The most profound journeys often begin with the simplest of gestures—a quiet moment, a soft touch, or, in my case, the weight of a rescue pup resting her head on my shoulder. It was this small act of trust that anchored my heart, and in February 2021, my life was forever changed when I adopted Mayonnaise, affectionately known as "Mayo" from the Briggs Animal Rescue Center in West Virginia. While I was ready to give her the best life possible, I quickly hit a roadblock in the pet treat aisle. I wanted to feed her treats that were wholesome and nutritious, but I struggled to find options that were small-batch, human-grade, and made with ingredients I could actually recognize. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I wasn't willing to settle for heavily processed snacks. That search for quality sparked a new passion, and eventually, the creation of "Mayo & Mommy Treats."
My food journey with Mayo hasn't always been easy. On her first day home, she was so picky that she refused to eat the food from the shelter until I added a splash of organic chicken broth. It was in those early days that I realized how discerning she was, and that's exactly why she became the official taste tester for Mayo & Mommy Treats. If she doesn't love it, it doesn't make the cut!
My philosophy is simple: our pets are family, and they deserve the same quality nutrition we would expect for ourselves. After years of perfecting recipes, I found what I now call my 'recipe for love.' That’s why I’ve developed a universal treat: the exact same, wholesome, human-grade recipe is formulated for both cats and dogs. You no longer need to manage separate treat jars, just one bag of goodness for all the paws in your life. Every treat is hand-mixed and hand-pressed in a certified kitchen, crafted without the heavy processing or preservatives found in mass-market brands. You can see the fresh ingredients in each bite, from parsley flakes to shredded carrots to minced sweet potato. The treats are purposely soft-baked for all stages of life, from puppies and kittens to senior dogs and cats.
This drive to create something meaningful didn’t just appear overnight; it was nurtured by my father. As an immigrant in the 70s, he fulfilled the American dream and started two successful restaurant businesses. He instilled in me a resilient entrepreneurial spirit and a deep-seated belief that with hard work and passion, I could build a business that truly makes a difference. Watching him navigate the challenges of his own ventures inspired me to take this leap of faith and launch a mission-driven brand that honors both my love for Mayo and the values he taught me.
My goal was never just to create a snack, but to formulate a source of wellness. I’ve carefully researched each ingredient to ensure every bite serves a purpose. Our salmon treats are packed with Omega-3s to support heart, brain, and coat health, while turmeric provides powerful anti-inflammatory benefits to help keep our pets comfortable. We also incorporate flaxseed and chia seeds to support digestion and immune function. It's about providing functional nutrition so that every treat contributes to a longer, healthier life for your companions.
Launching this business has been a journey of faith and gratitude. I’ve been overwhelmed by the encouragement of my community, whose support helped me move from my kitchen to a commercial bakery. Whether it’s the "Superfood Salmon" treats or our "Perfectly Pumpkin" bites, every bag is designed to provide incredible health benefits to help your pets live a long and healthy life.
Looking back at that first day when Mayo rested her head on my shoulder, I never imagined that a small act of trust would evolve into this journey. Yet, here we are, a testament that the best 'recipe for love' is the one that grows to include others. I am deeply grateful that what began with one rescue pup has blossomed into a mission to nourish so many other pets, and I am honored to share this with you.
This journey started with one rescue dog and a desire to do better for her, but it has grown into a mission to serve pet parents who care just as deeply as I do. We invite you to join us, follow our journey on Instagram at @mayoandmommytreats, and help us celebrate the "recipe for love" that fuels our mission. You can also find our treats on the shelves at Petit Delice in Rockville and at Classic Bakery at their Olney and Gaithersburg locations.
If you’re ready to treat your own furry family members, you can place your orders directly at www.mayoandmommytreats.com. Subscribe to our email list, and you get a welcome gift of 10% off your first order!