Decadent Dog Restaurant Enrages Berlin

High-end treats for pets are not uncommon in the U.S., with plenty of places serving expensive, dog-safe items like beer and even frozen yogurt for people's pets. Germany just got a dog restaurant of its own, but many residents are displeased by the decadence of feeding high-end custom cupcakes to pampered dogs.

"A store this decadent gives the impression that we do more for animals than for children," said Wolfgang Büscher, who works for a charity that benefits disadvantaged children.

According to The Local, the Pets Deli in Berlin opened over the holidays in the upscale neighborhood of Grunewald and sells meals for dogs and cats priced from €3 to €6, or $4 to $8. It also has dog-friendly cupcakes for €4, or $5.50, which would be ideal for a fancy dog birthday party. The food can be taken to-go or eaten in the restaurant from metal bowls set before rustic wooden logs, where owners can sit back and relax with a cup of human-safe coffee.

The meals are made up by manager Katharina Warkalla, an animal nutrition expert, and combine portions of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates. The meat options include beef, turkey, and kangaroo meat, which can be mixed with broccoli or berries and served with a side of rice, pasta, or potatoes.

"The meat is of such quality that it could be safely consumed by humans," said owner David Spanier, who said he came up with the idea because his dog could not eat supermarket pet food and he wanted something fancier and more healthful.

"Junk food is bad for animals," he said. "It's as if I ate fast food every day. I may like it, but it's very bad for your health."