To say that Natalie and Nancy Jablonski are dog lovers is an understatement. Nancy has been training and showing dogs for more than 33 years and the mother-daughter duo are “dog moms” to four border collies, one of which recently had a litter of puppies. One of Nancy’s veteran obedience trainer tactics is placing a dog treat in her mouth so the dog draws its attention to her face. The only problem was the dog treats tasted less than edible. In 2016, she and Natalie created Jabby’s Dog Treats, a line of all-natural, gluten-free dog treats that are not only edible, but also tasty, for both dogs and their owners. Almost two years later, Pewaukee-based Jabby’s makes three flavors – Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil with Sweet Potato, Blueberry Honey & Ginger, and Bacon & Cheddar Cheese – and its products are sold in 100 stores in Wisconsin and Illinois.
December 2015: Nancy masterminds the idea. “We wanted to create treats with flavors that are palatable for people and dogs,” she said.
January 2016: Nancy and Natalie start researching recipes, the ingredients used in dog treats on the market, and the health benefits of natural ingredients, such as coconut oil, chia seeds, brown rice flour, flax meal and natural preservatives – all ingredients used in Jabby’s.
June 2016: After a few months of experimenting with dough consistency, baking temperature and baking time, the Jablonskis have perfected their dog treat recipe. To increase production, they upgrade their 5-quart KitchenAid mixer to a 20-quart Hobart commercial mixer, and upgrade their rolling pin to a rolling machine.
Fall 2016: The Jablonskis sell their product at their first vendor show, Fromm Petfest at Henry Maier Festival Park in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward. Good Harvest Market in Pewaukee is the first store to sell Jabby’s Dog Treats.
Summer 2018:
The Jablonskis are hoping to soon launch three new flavors: pizza, coconut maple and peanut butter bacon.
