Bake up a profitable business for pampered pets and their owners
Pet owners spend generously on premium, natural treats for their furry family members. Shopify lets pet treat makers sell directly to pet parents, offering subscription boxes, custom flavors, and allergen-free options.
Most states require pet food to be produced in a licensed commercial kitchen. Options include shared commercial kitchens, cottage food permits, or your own licensed facility.
Register with your state's feed control office, follow AAFCO labeling guidelines, and get a commercial feed license. Some states require product registration fees.
Develop treats using pet-safe ingredients with consistent nutrition profiles. Avoid toxic ingredients (xylitol, chocolate, grapes, onions, macadamia nuts) and test for palatability with real pets.
Contact your state's Department of Agriculture about pet food manufacturing requirements. Rules vary significantly — some states are strict, others have simplified processes for small makers.
Create 4-6 recipes using wholesome, limited ingredients. Focus on single-protein treats, grain-free options, and dental chews. Test with a panel of local dogs and cats.
Obtain your commercial feed license, product liability insurance, and any required facility inspections. This protects your business and builds customer trust.
Feature real pet photos (with owner permission), full ingredient lists, and feeding guidelines. Show your kitchen and process for transparency.
Partner with local shelters, pet influencers, and vets. Offer a treat subscription box for recurring revenue and predictable production scheduling.
Offer allergen-free options (grain-free, single protein) — pet food allergies are a massive and underserved market
Include feeding guidelines based on pet size on every package — this builds trust and demonstrates professionalism
Use Shopify's subscription feature for monthly treat boxes — pet treats are the perfect subscription product
Partner with local pet stores for wholesale distribution and in-store tasting events to build brand awareness
Subscription apps for monthly treat delivery boxes
Shopify Shipping for calculated rates based on package weight
Product bundles for variety packs and sampler sets
Customer accounts for managing pet profiles and preferences
Shopify gives you everything you need to build, launch, and grow your pet treats business. Start your free trial today.
Start Free Shopify TrialYes, in most states you need a commercial feed license from your state's Department of Agriculture. You'll also need to produce treats in a licensed commercial kitchen and follow AAFCO labeling guidelines. Requirements and fees vary by state.
Never use xylitol (extremely toxic to dogs), chocolate, grapes/raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, or artificial sweeteners. Check the ASPCA's toxic food list regularly and always verify ingredient safety before formulating.
Use resealable, food-safe packaging with a clear ingredient label, batch number, best-by date, and feeding guidelines. Include an oxygen absorber for shelf stability. Ship in boxes with insulation during hot months to prevent spoilage.
Understand real Shopify profit margins by industry, learn where your money goes, and discover 10 proven tactics to improve your e-commerce profitability.
Learn how to value your Shopify store using SDE and EBITDA multiples, what increases valuation, and how to sell through top e-commerce marketplaces.
Previewed ahead of Shopify's June 17 Summer '26 showcase: AI Collection Sort and Predictive Cross-Sell. What ML-ranked collections mean for paid traffic and AOV.
Join thousands of entrepreneurs who use Shopify to sell pet treats online. Get started with a free trial.