It was Memorial Day weekend when we brought home our sweet black Lab, Jetty. Just a puppy, we had no idea how much she would change our world—or how many other lives she would touch along the way.
Jetty didn’t just become part of our family. She was the inspiration behind the Old Dog Cookie Company, the first company to create diabetic-friendly dog treats.
At an early age, Jetty showed signs of joint pain and early arthritis. We wanted to help her feel better naturally, but quickly realized that most dog treats on the market were loaded with fillers, chemicals, and empty calories.
So, we did what any determined dog parent would do—we started baking our own. We used only human-grade, all-natural ingredients and included healing herbs like dandelion root, alfalfa, kelp, and applesauce. These homemade treats were crafted to ease discomfort, support digestion, and provide gentle, nutritional support. Today, these ingredients are common in pet nutrition. Back then, they were unheard of. It was an innovative approach to pet treats.
By the time Jetty turned eleven, she was diagnosed with diabetes as a complication of Lyme disease. Fortunately, we had already been making diabetic-friendly cookies—low in sugar, free of chemical preservatives, and formulated with herbs to support stable blood sugar levels.
Those cookies became an essential part of her care. They offered a small reward after her insulin shots and helped turn a stressful moment into something rewarding. Jetty continued to enjoy her walks, her swims, and her treats—each one a bite of normalcy in her daily routine.
In 1996, we officially launched the Old Dog Cookie Company. What started as a labor of love for our dog turned into a trusted name for thousands of others. With guidance from veterinarians and a deep respect for science-backed nutrition, we kept our recipes simple, clean, and effective.
In many ways, the Old Dog Cookie Company helped create a new industry standard focused on healthy, all-natural dog treats. Each ingredient we use has a specific health purpose and benefit. We are proud to say we are the:
Our dog treats are still made in small batches using only the best ingredients sourced and made in the USA.
Jetty passed away in 2004, but her story lives on in every bag we ship and every email we receive from grateful dog owners. For nearly 30 years, our treats have helped manage diabetes, support joint health, and offer dogs a better way to snack.
We’re proud to be a three-generation family business. We’re proud of our roots. And most of all, we’re proud that it all began with Jetty.
She showed us what dogs need—and what they deserve. That’s why we’re still baking with purpose. We believe every dog deserves the best, because when you treat better, you live better.
If you have a diabetic dog, you know how hard it can be to find healthy treats. You have to be extra careful about what you feed them. Here are some healthy treats for diabetic dogs that we gave our dog, Jetty.
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