Dog Owners: what would you pay?

[GoldieSaysMeep]

Are you sure we don't have the same dog?

We also have a dog on a special diet, and any time I find treats that he can eat I tend to buy them regardless of the cost. If you could add some special ones for limited diets I think you would find a market for them even at a more expensive price. I buy most of our treats from SitStay if that helps give you an idea on pricing.

Editing to add that I think it's important that you list all the ingredients on your packaging as well- there have been many times that I saw treats but was afraid to buy without knowing if it was something our dog could have...

lol... Your puppy is adorable.

I'll check SitStay too.

 

[dclfun]

Even in this economy, I am willing to pay a premium for the best quality food and organic, human-grade treats for my dog. She's a service dog and is worth the world to me, not that I wouldn't also feel that way about her if she were only a pet. I do feed fresh organic carrots and green beans for an occasional treat, but don't have time to make other treats. Even just sliced and dehydrated organic sweet potatoes would be something I'd buy. Maybe having glass jars with different treats and then a small scale would work at a local fair or farmer's market for people to choose a bag of mixed treats they could purchase by the pound. Otherwise if I know the ingredients I'm much more likely to buy "homemade" vs. something in a store that has preservatives and may end up being recalled. Having cute packaging will also help even though the dogs could care less- it will attract more buyers. ----Kathy

 

[Jockaroo]

I'm sure you will research all your recipes and make sure you get clearance from a vet before selling any of your treats. I'm including a few links that list some foods that are toxic to dogs. Please research this even more. There are many foods we "think" are OK for dogs, but can kill them. The smaller the dog, the less they must eat.

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1659&aid=1030
http://www.animalpetsandfriends.com/Article/25-Human-Foods-Toxic-To-Dogs/300
http://www.vetinfo4dogs.com/dtoxin.html
http://petcare.suite101.com/article.cfm/toxic_foods_for_dogs

There is much more information out there. I just want you to consider this with your business.

Also, the idea of putting these at the vets' offices seems good, but I would almost bet that my vet's office would not allow this. They have liability for what they sell, and if it is in the office, it is assumed the vet is recommending the item to clients. Also, think how often one visits the vet with a healthy pet. With a healthy dog, many only visit 2 times a year. Those with ill pets go more frequently, but may be overtaxed when they pay the vet bills.

In my area, I think your best venues for sale would be privately owned grooming salons, local farmer's markets, street festivals, and small gift shops that may carry pet items. Another thing you could consider is supplying area pet sitters with fliers they could leave with clients. Good luck. And please know I'm trying to be helpful with the links listed--not preachy. Sometimes things don't come across the way you mean on line.

 

[Dancemom03]

We have a collie and I'll confess she only gets special treats when we take her out. I don't usually buy a lot and spend $4-5 for a little bag to go at our local doggie bistro. It sounds so odd to say that, we live in a small rural town and that just isn't the style for many of the folks we know however neighbors recommended we check out this place last fall and we love it!

They provide the tubs, brushes, commercial dryers, towels, shampoos, doggie cologne and everything else you didn't know you needed to make your dog smell good and look awesome without the mess at home. I never thought I'd spend money to be able to wash my own dog but collies have lots of hair and the last time DD19 washed her at home in the tub, it resulted in a clog in the main sewer line downstairs which costs us $80+ in plumbing-snake rental to clear.
LOL - Judging by the dogs in the photos on their brochures and website, they probably learned a thing or two about clogged drains at their house too. Now I thought that was an awesome idea for a business...

http://www.barknbathebistro.com/index.html

 

[Pigeon]

Honestly, that's not something I'd pay for. I can buy a huge box of dog biscuits for a couple of bucks. I spend money for good food, but I'm not shelling out much for treats.

 

[christa112]

I love my dogs with all my heart, but I would not spend money on gourmet cookies for them.