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A thread for dog owners and business owners!

21 replies

AintNobodyHereButUsChickens · 08/07/2021 16:20

I'm thinking about starting up a little dog treat business. I'm very much still in the 'thinking about it' stage. So what sort of flavours of treat? What types of treat? Like biscuits, jerky etc? ANY pointers will be gratefully received, I literally had the idea 2 hours ago and am just doing research into what people would want!

Also any pointers about setting up a small business like this would also be really helpful (where do I even begin??) Smile

OP posts:
AintNobodyHereButUsChickens · 10/07/2021 15:20

Bump

OP posts:
Redhound · 10/07/2021 16:16

My MIL did really well at a local market stall baking and selling her own dog biscuits. Really well as in she sold them all but I have no idea if she made any profit! I used to get given them for my dog but I binned them as she put garlic in them! If I was looking for my dog they would need to be healthy and natural, ideally lasting longer than a few seconds and nothing they could choke on like those lethal knotted hide things

NoLongerATeacher · 10/07/2021 16:38

Find out how to make Pizzle sticks - in such short supply in my area (south) they’re like gold dust!

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CuriousaboutSamphire · 10/07/2021 16:39

Erm, you don't 'make' pizzles!!!!

Aloethere · 10/07/2021 16:40

If I was looking for my dog they would need to be healthy and natural, ideally lasting longer than a few seconds and nothing they could choke on like those lethal knotted hide things

This pretty much sums it up for me!

ahoyshipmates · 10/07/2021 16:43

I know somebody who makes and sells dog biscuit treats as a sideline to another business.

They're a huge amount of faff and effort, they don't sell particularly well and I strongly suspect he makes a loss but he'd never tell me!

MissyB1 · 10/07/2021 16:48

Yes home baked biscuits are good, obviously check all ingredients are suitable for dogs. Some of our local cafes sell them and my dog definitely prefers those to the shop bought ones.

ikeepseeingit · 10/07/2021 16:48

Some for puppies! Especially if it’s something that can be chewed or licked for a long period of time. Things to put into a Kong or a licki mat! Love the other persons idea of making them too, I bet that would go down well selling locally.

On setting up a small business, first think up your product/s thoroughly.

What is legal (and ethical) to sell, do you need any license?

How will you get your product to your customers?

Are you willing to post, or would you rather set up a stall, or both?

Lots of banks will let you set up a business account for free, it’s not legally required but I would advise it as it will keep your books much easier to manage.

Advertising : Facebook and Nextdoor if you are keeping it local, along with friends and family. Facebook will let you pay to advertise your product in your local area if you set it up correctly. It can be amazing for businesses as you can tag who you want to target (dog lovers/pet owners)

Go into the GOV HMRC website and it will walk you through self assessment registration as well. You don’t need to do this if you earn under £1000 a year from it but I would say you should do it anyway as you wouldn’t be paying tax on a small amount, and it might get big quickly if you do it right!

Good luck OP! It’s the start of a fun journey Grin

NoLongerATeacher · 10/07/2021 17:53

@CuriousaboutSamphire

Erm, you don't 'make' pizzles!!!!
Reallly? Someone has to put them together surely?
CuriousaboutSamphire · 10/07/2021 17:57

Sorry but I am injured at the moment and laughing hurts.

Pizzles are bull penises.

bert3400 · 10/07/2021 17:58

I live in the EU and every month get a box of natural treats delivered. Pig snouts, chicken feet and whole array of body parts ...all cooked and delivered once a month in a stinky box 🤮. It comes from Majorca ...I don't know if anything is available like that in the UK but my dogs go bonkers for them ?

Redhound · 10/07/2021 18:09

Lol male goats have pizzles too !!

Cyberworrier · 10/07/2021 18:12

Someone made dog treats with garlic in them?! I hope she realised that she’d included a toxic ingredient before anyone bought them?
As PP says, things that last a long time to chew are good.

CuriousaboutSamphire · 10/07/2021 18:14

@Redhound

Lol male goats have pizzles too !!
You'd hope all male anythings do 😊
Mydogisagentleman · 10/07/2021 18:15

My dog adores liver cake

CatrinVennastin · 10/07/2021 18:19

I would buy anything that is free of chicken and it gives my dog a really upset belly.

I used to see a women selling treats, pigs ears etc at a local outdoor food market and she always seemed really busy as the market is at the entrance to a country park so loads of dog owner around.

Ellmau · 11/07/2021 10:14

You'll want good insurance in case a dog gets sick or dies and the owner blames your treats.

spinningspaniels · 11/07/2021 10:19

I'd stay well clear of anything food based, as a PP said, it's a minefield with insurances etc.

If you're any good with a sewing machine, dog collars/harnesses, snoods, coats etc always sell well?

CuriousaboutSamphire · 11/07/2021 11:43

Yes. Especially if you make for the odd shaped breeds, like my EBT, whippets etc.

newnortherner111 · 11/07/2021 12:40

Could you do cat treats as well?

Cherrysoup · 11/07/2021 14:54

Garlic is recommended for dogs with cancer. It’s only dangerous in very large amounts.

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