What do you get when you mix a home brewer with a three-year-old Labrador mix? You get Barley Labs LLC, a new small business co-owned by Durham residents Scott Beaudry and Theresa Chu that sells all-natural dog treats made out of recycled barley from the beer brewing process.
When Scott started home brewing beer, he realized he had a lot of grain left over from the process. He did some research and found out that he could take that barley and turn it into treats for his and Theresa’s dog, who also just happens to be named Barley. A year later, he and his partner Theresa have turned that idea into a new company.
So much of the company was inspired by Barley. Scott and Theresa decided to donate a portion of the proceeds to the Animal Protection Society of Durham because they adopted Barley in 2009 from a shelter in Chicago. They wanted to try to give back so that other dogs have a chance at a good home like Barley did.
Additionally, Scott and Theresa limited the number of ingredients in the treats and made sure those ingredients were natural because they were always keeping Barley’s sensitive stomach in mind. The treats are made out of recycled barley from Fullsteam Brewery, flour, eggs and a natural flavoring.
Currently, the treats are available online at www.barleylabs.com and at Fullsteam in downtown Durham.
