Meet Madelyn Reed | The Salty Dog Pet Co, Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Madelyn Reed and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Madelyn, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
One piece of conventional advice I often hear is, ‘Follow what the market wants.’ While being aware of trends is important, I believe a brand’s vision should be stronger than passing trends. At The Salty Dog, our mission has always been to provide safe, high-quality products that respect both pets and the environment. Instead of following every popular ingredient or scent, we stay true to the principles that inspired us from the start: transparency, quality, and sustainability. This means sometimes resisting the urge to compromise on ingredients or cut costs in ways that don’t align with our core values.

I think it’s crucial to stay true to why you started, even if it means going against mainstream advice. Our customers trust us because of our commitment, and that loyalty is the best reward. Creating a product I believe in, one that adds real value, is more important to me than simply chasing trends.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Salty Dog Pet Co. is more than just a pet care brand; it’s a commitment to quality, transparency, and the well-being of our pets and the planet. What sets us apart is our dedication to creating safe, all-natural products that truly work and are as gentle on pets as they are on the environment. We’re involved in every step—from selecting the finest ingredients to hand-pouring each product with care. It’s our way of ensuring that every bottle reflects our values and our mission.

Getting to this point hasn’t been easy, and the journey has been filled with challenges. From sourcing sustainable ingredients to ensuring each product meets our standards, every decision required perseverance. There were times when it would have been simpler to compromise, but staying true to our vision has made all the difference. One lesson that has carried me through is that if you believe in what you’re doing and are willing to put in the hard work, the right people and opportunities will come along.

What I’m most proud of is the community of loyal customers who believe in us and share our passion for pet care. They’ve made this journey so rewarding. I want the world to know that The Salty Dog isn’t just a business; it’s a promise to provide safe, effective, and thoughtfully crafted products for pets, created with love and integrity. Every product is a commitment to quality and transparency, inspired by the belief that our pets deserve the best, just like we do.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Stay
The Inn at Moonlight Beach – Enjoy the world’s first WELL™-certified hotel, inspired by Ayurvedic principles, with serene decor, organic bedding, and thoughtfully curated teas and essential oils.
The Seabird Resort – A chic Oceanside stay with access to the nearby Mission Pacific rooftop bar for coastal views and cocktails.
Eat & Drink
Breakfasts at Honey’s Bistro & Bakery – Cozy breakfast with hearty, local favorites in downtown Encinitas.
Coffee Coffee in Leucadia – Ideal for a coffee stop with laid-back vibes.
Nectarine Grove – Amazing gluten-free lunches with a focus on fresh, wholesome ingredients.
Pacific Coast Grill – Dinner on the beach in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, with incredible ocean views and sunset dining.
Herb & Sea – Locally inspired seafood and cocktails in a beautiful downtown Encinitas setting.
Union Kitchen & Tap – Live music, great food, and a relaxed vibe to enjoy an evening in Encinitas.
333 Pacific – For a final night’s dinner and views by Oceanside Pier.
Do & Explore
Moonlight Beach – Classic beach day for lounging, volleyball, and an easygoing surf scene.
Swami’s Beach – Surf, paddleboard, or simply soak up the Encinitas surf culture.
Self-Realization Fellowship Gardens – Serene gardens overlooking the ocean, perfect for a quiet moment.
Torrey Pines State Reserve – Stunning coastal hike with incredible views of the Pacific.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park – A full-day adventure with up-close animal encounters in Escondido.
Shopping in Carlsbad Village & Coast Highway 101 – Explore local boutiques, surf shops, and art galleries.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My main shoutout goes to my mom. After losing my dad, she moved from Texas to live with us, bringing so much more than just help—she brought her unwavering love, strength, and incredible experience that have shaped The Salty Dog from the ground up. As our director of operations, she’s behind every batch of product, every inventory check, and, most importantly, every word of encouragement that keeps me going. Having her on this journey has made all the difference, reminding me every day why I started and giving me the confidence to keep growing. It’s no exaggeration to say that without her, The Salty Dog wouldn’t be what it is today.

And while my mom is the anchor, this journey is truly a family affair. My husband, who’s a pilot, is my biggest believer and supporter, helping with the business in every way he can when he’s home. Our kids are part of this dream too—Rowan, my 11-year-old, is an amazing salesperson who nails every demo. Elle, who’s 9, has a heart for animals and never misses a chance to support her mom. And then there’s Shane, our 16-month-old ‘market baby,’ who everyone just adores. This adventure truly takes a village, and I’m beyond blessed to have mine.

I’m also incredibly grateful for the guidance of mentors within the pet industry, especially Ilya and Sasha Altshteyn of California Dog Kitchen, who have been a huge part of our growth. And I can’t forget Megan Stoll, owner of Pet Power Studio in Encinitas. She’s a true force in the industry and took a chance on us as the first retailer to carry our products. It’s been a dream teaming up with and learning from people like these, who share a mission to create positive change.”

Website: https://www.thesaltydogpet.com

Instagram: @thesaltydogpet

Facebook: https://facebook.com/thesaltydogpet

Image Credits
Dave Cook, Hot Pink Wolf