'Always Conscious,' Couple Bakes Healthy Dog Treats For Long Island

BELLMORE, NY — A Bellmore couple has decided to take matters into their own hands when it comes to feeding their dogs.

After trial, error and the right location, Three Dog Bakery opened last weekend in Bellmore. It's the first Long Island franchise for the business that started in Kansas City.

Gloria Ma and her husband, John, are co-owners of the shop.

"I was always conscious about feeding them natural and healthy foods," she told Patch. "I got into researching what's better for them."

It took a year to bring the idea to fruition, including renovating the Bellmore location, after searching from Merrick to Massapequa.

"We're super happy that we were able to find a place that we loved in the town we live in," Ma said.

Although they are learning as they go, Ma has a master's degree in business management and accounting.

The Bedford Avenue shop features a display of freshly made canine-themed cookies, pastries and cakes. But she said the treats are safe for us humans as well.

"It's just probably a little bland and not as sweet for your palate," she said.

From her research, Ma found out that dogs can't eat chocolate. However, she will substitute carob, which mimics the chocolate taste. Dog lovers already know that peanut butter is a favorite ingredient for their pets, and Ma uses it in many chewy bites.

Ma and her sister Amelia Balingcongan do most of the baking.

"I kind of just taught myself," Ma said.

In just five days since debuting, the Mas have seen a great outpouring from customers.

"Everybody has been super nice," she said. "They didn't know something like this existed."

Ma's hope is to ultimately expand the footprint with another Three Dog Bakery on Long Island for people "who can't make it out here."

By the way, for families with cats, Ma doesn't shut them out. You could feed the treats to them safely.

"But, the thing is, cats are super picky," she said. "[There's] no guarantee your cat's going to eat it."

Ma and her husband have a French Bulldog and Morkie (Maltese-Yorkie mix), who sample the new items first.

"They are the taste testers. They approve," she laughed.