Dog Treat Flavors

[Jennifer]

Okay guys... this is a weird question to ask, I know... but I need some opinions.

 

I am starting a (mainly) online dog treat business. I have started developing flavors and, to keep production costs low right now, I'm only going to start with two or three flavors. The problem is... I can't decide which ones.

 

This is a rough idea of the logo design (not final)... all put together so that you can see the flavor ideas.

 

Keep in mind that "Thanksgiving" and "Pumpkin Pie" shouldn't be considered... those will only be seasonal. (I made pumpkin ones the other day... mmm).

 

Also, carob=chocolate equivalent for dogs.

 

Any opinions?

 

Thanks!

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/JenniferCeline/ALLFLAVORScopy.jpg

[stevethefan]

Wow that's a great idea you have! Love the flavors you already have.

 

What about a leather shoe or sneaker flavor since they always seems to like chewing those things!

[ByuSmurf]

PEANUT BUTTER & CAROB

 

Our little chihuahua ATE the dickens out of Reeses. She also loved Hershey's Kisses. I thought dogs were allergic to chocoalte... but she ate enough to make any full size human SICK!!

 

NO... I didn't feed chocolate to her. I have a glass candy dish on my dining table that I would fill with kisses and Reeses. She would RAID it when we all went to sleep. She actually climbed up there?!! The next morning there would be candy wrappers all over the floor and in her bed.

Edited October 17, 2007 by ByuSmurf

[katie555]

they sound so delicious for me 2 try, you shure they are just for dogs?!

My dog doesnt want to eat any dry food, so we started mixin it with chicken souce for dogs, imagine mayo squezee bottle! and he llllllooooovvvsss cheese crisps! I am shure he would looove to try all of your flavours.

Edited October 17, 2007 by katie555

[Jennifer]

PEANUT BUTTER & CAROB

 

Our little chihuahua ATE the dickens out of Reeses. She also loved Hershey's Kisses. I thought dogs were allergic to chocoalte... but she ate enough to make any full size human SICK!!

 

NO... I didn't feed chocolate to her. I have a glass candy dish on my dining table that I would fill with kisses and Reeses. She would RAID it when we all went to sleep. She actually climbed up there?!! The next morning there would be candy wrappers all over the floor and in her bed.

 

I like the peanut butter & carob idea... it's like a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup! Awesome, I'll try making that.

 

Yeah... my mom's dachshund mix did the same thing. While we were away one day at work she found a halloween treat bowl and ate a bunch.

 

My little doggie goes crazy when he even smells chocolate, but obviously he can't have any. I think he's thrilled that I'm making carob treats, haha.

[Jennifer]

they sound so delicious for me 2 try, you shure they are just for dogs?!

 

I tried one! Haha. Okay, before you think I'm gross it was the "apple cinnamon" flavor. The only things in it were: oat flour, organic applesauce, cinnamon, & egg. It wasn't bad!

[ByuSmurf]

Dogs LOVE bacon & cheese - why not combine those two flavors?

Cajun style - Hamburger & Pork Sausage & Rice

Edited October 17, 2007 by ByuSmurf

[VanMerlin]

Do you know a bunch of dogs? Do a taste test and see which ones the dogs themselves are drawn to. There's no better opinion than that from the clients themselves!! Then you can tell the owners which treats are most loved and make them believe that their dog will LOVE them for such a gift!

[Jennifer]

Do you know a bunch of dogs? Do a taste test and see which ones the dogs themselves are drawn to. There's no better opinion than that from the clients themselves!! Then you can tell the owners which treats are most loved and make them believe that their dog will LOVE them for such a gift!

 

My little guy is the official taste-tester right now, haha... but I'm going to mail some back home to my parents' dogs to get their opinions.

 

My main reason for asking peoples opinions is to see what people would buy - based on flavor - without prior knowledge of how their dogs like it. What flavors are people drawn to?

 

I need to find something that differentiates me from other brands and I am hoping to make "unique flavors" that selling point. For example, I'm sure no one knows what the flavor "Hula Chicken" is in the example above, haha... but it's very different. It has oat flour, rolled oats, coconut flour, unsweetened fine coconut, pineapple & chicken broth. My little dog loved them!

[VanMerlin]

Have you thought about your packaging? That really sets a product apart from the rest too, if people are emotionally touched by the packaging. In the case of dogs, I'd assume they'd be more inclined to buy something with a cute package, or something that featured a small little dog toy on top, or even some 'doggy info'...people love pointless facts. LOL. Or even a picture of a dog on the package that is the same breed as their own dog and reminds them of their own dog.

 

I know, you're just starting and figuring out the product is uppermost in your mind right now. BUT, when you are indeed finding success and can spread things a little, it's worth keeping in mind!! Have you researched other high-end products (in any field) and see what makes them so attractive, like those stores that all the celebs go to in order to dress their puppies and so forth. What gives them that edge?

 

The fact that you use natural ingredients is also a big selling point. It goes a long way when you can tell a buyer that the treats are good for the dog as well as being tasty.

 

Personally, I'd be more inclined to give a dog something that pertains to meat, or the Veggie...since I'm vegetarian (which could be a big seller for you if you keep those vegetarian dog-owners in mind...they do appreciate the thought!!).

 

I wish you the best of luck.

[Jennifer]

Have you thought about your packaging? That really sets a product apart from the rest too, if people are emotionally touched by the packaging. In the case of dogs, I'd assume they'd be more inclined to buy something with a cute package, or something that featured a small little dog toy on top, or even some 'doggy info'...people love pointless facts. LOL. Or even a picture of a dog on the package that is the same breed as their own dog and reminds them of their own dog.

 

I know, you're just starting and figuring out the product is uppermost in your mind right now. BUT, when you are indeed finding success and can spread things a little, it's worth keeping in mind!! Have you researched other high-end products (in any field) and see what makes them so attractive, like those stores that all the celebs go to in order to dress their puppies and so forth. What gives them that edge?

 

The fact that you use natural ingredients is also a big selling point. It goes a long way when you can tell a buyer that the treats are good for the dog as well as being tasty.

 

Personally, I'd be more inclined to give a dog something that pertains to meat, or the Veggie...since I'm vegetarian (which could be a big seller for you if you keep those vegetarian dog-owners in mind...they do appreciate the thought!!).

 

I wish you the best of luck.

 

Thank you very much for your insights.

 

Yes, I have thought very much about packaging & brand image. (I was an advertising major in college and I work in marketing right now... I think I'm more excited about the marketing & branding than the actual product, haha). One thing regarding brand image that I'm excited about is the name "Houndstooth" being easily associated with the houndstooth pattern (the pattern in the dog bones from my image). I have houndstooth tissue paper as well as ribbon to add the extra touch as well as reinforce brand identity.

 

I have definitely done research on "the competition." This is one of the reasons I feel that "unique flavors" will give me an edge. Instead of doing wild & crazy shapes and designs, I'm using a simple little dog bone cookie cutter and varying the flavors instead of shapes.

 

Natural ingredients is a major selling point, I agree. There will be some recipes as well that are completely organic (i.e. when I use peanut butter I use organic - the only ingredient is peanuts). Also, one of my selling points is wheat-free & corn-free (for dogs with allergies or owners who are scared to give their dog wheat gluten).

 

There will definitely be a "veggie" treat of some sort. I totally understand peoples' want of a vegetarian option.

 

Thanks again!!!