In this exclusive CanadianSME Small Business Magazine interview, Kourtney Spang, Founder of The Barking Brew, shares how creativity, resilience, and a love for pets led her from fresh ideas in Thornbury, Ontario to building Canada’s original non-alcoholic craft beer for dogs. Inspired by her own experience as a single mom and entrepreneur—and motivated by her dog Busch, the brand’s first taste-tester—Kourtney has grown The Barking Brew into a nationwide success, forging community, partnerships, and joyful moments for dogs and their humans across more than 200 locations.

Kourtney Spang is the founder and creative force behind The Barking Brew, Canada’s original non-alcoholic beer for dogs. A passionate entrepreneur from Thornbury, Ontario, Kourtney built The Barking Brew from the ground up with one simple mission: to create fun, healthy, and memorable bonding experiences between people and their pets.

What personal experiences or inspirations led you to create Canada’s first non-alcoholic beer for dogs, and how did that spark grow into The Barking Brew?

The idea for The Barking Brew started when a friend gave me a canned dog beverage from a U.S. convention. My dog, Busch, wouldn’t touch it, and that moment stuck with me. I realized there was room to create something better, healthy, fun, and crafted with the same care you’d expect from a quality beverage for people.

After research, I learned there were already a few non alcoholic dog beers in Canada, but none like what I envisioned. That led me to create Canada’s first peanut flavoured craft dog beer and food topper. It is simple and locally made to promote hydration and to let dog owners include their pets in the social moments they love. It also mimics the look of a beer, so ordering a pint for yourself and a “pup pint” for your dog becomes a shared ritual.

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Breakfast Television showcased an exciting summer treat for dog owners: The Barking Brew is now available at all Beertown locations across Ontario, making pet-friendly patio season even more special.​

A Summer to Remember

The summer 2025 patio season brought unprecedented opportunities for pet owners to include their dogs in dining experiences. Breakfast Television’s coverage highlighted how The Barking Brew has become the beverage of choice at Beertown’s dog-friendly patios, creating a complete culinary experience for both humans and their canine companions.

Explore the full story here →

The Full Beertown Experience for Dogs

When featured on Breakfast Television, viewers learned about the comprehensive “Bone Appetit” menu that pairs perfectly with our Beef Hound Ale:​

• Freshly prepared, unseasoned proteins
• Vegetable options for health-conscious pups
• The Barking Brew served in special dog-friendly dishes
• A welcoming atmosphere where dogs are genuinely celebrated

What Makes It Special?

Our Beef Hound Ale stands out as a 0% alcohol, all-natural product that’s more than just a novelty. It’s crafted with real Angus beef bones, providing genuine nutritional benefits while mimicking the social beer-drinking experience.​​

Natural Ingredients, Real Benefits:

• No hops, barley, or malts (ingredients found in human beer that are harmful to dogs)
• Zero added salt, sweeteners, or preservatives
• Rich in nutrients that support overall canine health
• 12-month ambient shelf life for convenience​

Where to Find Us

Following the Breakfast Television feature, The Barking Brew’s presence expanded significantly. You can now find our products at:​

• All Beertown Public House locations
• Over 200 specialty pet stores across Ontario and BC
• Pet-friendly restaurants and patios region-wide
• Online for home delivery

Making Memories This Patio Season

As featured on Breakfast Television, summer patio season is the perfect time to treat your furry friend to something special. Whether you’re enjoying a meal at Beertown or relaxing at home, The Barking Brew helps create those tail-wagging moments that make pet ownership so rewarding.

Collingwood Today featured The Barking Brew’s remarkable growth story, highlighting how a local Ontario innovation transformed into a booming business serving pet owners across multiple provinces.​

From Concept to 200+ Locations

What started as a creative idea has rapidly evolved into a thriving enterprise. Since our January 2025 launch, The Barking Brew has achieved impressive milestones:​

• 45,000 cans brewed and distributed
• Expansion to over 200 retail locations
• Distribution across Ontario and British Columbia
• Partnerships with pet-friendly restaurants, patios, and specialty pet stores

Explore the full story here →

The Story Behind the Brew

Created by Kourtney Spang, an avid cook, alongside her taste-testing companion Busch, The Barking Brew was born from a simple desire: making it possible to genuinely share a pint experience with your dog. What sets our product apart is the commitment to quality, locally sourced ingredients and genuine nutritional benefits.​

Two Signature Flavors

Beef Hound Ale: Our original recipe features locally farmed Angus beef bone marrow and Canadian-grown carrots, delivering a savoury flavor profile dogs love while providing collagen support for joints and bones.​

Peanut Butter Pilsner: A protein-rich beverage made from just two ingredients—water and defatted peanuts. Low-calorie, low-fat, with a gentle peanut aroma that entices even the pickiest eaters.​

Supporting Local Economy

By sourcing ingredients from Ontario farms like Higginson Farms in Meaford, The Barking Brew supports local agriculture while ensuring product quality and traceability.​

Join the Movement

“Life is short, fetch your dog a brew,” has become more than our tagline—it’s a philosophy embraced by thousands of pet owners who want to create special moments with their furry family members.