Bark with Buster at the Local Business Awards 2024 ✨🏆

The Local Business Awards 2024 was a night we will never forget.

As a small Australian business built from genuine passion for dogs, natural rewards and years of hands-on canine care experience, being recognised amongst so many hardworking local businesses was incredibly special for us.

Events like these remind us how much the Bark with Buster® community has grown over the years and how grateful we are for every single customer, supporter and dog who has become part of our journey.

From Local Markets to a Growing Australian Dog Brand

One of the most rewarding parts of building Bark with Buster® has been meeting dog owners face to face at events, markets and festivals across Melbourne.

Over the years we have spoken with thousands of passionate dog lovers and one thing has become very clear:

Dog owners are becoming far more aware of what they feed their dogs.

For many families, dogs are no longer simply pets. They are companions, emotional support, adventure buddies and in many homes very much part of the family itself.

We regularly speak with owners searching for:

• healthy dog treats without artificial ingredients
• natural dog training treats
• long lasting dog chews for enrichment
• options for dogs with allergies or sensitivities
• healthier rewards for fussy eaters
• natural meal toppers to encourage better eating habits

These conversations continue to shape Bark with Buster® and reinforce why we remain focused on creating 100% natural, single ingredient, Australian made air dehydrated dog treats. 

Why Dog Owners Love Air Dehydrated Natural Dog Treats

At the Local Business Awards and other major dog events such as the Dog Lovers Festival Melbourne, many visitors were fascinated by the idea of air dehydrated natural dog treats and meal toppers.

Unlike heavily processed treats filled with additives, our treats are gently air dehydrated to help retain natural flavour, aroma and nutritional value while creating the crunchy textures dogs absolutely love.

Many customers shared stories about:

• dogs with food sensitivities finally finding suitable treats
• fussy eaters loving our meal toppers
• dogs becoming excited at treat time again
• enrichment chews helping reduce boredom
• long lasting natural chews helping occupy strong chewers

One of the most rewarding parts for us was seeing repeat customers return and hearing updates about their dogs. Those conversations mean everything to us because they remind us that Bark with Buster® is about much more than simply selling dog treats.

Best Pet Care Business 2024 – North West Melbourne

How a Decade of Caring for Dogs Led to Bark with Buster

Through our work at Pet Stays, caring for hundreds of dogs over more than ten years, we began to notice patterns that no amount of reading could have taught us. Real dogs. Real owners. Real conversations.

We'd hear it constantly from the families who trusted us with their dogs: "He's got a sensitive stomach." "She's incredibly fussy — she won't eat anything." "He's anxious when we leave, he needs something to keep him occupied."

And we saw it firsthand. Dogs with allergies and sensitivities thriving when switched to simple, single-ingredient treats. Fussy eaters — especially smaller breeds like Cavoodles — lighting up for high-value rewards like Kangaroo Liver, Beef Liver and Lamb Liver. Anxious or high-energy dogs settling beautifully with long lasting chews like Beef Paddywack, Kangaroo Femurs, Pig Ears and Chicken Wings.

That experience led to the creation of Bark with Buster — a brand built on natural dog treats made from simple, honest, Australian-made ingredients. Air dehydrated. Single ingredient. No fillers, no preservatives, no guesswork.

Most Loved Bark with Buster® Products

Some of the biggest favourites with dog owners included our:

• Kangaroo Cubes
• Beef Liver
• Lamb Crisps
• Shark Tail
• Natural meal toppers
• Long lasting dog chews and bones

Our popular offers such as Any 5 x 100g bags for $50, Buy 1 Get 1 Free on selected 500g protein bags, and 10 Bones for $50 were also incredibly popular throughout the event season.

Real Conversations With Real Dog Owners

One of the things we value most about attending local events is the opportunity to genuinely connect with dog owners.

Over the years, our experience through Bark with Buster® and Pet Stays Melbourne has given us firsthand insight into canine enrichment, reward-based learning, chewing behaviours, boredom management, food sensitivities, fussy eating habits and dog behaviour and engagement.

These conversations help us continue improving our products while also helping owners better understand the importance of natural enrichment and healthier reward options for their dogs. If you'd like to understand more about the dogs and experiences that shaped our thinking, the story of Leroy Brown is a good place to start.

For dogs who need a little extra encouragement at mealtimes, our air dehydrated meal toppers have become a firm favourite with our community.

Looking Ahead to Dog Lovers Festival 2026

We are incredibly excited to announce that Bark with Buster® will once again be attending the Dog Lovers Festival Melbourne in October 2026 and we cannot wait to reconnect with our wonderful community of dog lovers again.

Whether you discovered us through our natural dog treats, meal toppers, long lasting chews or simply stopped by for a conversation about your dog — thank you for supporting our journey.

As always, we remain committed to creating natural, Australian made, air dehydrated dog treats that dogs genuinely love.

With gratitude,
The Pet Stays & Bark with Buster Teams

Reza and Jeannene x

Explore More From Bark with Buster®

• Natural Dog Treats Australia
• Healthy Dog Treats Australia
• Dog Training Treats Australia
• Long Lasting Dog Chews Australia
• Bulk Dog Treat Packs
• Kangaroo Dog Treats Australia
• Long Lasting Dog Chews – What to Choose
• Dog Meal Toppers Australia
• Are Kangaroo Dog Treats Good for Dogs?
• From Foster Puppy to Saving Lives: The Story of Leroy Brown