"AI is like an extra pair of hands and a head." The founder of the Practik brand, which produces natural dog and cat food, on how AI helps create modern products

• Who are Practik?

Practik is a Ukrainian brand that produces natural food for dogs and cats. My personal story is behind it. As a dog owner, I knew that I wanted to see not just food in the bowl, but food with an honest, balanced and understandable composition.

From the first days, I relied on this. We do not copy other people’s recipes, we do not package imports, but create our own. Each line of food has a formula that we developed from scratch, with an understanding of nutrients, digestion and the real needs of pets.

And now another component has appeared in this formula — artificial intelligence.

• How exactly does Practik implement artificial intelligence in the production of cat and dog food?

It all started with experiments: «What if?» And now the use of artificial intelligence is integrated into dozens of processes:

• development of new products (for example, unique healthy cookies for dogs and cats);
• balancing nutrients in dog and cat food formulations;
• packaging design generation — we do the first hypotheses and tests with AI to save time;
• marketing: creating videos, photos, headlines, texts, descriptions, even creating technical specifications (TS) for contractors;
• sales and customer feedback analytics;
• automation of internal tasks (through integration with Notion, Telegram, Make, etc.).

We believe that Ukrainian technologies should be no worse than global ones. There is a lot of talk about the possibilities of artificial intelligence in production now — and we already use it every day.

• What type of AI are you using?

We test everything that is available and use it to the maximum. First of all, these are generative models, such as GPT, Gemini, Claude, Midjourney, DALL·E, etc.

Analytical machine learning models optimize work with data, demand, and trends. And my own custom GPT models make the team’s work easier: they provide TOR, check SEO, calculate formulas, and suggest hypotheses.

• Who manages/customizes the model and handles integration?

This is my personal area of ​​responsibility for now. I don’t delegate, but live by it: I personally configure, test, and train the team.

My approach is simple: all contractors and employees of PRACTIK should use AI. Not because I am a strict manager or it is fashionable, but because it is a powerful tool. And if we want to change the industry and create high-quality Ukrainian feed, we must be one step ahead.

This is about the future, and I really believe in it.

• How does AI help create new products?

Artificial intelligence makes it possible to take into account many factors: the needs of the breed, age, health status, market trends, and research data.

Instead of weeks and months of formula calculation, we get a balanced base in hours. And then — tests, checks, refinements. It sounds like magic, but this technology allows us to strengthen our expertise and free up time to implement other ideas and improve recipes for natural food and treats for dogs and cats.

• What products have been developed or improved with the participation of AI?

Healthy cookies for dogs and cats. Such cookies are the first in Ukraine, and perhaps in Europe. We break the stereotype: «Cookies are not just tasty, but also healthy.»

Thanks to AI, we made a complete calculation of nutrients, balanced proteins, fats, and fiber — and created a treat that can really be given every day without harm.

Food with duck and superfoods — the formula was created using AI based on an in-depth analysis of nutrition, trends, and digestive characteristics of small breeds.

A line for sterilized cats — we calculated the optimal composition to prevent excess weight, kidney and urinary system problems.

We don’t work in a formulaic way. Each of our products, whether it’s natural cat or dog food, superfoods, or treats, is developed individually and calculated in detail.

• Does AI affect the speed of new product development?

Artificial intelligence significantly accelerated this process, reduced product launch time, and also checked the correctness of our actions. For example, it helped to balance all the nutrients in cookies very quickly and accurately.

While it takes an average of 6 to 12 months to launch a cookie or any product, with the help of AI we have reduced this process to four months. This way we save time, money, and can respond to market demands faster.

• How does this affect the quality, price, and benefits of Ukrainian feed producers' products?

Definitely positive for us as a producer and for consumers.

Quality improves because AI allows you to minimize human errors and increase accuracy. The cost is optimal, because there is nothing superfluous or unnecessary in the composition. And most importantly, the benefit. Thanks to AI, we can take into account not only standard indicators, but also many individual factors: weight, age, health status of the pet, its activity, nuances of digestion. This is a completely different level of depth in the development of diets.

• Are you talking about using AI as part of the Practik brand?

Yes, because it has already become one of the brand’s values. For many, it sounds unusual: «food created with AI.» But in fact, it is an advantage. Artificial intelligence in Practik is a way to make the product even better.

Our buyer is smart, he is interested in knowing how everything works, and he appreciates us in particular for our honesty and transparency.

• Why did Practik decide to implement AI now?

Because now it’s possible, and we’re ready. As a company, we’ve grown internally to the point where we can truly appreciate AI as a tool that actually works.

I’m not interested in the trend. I’m interested in the benefit and the result.

AI gives this result — faster, more accurately, more deeply. It is important to understand that it is in no way a replacement for the team. But an amplifier of its love, care, and competence.

• What innovations does Practik plan?

In the coming years, we will focus on:

1. Smart labels that can be scanned — and AI explains what’s in the ingredients and how it affects your pet’s health.
2. Interactive support on the website — explanation of each product in the language of care.
3. Creating a separate AI lab within the R&D team.
4. Delving into the topic of personalized nutrition (based on activity, breed, even biomarker analysis in the future).

• AI is the engine of progress. Has it changed PRACTIK as a company?

For me, PRACTIK is a company about love that simply knows how to speak the language of modernity.

Innovation in Ukraine is the new norm. AI is just one of these tools that allows us to improve our products. This does not make them artificial, because at the core remains: care, honesty, depth and the desire to make pets and their owners happier.

Want to learn more about Practik technologies or start feeding your pooches balanced natural diets made in Ukraine? Visit the official Practik website and subscribe to the brand’s Instagram and Telegram pages!