Founder Spotlight: Harper and Friends — Functional Dog Treats Built on Wellness, Education, and Trust
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Founder Spotlight: Harper and Friends
At Chelsy’s Toys, we take collaborations seriously. We don’t just add products to our shelves because they’re trending or pretty on a screen. We research, we ask questions, and we make sure every brand we feature aligns with our values around enrichment, education, and doing right by dogs.
That’s why I’m so excited to introduce you to Sam, the founder of Harper and Friends.
Sam and I aren’t strangers. We actually grew up together on Instagram — cheering each other on, showing up in the same pet groups, and supporting one another through the ups and downs of building dog-focused businesses. Over the years, I’ve watched her commitment to education, ingredient integrity, and transparency deepen, not dilute. When she reached out about Harper and Friends, I didn’t need convincing — but I still did my homework, because that’s what you deserve.
Below is our full Q&A, shared exactly as it was discussed, so you can get to know the heart, purpose, and education behind the treats launching on our website next week.
1. How did Harper and Friends begin, and what moment made you realize this brand needed to exist?
Sam:
Harper is a seven year old Tibetan Mastiff and the heart behind Harper and Friends.
As a puppy, Harper was incredibly sick. After switching her to a gently cooked and raw diet, her health improved, but a severe allergic reaction to a store bought food landed her in the emergency room when her tongue swelled and she nearly stopped breathing. That moment changed everything. We learned firsthand that not all pet foods are created equal and that ingredient quality, simplicity, and trust truly matter.
As Harper grew, we discovered she was also born with a heart condition and were told she likely would not make it to her second birthday. She is seven now. To support her health and help her live a full life, we immersed ourselves in learning how natural and functional ingredients can support the body.
The challenge was that Harper is incredibly picky. Some of the supplements she needed, like beetroot powder for heart support, she simply would not eat. That is when we began creating treats and chews that could deliver functional ingredients in forms she actually loved.
What started as a necessity for Harper became Harper and Friends, a brand built on simple, thoughtfully selected ingredients we trust for our own dogs and now proudly share with others.
2. Why was it important to you to build a dog wellness brand rooted in education, not just products?
Sam:
Because products without understanding do not truly empower dog parents. I did not just want to sell treats. I wanted people to feel confident about what they are giving their dogs.
Buzzwords can be confusing and often make consumers think something is healthy or beneficial when in reality it is not. Education builds trust and helps people make better decisions long after the treat bag is empty. When you understand why an ingredient matters or how something supports your dog’s health, you are no longer guessing. You are choosing intentionally.
3. When you are creating a new treat, what is the very first thing you think about?
Sam:
The function. I always ask what problem this is helping solve. Whether it is digestion, gut health, heart support, or overall wellness, every treat needs a purpose.
From there, I focus on high quality ingredients that support that function and that dogs genuinely enjoy. If it does not serve a real health benefit or if dogs are not excited about it, it does not belong.
4. Why is gut health such a foundational part of overall dog wellness?
Sam:
The gut affects almost everything including digestion, nutrient absorption, immune health, allergies, energy, and mood.
When a dog’s gut is not properly supported, it often shows up in subtle ways like inconsistent stools, sensitivities, skin issues, or recurring allergies. Supporting gut health is one of the simplest and most proactive ways dog parents can improve their dog’s overall well being instead of waiting for bigger issues to appear.
5. What should customers look for when choosing a healthy dog treat for their dog?
Sam:
Customers should focus on ingredient quality and purpose rather than marketing claims. A healthy treat should clearly explain what each ingredient is there to support, whether that is digestion, gut health, or overall wellness.
Transparency matters. You should be able to recognize the ingredients and understand why they are included. A good treat should complement your dog’s daily nutrition, support their individual needs, and fit easily into your routine in a thoughtful and sustainable way.
6. If a customer takes away just one thing from Harper and Friends, what do you hope it is?
Sam:
I hope they feel more confident and more connected to their dog’s health. Even small everyday choices like reading labels or choosing a functional treat can make a meaningful difference over time.
Harper and Friends is about doing right by your dog in simple and thoughtful ways without feeling overwhelmed.
Why We Chose to Partner with Harper and Friends
At Chelsy’s Toys, our promise is simple: we do the research so you don’t have to. Every collaboration we bring to you has been vetted not just for quality, but for intention, education, and alignment with enrichment-based wellness.
Harper and Friends checks every box — functional ingredients, transparent education, and a founder whose journey started the same way many of yours do: with a dog who needed better.
📅 Harper and Friends treats officially launch on our website soon. Sign up to our newsletters to get first access!
We’re honored to share Sam’s story, Harper’s journey, and these thoughtfully created treats with our community.