Homemade dog treat business

[ss91]

Hi, I am looking to start a dog treat business in Essex. Nothing too professional, just a bit of extra cash, probably from a stall at a bootsale.

Anyway, Ive been reading up a fair bit about it and have heard so many conflicting theories and so was looking for some startup advice.

With regards to labelling, If i have a full list of ingredients as well as nutritional information such as calories, amount of protein etc, do I still need to determine and label the guaranteed crude analysis?

Also, as this is barely a business, just a stall opportunity really, do I need things such as insurance? And what are the policies with regards to baking in my home?

If I was to put a disclaimer on my labels to say that my products have been tested on my own dogs etc but "its at your own risk" in better words, would that be acceptable? I would not claim to be organic or be reducing the risk of life threatening conditions etc...just making some homebaked goodies for some extra cash/

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give

Stacey

 

[Experiencedays]

Before investing in Experience Days I had considered making healthy home-made dog treats but quickly realised that there is more to it than just baking in the kitchen.

For a start you need to produce them in a stainless steel commercial kitchen, you will need insurance because if someones dog chokes or gets sick from eating them it will be on your head (unless you can justify through cleaniness, food quality, correct labelling, and quailifed staff).

Just remember Pet Food health and safety rules are far more strict than peoples health and safety rules.

and after all that the margins aren't the best.

 

[BusinessTeam]

Hi Stacey,

There are quite a few rules around the production and sale of pet food supplies. Depending on the type of treats you are preparing and the type of ingriedients you use, you may need to register with your local authority, have food and hygiene certificate and be registered with Defra.

You may also be required to have your food tested by a laboratory to ensure they are safe. When selling any type of food you should protect yourself with insurance in case of any problems.

Have you considered selling on behalf of a local pet treat supplier? That might be a way to learn the trade before committing further.

Might be worth looking at Defra website to get yourself started.

Good luck

Richard

 

[captaincloser]

There used to be a guy who posted on here a lot 'dawg'...and this was his business too. ot sure what happened to hom though...had a shop too.

I know someone who went into the dog food business as opposed to treats..and that was heavy going to begin with but now a huge success. Check past posts on here.

 

[Jet Virtual]

HI Stacey you might want to try and buy some wholesale (non branded) products and then repackage in your own brand .... This way you avoid all the issues.

Best of Luck

Daniel

 

[Mitch3473]

I( have sent you a private message

 

[WHARTY]

Blimey so much health and safety and rules and regs for dog food?

It's no wonder we don't see white dog poo on the streets anymore it's because you can't "give the dog a bone" in case the mutt chokes and sues you!

 

[captaincloser]

You cant mention 'white' dog poo these days.Get a grip !!

 

[BustersDogs]

Hi, I am looking to start a dog treat business in Essex. Nothing too professional, just a bit of extra cash, probably from a stall at a bootsale.

Anyway, Ive been reading up a fair bit about it and have heard so many conflicting theories and so was looking for some startup advice.

With regards to labelling, If i have a full list of ingredients as well as nutritional information such as calories, amount of protein etc, do I still need to determine and label the guaranteed crude analysis?

Also, as this is barely a business, just a stall opportunity really, do I need things such as insurance? And what are the policies with regards to baking in my home?

If I was to put a disclaimer on my labels to say that my products have been tested on my own dogs etc but "its at your own risk" in better words, would that be acceptable? I would not claim to be organic or be reducing the risk of life threatening conditions etc...just making some homebaked goodies for some extra cash/

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give

Stacey

Posts like this scare me. Anyone doing anything in the pet industry 'for extra cash' should really get a paper round. Sorry to sound harsh, but people who are likely to buy home made treats rather that cheaper store bought treats for their dogs usually care about the ingredients going into them, so are very likely not to touch anything that comes 'at your own risk' for their beloved dog. Why would you want to risk another dog's life anyway?

 

[Fred_the_frog]

Posts like this scare me. Anyone doing anything in the pet industry 'for extra cash' should really get a paper round. Sorry to sound harsh, but people who are likely to buy home made treats rather that cheaper store bought treats for their dogs usually care about the ingredients going into them, so are very likely not to touch anything that comes 'at your own risk' for their beloved dog. Why would you want to risk another dog's life anyway?

Yeah, that 'at your own risk' bit would put me off of giving it to my dog.

 

[captaincloser]

Same as many of the 'dog walking' business threads on here...seem very clearly from people who do not love dogs just would love the opportunity to take advantage of the owners...I like the one here about buying wholesale and rebranding...thing is many dog owners are seriously fussy over what they give their pets....and 'elf and safety will close you quicker than a16th century kebabb shop if you do things wrong. Be aware..be very aware

 

I like the one here about buying wholesale and rebranding..

Oh you mean like every major retailer in the country does?

 

[captaincloser]

Oh you mean like every major retailer in the country does?

Arggh the dog food gormet has arrived.

Erm, no I didnt mean that...but you know I didnt.

 

[BustersDogs]

I see it all the time on Gumtree ads. I want some extra cash and I love dogs blah blah blah.

Working with pets really needs to be something you want to do, and you charge for so you can keep doing it, not the other way around.

 

[captaincloser]

I see it all the time on Gumtree ads. I want some extra cash and I love dogs blah blah blah.

Working with pets really needs to be something you want to do, and you charge for so you can keep doing it, not the other way around.

Couldnt agree more and they get on here with their dog walking businessetc and never a care or a question about welfare of the animals or getting trained to deal with tricky situations -which they will all encounter. We are not a nation of dog lovers..we are a nation with a lot of dog lovers but also some irrepressibly irresponsible people many of whom either have dogs or want to 'start a dog blah blah blah' business.
Rant over

 

[zukiestyle]

you should try contacting some companies out there who already sell these and ask them. It can't hurt to ask. They've all been in the same position and are probably happy to help. I know Paula from 'Mrs Bishops Dogi deli' very well. I'm sure she will reply to you. They have just expanded their business to their own premises from starting out at home. Seems to be going well for them as they are now in their 2nd year. x