How to Start a Pet Treat Business

What is the Business?

In a pet treat business, you make delicious, pet-safe treats and sell them to pet owners in your neighborhood or at local events. You’ll create simple, healthy recipes that dogs (and maybe even some cats!) will love. You can package them in cute bags and decorate your setup to attract customers!

Fit for Kids

This business is perfect if you:

• Love animals and enjoy cooking or baking.
• Are creative and want to try different recipes and packaging ideas.
• Have a bit of help from a parent for baking and shopping.
• Can work on weekends or after school to make treats and sell them.

Potential earnings: Depending on the treat size and ingredients, you might earn around $10-$30 per batch.

Relevant School Classes

Here are some school subjects that will help you succeed with a pet treat business:

• Math: Math will help you measure ingredients, calculate costs, and set prices. For example, you’ll need to calculate the cost per treat to set a fair price.

• Science: Knowing basic science will help you understand which ingredients are safe for pets and why. Science can also help you experiment with different textures or flavors to find the perfect recipe.

• Art: Use your art skills to make eye-catching packaging or labels. A bright, playful design will make your treats stand out and attract pet owners.

Additional Classes to Improve

• Health or Biology: Learning about animal health in biology can help you understand the importance of safe ingredients, like avoiding chocolate and onions in dog treats.

• Writing: Writing skills will help you create labels, lists of ingredients, and even small descriptions on your packaging. Clear, friendly labels build trust with customers.

Step-by-Step Guide to Start

1. Choose Your Recipes: Look up pet-safe recipes online or in cookbooks. Try treats with simple ingredients, like peanut butter, oats, and pumpkin (with parental approval).

2. Gather Supplies: You’ll need mixing bowls, measuring cups, cookie cutters, baking sheets, and ingredients. Small treat bags or containers will also be helpful for packaging.

3. Test Your Treats: Bake a few small batches to test flavors and see what looks and smells appealing. Give samples to friends with pets to get feedback.

4. Set Your Prices: Calculate your costs, then decide on a price. For example, if it costs $5 to make a batch and you can make 20 treats, you might sell each treat for around $0.50 or a bag for $5.

5. Make a Sales Sign and Packaging: Create a colorful sign to show prices, ingredients, and other details. Use cute bags or containers for a professional look.

6. Sell at a Pet-Friendly Spot: Set up your stand at a local park, dog park, or neighborhood event (with permission). Smile and greet customers!

Step-by-Step Guide to Grow

1. Create Special Flavors: Add seasonal flavors like “Pumpkin Spice” in the fall or “Minty Fresh” for the holidays to keep customers coming back.

2. Offer a Subscription Bag: Ask customers if they’d like regular deliveries of treats, and bring a fresh batch to their house each week.

3. Advertise Online or Locally: Ask your parents if you can post about your business on community sites or create simple flyers to post in your neighborhood.

4. Add a Personal Touch: Include a small thank-you note or a fun fact about pets with each sale. People love thoughtful touches!

5. Consider Pet Gift Bags: Offer themed bags for holidays, complete with treats, a toy, and a fun label.

Parental Support

Here’s how parents can help:

• Transportation: Drive to stores to pick up ingredients or help set up at a pet-friendly location.
• Supervision: Be available while baking to help with the stove or oven.
• Marketing Help: If using social media, parents can help monitor messages or post safely online.

Resources

• Book: Doggy Desserts by Cheryl Gianfrancesco – offers great pet treat recipes and tips.
• Website: American Kennel Club (AKC) – learn about pet-safe ingredients and foods to avoid.
• Podcast: The Pet Show with Dennis Quaid – a fun listen with pet tips, trends, and stories.

Related Business Ideas

1. Dog Walking Service
2. Pet Sitting
3. Cat Toy Making and Selling
4. Customized Pet Collars
5. Bird Feeder Sales
6. Dog Bathing Service
7. Homemade Fish Food
8. Pet Art Portraits
9. Pet Grooming Helper
10. Pet Clothing Sales

This guide should help you create a tasty business that’s safe and fun for both pets and their owners!