First Nations business puts traditional meat on the menu for pets

From rabbit to beaver to bison, Keri Gray's business is serving up traditional meat to her customers' furry friends. 

Gray, who is a member of Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, owns Indigenous Treats. The business, which specializes in natural delicacies for pets, is located in Alderville First Nation, about 100 kilometres east of Toronto.

"We're working with traditional meat that we know have benefits, that [are] lean, low in fat and provide energy to our pets," Gray said. 

After the Gray family started Shades of Gray Rabbitry, selling the federally inspected meat to local restaurants and grocery stores, Gray also began making treats for her own dogs so that none of the animals would go to waste.

As family and friends expressed interest in the treats, Gray had an idea for a business, spotting a gap in the market.

Indigenous Treats was born officially in January 2019. 

"We started under the farm and just kind of grew it naturally and organically by word of mouth," said Gray.