog. That's the gold. That's why I just love NUTRO. People are going to be educated in the most fun way.
He states that when learning is fun, you tend to learn more, and what you learn sticks with you. That's why giving pets and pet parents a chance to actually feel healthy soil is so important; otherwise, you'll never fully grasp the difference!
Of course, we had to ask what Somerhalder and Sequoia are most excited for at this market, and his answer did not disappoint:
There is so much that goes into an incredible experience like this and I’m most excited about how everything will be at nose level for dogs – it's not meant for humans first, which is so fun. It's just going to be an explosion of canine energy. One of my favorite elements is the pet astrologist, paw-strologist. I can’t wait to do that with Sequioa. There will also be a main stage to show off dog tricks, and pup lounges with cozy beds, like a place to relax and recharge. Imagine Coachella, but for dogs, you know? Paw-chella.
If NUTRO is looking for their next pet-centered experience, they should seriously consider Paw-chella. There have to be plenty of pet-loving singers who would totally perform! Or, do we let the dogs do the performing?
Most importantly, NUTRO's farmers market for dogs is supporting their local community and NUTRO has been committed to helping farmers for a long time. Somerhalder says that through their GREATER GROUND initiative, they're giving back to farmers who want to join the healthy soil club:
As it relates to charitable work, NUTRO’s GREATER GROUND initiative is why I’m part of this. The program is about soil awareness, but what NUTRO is doing is creating action out of awareness. And that’s a big, big deal. NUTRO has committed $5 million through 2027 to help support and shepherd farmers on their transition to healthy soil practices. With that shift comes a positive cascade. NUTRO is working to help ensure that we have a healthy future to grow this food for our pets and for us.
Blown away doesn't even begin to describe it: they've thought of absolutely everything a dog could want in a day out, and they've sprinkled in some points for the parents, too. If you want to visit, you can find the NUTRO market, Somerhalder, and Sequoia at The Grove in LA from 10am-6pm PST!
