Are you looking for a healthy treat for your best friend? Smackin’ Snax pet treats are hand-made by a local company named Family Pet Pantry – with your pet’s nutrition in mind. The recipe includes only six ingredients: fresh chicken liver or beef liver, whole wheat flour, oat bran, rye flour, canola oil, and eggs – and no preservatives. You can find them online at kritterkookies.com.

Kritter Kookies, previously owned by Lucy Gladhart, began making Smackin’ Snax treats 30 years ago (1992) in Loon Lake. The bakery had a grassroots beginning and eventually ended up in Deer Park at a doggie daycare facility. Over time, the company grew and increased their distribution making it available at several grocery stores, veterinary clinics, and grooming facilities. In 2020, Gladhart was ready to retire and began searching for the right new owner.

When Renee and Brad West saw an episode of “Made in the Northwest” about Kritter Kookies, and that it was up for sale, they thought it would be a good fit for their family.

“My husband Brad and I have been looking for something we could do as a family that would include our grown daughters and our grandkids,” said Renee.

Ownership transitioned to Family Pet Pantry in January 2022. They have since moved the bakery from Deer Park to North Spokane to a larger facility with five times the production space. Gladhart stayed on to help with sales, and Justin Grube stayed on as a baker to help the new team get up to speed.

The Wests moved to Spokane nine years ago from Alaska where they owned a successful construction company. “We have always been self-employed and have a strong sense of what it takes to run a successful business,” said Renee.

The bakery has nearly doubled its production since moving to Spokane. They have added a new beef flavored treat for those dogs allergic to chicken. Next year, they plan to automate the business to increase production and expand their reach across Eastern Washington and throughout the state. The treat recipe has stayed the same because their customers love them.

“We are diligently getting them in as many stores as possible. If any readers would like to carry Smackin’ Snax treats at their business, I would love for them to call me,” said Renee.

One of their favorite activities is participating in local farmers markets where they can meet people and their pets. They particularly enjoyed the farmers market at Liberty Lake this year and hope to participate in Stevens County farmers markets next year. “It was fun to see how excited the dogs got when we gave them a Smackin’ Snax treat,” said Renee.

The Wests and their entire team want to thank their customers who already support the business. And for those who have yet to try Smackin’ Snax, they want you to know you can count on them to provide a truly healthy treat option for your best friend.

To find Smackin’ Snax treats at a location nearest you, visit https://kritterkookies.com/pages/retailers.

Contact Information: Renee West, Family Pet Pantry, LLC, Smackin’ Snax TM, PO Box 18070, Spokane, WA 99228, renee@familypetpantry.com, (509) 499-1510 Office, (509) 218-7700 Cell, www.kritterkookies.com