Dog beer gets bark of approval
A Canterbury brewery is hoping to hit the bark with canine customers when it launches its unique new brew just for dogs this weekend.
Wigram Brewing Company co-founder Paul McGurk said he created the dog beer specifically for the brewery’s Dog Day Afternoon event on Sunday.
He had wanted to make a ‘‘dog-friendly drink’’ that his customers’ dogs could enjoy as the event was all about ‘‘coming along with your furry best friend and having a beer together’’.
To make the dog beer, McGurk used a beefand-chicken bone broth from The Little Bone Broth Company for the beer’s base and added dog-friendly ingredients like vegetables and some ‘‘extra canine magic to make it special’’.
The mixture was boiled for a few hours so all the ingredients could simmer together. It was then cooled and ready to dish out to thirsty canine customers. ‘‘It’s a healthy dog food that makes a nice healthy dog beer,’’ he said.
McGurk said no alcohol, hops, barley or salt were used, and he stressed to concerned dog owners that the dog beer was ‘‘completely healthy’’.
The brew had been tested by McGurk’s own dog, a 5-year-old springer spaniel named Blitzer, who was more than happy to get involved.
McGurk said Blitzer could not get enough of the drink and had given his ‘‘full approval’’ of the final results.
McGurk said he initially planned to make the dog beer just for the Dog Day Afternoon event, but decided to can some of it so owners could take it home for their furry friends.
Sunday’s event would be a chance for people to have a ‘‘nice afternoon out alongside their dogs’’ with beer on tap for both parties.
‘‘There’ll be local dog foodie stores, great locally produced dry food, special treats, dog gear, and more,’’ he said.
The dog beer would be served from its own specially made 50-litre keg and beer tap.
Any interested (canine owner) patrons who wanted to throw back a dog beer or two would be able to do so while their owners drank the brewery’s regular beer.
All dogs were welcome to come along – they just had to be accompanied by their owners and on a leash, McGurk said.
‘‘Come listen to some dog music, have some dog treats, and share a pint with your best friend.
‘‘Dogs don’t need to bring ID.’’