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For customers of Ain’t Your Average B, the singleingredient and delicious pet treats are like a dream come true. Not only do their pets love them, but the pet parents don’t have to worry about anything dangerous being in the treats. That’s one of the favorite parts of the business for owner Raven Williams.
Williams makes the treats by dehydrating the animal organs that farmers don’t need or sell, such as the livers and hearts of animals like chickens, cows, pigs and turkeys. She sources all her organs from her farm or local butchers within a two-hour radius.
“Nobody really eats that stuff anymore, so I’ll take all of it,” said Williams.
There aren’t really guidelines for such treats, so Williams follows the safety guidelines for beef jerky. The organs go in the oven for 30 to 60 minutes to ensure any potential bacteria has been killed off.
“Once they’ve cooled down and dried to the level I want, they can be stored in jars or in the fridge,” explained Williams. The treats are guaranteed to be good for up to three months, but they can likely last well past that in cooler environments.
Recently, Williams added cat treats to her repertoire and the feedback for those has been overwhelmingly positive. Those are only sold in person but have been selling out at events.
“We have people who have been getting treats every week this summer,” said Williams. During the summer, Ain’t Your Average B has been at the Northampton Farmers Market weekly and appearing at Greenfield and East Longmeadow farmers’ markets. The treats can also be found in the gift shop at Hatfield’s Black Birch Vineyard.
The business concept came about when Williams’ dog Duck wasn’t eating well or taking his medication after major surgery on his right hind leg last year. Williams decided to dehydrate some organ meat she had in the freezer and try that.
“That got him eating and to take the medication, so I dehydrated the rest,” recalled Williams. She then shared with the dogs of her friends and family who all loved them.
“The name had come to me in college,” explained Williams. “I always wanted to run a small business and I’ve just been slowly building it since then.”
Williams will continue to sell the products at local farmers markets and places like the Mattoon Street Arts Festival, as well as on her Etsy shop.
“They are the best treats for your best friends,” said
Williams.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT AINTYOURAVERAGEB4 ON INSTAGRAM.
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