Barking Brew: Dog-Friendly Drinks
There are plenty of treats out there, but not much designed to hydrate dogs in a fun, social way.
Barking Brew Inc. offers a non-alcoholic healthy beverage specifically designed for dogs, and it’s
wagging tails across Canada!
Registered in 2024 by creative entrepreneur Kourtney Spang of Clarksburg, Ontario, and her fun-loving Golden Retriever mix, Busch, the brand has dogs everywhere rehydrating right alongside their humans at pet-friendly patios, pubs, retailers, hotels, and restaurant chains like Beertown Public House and Fab Restaurant Concepts. “Hospitality spaces that welcome four-legged friends can now elevate the guest experience by serving them a unique, hydrating beverage as well,” says Spang.
“This dog-friendly beverage mimics the look of beer,” she explains, “made with real beef bone broth. The broth offers health benefits for dogs, including improved joint health, enhanced digestion, and increased hydration, and not to mention their energy and happiness.”
Barking Brew currently offers two flavours: the popular Beef Hound Ale and, for a plant-based option, Peanut Butter Pilsner, perfect for dogs who have different types of meat sensitivities. Visit Barking Brew online for more information.
“We crafted a hydrating, beneficial beverage in a fun way,” states Spang. “We’ve manufactured over 50,000 cans so far and have expanded into British Columbia.”
A Side Hustle Start
Spang’s entrepreneurial journey began as a side hustle in her kitchen, making small batches of beef jerky from locally sourced beef. “My neighbours tried it and got excited,” says Spang. “They encouraged me to sell it, and it was an immediate hit, especially with the fishing community.”
Get in touch
- 22 Market St. Collingwood
- 705-445-8410
- info@cfsouthgeorgianbay.ca
- cfsouthgeorgianbay.ca
However, at the time, Spang was a single mom and didn’t have the funds to invest in a commercial kitchen to grow the business, so the beef jerky production ended. Yet her enterprising spirit kept pawing at her. “A friend brought me a dog beverage from the US, and Busch wouldn’t drink it,” Spang declares.
That’s when something clicked.
Spang realized she could create a Canadian beverage brand that is unique, healthy, and fun, something made for pet-loving people and their pups.
Building Something Paw-some
Spang got to work. She researched markets and ingredients, tested recipes, sourced bone marrow from local farmers, and contacted nutrition and label providers. She reached out to fully certified commercial facilities in Ontario capable of manufacturing the beverage and
investigated storage and shipping options. There was no team, no shortcuts, just a lot of trial and error and hands-on work.
Spang is a true go-getter. “Trucking costs were getting extremely expensive, so I rented an 18-ft truck and started hauling pallets myself,” says Spang. “I drove the pallets of canned product from the manufacturer in Minden to the pasteurization facility in Hamilton.”
“The learning curve was steep,” she confesses. “On one occasion, the labels didn’t arrive in time at the manufacturing location, so I had to label the order of 5,000 cans by hand.” Spang worked hard in that first year. There were early mornings and late nights. “With persistence, I bootstrapped everything, paying out of pocket because I believed in my concept and product,” states Spang. “I hustled, attended over 30 vendor events, and joined several community events.”
Spang incorporated the business in the summer of 2025, but by June, funds were running low. That changed when she pitched at the Hawks Nest, a local entrepreneurial competition, and secured over $20,000 in investment.
Hard work has never been a problem for the energetic founder. Still, she knew she needed to deepen her knowledge of scaling, operations, supply chains, production flow, forecasting, and cost breakdowns.
“Passion and pure grit help you get off the ground,” says Spang, “but mentorship and guidance from business experts are what help you grow.”
Finding the Right Support
Spang’s search for knowledge and support led her to reach out to Community Futures South Georgian Bay (CFSGB). Located at 22 Market Street, in Collingwood, Ontario, CFSGB serves communities across Simcoe, Grey, and Dufferin counties. They provide budding entrepreneurs with free business development information, training, guidance, and mentorship. They also offer access to funding opportunities.
Spang developed a full business and marketing plan, including financial projections, which enabled her to apply for funding. “I was getting to a point where I would have to ask each of my relatives for $100 to keep the business going,” Spang says. “When the funding came through, it put the wind back in my sails and helped me scale.” Barking Brew is a hit, and Spang has been featured on radio stations, BlogTO, and the Ben Mulroney Show.
“I can’t recommend CFSGB program enough—110% is still too mild. The staff are incredibly kind and helpful. They answer all my questions and keep me up to date on grants, upcoming events and conferences. In a year, my life totally changed,” Spang reflects.
Big Moves Ahead
Spang’s energy is infectious, and she has big plans for Barking Brew Inc. “I’m well-positioned for the upcoming summer season,” says Spang. “I’m always brainstorming and thinking of new, innovative ideas.”
“I want to be the number one canned hydration beverage for dogs, nationally and internationally,” admits Spang. “I’m already getting inquiries from overseas.”
Straight from the heart of an entrepreneur. “We believe in not just welcoming dogs—but serving them too.” So when you crack a cold one, fetch your dog a brew and enjoy it together.”
