B.io Animals: For the happiness and well-being of our companions

Concerned about the ingredients and additives in pet food, Lydia Allard turned to a more natural diet for her dogs and began to learn more about what we serve our companions. Working in the animal industry for several years, Lydia saw a demand for healthier products with as few allergens as possible, and therefore wanted to create her own recipes. In 2017, the entrepreneur launched B.io Animals , where she mainly sells treats and toys made from natural and recycled materials.

From passion to entrepreneurship

Lydia has always been passionate about animals and her entire career revolves around them. For nearly twenty years, she has worked in veterinary clinics and pet shops. She is even co-owner of a shop in her city: La Patte de Velours . Even if fate had not led her to go into business earlier, Lydia always wanted to own her business related to animals: "Since I was little, I dreamed of having my own pet store or even of being a veterinarian, without knowing what life as an entrepreneur was like. »

However, it was by creating B.io Animals that she knew what this life of an entrepreneur could look like: “At that moment, I discovered that I was not a solitary entrepreneur; I am a person who likes the exchange of ideas and I found my first year difficult. Luckily, she met Patricia and Rachel, who were looking for someone to join their business (La Patte de Velours pet store) and who also wanted to partner with Lydia in B.io Animals. “For three years, we have therefore been three owners for the two companies. I now have two wonderful associates, we have a pastry chef who makes each cookie by hand and bakes. Our children also help us with the labeling of our bags. »

Local, healthy and low-allergenic ingredients

To be able to create her recipes, Lydia Allard had to learn a lot about the subject. She took private training with an agronomist, did a lot of research on the digestive system of animals and the foods that are beneficial for them, met local producers to find the best ingredients to use. This is how she created her first meatless cookies, cooked with organic barley flour to reduce the risk of allergies (compared to wheat, corn and soy flour). Today, she offers a variety of treats for dogs, cats and horses, all made with simple and healthy ingredients.

The entrepreneur attaches importance to good food, but also to where it comes from. She makes sure that everything she uses to make her treats comes from Quebec or, even better, from her region: Montérégie. “The eggs come from my chickens, the mint grows in my garden, the organic flour comes from La Milanaise, the blueberries are from Quebec, the cranberries are from a local farmer I wanted to offer products from here and made by hand, in addition to encouraging the economy of my region. »

As the production of animal food remains complex, Lydia prefers to stick to the creation of treats. However, it wants to expand its offer in the future by offering treats for pigs, as well as new varieties for dogs and horses. She also hopes to have the chance to do shows again in 2022 in order to present B.io Animals to as many people as possible.

B.io Animals products are available on the Signé Local online store .
If you want to learn more about this company, consult its member profile .

Reviewed by MF Editorial