Who We Are
Cape Wayfarer Craft Pet Food Company is the first-ever adventure lifestyle pet food brand - Nourish the Adventure! We’re redefining what pet food can be by creating fresher, nutrient-packed meals crafted in small batches. With a mission to improve meal enjoyment and strengthen the bond between pets and their owners, we’re innovating for the betterment of pets, people, and the planet.
Born from a deep passion for pets and a desire to improve the way they live and eat. With over three decades of experience, we understand the importance of craft nutrition, transparent communication, and meaningful sustainability. Backed by a deep understanding of canine physiology and the science of palatability, we create meals that align with dogs’ natural drivers of meal enjoyment - aroma, texture, freshness. Join us on this journey to make every meal and adventure with your pet unforgettable.
Our Mission
Promote and reward active lifestyles for pets and owners.
Enhance meal enjoyment through fresher, nutrient-dense food.
DELIVER MEANINGFUL Sustainable ACTIONS for pets and the planet.
Values
Sustainability AND community animal welfare.
Animal-first nutrition and meal enjoyment.
Pet and owner health through active living.
About The founder
A lifelong commitment to animal wellbeing has driven my 35-year career in the local and international animal health industry - spanning 20 years in veterinary pharmaceuticals and 15 years in the pet food industry.
With a focus on Palatability & Nutrition, I’ve worked with global pet food manufacturers and seen first-hand how ingredient choice, formulation, processing, and storage directly affect pets’ wellbeing and mealtime experience.
Cape Wayfarer was born from these insights. We use small-batch, craft processing to enhance freshness, nutrient bioavailability, and meal enjoyment.
Dogs are Born to Explore. Having evolved alongside humans for millennia, they thrive on movement, discovery, and deep connection. As a lifelong dog owner and avid runner, I’m inspired by the adventurers I meet daily on Cape Town’s trails and beaches. Together with top nutritionists, we developed Cruiser and Explorer - brands designed to fuel these shared journeys and reflect the active lifestyle of dogs and their owners. Cape Wayfarer is proud to be the first Adventure Lifestyle Pet Food Brand.
We’re also committed to animal welfare in poor communities. Many dogs in these areas find food, shelter, and love by following a kind human - an ancient instinct that still sparks lifelong bonds. Cape Wayfarer is deeply committed to animal welfare and we honour pet owners who uplift their communities through the devotion they show their pets.
Our mission is simple: Nourish the Adventure - fuelling stronger bonds and more connected lives with fresh, nutrient-rich meals dogs love and thrive on.
Dean Preston
FAQs
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Cape Wayfarer is South Africa’s first adventure lifestyle pet food brand - created to nourish the bond between pets and their people. With over 35 years of expertise in animal health and nutrition, we craft fresh, nutrient-dense meals designed to fuel active, adventurous lifestyles.
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Our meals are crafted in small batches using premium, nutrient-first ingredients which redefine mealtime enjoyment with exceptional freshness, aroma, and taste. This ensures optimal nutrient bioavailability for vibrant health.
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Cape Wayfarer’s pet food brands - Cruiser and Explorer - are proudly crafted in South Africa, at one of the country’s best-managed pet food production sites. The facility is located in the Highveld region, where the temperate climate is ideal for dry pet food manufacturing.
We partner with a family-run, owner-operated facility that shares our commitment to high, consistent quality and dedicated craftsmanship. With decades of hands-on experience, they bring care and precision to every batch.
Meals are prepared daily in small batches using a clean, efficient supply chain with no extended storage of ingredients or finished food. This means your pet receives food that’s not only fresher but also richer in bioavailable nutrients – essential for elevated meal enjoyment and health.
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Yes! Cape Wayfarer meals are tailored to support every adult dog. Whether your dog needs high-energy fuel or gentle nourishment, we’re here to help them thrive. Senior and puppy diets coming soon.
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We focus on what matters most: function and quality. Every ingredient is selected for its nutritional value, freshness, and ability to support your dog’s vitality. We partner only with proven & trusted suppliers within the pet food industry.
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It means every bag is crafted with care to maintain nutrient quality, preserve aromas and flavours, and minimize storage time. Our small-batch production ensures fresher food with enhanced aroma and taste - consistency dogs appreciate.
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Yes! Freshness isn’t about moisture - it’s about how ingredients are sourced, handled, and prepared. Our kibble is gently cooked to preserve nutrients and flavor, with minimal storage time to maintain peak quality. Your dog’s nose will know the difference.
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Absolutely! South Africa has a highly regulated pet food industry, and our meals are formulated by a leading nutritionist to meet these stringent requirements. With decades of local and international experience, our formulator brings best practices, global standards, and production expertise to every diet we craft. The result is a fully balanced, nutrient-rich diet that supports your dog’s overall health, energy levels, and well-being.
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Yes, our products are proudly made locally. We choose small-batch production over large-scale continuous manufacturing to ensure precision, consistency, and quality control. Every batch is carefully managed and supervised to maintain nutrient integrity and exceptional freshness. With minimal storage time, our kibble retains peak nutritional value and flavour - unlike many imported brands that endure long transit times. Local production reduces the carbon footprint associated with international imports, making it a responsible choice for both pets and the planet.
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We recommend a gradual transition over 7 days. Switch your dog's diet slowly by mixing Cruiser or Explorer with their current food using the suggested ratio below:
Day 1 & 2 = 25%
Day 3 & 4 = 50%
Day 5 & 6 = 75%
Day 7 = 100%
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Yes. All our packaging is fully recyclable or compostable. We avoid excessive bag sizes, ensuring transparency - what you see is what you get. Our goal is minimal waste and less plastic in landfills, making every choice better for the planet.
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We sure do. Whether you're in Cape Town, Joburg, Durban, or somewhere off the beaten path - we’ll get your order to your door.
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You’re in control - opt for a once-off order or set up a subscription for hassle-free, regular deliveries. No more lugging around heavy bags - just effortless convenience, straight to your door.