Dragons set to feast on K9 Kelp
Proof positive that Prince George is the home of entrepreneurs lies in the information that another local business person has been chosen to pitch her product before the Dragons, the multi-millionaires who give a thumb’s up or down on investing in the business on CBC’s the Dragons’ Den.
Patricia Carr owns K9 Kelp, the country’s only supplier of all-natural kelp products for dogs. She and her husband have created a grooming line and a supplement as well.
She said the idea was born when one of her boxers suffered from a dry nose and neither she nor her husband wanted to use petroleum jelly on their pet, concerned the product might not be the best for their animal. A bit of research and her husband found that kelp is excellent for dry skin. He acquired some, mixed it in with essential oils and used it on the pet. Within a few days the boxer’s nose was once again soft and supple.
“We’re passionate about our dogs, and I know it’s so important to find something you’re passionate about, no matter what it is, to be successful,” Carr said.
Because her husband works full-time, Carr took on the responsibility of what had become a seedling business.
“I took it over, came up with spritz and so on,” she said. “It’s been great. I’ve tried to do different things that are obviously unique.”
She said they use pure essential oils, utilizing high-end products, each with a purpose. The products they’ve produced help nourish cracked dry skin and dull coats, and alleviate arthritis, she said.
The kelp comes from a government-regulated plant north of Prince Rupert. There the fronds are removed with a scalpel, and the stem is left to re-grow more.
“They are all in deeper cold water, so the fronds are absorbing all those nutrients,” she said.
She started selling the products at the Prince George Farmers Market.
“It was wonderful. We got to meet a lot of the dog owners and get their feedback,” she said. “Then we started selling it in some of the smaller markets in town.”
She said there are so many recalls with pet products, people can take advantage K9 Kelp is Canadian-made and uses all natural high-end products. She added she doesn’t skimp because the products are for dogs.
“It feels really good to have something safe for dogs produced here,” she said.
At the Dragons’ Den auditions she said the producers loved the product, however she didn’t hear back from them as quickly as others have. Then the call came, and she will soon be standing before the Dragons, pitching her business.
“On April 11 I will be at CBC studios to film,” she said. “Starting today I’m working with a producer.”
Once filming is finished, the producer will let her know within two weeks before the show airs.
Carr said she doesn’t have an exact amount she’s asking for. Her goal is to make the products in larger quantities but keep the quality.
“I’d love to set up a production warehouse in Prince George, have an outbuilding where we store the product, and have people come in and make the products.”
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