Andy’s Dandys

Andy’s Dandys makes handmade dog biscuits in Vermont with a mission that is unusually easy to understand: give Andrew Whiteford meaningful work, make better treats, and build a bakery where other young adults with disabilities can learn real job skills. The business began in 2008 after Andrew, his mother Lucie, and family friend Lesha Rasco turned his love of baking and the family dog Rosie into a dog-treat company.

The ownership trail is clear. Andy’s Dandys’ own story page says Andrew’s mom Lucie runs the bakery and product design, while Lesha creates individualized work-training programs. ABC22/FOX44 identified Andrew as co-owner and described Lucie and Lesha as partners in the business. Seven Days traced the bakery’s origin to the Whiteford family’s plan to create a supportive workplace for Andrew. We found no corporate parent, acquisition record, or match in the exclusion file.

The treats themselves are practical, not precious. Andy’s Dandys says its recipes are free from wheat, corn, soy, animal by-products, artificial colors, fillers, and added preservatives. The bakery uses ingredients like farm-fresh eggs, real honey, natural peanut butter, Vermont maple extract, pumpkin, and plant- or mineral-derived colors for its yogurt icing. Everything is baked low and slow in the Vermont bakery.

That matters because the pet aisle is full of “natural” treats with vague meat meals, sweeteners, glycerin, and color systems doing most of the work. Andy’s Dandys keeps the ingredient promise visible and pairs it with a business model that has a real community purpose. The line also feels refreshingly normal: crunchy biscuits, seasonal shapes, and flavors dogs recognize. Clean Directory does not list a brand because it has a sweet story. We list it because the ownership checks out, the ingredient standards are specific, and the product gives dog owners a cleaner option without pretending a biscuit is medicine.

Products

• Mini bones and mini hearts
• Decorated dog biscuits
• Pupcake biscuits
• Large celebration biscuits
• Mixed-flavor treat packs and gift cards

Why We List Them

• Independent Vermont bakery founded around Andrew Whiteford in 2008
• Ownership verified through company, local news, and regional food coverage
• Treats made without wheat, corn, soy, artificial colors, animal by-products, fillers, or added preservatives
• Uses recognizable ingredients like eggs, honey, peanut butter, pumpkin, and Vermont maple extract
• Creates training and employment pathways for young adults with disabilities