With the cat wet food market accounting for over 70% of value share (IRI September 2015) and experiencing significant growth YOY (Euromonitor 2014), it’s more important than ever for pet food brands and retailers to understand what consumers want in cat wet food.

Consumer feedback has revealed that cat owners look for variety and innovation when choosing cat wet food, and want an option that offers great taste and provides their cat with a complete and balanced diet. Notably, owners referenced a desire to see real meaty chunks in their cat’s wet food, as well as increased flavour variety.

GREAT MEATY TASTE, HEALTH & VARIETY

IAMS® have responded to this insight, with the launch of their new wet cat food range, IAMS® Delights™.

IAMS® Delights™ that has an irresistible meaty taste and boasts quality meaty chunks that cats will love.



It’s available in 85g pouch formats, and nine flavour varieties, including Senior with Chicken in Gravy, Kitten with Chicken in Gravy, Salmon & Trout in Jelly, Tuna & Peas in Gravy, Chicken & Turkey in Gravy, Turkey & Duck in Jelly, Lamb & Pepper in Gravy, Beef & Liver in Gravy and Lamb & Liver in Jelly.

IAMS® know that it’s important to make every bowl count so as well as offering consumers a complete and balanced diet for their cat, IAMS® Delights™ is free from added gluten, artificial flavours, colourings or fillers.

Available to purchase in specialist pet shops national wide and priced from £4.89 for 12x85g pouches from November 2015. The range will be available individually in 85g pouches as well as in multiboxes of 12, 24 and 48 pouches. 

For more information visit the IAMS® website at www.iams.co.uk

It’s become apparent in the aquatics industry in recent years that there is a need for innovation in aquarium heaters. Many heaters prove unreliable, easily breakable and subsequently unsafe.

With this in mind, Tetra set themselves a challenge: to launch a new aquarium heater that has outstanding safety and durability at its heart.

Tetra’s ProLine Heater range offers high quality function and design, and is packed with features to enhance the fishkeeping experience and make it as stress-free and enjoyable as possible, enabling the fish keeper to enjoy a hassle free hobby. The shatterproof construction guarantees outstanding durability, and safety is further guaranteed with its unique double “Auto Shut Off” technology provided by two extra temperature detectors.

The ProLine Heater’s Ultra-Flat-Design offers various positioning options without being obtrusive, and semi-electronic Triac technology allows easy, accurate temperature regulation and even-spread heat distribution. The temperature of the heaters can be easily adjusted between 18°C to 36°C.

Tetra’s ProLine Heaters are available for aquariums between 20L and 400L in size and are priced at £20.50 - £31.50

Dave Hulse, Tetra’s Technical Consultant, comments: “Many of the traditional heater designs on the market typically use glass to encase the electrical element and more recently resin, however breakage is a danger factor. Now with the ProLine Heater Range this risk has been eradicated with the shatterproof construction and without the need to compromise on function, design or ease of use”.  

For more information about any products in the Tetra range and the app, please visit www.tetra.net/testapp or email info@tetra-fish.co.uk

The Primary Authority Scheme was developed by the Better Regulation Delivery Office to help cut red tape. Pet retail members of the Pet Industry Federation can opt in to participate in the scheme at no further cost to themselves or their business.

Chief executive Nigel Baker (left), said: "PIF believes that pet shops selling pets are the life-blood of the pet industry and when it is done well, they are a great place to educate new owners about responsible pet ownership.

"PIF retailers who sell pets go the extra mile in sourcing, caring for and passing on healthy pets to informed new owners, and they are subject to a rigorous licensing system to ensure that pets’ welfare remains paramount. For this reason, we have chosen to invest in a scheme that pays our bricks and mortar retail members’ dividends.

"PIF members regularly turn to their association for help with licensing, and we believe the Primary Authority scheme offers that help. By signing up to the scheme, PIF members opt-in to be inspected against the agreed inspection plan. If members within the scheme have any difficulties with their licence, they can phone PIF for support, and, if the inspection plan is not being followed or is being interpreted wrongly, we will liaise with the City of London Corporation to offer Assured Primary Authority Advice, which the local authority cannot ignore. It should also help get standardisation across more than one local authority.

"The scheme is really simple for PIF members. Just let us know if you’d like to opt-in and we can then sign you up to the Primary Authority Register. You’ll have access to the inspection plan and we’ll supply you with a template letter/email which you’ll need to send to your licensing officer."

The Federation and the City of London Corporation have jointly agreed to use the Model Licence Condition for Pet Vending 2013, published by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health as the basis inspection plan, these conditions having enormous credibility due to being developed by a large and representative stakeholder group.

"We’ve chosen to work with the City of London Corporation as they have enormously relevant experience," continued Nigel. "They were heavily involved in drawing up the 2013 MLCs, and his team inspect pet businesses all over Greater London, as well as managing the import and export of animals through Heathrow. Launching the scheme now is ideal, enabling us to ensure licensing officers are fully informed before the next round of licensing renewals at the end of the year."

The market for pet accessories is expected to have reached a value of over £800m in 2015 and is set for steady growth over the next four years, according to new report published by AMA Research.

The sector is considered to be relatively resilient to economic downturns and has generally experienced steady levels of growth over recent years - a performance which can be considered good in comparison with many other ‘home product’ markets.

Key influences within the pet accessories market are pet ownership levels, trends in the types of pet owned, a demand for more convenient products and the increasing humanisation of pets, with the latter representing one of the most important reasons for the resilience of the pet accessories market during the difficult economic climate. However, the market for pet accessories remains competitive and fragmented - and lower cost imports are a key feature in some product segments, such as toys.

Accessories for dogs and cats account for the highest sales, with a combined share of around 65% of the market, while fish and reptiles and small animal products each account for an estimated 12-16% share by value. While the reptile sector has levelled out following a boom period, a sustained market is expected into the longer term. Demand in the smaller dog sector is expected to continue to grow, with manufacturers increasing their ranges in this sector.

Some sectors of the market have performed better than others in recent years. Care products are the largest product sector, with over 40% of sales, and are regarded by most pet owners as essential and have continued to underpin the market. Sales of grooming products have also experienced growth in recent years as a result of rising demand for premium products and higher ownership levels of specialist and cross breeds, which require more regular grooming. The toys sector has become increasingly polarised, with cheaper products offered by some outlets, while demand for better quality and higher value products has also increased, helping to underpin a share of over 30% of the market.

The bedding sector has experienced a similar trend, while aquariums and other vivariums have experienced lower level growth, although demand continues to be buoyant, principally from hobbyists. Collars, leads & utility products represent another low growth market. However, the trend towards smaller dogs has seen most manufacturers introducing collar ranges to address this demand and the sector has also benefited in recent years from an increased demand for dog coats.

In terms of distribution, pet superstores account for the largest share of sales, though DIY/hardware and independent pet stores also represent an important channel with a combined share of around 20%. Sales through grocery multiples and via the internet have gained share in recent years, in line with changing consumer purchasing habits, and the internet/mail order channel is now estimated to account for over 10% of the market.

Future prospects for pet accessories are relatively optimistic and the market is forecast to experience steady growth rates until 2019. Care products are forecast to continue to underpin the market, while toys are expected to remain a key product sector, and growing interest in interactive and multi-functional toys is expected to continue.

“Factors expected to help underpin the market include demand for welfare, convenience, eco-friendliness and aesthetics, as well as product innovation - a key growth area at the moment appears to be products that incorporate technology, such as automatic feeders, toys, pet monitors and pet GPS trackers” said Andrew Hartley, Director of AMA Research.

The ‘Pet Accessories Market Report – UK 2015-2019 Analysis’ report is published by AMA Research, a leading provider of market research and consultancy services within the construction and home improvement markets. The report is available now and can be ordered online at www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724.

In the first half of the year the company has opened six Pets at Home and two Barkers stores.

Barkers is a new concept store especially for dogs, and Pets at Home launched the first store in Wilmslow, Cheshire. It comprises a food hall, accessory shop and dog spa, with 85% of the range exclusive to Barkers.

The award-winning PitPat, a wearable device that allows owners to see what activity their dog has been up to via their phone, was featured on Channel 5's popular The Gadget Show this week.

The innovative product was launched at PATS Telford in September where it won a New Product Award.

Aiming to help tackle the growing pet obesity epidemic in the UK, the product provides an excellent opportunity for pet retailers to tap into the high demand for wearable technology.

Small, lightweight and waterproof, PitPat continuously measures how active a dog is throughout the day and syncs with a free iOS or Android app. The app, then provides a breakdown of how much walking, running, playing and resting they've been doing and compares this to an exercise goal tailored to a dog's breed, age and weight.

Over time, owners can track progress to help keep their dog healthy and happy. The product allows owners to review how active their dog has been and offers added peace of mind for when they’re not around. Whether that’s checking up on how much exercise their dog got while they were in kennels, or how many minutes they walked with the dog walker that day.

You can view the PitPat coverage from The Gadget Sow by clicking here

With an estimated nine million pet dogs and eight million domesticated cats in the UK, stores are keen to cash in on festive share of the annual £5.4bn pet market. Advent calendars are a key part of the market and there is even an Advent calendar for rabbits and hamsters. However, the options for humans are more limited.

Out of the 20 million calendars produced for human consumption, less than 400,000 carry any mention of the Nativity, only two brands are Fairtrade and only one is charitable.

David Marshall, from the Meaningful Chocolate Company, manufacturers of The Real Advent Calendar, said: "Stores are happy to cater for pet owners but don't think Christians want to give children a quality Advent calendar which connects with the Christmas story – it's barking."

The Real Advent Calendar is the UK’s only Fairtrade, religious, charity option.

"Parents or grandparents looking for a calendar with religious or ethical content usually find nothing but superhero-themed calendars and £1 cheap chocolate versions on offer," said Marshall.

"Virtually no religious chocolate Advent calendars are on the market. There is a demand for them but they are not stocked by most major stores."

Webbox is appealing to the Great British public to nominate deserving dog shelters via Twitter and Facebook, to be in with the chance of securing a delivery of dogs Christmas dinners for them in-time for the festive season.

The manufacturer has pledged to deliver up to 1,000 free meals from its Natural Festive Dinner Tray range to shelters across the UK by the 25th December.

Julie Butcher, head of marketing at Webbox, comments: “Throughout November, we’re asking the nation to nominate dog shelters that they feel deserve to win these tasty festive dishes for their residents.

“Christmas is the perfect time of year to give something back to those less fortunate, and this year we want to help homeless dogs across the country.”

To nominate an animal shelter, simply tweet @WebboxPetFood or visit the Facebook page with your chosen charity and the reasons why they deserve to win, using the #DogsDinner.

The competition closes at midnight on Monday 30th November, when Webbox will select a number of the best entries and have the dinners delivered for Christmas.

Julie concludes: “Last year, we received so many fantastic photos of furry friends enjoying our free festive meals, and we are thrilled to be able to do it all again!

“We’ll be selecting dog shelters right across the UK, so get nominating now and make a homeless dog’s Christmas this year.”

For further information on Webbox, please visit www.webbox.co.uk.

Managing Director Richard Page said: “Support Dogs is a fantastic charity doing some amazing work to help people across Yorkshire.

"We might be the UK’s largest manufacturer of complete pet foods, but as a Yorkshire based company we couldn’t resist getting on board with the Yorkshire Post’s appeal to fundraise for Support Dogs in the region.

"In addition to sponsoring the appeal, we will be donating some of our dog food products as auction prizes - there’ll be a chance to win a year’s supply of food and treats twice in the coming weeks.”

If this wasn’t exciting enough Nutriment has also reached the final stages of this November’s UK start-ups and PIF awards. 

Suzanne said: "As a premium pet food provider PIF unquestionably sits at the very pinnacle of award recognition. This said, as an ambitious fledgling business we’re over the moon that our promising arrival within the GB’s blossoming premium pet food fraternity has been recognised by such prestigious awards as Start Ups and Every Woman because the UK’s growing band of successful, independently-owned pet food providers is a phenomenal story just waiting to be told."

The new Grey and Cream Snuggle Plush beds have a unique grey patterned plush on the outside and a soft luxury plush cream inner. There are three oval beds in this range as well as a cat pyramid and a deep round bed, which is suitable for both small dogs and cats. The luxurious plush makes these beds extra cosy and the neutral colour palette fits well with any home décor.

For a more modern twist on pet bedding why not stock our Grey Stripe and Tangerine Oval beds? The contemporary grey stripe fabric is currently on trend and the reversible cushion will allow your customers to add a splash of colour, should the wish, using the tangerine side of the cushion or use the reverse side for a completely grey and white striped bed.  This bed is available in three sizes to cater for a wide range of sizes and breeds!

New to the range this year, also, is a Luxury Plush Sofa in navy blue with a paw print design which is double zipped for easy washing. There’s also a tweed and teddy bear fleece round bed, available in two sizes as well as a matching mattress also available in two sizes. The neutral tweed outer is complemented by a soft teddy bear fleece inner making these beds just perfect for those chilly winter months!

Don’t forget its worth checking out the rest of Rosewood’s 40 Winks bedding range too if you’re looking for a collection of good quality beds in a range of fabrics, colours and sizes at very reasonable prices!  All beds, excluding those made using water resistant fabrics, can be machine washed at 30°C; another great unique selling point for your customers!

These 40 Winks pet beds are exclusively available in the UK from Rosewood Pet Products. Retailers can contact us on 01952 883408 for more details, go online at www.rosewoodpet.com or follow us on Twitter or Facebook.

A consultation on whether electronic training collars for cats and dogs should be banned or regulated in Scotland has been launched.

It comes after a number of requests for electric shock and vibration collars for animals to be banned.

The Scottish Government is formally seeking views over the next 12 weeks on whether the technology should be subject to tighter controls, or even prohibited altogether.

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said: “Scotland is a nation of animal lovers and protecting the welfare of our pets is of paramount importance.

“Over the past while, I have heard strong arguments for a ban on electronic training aids on the grounds of animal welfare.

“As well as valid concerns about the potential for misuse of some these devices, I have also been made aware of situations where these training aids, when used properly, have benefited animal welfare.

“This consultation seeks views on whether electronic aids in Scotland should be subject to tighter controls – like those in New Zealand and Victoria, Australia – or whether the devices should be banned outright, as has happened in other countries such as Wales, Denmark and Germany.

“I urge everyone in Scotland with an interest in the welfare of dogs and cats to have their say before this consultation closes on January 29, 2016.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to remind dog owners to ensure their animal is microchipped before it becomes compulsory next year.”

Johnston & Jeff  has launched high energy suet rolls in giant formats.

Perfect for bird tables, Johnston & Jeff’s RolyPolys have big buy-me appeal.

Made of pure suet, as are all JJ’s suet products. There ar no bulking agents just refined animal or vegetable fat, and one of the most concentrated easily metabolised instant energy foods.

ROLYPOLY: 500g suet roll. In ready-to-display box of 30.

JUMBO ROLYPOLY: 1000g suet roll. In ready-to-display box of 16.

Lolly Lee, Gardman’s Director of Business Development, commented: “Around 80% of all till purchases are impulse so, the importance of effective merchandising techniques cannot be emphasised enough.”

Oaktree Garden Centre & Nursery at Bracknell in Berkshire, is amongst many garden centres who have set up special displays to help drive wild bird care sales this autumn.  Working with Gardman’s marketing department, the centre gave their foyer a seasonal wild bird care makeover to wow customers as the entered the store.

“We wanted to create a compelling autumnal entrance display that would generate impulse sales and also entice customers to visit our wild bird care section instore,” said Phil Went, General Manager of Oaktree. “Gardman’s visual merchandising team managed the coordination of this fantastic theatre display and the results have been great, particularly bird tables, which have seen a definite uplift in sales.”

The company’s merchandising team has come up with five top tips for effective merchandising in your wild bird care department:

1.  Keep your wild bird care displays easy to shop by grouping product ranges together

2.  Draw customers in with an impactful display of bird tables and bird feeders

3.  Highlight seasonal lines with promotional POS to encourage increased basket spend

4.  Use free-standing display units (FSDU’s) to encourage sales of key and promotional lines; till point is a great place to catch customers so, try dual siting FSDUs here too!

5.  Gardman’s range of stands, plinths and gondola displays can easily add extra selling space to your wild bird care area, so be sure to discuss these merchandising solutions with your sales agent.

Seven-year-old Weimaraner Jake wolfed down the tasty treats whole (perhaps he’d heard it's British Sausage Week!) but began feeling ‘offal’ soon after.

Worried owner Lucy, from Gateshead, said: “Jake is a big, energetic dog with a huge appetite - he will eat anything although he particularly loves sausages, which he’s allowed as a treat now and then. One day I noticed he was unusually quiet, then he was sick and had diarrhoea. His chest and stomach became massively swollen – he was like a puffer fish. So I called PDSA straight away for advice.”

Lucy was advised it was an emergency and to bring him straight in. Vets at Gateshead PDSA Pet Hospital confirmed Jake was suffering from a potentially deadly condition called Gastric Dilation, which happens when the stomach twists causing a dangerous build up of gasses. Without treatment, it can be fatal within hours.

Jake needed emergency surgery. After a few tense hours, the family were relieved to hear the operation had been a success: “I was convinced we were going to lose him, so to hear he had pulled through was amazing – although I knew he wasn’t out of the woods yet,” said Lucy.

“The vets found four whole sausages in his stomach, which they think was the likely cause of his problem. We knew he loved sausages but had no idea he was literally swallowing them whole! We’ll definitely be cutting his food into smaller pieces from now on, to help him eat more slowly. It’s fantastic that PDSA is here to help, I’m very grateful for everything they’ve done for Jake – they saved his life.”

Jake went home the next day and, after plenty of rest, he thankfully made a full recovery following his bangers binge.

PDSA Vet Nurse Cheryl Nash explained: “Jake’s condition was incredibly serious – just another few hours and its likely he wouldn’t have made it. Gastric dilation, also known as a twisted stomach, can occur when dogs eat so fast that they take in air with their food, particularly if they exercise vigorously straight afterwards.

“Deep-chested dogs, such as Weimaraners and Great Danes, are more at risk of the condition. If you have a deep-chested breed, or your dog has a tendency to wolf down food in seconds, there are bowls specially designed to help slow them down a bit at meal times.”

Gateshead Pet Hospital is one of 51 PDSA Pet Hospitals across the UK treating the sick and injured pets of people in need. The charity performs more than 10,000 treatments every single day and helping more than 470,000 pets every year. The charitable veterinary service is funded entirely by generous public support, as PDSA receives no Government or National Lottery funding for this.  For more information visit www.pdsa.org.uk.

Bethan said: “The dogs took everything in their stride and following a few days of TLC they performed better than they ever have done - I had tears of pride for my dogs in my eyes for most of the time – one of the dogs even ran two days with Danny and then with me in my team with no sign of tiredness."

Danny took a fantastic 8th place on the bike – incredible as the class had some hugely experienced biking athletes and dogs that have the advantage of training full time. 

Bethan won Silver and the title of ‘Second Fastest 4 Dog Team in the World’ with a team of two 7 year olds and two 5 year olds averaging over 21 miles per hour!

Bethan say: "It's all about what you do with your dogs in the months before the race, the right food, supplements and of course training. There is no other dog sport that asks a dog to work as hard as they can for just the fun of it. 

"They stayed on the same feeding regime and kept their weights and condition well. Supplements like STORM Canis have a huge role in keeping the muscles fresh and CSJ’s Go On herbs gets maximum energy. 

"Thanks to CSJ and STORM Canis for their support...without them Silver may have not been achievable.”

Bethan and Danny's next generation of dogs are already showing signs of following in their kennel-mates’ footsteps  and Danny said: “We are very excited to see how they turn out for our future races - next year, the European Championships will be held in England."

For more photos and stories about Bethan and Danny’s amazing exploits visit CSJ’s website  www.csjk9.com