Minnesota State Fair Pet Treats Made Fresh in Brooklyn Park
There’s something fresh baked for everyone at the Minnesota State Fair — including your furry friends.
Reggie Carter owns “Must Be Ruff,” a Brooklyn Park-based business that makes gourmet dog treats from scratch. It adds more sweet options to the fair, made specifically for dogs.
“We’re probably here 15, 14-15 hours every single day,” Carter said. “We have carrots, applesauce, yogurt, pumpkin, peanut oil, bacon oats and coconut oil.”
It’s Must Be Ruff’s third year at the fair. This year, the all-natural treat makers are armed with accolades. The business was chosen for the State Fair’s top 12 in 2023.
Must Be Ruff makes gourmet treats for pets with fresh ingredients.
“We’re excited about that,” Carter said. “That helps us get some momentum going into this fair.”
Treats for cats are also new this year. Carter said he wanted them to have healthy options, too.
In-Person Connections
Pets can’t come to the fair, but Carter sees plenty of repeat pet parent customers. One of them came by while we were talking to Carter.
“We need two cupcakes like I got last year for my girls,” she said. “Last year, I got these and brought them home. The girls went nuts!”
Seeing customers in person helps Carter build a rapport.
“To sell to the same person multiple times, it means you are doing something right. So, that means a lot to us. We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for people like that,” Carter said.
Carter and his coworker speak with state fair customers.
It also helps that customers are supporting future pet lovers. A portion of every purchase goes to Carter’s charity, The Must Be Ruff Foundation.
“We help teach kids the benefits of having compassion for animals,” Carter explained. “So we have organizations like The Humane Society go to schools and talk about the benefits of those relationships.”
CCX went to one of those workshops at Osseo Area Schools last school year. Kids watched a presentation about pet body language, and got to meet a few furry friends.
The charitable piece of the business ensures that all the fair fun comes right back around.
Must Be Ruff is located in the pet pavilion at the Minnesota State Fair. Carter said you can find them there any day.
