AlaSkins, LLC: Healthy and delicious pet treats from the best wild caught Alaskan fish
Each year, Alaskans benefit from some of the best salmon and halibut fishing on earth, right in our backyards. Growing up in a fishing family, entrepreneur Sara Erickson learned from an early age the 
nutritional value of the fish skins being discarded by commercial fish processing plants. This planted the idea to use those nutritious skins to make a premium pet treat. The idea came to full fruition when AlaSkins launched in Kenai, Alaska, becoming the first company to manufacture and sell premium pet treats made from wild-caught fish skins.
Sara first came to the Alaska SBDC in 2016, looking for guidance on starting what would become AlaSkins, LLC. She worked with Kenai Peninsula Center Director Cliff Cochran, using the SBDC’s financial model to establish a startup budget, to obtain funding in order to launch the business. Since then, the Alaska SBDC has provided support to AlaSkins through the COVID-19 pandemic, and most recently worked
with them to aid in their transition to a new facility in Soldotna right on
the beautiful Kenai River.
Cliff Cochran reflected on his experience advising AlaSkins, sharing, ”It’s been great working with Sara from the very beginning, seeing the business grow under such an energetic and dedicated entrepreneur. This is an exceptional business model and I’m excited to continue working with AlaSkins as it gains market share in the pet treats industry.” On her experience with the SBDC, Sara shared, “Cliff was so helpful in breaking down my monthly costs and showing me the sales goals I need to set each month, as well as showing me where I can cut costs. Very thankful for his assistance and glad he is close by for further assistance as I need it.”
AlaSkins are made exclusively from wild-caught Alaskan fish, using salmon, halibut, and cod skins. The skins are naturally filled with vitamins and packed with protein and fish oils, which provide excellent health benefits to pets. In addition to dog treats, AlaSkins has expanded their product line to include cat treats and canned halibut for all pets. The company is currently finalizing plans to release their first human snacking treat, halibut chips. AlaSkins is proud to have been named Manufacturer of the Year by the State of Alaska, Small Business of the Year by the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce, and Industry Innovator by the Kenai Peninsula Borough.
Check out AlaSkins and place your order today for the finest treats on their website or on BuyAlaska. You can also connect with them on Facebook and Instagram. Give your little best friend the gift of perhaps the healthiest pet treat available with AlaSkins.
