About Us

Alaska Mill & Feed has had many names over the years. Originally called Don’s Chemical, our company was founded in 1950 by Don Donatello, a chemical engineer and M.I.T. graduate. After serving in the U.S. Army in the Aleutians during World War II, Don returned to Anchorage, met his wife, and decided to make Alaska home.

He began a small family business making bleach cleaners and waxes, supplying local schools and private companies. In 1958, Don acquired the land where Alaska Mill & Feed still stands today, originally planning to build a rendering plant to make tallow for soap. That operation soon provided a supply of meat meal, and rather than ship it to Seattle, Don expanded in 1964 by building a feed mill to create animal feed products locally.

A year later, in 1965, Don was recognized as the U.S. Small Businessman of the Year, receiving the award from President Lyndon Johnson himself.

Throughout the decades, the company continued to grow and evolve to meet Alaska’s needs. In 1965, we officially adopted the name Alaska Mill & Feed. By the late 1970s, we added a fertilizer blending plant and a farm and garden retail store. In the 1990s, our wholesale distribution division—Alaska Garden & Pet Supply—was established to serve retailers statewide. Despite our growth, many loyal customers still affectionately refer to us as “Don’s.”

Today, Alaska Garden & Pet Supply operates a robust wholesale distribution business; manufacturing facilities for animal feed, fertilizer, ice melt, and wild bird seed; and the Alaska Mill & Feed retail store.

In 2016, Alaska Mill & Feed transitioned from a family-founded business to an employee-owned company, carrying forward our founder’s vision of local stewardship and quality service.

In 2025, Alaska Mill & Feed entered an exciting new chapter by partnering with Skagit Farmers Supply, a 91-year-old member-owned cooperative based in Washington. This partnership ensures that Alaska Mill & Feed continues to operate under the same name, with the same local management, employees, and commitment to Alaska’s customers and communities—strengthening our foundation for the future.

From humble beginnings in one man’s garage to a thriving Alaskan company employing more than sixty people, we are proud to have served the state for over 75 years and look forward to many more decades of supporting Alaska’s pets, gardens, and communities.