Selling beer for dogs might be a tough sell to some. But beer drinkers with dogs are lapping up the idea, said Beer Paws founder Crystal Wiebe.

“The product practically sells itself at beer festivals,” she said.

Wiebe’s nonalcoholic beer for the bowwow brigade comes in eight-ounce bottles that cost $8 to $10 each at local retailers, including select Hy-Vee stores and Mike’s Wine and Spirits outlets. It’s also available online in six-packs and 12-packs.

“I like to say it’s potent in a healthy way,” Wiebe said. “One of the key ingredients is a canine glucosamine blend that’s good for their joints.”

An unintended benefit of the brew is how it can stimulate an ill or older dog’s appetite.

“Dogs like things that are a little bit sweet, and it’s got malt extract,” Wiebe said. “They just think it tastes good. I just pour a splash over the dog’s dry kibble, right in the bowl.”

Beer Paws also offers high-fiber dog biscuits made with spent grain or “brewer’s mash” obtained from local breweries, because “people really love this idea of dogs and beer,” Wiebe said. “Those are two really fun things.”