About Whitney's Wholesome Biscotti | Fernandez Farm

Handcrafted Dog Treats Born from a Nurse's Precision

Welcome to Fernandez Farm — the home of Whitney's Wholesome Biscotti, handcrafted dog biscotti made from Virginia-grown ingredients in the heart of Rappahannock County, VA.

Our journey didn't begin in a business boardroom. It started with family and fate. 
Years ago, we were entrusted with a house full of active, large-breed dogs. Like many 
devoted pet owners, we became concerned about the high cost and, more importantly, the questionable ingredient lists of store-bought dog biscuits. That concern sparked a passion.

Whitney brings 14 years of experience as a Registered ICU Nurse to our formulation. 
She applies a clinical-level attention to detail and an unwavering instinct for health 
and safety to everything she touches. Combined with years of experience in food service quality and sanitation — hailing from the cleanest restaurant in Front Royal — quality isn't an option for us; it's a non-negotiable standard.

Together, we dove into the complex world of canine nutrition, determined to create a 
treat we could trust with our own family members.

BEG-Free Dog Biscotti — Why It Matters for Your Dog's Heart Health

You may have heard about the ongoing FDA investigation into canine dilated 
cardiomyopathy (DCM) linked to grain-free pet food diets. Our research shows the 
concern is centered on the high inclusion of Beans, Exotic grains, and Legumes — 
what we call BEG ingredients — specifically peas, lentils, and other legumes 
commonly used as grain substitutes.

Whitney's Wholesome Biscotti is proudly BEG-Free. We use a stable, healthy base 
of traditional whole grains — barley and oats — ensuring a safe, consistent source 
of energy and fiber for your dog. No peas. No lentils. No shortcuts.

We also perfected the Calcium-to-Phosphorus ratio to an ideal 2:1 — achieved 
naturally by upcycling the eggshells from the whole eggs used in our recipes. 
This zero-waste, sustainable approach provides unmatched mineral bioavailability 
without expensive processed supplements.

Slow-Baked in Rappahannock, VA — Our Two-Stage Baking Process

Unlike mass-produced pet foods made with harsh, high-heat methods that destroy 
nutrients, every batch of Whitney's Wholesome Biscotti is produced using our 
"Slow, Low, and Gentle" two-stage baking process.

This traditional method preserves the integrity of heat-sensitive vitamins and 
antioxidants found in our whole-food ingredients — so the final product is as 
nutritious as it is delicious. No nutrient shortcuts. No compromise.

Virginia-Grown Ingredients from Fernandez Farm

Whitney's Wholesome Biscotti is a functional natural wellness supplement, born 
from the soil of Rappahannock. Our model is built on supporting fellow Virginia 
farmers. We are committed to purchasing produce and grains from Virginia farms, 
integrating our product directly into the local agricultural economy.

We practice what we preach. On our Huntly property, we cultivate our own sweet 
potatoes and kale. We also tend to our own Fernandez Farm beehives, already 
producing pure honey that we integrate into our healthy formulas. We have a 
long-term vision to expand our own cultivation to further reduce our footprint 
and deepen our roots in Rappahannock County.

Our Vision for Rappahannock County

Fernandez Farm is more than a small business — we believe it is a Rappahannock 
County success story. We envision a future where we are creating local jobs, 
providing critical support for local Virginia agriculture, and enhancing our county's reputation for producing high-quality, artisanal products.

Our mission aligns with the county's focus on supporting rural businesses and 
value-added agriculture. We are a Rappahannock family, building a Rappahannock 
business, with a deep commitment to this community.

 

Ready to try a treat you can trust? Shop Whitney's Wholesome Biscotti →