Nestled in the On Tap food truck lot, happy dogs are gathered around eating up ‘frisbee plates’ full of delicious proteins and veggies alongside their owners. A first of its kind, the Hungry Hound is Bend’s first premiere food truck strictly for dogs.
Owner and animal lover, Bryan Du Toit decided on the concept when he and his wife came to On Tap for a pizza at dinner time and wished there was a food truck for their dog, Romeo. “We laughed about how fun it would be to be able to buy him a healthy cheeseburger or hot dog or a dessert and went back and forth joking about it for a while. Then something clicked and suddenly it was not a joke anymore,” says Du Toitt. Instead, that joke became a reality.
Hungry Hound’s first cart opened on April 20, 2024 at On Tap with an event dubbed ‘Woof Fest’, created by Du Toit and has been going strong ever since. During the event, Street Dog Hero, The Humane Society and Tesla had informational booths for visitors. There were raffle prizes, gourmet cuisine for dogs and humans and live music. Not only did Hungry Hound have its grand opening, Street Dog Hero also adopted out three dogs and their application inbox was full of new adoptee applicants the next day. After the successful event, Du Toit outfitted another mobile truck and was invited to participate in several summer events.
The Hungry Hound menu is full of healthy, veterinarian approved meals that do not include sugar, spices or oils. Sweet potatoes and rice with gravy are part of each meal, which help with healthy doggy digestion. Menu items include hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, steak, veggies and beverages. The Canine Catch Salmon bowl is a popular dish served with air fried sweet potato fries, rice, and beef gravy.
Originally from South Africa, Du Toit grew up and lived in Los Angeles and worked in the entertainment industry for several years before moving to Bend in 2014. As a self-proclaimed serial entrepreneur, Du Toit and his wife have had several businesses including an organic body product company and an events business.
Keeping it Local
Having traveled and lived in several places around the world, Du Toit considers Bend the best place he has ever lived. “Central Oregon is one of the most beautiful places in the world, the sheer number of stunning lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and hikes makes this a paradise full of never- ending opportunities for new discoveries,” says Du Toit. “The people however make this place extra special and I have met some incredible individuals during my time here,” he adds. Du Toit and his wife have three daughters and raise several animals on their property.
As this new and unique business concept grows, the Hungry Hound will continue to develop new recipes, offer limited merchandise and create events for our dog loving community. “As we progress further along into summer and new strategic partnerships are made, we plan to be offering a broad selection of merchandise, supplements, treats and are even considering franchising our brand and carts to other towns and cities across the PNW,” says Du Toit.
HungryHoundBend.com
"Hungry Hound is Bend’s first premiere food truck strictly for dogs."
"Hungry Hound's menu is full of healthy, veterinarian approved meals that do not include sugar, spices or oils."