Ma Puppy: A Labor of Love for Dogs in Amherst, Wisconsin
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In the quaint town of Amherst, Wisconsin, where rolling hills meet small-town charm, there’s a little company that’s been making tails wag for over two decades. Ma Puppy, a small-batch dog food business, is the brainchild of Marguriite Kazmira—a woman whose passion for pups has turned into a 23-year legacy of wholesome, heartfelt pet nutrition. From her cozy kitchen to a bustling local enterprise, Marguriite’s story is one of dedication, family, and a deep love for man’s best friend.
A Recipe Born from Love
Ma Puppy began in 2002, sparked by a simple moment: Marguriite’s scruffy mutt, Buster, turning his nose up at yet another bag of store-bought kibble. A self-described “dog mom” long before the term was trendy, Marguriite decided to take matters into her own hands. Armed with a knack for cooking and a determination to give Buster something better, she started experimenting with recipes in her Amherst kitchen. Lean meats, fresh veggies, and a sprinkle of creativity later, Ma Puppy was born.
What started as a treat for Buster quickly caught the attention of friends, neighbors, and their furry companions. Word spread through Amherst’s tight-knit community, and soon Marguriite was whipping up batches for local dogs, packaging them in hand-labeled bags with a sketch of Buster’s goofy grin. Twenty-three years later, Ma Puppy has grown from a kitchen counter operation to a small facility on the edge of town, but Marguriite’s mission remains the same: to feed dogs like they’re family.
Small Batch, Big Heart
Ma Puppy isn’t your average dog food company. Tucked away at 214 Pine Street, the modest production space hums with the sound of grinding grains and simmering broth. Marguriite oversees every step, sourcing ingredients from nearby farms—think carrots from Waupaca and beef from Stevens Point. The lineup includes classics like “Buster’s Beef Blend” and “Chicken Chow,” plus a grain-free option for sensitive pups called “Pawfectly Simple.” Each batch is made fresh, free of fillers, and packed with the kind of nutrition Marguriite swears by.
The company’s small size is its strength. “We’re not here to compete with the big brands,” Marguriite says with a warm smile. “We’re here to give dogs something real.” That personal touch shines through in every bag—whether it’s the handwritten thank-you notes slipped into orders or the way Marguriite remembers the name of every dog she meets at the farmers’ market.
A Family Affair
Ma Puppy isn’t just Marguriite’s dream—it’s a family endeavor. Married to her high school sweetheart, Tom Kazmira, for 28 years, she’s built the business alongside a bustling home life. Tom, a retired mechanic, handles deliveries and keeps the equipment running, often joking that he’s the “chief kibble transporter.” Their two kids, 25-year-old Lena and 20-year-old Milo, grew up with Ma Puppy as part of their DNA. Lena, now a graphic designer in Madison, crafted the company’s logo—a playful paw print with “Ma” in the center—while Milo, a college junior, pitches in during summers, hauling sacks of oats and charming customers with his easy grin.
The Kazmiras’ home, just a mile from the production site, doubles as Ma Puppy’s unofficial testing ground. Their current pups—Rosie, a bouncy terrier mix, and Duke, a lumbering lab—serve as the resident taste-testers, giving every new recipe a rigorous sniff-and-chomp review. “If Rosie won’t eat it, it doesn’t leave the kitchen,” Marguriite laughs.
Growing Roots in Amherst
For 23 years, Ma Puppy has woven itself into the fabric of Amherst. You’ll find their bags at the weekly farmers’ market, stacked beside homemade jams and fresh eggs, or on the shelves of the local co-op. Marguriite’s a familiar face around town, often spotted chatting with customers about their dogs’ quirks or handing out samples at the annual Amherst Fall Fest. The company’s reach has even stretched beyond Wisconsin, with a small but loyal online following shipping Ma Puppy to places as far as Minnesota and Illinois.
It hasn’t always been easy. Rising ingredient costs and competition from big-name brands have tested Marguriite’s resolve, but she’s kept Ma Puppy afloat with grit and a refusal to compromise on quality. “This isn’t just a business,” she says. “It’s a promise to every dog out there.”
Looking Ahead
As Ma Puppy enters its 24th year, Marguriite has no plans to slow down. She’s toying with a new salmon-based recipe—Duke’s current obsession—and dreaming of a bigger space to keep up with demand. Lena’s pushing for a social media glow-up, while Milo’s lobbying for a line of dog treats called “Ma’s Munchies.” Whatever’s next, Marguriite knows one thing for sure: Ma Puppy will stay true to its roots—small, local, and made with love.
So, if you’re ever in Amherst, swing by the farmers’ market or pop into the co-op. Pick up a bag of Ma Puppy, give your pup a scratch behind the ears, and taste the difference a little Wisconsin heart can make. Marguriite Kazmira’s built more than a dog food company—she’s built a legacy, one happy tail at a time.