Eco-Friendly Dog Treats in Chicago: Archway’s Lake Michigan Impact at Our Preview Party

A Dog Treat That Starts in Lake Michigan

This is one of those things I didn’t expect to be talking about when planning a dog daycare event.

But here we are.

There’s a brand called Archway that makes dog treats using invasive carp pulled straight from the Great Lakes. And once you understand what that actually means, it’s hard not to pay attention.

If you’ve lived anywhere near Lake Michigan, you’ve probably heard about invasive species and how much damage they can cause to the ecosystem. The carp population, in particular, has been a growing issue for years, disrupting native fish, water systems, and the overall balance of the lake.

It’s one of those problems that feels big, complicated, and far removed from everyday life.

Archway found a way to make it… not that.

They took something harmful and turned it into something useful. Their treats use this invasive fish as a clean, sustainable protein source, creating a product that not only benefits dogs, but actively contributes to reducing the problem. It’s simple in concept, but kind of brilliant in execution and it’s local.

That part matters more than people think.

This isn’t coming from across the country or overseas. It’s tied directly to the waters we live near, the environment we’re part of, and a problem that affects our own backyard.

When we came across Archway, it stopped us for a second. Not because we were looking for something like this, but because it felt different from everything else we’d seen.

Most treats are just… treats.

These have a story behind them.

They have a purpose.

And whether you think about it that way or not, it’s pretty cool to know that something as simple as a dog treat can actually contribute to something bigger.

That’s exactly why we wanted to include them in our Preview Party.

Their samples will be going into our swag bags for the first 150 guests, giving people a chance to try something that’s not only high-quality, but connected to something real. Plus you'll have a chance to win a treat bundle from Archway in the raffle!

It’s one of those things you don’t expect.

But once you know, it sticks with you.