Want to Start a Dog Treat Business? Check This Out First

Want to Start a Dog Treat Business? Check This Out First

Author: Time We Discuss September 6, 2026 Duration: 29:15

In this episode of Time We Discuss, we’re exploring what it’s really like to start and run a gourmet dog treat business with Angela Borne.

What began as a homemade solution for her own dog eventually grew into a part time business, farmers market operation, online store, retail partnerships, and physical storefront.

Angela shares what she has learned about:

  • Turning a hobby into a business
  • Why packaging can make or break your pricing
  • Expanding from dog treats into custom pupcakes
  • Using social media to build a brand before you even launch
  • Selling through Etsy, Shopify, farmers markets, and a storefront
  • Building partnerships with local pet businesses
  • Why you should look for funding at the beginning
  • The importance of time management
  • Whether you actually need a business degree
  • Expanding into the cat treat market

We also talk about the realities of profitability, including why a high gross margin does not necessarily mean a high personal income for the business owner.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you could turn your love of dogs, baking, or entrepreneurship into a business, this conversation offers a behind the scenes look at what it actually takes.

Is running a gourmet dog treat business the right career for you?

Watch the episode and decide for yourself.

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Timestamp:
0:00 - Intro
0:29 - Why Create a Gourmet Dog Treat Business?
2:07 - Can Selling Dog Treats be Profitable?
4:07 - Setting the Right Price and Packaging
5:46 - Adding New Products
7:15 - Best Ways to Advertise a Dog Business
10:06 - Going From Online to Physical Storefront
13:04 - Partnering with Local Pet Stores
14:57 - Best Kept Business Secret
17:47 - Education Needed to Have a Dog Treat Business
20:02 - What About Gourmet Cat Treats?
23:06 - Brandy Smith LeCours (Enchanted Flour Bake Shop)
23:27 - Angela Borne Talks Animal Allergies and Food
24:39 - Episode Highlights
28:09 - Expected Growth for the Pet Foods Industry
29:07 - Outro

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Guest Information:

Angela Borne

Also Mentioned Directly or Indirectly in This Episode:

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Original Music: Original Music furnished by Dan Swift
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Figuring out what you want to do for a living is one of life's biggest puzzles, and Time We Discuss tackles it by bringing real voices into the conversation. Instead of abstract advice, each episode sits down with people who are actually doing the jobs you might be curious about. You'll hear the unvarnished details of their daily routines, the challenges they didn't see coming, and the moments that make their work worthwhile. This podcast moves beyond glossy job descriptions to explore the practical realities of different paths, from traditional professions to less conventional roles. Whether you're a student weighing college against direct entry into the workforce, someone considering a complete pivot, or simply fascinated by how other people spend their working hours, these discussions offer grounded insights. The focus is on career discovery through honest storytelling, providing a resource that feels more like a series of candid conversations than a formal guide. By listening, you gather the nuanced, firsthand information needed to make more informed decisions about your own professional journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Time We Discuss | Career Exploration Podcast with Real Professionals and Real Stories
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