Hound & Harbor launches prebiotic dog drink in Michigan and North Carolina

Hound & Harbor is rolling out Classic Cove, a prebiotic beverage for dogs, starting Nov. 9 at more than 25 retail and hospitality locations plus nationwide online ordering. The launch puts the Kalamazoo startup in Premier Pet Supply stores across Metro Detroit and extends the brand beyond Michigan for the first time.

Why it matters: - Hound & Harbor is betting that the human wellness trend around gut health and fiber can translate to pet products. - Classic Cove gives dog owners a new shelf-stable beverage option for celebrations and outings, not a replacement for water. - The launch expands a Michigan-made product into pet retail, hospitality and e-commerce at the same time.

What happened: - Hound & Harbor launched Classic Cove, a premium prebiotic beverage for dogs, with nationwide online ordering now open at houndandharbor.com. - First shipments from Hound & Harbor begin Nov. 9. - The beverage launches Nov. 9 at more than 25 retail and hospitality locations. - All 15 Premier Pet Supply stores across Metro Detroit will carry Classic Cove. - Select partners in Michigan and North Carolina will also stock the drink. - Founder Tracy Williams developed and produced Classic Cove in Kalamazoo at Good Trade Depot.

The details: - Classic Cove is made with five simple ingredients plus water. - The recipe includes real banana and plant-based prebiotic fiber from two natural sources. - The beverage has a savory note designed for dogs’ noses, not people’s. - Veterinary advisor Dr. Tatty Hodge, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, reviewed the recipe and serving size. - Classic Cove is designed to complement a dog’s daily fresh water, not replace it. - A limited-edition holiday can will be available while supplies last. - The holiday design will be sold only through Hound & Harbor’s website and at all 15 Premier Pet Supply stores. - Customers who order a four-pack directly from houndandharbor.com will receive three first-edition cans and one limited-edition holiday can. - The beverage inside the holiday can is the same Classic Cove recipe. - Beginning Nov. 9, individual cans will also be available through Better Times Market at bettertimesmarket.com. - The product will be included in a curated functional beverage box through Better Times Market.

Between the lines: - Whole Foods Market named fiber one of its top food and beverage trends for 2026, and Hound & Harbor is positioning Classic Cove within that broader consumer shift. - Williams said she refined the recipe after meeting with more than 1,000 dog owners and dogs at events in Michigan. - Those events included the United Kennel Club’s Premier Nationals dog show, Bark in the Park gatherings with the Kalamazoo Growlers, Lansing Lugnuts and Royal Oak Leprechauns, and events at K9 Resorts in Grand Rapids. - Premier Pet Supply is a locally owned chain that Hour Detroit named its 2026 Best Pet Supply Store. - Mike Palmer, president of Premier Pet Supply, said customers want transparent labels and Michigan-made products. - Hound & Harbor is using independent pet businesses, dog parks, wineries and bars to reach buyers where dogs already show up.

What's next: - Hound & Harbor’s Cove Tour begins Nov. 13 at Premier Pet Supply’s Beverly Hills, Mich., store. - Early retail expansion already includes Your Pets Naturally in Grand Rapids; Lakeshore Pet Boutique in Douglas; Beowoof Provisions for Pets and Sit & Stay Winery in Kalamazoo; both Hounds & Co. locations and Goldie Girl Grooming in Portage; Barkside in Detroit and Southfield; Mega-Bev’s Portage and Oshtemo stores; and Wagbar in North Carolina. - Hound & Harbor plans to keep building its retail and hospitality network beyond Michigan.

The bottom line: - Hound & Harbor is trying to turn a pet wellness idea into a real consumer brand, starting with a Michigan launch and a national online push.