A WOMAN from Kidderminster was inspired by her puppy's chicken allergy to set up her own raw dog food business.

Charlotte Connor opened the Kidderminster Raw Dog Food store at Riverside Business Centre in Stourport last Saturday (February 6) after a major refurbishment of one of the units.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Charlotte refurbished a unit at Riverside Business Park during lockdownCharlotte refurbished a unit at Riverside Business Park during lockdown

The 34-year-old, who works freelance in construction, began researching raw dog food after her new Cockerpoo puppy Kiki was diagnosed with an allergy to chicken.

Dog lover Charlotte said: "It's only since having Kiki and finding out about her allergy that I was introduced to raw dog food and found out about all of the benefits it has for your pets.

"Kiki was quite itchy and had blood in her poo, which disappeared when she moved onto the raw food.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Charlotte Connor at her new store at Riverside Business Park in StourportCharlotte Connor at her new store at Riverside Business Park in Stourport

"I used to work with another lady in Northamptonshire who gave me advice and training, but I'd always wanted to set up my own business and I wanted somewhere more local to get good dog food from.

"I registered my company in October and I've just opened my own unit in Stourport. I'm buying the best food from suppliers across the country and selling it frozen.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Kidderminster Raw Dog Food sells human-grade raw dog food and natural treatsKidderminster Raw Dog Food sells human-grade raw dog food and natural treats

"Having my own shop means I can give customers advice as they buy the food as it's quite important to get a mixture of proteins in dogs' food. My unit gives the variety that dogs need to have a balanced diet."

The Kidderminster Raw Dog Food shop sells human-grade raw dog food and natural treats and offers a service to develop customised diet plans for customers' dogs.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Charlotte Connor and friend Paula Hull at the new store at Riverside Business Park in StourportCharlotte Connor and friend Paula Hull at the new store at Riverside Business Park in Stourport

Explaining some of the benefits of feeding raw food to dogs, Charlotte said: "There's less chemicals in raw food because it’s natural. Dogs are carnivores, they naturally eat raw meat, bone and offal and the food we offer is a complete - it's got all three in it.

"A raw dog food diet can make their coats glossier and it's generally softer on digestive system."

To find out more, visit kidderminsterrawdogfood.com.