Our Story

Meet Julie

Hi, I’m Julie, founder of Bonza Dog Treats.

I started Bonza because I wanted dog treats with simple ingredients, trusted Australian sourcing and nothing unnecessary hidden in the packet.

Today, Bonza helps knowledgeable dog owners discover single ingredient treats, unusual proteins, fur-on options and enrichment products selected with care.

Inspired by Bodie Beagle

In October 2008, our family moved from the United Kingdom to Australia with Bodie Beagle and Maz the cat.

Bodie Beagle and Maz

Bodie enjoyed a biscuit at bedtime, but the brand we had bought in the UK was not available in Australia. The alternatives I found were often imported or filled with preservatives and additives, so I started making biscuits for her myself.

What began as a simple solution for Bodie soon became something other dog owners wanted for their dogs too.

From rescue fundraiser to small business

At the time, I was volunteering with Beagle Rescue NSW and helping at its monthly fundraisers. I began donating bags of Bodie’s homemade biscuits, and they sold out repeatedly.

More importantly, people kept asking where else they could buy them. That demand planted the seed for Bonza Dog Treats, which officially began trading in 2015.

As Bonza grew, there was no longer enough time to continue making the original biscuits while also sourcing products, packing orders and helping customers. Although we no longer produce them, those biscuits will always be an important part of the Bonza story.

Today, customers looking for biscuits will find Mimi & Munch in our range. We carefully selected the brand because its ingredients, quality and approach reflect the values behind Bonza. Like every product we stock, its biscuits have earned their place in the range.

Knowledge behind the range

I hold a Diploma in Canine Health and Nutrition, which helps me make informed decisions about the products we stock and the information we provide.

I look for straightforward ingredients, trusted suppliers and treats that serve a clear purpose, whether that is training, enrichment, chewing or simply giving your dog something they love.

Our single ingredient meat and fish treats use premium Australian produce and contain no added preservatives, artificial colours, sugars or fillers.

Meet the Bonza team

Bonza Dog Treats is a family business, run by me and Mr Bonza with help from our enthusiastic team of four-legged taste testers.

For many years, Baldrick was a much-loved member of the Bonza family and an important part of our taste-testing team. He was later joined by Marvin, our foster-fail Amstador, who quickly made himself at home and secured a permanent position in quality control.

We lost Baldrick unexpectedly in March 2024. His sudden passing left an enormous hole in our family and the Bonza team.

Mr Bonza with Baldrick & Marvin at Jervis Bay

Bilbo Beagle joined us shortly after, bringing plenty of puppy energy, mischief and optimism. He was never expected to replace Baldrick, but he helped bring some happiness back into the house and soon began learning the responsibilities of a Bonza taste tester from Marvin.

Together, Bilbo and Marvin take their quality-control duties very seriously. They remain convinced that every open packet and dropped morsel requires their immediate attention.

Behind the scenes, Mr Bonza is an essential part of the business. From packing orders to keeping everything running, Bonza could not make so many dogs happy without him. We are a real family business, dedicated to helping you care for your four-legged family.

Bilbo and Julie at National Agility Championships Queensland 2026

A new home on the Gold Coast

Bonza Dog Treats relocated from the New South Wales South Coast to the Gold Coast in July 2024.

Although our location has changed, our purpose has not. We are still committed to helping dog owners make confident, informed choices about the treats they feed.

Recognition along the way

Bonza Dog Treats was selected as a finalist in:

• The Illawarra and South Coast Business Awards, 2020
• The Illawarra and South Coast Business Awards, 2021
• The Australian Small Business Champion Awards, 2022

These achievements belong to the entire Bonza community, including our customers, supporters, rescue volunteers and enthusiastic canine taste testers.

Giving back

My connection with Beagle Rescue NSW continues to be an important part of my life. I currently serve as Vice President and also help maintain the rescue’s website.

Supporting rescue dogs is where the Bonza story began, and I continue to contribute my time, skills and experience to help the organisation. If you see Beagle Rescue NSW fundraising at a Bunnings sausage sizzle, please stop by and say hello.

Our promise

We know you want treats that are clearly labelled, carefully selected and suited to your dog.

That is what we aim to offer: natural treats, trusted Australian ingredients and straightforward guidance from people who genuinely care about dogs.

No confusing ingredient lists. No unnecessary extras. Just better choices for your best mate.