New vendor brings healthy treats for 4-legged family members to Glenboro’s Market

Organizers of Glenboro’s Farmers’ Market are always more than happy to welcome new vendors and this past Saturday they were pleased to welcome a new and unique vendor who, instead of displaying homemade desserts, baking, preserves and garden vegetables, had a selection of healthy treats for the family pet.

Tanis Puhach, owner of Rustic Paws Treat Co., brought her homemade dog treats and natural pet products to the market for the first time, but the business itself began several years ago with a problem familiar to many pet owners: her dogs were having issues with commercial treats.

Puhach has a long history with dogs, most especially having Rough Collies, a breed she bred and knows to be partial to digestive symptoms.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, she found herself at home more often after a career working in international education, where she travelled and worked with international students. Being home a lot more, she began looking closely at what her own dogs were eating.

“I started developing my own treats,” she explained.

What began as a way to help her own dogs eventually grew into Rustic Paws Treat Co.

She took courses and studied canine raw nutrition, she learned more about their digestive systems and what ingredients work best for them.

“I did my homework;” she chuckled.

Her experience as a web page designer and owner of her own marketing company gave Puhach a leg up, not only when researching canine nutrition, but also in marketing her products. Her savvy business sense is evident in her cute eye-catching business card, complete with a QR code that takes customers directly to the Rustic Paws website, or at https://rusticpawstreats.co.

One of the first treats she created was Buckwheat Coco Paws, made with buckwheat flour and coconut oil.

While the name may sound like a fancy indulgence, the ingredients were chosen with a purpose. Puhach explains that buckwheat is actually a seed rather than a grain, making it a grain-free option, while coconut oil provides a source of healthy fats.

She also makes her own eggshell powder, carefully crushing eggshells into a fine powder that can be added as a source of calcium and minerals.

Her interest in canine nutrition goes beyond simply finding tasty ingredients. She has spent countless hours learning about food sensitivities and how diet can affect a dog’s health.

She shared that dogs can develop sensitivities when they are fed the same protein for long periods. Changing protein sources can sometimes help provide more variety without overwhelming a sensitive digestive tract.

And when it comes to picky eaters, Puhach has plenty of experience.

“Dogs will eat peanut butter;” she said with a laugh, noting that her pumpkin and peanut butter treats are often a good choice for particularly selective dogs.

Rustic Paws has grown beyond treats as well. Puhach offers natural enrichment products designed to keep dogs occupied and mentally stimulated. One example is a lick mat, which can be filled with options such as peanut butter, pumpkin puree or canned food.

The mats can be used to slow down a fast eater, provide an activity for an energetic dog or even serve as a great distraction during a bathing or nail trimming.

She also has natural bone broth for cats and dogs. But due to the importance of keeping the product properly handled and refrigerated, she doesn’t bring it to outdoor markets when it is too hot.

Instead customers can order directly through her.

“I just don’t want to compromise it at all when it is so healthy,” she explained.

Rustin Paws Co. operates from her father’s butcher shop on Highway 10, 10 or 11 kilometers south of Brandon. The family business has a small storefront where her Rustic Paws products are also available.

Although she has a storefront she really enjoys markets. “I enjoy the atmosphere of markets and the opportunity to meet customers in person.”

Pahach has lived in Wawanesa for the past 16 years and having grown up outside of Brandon cherishes the rural life. Because of that she is very loyal to the small town businesses.

“I come to Glenboro weekly, I love getting my groceries here. This…” she says waving her arm at the vendors and crowd, “is amazing. I love it here,” she said while also praising the convenience and friendly atmosphere that small town shopping offers.

For her, there is something special about being able to talk with pet owners, answer questions and let them see and smell the products before deciding what might work for their fur baby.

And judging by the number of conversations sparked around her booth Saturday morning, there was certainly no shortage of dog stories to share.

After all, at a farmers’ market filled with people talking about their gardens, baking and preserves, it seems only fitting that someone should be there representing the other members of our family – you know the ones that I mean – the ones usually waiting patiently at the door for everyone to return, tails wagging and bodies bouncing with anticipation, hoping there might be a treat in the bag for them.

PHOTO CAPTION: Rustic Paws Treat Co. brought homemade dog treats and natural pet products to Glenboro’s Farmer Market for the first time last Saturday. PHOTO SUBMITTED