On The Good List:
DOZER & CO.
Location: Kotara
The short version
A butcher shop.
For your dog.
Honestly, we're annoyed we didn't think of it.
Dozer & Co. specialises in raw and fresh food for dogs and cats, with meats, treats, supplements and other products for people who take their pet's dinner significantly more seriously than their own.
Why GDS loves them
They're locally owned, Newcastle-based and focused on quality Australian-sourced products.
They cater to different styles of raw and fresh feeding and have built the whole business around helping people make informed choices about what goes into their pets' bowls.
Meanwhile, you ate toast over the sink last night.
No judgement.
Things you need to know
📍 57 Joslin Street, Kotara
🥩 Raw and fresh pet food
🦴 Treats
💊 Supplements
🇦🇺 Focus on locally sourced Australian products
🐕 Dogs and cats catered for
🛒 In-store and online shopping available
Good for: Raw feeders, fresh food, treats and dogs with a better diet than you.
GDS verdict: Your dog's butcher. Completely normal sentence now.
Website: https://dozer-co.com.au/
Instagram: @dozer.and.co
GOURMET DOG BARKERY
Location: Online
The short version
A Newcastle institution for dogs whose birthdays are treated with the seriousness they deserve — and a personal GDS favourite.
We’ve bought Murphy’s birthday treats from Gourmet Dog Barkery every year, so this one comes with an extra personal recommendation from us. 🎂🐾
Gourmet Dog Barkery has been making dog treats since 2009, with everything from everyday biscuits and training treats to dog birthday cakes, mini donuts and full-blown Barkuterie situations.
Yes, Barkuterie.
Your dog has officially overtaken you socially.
Why GDS loves them
They’re local, they’ve been doing this for years, and they make the kind of treats that turn a dog's birthday into a proper occasion.
We’ve personally been buying Murphy’s birthday treats from them for years, so we can vouch for the goods — especially when it comes to making a dog feel very celebrated.
They also understand something we strongly believe at GDS: Dogs deserve snacks.
Their treats are handmade, with a focus on natural ingredients and canine nutrition — and the team are trained in canine nutrition too.
So while your dog thinks they're simply being showered with baked goods, there are actual knowledgeable adults involved.
Things you need to know
📍 Bennetts Green
🛒 Primarily online
🐾 Click & Collect available Tuesday & Thursday, 1–4pm
🎂 Dog cakes and birthday treats available
🦴 Huge range of treats, including options for different dietary needs
🇦🇺 Australian-made and locally made in Newcastle
Good for: Birthdays, treats, training bribes and apologising to your dog for going to work.
GDS verdict: If your dog has a birthday, this is your sign to make a big deal of it.
Website: https://www.gourmetdogbarkery.com.au/
Instagram: @gourmetdogbarkery1