For many entrepreneurs, building a company starts with a drive for a solution. For Sabrina, founder of Idaho Barkery, it started with her dog, Rocky, and a problem no store-bought treat could solve.
A pharmacist by trade, Sabrina’s career path didn’t predict a future in pet treats. But when Rocky developed severe allergies and couldn’t tolerate anything from the pet aisle, Sabrina did what most dog parents would do. She found a way to fix it herself.
What began as a kitchen experiment with a hypoallergenic recipe has since grown into a full-fledged business making organic, plant-based dog treats. These treats are crafted with minimal ingredients and maximum tail wags.
From Pharmacy to Barkery
Sabrina and her husband, Brendon, who also works full-time in healthcare, still manage the business while balancing their day jobs. Brendon leads most of the treat-making, and Sabrina works on the website, awareness, and outreach. Together they continue to handcraft every batch with the same dedication to quality that started it all.
Sabrina’s background as a pharmacist gave her a distinct advantage. Idaho Barkery’s treats aren’t just “natural.” They are pharmacist-formulated, lab-tested, and approved by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. It’s a level of care and verification that pet parents can feel confident about. And they’re made with real peanut butter, so they smell amazing!
Scaling with Purpose and Creativity
Building a product-based business while protecting product integrity is no small feat. Sabrina is intentional about using premium, dog-safe ingredients. She explains, “There’s no filler, no preservatives, no artificial coloring. If it’s not good enough for my dog, it’s not going in the treat.
”One of Idaho Barkery’s most unique features is its custom-branded treats made with in-house designed molds. From corporate events to luxury hotels in the Sun Valley area, businesses are using Idaho Barkery’s treats to create memorable, branded moments for dog owners. Reach out to the Barkery to pop your logo on a dog treat for your next event or to stock at your business.
Growing Through Community
Sabrina credits much of Idaho Barkery’s growth to the mentorship and support she found through Trailhead. After participating in the Trailhead Pitch Competition, she gained valuable exposure, refined her vision, and made lasting connections within the Boise startup community.
“The support I’ve found at Trailhead has been huge,” she said. “Whether it’s sharing our story, connecting us to potential partners, or just cheering us on.” Even now, she regularly taps into the Trailhead network for feedback and guidance.
The business has already earned recognition across the Treasure Valley, including winning the 2024 Boise Entrepreneur Week Trailmix Competition, being named a Top 5 nominee in the 2024 Best of Boise Pet Accessory category, and features in BoiseDev, Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute Magazine, and IdahoHome Magazine.For Sabrina, the next step is about building awareness. Idaho Barkery continues to grow through word-of-mouth, social sharing, and local collaborations. “When people repost, share, or introduce us to someone new, it really makes a difference,” she said.
Built Out of Love for a Furry Friend
Idaho Barkery is more than a side project to Sabrina and Brendon. It is a love letter to Rocky, the dog who inspired it all, and a way to help other pet owners find safe, delicious treats for their dogs.
The entrepreneurial journey is not always easy, especially when balancing full-time work, scaling production, and holding tight to your original values. Idaho Barkery is showing that when a business is built with heart, it can grow into something bigger than you ever imagined.
This blog is written by Liz Raphael, a writer, actor, and producer in Boise, Idaho.