In College, I did not know that Pet Nutritionist is a thing...
Our Story
Callibo Ventures LLP
The name 'Callibo' comes from the name of 2 very special rescued animals. Calliope was a tiny little calico kitten, weighing all of 400 g and Bo, a smol puppy with the cutest eyes. Both of them did't make it. But they were brave. The bravest little ones who will always have a huge piece of our heart.
With the information we have today, on nutrition and holistic care, they both could have perhaps had a better chance.
They are the reason why we do what we do. Our philosophy derives from the fighting spirit of Bo and Callie.
At Callibo, our vision is to provide wholesome and compassionate health and training services to our pets. We provide nutrition consults, diet charts, meal subscriptions, treats, supplements, cakes and more - for dogs and cats. We also offer behavioural consults and training programmes for dogs and cats under Callibo Cat and dog Training.
Ekta Bakhle
Founder, Partner, Clinical K9 and Feline Nutritionist, NePoPo® Silver School Graduate
In 2019, I walked into an NGO to drop off an injured stray dog.
I had always loved dogs. I asked my parents for one every single birthday. But, I was a little scared of strays and dogs that jump. That day I walked in and saw a dog on whom someone had poured acid, and another who had been attacked with a knife. That was the end of my wariness, and the beginning of something else entirely.
I started volunteering. Within a short time I was learning to administer drips, give injections, and assist in surgeries. I became, for all practical purposes, a paravet.
In 2019, while studying at Pune University, I started the Animal Welfare Club. We rescued a tiny puppy - paralysed, presumed dead by the person who found him. Every vet we consulted recommended euthanasia.
I wrote about him on Instagram and came across Chinthana Gopinath. She pointed me toward fresh food and physiotherapy. I had no idea fresh food for pets was even a field. Like most college students with limited funds and limited knowledge, we had been feeding biscuits and the cheapest available dog food without a second thought.
The puppy was named Elf, he was found in December. We put him on fresh food, supplements, and physio. He recovered. He was adopted.
That one dog changed the direction of my life.
I went on to complete my BSc followed by the Clinical Canine and Feline Nutrition Course from Southern Illinois University, where I graduated with a 96.8% grade average. I have also completed the NePoPo Silver School. My BSc thesis was on pet-friendly citrus bio-enzyme floor cleaners. I have spent over five years running a rescue, fostering, and rehabilitating dogs and cats.
My Approach
I work from two places: academic knowledge and real-world experience. The two are not always the same thing, and I think it is important to hold both.
My focus is the animal in front of me — or rather, the animal you are writing to me about. I want to help you do the best you can for them with the resources you actually have. I do not shame. I do not fear-monger. I am aware that there is a great deal we do not yet know, and I try to say so honestly.
What I have little patience for is misinformation and unethical marketing. I try to be a professional but sometimes, I do end up getting on a rant about it.
That's pretty much it. Thank you for being here. I mean it - I started this company with my pocket money, built it from scratch and I am more grateful for your trust than I can put into words.
