When life nudges you down an unexpected path, it often leads to the most meaningful destinations. That’s exactly what happened to Palak Jain, a well-known face from Indian television who has now emerged as a leading voice in sustainable pet care through her venture, Paws for Green, India’s first vegan dog food brand.

Palak never set out to be an entrepreneur, let alone a pioneer in the pet industry. Her journey began in the world of acting, where she built a successful career with popular shows like Yeh Pyaar Nahi Toh Kya Hai. But a twist of fate introduced her to a companion that would change everything: a rescued dog she hadn’t planned for.

Becoming a Pet Parent by Chance

Palak refers to herself as an “accidental pet parent.” What started as a temporary arrangement, looking after a stray, soon turned into a lifelong bond. In caring for her dog, she became acutely aware of the gap in the Indian pet-food industry, especially when it came to sustainable, cruelty-free options.

The shelves were filled with meat-based products, many of which were heavily processed and had questionable nutritional standards. As a conscious consumer who had already adopted a plant-based lifestyle herself, Palak began to wonder: Why isn’t there a sustainable, vegan alternative for pets?

Launching Paws for Green

That question turned into action, and eventually a startup. Paws for Green was born out of both love and frustration, a love for her dog and a frustration with the lack of eco-conscious pet care solutions. The brand focuses on offering 100% plant-based dog food that’s nutritionally balanced, cruelty-free, and better for the environment.

Palak didn’t just rely on passion, she immersed herself in research, working with veterinarians, nutritionists, and pet lovers to ensure the food met all dietary requirements. Despite initial skepticism around vegan pet diets, she remained committed to educating pet parents about the environmental and ethical benefits of plant-based nutrition.

Navigating Challenges with Purpose

Like any first-time founder, Palak faced hurdles: from convincing dog owners and vets to sourcing clean ingredients that met safety standards. But her belief in a greener, kinder future kept her going.

Her story, recently featured on The Startup Caffe podcast, sheds light on a new wave of purpose-driven entrepreneurship in India. It’s not just about launching a product, it’s about changing the way people think about pet parenting.

A Vision Beyond Business

For Palak, Paws for Green is more than a business, it’s a movement. One that urges pet parents to reflect on how their choices impact the planet and the lives of animals everywhere.

As she continues to break stereotypes and build a brand rooted in compassion, Palak Jain stands as an inspiring example of how personal passion, even if accidental, can lead to impactful change.

More Than a Brand — A Movement

As Palak Jain continues to challenge industry norms and champion cruelty-free, eco-conscious pet food, her story serves as a powerful reminder that purpose-led innovation can start anywhere, even from a chance encounter with a stray dog.

In her candid conversation on The Startup Caffe, Palak opens up about the highs, lows, and learning curves of her journey from television to the boardroom. It’s a must-watch for anyone looking to blend passion with purpose and create change that truly matters. Catch the full episode here to get inspired by Palak’s journey and her mission to make pet care planet-friendly.