Since 2019, Lucky Larry’s Dog Treats has been a staple for Lincoln’s pet owners, providing tasty, healthy treats for dogs made with premium ingredients like peanut butter, oats, bone broth, and fruit. Owner Dave Vrbas started the business with a simple mission: to create dog treats he could trust. After discovering unsatisfactory ingredients in store-bought options, Vrbas began crafting his own recipes for his beloved Cane Corso, Larry.
“I thought, ‘I could make those,’” Vrbas said. “I just Googled a recipe and started making them, and then it turned into something fun and meaningful.”
Vrbas’ journey began at the College View Farmer’s Market, where he would visit regularly with Larry. One day, his child suggested he sell the treats at the market, which set the wheels in motion. What began as a small venture making just a few batches a week soon turned into a booming business that has expanded beyond the local market. Now, Vrbas works to meet the increasing demand, often finding it challenging to keep up with weekly orders.
The name “Lucky Larry’s” pays tribute to Vrbas’ late dog, Larry, who was, in his eyes, “lucky” to enjoy so many homemade treats. Though Larry has passed, his legacy lives on through the business, which continues to grow each season.
“I’ve built lasting relationships with customers who’ve been with me since the beginning,” Vrbas shared. “I know their dogs, I know their families, and I love the personal connection I have with them.”
Lucky Larry’s Dog Treats offers a range of unique flavors, including pumpkin peanut butter bones, apple beef biscottis, and banana oat chew sticks. All treats are hand-crafted by Vrbas in his kitchen, where he mixes ingredients in large bowls and bakes them fresh. Over time, his process has become more efficient, allowing him to scale production without sacrificing quality.
Customer Cherie Buysman praised Vrbas for his dedication to innovation. “Dave is always looking for new treat ideas or ways to improve, which shows how much he cares about the pets and their owners,” she said. Buysman’s own dogs, Benjamin and Belle, particularly enjoy the biscottis and peanut butter cookies. “They love his treats so much that all I have to say is, ‘Let’s go get a Lucky Larry’s,’ and they’re at the fridge waiting for me.”
In addition to treats, Lucky Larry’s offers dog beer, grooming products, and even birthday cakes for pets, proving that Vrbas’ commitment to dogs goes beyond just treats. “The dog beer is really popular. People love to give it as gifts or for their dogs’ birthdays,” he said.
Vrbas’ products are available for online orders and at local retailers such as Tamayta and Back Fence Boutique. He can also be found at various vendor events and at the Sunday College View Farmers Market, where he continues to serve Lincoln’s dog lovers.
Lucky Larry’s Dog Treats has become much more than a business – it’s a community, a celebration of dogs, and a testament to the passion of one man and his love for his furry friend.
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