Where Is Zookies Cookies From Shark Tank Today?
People have been forming bonds with their animals since early human history, but there has never been a better time than the present era to be a pet. Over the past few decades, the rate of pet ownership has risen considerably according to Forbes, and folks are treating their furry friends like family.
The modern dog enjoys food that would make its wolf ancestors cry over their fresh hunt. For instance, there's a special In-N-Out burger just for dogs. And if hitting the drive-thru of a fast food franchise isn't fancy enough for your pampered pup, dogs can enjoy a fine dining experience at one San Francisco restaurant. While these lavish meals are likely reserved for special occasions, treats are doled out to dogs in a much more liberal fashion. In 2021, sales for pet treats worldwide totaled around $33 billion. One dog treat company, Zookies Cookies, brought its plant-based puppy snacks to "Shark Tank." Did the Sharks unleash their wallets, or was Zookies Cookies barking up the wrong tree?
Delicious for dogs, not for Sharks
Zookies Cookies was founded by Justin Miller, who serves as the company's "Chief Pawduct Officer." When Miller noticed the lack of simple, healthy dog snacks on the market, he created an innovative treat that dog owners can bake at home. To get the business off the ground, he partnered with his friend, the established entrepreneur Tom Simon — Simon's title within the company is "Chief Barketing Officer."
Zookies Cookies went on "Shark Tank" asking for a $50,000 investment, which would come with a 20% stake of the company. Miller and Simon handed out treats to each of the Sharks, and the businesspeople unanimously balked at the unpleasant taste. The team behind Zookies Cookies then revealed that the Sharks had eaten dog food, and released a group of hungry hounds into the tank — the dogs were less harsh reviewers.
Some of the Sharks, talking through a mouthful of puppy chow, opted not to invest, citing concerns about oversaturation in the dog treat market. Ultimately, Zookies Cookies settled with guest Shark Alli Webb and her investment offer of the full $50,000 asking price for a 30% share.
Zookies Cookies after Shark Tank
Less than a year after Justin Miller and Tom Simon introduced Zookies Cookies to the world, the duo reappeared on "Shark Tank" to update the viewing public about their various successes. You can watch a clip of this followup on the official ABC YouTube channel.
In the video, Miller and Simon explain that Zookies Cookies, which had only done around $40,000 of business before coming on "Shark Tank," sold three times as many delicious dog treats in the months following their successful pitch. Consumers can now find Zookies Cookies snacks in any of the 17 Healthy Spot grocery store locations. If you first saw Zookies Cookies during its original "Shark Tank" spot, you may be surprised by the new vibrantly colored packaging.
To celebrate the company's newfound success, Zookies Cookies hosted The Great Barkin' Bake Off, a massive brand awareness party that allowed local dogs to sample their plant-based snacks.