Sarah Goldberger, founder and CEO of the organic dog treat company Lord Jameson, is advocating for a greater emphasis on whole, nutrient-dense foods in the pet food industry, drawing parallels to the national 'Make America Healthy Again' (MAHA) initiative. The MAHA initiative, which became an official federal program in February 2025, promotes reduced refined carbohydrates, added sugars, and artificial additives, priorities Goldberger hopes will influence pet nutrition.
Goldberger stated that Lord Jameson has always prioritized natural ingredients, avoiding artificial elements in favor of colors derived from fruits and vegetables. She expressed a desire for her brand to inspire other pet companies to adopt healthier practices, ultimately improving the health and wellness of dogs.
Founded in 2019, Lord Jameson was inspired by Goldberger's late dog, Jameson. After Jameson experienced a serious medical issue exacerbated by medication, Goldberger turned to a homeopathic veterinarian and rediscovered the benefits of plant-based medicine. This led to the development of formulas incorporating herbs and botanicals, particularly for the company's wellness product line.
Prior to launching the brand, Goldberger surveyed over 1,000 pet owners and found common issues such as allergies and sensitivities to animal proteins, preservatives, and artificial colorings. In response, she focused on creating treats with organic, gluten-free ingredients, free from preservatives, toxins, and artificial additives. Despite the absence of preservatives, Lord Jameson treats maintain an 18-month shelf life, a feature Goldberger highlighted as a significant selling point.
Goldberger mentioned that she personally consumes the treats and includes them in her children's lunchboxes. She noted that customers frequently report positive effects on their dogs' digestive systems, citing firm stools as a common observation in reviews, attributed to the use of whole-food ingredients and the lack of preservatives.
The company has expanded its product line to include a "protein-inspired" flavor range called Love Puffs, made with organic sorghum. Lord Jameson emphasizes its vertical integration, with all manufacturing, including its kitchen, warehouse, and fulfillment center, located in Boulder, Colorado. This integration, Goldberger explained, has helped maintain stable pricing and avoid tariff issues, as ingredients are sourced primarily in North America.
Lord Jameson treats are available in 5,500 independent pet retailers across the United States, some grocery stores, and in four international markets.
