Pet Trade Innovations has announced the launch of Puppy Bamboodles – the latest extension of its award-winning range. Specially crafted for the puppy market, these chews are set to become an in-store essential for retailers seeking fresh, high-demand products that drive sales and repeat business.

What’s New?

Two Exciting Flavours:

• Salmon & Cranberry
• Chicken & Blueberry

Two Convenient Sizes:

• Small and Medium – perfect for puppies of all breeds and stages

Award-Winning Rebrand:

• Puppy Bamboodles are fully incorporated into the vibrant, eye-catching Bamboodles packaging that’s proven to stand out on shelves and attract today’s pet parents
•  

Why choose puppy Bamboodles for your store?

• Retail-ready appeal: Bright, engaging packaging and playful branding make Puppy Bamboodles a perfect fit for any in-store display—ideal for endcaps, puppy sections
• Proven sales driver: Bamboodles is already a top-performer in the dog chew category, and the new puppy range is poised to capture the booming puppy segment
• High repeat purchase potential: Puppies chew more, and pet parents are eager to treat them—driving frequent returns and basket growth
• Trusted quality: Made from a unique blend of bamboo and nylon, these chews are safe, durable, and recommended for healthy puppy development

Steve Driver, Managing Director at Pet Trade Innovations, commented: "Following the outstanding success of the Bamboodles brand, we are delighted to announce the launch of our new puppy range. This innovative formula has been carefully developed to support healthy puppy teeth, and features engaging scents designed to appeal to today’s pet owners. We believe Puppy Bamboodles will offer strong sales potential for retailers, provide an exciting solution for new dog owners, and quickly become a favourite toy among puppies.”

Available now for trade orders!

Puppy Bamboodles are shipping immediately to retail partners across the UK and Europe. With excellent margins and full marketing support, now’s the time to refresh your puppy offering and join the Bamboodles success story.

Contact for orders, samples, or POS materials on 01276 919808 or email office@pettradeinnovations.com

Make Puppy Bamboodles your next best-seller—order today and let the puppy love (and sales) roll in!

Availability

The rebranded Bamboodles products and new lines are available now through Pet Trade Innovations Ltd and our leading wholesale partners. For more information, visit pettradeinnovations.com or contact info@pettradeinnovations.com.

Paleo Ridge, one of the UK’s leading raw dog food companies, is starting 2026 by celebrating three years of its popular Essentials range, a value-led collection created to make high-quality raw feeding more accessible to dog owners across the UK.

To mark the milestone, Paleo Ridge is offering all Essentials products at £1.99 per pack throughout January,available to both direct customers and stockists. The initiative is designed to support dog owners during what can be a financially challenging month following the festive period.

The Essentials range was first launched in November 2022 in response to the cost-of-living crisis, with the aim of ensuring that dogs would not miss out on nutritionally balanced, natural food during a time of increasing financial pressure for households. At a point when rising costs were affecting many areas of daily life, Paleo Ridge became the first premium raw dog food brand to introduce a value range without compromising on quality, welfare, or nutritional standards.

Will Green, Director of Sales and Marketing says, “As costs continue to rise, offering affordable yet nourishing food has never been more important. Every dog deserves access to proper nutrition, regardless of wider economic challenges.”

The Essentials range consists of six complete mixed-protein recipes, made using high-welfare meat, 20% seasonal vegetables, and a small amount of olive oil. Each 500g pack is normally priced at £2.39, making it one of the most accessible options within the premium raw feeding market.

This celebration reflects Paleo Ridge’s ongoing commitment to its community, thanking loyal customers and stockists for their continued support while reinforcing the brand’s belief that feeding dogs a natural, raw diet should be accessible to as many households as possible.

Paleoridge.co.uk

BolognaFiere Group and Zoomark have announced the launch of PetBridge, powered by Zoomark, a new B2B exhibition designed to connect India’s rapidly expanding pet care sector with the global industry.

The event will debut in Mumbai, India, on 25-26 November 2026 at NESCO center, Bombai Exhibition Center (BEC), bringing international standards, sector-leading expertise and long-term industry vision into one unified platform, and marking a significant step in the Group’s broader international development strategy and strengthening its presence in Asia.

Conceived as a professional platform tailored to India’s evolving business landscape, PetBridge brings together the international expertise of BolognaFiere Group and Zoomark with the local insight of leading Indian partners. The project reflects a shared commitment to supporting companies as they navigate new commercial opportunities, build strategic relationships, and interpret the market with greater clarity.

As India’s pet economy accelerates, valued at USD 3.6 billion in 2024 and expected to exceed USD 7 billion by 2030, the industry is entering a phase of transformation driven by premiumisation, innovation and a fast-expanding community of pet-first households.  

With demand rising across food, health, services, retail and lifestyle, the market is ready for a world-class event that can consolidate growth and create new pathways for collaboration.

PetBridge responds directly to this momentum, offering a strategic gateway where India’s domestic ecosystem meets global opportunity.

Powered by Zoomark, one of the world’s most established and respected trade shows for the pet industry, built in partnership with Inspira Bridge Events, organisers of CMPL, India’s leading private-label event, PetBridge combines global authority with deep local insight.

Together, the partners are shaping an exhibition that reflects the needs of a market evolving at speed, and the ambition of companies ready to expand their footprint in India.

Antonio Bruzzone, CEO, BolognaFiere Group, said: “India is today one of the most dynamic pet care markets in the world, and the launch of PetBridge represents a decisive step in our global development path. We are bringing Zoomark’s international expertise to Mumbai and integrating it with the deep local market knowledge of our partners, to offer companies a platform where they can interpret market evolution, build new connections and create long-term value. With PetBridge, we are opening a new chapter in our presence in Asia and reinforcing BolognaFiere’s role as a platform that anticipates trends and supports companies in their growth journey.”

Luisa Bersanetti, Exhibition Manager, Zoomark, added: “PetBridge represents a natural evolution of our mission at BolognaFiere Cosmoprof.  We believe in events that create ecosystems, places where companies meet the right partners, discover new products, and find space to innovate. With PetBridge, we are contributing to the development of a show built around both the needs of the industry and the energy of India’s growing pet community.”

Vicky Menezes, Founder of Inspira Bridge Events and Show Director of PetBridge, commented: “PetBridge is designed as a serious business platform for a serious, fast-evolving industry. By combining India’s market realities with global best practices, we aim to create an ecosystem that supports both Indian companies scaling up and international brands entering the market with clarity and confidence.”

PetBridge will take place over two business-focused days, offering a professional environment designed to support sourcing, networking and commercial development across the full value chain of the pet care industry. The format is built around a strong B2B foundation, ensuring exhibitors, distributors, retailers, manufacturers, investors and service providers can engage in purposeful dialogue and high-quality networking.

As the show prepares for its first edition, PetBridge powered by Zoomark aims to establish itself as the bridge between India’s pet care future and the global industry, fostering meaningful partnerships, accelerating commercial growth and highlighting the potential of one of the world’s most promising markets.

Exhibitors and visitors interested in participating can register at: www.pet-bridge.com

Jollyes Pets, which reported a 6% increase in pre-Christmas sales compared to the previous year, is set to open four new stores by the end of February – Blackpool, Ponders End, Hartlepool and Whitehaven.

The award-winning retail group announced total sales growth of 10.4% for the key trading period of 1 to 24 December 2025, as pet owners balanced rising household costs with a continued desire to care for, and treat their pets this Christmas.

Jollyes’ strategy focuses on keeping prices low on the customers’ favourite items, while delivering better quality and choice for customers, making it easier for customers to treat their pets over Christmas.

With significant rises in food and vet bills over the year impacting household budgets, customers searching for great value have been switching to Jollyes, so they don’t need to compromise on the care for their pets and can reap the benefit of lower prices.

Cost-of-living pressures on pet parents are significant.  Figures from the Office for National Statistics show vet costs at the end of 2025 were almost 50 per cent higher than they were in 2020.

At the same time there are reports of increasing demand at UK pet food banks.  In late 2025 the RSPCA reported pet abandonment and neglect cases were at a five-year high because of these economic concerns.

In response, over Christmas Jollyes customers donated 424,000 tins of Lifestage cat and dog food to more than 150 local charities, food banks and animal rescue organisations across the country.

Additionally, Jollyes also donated £40,000 to five animal welfare and community charities across the UK.

Adam Dury, chief executive officer-designate at Jollyes, said: “We know how much pets are part of the family and how, even in tough economic times, their owners want quality, care and something special at Christmas for their Pets.

“In 2026, we’ll continue to make high-quality pet care accessible to all, investing in both range development alongside our commitment to low prices, as we deliver great value every day.”

Continued store expansion in 2026

Jollyes has also confirmed it planned to open in four new locations in the coming weeks, with store launches in Blackpool (24 January), Ponders End (6 February), Hartlepool (14 February) and Whitehaven (27 February).

The new openings follow seven store launches in the final weeks of 2025 and reflect Jollyes’ strategy of bringing affordable pet care, broader range and expertise closer to local communities.

Each new store is expected to create around eight local jobs, with recruitment underway at https://careers.jollyes.co.uk/. 

Over the past three years Jollyes has almost doubled the number of stores across the UK, becoming a clear challenger brand in the UK pet retail market.

It was named as one of The Sunday Times’ best big companies to work for in 2024, and in 2025 won the Retail Week Award for Head Office Heroes following its highly successful raw frozen food roll out.

New research from the Royal Veterinary College has revealed divided public attitudes in the UK towards crossbreeding flat-faced dogs. 

The UK public disagrees on whether crossbreeding improves or worsens the health, appearance and temperament of flat-faced dogs, with preferences relating to cute appearance and companionship often outweighing health concerns when owners decide which dog to acquire.

 These RVC findings provide novel and important insights into the beliefs of the UK public that can help address the ongoing serious dog welfare issues linked to breeding for extreme conformation and low genetic diversity in popular purebred flat-faced breeds.

Flat-faced dog breeds, such as Pugs, French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs, have become increasingly popular in the UK, with many owners drawn to their distinctive flat-faced, bulging-eyed, folded-skin and large-headed appearance. However, growing evidence shows that these extreme and unnatural body conformations are associated with severe, lifelong health and welfare problems, including breathing difficulties, eye and skin disease, spinal disorders and shortened lifespans.

In response to the international flat-faced dog crisis, crossbreeding is being explored in countries such as Finland to reduce extreme traits and support reduced health issues and suffering in future flat-faced dogs, if owners continue to demand these dog types. 

However, to ensure there will be meaningful health and welfare gains for these new dogs, further evidence is needed to understand the health outcomes with this approach, with current and planned RVC research exploring the health outcomes from crossbreeding flat-faced dogs. In addition, data exploring public attitudes towards crossbreeding is essential to determine if this approach is likely to be accepted and embraced as a ‘new normal’ for dog breeding.

RVC research, funded by the RSPCA, Animal Welfare Foundation and Blue Cross, was therefore conducted by Dr Rowena Packer, Senior Lecturer in Companion Animal Behaviour and Welfare Science; Dr Dan O’Neill, Professor of Companion Animal Epidemiology; Master’s student, Elizabeth Youens; and their research team to find out more about the public’s perceptions of crossbreeding.

This included a national online survey of 4,899 members of the UK public who were current and former dog owners, prospective owners or non-owners which examined their views on crossbreeding between brachycephalic and non-brachycephalic dogs, as well as wider attitudes to crossbreeding between non-brachycephalic breeds. For example, a Cockapoo as a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle.

The findings revealed that the wider UK public holds divided attitudes towards crossbreeding brachycephalic dogs. Improved health was the most commonly perceived benefit of crossbreeding, cited by 43.0% of non-brachycephalic crossbreed dog owners, 37.2% of non-brachycephalic purebred owners, 42.5% of brachycephalic crossbreed owners and 33.2% of owners of purebred brachycephalic dogs. Expected health gains were cited as relating to breathing, alongside less extreme facial conformation and fewer skin, eye and dental problems. 

Existing owners of crossbreed brachycephalic dogs were most likely to state that crossbreeding results in better temperament and improved appearance as positive reasons for crossbreeding compared to other ownership groups. Less commonly perceived benefits across all ownership groups included improved longevity and increased genetic diversity.

However, the wider UK public also expressed concerns about crossbreeding itself causing health issues, identified by 23.5% of purebred brachycephalic dog owners, and reduced predictability of appearance and temperament of crossbred dogs, which was identified as a drawback by 12.2% of owners of purebred brachycephalic dogs and 13.1% of owners of purebred non-brachycephalic dogs. 

Compared to other ownership groups, existing owners of purebred brachycephalic dogs were most likely to be concerned about the loss of pedigree or ‘purity’ of the dog’s genes as a result of crossbreeding, and to consider that there would be detrimental effects on appearance.

Fears that crossbreeding could worsen canine health overall by introducing the harmful brachycephalic traits into non-brachycephalic breeds were particularly common among non-brachycephalic owners. These concerns were cited by more than a quarter of respondents in this group, compared with just 9.6% of owners of purebred brachycephalic dogs. 

Some respondents expressed their core ethical objections to crossbreeding on the grounds that it is inappropriate for humans to interfere in dog breeding by crossing between pure breeds, despite all purebred breeds being recent human inventions in the last few hundred years.

The differing groups of dog owners within the UK public also showed very divided attitudes towards their own future plans for ownership of dogs. An expressed desire to only ever own a purebred dog was significantly more common in owners of purebred dogs compared to owners of crossbreed dogs. 

Only 16.6% of non-flat faced dog owners said they would consider a brachycephalic crossbreed, with many stating they would only do so if the dog were adopted from a rescue rather than purchased. In contrast, 55.2% of owners of purebred brachycephalic dogs and 51.8% of crossbred brachycephalic dogs said they would consider acquiring a brachycephalic crossbreed in the future. This significant proportion of purebred brachycephalic dogs considering acquiring a crossbred brachycephalic dog in the future offers opportunities to transition owners away from dogs with extreme conformation and associated negative health problems.

Further evidence is now needed on the health, welfare and temperament of brachycephalic crossbreeds. If those results show positive health gains, then this could reassure owners of the benefits of moving away from extremes and breed ‘purity’, and support human behaviour change initiatives. 

Evidence of acceptable health in this population, combined with public acceptance of crossbreeding could also support formal recognition of either ‘designer’ brachycephalic crossbreeds or less extreme, outcrossed versions of existing pure breeds by existing dog registration bodies, or the development of new registration bodies for this purpose.

Dr Rowena Packer, Senior Lecturer in Companion Animal Behaviour and Welfare Science at the RVC, and senior author of the paper, said: “This study shows that some public concerns about crossbreeding centre on the idea that it represents inappropriate human interference, or that it makes the health of offspring less predictable. In reality, all purebred dogs are the product of human choices, and some of those choices have led to highly predictable welfare harms, particularly in breeds with extreme body shapes such as French Bulldogs, Pugs and Bulldogs.

“If we accept that humans already shape dog populations, then we also have a responsibility to do it better. Breeding for innately healthier body shapes and greater genetic diversity through carefully planned, evidence-based crossbreeding that prioritises health over appearance offers a practical opportunity to translate that responsibility into improved welfare.”

Lauren Bennett, Scientific and Policy Officer in the Companion Animals Department at the RSPCA, said: “The RSPCA is very pleased to have supported this research, which demonstrates a potential shift away from brachycephalic dogs. It is really positive to see that a key motivator for the acquisition of brachycephalic crossbreeds is improved health and increased genetic diversity. This alone demonstrates that the public is becoming more aware of the significant health and welfare compromise conformational-related disorders cause. If greater evidence can be produced demonstrating that strategic crossbreeding is beneficial for health, welfare and temperament, more of the public may well then feel more confident in acquiring these dogs.”

Becky Thwaites, Head of Public Affairs at Blue Cross, said: “At Blue Cross, we all too often see French Bulldogs, Pugs and other brachycephalic dogs suffering due to their skull shape, and their compromised welfare is a direct result of humans breeding them to be this way. Responsible dog ownership starts with informed puppy purchase. It is encouraging that this research suggests many potential puppy purchasers are accepting of outcrossing where there are clear health benefits for the dogs. Every dog owner has the power to improve the future health of dogs by choosing only to buy a healthy puppy. By prioritising a dog’s health over what they look like, we can ensure they enjoy happy lives.”

From supporting franchisees in the very early days of a fledgling pet care business to helping guide one of the UK’s most established pet care franchises, Tracey Dawber’s 20-year journey mirrors the growth of Petpals itself. This year, Petpals’ much-loved Franchise Support Manager is celebrating two decades with the brand – a milestone made even more meaningful as Petpals marks its 25th anniversary.

Tracey joined the business at a time when the head office team consisted of just two people, working closely together to support a small but passionate network of franchisees. As Petpals has grown in size and stature, she has remained a constant and reassuring presence – helping shape the supportive, people-led culture that continues to define the brand.

Reflecting on those early days, Tracey credits Petpals’ values as the reason she has stayed for two decades. “When I joined Petpals, it felt much more like a family than a corporate brand,” she said. “There was a genuine sense that everyone cared – about the pets, about the franchisees and about each other.

“A huge part of that comes from Kevin Thackrah, Petpals Director, whose leadership has shaped the business throughout its evolution. Kevin has grown Petpals with real empathy, always understanding the realities and ever-changing challenges of working within a small team. His supportive and approachable nature has created an environment where people feel listened to and valued. Even as the business has grown, that feeling has never gone away, and that’s what’s kept me here.”

Over the years, Tracey’s role has evolved alongside the franchise network itself. Having been involved in almost every aspect of the business in its early stages, she now plays a key role in recruiting and onboarding new franchisees – supporting them at every stage of their journey whilst still remaining closely involved with the network, offering ongoing guidance, reassurance and practical support.

She has also witnessed firsthand the increasing professionalism of the brand as it has expanded. “The biggest change I’ve seen is how much the network has grown and evolved,” she explained. “We’ve expanded our services, embraced technology and strengthened our systems, while still making sure franchisees feel personally supported. That balance is really important to us.”

Despite the changes, Petpals’ commitment to delivering high-quality, compassionate pet care has remained unwavering – something Tracey believes is central to the brand’s success.

“Everything we do comes back to trust, compassion and putting pets first,” she said. “That consistency has always been there, and it’s one of the things that makes Petpals so special.”

For Tracey, the most rewarding aspect of her role continues to be supporting franchisees as they grow in confidence and build successful businesses. “Many people join Petpals unsure of themselves at first,” she said. “Watching them develop, overcome challenges and genuinely enjoy what they do is incredibly rewarding. Knowing I’ve played a small part in helping people change their lives for the better is something I’m really proud of.”

As Petpals celebrates its 25^th year, Tracey is also taking on a personal challenge in support of animal welfare. As part of the anniversary celebrations, she will be running the London Marathon for the fourth time in 2026, raising vital funds for PDSA – a charity that provides free and low-cost veterinary care to pets in need, and a cause close to her heart.

Looking ahead, Tracey remains enthusiastic about the future of the brand and the opportunity to support the next generation of Petpals franchisees. “Pet care is more important than ever,” she said. “There’s a real opportunity to continue growing the network while staying true to our values, and I’m excited to be part of what comes next.”

Commenting on Tracey’s milestone, Kevin said: “Tracey is quite simply at the heart of Petpals. Her knowledge, compassion and commitment to our franchisees and their pets have helped shape the business we are today. Celebrating her 20 years with us in our 25^th anniversary year feels incredibly fitting, and we’re immensely proud to have her as part of the Petpals family.”

To donate to Tracey’s fundraiser for PDSA, visit www.justgiving.com/page/tracey-dawberpdsa

For more information on franchise investment opportunities with Petpals, visit

www.petpals.com/purchase-a-new-franchise

Direct4Pet, one of the country’s largest online veterinary approved pet retailers, is backing a campaign to get people out walking their dogs in the winter months by offering advice to dog owners on how to prepare for those wintery walks. 

Walk Your Dog Month is an international initiative designed to dust off those January blues and get people out and about, to meet other dog walkers and improve their own and their dogs’ well being. It is an ideal opportunity to lose a few pounds that have been put on during the festive season and also to help avoid pet obesity.

The third Monday in January is officially known as Blue Monday (19 January) and is based on a formula which calculates the weather conditions, the level of debt, the time since Christmas, time since failing our New Year’s Resolutions and low motivational levels.

To combat the January blues many people believe that this is a good time to start exercising, take up an activity you have wanted to do for ages and enjoy time with friends and family. Being with your four-legged friend also gives pet owners the opportunity to strengthen the bond between owner and dog as they enjoy long winter walks together. 

Lynne Jones, owner of Therapeutic Mentoring who coaches individuals in all aspects of mental health and is a dog owner herself says: “The simple act of taking your dog for a walk every day is beneficial not only for your health and well-being but the love and connection that this daily routine also provides helps to nurture you emotionally and spiritually as well.”

Garry Howard, Director of Direct4Pet believes that it is vitally important to exercise your dog in the winter months and to feed a good diet to improve your dog’s immune system and to protect the joints, coat and with quality supplements.

As well as feeding your dog a nutritious diet and supplements, Garry advises that you should:

• Make sure that they have a warm protective coat on and a strong collar and lead that are reflective in some way so that they are visible in the dark nights or in bad weather. 
• Make sure to dry their coats and paws after a walk and if out in snowy conditions, wash their paws to make sure that there is no salt left in the pads and fur as this can lead to issues if they lick their paws and moisturise them to stop cracked skin using a paw balm. Keep the fur short around the paws as well and preferably wear boots in snowy weather. Nose balm will also help to protect your dog’s noses from the winter rays and the cold.
• It is also important to plan ahead and look for cues if your dog has had enough of the cold.
• Carry a first aid kit with you if walking in remote areas and carry a flash light.
• Carry a drink for yourself and your dog.

As a UK-based, RCVS-registered veterinary pharmacy and pet-care retailer, Direct4Pet provides a full range of products — prescription medicines, food, supplements, accessories and everyday essentials — all overseen by qualified veterinary professionals. Products to cater for these needs can be found on their online store. 

Here are some ways to participate in this year’s Walk Your Dog Month.

• Commit to Daily Walks: Pledge to walk your dog every day in January, regardless of the weather.
• Discover New Routes: Explore different walking paths, parks, and nature trails to keep your dog engaged and excited.
• Involve the Whole Family: Encourage family members to participate in dog walks, making it a shared activity.
• Set Goals: Challenge yourself and your dog by setting walking goals, such as increasing the distance or trying new activities like hiking.
• Observe Safety: Ensure your dog is safely leashed during walks and equipped with proper identification.
• Socialise: Use dog walks as an opportunity for your furry friend to socialise with other dogs and people at dog-friendly parks.
• Document the Journey: Capture memorable moments during your walks and share them on social media using dedicated hashtags.
• #WalkYourDogMonth
• #DogExercise
• #HealthyPets
• #DogWalking
• #HappyDogs

For further information visit: www.direct4pet.co.uk

LitPet has launched its range of award-winning supplements based on herbal Traditional Chinese Medicine in a new paste format.

 LitPet's new Meaty Mix is a series of functional nutritional pastes for cats and dogs, designed as daily supplements to target specific wellness needs. They come in pouches containing 10 sticks in each pack with a RRP of £12.00. 

Made in the UK, and veterinary developed, these grain-free pastes combine traditional herbs with natural and science-backed ingredients to support specific needs like digestion, joint health, stress relief, and urinary health.

Bone Boost & Joint Care

Contains 30mg Ovo pet eggshell, 75mg Type II collagen, glucosamine, and turmeric for cartilage repair and mobility. It also contains chicken breast (40%), salmon (30%), water, chicken liver, egg white, green-lipped mussel,  egg yolk , flaxseed, and astragalus .It is ideal for breeds prone to hereditary joint and bone issues, middle-aged and senior pets with reduced mobility, pets recovering from orthopaedic surgery and for kittens and puppies in rapid growth phases

Digest Well

Focuses on balanced gut flora, using ingredients like lactose-free goat milk and reishi mushroom. Perfect also for improving intestinal health and boosting immunity. Other ingredients also include chicken breast (70%), water, chicken liver, egg white, egg yolk, flaxseed powder, and hydrolysed yeast.

Pawsitive Calm

Uses natural ingredients to reduce anxiety without sedation and is ideal for travel, visits to the vets or stress. Ingredients include chicken breast, water, egg yolk powder, chicken fat, bovine colostrum powder, calcium caseinate (lactium®) and, L-Theanine.

Urinary Guard

A functional paste in duck flavour designed to protect and support your pet’s urinary health. Packed with cranberry extract and a carefully selected herbal formula, it’s perfect for pets prone to urinary issues or those needing daily urinary care. Key ingredients include chicken breast (54%), water. duck breast (16%), chicken liver, egg white, egg yolk, crushed cranberry, flaxseed, astragalus, psyllium husk and, ginkgo leaf.

LitPet’s Meaty Mix sticks can be feed straight from the sachet as a tasty treat or mixed with your pet’s food. Daily dosage depends on the size of the cat or dog.

Director Stephen Hu said, “We are getting so much positive feedback for Meaty Mix, and we have already experienced sell-outs. Meaty Mix sticks allow customers to introduce our Traditional Chinese Medicine herbal supplements to their pets in an affordable and treat format. We continue to supply our supplement powders in a large and small tubs and with the edition of Meaty Mix, we are now able to offer customers with a selection of options to fit any size of pet and budget.”

Litpet’s products should be used as preventative care and are designed to be used over a period of time to get the full impact.

LitPet is the Gold Award Winner for the Best New Business Award and a Silver Award Winner for its Pawsitive Powder at the 2025 PetQuip Awards. The company was also a finalist in the 2025 Pet Industry Federation Innovation Awards.

To find out more about LitPet visit: www.litpet.co/en-uk

UK cat and dog owners are hoping to make 2026 the happiest year yet for their pets by embracing light-hearted New Year’s resolutions. This is according to new research from Purina PRO PLAN, part of Nestlé Purina PetCare Europe, which found almost half (49%) of UK dog and cat owners are making New Year’s resolutions for their pets.

The survey, part of Purina PRO PLAN’s ongoing ‘Like a PRO’ campaign, revealed owners are mirroring their own resolutions with their pets. This reflects a growing trend toward treating pets as members of the family, with nearly two thirds (64%) pledging to prioritise their furry friends’ health and wellbeing more in 2026.

When asked about which 2026 pet trends they would consider trying, more than a quarter (28%) are planning pet-friendly holidays while a fifth (20%) are looking for more paw-friendly restaurants and are planning pet birthday parties (19%).

The survey also found that nearly half (47%) of pet owners have committed to improving their pets’ diets with higher-quality nutrition, while 43% aim to ramp up their pets’ exercise routines in 2026. This aligns with Purina PRO PLAN's commitment to provide high-quality pet food, developed by a team of Purina nutritionists and vets, to help dogs and cats lead active, healthy and long lives.

For some, this focus on wellbeing means more indoor bonding during the colder months, with 30% of owners committing to interactive play sessions indoors. In contrast, 28% are looking to explore the great outdoors, planning pet-friendly hikes and outdoor adventures.

Owners are also turning to technology to support their pet-parenting goals, with 21% planning to embrace health-tracking smart collars to monitor their pets’ wellbeing – mirroring the way many owners use wearable tech to track their own health and fitness.

UK pet owner’s biggest wish for 2026 is a heartfelt one, with 32% hoping their furry friend could live forever.  More than two fifths (42%) of owners are focused on spending more time bonding one on one with their furry companions in the year ahead.

The survey is the latest milestone in Purina PRO PLAN’s ‘Like a PRO’ campaign starring a professional squad of tennis players and their pets, including tennis legend Andy Murray and his adorable puppy, Bonnie. Just as top tennis players give it their all on the court, PRO PLAN is encouraging pet owners to do the same for their four-legged family members.

Andy Murray said: “We’ve made a few New Year’s resolutions this year, and Bonnie has been included as she’s very much part of the family. We’ve all agreed we’ll be throwing her a birthday party when she turns one this year and the kids will love that.

“Her health and training have been a big focus for us so far and this remains a priority as we kick off 2026, especially as we navigate the tricky teenage phase! Feeding Bonnie Purina PRO PLAN has made such a positive difference in her first year, and it’s reassuring to know it’ll continue to support her long-team health and wellbeing, helping us to achieve our goals in the year ahead.”

Harriet Morley, Specialist Channel Director, Northern Region, PURINA Europe, said: “It comes as no surprise to us that so many pet owners are making New Year’s resolutions for their pets - after all, they’re cherished members of the family. Our findings highlight the growing focus on health and wellbeing, which aligns with the mission of our ‘Like a PRO’ campaign to inspire pet owners to care for their pets like a PRO. We’re proud that Purina PRO PLAN can help turn those resolutions into reality with our range of high-quality pet food.”

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A man has been sentenced to six years in prison at Lincoln Crown Court after being convicted of a pet shop robbery and breaching his Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).

Nathan Lewis, 25, of Coleridge Gardens in Lincoln, pleaded guilty and received a five-year sentence for robbery, and one year for breaching his CBO.

The incident took place at Rovers Return Pet Shop on Wolsey Way. Afyter entering the shop Lewis placed a handful of cat treats in a bag.

When challenged by the shop worker, he proceeded to assault her by punching her repeatedly and pushing her to the floor. She sustained injuries to her head, bruising to her legs and cuts to her hand.

By entering the pet shop, Lewis had breached his CBO and activated a suspended sentence that had been imposed for a series of shop thefts in the Lincoln and East Lindsey areas.

One of the conditions of his CBO was not to enter any retail store in Lincoln except for Poundland on the High Street and the Co-Op on Monks Road.

In a Facebook post, the Rover’s Return Pet Shop said: “We want to thank Lincolnshire Police for everything they have done for bringing this case to court and a positive outcome.”

Gardenex and PetQuip rounded off 2025 with a series of highly effective Meet the Buyer events, reaffirming their long-standing value to member companies across the garden and pet sectors.

A fixture in the trade calendar, the Meet the Buyer programme once again delivered tangible results at the end of 2025, with two carefully curated events organised by the federation’s team last month.

Footprint Products Canada

Footprint Products is an importer and distributor specialising in innovative products for the lawn and garden, outdoor living, electrical and hardware sectors.

Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company supplies and services customers across Canada, working with major DIY and home improvement chains including Canadian Tire, Rona and Home Depot Canada, as well as garden centre retailers such as Botanix and Sheridan Nurseries.

Over two days of online meetings hosted by Gardenex and PetQuip, representatives from Home to Garden, Strata Products, SoilWorx, Pet Rebellion, Buddycare, DotDotPet, Group 55 (Animology) and Scruffs held extremely productive discussions with Footprint Products’ CEO.

“A big thank you to Gardenex who were extremely helpful in matching my new supplier needs and arranging the meetings. Overall, it was a brilliant success and we will be introducing many new UK products into Canada as a result of their work”, commented Richard Goba, CEO Footprint Products.

Joybuy/JD.com

New to the UK, JD.com is a leading retail and technology company, listed on NASDAQ and HKEx, and is China’s largest retailer by value. Joybuy is JD.com’s new European online retail business, bringing trusted brands, high quality products and value to customers across the UK and Europe.

For consumers, Joybuy provides a one-stop shopping experience with same-day and next-day delivery. For suppliers, it offers a traditional retailer model with fast onboarding and no involvement in after-sales service or returns, allowing brands to focus on growth and expansion across European markets. 

Currently in the beta/testing phase, Joybuy will formally launch in early 2026.

Last month, Gardenex and PetQuip hosted an in-person Meet the Buyer event at Joybuy’s offices in Central London. Seven meetings were held with the buyers, with VegTrug, ALM Manufacturing and SBM participating from the garden sector and Petface, Lily’s Kitchen, Ancol and Buddycare taking part from the pet industry.

“The launch of Joybuy into the UK is very exciting and we were delighted to be the first trade association to facilitate meetings with their buying team. The meetings are on course to have very positive outcomes and we look forward to offering more opportunities as Joybuy moves into its launch stage” commented Joe Denham, Director General, Gardenex and PetQuip.

Meet the Buyer opportunities in 2026

Planning is already underway for a comprehensive programme of Meet the Buyer events in 2026, featuring a mix of online and in-person opportunities, as well as hosted buyer meetings at the UK’s key trade shows.

Online meetings are currently being arranged with leading Dutch/Belgian marketplace Bol on 4 February (pet) and 5 February (garden) and with US importer/distributor Arett (garden) on 11 February.  Please contact eleanor@gardenex.com for more information and to apply for a place. 

“We are putting together a regular calendar of Meet the Buyer events for the year ahead, which will give our members significant potential for business with some of the brightest and best companies in the UK and international markets” explained Joe Denham.

Suppliers, retailers and distributors who are interested in participating in the Gardenex and PetQuip series of events in 2026 should contact eleanor@gardenex.com

For details of Gardenex membership, please email info@gardenex.com or visit www.gardenex.com

For details of PetQuip membership, please email info@petquip.com or visit www.petquip.com

Mars Incorporated has announced that Marc Carena has been appointed new Global President for its  $30bn petcare business.

Carena joined Mars in 2022 as Regional President Mars Snacking Europe, Central Eurasia & International Travel Retail and has since delivered exceptional results in a role spanning 55 markets. 

Prior to joining Mars, he was a Managing Director for McDonald's in Russia leading more than 60,000 employees and turning it into the fastest-growing market in their Top 20. He also has extensive retail and FMCG experience from roles at Metro Group and Nestlé and is Vice-President of the European Food and Drink Association, which represents the interests of FMCG companies in Europe.

"Marc is the right person to lead Mars Petcare into its next chapter. His track record for delivering results whilst driving ambitious change - with the customer and consumers always at the centre - will help to ensure our business will continue to thrive in an ever-changing landscape," said Poul Weihrauch, CEO of Mars, Incorporated. 

"Marc brings a wonderful mix of experience from different business models and geographies, combined with a people centric leadership style – and like all our Associates in Petcare, it helps that he loves pets!"

Carena said: "I am proud to have the opportunity to lead this incredible business. We have the privilege of providing pets and pet owners with products, services and innovative solutions that make their lives better and easier. With more than 100,000 passionate Associates around the world and incredible brands, science and healthcare businesses I'm looking forward to leading the next phase of growth and continuing to deliver on our purpose: A Better World for Pets."

Grantham-based Henry Bell & Co has started the year with a splash by becoming a main sponsor of the town’s RotarySwimarathon – an annual fundraising event to support local charities, clubs and organisations.

Now in its 37th year, the three-day Swimarathon, organised by the Rotary Club of Grantham, will take place from 6 to 8 February at the Grantham Meres Leisure Centre, where teams perform relay swims, backed by the community’s many schools, clubs and businesses, as well as family groups. It is the biggest fundraising event in the area, with more than 1,400 taking part and an army of volunteers.

“We are delighted to sponsor this fantastic local event,” said Henry Bell Managing Director Thomas Lee. “We are a company with an international presence, but we have also been part of Grantham for 200 years. Our place in the community is incredibly important to us and we are proud to give back to the town and the surrounding area by supporting an activity that does so much to help local causes.”

The RotarySwimarathon has raised £1,078,000 since 1990 and in 2025 smashed its all-time annual record to raise £55,000, which was handed out to 40 organisations, ranging from £150 to buy the local Brownie group a new tent to £4,000 for the Air Ambulance.

To find out more about this exciting fundraising initiative, which won the Best Social Enterprise Award 2025 in the Grantham Journal Business Awards, visit https://rotaryswimarathon.org/

Ornamental Fish International (OFI) has announced the introduction of its new Platinum Membership, the highest level of membership within the organisation.

This new tier has been established to recognise and engage industry leaders and champions who play a strategic role in shaping the future of the global ornamental aquatic trade.

The OFI Platinum Membership is designed for organisations and individuals with significant influence across the aquarium fish value chain, including production, trade, policy engagement, research, and sustainability initiatives. Platinum Members are positioned as key partners of OFI, contributing to high-level dialogue, strategic direction, and industry representation at international forums.

“Platinum Membership reflects OFI’s commitment to working closely with industry leaders who are prepared to actively contribute to responsible trade, evidence-based policymaking, and long-term sustainability,” said Jonathan Poh, OFI Secretary General. “As regulatory scrutiny and public expectations continue to increase globally, strong leadership and coordinated industry engagement are more important than ever.”

Platinum Members will benefit from enhanced strategic engagement with OFI, including priority access to regulatory briefings, policy discussions, and industry insights, as well as elevated visibility and recognition across OFI platforms. They will also play a key role in supporting OFI’s mission to represent, protect, and advance the aquarium industry worldwide through their influence and supply chains.

The introduction of the Platinum tier complements OFI’s existing membership structure, providing a clear pathway for deeper involvement and leadership within the organisation, while reinforcing OFI’s role as the global voice of the aquarium fish industry.

More information on OFI Platinum Membership, including eligibility and benefits, is available at www.ofish.org/join-us.

CSJ’s original aim over 20 years ago was to produce the highest quality dog feed at an affordable price.

That still holds true and with its ‘no compromise on quality ethos’ CSJ is constantly attracting more and more customers as owners increasingly look to make every penny count.

Founder Ceri Rundle explains, “We’re farming people and dogs have been the focus of our lives for generations - working with dogs, being around dogs and now supporting dog sports. 

It started when we couldn’t find suitable feed for our own Border Collies and took a massive step by engaging with top nutritionists and vets to make our own dog food!

We carefully choose all our ingredients for the nutrients they provide and source the very best natural, British ingredients for our ranges of feeds, herbs, supplements and treats – free from additives and harmful chemicals. 

Whether rich in real chicken, lamb, salmon or white fish all our products are highly palatable and digestible - we feed Champions in every field of canine activities (e.g. Max Glover’s dogs), and have legions of customers who have now fed CSJ to generations of their dogs.”

Ceri adds, “Look at the dogs and their achievements - whether their involvement is in showing, agility, flyball, field sports etc., etc., - the dogs are testament to our continued commitment to provide AFFORDABLE FEED WITH NO COMPROMISE ON QUALITY.”

For more on CSJ products visit www.csjk9.com or call 01745710470

The PetFellas has added Be:Loved and Dog Rocks to its growing portfolio of pet-industry brands following a new UK distribution agreement announced today. The partnership will see The PetFellas supply the collection of beautiful Be:Loved products and Dog Rocks to retailers across the UK.

Be:Loved is a trusted expert in animal healthcare, with their holistic approach and using almost entirely natural ingredients, they have created a luxurious, affordable, effective range of wellness & lifestyle care & grooming products for pets & their people.

Gerard O’Mahony, Director at The PetFellas, commented: “This partnership gives retailers access to brands that deliver on product performance and margin. Be:Loved fits perfectly with our strategy of representing brands that provide strong sell-through, reliable supply, and a clear point of difference in store.”

Carina Evans, Founder at Be:Loved and Dog Rocks, added: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with The PetFellas as they establish themselves as a leading name in UK pet wholesaling. Their team brings impressive industry knowledge, deep market understanding, and the strong operational foundation of The FoodFellas, all of which make them an ideal and exciting partner for the Be:Loved brand.

“At Be:Loved, we’re dedicated to creating products that are as kind to pets as they are to the planet. The PetFellas share that same commitment to quality, trust, and innovation, and together we’re excited to bring retailers and pet owners a range that truly stands apart.

“Our partnership reflects a mutual desire to deliver high-quality, trusted and sustainable products to the pet sector, strengthening the presence of British-made, purpose-driven brands in the UK market.

“The PetFellas launched with a commitment to offering a more transparent, partnership-driven approach to distribution, focusing on emerging and challenger brands aligned with quality, innovation and values. Be:Loved and Dog Rocks join the company’s expanding portfolio as it continues building a curated product line for UK trade partners.”

Danish Design Pet Products Ltd has announced the restructuring of its wholesale supply strategy to strengthen its service to customers across the pet and equestrian sectors.

Moving forward, Danish Design will exclusively partner with Su-Bridge Pet Supplies to support the pet industry and Trilanco Ltd to serve the equestrian market. 

“These partnerships are designed to ensure that our full range of high-quality products remains widely accessible through streamlined wholesale channels,” said a company spokesperson.

“Our commitment to customers remains at the heart of this decision. By working closely with these partners, we aim to maintain fair and competitive pricing across the market while continuing to deliver the exceptional quality and design that Danish Design is known for.

“We believe this approach will provide greater efficiency, improved availability, and enhanced support for retailers, helping them meet the needs of pet owners. 

“We value the relationships we have built over the years and appreciate the support of all our wholesale partners; however this change is driven by our dedication to delivering the best possible experience for retailers and pet owners alike.”

Danish Design and its licensed brands (Battersea, Fat Face and Laura Ashley) will be supplied by Danish Design Pet Products Ltd, Su-Bridge Pet Supplies and Trilanco Ltd from 1st March 2026.

Global leader in heat transfer, separation, and fluid handling solutions, Alfa Laval, has partnered with GA Petfoods to facilitate the production of world-class kibble.

Based in Lancashire, GA Petfoods supplies private-label pet food to hundreds of partners across the world, cultivating its recipes to offer industry-high levels of fresh meat and fish content within its products.

Originally partnering with Alfa Laval over a decade ago, the ongoing collaboration sees GA Petfoods harness Alfa Laval’s separation and thermal transfer technologies to tap into cutting-edge production techniques, allowing both process efficiency and fresh meat content to be maximised.

Scott Morley, Head of Design at GA Petfoods, said: “What we’re doing at GA Petfoods is driven by increasingly conscious pet owners across the world. Many are no longer content with an off-the-shelf, dry-rendered kibble that’s lacking in flavour and nutritional value. Pet owners are now demanding the same standards for their companions’ food as they are for their own, which means higher fresh meat inclusion.

“This is something that we have been pushing the boundaries of for many years, and Alfa Laval’s kit has been central to taking this as far as we possibly can to extract every drop of value from our feedstocks.”

Using locally sourced ingredients from trusted farms and fisheries, GA Petfoods cooks ingredients such as Aberdeen Angus beef and Scottish salmon at exactly 82°C, retaining their characteristic flavours and preserving protein content.

After cooking, an Alfa Laval OilPlus decanter allows the oil to be separated from the meat slurry for maximum control over both flavours and nutritional content. The slurry is then fed into an AlfaFlash plate flash evaporator, allowing moisture content to be reduced drastically – from 90% to 50% - before entering the extruder for final processing, offering a major increase in efficiency.

Meanwhile, the separated oil is fed into an Alfa Laval high-speed separator for purification, enhancing the quality even further into a human-grade product that can be used for coating the finished kibble, offering maximum palatability.

Dan Tasker, Account Manager for Alfa Laval’s Food & Water Division, concluded: “GA Petfoods can be seen as the benchmark for the entire pet food manufacturing industry. They lead the way in fresh meat inclusion and nutritional value, which is why so many private-label brands turn to them.

“This long and happy partnership existed long before I joined the company, but is one that I have already seen expand and grow in my time at Alfa Laval. It is our pleasure to support GA Petfoods in the production of the world’s finest pet food, and I hope that other manufacturers look at this collaboration with a view to emulating its success.”

Find out more about Alfa Laval’s pet food processing solutions.

Find out more about GA Petfoods.