Ways2Raise

What is it?

Making and selling homemade dog treats is a fantastic way for UK teens to raise funds for their adventures. It’s a beginner-friendly activity that combines creativity with a love for animals, allowing you to create tasty, healthy snacks for local pet owners while earning money.

Why does it work?

People love to spoil their pets, especially with treats that are homemade and healthy. Selling dog treats taps into the emotional bond between owners and their dogs, encouraging repeat purchases. Plus, it’s a low-cost start-up idea where you can price treats based on quality and ingredients, making it profitable.

What you'll need

Basic baking equipment (mixing bowls, baking trays, oven)
Ingredients for dog treats (e.g., oats, peanut butter, carrots, pumpkin)
Resealable bags or small boxes for packaging
Labels with ingredients and contact details
Access to a kitchen (home or community)
Permission from parents/guardians if under 18
Payment method (cash, PayPal, or bank transfer)

Step-by-step plan

Research safe and popular homemade dog treat recipes online or in pet cookbooks. Make sure ingredients are dog-friendly and avoid anything toxic like chocolate or raisins.

Test bake a small batch so you can check the texture and flavour. Ask friends or family with dogs to try them and provide feedback.

Decide on your pricing based on ingredient costs and portion size. Typically, packs of 10-15 treats can sell for £3-£5.

Create simple, clear labels including ingredients, storage advice, and your contact details for orders or questions.

Make a larger batch of treats, package them neatly, and get ready to sell.

Reach out to local dog owners, friends, family, or community groups. Offer samples and take orders in person or via social media.

Set up a stall at local markets, school events, or dog meet-ups if permitted. Always check local rules for selling food items.

Manage orders carefully, keep track of payments, and deliver treats promptly to maintain trust.

How to advertise it

Post appealing photos and short videos of the treats on Instagram and TikTok with relevant hashtags like #DogTreatsUK #HomemadeDogSnacks
Join local Facebook community groups and dog owner groups to share your treats and special offers
Create simple flyers or business cards to hand out at dog parks or pet shops with permission
Ask satisfied customers to spread the word and leave testimonials on your social media pages
Set up an easy-to-use order form using Google Forms or Instagram DMs

Realistic earnings

As a beginner, you can expect to earn between £30 and £100 over a few weeks by selling small batches of treats. Earnings increase as you build repeat customers and expand your sales channels.

Top tips

✅ Always check ingredient safety for dogs and keep treats fresh by storing them properly

✅ Keep your packaging attractive but simple to save costs and appeal to dog owners

✅ Engage with your customers by asking for feedback and offering occasional discounts or bundle deals

✅ Be professional with communication and delivery to build a trustworthy reputation

Common mistakes to avoid

⚠️ Using ingredients that are harmful to dogs—always double-check before baking

⚠️ Not labelling treats clearly with ingredients and allergen information

⚠️ Underpricing your treats and not covering your costs, which can lead to losses

💡 TOP TIP — easyfundraising

When buying baking ingredients and packaging supplies online, use easyfundraising to get cashback and boost your fundraising pot without spending extra.

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Homemade Dog Treats