How to Start a Dog Treat Business

"According to Grand View Research, 'The global natural dog treats market size was estimated at USD 6.26 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 12.3% from 2024 to 2030.'” We love spoiling our pets. Whether it’s a holiday, birthday, gotcha day, or just because all our pups deserve a little treat. Dog cupcakes, cakes, or specially made treats will make your dog’s day. People are more concerned than ever about the ingredients they feed their dogs and are looking for natural products. Starting a dog bakery will not necessarily be easy but your 4-legged customers will always be happy.  What’s better than that? This guide on how to start a dog treat business may be for you.  

1. Finding a location: There are a few places to sell your baked goods.

·Online: Pick a name and purchase a domain.  Get a website up and running filled with your tasty treats. You may also sell your creations on Etsy.

·Retail space: Set up a cute bakery that allows customers to browse your displays filled with treats.

·Mobile truck: A mobile truck allows you to come directly to the pups. Drive to dog-friendly locations or offer your mobile truck to be available for dog fundraisers or other events.

·Farmer’s markets: Set up a stand at a farmer’s market. Farmer’s markets are great for people looking for only the freshest ingredients. Be sure to include a list of all ingredients in your dog treats.

·Pop-up shop: Pop-up shops are shops that rent out a space for a temporary period of time. This is a great way to test the demand.

·Dog boutiques: Visit local dog boutiques or groomers to discuss selling your treats.

2. Baking Equipment for your dog treat business (aside from the obvious oven, mixing bowls, etc):

·If starting out at home on a budget start with pans and mixers you already have.

·Invest in some cookie cutters and pans in fun shapes such as bones, hearts, and specific holiday shapes.

·Packaging is important as something eye-catching will be memorable. Include a stick with your name and logo and a list of ingredients.

3. What to sell:

·Treats, cupcakes, and cakes.

·Use natural or organic ingredients that dogs love such as pumpkin, peanut butter, chicken, salmon, and beef.

·Leashes, toys, and collars are also options to provide.

·Coffee for the humans is also an option.

·Kits for people to make their own treats at home.

 4. Marketing:

·During the Christmas season offer photos with Santa if you have a retail location.

·Have a contest for the best Halloween costume to win a treat.

·Each holiday showcase designated treats such as heart-shaped cakes for Valentine’s Day.

·Have customers looking forward to seasonal treats. We all look forward to our pumpkin goodies in the fall.

·Ask your happy customers to show pictures of their pups eating your treats so that you may showcase them on Instagram.

·People love to see the process. Video yourself in a day of your life. Show the process of baking and packaging your product as well as interacting with the pups. These videos can be posted on Tik Tok, Instagram, or Youtube.

·Be sure to enter your retail location’s address in Google Business Profile to be easily found.

·Offer a holiday subscription service. The pup can look forward to a treat on every holiday.  

5. Legal, Insurance, and Tax (the fun stuff):

·Contact your state as each state has different laws regulating prepared foods for dogs.

·Consulting with a tax professional is highly recommended so you are aware and prepared for your tax situation with running a business.

·General liability insurance is not typically required but it is suggested. It will protect you from any insurance claims that may include illness, injury, or property damage. Check with your state for insurance requirements.

Starting a business can be so rewarding but can be scary as hell. If anxiety is holding you back start small. Make a few treats for friends or your own dog. Then go to the farmer’s market. It’s a great way to test the market and you never know what it can turn into! You may find that a dog treat business is the perfect fit for you.