Hidden Gems: Meet Valentina Cocco of Cocco’s Treats

Today we’d like to introduce you to Valentina Cocco.

Hi Valentina, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I embarked on my delightful journey of making dog treats in late 2018. My lifelong love for dogs traces back to my childhood in Italy, where I grew up surrounded by family pets. I’ve always been drawn to the arts — earning an MA in Classical Acting in England and pursuing a range of creative experiences through the years. But when I moved to America, I found myself missing my beloved family dogs. That’s when I discovered the world of dog daycare — a place where I could combine my love for dogs with my inherited culinary instincts (I’m half Italian and half Japanese).

Inspired by conversations with veterinarians and trainers, I set out to create treats that not only delighted dogs but also met my high standards for quality and nutrition. Guided by my Italian culinary sensibilities, I began crafting recipes using simple, wholesome ingredients like peanut butter, eggs, and rice flour. This balance of health and happiness ensures each treat is both delicious and gentle on any dog’s diet — perfect for training or as a special reward.

Two key factors made me fall in love with this craft: the artisanal quality of my treats — simple, honest ingredients you can actually pronounce — and the pure joy they bring to dogs. It’s truly delightful! Despite being preservative-free, my treats have a surprisingly long shelf life and continue to bring happiness to dogs and their humans alike.

My Japanese heritage also influences my approach, adding a minimalist and thoughtful touch to the creative process. Each treat is handmade with care, preservative-free, and even human-grade — though reserved exclusively for my furry customers, of course!

Pet parents have been delighted, and their pups even more so. My goal is to keep growing, exploring new single-ingredient recipes like meats or dairy, and one day dedicate a portion of profits to pets in need. I love every part of what I do — creating something small but meaningful that makes dogs happy and spreads a little more goodness into the world.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I started completely on my own — though my husband has been by my side, encouraging and helping wherever he could — with a very small budget and no prior business experience. Everything I’ve learned has been through trial, curiosity, and persistence.

Some days can be challenging, especially when you’re wearing every hat at once — from baker to marketer to accountant — but others are deeply rewarding. Watching dogs enjoy something you’ve created with your own hands makes every obstacle feel worth it. It’s been a journey of constant learning, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

As you know, we’re big fans of Cocco’s Treats. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Cocco’s Treats is a small-batch, handmade dog treat company born from love, creativity, and the desire to offer dogs something honest, wholesome, and joyful. Every treat is made by hand in Los Angeles using simple, human-grade ingredients like peanut butter, eggs, rice flour, and pumpkin — no preservatives, no shortcuts.

I specialize in creating treats that are both nutritious and visually charming, inspired by my Italian and Japanese roots: Italian in their warmth and culinary simplicity, and Japanese in their minimalist, thoughtful design. Each recipe is crafted with care, ensuring balance, texture, and taste that dogs adore and that pet parents can trust.

What truly sets us apart is the heart behind everything we do. Every bag is made in small batches, often tested (and enthusiastically approved) by one of my oldest client’s dogs, Baxter and Bear (who are my beloved sponsors!). There’s a genuine joy in knowing that something so simple can make dogs — and their humans — smile.

Brand-wise, I’m proud that Cocco’s Treats reflects authenticity over mass production. It’s not about following trends; it’s about staying true to what feels real, kind, and deliciously good. My goal is to keep growing while maintaining that handmade spirit — and to one day give back by supporting pets in need.

You can find us at www.coccostreats.com, we also sell online and collaborate to pup-ups, and cute markets throughout the year. To know where to find us, people can subscribe to our monthly newsletter. We give useful insights, market events and discount codes which we create every month! You can also follow Baxter and Bear testing my treats on Instagram @coccos_treats and TikTok using the same profile name.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
There are several people who truly deserve credit for helping me along this journey. First and foremost, my husband — he’s been my greatest supporter, always believing in me and encouraging every crazy idea I come up with. He’s also my best advisor and the calm voice of reason when things get chaotic.

I also owe so much to Chiara Dolzani, my mentor and collaborator from the dog daycare world. Working with her — and seeing firsthand how much nutrition impacts dogs’ well-being — was my real “aha” moment.

A big thank-you goes to Neil Waller, one of my oldest clients and the devoted dad of my beloved sponsors, Baxter and Bear — his kindness and support made it possible for me to start this business while working for him as a personal assistant. And to my former boss, Mickey Heinen, for continuing to believe in my treats and for giving them a home at Stardogs Clubhouse, where I used to work. And finally, to my dear friends Maria Baranovska, who helped me improve my website, and Clair Schlueter and Amy Balmes, who’ve supported me from the start (and whose pups are some of my most loyal taste testers!).

I’m endlessly grateful for each of them — this journey wouldn’t feel the same without their encouragement and friendship.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.coccostreats.com
• Instagram: @coccos_treats