With the rise in recalls of contaminated pet foods many pet parents are seeking a safer alternative to purchasing food and treats at the store. Donna M. Russell of LaFargeville, N.Y. has an answer to part of the problem with the debut of her wholesome foods pet bakery. According to an article in the Watertown Daily Times her new business, called "4 Paws Barkerie" sells only the healthiest dog treats created in the entrepreneur's own kitchen and taste-tested by her discerning assistant Max, a Lab-hound mix.
Mrs. Russell has combined the best of both worlds, holistic pet care and home-grown food, to create a healthier way to feed dogs. Her business has the added perk of promoting locally produced ingredients and the businesses they represent. The wheat she bakes with is grown at Old McDonald's Farm in Sackets Harbor. North Country Farms grinds it into whole wheat flour in Watertown. The wholesome natural peanut butter used in her recipes is obtained at Martin's Pretzels, located in Theresa. Free-range hens produce the eggs she purchases at Roggie Farms in Carthage.
Her products contain no salt or preservatives, making them doubly attractive to today's health conscious consumers who insist on healthy food for their pets as well as themselves. Mrs. Russell notes that feeding pets a good diet can ultimately reduce the chance of illness and repeat visits to the veterinarian. The decreased costs of veterinary care can more than compensate for the cost of feeding a high quality diet. An animal's well-being and happiness is money well spent according to most responsible pet parents.
Mrs. Russell began by making her dog treats for family and friends, then she began selling them at local venues last year after obtaining a license to produce pet food from the state Department of Agriculture. Recently she decided to expand her business through her web page at www.4pawsbarkerie.com.
Treats may be conveniently purchased through Mrs. Russell's website, which also offers gift baskets, doggie birthday cakes and custom made biscuits and treats. The treats are also sold at several locations around the area, including the Big M market in Watertown and Gold Cup Farms' River Rat Cheese in Clayton. Tell them Max sent you.
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