Pampered pooches are enjoying anything but a dog’s life, with sales of canine treats going through the kennel roof for a fast-growing Lancashire business.
This week the Barking Bakery, one of Britain’s biggest manufacturers of specialist doggy treats, reported sales of cakes for pets had more than doubled compared with last year.
This follows a 3,000 per cent increase in sales over the past five years, as Britain’s dog lovers spoil their pets more than ever before, according to the latest sales data for the Kirkham-based company, which supplies Pets At Home, Booths supermarkets, Ocado and Just For Pets.
“There is a definite trend towards upmarket treats which are canine-friendly,” explained managing director Michelle Turnbull. “This might be birthday cakes for special occasions or everyday treats, like Woofins and dog-friendly popcorn.”
Woofins and ‘iced’ woofins, which are muffins made with pooch-friendly ingredients, are the company’s best-sellers. But doggy popcorn and specialist birthday cakes are also increasing in popularity.
“Owners wanted to treat their pets,” Michelle added. “And they’re becoming increasingly aware of giving them the right treats. We’re certainly seeing an increase in pet pampering products.
“Forget it’s a dog’s life, they’ve never had it so good for many of our customers.”
Headquartered at Mill Farm Business Centre, Fleetwood Road, Kirkham, the Barking Bakery was set up in 2012 by dog lover Michelle and her pet pooch Spot.
The company manufactures a range of dog-friendly treats, including the highly-popular Woofins – dog-friendly muffins – and ‘iced’ Woofins, as well as cheesy-flavoured doggy popcorn; handmade novelty biscuits and pooch-friendly speciality ‘pawty’ cakes for birthdays and special occasions, along with other ‘pet patisserie’ goodies.
These are available at stockists across the country, including Pets At Home, Booths supermarkets, Ocado and Just For Pets, as well as independent pet shops throughout the UK.
The Barking Bakery was a Wow winner in Jacqueline Gold’s awards for Women In Business, as well as clinching a coveted Enterprise Vision Award in recognition of the company’s growth.
