Mahoning Valley woman creates dog treat business during pandemic – Youngstown Vindicator

Sep 7, 2022
Amy Wildman of Warren used time off during the coronavirus pandemic to hone By Bluás second birthday in 2019, just as the COVID-19 pandemic was in its beginning stages ä Wildman was on her way to creating what would become Blu’s Biscuits, a specialty line of dog treats that she created. (Submitted photo)
WARREN — It began with a dog named Blu.
“There was almost an immediate bond between Blu and I,” Amy Wildman of Warren said of that day in 2017. “After the loss of my mother to ovarian cancer, just starting vet tech school, some health issues and a significant private tragedy, Blu came into my life through a family member.”
The 10-week-old rescued Cane Corso suffered skin issues and socialization problems, had special dietary needs and was in need of adventure. One by one, Wildman checked off those boxes, but nutrition proved tricky.
“Packages would state that the food only contained three ingredients. But then you turn over the package and those are listed by highest amount to lowest — so many things that are not nutrition-based are added for shelf stability and not a dog’s nutrition.
“That’s when I started looking into making treats specifically for her. That’s how it all began, and it was trial and error at first, but we figured it out together,” Wildman said.
“Instead of being on pain meds or steroids that throw a bandage over the problem as a whole by stopping the neurotransmitters to the brain, I did the research to find something else.”
By Blu’s second birthday in 2019, just as the COVID-19 pandemic was in its beginning stages — Wildman was on her way to creating what would become Blu’s Biscuits, a specialty line of treats.
“I was laid off from all my jobs at the time,” she said. The first Friday of COVID, she went for a ride with Blu “because I was bored. I got home at 10 p.m. that night and made a simple post on social media about Blu’s Biscuits, then went to bed.
“The next morning, my phone had a TON of messages,” she said. “It’s grown so much JUST through word of mouth.”
CANINE NUTRITION
“Cane Corsos don’t have the longest life expectancy, so I was prepared to give Blu whatever she needed,” Wildman said.
Wildman works closely with a local butcher shop for the meats she uses in her treats. Chicken, steak, lamb and — depending on the season — bison. She uses a variety of veggies and fruits beneficial to a dog’s health, locally grown as much as possible.
She also is testing cat treats.
“I grind the oat flour, which makes the treats crispy and crunchy. It also helps with dental health by scraping their teeth. The only product I buy in cans that’s mass produced is pumpkin in cans. I really stock up in the fall.
“Food allergies are really hard to diagnose in dogs and gut trouble is a huge issue, too. The table scraps we used to give our pets have significantly changed over the years due to mass production. So they’re putting products into their bodies that are so different now, which lead to these types of issues — another reason why I keep the ingredients as simple as possible.
“Secondary issues like dogs tearing up their pads, ear infections, constant itching that isn’t parasite related — they’re red or constantly licking — scratching their hind quarters, these are the most common issues due to food allergies.”
Wildman doesn’t claim that her pet treats are a cure-all, but they help, she said. And so do the weekly and bi-monthly repeat orders she has from customers.
She also has specialty treats that contain turmeric for arthritis in pets and some with ginger to promote good gut health.
“I just made special dog treats for a wedding where the couple’s dog brought them both together. I was touched to be a part of their special day.”
CHANGING CAREERS
Wildman logged more than 30 years in the restaurant industry, with six in management, and needed a change. She met with an adviser at Kent State University in 2015 to figure out what that would be.
“What makes you happy?” the adviser asked. “What did you want to be when you were a kid?”
“A vet!”
“What stopped you?”
Wildman answered that it was just too much schooling, eight to 10 years.
“So you didn’t want to become a vet because you’re LAZY!?”
They both laughed, but Wildman found her next step — and more schooling.
She now is a veterinary technician with the Lordstown Veterinarian
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