How to Start a Dog Treat Business in 2025 (Beginner’s Guide to a Profitable Side Hustle)
If you’ve ever baked homemade treats for your furry friend, you’ve probably thought, “I could sell these!” The good news? In 2025, starting a dog treat business is easier and more profitable than ever before. With pet spending continuing to skyrocket, passionate pet parents are turning their hobbies into thriving side hustles.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to start a dog treat business from home, step-by-step. Whether you want a fun weekend project or dream of building a full-time bakery for pups, this is the place to start.
📥 Ready to launch? Grab your Dog Bakery Starter Kit™ — everything you need to turn your treat-making hobby into a profitable side hustle!
Why Start a Dog Treat Business in 2025?
1. The Pet Industry is Booming
According to recent reports, U.S. pet owners are projected to spend over $150 billion on their pets in 2025. A significant chunk of that goes toward premium treats. Dog owners are willing to pay more for homemade, healthy, and natural snacks for their pups.
2. Low Startup Costs
Unlike many side hustles, you can start a dog treat business with minimal investment. Basic kitchen tools, quality ingredients, and simple packaging are all you need to get going.
3. Flexible & Scalable
You can start small — selling locally or online — and scale as demand grows. Whether you want to earn a few hundred extra dollars or build a six-figure business, this hustle can grow with you.
4. Perfect for Dog Lovers
If you love baking and adore dogs, this side hustle is a dream come true. You’ll enjoy what you do while creating products that make tails wag.
Step-by-Step: How to Start a Dog Treat Business
Step 1: Research the Market
Before you start baking, take time to research:
- What types of treats are trending?
Functional treats (like dental chews or calming biscuits) and seasonal items are hot sellers. Check out our Top-Selling Dog Treat Recipes for ideas. - What are your competitors doing?
Study other small dog treat businesses. Look at pricing, packaging, and how they market themselves. - Identify your unique selling point (USP).
Will you offer grain-free options? Birthday treats? Gourmet dog cookies? Find your niche.
Step 2: Perfect Your Recipes
Start with simple, dog-safe recipes. Focus on:
- Natural, wholesome ingredients
- Dog-friendly flavors (peanut butter, pumpkin, apples, etc.)
- Recipes that are easy to scale
Need inspiration? Try our 3-Ingredient Dog Treat Recipes — perfect for beginners.
Step 3: Test & Get Feedback
Before selling, test your treats with friends, family, and local dog owners. Ask for feedback on:
- Taste & texture (dog-approved!)
- Packaging appeal
- Pricing expectations
Don’t forget to gather testimonials and cute photos for social proof.
Step 4: Handle Legal Requirements
Even small-scale dog treat businesses need to stay compliant. Check your local regulations for:
- Cottage food laws
- Business licenses & permits
- Labeling requirements
Our Dog Treat Business Legal Checklist covers all the essentials.
Step 5: Create a Brand
A strong brand makes you memorable. Consider:
- Business Name & Logo
- Packaging Design
- Brand Story (why you started)
- Mission Statement
Your packaging should reflect your brand’s personality — fun, friendly, and trustworthy.
Step 6: Set Up Sales Channels
Decide where you’ll sell:
- Farmers markets & craft fairs
- Local pet boutiques
- Online store (Shopify, Etsy, or your own website)
- Social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook)
Don’t overlook Pinterest! Visual platforms drive tons of traffic to dog treat businesses. Learn how with our Pinterest Marketing for Dog Treats Guide.
Step 7: Price Your Treats for Profit
Calculate your costs carefully to ensure profit. Factors to include:
- Ingredients & packaging
- Time & labor
- Marketing expenses
- Shipping & transaction fees (if selling online)
Our How to Price Homemade Dog Treats for Profit guide will walk you through this process.
Step 8: Promote Your Business
Effective marketing will get your treats into happy paws. Try these strategies:
- Post behind-the-scenes baking videos
- Share customer reviews & dog photos
- Run seasonal promotions (Valentine’s Day, Halloween, etc.)
- Collaborate with pet influencers & local businesses
Want a done-for-you marketing plan? The Dog Bakery Starter Kit™ includes templates and content calendars to kickstart your promotions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Starting a dog treat business is simple, but there are pitfalls to avoid:
| Mistake | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|
| Ignoring Regulations | Research and follow local food safety laws. |
| Underpricing Products | Use proper pricing strategies to ensure profit. |
| Weak Branding | Invest time in creating a strong, consistent brand image. |
| Skipping Market Research | Know what your target customers want. |
| Inconsistent Quality | Maintain high standards for every batch. |
Success Story: From Hobby Baker to Business Owner
Meet Sarah, a dog mom who started baking treats for her golden retriever. After friends kept asking to buy her creations, she launched her own small business in 2023.
With the help of the Dog Bakery Starter Kit™, Sarah set up an Etsy shop and started selling at local markets. Within six months, she was making $2,000/month in extra income — all while doing something she loved.
Now in 2025, Sarah has expanded her product line, built a loyal customer base, and even collaborates with local shelters for fundraising events.
You could be next. All it takes is a love for dogs and a few simple steps to get started.
Is Starting a Dog Treat Business Worth It?
Absolutely! Here’s why:
- Low-risk, high-reward: Minimal upfront investment with strong earning potential.
- Flexible schedule: Perfect for busy parents, students, or anyone seeking extra income.
- Growing market: Pet owners are constantly looking for high-quality, homemade options.
- Fulfilling work: Combine creativity, baking, and love for animals into a meaningful side hustle.
Whether you want to cover monthly bills or build a thriving brand, a dog treat business offers incredible opportunities in 2025.
Get Started Today: Dog Bakery Starter Kit™
To make things even easier, we created the Dog Bakery Starter Kit™ — your shortcut to success.
What’s Inside:
- Step-by-step business launch guide
- Proven dog treat recipes
- Pricing calculator templates
- Printable labels & packaging designs
- Social media marketing calendar
- Legal & labeling checklist
- Bonus: Treat Photography Tips for Pinterest & Instagram
🐾 Don’t waste months figuring it all out on your own. Get the tools, templates, and know-how to start selling dog treats this week! Get your kit here.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to start a side hustle, this is it. A dog treat business is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to earn extra income in 2025.
With the right guidance, a sprinkle of creativity, and a passion for pups, you can turn your kitchen into a profitable treat-making hub.
So, are you ready to bake up success?
🐶 Download your Dog Bakery Starter Kit™ and start your journey today. Happy baking (and tail wagging)!