Polkadog releases new fish treats

BOSTON — Healthy, sustainable pet treat company Polkadog introduced its new single-ingredient treat: Salmon Skins. The treats are handmade at the company’s Boston Fish Pier kitchen and slowly dehydrated to create a savory, jerky treat for dogs and cats. 

According to Polkadog, fish is a healthy, hypoallergenic protein source for pets, touting easy digestibility, a low level of saturated fats and a high level of Omega 3 fatty acids, all of which can help reduce inflammation and support skin and coat health. 

Polkadog Salmon Skins are a natural fit for the company, aligning with its current assortment of seafood treats, including Cod Skins, Haddock Skins, Salmon Says, Green Monstah, Atlantic Silverside and Calm Chowda. Similar to the Cod Skins treats, Salmon Skins are made from a single, sustainable ingredient. 

“Fish treats are what Polkadog does best,” said Deb Suchman, owner of Polkadog. “Our company is located at Boston’s Fish Pier. We specialize in making single- and limited-ingredient fish treats, and though it often goes unsaid, we deeply appreciate our role in preserving the health of our oceans and coastal communities. I learned in a 2024 Pet Sustainability webinar that protein sourcing accounts for approximately 75% of the global pet food industry’s impact on the environment. Not only that, but the demand for proteins used in pet food is outpacing protein production globally. Pet treat and food brands need to reconsider the proteins used, how they’re sourced, and how we can commit to better, more sustainable business practices.”

To support its environmental efforts, Polkadog has pledged 1% of annuals sales from its Salmon Skins and Cod Skins treats to support environmentally focused nonprofits. 

In addition to the launch of Salmon Skins, Polkadog also shared it has expanded distribution into the Southeast United States through Pet Food Experts (PFX). The company has been working with PFX since 2009, focusing on expanding its products into the independent pet channel. Now, independent pet stores throughout Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, and North and South Carolina will be able to carry Polkadog’s treats. 

“The Polkadog team is excited to be continuing our strong partnership with Pet Food Experts into the Southeast,” said Patrick Lima, director of sales at Polkadog. “The expansion will undoubtedly provide the same high level of service and attention to customer detail that they have across the country, which is in line with what we strive for as a company ourselves. This partnership will now give retailers in the Southeast access to our handcrafted, freshly made treats delivered to their door on a weekly basis and keep parent pet parents and their pets howling for more.”

Joe Carras, senior vice president of commercial strategy at PFX, added, “Polkadog has been a trusted PFX partner for years, and we’re excited to bring their fresh, handcrafted treats to our Southeast retailers. As we grow our footprint, it’s important that we continue to deliver on what matters most: reliable service, strong relationships and products pets love. This partnership gives our retailers something special to offer their customers, and we’re proud to help make that possible.”

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