Supporting Veterans, One Treat
Active Duty Air Force Member Launches Dog Treat Business Supporting Veterans with Service Animals
An active-duty U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sergeant has built a dog treat company — while still serving in uniform. Ameera McCray launched Combat Chow four years ago after wanting to make healthier treats for her dog, Paige, according to Live 5 News. The business has since grown into a mission-driven brand with a direct link to veteran mental health.
Every bag of Combat Chow comes with a story about a real veteran and their therapy dog. McCray also donates $1 from every sale to Dogs2DogTags, an organization that trains service animals for veterans with PTSD and other challenges, WECT reports.
One Dog Named Paige Sparked the Whole Idea
McCray did not set out to start a company. She just wanted cleaner treats for her dog. She began experimenting with single-ingredient recipes — real protein, no additives — to give Paige a healthier diet, according to KMOV. The results worked so well that she turned the idea into a full business.
McCray has served in the Air Force for more than 11 years. She currently works as a flight attendant for high-ranking officials, reaching the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. "After more than 11 years of service, I wanted to create something meaningful that connected my military life with my love for dogs," she said. "Combat Chow was born."
Every Bag Tells a Veteran's Story
Combat Chow's "Story on a Bag" program puts a real veteran's face and story on each package. One veteran, named Ric, shared how his dog Patton pulled him away from addiction and PTSD. Customers buying dog treats also get a window into what service dogs mean to the people they help, WCAX reports.
The idea turns a routine task — feeding your dog — into a moment of awareness. McCray wants buyers to understand the bond between veterans and their animals. One customer, identified as "Chief Howard," wrote in a May 2026 review: "I love the natural ingredients and even more that the company supports veterans like me."
$1 Per Bag Funds Service Dog Training for Veterans
Every purchase sends $1 directly to Dogs2DogTags. The Wisconsin-based nonprofit rescues at-risk dogs and trains them as service animals for veterans with PTSD, anxiety, or traumatic brain injury. Training one dog-veteran team costs between $30,000 and $35,000 over 18 to 24 months, according to KLTV.
Dogs2DogTags reported $1,033,949 in total revenue in 2024, showing the organization is growing. Founder Torre Willadsen started the group after seeing firsthand how dogs helped wounded Marines. With Combat Chow's steady donation stream, the nonprofit gains a more reliable source of funding beyond grants.
Veteran Suicide Crisis Gives the Mission Urgency
The stakes behind Combat Chow go beyond pet food. About 17 U.S. veterans die by suicide every day, according to the 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report. For veterans under 45, suicide is the second-leading cause of death. Service dogs have shown real results — 100% of veterans with a trained service dog reported a better quality of life, KWCH reports.
McCray's business also serves as a model for other active-duty service members. She shows that it is possible to build a purpose-driven company while still in uniform — and that the two missions can reinforce each other. Combat Chow is both a small business and, as McCray frames it, an extension of her service.
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