Some of the dog treats at Fuzzy Butz may tempt even the pets' owners. (Photo submitted by Fuzzy Butz Pet Bakery)

By AARON MUELLER
aaron@offthewater.com

Like any dessert chef, Mary Schaut gets excited when she creates a new tasty treat.
So when her newest creation was met with satisfied barks from her three taste-testing dogs, she knew she was on to something.

Schaut, who with her husband owns Fuzzy Butz Pet Bakery in St. Joseph, recently introduced the beer barley biscuit, a unique dog treat made of beer barley and fresh cherries.

“This one I’m really excited about,” Schaut said. “We use the leftover grains from The Livery in Benton Harbor.”

But that’s just one of more than 70 dog treats that Fuzzy Butz has to offer, many of which, by their appearance, owners may be tempted to taste themselves.

Made with fresh ingredients daily, treats like peanut butter fries, “bark-be-que” chicken, canine cannoli, peanut butter blossoms, puppy pretzels and doggie donuts keep dogs and their owners coming back.

Despite the tough economy in the state, Schaut refuses to skimp on the ingredients.

“So many dog treats are just flour and water. We get good quality ingredients and shop local,” she said. “We use better ingredients than a lot of restaurants.”