Cody Boterman & Juliana Knopp shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Cody & Juliana, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is a normal day like for you right now?
We like to say, “Pet dogs, Sell ‘scuits, Repeat.”
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
About Canine Candy Biscuits
Hi, we’re Cody and Juliana, the passionate co-owners of Canine Candy Biscuits, proudly crafting spent grain dog biscuits in Loveland, Colorado. Our biscuits are made from spent grain, a nutrient-rich byproduct of beer brewing. After the brewing process, the grains lose their hard-to-digest carbs and sugars, leaving behind a wholesome blend of protein and fiber—perfect for your furry friend!
We partner with local breweries in Loveland and Fort Collins, carefully selecting barley-only brews to avoid common dog allergens like corn, wheat, and soy. Instead of white enriched or wheat flour, we use coconut flour, which is not only allergen-friendly but also packed with benefits for your dog’s health.
Giving Back to Our Community
At Canine Candy Biscuits, community is at the heart of what we do. Each season, we select a different Colorado dog rescue as our Rescue of the Season. A portion of every sale goes directly to the chosen rescue, and we also collect additional donations from customers eager to support the cause. Our roots run deep in Loveland—much of the spent grain we use is grown right here in Colorado, brewed into beer locally, and transformed into biscuits with love. We’re proud to keep it local: Colorado-grown, Colorado-brewed, Colorado-made.
Serious About Quality, Not About Ourselves
We take our biscuits seriously, but not ourselves! Follow us on social media for a dose of humor—think well-timed fart jokes alongside our passion for creating nutritious, high-quality dog biscuits. We believe what you feed your dog matters, and our biscuits are designed to be a healthy, delicious supplement for every pup. But we also know that life’s better with a laugh and a wagging tail.
As we grow, we’re committed to building a brand that’s more than just a product—it’s a community of dog lovers who value quality, fun, and giving back. Join us on this journey, because we’ve got big plans for the future, and we want you and your pup to be part of the Canine Candy family!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Canine Candy began in 2019 as a passion project for Juliana while she worked full-time at Odell Brewing in Fort Collins. Selling homemade dog biscuits at weekend farmers’ markets, she found joy in this side hustle, laying the foundation for something greater.
In 2023, our lives—Juliana and Cody—intertwined after significant personal transitions. The connection was immediate and unlike anything either of us had experienced. Early on, we realized our complementary skill sets and ability to collaborate seamlessly. We pushed each other to grow, stepping out of comfort zones with mutual support, discovering a powerful truth: together, we could achieve anything we set our minds to. It was a realization that transformed how we viewed our potential.
At the time, Cody was contemplating starting a business. Frustrated with working for someone else’s dream, we yearned to build our own. Cody crafted a slideshow presentation for Juliana, outlining why we should leave our unfulfilling jobs and create something together. That same day, in a twist of fate, Juliana learned she had been laid off. The universe had spoken, and we listened. After exploring our options, we turned to Canine Candy—a foundation already in place—and decided to dive in fully.
For over a year, we’ve run Canine Candy full-time, and the progress has been remarkable. Our partnership has reshaped how we see ourselves, constantly challenging each other to unlock new levels of capability. The unknown is daunting, but a predictable, monotonous life is far scarier. We choose the adventure of the unknown every time, building Canine Candy and our dreams together.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught us that to “succeed,” society expects you to follow the norm: go to school, secure a job, and chase wealth to eventually relax in old age.
But we’ve learned this norm is a misconception. Working for ourselves has been the most fulfilling journey of our lives. We spent years believing suffering was the path to success, only to realize that true success stems from pursuing your own vision. Though we’re financially at our lowest, investing in ourselves was the best choice we ever made. Watching something we’ve built begin to flourish brings an unmatched sense of fulfillment. We hope our story inspires others to chase their own path someday.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
We aim to be recognized not just for our products but for building a vibrant entertainment brand. We will continue to collaborate with talented individuals who share our passion for creativity to bring this vision to life.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When have you had to bet the company?
Since founding our company, we’ve been all-in, betting everything on our vision! Transitioning to full-time entrepreneurship has been a gradual process of carefully stacking building blocks. In these early stages, every decision feels like it could make or break us. We embrace each choice as a learning opportunity. As first-time business owners, not a day passes without gaining new insights.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://caninecandybiscuits.com
- Instagram: @CanineCandyBiscuits
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CanineCandyBiscuits
- Other: TikTok – @CanineCandyBiscuits
Image Credits
Lauren McDonough (Lo’s Lens)
