Not Just Any Treats: Why Purpose Matters in Every Bite

In 2019, my world came to a standstill when I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Two malignant tumors meant immediate surgery, then another and finally radiation. Thankfully, I recovered quickly and now have a clean bill of health. But the experience left me shaken and more aware of how fragile life can be.

I even had a butterfly tattoo inked on my wrist — the shape of the thyroid — as a reminder of that turning point. Every time I look at it, I’m reminded to make choices that keep me here, healthy and present, for my family.

Two years later, that promise to myself brought another big shift.

My tattoo reminds me to take care of myself every day

 

The Day I Went Vegan

In 2021, my dear friend back in California rang me after watching a documentary about the links between meat and cancer. “Kate, you HAVE to try a vegan diet,” she urged.

And I did. That very same day, I cut out all animal products — completely. It wasn’t the smoothest transition (my gut needed some time to catch up), but once my body adjusted, I felt incredible. Energized, clearer, lighter than I had in years.

Then something else clicked: empathy. What started as a choice for my health became compassion for animals and the planet. Between feeling amazing and realizing the bigger impact of food choices, I knew I’d never look back.

While my husband and kids aren’t fully vegan, I rarely cook meat at home. I want them to benefit from the power of plant-based eating too. And that intentionality quickly extended to another family member: our dogs.

The Dog That Changed Everything

In 2022, my sweet girl Bucky was diagnosed with an aggressive tumor. The news broke me. And with it came a wave of guilt: had my poor food choices for her been to blame?

The truth was, I had never really thought much about what I fed her. If it was on the shelf, I assumed it was fine. But faced with losing her, I couldn’t accept “fine” anymore.

I dove into research on dog nutrition, determined to make her remaining days the best they could be. Out of that came my very first recipes — Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Treats and Fresh Breath Spirulina Treats.

These weren’t just snacks. They were my way of fighting for her, one little biscuit at a time.

And Bucky thrived. She lived fully, joyfully, right up until she crossed the rainbow bridge.

Order Anti Inflammatory Turmeric Treats Here

The Barkery was born from her story — a way to share with other dog parents the powerful, often little-known benefits of real, functional foods.

Now, with Ciccio, I carry that promise forward. He gets the benefit of everything I learned with Bucky, and every recipe I bake is created with his health and happiness in mind.

Food Is Medicine — For People and for Pups

My own journey with cancer taught me how powerful food can be. My experience with Bucky showed me that it’s no different for our dogs.

The way I see it, dogs are family. Just as I read labels and carefully choose what goes on my family’s plates, I want the same care and intention in Ciccio’s bowl.

Too many dog treats are packed with fillers, preservatives, or ingredients that don’t serve a dog’s body in any meaningful way.

And I thought: what would happen if even the yummy treats I gave Ciccio were filled with ingredients that worked hard to make him healthier and happier?

More Than Just Treats

That’s been my guiding question ever since.

I don’t bake “just treats.”

Every Barkery recipe starts with research. I study each ingredient to understand how it affects a dog’s body — whether it supports digestion, helps with weight management, strengthens immunity, or nourishes skin and coat.

For me, a treat has to be:

• Functional → every ingredient serves a purpose.
• Wholesome → only real, premium, human-grade foods.
• Balanced → crunchy, fun, and delicious while giving something back.

Because when I give Ciccio a treat, I don’t want it to just taste good — I want it to do good.

That’s why I often say: our treats don’t just taste amazing… they work harder for your dog’s health.

A Recipe That Shows My Philosophy in Action

One of my earliest recipes — and still a favorite — is my Sweet Puptato Coconut Crisps.

Order Sweet Puptato Coconut Crisps Here

They’re made with just a handful of nourishing ingredients:

• Sweet Potato → Fiber for happy tummies, plus vitamins A, B6, and C for immunity and eye health.
• Coconut & Coconut Oil → Healthy fats for a shiny coat and lauric acid for immune support.
• Chickpea Flour → Gentle, plant-based protein and fiber.
• Whole Wheat Flour → Nutritious and hearty.

It’s the perfect example of what The Barkery stands for: simple, functional food that makes dogs healthier and happier — and that you feel good about giving.

Why I Bake

When I pull a tray of Sweet Puptato Coconut Crisps out of the oven, the smell of roasted sweet potato and toasted coconut fills the kitchen. It’s warm, nutty, a little sweet — and it always reminds me why I started this journey.

Because for me, baking isn’t just about making something tasty. It’s about love. It’s about connection. It’s about keeping promises — to myself, to Bucky, and now to Ciccio.

Our dogs deserve more than empty calories in shiny packaging. They deserve food that fuels their joy and their health.

 

Try Them for Your Pup

If you’d like to share a crunchy, wholesome, feel-good treat with your dog, I’d love for you to try my Sweet Puptato Coconut Crisps.

They’re baked in small batches with premium human-grade ingredients, created with the same care and intention I bring to every meal I make for my family.

👉 Order your bag of Sweet Puptato Coconut Crisps here

Because food isn’t just fuel. It’s love. It’s medicine. And it’s one of the most powerful choices we get to make — for ourselves, and for our dogs.