Ashlee Read and Nicole Read-Ugorek are two sisters who turned their love and passion for pets into a business to help pets stay healthy. The business idea began to bloom when both sisters invested a lot of time and energy in learning the best way to feed their four fur babies (Pomskis) the healthiest options they could find in dog food and treats. Nicole began heavily researching how to optimize her dogs’ health and extend their lives and she was dismayed to learn that so much of the commercial pet food products that are available are unhealthy.
“There is very little regulation on the manufacturing of dog treats,” said Nicole. “Corn, gluten, fertilizer, grease and even roadkill are all things commonly added to commercial dog treats.”
This led the sisters to begin making their own treats for their dogs with all safe and healthy ingredients. “Our dogs are our children, and we want them to enjoy a long, happy and healthy life with us, and we realized a good diet is an important part of making that happen,” said Nicole.
After making treats for their own pack, friends who had dogs with digestive issues began requesting homemade treats for their dogs. When they saw that the dogs’ health began improving, they decided to venture out and begin making dog treats for the community. “Let’s go for it!” they said.
Four Pups Barkery opened in May. “We are pups ourselves,” chuckled Ashlee. The barkery is an in-home business in Spencerport that provides complimentary delivery to the entire county as well as surrounding counites. They are registered with the Department of Agriculture, NYS and fully licensed and insured. All treats have guaranteed analysis (nutritional facts).
“Making good quality food with natural ingredients that we can pronounce, eat ourselves, and that is affordable is what is most important to us,” said Ashlee.
Orders that are placed by 5 p.m. Thursday ($10 minimum) are delivered on Sundays at no extra charge. “We have even delivered to a rescue in Syracuse,” said Nicole. The barkery’s most popular treats are chicken liver bites, cheesy cheddar bones and sweet potato fire hydrants.
Both sisters have full time careers but are dedicated and enthusiastic about helping pets live their best lives. They hope to someday have a retail store once they find the perfect location.
For more information, see their ad in this edition of Westside News or visit their website at https://www.fourpupsbarkery.com.
