Himalayan Dog Chew: What Went Down With The Brand After Shark Tank

"Shark Tank" fans may recall the pitch for Himalayan Dog Chew from Season 6, Episode 18, which aired in 2015. The product, a long-lasting dog chew made from hardened and aged yak milk using an ancient Nepalese technique, was a novel concept at the time. Over a decade later, it has become a staple in the pet treat market.

The idea for Himalayan Dog Chew originated with co-founders Nishes and Suman Shrestha, who were inspired after seeing a friend's dog enjoy Churpi, a traditional Himalayan dried cheese they had grown up eating. Motivated to create natural, clean products supporting local farms, the siblings refined the recipe by removing dairy (lactose) and fat that could upset a dog's stomach, resulting in a durable and healthy chew. Joined by their brother Sujan, they brought the product to "Shark Tank," where they garnered interest but ultimately walked away without a deal. Despite this, as of 2025, Himalayan Dog Chew remains a thriving business.

The Shrestha brothers entered the tank asking for $750,000 in exchange for 5% equity. Despite the substantial amount, the three impressed the sharks with their reported $5.6 million in sales and distribution in over 6,000 stores. The trio also convinced the sharks of the project's viability, proving they were all natural and fit for human consumption; Mr. Wonderful even took a bite of the chew in a humorous moment.

However, the pitch took a turn when the brothers revealed that half of the requested funds would be used to pay themselves dividends, as they had not taken salaries up to that point. This announcement of pay for themselves led to skepticism from Mark Cuban, who questioned whether they wanted an investment or PR. After some back and forth, Kevin O'Leary, Robert Herjavec, and Lori Greiner made an offer for 15% equity with a loan; however, the brothers declined. After making some unaccepted counteroffers and passing on a final offer from Herjavec, they chose to leave without a deal.

The brothers provided limited information or social media posts about the immediate impact of their "Shark Tank" appearance. It would be presumptuous to say whether their pitch on the popular show helped bolster sales or increase their brand recognition. However, it is known that the brothers remained committed to their business strategy, focusing on steady growth and continuing to further the brand. This drive was highlighted when the company was recognized at Vienna's 2019 Animalis Edition of the World Branding Awards.

Unlike other pet-related products that fail to secure a deal on the show, Himalayan Dog Chew continued to operate independently, likely due to its impressive sale numbers and the strong connections the company made getting the product into stores. The product is now available at virtually every retailer, both online and in person. What is certain is that their dedication led to significant milestones in the following years.

Despite increasing competition from companies producing similar products, Himalayan Dog Chew remains a strong player in the market and has expanded its product line. In addition to its original Himalayan Dog Chew Yak Cheese Dog Chew, it now offers a variety of other chews, such as the Happy Teeth Yak Cheese Dental Chews and Yogurt Char-Churro Charcoal Dental Chews. The company has also ventured into dog toys meant for tough chewers, introducing the Himalayan Dog Chew Jughead Small Dog Chew Holder, designed to extend chewing time.

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Himalayan Dog Chews has not disclosed its exact earnings, but a 2023 Everett Herald article highlighted its ongoing growth. Notably, in 2021, Kinderhook, a New York-based private investment firm, acquired Himalayan Pet Supply for an undisclosed amount, hinting at a significant buy-out. A year later, the company opened a 120,000-square-foot factory in Arlington, which employed 160 people to help continue to meet the demand for its growing range of products.

Himalayan Dog Chew has solidified its position as a leader in the dog treats industry and is one of the most successful pet-related appearances on "Shark Tank." While the Shrestha brothers' roles have evolved following the acquisition, they remain actively involved in the business and continue to help with its development. This also includes continued support of its partner foundation, Manaram, a Nepal-based educational organization. From an inspired idea one evening, the Shrestha brothers have built a profitable business.