About Us

The Beginning

Hey there, friend! Welcome to The Barkery.

The beginning of our story is heartbreaking, but it is an important story to share.

Back in 2022, my world shifted in a way I could never have imagined. My beloved dog Bucky, my sweet, loyal companion, was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

That moment wasn't just a wake-up call; it became the heartbeat of a new path I never saw coming.

The Barkery Founder Kate Beard and her dog Bucky

While the vets told me that she would have only a month or so with us, I refused to give up. Bucky had beaten the medical odds before, I was sure I could help her. I was determined that if I couldn’t give her a longer life with us, I could at least help keep her stronger and happier just a bit longer.

Growing up with the California sunshine, I learned early on that what we put into our bodies matters. The concept of food as medicine is deeply rooted in my upbringing.

Food, to me, is more than sustenance—it's a daily way of showing love, nurturing, and even healing. I knew from past health challenges that ingredients like turmeric could slow down tumor growth in people, so I began researching what effects these same superfoods might have on canine health, and canine cancer to be specific.

I was thrilled reading the research and just how much we can improve our dog’s health with superfoods, without much fuss or stress!

I immediately began adding turmeric to Bucky’s food… needless to say she was not impressed. So determined to get her to eat turmeric every day I experimented with treats I could give her…

She went crazy! She loved them.

Happy Bucky going out for a walk after cancer diagnosis

Sadly, we had to put our sweet Bucky to sleep on May 17, 2022. She outlasted the medical expectations without chemo. In the end, it wasn’t the tumors that killed her, it was the skin lesion caused by the tumor.

I am convinced that the Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Dog Treats she happily gobbled up had a part in her resistance.

I will always be racked with guilt that I hadn’t known sooner.

Bucky’s diagnosis pushed me to dig deep, searching not only my heart but also into the best that nature offers. And from that exploration, The Barkery was born—a place where love and nutrition meet.

Our handcrafted treats are made with intention, the purest ingredients, and a hint of Cali magic. Simple recipes made from scratch with only a few ingredients, each of which has been studied and included for the health and well being of your dog.

From turmeric-filled wonders to spirulina surprises, each treat reflects our journey and commitment to health and happiness.

And my journey didn’t stop there.

Fueled by my love for Bucky and a passion for canine wellness, I embraced my inner “dog foodie” and became a certified Canine Natural Nutritionist. 

To me, this is more than a title—it’s my promise to you and your furry family member. Every bite from *The Barkery* carries a piece of my heart, our story, and all the love that started it.

 

Epilogue:

1 month to the day after losing our sweet Bucky, we adopted Ciccio. At the time he was a 6 month old pup who had been abandoned. He occupies so much of my heart and I want only the best for him.

The Barkery founder Kate Beard with her dog Ciccio

I know you feel the same about your pets. Ciccio now happily tests every batch fresh out of the oven as my official Head of Quality Control.

It is my greatest honor to help you give your sweet dogs these life changing ingredients, helping their health and well-being with every treat!

Trust is Everything

As a Certified Canine Nutritionist, I’m deeply committed to offering treats you can trust.

My journey doesn’t end with certification; I regularly attend conventions, seminars, and workshops to stay on top of the latest in canine nutrition.

Every recipe at The Barkery is created with purpose and care, undergoing months of review and refinement before it ever reaches a taste test.

Once a recipe has passed its initial checks, it’s time for Ciccio—my own eager pup—and a group of loyal taste testers to have their say. I carefully adjust each recipe until I’m confident it’s not only a treat dogs love, but one you can feel good about giving them.

Every ingredient is chosen for its quality, taste, and health benefits, so when you pick The Barkery, you know you’re choosing the very best for your pup.

My Promise to You

At The Barkery, I promise you’ll always find simple, honest ingredients listed on every treat. Our treats come in clear packaging, so you can see exactly what you’re getting—no surprises, just wholesome goodness.

Every single batch is free of preservatives, artificial colors, dyes, and perfumes because I believe our dogs deserve nothing but the best.

Each treat is baked in small batches, with love and intention, using only the freshest, healthiest ingredients.

My commitment is to bring the same care to each treat as I would for my own dogs, so you can feel confident you’re giving yours a snack made with genuine love and quality.