Startup cost: $1,000
Equipment: baking materials, kitchen costs, shipping costs, base ingredients, packaging materials
Sick of going to the store for dog biscuits every week? Think cats deserve some unique treats too? Start a pet bakery business! Gourmet pet snacks are not only a unique business idea, but they could also be your foot in the door for other animal-related businesses.
There are many options with animal treats ranging from a focus on healthy, all-natural selection, to unique and crazy flavors. Just make sure to do your due diligence for what dogs can and can’t eat — for example, did you know that dogs can get sick from eating onions, garlic or avocados?
“It took me three years before I opened to come up with recipes that are safe and that dogs would love,” said Penny Milligan, owner of pet bakery The Hungry Hound.
Karry Barolo, owner of D.O.G. Bakery, whose products are carried in nearly 100 stores nationwide, creates healthy, natural dog treats. However, when she started her business, people dismissed it as silly.
“Once I was able to educate them on the importance of great nutrition for dogs, they started to see the value of what we do,” Barolo explained.
Neither Milligan or Barolo had baking experience before starting their businesses, however Milligan had worked in retail for most of her adult life and Barolo worked in restaurant management.
“As a small-business owner you have to be able to do everything. So I would strongly recommend exposing yourself to all aspects of business,” Barolo said.
