Chef Whites to Dog Treats: The Story Behind Frank’s Barkery

Sometimes the best business ideas begin at home. For Frank’s Barkery, that moment arrived when a miniature long-haired dachshund named Frank developed a severe chicken allergy. What began as a search for safe treats soon turned into something much bigger.

Frank’s Barkery was founded in April 2022 by professional chefs Laith and his wife, who were determined to find a better option for their dog. Despite searching through so-called premium products, they kept finding chicken hidden in ingredient lists, even in treats marketed as kangaroo or other alternative proteins. For anyone with a dog suffering from allergies, this can be incredibly frustrating.

Instead of settling for what was available, they decided to create their own.

Drawing on their culinary training and experience working in commercial kitchens, the pair began developing treats that followed the same standards they applied to food for people. That meant quality sourcing, strict hygiene practices, and complete transparency around ingredients. The result was Frank’s Barkery, a small-batch pet treat business built around a simple philosophy: honest ingredients and chef-level care.

Every product at Frank’s Barkery follows a strict nutritional approach. All treats are grain-free, chicken-free, and focused on single proteins. This makes them easier for dogs with allergies or sensitivities while also ensuring pet owners know exactly what they are feeding their pets.

The proteins used in Frank’s Barkery treats are ethically sourced from Australia and New Zealand, with a strong emphasis on local suppliers. Western Australian ingredients feature heavily in the range, including wild kangaroo, emu, wild goat, venison, prawns and sardines. Specialty seafood products are sourced from the clean waters of New Zealand.

The couple’s culinary background also shapes how the treats are made. Rather than relying on mass production, each batch is carefully dehydrated in small quantities to maintain consistency and quality. It is a process that allows them to oversee every stage of production while ensuring the treats retain their natural flavour and nutritional value.

Frank’s Barkery also embraces a “nose-to-tail” philosophy, something many chefs are familiar with from professional kitchens. In the human food industry, nutrient-dense organ meats are often overlooked simply because they do not fit the visual standards of supermarkets. For dogs, however, these parts are incredibly beneficial.

By using organs such as heart, liver and kidney, Frank’s Barkery creates nutrient-rich treats while also reducing waste. It is a sustainable approach that respects the whole animal while providing high-quality nutrition.

The business operates from the family’s kitchen in Australind, and what started as a personal solution quickly grew into a community-supported brand. Frank and another dachshund named Otto play a central role in the operation as the unofficial “head quality control officers,” approving every new product that comes out of the kitchen.

Two years ago, Laith made the decision to leave his FIFO career in large-scale catering to focus on the business full time. The shift allowed the brand to move from a side project into a fully dedicated small business.

Working full time in the business has allowed for greater control over production, the development of new products and the expansion of a wellness-focused sub brand called Otto’s Wellness, which explores natural remedies and supplements designed to support dogs’ overall health.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the journey has been the chance to connect directly with customers. Meeting dog owners who have seen improvements in their pets’ health after switching to single-protein treats has reinforced why the business began in the first place.

Markets play an important role in those connections, which is why Frank’s Barkery is excited to be attending Perth Upmarket on Sunday 15 March.

After visiting the event previously as a customer, Laith was impressed by the scale, organisation and quality of retailers present. Perth Upmarket brings together makers and producers from across Western Australia, creating a space where visitors can discover thoughtfully crafted products and meet the people behind them.

For Frank’s Barkery, the event is also a chance to meet plenty of four-legged visitors. Watching dogs eagerly sample treats and seeing their reactions in real time is the ultimate test of quality.

Visitors attending Perth Upmarket will be able to explore the full range of single-protein treats, learn more about the sourcing behind each ingredient and speak directly with the makers about their dogs’ dietary needs.

To learn more about Frank’s Barkery and their range of treats, visit www.facebook.com/franksbarkery.

Frank’s Barkery will be part of Perth Upmarket on Sunday 15 March at the University of Western Australia, where over 220 retailers from across Western Australia will gather for Perth’s largest design market.