Dog owners are always on the lookout for ways to enhance their pets’ meals with nutritious, flavorful options. Shake It Pup Shark Tank update reveals how this innovative dog food seasoning pitched in Season 11 aimed to revolutionize everyday kibble. Founders AJ Crook and Brett Maiolfi sought Shark investment to scale their human-grade toppings, but what really happened post-pitch? From sales figures to the deal’s fate, here’s the full story for pet enthusiasts curious about pet nutrition trends.
For fellow dog lovers experimenting with meal enhancers, check out guides on breeds like the toy poodle dog that benefit from customized diets.
Shake It Pup Shark Tank
About Shake It Pup
Shake It Pup entered the pet food scene as a game-changer for picky eaters. Launched by experienced entrepreneurs AJ Crook and Brett Maiolfi, who previously ran Snap Wag—a craft dog food brand started in 2016—the product line addressed a common issue: dogs tiring of bland daily rations.
Here’s a quick overview:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Business Name | Shake It Pup |
| Founders | AJ Crook, Brett Maiolfi |
| Industry | Pet Food & Nutrition |
| Product | Dog food seasoning with human-grade ingredients |
| Deal Status | Deal with Mark Cuban (did not close) |
| Investment Asked | $100,000 for 10% equity |
| Deal Outcome | $100,000 for 25% equity |
| Valuation | $1 million (at pitch time) |
The seasonings are dry powders designed for any kibble or wet food. Sprinkle on, add water if desired, and serve—simple as that. Available in 10 flavors like Bae’con and Eggs, Barkin BBQ, Slammin Salmon, Pizza My Heart, and specialized ones such as Digestion Power Broth, Bone & Joint Power Broth, and Skin & Coat Power Broth. Each 4.5-ounce bottle retailed for $12.99 on Amazon or their site.
Veterinarians often emphasize variety in canine diets to prevent nutritional gaps, per guidelines from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). These toppings used human-grade ingredients, potentially boosting palatability while supporting joint health or digestion—key for aging or active dogs.
Shake It Pup Shark Tank Recap
In Shark Tank Season 11 Episode 13, Crook and Maiolfi pitched with energy, demoing samples. They revealed $105,000 in sales since launching a year prior, highlighting demand but challenges like inventory and co-packing.
The Sharks, familiar with pet spending boons (U.S. pet industry hit $136 billion in 2023, per APPA), sampled eagerly. The pitch focused on scalability into retail, a nascent niche for dog food toppers.
Did Shake It Pup Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
Offers rolled in amid debate. Kevin O’Leary critiqued marketing, proposing $100,000 for 50% equity. Lori Greiner countered with $100,000 for 3% plus royalties ($1 per bottle until recouped, then 25 cents forever).
Daymond John exited, citing easy replication. Guest shark Maria agreed, calling it pricey. Mark Cuban, leveraging his Wild Earth dog food success, sealed it: $100,000 for 25%. The founders accepted, eyeing his retail expertise.
Pet product pitches thrive on uniqueness, much like training aids such as the best bark collar for small dogs that solve specific behaviors without complexity.
What Made Shake It Pup Unique?
Unlike basic toppers, Shake It Pup stood out with targeted nutrition. Flavors doubled as supplements—e.g., Bone & Joint for mobility (rich in glucosamine analogs) or Skin & Coat for shiny fur (omega boosts). This mirrors vet-recommended add-ins for holistic care.
For small breeds prone to joint issues, such enhancements promote longevity. Real-world experience from Snap Wag showed dogs devouring meals faster, reducing waste. As pet nutrition experts note, palatability drives intake; studies in the Journal of Animal Science link flavor variety to better health outcomes.
Convenience was key—no cooking needed, unlike homemade toppers. This appealed to busy owners balancing nutrition with training, where tools like a slip leash for dog training complement daily routines.
Shake It Pup Shark Tank Update
Post-pitch excitement faded. The Mark Cuban deal fell through due to undisclosed issues. By July 2021, AJ Crook departed. Brett Maiolfi rebranded to Snap Wag, but activity ceased.
No sales on Amazon since 2021; websites and socials went dark. Snap Wag’s site remains inactive. While innovative, market challenges like competition from established brands (e.g., The Honest Kitchen toppers) and replication risks proved fatal.
For enduring pet solutions, reliable options persist—like bark control devices including the bark collar for small dogs, helping maintain harmony alongside nutrition tweaks.
Lessons from Shake It Pup for Pet Owners
Shake It Pup’s journey underscores pet food innovation’s volatility. Founders nailed product-market fit initially but struggled scaling. For dog parents, experiment safely: consult vets before new toppers, prioritizing FDA-approved ingredients.
DIY alternatives? Grated cheese or vet-formulated broths work, but monitor calories. Success stories abound in pet care when blending taste, health, and accessibility.
Explore more on best bark collar options for comprehensive dog wellness.
In summary, Shake It Pup Shark Tank update serves as a cautionary tale: Great ideas need robust execution. Stay informed on pet trends, prioritize evidence-based nutrition, and chat with your vet for tailored advice. Dive into our dog care guides for more tips!
References:
- American Pet Products Association (APPA) Annual Report, 2023.
- Journal of Animal Science: Studies on Canine Palatability.
- AVMA Nutrition Guidelines for Dogs.
- Shark Tank Blog: Season 11 Episode 13 Recap.
