How to Start a Dog Treat Business in Ontario: Turn Your Passion into a Profitable Side Hustle

Homemade dog bone-shaped treats on cutting board – perfect for your Ontario dog treat business side hustle.

The pet industry continues to thrive in Canada, with dog owners increasingly seeking natural, homemade dog treats for their furry companions. If you’re passionate about pets and want to launch a rewarding side hustle, learning how to start a dog treat business in Ontario could be your ideal path to entrepreneurship.

This guide walks you through every step, from choosing your business structure to understanding food safety, finding the right packaging, and exploring top places to sell your treats both online and in-person.

Step 1: Choose Your Business Structure

Your first decision is choosing the legal foundation of your business. In Ontario, you typically have two main options:

  • Sole Proprietorship: The easiest and most affordable way to begin. Perfect for testing your dog, treat business as a side hustle.
  • Incorporation: Provides liability protection and potential tax advantages. Recommended if you plan to scale or build a national brand.
Ready to Register Your Business? Start a Dog Treat Business Now

Step 2: Register Your Business Name in Ontario

Once you decide on your structure, you’ll need to complete your business name registration.

  • Brainstorm a unique, memorable name that reflects your treats and target market (e.g., “Woof & Crunch”, “Happy Tail Bites”).
  • Use Ontario Business Central’s search tool to check for name availability and matching domain names.
  • Complete your Ontario Business Name Registration or Incorporation filing.

Pro Tip: Our system checks business and domain name availability at once — so you can launch a consistent brand across web and social channels.

Step 3: Understand Food Safety & Health Requirements

To legally make and sell dog treats in Ontario:

  • Reach out to your local Public Health Unit. In many areas, home kitchens can be approved for pet treat production.
  • Follow food handling guidelines and avoid dangerous ingredients like chocolate, xylitol, or raisins.

You may not need a commercial kitchen to start — but municipal rules vary. Tools like BizPaL help identify municipal business licence requirements.

Step 4: Packaging & Labelling Your Dog Treats

Follow the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act and best practices for selling pet food in Canada:

  • Use clear, resealable packaging.
  • List ingredients in descending order.
  • Add weight, business contact info, and feeding suggestions.
  • Avoid misleading claims (e.g., “Vet Approved” unless certified).

Proper labeling builds customer trust and ensures your business looks professional from the start.

Step 5: Where to Sell Your Dog Treats

There are multiple ways to turn your homemade treats into sales:

  • Farmers’ markets
  • Etsy, Shopify, or your own website
  • Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok Shops
  • Pop-up booths at dog parks or local events
  • Wholesale to small pet stores or groomers

Building a loyal following on social media helps spread the word and attract repeat buyers.

Step 6: Scale from Side Hustle to Full-Time Business

When your dog treat business grows, consider:

  • Incorporating to protect personal assets
  • Moving production into a licensed commercial kitchen
  • Partnering with pet retailers
  • Launching a subscription box or ecommerce store

Ontario Business Central can assist you in making the transition from Sole Proprietorship to Corporation when you’re ready.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do I need a commercial kitchen to start a dog treat business in Ontario?
A: No. Many health units allow inspected home kitchens for non-hazardous pet foods. Always confirm with your local Public Health Unit.

Q: Do I need a municipal license for a dog treat business?
A: It depends on your location. Use BizPaL to check municipal licensing requirements.

Q: Can I sell treats online without registering a business?
A: No. In Ontario, you must register your business once you begin making income.

Q: What ingredients are safe or not safe for dogs?
A: Avoid chocolate, xylitol, raisins, onions, garlic, and grapes. Stick to safe, simple ingredients like peanut butter, oats, and pumpkin.

Q: Can I start selling with just a Sole Proprietorship?
A: Absolutely! Many dog treat businesses begin as Sole Proprietorships and incorporate later.

We make it easy to register a Sole Proprietorship or Incorporate a Business online, with support from our expert team.

🌟 Final Inspiration

“Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally, it comes from what you do consistently.” – Marie Forleo

Building a dog treat business isn’t just about selling treats — it’s about creating a brand, building customer trust, and doing something you love.

Why Choose Ontario Business Central?

Ontario Business Central has been helping Canadians start and grow their businesses for over 30 years. As one of the only intermediaries directly connected to the Ontario Business Registry, we offer fast, secure online services to register your Sole Proprietorship or Incorporate your business, with the added benefit of live support from our experienced Canadian team. Whether you’re launching a side hustle or scaling into a full-time venture, we’re here to simplify the process every step of the way.

Let us help you take the leap from idea to business — whether you’re just starting or ready to scale.

Start Your Business Today

inquiries@ontariobusinesscentral.ca
Toll-Free: 1-800-280-1913
Local: 1-416-599-9009
Fax: 1-866-294-4363
Office Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Monday – Friday E.S.T.

Ontario Business Central Inc. is not a law firm and cannot provide a legal opinion or advice. This information is to assist you in understanding the requirements of registration within the chosen jurisdiction. It is always recommended, when you have legal or accounting questions that you speak to a qualified professional.