LOS ANGELES — A healthy snack alternative manufacturer based in Los Angeles is entering the lucrative dog treat market. Bougie Bakes has released the first formula in its Bougie Barks brand.

The formula, Bougie Barks Peanut Butter Carob Dog Cookies, are baked with five human-grade ingredients: almond four, peanut butter, carob powder, collagen powder and ground flaxseed. They are free from fillers and preservatives.

"We follow the same principles for our dog cookies as we do for our human cookies," said Ryan and Meghan Quinn, co-founders at Bougie Bakes. "Every ingredient is intentional and serves a purpose: almond flour & peanut butter are high in protein and heart healthy fats; carob powder, the superfood, is good for digestion and high in vitamin B2, calcium, magnesium, and iron; collagen helps promote healthy joints, skin, coat and provides antioxidant support; and flaxseed is filled with Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids."

Bougie Barks Dog Cookies are packaged in pouches made from post-consumer recycled materials. They are available exclusively through bougiebakes.com.

Dog treat sales topped $2.94 billion in 2020, up 28% since 2015, according to a market report by Mintel and Tree Top, Inc. This lucrative category is expected to continue growing as pet humanization and premiumization trends guide the market.

Bougie Bakes was founded by the Quinns in 2018. The brand produces and distributes gluten-, sugar- and dairy-free baked goods with a healthy and ecologically mindful approach. They also sell keto- and vegan-friendly products.

"Dogs should get to eat bougie too," Meghan said.

The company operates through e-commerce, and offsets 100% of its shipping-related carbon emissions and uses recyclable or reusable packaging materials.

Read more about new pet food and treat products.