Now, one homegrown enterprise, Minion Lab, has created a version of these decadent displays specifically for the four-legged – its charmingly named Barkuterie Board.
Each box is packed with love and comes with exotic biscuit combinations like raspberry-infused ostrich bites and blackberry-flavoured mackerel, plus dog treats and an assortment of cheeses and fresh berries that go perfectly with Minion Lab’s signature “chocolate” sauce.
While the carefully curated goodies don’t come with an actual serving board, there’s nothing to stop you from presenting it to your furry friend on a beautiful wooden tray.
And with each order, pet parents will also be contributing towards a good cause: each month, Minion Labs donates 10% of all sales to an animal shelter of their choosing.
It’s a heartwarming and innovative idea, but even more astonishing is that the business is founded and run by a 13-year-old girl.
“As my dog is adopted, I thought I would give back as many shelters are struggling during the movement control order,” Dhea Riana Seth tells FMT.
“I started by making a platter for my own dog, Bella, and she really liked it. Then I thought about other dog owners. Food options in Malaysia are limited for dogs, so I thought this would be a fun idea.”
As Riana has always been passionate about animals and aspires to become a vet herself, Minion Lab is her way of contributing to the animal industry while helping shelters in need.
The teen has already discovered that running a business is hard work – after her online classes are done for the day, she sets about packing orders for her customers.
But she doesn’t mind putting in the effort as she likes “splurging on Bella”, and her parents encourage the business as it is a good way for her to earn her own money.
Riana shares that the doggy treats included with each Barkuterie Board are sourced from a trusted supplier.
“I’ve thought about making my own treats for the board but I’m currently focused on school,” she explains.
“Baking takes time; if our order load increases, I wouldn’t be able to manage my time as well.”
That doesn’t mean she hasn’t tried, though. Riana has made her own doggy treats for Bella by surfing the internet and drawing inspiration from other local pet brands.
“I like baking for my dog,” she says. “As we’re a vegetarian household, I opt for meatless treats and use peanut butter, oats and fruit instead.”
Asked if she’s ever tasted any of her baked goods, Riana laughs. “Yes I have – they’re a little bit tasteless to humans as there are no sugars or unhealthy fats.”
As for the Barkuterie selection, each treat has been carefully curated and she even consulted with veterinarians to get their expertise.
“We had to research meats that dogs are allergic to and found out that chicken is one of them,” she says in explaining the decision to go with proteins such as ostrich and mackerel.
For the special dipping sauce, “we use carob – a superfood even humans can eat – since chocolate is toxic for dogs”.
Suffice to say, the menu has received veterinary approval.
With cheeses, blueberries, strawberries and other goodies, each box is bursting with smells and flavours your canine companion will go head-over-tail over. So why not treat your dog to a Barkuterie Board today?
If you’re in the Klang Valley, order your Barkuterie Board by contacting Minion Lab on Instagram.