Walk into any pub or beer garden on a Sunday afternoon and the picture speaks for itself – tails under tables, water bowls by the door, and optimistic furry noses sniffing at the latest Sunday roast being delivered. What looks like a charming quirk of the modern UK hospitality sector is, in fact, one of the industry’s most profitable new trends.

Across Britain, the “dog-friendly” occasion has quietly evolved from a courtesy into a commercial powerhouse – driving longer dwell times, higher average spends, and measurable repeat business. It’s no longer just a gesture of goodwill, it’s a genuine growth strategy.

Now operators, with the data to prove it, are revealing that some of their most consistent margin growth is coming from an unlikely source: the dogs.

The Dog Friendly Boom Is Here to Stay

The dog-friendly movement is no longer niche. It’s now woven into how people plan their leisure time. Google searches for “dog friendly pubs” have tripled since 2019, and Visit Britain estimates that over half of domestic breaks now include a pet.

For operators, this isn’t a passing trend – it’s a behaviour shift. Dog owners are a distinct, loyal demographic with specific needs and high emotional investment. When they find a venue that welcomes their dog properly, they reward it with repeat visits and word-of-mouth that marketing money can’t buy.

That’s why dog friendly pubs are systemising their approach – adding clear signage, branded menus, and a small but profitable range of natural dog treats. The smartest venues treat it like any other customer segment: understand it, serve it well, and watch it grow.

Quality Snacks, Serious Margins

The commercial argument is straightforward.

A dog chew sells at an average retail price of £2.50–£3.00, generating a 40–50% gross margin – often higher than traditional bar snacks.

Unlike crisps or nuts, dog chews don’t compete with food or drink sales – they complement them.Every chew sold is pure incremental revenue for the venue, a new line of hospitality profit from guests who are already on-site and ready to spend a little more.

Because they’re individually wrapped and ambient, they don’t compete for kitchen prep time or storage space. They’re an effortless impulse sale that taps into an entirely new line of spend.

To put that in perspective, selling just 10 chews a day at £2.75 generates over £10,000 in annual revenue.

And that’s before you account for longer dwell times and extra human orders that come with a more relaxed, family-inclusive environment.

Turning Dog-Friendly Into a Revenue Stream

We created The Canine Menu because we could see that something big was happening in hospitality, but most venues weren’t set up to capture it.

It started, like all good things do, with a visit to the local pub. We both had young puppies at the time and we noticed the same thing everywhere – there was nothing on offer for them, even in the most dog-friendly venues. At the same time, with backgrounds in the hospitality industry, we knew how much pressure pubs were under to drive revenue and keep customers spending for longer. That gap between opportunity and execution sparked an idea: what if dog-friendly could be more than just a water bowl and a jar of gravy bones?

What began as a small concept has grown into a movement that’s helping venues nationwide turn dog-friendly goodwill into a measurable, margin-positive part of their customer experience.

Our 100% Natural Chews were the first step: long-lasting, single-ingredient chews designed to keep dogs happy and occupied while owners relax. They’re individually wrapped, ambient, and ideal for bars, cafés, and hotels with limited storage or prep space.

More recently, we’ve expanded into Natural Meals – ready-to-serve, grain-free dishes for overnight stays or when a customer has lingered for longer than expected.

Everything we make is designed for hospitality: plug-and-play products that turn the dog-friendly moment into a seamless upsell. Our branded display crates and printed menus make The Canine Menu visible, and our packaging encourages social media sharing so that you benefit from a buzz on day one.

We truly believe that dogs are family. And we want to make it easy, professional and profitable for venues to say “dogs are welcome here”.

What Operators Are Saying

For many venues who stock The Canine Menu, the impact of catering for dogs is immediate and obvious. Operators consistently tell us that what starts as a small countertop addition quickly becomes one of their easiest and most reliable revenue drivers.

Many pubs and cafés report that guests rarely stop at one chew, often buying several to take home or gift to friends. Operators also tell us they see strong repeat purchases, with some saying visitors now come in specifically for The Canine Menu dog treats.

Feedback from staff and managers highlights the practical benefits – keeping dogs busy (and quiet) while their owners enjoy their stay.

That sentiment is echoed on a national scale. According to research from The Kennel Club’s “Open for Dogs” initiative, there are now over 12 million dogs in the UK, and welcoming them makes a measurable difference to spending behaviour. More than half (55%) of dog owners say they stay longer when venues accommodate their pets, and 52% say they spend more money as a result.

Taken together, the message from both operators and owners is clear: make dogs comfortable, and you keep their humans for longer — ordering more food, more drinks and often returning sooner.

Inside The Norfolk Arms: The Numbers Don’t Lie

Nestled on the edge of the Peak District, The Norfolk Arms is a Grade II-listed pub, hotel, and wedding venue that’s become one of Sheffield’s leading dog friendly pubs.

General Manager Matt Cullen says the decision to cater for dogs was a no-brainer.

“In today’s hospitality landscape, there’s an expectation that all pubs are dog-friendly. When you cater to dogs, their human companions follow.”

Since introducing The Canine Menu in 2022, the team has turned that mindset into measurable results. In January – October 2025 alone, they sold 2,753 natural chews, generating £5,885 in revenue. In the same period, nuts – a classic bar staple – brought in just £3,501. That’s a 164% difference, achieved without any change to staffing or menu operations.

“Customers walk in and their eyes are drawn to the display of dog chews,” says Matt. “The immediate visual appeal is matched by the quality — and honestly? The numbers don’t lie.”

If even half of the UK’s 47,000 pubs achieved similar turnover from dog treats, the collective opportunity would exceed £100 million annually. And that’s before counting the extra human spend that comes from happier, longer-staying guests.

See The Results for Yourself

To help venues experience the difference first-hand, The Canine Menu is offering a free trial pack. 12 dog chews, printed menus and a branded wooden display crate – delivered directly to your venue.

Simply submit a request for your free pack today and see for yourself why happy dogs mean happy customers (and happy margins).