Barkwheats

I love the sentiment that makes people want to bake for their dogs, and I am approached often by aspiring dog biscuit bakers, dear well-meaning people whom I usually manage to deflate when I tell them that there are so many treats on the market that to make a go of it, you’d need more than the endorsement of your neighborhood dogs.  You’ll need a hypo-allergenic recipe that is unique….just dropping wheat from the ingredients isn’t enough….you need a good name that isn’t already taken (that in itself is getting hard to find), a really nice visual identity to go with it, and, if you are interested in the high-end green consumer, you need to address sustainability (where are your ingredients sourced, are some or all organic, what’s your recycled/recyclable packaging commitment).  And of course, the treats need to taste good, and you have to make a consistent product.  This isn’t a kitchen/cottage industry anymore; you’ve got to be really savvy.  Just think about how much capital you’d need to launch a serious effort like what I’ve just sketched out.

Barkwheats does it all. I love of course that they are form Maine, made out of local (to Belfast), organic, and fair trade ingredients.  The primary ingredient is buckwheat, which is naturally gluten-free as it’s really a berry, not a grain.  But it gets even better…they come in two natural flavors, Ginger Parsley and Sea Vegetable Chamomile….the packaging is compostable…and beautiful to look at, as are the treats themselves, which are stamped with the swirly Barkwheats logo….and yes the dogs do love them.  Great for dogs with wheat or gluten allergies, or dogs who need to cut down on carbohydrates.  There’s just no downside.  Come on down or give us a call; we’ll ship.