KAPA’A — It started back in 1999 as Jan and her husband Don Woo had to find food that their Miniature Schnauzer could eat without suffering an allergic reaction. After spending a great deal of time testing out a variety
KAPA’A — It started back in 1999 as Jan and her husband Don Woo had to find food that their Miniature Schnauzer could eat without suffering an allergic reaction.
After spending a great deal of time testing out a variety of brands, the Woo’s came up with an idea.
They decided to concoct their own dog treats using natural ingredients that would be used to create healthy yet tasty fare that animals would love.
“There was lots of burning and corrections had to be made,” said Jan Woo. “It turned out as a nice research project. It took us a while almost a year.
“We were mainly concerned with nutrition. We are dedicated to not having salt, sugar and meat bi-products in the snacks.”
Once their Schnauzer gobbled up the home-made snacks without suffering any kind of reaction, they sold them to their neighbors and friends.
The results were positive to say the least.
Since that time, four years ago, the Woo’s have been busy selling their “Barkaroo Bakery” dog snacks to many customers on Kaua’i.
“It starts with our love of animals,” said Jan Woo. “We love them immensely.”
The Woo’s cook up the snacks in a certified kitchen in Hanalima.
The treats are sold in 8 oz. and 12 oz. decorative packaging, special shapes, gift baskets, birthday cakes, Breakfast-To-Go, SnackPacs, and Tropical Bento Boxes as well as custom orders.
The Barkaroo Bakery snacks resemble traditional small or large dog bones although the Woo’s also have a line of snacks for smaller dogs called “Puppie Chums.”
Many of the snacks feature pineapple, guava, banana and peanut butter baked into them.
Currently, the peanut butter snack is the top seller with the pineapple close behind.
The Woo’s also specialize in shapes and have created biscuits that look and taste like hamburgers (made of chicken), pizzas, tacos as well as layered sandwiches and birthday cakes.
“The smell is divine,” said Jan Woo.
Woo added that, despite not containing sugar or salt, the dog treats are edible for humans.
In May of 2003, the Woo’s also offered a line of cat treats called “Cat Chums” which took approximately 6-8 months to create.
The Cat Chums come in liver, shrimp, chicken and cheese flavors.
“In the beginning, we looked at this as an opportunity,” said Jan Woo.
“Then we spent some time trying to find the right combination. It has been great for us and we hope it continues in the future.
“We have been received well and want to thank all of those who have showed great aloha spirit. It is so refreshing.”
For more information about the snacks, call Jan or Don Woo at 821-8065.
Business Editor Barry Graham can be reached at 245-3681 Ext. 251 or mailto:bgraham@pulitzer.net
