Kamloops resident Jessi Henry is making vegan treats for dogs and horses.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Jessi Henry

Did someone say Christmas treats? A Kamloops entrepreneur is working to keep up to demand after starting up a new venture a few weeks ago. 

Jessi Henry is busy baking, packaging and selling vegan treats for dogs and horses and is already shipping out bulk orders this holiday season.

“It's been very exciting,” she said. “I have been thinking about doing this for the last few months and after researching the benefits of plant-based diets for people and pets, I wanted to give it a try.”

The treats are made with wholesome ingredients, including fruits and vegetables from Henry’s family garden, and come in a variety of creative and fun shapes and flavours like My Little Pumpkin and Berry Crunch. The treats are baked fresh a few times per week.

“They're fresh with no additives or preservatives,” Henry said. “I make them for orders so they're not sitting around. Owners can put them in the freezer for up to two months or in the fridge for one week. When you out with your horse you can share the treats with them, they are healthy and tasty for us too.”

Henry is passionate about health and animal welfare and was inspired to create healthy treats for her own dogs and horses.

Kamloops resident Jessi Henry making vegan dog and horse treats in Christmas shapes.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Jessi Henry

The treats currently come in Christmas-themed shapes like candy canes and Christmas trees, along with hearts.

Henry said she has been filling orders for local return customers and filling bulk orders from the Lower Mainland.

“It is gratifying to get positive feedback, and I haven’t had a horse or dog turn down the treats,” she said.

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Henry grew up with dogs and horses, mucking stalls in exchange for riding lessons.

“My parents own a farm here and they still have horses and I have two dogs,” she said. “I love all of them.”

She is calling the venture Wild Hearts after her favourite childhood movie, Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken about a girl who dives with horses and ends up overcoming a major life challenge.

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While the venture is only in its infant stage at the moment, Henry believes it has the potential to expand into a bigger, year-round business. She is currently connecting with other organizations in the pet and equine fields.

For now she is baking a few days per week filling orders and having festive, creative fun in the kitchen while collecting feedback on the product.

“These are the perfect stocking stuffers for your four-legged loved ones this holiday,” she said.

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