A bakery which produces organic treats for dogs is one of the more unusual additions to the Derry business landscape over the past year.

Doganic Barkery is the business of Kerona Hasson, herself a dog lover who has found favour with dog owners looking for nutritious and healthy treats for their pets.

Kerona’s artisan healthy products are natural and contain no additives or preservatives.They are also ethically packaged with 100% biodegradable products.

“I have always had a love of baking for humans and found it was a great way to relax,” explained Kerona who herself owns three Miniature Dachshunds, Scooby –Doo, Mr Darcy and little Tilly.

“When I looked at the contents of the dog treats for my first dog Mr Darcy, whom I got 12 years ago, I could see they were full of processed food and meat derivatives so I wanted to make him something that was clean and had no additives or preservatives.

“I would not feed my dogs something I would not eat myself. “I decided to start making his snacks from scratch so I knew exactly what was going into them.

“A few years ago I took a career break and one of my neighbours last year suggested taking it to the next level and launching my own business.

“My first local market was White Oaks but now I am taking part in other local markets including the Walled City Markets in Guildhall Square and Coleraine Speciality Market.

Kerona’s range of treats include birthday cakes and various fruit, vegetable and nut based snacks.

Her Chamomile Bedtime Bites have proved particularly popular with dog owners whose pets experience anxiety.

“I wanted to produce something to help keep pets calm during periods of stress such as the fireworks season,” she explained.

“I did not want to give them tea so you can give them one in the evening to help them sleep.

“A lot of people come to me with their dogs ailments but I’m not a vet, I can share my own experience with dogs however. I love the interaction with the owners and of course the dogs as most markets are outside, this allows the dogs to pick their own bakes.

“I firmly believe your dogs are what you give them to eat – my oldest dogs are 12 and has very rarely been unwell.”

Kerona will be exhibiting a number of festive themed gift ideas at the Guildhall Craft Fair this weekend, including selection boxes and biscuits.

And Kerona has exciting plans for the months and years ahead.

“I would love to have the products featured in shops, that would create its own challenges with supply but that would be the next level.

“My completed website should also open the business up to a much wider market.

“I have so many ideas for new products, the possibilities are endless so I hope there is plenty more to come.”

Doganic Barkery  can be contacted on Facebook and Instagram.