Slagel Farms is a small, diversified farm raising livestock and focusing on high-quality meats rather than mass production.
We started Farmcraft to provide premium, single protein dehydrated treats and raw pet food straight from our family farm. With a focus on quality and care, we ensure your pet receives the nutrition and taste they deserve – without shortcuts.
Dr. Erin O’Connor is an animal chiropractor and pet nutritionist with certifications from the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association, International Veterinary Chiropractic Association, and the American Council of Animal Naturopathy. She specializes in holistic wellness for pets, integrating chirop
ractic care and raw feeding to promote optimal health in dogs and cats.
Dr. O’Connor owns Vitality Animal Chiropractic in Aurora, IL, which provides care to dogs, cats, horses, and exotics, and also provides her services at Autumn Green Animal Hospital in Geneva, IL. In addition, she volunteers her services to local wildlife centers.
Her passion for pet health extends beyond her practice; she co-founded Farm 2 Bowl, now Farmcraft, with fifth-generation farmer, LouisJohn Slagel, producing premium raw pet food. This venture reflects her commitment to providing pets with nutritious, sustainable food that meets the highest standards of quality.
Dr. O’Connor has served as President of the Holistic Chamber of Commerce and also previously taught anatomy and physiology at the College of DuPage. Still keeping a teaching role, she mentors students through the Palmer Animal Chiropractic Club and professional preceptorship programs, offering real-world experience.
As an accomplished speaker, Dr. O’Connor has presented at numerous events for pet owners and professional seminars for chiropractors and veterinarians both in the U.S. and internationally. She has also been a featured speaker for many online summits.
Dr. O’Connor has been featured in media outlets such as the Daily Herald, Naperville Magazine, Naperville Sun, SheKnows, Northwest Indiana Times, NCTV17, Mercola Healthy Pets, Raw Pet Digest, Naperville Dog, West Suburban Dog, and more. Her practice has also earned several Small Business Awards, reflecting her dedication to pet wellness and community impact.
LouisJohn Slagel is a fifth-generation farmer and the owner of Slagel Farms, a historic family operation located in Forrest, Illinois. The farm is rooted in traditional and sustainable practices, raising a variety of livestock including cattle, pigs, chickens, and goats. LouisJohn took over at a young age and transformed the farm’s business model, adapting it to modern markets and aligning with the farm-to-table movement.
Slagel Farms developed a thriving partnership with high-end Chicago restaurants by providing high-quality, sustainably-raised meats. His journey began with grassroots efforts like cold-calling chefs and showcasing his products directly. This approach quickly earned recognition, with chefs praising the exceptional flavor and quality. Over time, the farm expanded its customer base, built a strong reputation, and became a trusted supplier for numerous high-end establishments as well as retail markets.
Slagel co-founded Farm 2 Bowl, now Farmcraft, with pet nutritionist Dr. Erin O’Connor, a company that produces high-quality, raw pet food. This initiative delivers pets with high-quality food while adhering to the strictest standards.
He also owns Clover Cat, which uses regenerative farming practices making a positive environmental impact by putting further use to organic clover cover crop into an all-natural cat litter.
Slagel oversees an on-site slaughterhouse and meat processing facility, ensuring full control over the quality and safety of their products. His commitment to sustainable farming and quality meat has been pivotal in preserving the family’s agricultural legacy while making it competitive in modern markets.
LouisJohn Slagel and Slagel Farms have been featured in several notable media outlets such as the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Modern Farmer, Bon Appétit, and Elevate Illinois.
Farmcraft: a partnership between Dr. Erin O’Connor and LouisJohn Slagel.
Dr. Erin O’Connor, dog and cat nutritionist and owner of Vitality Animal Chiropractic in Aurora, IL, has been a passionate advocate for raw feeding for over a decade. Partnering with fifth-generation farmer LouisJohn Slagel of Slagel Farms, they aim to provide pets with high-quality, natural raw food, ensuring each batch meets the same standards as food served at your dinner table.
