Yarrow Fishery

With the Trout Farm operations stable, the opportunity arose to add an another dimension to the business. We saw the potential of creating an alternative use for the small amount of surplus stock we produce each year. Selling these extra fish to the table market can be unpredictable and difficult and the dog treats allow us to process these fish as and when we want.

In addition, it became apparent that by keeping these fish for ourselves and processing on farm, we could reduce food miles and also provide employment for someone in the local area. 

Why Dog Treats

Dogs have always been a part of our family, and this undoubtedly played a part in the initial idea of creating a completely natural dog treat. Our dogs have always enjoyed a raw-based diet that is high in fish. We really believe this way of feeding has a profound effect on the health of our canine companions, from better digestion to their bright eyes and glossy coats. 

The purchase of a dehydrator allowed the concept to develop, and after a lot of testing - much to the delight of chief product-testers Hattie and Ida, our beloved cocker spaniels - we have arrived at the treats you can buy today.

We are surrounded by hills here in the Scottish Borders and shooting is part of valley life, but not all of the birds shot end up being consumed. We had an inkling that these semi-wild pheasants might work as air dried treats as well. Lo and behold, they were a hit with all our doggy taste-testers too. We now collect surplus birds from local pheasant shoots and bring them back to the farm, where we hand-process the breast, legs and thigh meat for our treats.

Introducing our chief product tasters
Hattie (left) and Ida (right).