A QUALIFIED accountant has a ruff idea that the numbers will stack up as she launches a new dog food business in the centre of the Port.

Catriona Ward has opened The Raw Food Store on Port Glasgow's John Wood Street selling DEFRA approved food and treats for pooches.

The dog lover decided to pursue the business venture almost two years ago after learning to raw feed her German Shepherds Sensei and Shadow.

The business took off online and was a huge success with the people of Inverclyde, so the 49-year-old decided to secure a permanent home in the centre of the town.

She told the Tele: "I got really interested in raw feeding dogs a few years ago when I started researching it for my own pets.

"It's very interesting finding out what suits each dog's needs - generally our mixes are made of an 80 per cent protein, 10 per cent bone and 10 per cent offal.

"Every dog is different, so we can help owners figure out what works best for their pet."

Catriona, who lives with partner Ciaran and her 14-year-old son Connor, hopes to offer advice and guidance to owners about the benefits of raw feeding their dogs.

The business owner, who runs Ward Accountancy, told the Tele: "Food isn't a one size fits all thing - some brands of pre-packaged food can also make dogs sick.

"Some of the items we sell have amazing benefits - particular foods can aid digestion and help with other issues animals may have.

"I recommend that people feed their dogs twice a day with the raw feed.

"They can eat it frozen, which a lot of dogs enjoy in the warmer weather, or it can be defrosted."

As well as selling products, the business will also be offering a dog grooming and washing station in the shop when it opens later this month and she plans to take on staff to assist.

She added: "I'm really excited to open and get to know more of the community."