Dog cookies

[cakefairy7]

Hi I wasn’t sure which part to put this in so went for pets. I’m gonna be going on maternity soon and was trying to think of ways to make a few extra pound and I remembered I always used to buy my dogs home made cookies off a girl local with stuff such as peanut butter, blueberries, bananas etc in them and they loved them but she stopped it years ago and no one else local makes them so thought it might be an idea to give this a go. I was wondering would anyone have any idea what I would need to set this up I’m completely clueless like I would anything from from the council before I could sell or would I need insurance etc in case a dog had an allergy? Just trying to get a feel for it and see if it would be worth a try

I honestly don’t know in that one sorry @cakefairy7

Hopefully you’ll get some replies soon

Dogs can eat – and many really enjoy – peanut butter.
But beware, some peanut butter brands contain an ingredient called xylitol, which is toxic to dogs and even eating small amounts can be fatal. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is often used in foods to keep the product sugar-free. Always check the label before giving your dog peanut butter and do not give them any if xylitol is listed in the ingredients. If your dog does eat anything with xylitol in it, call your vet urgently and tell them what your pet has eaten.

To legally make and sell dog treats in the UK from home, you must register with your local Trading Standards office and, if you use products of animal origin (meat, eggs, etc.), obtain approval from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Your home kitchen must meet strict hygiene standards, with separate areas for pet food production, and you'll need a HACCP planand ongoing microbiological testing for the finished product.

Steps to Take:

1. 1. Contact your Local Trading Standards:
2. Before you start, contact your local authority's Trading Standards service to register your business as a feed business.
3. 2. Check for APHA Approval (if using animal products):
4. If your treats contain ingredients from animal origin (meat, eggs, dairy, honey, fish), you must apply to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) for approval. This is a strict requirement for anyone using such products to make pet food.
5. 3. Ensure a Separate Facility or Strict Procedures:
6. If you're using animal products, you'll need to demonstrate that your home kitchen is separate from food intended for human consumption. This might involve having dedicated areas, equipment, and a documented clean-down program.
7. 4. Implement a HACCP Plan:
8. You'll need a documented Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan to control hazards at every stage of production.
9. 5. Undergo Microbiological Testing:
10. APHA approval requires an ongoing microbiological testing regime to check for bacteria like Salmonella and other enterobacteriaceae.
11. 6. Adhere to Safety Standards:
12. All pet food must be safe, produced under sanitary conditions, and free from harmful substances to protect both animal and human health.

Key Considerations:

• Animal Origin Ingredients:
• Even if the animal-based ingredients are sourced from human-grade food, they still become a "Product of Animal Origin" (POAO) once designated for pet food and require APHA approval.
• Domestic Kitchens:
• The rules for pet food production apply to domestic settings as well as commercial facilities.
• Do Not Start Production Until Approved:
• You cannot start producing pet food until you have received approval from both the APHA (if applicable) and your local authority.

Some years ago my daughters friend was a vegan baker working from her mothers home and they had to install
a separate sink for hand washing.

Thank you for your help, I just wasn’t sure where to even start with it as I wouldn’t want to leave myself open to any liabilities

If you’re worried about being sued could you get a couple of quotes for liability insurance?

Yeah I’m gonna start looking into it all my 3 year old starts nursery next week so I’ll have time to start researching properly in peace and quiet