Amidst writing and dogs, am working on creating three dog-related products that I hope to sell as a vendor at the 2015 National. For one of them, I have a promising prototype, but need to refine it; the other two are for canine coat care, inside and out. One is a blend of plant-based oils as a food supplement; the other, with a slightly different blend, is for topical application: spray on, massage. Ingredients are all organic and human food-grade. Right now Im working on ratios. The goal was to find something other than fish oil. Fish oil is very good for coats and is a sound food supplement. But as a liquid, as opposed to gelcaps, its expensive, must be refrigerated, and has a short shelf-life. Ive used liquid salmon oil for years, and was happy with it. But convenience is a big thing with me, and after researching oils Ive found a blend that has a room-temperature shelf-life of 6 months minimum even after being opened. This blend also provides a different type of natural fats known to be good for skin and coat (human and canine). Plus plant oils are a more sustainable resource. I find this kind of product development, if you will, as creative as other artistic endeavors. And its certainly interesting working on the myriad of things one has to consider, including ingredients--the most important part--but also the mundane elements such as bottles, spray caps, labels, etc. Packaging matters, both for ease of use and in a professional and interesting appearance. Most of us notice such things as intriguing wine bottle shapes and labeling. Theres a whole psychological science to packaging. Entire studies are done on what car colors appeal to people in various ways. Same with fashion. In the meantime, as I work with ingredient ratios, Im about to start having my expert panel of canine researchers join the process. Cassie is just now beginning to grow hair after her massive post-litter shed, and Blithe is low on coat after her summer shed. So Ill try the supplement and conditioner on both of them, but no one else, and see what happens. And yes, you can even use the conditioner spray on your own skin and hair, if you like!
Posted on: Wed, 06 Aug 2014 14:45:04 +0000
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