ryan crouser and koda

ambassador

Nulo partner, Ryan Crouser, is an American track and field athlete who competes in the shot put and discus. He specializes in the shot put, in which he is a three-time Olympic gold medalist and a three-time World Champion. He holds the World Record in the shot put, both indoors and outdoors. Ryan has focused on nutrition as a key component of his training regimen and has carried that same focus through to his black lab, Koda.

Koda loves spending time with Ryan, whether serving as his training buddy, going fishing and hunting, or just hanging out on the couch. Ryan attributes Koda’s energy and great focus to the Nulo food that fuels her. He sat down with our team to share more about his career and incredible companionship with Koda.

Tell us about your background as a Gold Medalist shot put thrower. What led you to pursue the path you’re on?

I grew up in a small town in Oregon and came from a family of track and field champions. My dad Mitch was a shot put thrower at Idaho and an alternate on the 1984 U.S. Olympic team. My uncle, Dean Crouser, was a three-time NCAA champion at Oregon, winning the shot put and discus in 1982 and the discus again in 1983. My other uncle, Brian Crouser, was a two-time NCAA javelin champion (1982, 1985) and was an Olympian in 1988 and 1992. And if that’s not enough, my cousin, Sam Crouser, was also a two-time NCAA javelin champion at Oregon. Call it destiny, I guess.

Describe a day in the life with you and Koda. How does Koda support you on your journey?

Koda is the ultimate supportive training partner. She accompanies me to practice at The Shop, where I do most of my workouts. She loves being up on the couch to keep an eye on me when I’m lifting or doing cardio. She keeps me honest.

Describe something incredible that Koda does.

Koda enjoys swimming in the pool, but her favorite part is getting dried off with a towel afterward – she loves it so much. So she’s figured out that if she jumps in the pool she’ll then get dried, and as soon as she’s dry, if she jumps in again, out comes the towel. She’s got us trained well. She never tires of this game.

Share some activities you enjoy with Koda. Anywhere special that you guys like to frequent?

Koda loves to come fly fishing with me. She’s like my little fishing partner – she comes out whenever I go. When I get the boat out she hops right in and stands at the front to help me navigate. Sometimes all the intense training makes it hard to separate who you are as a person versus what you’re doing in the ring. Being out on the water with Koda helps ground me and makes me appreciate what a great companion she is.

How has Koda’s unconditional love helped you persevere through the ups and downs of your athletic career?

Training and competition can be stressful and it’s always great to know that when I come home – after a good day or bad – Koda will be there with her full body wag happy to see me.

Which Nulo foods does Koda enjoy?

Koda loves her Nulo Frontrunner Beef & Lamb kibble. I like to add the Freeze Dried Salmon on top and mix it up with a little warm water. She devours it. And I think the fact that the food is so healthy helps her keep up with me during the day.

Try Ryan and Koda's Picks

Each day, Ryan feeds  Koda a mix of these great Nulo foods to fuel her incredible journey with him. Mixing and matching the products in her bowl keeps things fun and exciting for Koda, and can for your pet as well.

• Frontrunner Ancient Grain Beef, Barley & Lamb Adult Dry Dog Food
• FreeStyle Salmon & Turkey Recipe with Strawberries Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
• FreeStyle Jerky Strips, Duck with Plums
• FreeStyle Lamb, Mackerel & Kelp In Broth
• Advanced Multifunctional All-in-1 Supplement Chews

SEE MORE ABOUT RYAN AND KODA ON INSTAGRAM @RCROUSER