Puppy Cake
NO DEAL
EPISODE SUMMARY
🕓 Air Date: February 10, 2012
Asking For:
$50,000 for 25%
Investor:
No Deal
Deal:
No Deal
PRODUCT SUMMARY
Puppy Cake offers cake mix for dogs, complete with yogurt frosting, providing a safe and enjoyable treat tailored to canine nutrition.
WATCH HERE
IN A RUSH?
Click these to jump to the section you want to read.
Background Story
Founded by Kelly Chaney from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Puppy Cake was born out of Kelly’s experience in sales and marketing. Inspired by her client’s cake mix advertisements, she envisioned a similar product tailored for dogs. After extensive research into canine nutrition, Kelly developed Puppy Cake, aiming to provide a safe and enjoyable treat for dogs. Despite facing challenges in reaching distributors and lacking capital for trade shows, Kelly has seen modest success, with over $80,000 in sales over four years.
The Product
Puppy Cake offers a cake mix designed specifically for dogs. Each box contains the cake mix, requiring the addition of egg, oil, and water before baking. The product includes yogurt frosting, which can be whipped up with water and used to top the cooled cake or cupcakes.
With options like wheat-free peanut butter flavor, Puppy Cake ensures a safe and enjoyable treat for dogs, with each box baking six cupcakes or one 4-inch round cake.
The product is positioned as a convenient and safe alternative to regular cake, catering to the unique digestive systems of dogs. Puppy Cake can be purchased online or from retail stores, targeting dog owners who prioritize their pet’s health and enjoyment.
How It Went
The company’s position before Shark Tank
Despite minimal advertising, Puppy Cake has garnered positive publicity, being featured in prominent dog magazines like “Modern Dog” and “The Bark.” Kelly has secured partnerships with around 150 retailers, achieving international distribution. However, the company’s growth has been hindered by limited capital and a lack of connections to reach distributors effectively. With $80,000 in sales over four years, Puppy Cake shows promise but requires additional investment to scale and penetrate the market effectively.
The Negotiations:
Despite Kelly’s passion and belief in the product, the Sharks raised concerns about the market’s limitations and Puppy Cake’s growth potential. Kevin, Lori, and Mark ultimately declined to invest, citing concerns about the product’s niche appeal and Kelly’s ability to overcome obstacles. While some Sharks appreciated the novelty of Puppy Cake, they felt it wasn’t scalable enough or lacked a broader product range to attract significant investment. Kelly left the Tank without a deal but was determined to overcome her challenges and make Puppy Cake a success.
