I remember the moment I first decided to make my own dog treats. I was standing in the supermarket, squinting at the tiny ingredient list on a packet of “premium” dog treats for my adventure group. The words seemed to blur together in a jumble of chemical compounds and preservatives that I couldn’t even pronounce. I thought to myself, “I wouldn’t eat this, so why am I feeding it to my dog?”
That day marked the beginning of my journey with VIPets Barkery. What started as simple, homemade treats for the dogs in my care during my dog walking adventures has grown into something much bigger—but the heart of what we do remains the same.
Why Christchurch Dogs Deserve Better
Did you know that many commercial dog treats contain artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives that can affect your dog’s health? Some even use fillers like corn syrup and wheat that many dogs struggle to digest properly. It’s no wonder that so many of our furry friends suffer from skin problems, digestive issues, and low energy!
I’ve seen the difference that natural, wholesome food makes in a dog’s life. I had one client, a gorgeous Spaniel named Molly, who constantly scratched and chewed at her skin. Her owner had tried everything—expensive shampoos, steroid creams, even elimination diets. When she started eating my beetroot and coconut treats as her only treat, the scratching reduced dramatically within just two weeks. Sometimes the simplest changes make the biggest impact!
Local Ingredients, Global Standards
One of the things I’m most proud of is our commitment to sourcing ingredients locally whenever possible. Our beetroot comes from an organic farm just outside Christchurch, and our apples are grown in Canterbury orchards. When we can’t find local options (like our coconut), we make sure it’s certified organic and ethically sourced.
There’s something special about knowing exactly where your food comes from. This connection to local farmers doesn’t just make our treats better—it strengthens our community, too.
The thing is, when you buy natural dog treats made right here in Christchurch, you’re not just supporting one small business—you’re supporting an entire network of local producers. It’s like a lovely ripple effect that spreads through our community!
What Makes Our Treats Different?
I’m often asked what makes VIPets treats special. It’s not just one thing—it’s our entire approach to creating treats your dog will love:
Just the Good Stuff: Each treat contains only 5-6 organic, human-grade ingredients. No fillers, no artificial anything, and absolutely nothing you wouldn’t eat yourself. (And yes, I do taste-test everything myself first—when I’m bagging up, quite a few make their way into my tummy too!)
Made by Hand, Not Machines: Every batch of our treats is handmade in small quantities in our Christchurch kitchen. This might not be the most efficient way to make dog treats, but it ensures quality and care in every single biscuit.
Tailored to Canine Health: Our recipes aren’t just delicious—they’re designed with specific health benefits in mind. The beetroot in our Beetroot and Coconut Bites supports liver function and provides natural antioxidants, while the peanut butter in our Carrot and Peanut Butter Treats offers healthy protein for muscle maintenance.
Sustainability Matters: Our packaging is either compostable or recyclable, and we’re always looking for ways to reduce our environmental pawprint. Because let’s face it—dogs love nature, and we want to protect their playgrounds!
From My Kitchen to Your Dog’s Bowl
I still remember making my first “official” batch of VIPets treats. My kitchen was dusted with oat flour, the dehydrator timer was beeping, and I had dough stuck under my fingernails. It was chaotic and messy and absolutely perfect.
These days, I have a dedicated preparation space (though I still manage to get crumbs everywhere), but that same care goes into every batch. Each morning, I turn on some music, put on my apron, and start mixing ingredients for the day’s orders.
There’s something deeply satisfying about creating food with your hands. When I shape each treat, I often think about the dogs who will enjoy them—the excited tail wags, the gentle paws asking for more, the satisfied sighs after a delicious snack. It makes even the early morning baking sessions worthwhile!
The Stories Behind the Snacks
Every flavour combination we offer has a story behind it. Our Spiced Green Apple and Peanut Butter Bars were inspired by a winter afternoon when I was making apple crumble for my family. My boarding dog Dexter sat at my feet with such hope in his eyes that I wondered if I could create a dog-friendly version of this comfort food classic.
After several test batches (and many enthusiastic canine taste-testers), the recipe was perfected. Now it’s one of our bestsellers during the cooler months, with the warming cinnamon supporting digestion while the apples provide fibre and vitamins.
Each of our recipes has evolved this way—through observation, inspiration, and lots of taste-testing from four-legged critics who are not afraid to turn their noses up if something doesn’t meet their standards!
Beyond the Biscuit: Our Wider Mission
For me, VIPets Barkery isn’t just about selling dog treats. It’s part of a bigger mission to change how we think about caring for our pets. I believe that our dogs deserve the same quality of food that we give ourselves, and that natural nutrition is the foundation of a happy, healthy life.
That’s why I share information about canine nutrition on our blog and in our newsletter. It’s why I’m transparent about every ingredient we use. And it’s why I’m so passionate about promoting other local businesses that share these values.
When you choose natural dog treats from Christchurch makers like us, you’re voting for a different kind of pet care industry—one based on quality, transparency, and genuine love for animals.
Join Our Community of Natural Pet Parents
One of the most rewarding aspects of running VIPets Barkery has been connecting with like-minded pet parents who care deeply about what goes into their dogs’ bodies. We’ve built a wonderful community of people who share tips, stories, and sometimes just cute photos of their dogs enjoying their treats!
If you’re reading this and nodding along, thinking “Yes, this is exactly what I want for my dog,” then you’re already part of our extended family. We’d love to make it official by welcoming you and your furry friend to try our natural, Christchurch-made treats.
Every dog deserves food made with love, care, and the finest natural ingredients. And every Christchurch dog deserves a local treat that reflects the beauty and bounty of the region we’re lucky enough to call home.
Ready to Treat Your Dog Naturally?
Pop over to our online shop to explore our range of natural dog treats, all handmade with love in Christchurch. Your dog will thank you for it!
And if you’ve got questions about which treats might be best for your particular pup, just reach out. I love chatting about dogs almost as much as I love making treats for them!
Have you noticed a difference in your dog after switching to natural treats? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments below!
