Inside Barky Brews: How a Dog Dad Created India’s First Zero-Preservative Pet Juice Brand

What inspired the name “Barky Brews,” and was there a personal moment that sparked it?

Sunder Raman:  As a devoted dog dad to six furkids, I was constantly searching for wellness options free from preservatives and harmful chemicals. However, I found very few that truly met those standards. This gap in the market, combined with my desire to give my dogs the best possible care, led to the creation of Barky Brews.

Two of my rescues, Taco (a Beagle) and AL (a German Shepherd), struggled with multiple health issues — issues that clearly pointed to the need for better nutrition and holistic wellness. Their journey became the driving force behind our mission.

The name "Barky Brews" reflects both heart and purpose. Barky captures the spirit of dogs — their joy, energy, and boundless happiness. Brews represents innovation, quality, and our commitment to crafting a revolution in pet wellness through thoughtfully formulated products.

What goes into Barky Brews, and how do they uniquely support canine health and wellness overall?

Sunder Raman: Barky Brews began with the idea of creating fresh, nutritious juices for dogs, starting with three thoughtfully developed variants: pumpkin, beetroot, and carrot. Each blend is made using fresh vegetables, chicken broth, a small amount of chicken liver, and our proprietary mix of pre- and probiotics. These ingredients work synergistically to hydrate dogs, aid digestion, support dental health, promote gut friendliness, build immunity, and deliver a rich spectrum of natural minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants directly extracted from vegetables. All our products are thoroughly vet-approved and undergo testing for palatability, nutritional integrity, and microbial safety. With zero preservatives and zero chemicals, Barky Brews stands out as a clean-label, science-backed approach to canine wellness — combining freshness, functionality, and innovation in every sip.

What challenges did you face launching Barky Brews, and how did you overcome early market skepticism?

Sunder Raman: Launching Barky Brews came with its fair share of challenges — many people quit even before they start, and we understood why. The hurdles were everywhere: sourcing clean ingredients, maintaining hygiene standards, ensuring quality testing and retesting, finding the right machinery, perfecting the formulation, and dealing with packaging and vendor reliability. Every step required unwavering attention to detail.

One of the biggest challenges wasn’t just logistical — it was perception. We often heard things like, “Pumpkin juice? Oh, we make this at home, why buy it?” That kind of skepticism made it clear that education and trust-building had to be at the heart of our journey. It meant listening, engaging, explaining, and most importantly — showing up every single day with consistency.

Our most memorable early “oops” moment came with our very first batch — 250 preservative-free pumpkin juice packs. Everything seemed perfect. But just five days in, I got a call saying every pack had spoiled. We later discovered that the sterilization process during retort had failed. It was a tough learning curve — but one that taught us how critical precision is when you’re innovating in pet wellness.

How have pet parents responded to Barky Brews, and which customers or stories impacted you most?

Sunder Raman: The response from pet parents has been better than we ever expected. Barky Brews is now available in over 30 veterinary clinics across Bangalore and two retail outlets — a milestone that reflects growing trust in our approach to pet wellness. One story that particularly touched us was about Atlas, a 14-year-old Labrador struggling with serious digestive issues and an aversion to eating or taking medication. His family decided to mix his food and medicine with our juice, and to their surprise — it worked. Not only did he start eating again, but it also helped ease his digestion and improve his overall well-being. Stories like Atlas’s are why we do what we do. While we began our journey in Bangalore, the overwhelming response has motivated us to plan our expansion into other cities very soon.

How does Barky Brews educate pet parents on hydration and gut health, and build professional collaborations?

Sunder Raman: At Barky Brews, education is a key part of our mission. We focus on telling our story honestly, sharing lab-tested results, and working closely with veterinary professionals to help pet parents understand the importance of hydration and gut health. While awareness is still evolving, we’re committed to making progress one step at a time. Our primary focus has been on building trust and collaboration with vets and dog walkers — the people who interact with pets and their families daily. Through them, we aim to spark conversations that shift mindsets and encourage better wellness choices for dogs.

How does Barky Brews incorporate sustainability into its ingredients, packaging, and overall brand philosophy today?

Sunder Raman: Sustainability is at the core of Barky Brews’ philosophy — it’s not just a value, but a direction we’re committed to. All our ingredients are freshly and responsibly sourced, ensuring both quality and minimal environmental impact. While our packaging is still evolving, we’re actively working on making it more environmentally friendly. For us, sustainability isn’t just about today — it’s about building a cleaner, more conscious future for pets and the planet.

Where is Barky Brews headed next — expansion, international plans, partnerships, or new product categories?

Sunder Raman: Our vision is to become the world’s most sought-after zero-preservative pet wellness company. We’re already taking steps in that direction — currently in conversation with a distributor in Dubai and actively exploring strategic partnerships across India. Retail expansion is a key focus as we aim to reach more pet parents through trusted channels. Interestingly, we’ve received consistent feedback from cat parents who discovered their cats loved our pumpkin juice. That unexpected insight inspired us to develop a dedicated, preservative-free juice line specially formulated for cats. It’s currently in the final stages and is set to launch within the next 30 days.

How has Barky Brews shaped you personally, and what advice would you give aspiring petpreneurs today? If Barky Brews were a dog breed, which one would it be and why?

Sunder Raman: This journey has transformed me on many levels. I’ve become more disciplined, learned to focus on my true north, and developed the ability to say no to distractions. But above all, I’ve learned the importance of showing up — every single day — regardless of how tough things get. For aspiring petpreneurs, my advice is simple but powerful: be prepared to hear more no’s than yes’s, and keep going anyway. Consistency and resilience matter more than perfection.