Seattle, Washington (January 17, 2006) - A walk down the pet food aisle of grocery stores around the country five years ago found the shelf space dominated exclusively by multinational corporations.  They are still there, but now they are being joined by smaller companies like Blue Dog Bakery, a company that offers premium, all-natural low fat dog treats.  Blue Dog Bakery, a woman-owned business in an industry run mostly by male executives, has landed their healthy alternatives on the same shelves by carving out a premium natural niche and through a dogged focus on mass mainstream distribution.

In response to her concern about the poor quality of ingredients in most pet foods, the alarming increase in dog obesity and the lack of healthy alternatives on grocery pet shelves, Margot Kenly left a successful career in the gourmet food industry in 1998 to start Blue Dog Bakery.  Her company's dog treats are the first all-natural, premium, low fat dog treats to be nationally distributed in chain grocery, large specialty pet, and national natural food stores.

"Much like the rapid growth of natural products for people, there is growing concern about the health and nutrition of animal companions," notes Margot Kenly, President and Founder of Blue Dog Bakery.  "We have heard from almost 50,000 customers who appreciate the fact that all of our products are made with the highest quality human–grade bakery ingredients and are free of animal by-products, preservatives, additives and artificial flavors and colors," adds Kenly.           

Natural pet food is an emerging trend that fetched more than $524 million in 2004.  Blue Dog Bakery is a part of a small, but fast growing niche of the overall pet supplies market which is projected to hit $35.9 billion for 2005.  According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA), the main factor contributing to sales growth in the pet product industry is pet owners' demand for premium products in both food and supplies.

Natural pet products were traditionally sold only in small, independent pet stores.  Through Kenly's dogged determination, consumers can now purchase their natural treats in mainstream grocery stores in addition to chain pet stores like PetSmart and Petco.  Blue Dog Bakery products can be fetched at thousands of grocery stores nationwide such as Albertson's, Safeway, Kroger, A & P and HEB stores to name just a few.  A complete listing by region can be found on the company's new website (www.bluedogbakery.com). 

In a market controlled by big players, competing for shelf space with the large corporations is always a challenge for Kenly.  However, she credits her 20-plus years of work in the gourmet food/grocery industry for enabling her to overcome the many challenges new companies face when trying to get their products placed on mainstream grocery shelves.  By understanding the needs of the grocery chains Blue Dog Bakery has been able to provide customers with the best quality dog biscuit at the lowest price. 

Before going to the dogs, in 1980 Kenly founded The Famous Pacific Dessert Company, one of the first chains of specialty dessert restaurants.  She sold that company in 1993 to start The Original Mariner Biscuit Company to fill a void in the gourmet food industry for all natural, low-fat and tasty crackers.

Beyond offering a healthier, low-fat and natural alternative to mainstream dog treats, Blue Dog Bakery is also committed to lending a paw to animal welfare.  In 2005 the company helped almost 150 animal rescue organizations across the country raise money to save abandoned dogs.  "We have an automatic "yes" policy for any organization involved in animal rescue be it a large or small organization," adds Kenly.  "Our customers thank us for helping out and feel good about buying our products because of it," adds Kenly  

Pet companies come in all sizes and so do pet treats.  Blue Dog Bakery offers a selection of flavors, shapes, sizes and textures to accommodate the size, age and taste buds of all dogs.  Fun packaging along with the highest quality bakery ingredients draws consumers to the brand and an enthusiastic response from their four legged friends brings them back for more.

The pedigree for Blue Dog Bakery’s biscuits is impressive.  Blue Dog Bakery’s complete offering of premium low-fat natural dog treats includes: award-winning Peanut Butter & Molasses, Natural Cheese, MORE Flavors (an assortment that includes Peanut Butter & Molasses, Natural Cheese, Bacon & Cheese and Grilled Chicken biscuits), Peanut Butter Softies and Peanut Butter Doggie Paws.   Blue Dog Bakery products are sold in 10 ounce bags and 24 ounce and six pound boxes. 

For more information, please visit www.bluedogbakery.com, or call toll-free at 1-888-749-7229.