Founded in 2010 by Andrew Feld, Fresh Patch has grown from a clever solution for apartment dwellers into a premier pet industry brand.
Headquartered in Oxnard, California, the company specializes in providing hydroponically grown, soil-free real grass patches designed as a natural and eco-friendly potty solution for dogs and other pets.
The Product: Real Grass vs. Synthetic Pads
The core of the Fresh Patch service is its disposable pet potty pad, which consists of a living patch of grass delivered in a self-contained, recyclable cardboard box. Unlike synthetic “pee pads” or artificial turf that can trap odors and require scrubbing, Fresh Patch uses the natural properties of living grass to absorb liquids and neutralize smells. Fresh Patch’s real grass is also beneficial as an enrichment source for indoor pets like cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small pets.
Because the grass is grown hydroponically, it does not contain the heavy soil that would make indoor use messy. When a patch has reached the end of its life—typically after one to three weeks—it is simply discarded, and a fresh one takes its place.
Sizing and Customization
Fresh Patch offers a variety of sizes to accommodate different living spaces and pet breeds:
To enhance the aesthetic and durability of the patches, the company also provides accessories such as plastic trays, custom wooden sleeves (available in pine or oak), and new products like Poop Bags & the Fresh Pad.
Subscription and Service Model
Fresh Patch operates primarily on a subscription-based model, ensuring that pet owners never run out of clean grass. Customers can choose delivery frequencies that fit their needs, typically every one, two, or four weeks.
This “set-it-and-forget-it” convenience is particularly beneficial for:
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- Apartment & Condo Residents: Ideal for high-rise living where quick access to the outdoors is limited.
- Puppy Training: Real grass helps reinforce outdoor potty habits by teaching puppies to associate the scent and feel of grass with the “right” place to go.
- Senior or Injured Pets: Provides a nearby relief option for dogs that struggle with stairs or long walks.
- Inclement Weather: Serves as a reliable indoor alternative during storms or extreme temperatures.
- Enrichment Source: Brings the outdoors in for small pets like cats & rabbits who can’t get outside safely
The “Shark Tank” Legacy
Fresh Patch gained national prominence in 2015 after appearing on the hit show Shark Tank. Founder Andrew Feld successfully secured a deal with Barbara Corcoran and Mark Cuban, who offered $150,000 for a 20% stake. While the deal eventually fell through during the due diligence phase after the episode aired, the company leveraged the exposure to scale into a multi-million dollar business, eventually earning a spot on “Oprah’s Favorite Things”.
Today, Fresh Patch continues to lead the natural pet potty market, expanding its catalog to include treats, cleaning sprays, and specialty starter kits for new puppy owners. Order today at freshpatch.com