Treat Maker Named 2025 Alaska Manufacturer of the Year
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For being extra good, Mountain Dog gets a treat. The Palmer-based maker of freeze-dried salmon tidbits wins the State of Alaska’s 2025 Manufacturer of the Year award.
Governor Mike Dunleavy and Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED) Commissioner Julie Sande presented the prize from the Made in Alaska program at a ceremony on July 29 at the Mountain Dog manufacturing facility.
Fish for Fido
Founded by US Army veteran Kevin Thompson and Hannah Thompson, Mountain Dog manufactures freeze-dried dog and cat treats in Palmer using wild-caught Alaska salmon. Its product line includes single-ingredient salmon treats, mini training treats, and meal toppers made without fillers or artificial additives.
The family launched Mountain Dog after a serious illness ended Kevin Thompson’s aviation career. Rather than leave Alaska manufacturing to others, the Thompsons built a purpose-driven company around Alaska’s seafood resources, freeze-drying technology, and opportunities to create value-added products within the state.
“Economic development is not only about attracting major projects or outside investment. It is also about helping Alaskans turn good ideas into viable businesses, create jobs, and build products that can compete in markets both inside and outside our state,” says Sande. “Mountain Dog stood out in every category through its resilience, growth, innovation, community leadership, and commitment to working with other Alaska businesses.”
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Since launching in 2022, Mountain Dog has expanded its production capacity and product line, with products now sold in more than 140 retail locations in Alaska and elsewhere in the United States. The company has also developed specialty products, including the MK-9 Deployable Pack, a rugged system that provides dog handlers with quick access to salmon treats during training, travel, and outdoor activities.
Dunleavy says, “Mountain Dog is an example of what is happening in Alaska: businesses are growing and being created, capitalizing on what Alaska has to offer. There is a big market looking for a product like this, and to have it come from Alaska makes us all very proud.”
Mountain Dog supports veterans organizations, young entrepreneurs, pet adoption efforts, and families fostering animals. The company also works with Alaska seafood processors, retailers, tourism businesses, pet stores, and other manufacturers to strengthen the visibility of Alaska-made products and support the state’s broader business community.
The annual Manufacturer of the Year award recognizes a Made in Alaska permit holder that demonstrates excellence in overcoming obstacles, business growth, innovation, community leadership and collaboration with other Alaska businesses. Previous recipients include Alaska Gear Company, Kaladi Brothers Coffee, and The Great Alaska Bowl Company, reflecting the range of products and industries represented by Alaska manufacturers from across the state.
The Made in Alaska program continues to grow as businesses use its official logo to distinguish authentic Alaska-made products in a competitive marketplace. According to DCCED, the program included 866 participating businesses and 1,142 permitted products as of July 2026. DCCED says active business participation increased by more than 10 percent between January 2025 and July 2026, while the number of permitted products grew by nearly 16 percent.
