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COMMUNITY

Rio Rancho food truck serves treats exclusively for dogs

Bark Bar, believed to be New Mexico's only dog-dedicated food truck, offers pet-friendly pup cups and homemade treats while partnering with local animal shelters.

Chad Rutter pets his loving dog Phoebe through the Bark Bar window.
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RIO RANCHO — Food trucks are popular in Rio Rancho, but one stands out from the rest.

Bark Bar, owned by Chad and Megan Rutter of Rio Rancho, is the state's only food truck dedicated exclusively to dogs, the couple said in a recent interview.

Chad Rutter said the idea started because he wanted to bring their dog, Phoebe, to work.

"She couldn't really work with me. I'm getting older, looking for something that's more just relaxed," he said. "We love her so much. I'm getting up there, trying to look for something for retirement, and this economy, it's not like you can just retire and be done working."

The idea took shape after the couple stopped for ice cream and discovered the shop didn't offer pup cups.

"I said, 'If there was a truck for dogs, I would so buy Phoebe one right now,'" Megan Rutter said.

Wanting to bring something unique to the community, they invested in a food truck designed just for dogs.

At Bark Bar, the pup cups go beyond whipped cream, featuring pet-friendly ingredients. Chad Rutter said the cups start with a Greek yogurt base. One flavor includes xylitol-free peanut butter and fresh bananas, while another combines pumpkin and cinnamon. Each is topped with whipped cream, a choice of crumble and a drizzle of honey. The menu also includes a watermelon and coconut milk sorbet garnished with mint.

The Rutters also make their dog treats from scratch.

Chad Rutter said one of his favorite parts of the business is watching owners interact with their pets.

"They'll go, 'Well, what do you want?'" he said.

Megan Rutter said they also enjoy partnering with animal shelters, especially during "doggy day out" events.

"We offer free treats if they bring the dogs to us," she said. "These people are taking the dogs out, and we just want to give back a little bit for what they're doing. Or if they recently adopted a dog, we want to celebrate that."

The Rutters hope to expand the business someday, but for now, Chad Rutter said the response has been overwhelmingly positive. For people who question spoiling their pets, he said treating dogs isn't excessive.

"I would probably say it's extra to do your hair or your nails or buy those fancy rims for your truck," he said. "There's nothing extra for the dogs. Every pup deserves a cup."

The Rio Rancho Observer is a sister newspaper of the ϼ.