Don’t we often get bored with home cooked food and have a guilty craving for something ready-made? It could be for chocolates or a cheesy treat. Have you imagined your pets would feel the same way too?
Research conducted by Bhupendra Khanal, founder of Khanal Foods, that launched Dogsee Chew, says that pets crave for cheesy treats too. He was the CEO of a corporate entity before he decided to quit the corporate race.
Initially, Bhupendra wanted to start with packaged human food. “We wanted cuisines that were not marketed in India – like the ready-to-eat foods from the North East. We had products like MTR representing South Indian food and Haldirams food from the North. We wanted Khanal to represent cuisines from East India."
Taking a pivot
He went on a sojourn in the Himalayas and toured the North East. “As I was getting deeper into my research on yak cheese, I met many farmers who shared the secret of an ancient method of making yak cheese in their homes. Many complained that their pets and neighbouring dogs would take off with these home-made cheese bars! That got me thinking, that dogs loved this cheese,” laughs Bhupendra, who went on to work with cheesemakers in Darjeeling and other hilly regions to create doggie treats, Dogsee Chews. He explains, "It is made from a mixture of yak and cow milk. It is natural and has no expiry date. It gets better as it ages.”
Bhupendra adds, “These chews can be used as a general treat and for dental care. When dogs chew, they need five to 40 minutes to chew a bar. Cheese gets soft when it comes in contact with saliva and cleans the dog’s teeth when they chew.”
He gives the credit to his father for instilling a love for food in his heart. “I am happy taking over the kitchen and love cooking. My father wanted us to be independent. We were given chores and cooking was one of them. At that juncture, I felt it was forced on me, but when I left home, I found that it was a blessing."
The road ahead
Bhupendra says he will launch the North Eastern ready-to-eat food for humans soon. Currently, Dogsee Chews is being sold in Canada, USA, UK, Belgium, Korea, Japan and India.
This column features those who choose to veer off the beaten track.