Hasta La Ideas

New grain-free treats keep dogs healthy and happy

As we learn more about dietary health for dogs, it’s clear that—just like us—finding tasty alternatives to processed food makes a big difference.

Making food for pups that might even appeal to their owners is exactly what Amy Augustine hoped for when she started the Lazy Dog Cookie Company in 2001. Recently added to her line of Pup-Squeaks treats, a new
Vanilla Sweet Potato flavor substitutes garbanzo flour for traditional grains—a healthful choice for creatures who, again like their human counterparts, have a tricky time with wheat.

A biology major in college and a vegetarian, Amy set out with a couple ideas for healthy and creative dogs treats. After collaborating with veterinarians, in 2007 she launched Pup-Pies, 10-slice pies adorned not with chocolate, but with fruit, nuts and vegetables.

Made in Ballston Spa, NY, Lazy Dog ships their bite-sized pies ($9) and cookies ($60 for abut 300) around the world. The “unauthorized taste tester,” Hoagie (pictured right), started a blog “What’s all the Scrufflebut?”, with news about the company.