Let’s bust a myth: Just because you land a deal on Shark Tank doesn’t mean you’ve made it. I’ve seen Shark Tank success story headlines that fizzle faster than a TikTok trend. So, when Zookies Cookies—bake-at-home dog treats—stepped onto the Season 10 stage, I watched with a skeptic’s grin. Did these founders just catch a PR wave, or have they turned one pitch into a real business machine? Let’s strip back the hype and lay down what actually happened.
Zookies Cookies Steps into the Shark Tank
Here’s the setup. Two dog lovers from Raleigh, North Carolina—Justin Miller and Tom Simon—strolled onto Shark Tank looking for $50,000 in exchange for 20% of Zookies Cookies. Not the first time food for pets hit the Tank, but these guys had a play: DIY, healthy dog treats you bake yourself at home.
Why’d the producers pick them? Simple—Zookies Cookies wasn’t just selling a product, they were pushing a ritual every dog owner could get behind. And that’s the kind of story that gets Shark Tank viewers emotional. Smart move.
Product Breakdown: What Sets Zookies Cookies Apart
Let’s talk about the product, minus the sugarcoat. Zookies Cookies is a baking mix for dog treats. It comes in a jar, you just add water, mix it, roll out the dough, cut the shapes, and bake. No mystery meat ingredients, no preservatives—just real, human-grade stuff going in your dog’s belly.
Here’s the edge: Dog lovers get peace of mind, and a feel-good kitchen moment with their pets. Jeff from Kansas can toss the Milk-Bones and, for $9.99 a jar, whip up something fresher—plus, Zookies’ manufacturing costs are under $2 a jar. That’s built-in margin almost every day.
I’ve watched plenty of healthy pet treats come and go. Zookies stands out by offering the experience, not just the bite.
Founders’ Hustle: How Justin Miller and Tom Simon Brought It to Life
You want founder stories that hit? Here you go—Miller and Simon were frustrated pet owners. Every time they read the label on store-bought dog snacks, they cringed. They didn’t just complain at the dog park; they sat in a home kitchen, hand-blending recipes until they had a winner.
These guys aren’t Silicon Valley tech bros—they bootstrapped it, learned retail on the fly, and stayed focused on what matters: make a product that sells, and proves itself on the shelf, not just in a flash-pitch room. I’ve seen founders get too greedy—these two knew how to stay grounded and play the long game.
The Pitch: Sharks, Numbers, and Deal Details
On air, their pitch was clean. The ask: $50,000 for 20%. That’s a $250,000 valuation—fair for early-stage CPG if your margins are solid and you can show sell-through.
I watched as the Sharks grilled them on sales, margins, and growth. Justin and Tom broke it down: under $2 a jar to make, $9.99 selling price. That’s the kind of clear answer that keeps Sharks listening. They even had a bundle at $24.99—a smart upsell.
The drama came quick: Would any Shark actually bite, or just compliment the founders on a cute idea? Guest Shark Alli Webb stepped up, offering $50,000 for 30%. That’s more skin in the game, but Miller and Simon took it. Some founders fight for another round of negotiation—these two knew you don’t mess around when a Shark is ready. If you’re a founder reading this, hear me: Sometimes, speed matters more than squeezing out another five percent.
Money Talk: Zookies Cookies Net Worth and Real Business Value
I’m a numbers guy. The TV deal isn’t the payday—the real money is what happens after. Here’s what Zookies Cookies got right: after Shark Tank, their sales didn’t double—they exploded 10x within two weeks. Why? National TV puts your site and your story in front of millions of buyers. But it’s a hard spike unless you’re ready to capture it.
Retailers took notice. Zookies rolled into all 16 Healthy Spot stores in California and almost five dozen shops nationwide. They basically pulled a Bombas here—use Shark Tank as a gas pedal but keep steering.
Yes, SharkWorth and other outlets didn’t publish an explicit net worth. But savvy insiders estimate, with strong margins and nationwide retail, you’re looking at a valuation comfortably climbing over seven figures. If Miller and Simon are playing this game right, the value is in the brand and the shelf space, not just what’s in the checking account.
Growth Moves: Breaking into Stores and Expanding the Reach
A flash of Shark Tank fame only works if you multiply it into retail. Zookies Cookies did just that. After their episode aired, doors opened everywhere—Healthy Spot in California, plus another 50+ retailers who wanted in on the healthy pet treat action.
The brand wasn’t static. Miller and Simon listened to buyers, launched new flavors, and bundled deals to move more units per transaction. I’ve watched founders treat Shark Tank like a finish line; these two treated it as a catapult.
Did their hype last? From all updates, yes—expanded product lines, wider distribution, and a brand that pops up in real stores, not just on one-season websites. They even scored an update segment again on Shark Tank—a rare second shot at the spotlight—proof they’re not just old news.
Zookies Cookies Today: Still Running and Scaling?
Let’s get granular: Is Zookies Cookies still in the fight, or is this another Tank fadeout? Here’s the straight answer: as of 2025, the business is still alive, growing, and fighting for shelf space.
You’ll find Zookies Cookies in nationwide stores and online. Their founders are visibly engaged—launching new flavors and pushing promotions, not just coasting on past TV fame. Their focus on natural ingredients and ease of use keeps them in the conversation while plenty of post-Tank brands have vanished.
Could they get crushed by a bigger dog treat company? Maybe down the road. But right now, they’re still swimming—and that’s more than I can say for half the businesses I’ve seen pitch in the Tank.
Lessons from the Trenches: Takeaways for Entrepreneurs
Let’s get real—what can you actually learn from all this? First, the value isn’t just getting on Shark Tank, it’s what you do when every eye is on your store. Zookies Cookies didn’t wait for a Shark to save them; they used that moment to add fuel to a business model that was already working.
Second, founders who play smart—like conceding an extra ten percent to a Shark who can open doors—usually end up ahead. I’ve seen people lose everything because they held out for their terms. Flexibility and humility pay off.
Third, product matters. It’s giving Scrub Daddy vibes—a simple, clear solution that clicks with buyers. Don’t overcomplicate. Zookies’ big play was selling trust, transparency, and a feel-good moment for dog owners. You have to know what moment you’re really selling.
Conclusion: The Real Impact of Shark Tank on Zookies Cookies
So, did Shark Tank make Zookies Cookies a household name? In one word: momentum. Their segment was the boost, but Justin Miller and Tom Simon hustled hard behind the scenes, parlaying that into real, lasting growth. The company’s true value didn’t come from TV airtime—it came from smart founders, healthy margins, and expansion outside their original lane.
If you’re pitching, remember: The Sharks might open a door, but you still have to walk through it, push for shelf space, and make each sale count. Zookies Cookies is still out there baking—because their founders refuse to cool off.
FAQs
1. Is Zookies Cookies still in business after Shark Tank?
Yes. As of 2025, they’re not just still alive—they’ve expanded retail, flavors, and their national reach.
2. Which Shark invested in Zookies Cookies and at what terms?
Alli Webb (of Drybar fame) put up $50,000 for a 30% stake. That was higher than the original ask but smart to take.
3. Where can you buy Zookies Cookies now?
Online on their own site and through a growing network of pet retailers across the U.S.—including Health Spot and others.
4. What was the initial sales impact after the Shark Tank episode aired?
10x spike in sales in just two weeks post-air—proof that TV exposure, plus a solid product, equals results.
5. Are Zookies Cookies treats healthy and safe for all dogs?
They’re free of preservatives and made with natural ingredients—designed for canine health and peace of mind.
6. How have the founders adapted since the show?
They invested in new flavors, expanded retail, and stayed on the front lines—no founders-vacation here.
7. Did Zookies Cookies expand into new products or flavors post-Shark Tank?
Yes, new flavors dropped and bundled deals rolled out to meet customer demand. They listened and pivoted fast.
8. What’s the estimated net worth of Zookies Cookies now?
No public number, but with retail growth and healthy margins, SharkWorth and business watchers peg it well over the TV valuation.
So, the next time you hear, They got a deal on Shark Tank, ask if they kept the momentum. Zookies Cookies? Still mixing, still baking, still making it work. That’s the real Shark Tank hustle.
