City Lifestyle

Want to start a publication?

Learn More

Featured Article

Healthy Pets Matter

Katie Berger’s boutique pet market brings heart, science, and elevated nutrition to Idaho’s animal-loving families

Article by Chelsea Chambers

Photography by Molly’s Healthy Pet Food Market

Originally published in Boise Lifestyle

After nearly a decade in the pet industry, a deep love for animals, and a life shaped by both loss and inspiration, Katie Berger brought her vision for better pet health to Idaho. Molly’s Healthy Pet Food Market, tucked into a cozy corner of Boise, is more than just a boutique pet store, it’s the result of a lifelong passion for animal wellness and a personal mission to help pets live longer, healthier lives.

Owner and founder, Katie Berger, moved to Idaho seven years ago, and shared that the idea for the store was planted long before she ever set foot in the Gem State. “My very first job was at a small, family-owned pet store,” she explained. “Ironically, my first day on the job was also the day my dog Maggie passed away at just five years old. Maggie struggled with chronic health issues for most of her life, and despite my parents trying every conventional treatment available, nothing seemed to help.”

Katie continued, “She [Maggie] was constantly uncomfortable, chewing her paws raw and covered in open sores. It wasn’t until I started working at the pet store that I learned many of her issues might have been alleviated with a healthier, species-appropriate diet. That realization changed everything for me, and I’ve never looked back.”

Like so many of us, Katie felt drawn to Idaho. The pull began long before she came here. “It was where my dad had always dreamed of moving, and it just felt right. But when I got here, I noticed something right away. There were very few places offering the kind of high-quality pet food I believe in. I saw a real opportunity.”

That opportunity became Molly’s Healthy Pet Food Market, named after her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and inspired by her firsthand experiences with pet health. The store specializes in fresh, species-appropriate diets and carefully vetted products, chosen not just for their ingredients, but also for how they’re sourced, manufactured, and priced. “My goal is to ensure customers feel confident they’re getting true value for what they’re paying, and I love showing that feeding higher-quality food doesn't have to mean spending more.”

The market also stocks a curated selection of fun, boutique items. Products that nourish your pet while also adding a celebratory flare—dog wine, healthy cakes, and handmade toys, many of which Katie chooses because she uses them for her own pets.

The shop recently expanded to include Molly’s Healthy Paw Spa, a self-service dog wash conveniently located right next door. Designed with canine comfort in mind, the spa features two private wash stations, premium organic shampoos, and a flexible pricing model: just $15 per hour, regardless of size or number of dogs.

The store also proudly carries Solutions Pet Products, a raw food line known for its holistic, science-meets-nature approach. “What sets them apart is their unique fermentation process, which not only enhances nutrient absorption but also supports a thriving microbiome—something that’s foundational to long-term health,” Katie explained. “This process mimics the way animals would encounter food in the wild, naturally rich in probiotics and enzymes.”

Molly’s Healthy Pet Food Market is more than a store. It is a reflection of Katie’s journey, her values, and her unwavering commitment to animal wellness. By combining science, heart, and a personal touch, she’s creating a space where pets and their people feel truly cared for. In a state that loves its animals, Molly’s is raising the standard for what pet care can be.