British raw dog food specialist The Dogs Butcher has officially relaunched under a new name: DIBO Finest. The rebrand marks the next chapter for the trusted raw feeding brand, bringing a refreshed identity while staying true to the principles, quality, and standards that have defined it for more than a decade.

Based in the heart of Devon, The Dogs Butcher built its reputation on a simple belief: only the very best is good enough for dogs. That belief remains unchanged. As DIBO Finest, the brand continues to produce premium raw dog food using responsibly sourced, high-welfare British meat, prepared with care, transparency, and expertise.

“While the name and design have evolved, our mission hasn’t,” says Vanessa Semmens, MD. “This is still the same food, made by the same people, to the same uncompromising standards. DIBO Finest reflects who we are today and where we’re going, without losing what made customers trust us in the first place.”

New design, same quality

The new DIBO Finest identity introduces a bold, butcher-inspired design that celebrates the brand’s heritage and craftsmanship, while improving clarity and navigation for customers. Updated packaging makes it easier to understand product formats, protein choices, and feeding options at a glance, supporting informed and confident raw feeding decisions.

Behind the new look is the same meticulous approach to raw nutrition. DIBO Finest follows a true 80:10:10 model, produces a chunky 13mm grind for optimal texture, and champions protein variety – including novel proteins such as alpaca, muntjac, and goat – to support balanced rotation and nutritional diversity.

Rooted in Devon, trusted nationwide

From its Devon facility, DIBO Finest produces and ships over 20 tonnes of raw dog food every week to customers across the UK. All meat is carefully sourced from trusted suppliers, with a strong preference for local farms and long-standing relationships built on welfare, transparency, and consistency.

Every decision is guided by one simple question: Would we feed this to our own dogs? If the answer is no, it doesn’t make it into the range.

Part of The Nutriment Company

Since 2025, DIBO Finest has been part of The Nutriment Company, Europe’s leading provider of natural premium pet nutrition. Being part of the group strengthens the brand’s ability to invest in quality, innovation, and growth, while retaining its independence, expertise, and hands-on approach to raw feeding.

Looking ahead

The transition to DIBO Finest is already underway across digital platforms, packaging, and communications. Customers may see a mix of old and new branding during the changeover period, but can be assured that the food inside remains exactly the same.

This rebrand represents not a change in direction, but a clearer expression of what the brand has always stood for: the best for the best.

For more information on The Nutriment Company visit http://www.nutriment.com

Beloved Petz, the trusted British pet wellness brand known for its honest, effective, and pet‑friendly grooming solutions, has unveiled two new products designed to tackle one of the most common cosmetic challenges faced by dog owners: tear stains. 

Be:Clear Tear Stain Balm and Be:Clear Tear Stain Minerals provide an innovative dual‑solution system that works from the outside in and inside out to restore a pet’s natural glow.

The Be:Clear Tear Stain Balm is a soothing topical treatment made with a protected and unique blend of gentle, plant‑based ingredients that nourish delicate skin around the eyes while helping to reduce discolouration. 

The balm is packed with natural oils and waxes to create a protective barrier, making it perfect for dogs prone to irritation or staining, especially breeds with lighter coats. Easy to apply, it offers groomers and owners a clean, effective way to promote eye‑area hygiene without harsh chemicals or synthetic additives.

Working from within, the Be:Clear Tear Stain Minerals support healthy tear production and balanced gut function. These mineral rocks naturally reduce the formation of tear stains at the source. By focusing on digestive and immune health, Be:Clear Tear Stain Minerals complement the Balm perfectly, creating a comprehensive regime for visible, lasting results.

A win for retailers too

• High repeat purchase potential – Ideal for ongoing pet care, ensuring steady customer return.
• Eye‑catching on‑shelf presentation – Premium, eco‑friendly packaging that reflects modern pet owner values.
• Complementary product duo – Encourages cross‑selling opportunities between grooming and nutrition.
• British‑made quality – Trusted manufacturing standards and transparent ingredient sourcing, keeping confidence high at the point of sale.

For retailers, the Be:Clear range offers strong commercial appeal. With the UK pet care market continuing its upward growth trajectory – particularly in the natural health and grooming sectors – the Be:Clear range offers retailers a strong commercial opportunity. 

Both the Balm and Minerals products provide excellent margin potential thanks to their premium positioning and repeat‑purchase nature. Their compact, attractive packaging makes them ideal for impulse‑buy displays near grooming or supplement sections, while the cohesive branding encourages cross‑category merchandising. With consumer demand rising for clean‑label, British‑made pet wellness products that deliver visible results, Be:Clear helps retailers capture higher basket value and strengthen customer loyalty across grooming and nutrition categories.

Beloved Petz’ Managing Director, Carina Evans, said: “We created the Be:Clear range to give pet owners safe, natural and genuinely effective solutions for tear stains. Retailers are seeing increasing demand for clean, dual‑action wellbeing products, and this range perfectly fits that growing market.”

The new Be:Clear products are now available for trade orders. Retailers interested in stocking the range or receiving POS materials can contact Carina Evans and her team directly at carinaevans@podiumpetproducts.com.

The Pet Industry Federation has welcomed this week’s reminder from the Food Standards Agency on the importance of safe handling and hygiene when storing, defrosting and preparing raw pet food.

Raw feeding has become a significant part of the UK pet market and a valued category for specialist pet retailers. For many retailers, raw is a product that customers prefer to buy in store, where they can access advice on storage, handling and feeding choices, and where the cold chain can be managed appropriately.

Nigel Baker, PIF CEO, said: “Raw is now a mainstream category for many specialist pet shops and an important commercial opportunity that supports high street pet retail. Customers often choose to purchase raw in store because it gives them confidence around handling, storage and selecting the right product for their pet.

“PIF represents the wider pet sector, including nine UK raw manufacturers and many retailers who sell raw. Our members are committed to high standards. We welcome clear, practical guidance for consumers because good hygiene and safe handling are the most effective ways to reduce risk in the home. It also helps reputable retailers give consistent advice and build trust with customers.”

PIF notes that, as with any raw meat product, raw pet food is not heat treated, so good practice in the home is essential. The FSA’s published message reinforces straightforward steps: wash hands thoroughly, keep raw pet food separate from food for people, defrost sealed and away from human food preparation areas, and clean and disinfect bowls, utensils and surfaces after use. Extra care is advised in households with young children, older people, pregnant women, or anyone with a weakened immune system.

PIF believes responsible specialist retailers play a positive role by:

• Maintaining appropriate cold chain and stock rotation
• Providing clear advice on safe storage, defrosting and hygiene
• Encouraging customers to follow label instructions and to speak to a vet if they have concerns about diet suitability
• Ensuring strong housekeeping practices around freezers, handling equipment and waste

PIF will continue to support members with consistent messaging and practical guidance that protects consumer confidence and supports continued growth of this important category.

The Food Standards Agency reminded people to take care when handling raw pet food, following a survey that found some products can contain harmful bacteria that could make pets and their owners ill.

The FSA conducted a survey of 380 raw dog and cat food products bought from retail stores and online between March 2023 and February 2024, with laboratory testing carried out by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).  Where issues were identified, the FSA worked with local authorities to address them. The findings are being published to remind pet owners that following simple hygiene practices when storing, defrosting, handling and preparing these products can reduce the risk of illness to themselves and their families.

The survey found that: 

• 35% contained harmful bacteria including Salmonella, Campylobacter and E. coli that can cause illness in people   
• 29%  failed to meet UK legal safety standards 

The FSA is working with local authorities to remind feed businesses of their responsibilities in ensuring that pet food is safe and to reinforce guidance around the safe handling of raw pet food for pet owners. 

Leading pet food company Benyfit Natural has responded to the Food Standards Agency report on raw dog food, saying it operates to rigorous quality and food safety standards.

Greg Van Praagh, Managing Director at Benyfit Natural, commented: “We are continually striving to set the highest standards for the safe manufacture of raw pet food. Raising the bar is not optional for us, it’s fundamental to how responsible businesses in this sector operate, and it’s the direction we expect the industry to keep moving in.”

Benyfit Natural said it took measures that reflect its ongoing commitment to producing safe, high-quality raw food for pets:

• Small-batch production for greater control and consistency
• Positive-release testing, ensuring raw ingredients are tested before finished products reach customers.
• Regular APHA inspections, with our site approved for its strong hygiene and safety practices.
• Independent audits by Kiwa against the UK Pet Food Raw Pet Food Certification scheme, ensuring compliance with industry-leading production protocols.
• End-to-end traceability across all raw ingredients, from field to bowl.

Benyfit Natural pointed out that published research showed that confirmed cases of human illness associated with raw feeding remained extremely rare, particularly when good hygiene practices were followed.

The brand added: “Benyfit Natural remains fully aligned with FSA advice. We encourage all customers to follow good hygiene practices when storing, defrosting, handling, and preparing raw pet food to minimise any risk of cross-contamination.

“We will continue to monitor emerging FSA findings, support responsible raw feeding, and uphold the highest standards in product safety, transparency, and quality.”

Jollyes Pets has launched what claims to be the lowest-priced own-label pet range in the UK – Simply Jollyes. The new brand covers essential pet food and accessories designed to help households manage the cost of pet ownership without any quality compromise.

Proud of its growing reputation as the only specialist pet discounter in the UK, the launch of its first value brand, available in store and online comes as pet parents continue to face cost-of-living challenges that eat into household budgets.

At the end of 2025, accountancy firm KPMG released data that said almost three-in-five (58%) of people thought the UK economy was getting worse and almost half (49%) said they were cutting discretionary spend. 

What’s more, that economic uncertainty is having an impact on pet ownership.  In late 2025 the RSPCA’s annual kindness index reporting that one-in-three (34%) of pet owners have changed their behaviour in the last 12 months including one-in-ten (10%) buying pet food less often or changing to a cheaper brand.

The RSPCA also reported pet abandonment and neglect cases were at a five-year high because of these economic pressures on family budgets.

With Simply Jollyes, shoppers who typically rely on limited range discounters, will have a compelling new choice.

The new own-brand range combines an unbeatable price with the service and reassurance of a specialist pet retailer.

Developed to be market-leading on price without any quality compromise, Simply Jollyes has been created to help make trusted pet care more accessible for every budget.

The range features 22 key products across food and non-food essentials for dogs, cats, small pets and wild birds, with pack sizes and price points specifically designed to support cost-conscious customers and make pet care accessible to every household.

Products include:

Dog

• Simply Jollyes Dog Chicken in Gravy (6 x400g Tins) £2.98
• Simply Jollyes Dog Chicken Loaf (6 x400g Tins) £2.98
• Simply Jollyes Dog Biscuit Selection (800g) £1.28
• Simply Jollyes Large Pet Bowl £1.08
• Simply Jollyes Small Pet Bowl 75p
• Simply Jollyes Dog Collar Lead Set £3.27
• Simply Jollyes Pillow Mattress £6.43
• Simply Jollyes Puppy Training Pads (15pk) £1.74

Cat

• Simply Jollyes Dry Cat Food (2.5kg) £3.35
• Simply Jollyes Lightweight Cat Litter (10L) £2.17
• Simply Jollyes Cat Litter Tray £1.48
• Simply Jollyes Cat Litter Liners 72p

Bird/Small Pet

• Simply Jollyes Wild Bird Seet (12.55kg) £6.48
• Simply Jollyes Suet Pellet (1.5kg) £1.98
• Simply Wood Shavings £1.07

Adam Dury, CEO designate at Jollyes, said: “Our new Simply Jollyes range gives customers a straightforward, affordable choice for everyday pet care, without compromising on quality or stretching household budgets.

“What makes Jollyes special is we offer value and service under one roof.

“Now more than ever, shopping at a specialist pet retailer doesn’t have to come with a premium – customers can care for their pets on the tightest of budgets.

“We know price will matter more than ever this year and we’re determined to provide customers with all the options they need to look after the pets they love.”

Store Expansion

The ‘Simply Jollyes’ range was first unveiled at its new Blackpool store, which opened on Saturday 24 March, and will roll out to all its 118 stores across this UK this month.

To bring its low prices to more of the UK, Jollyes will open another three new locations in February with store launches in Ponders End, Hartlepool and Whitehaven.

The new openings follow eight store launches over the past three months 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.

Leading independent pet food manufacturer Burgess Pet Care has launched its annual greyhound and lurcher takeover, which will see it donate a record £24k worth of food to rescues and shelters. 

Now in its sixth year, the Burgess Supadog Greyhound and Lurcher Two Week Takeover aims to raise awareness about the dogs that end up in rescue centres across the UK, and recognise the extraordinary work of the organisations that rescue and rehome them. Estimates suggest that 2,800 greyhounds and lurchers are abandoned and picked up by local authorities each year, while thousands more are killed or passed to rescue charities. 

During the takeover, running from 2nd to 15th February, Burgess Pet Care encourages consumers to nominate a greyhound or lurcher rescue centre to receive food donations via the Burgess Pet Care website. Selected rescues will receive a share of more than 900 bags of Supadog Greyhound and Lurcher food, with donations funded through a 20p contribution from each bag of this specialist food sold throughout the year. 

Suzanne Moyes, Deputy Managing Director at Burgess Pet Care, said: “As a pet food manufacturer, we recognise the importance of good nutrition and long-standing support for organisations working tirelessly for dog welfare. This annual campaign allows us to provide support to the incredible people and organisations that dedicate themselves to greyhounds and lurchers.” 

Siobhan Hoppley, founder of Makants Greyhound Rescue, said: “We have been lucky enough to receive donations from this initiative four times in the past and with care costs rising year on year, it’s honestly a lifeline. We’re so grateful for the people who took the time to nominate us and to the greyhound owners buying the food that makes this possible.” 

The takeover also sees the Burgess Pet Care social media channels dedicated to greyhounds and lurchers, sharing care advice, nutrition guidance, dogs looking for forever homes and stories from rescue centres. 

Nominations for independent greyhound and lurcher rescue centres to receive a share of the food donation can be made on the Burgess Pet Care website: https://www.burgesspetcare.com/greyhound-and-lurcher-rescue-nominations/ 

Burgess Supadog Greyhound and Lurcher with Chicken donation pack is available at wholesalers nationwide. 

An Essex pet health founder, whose work supports some of the UK’s most vulnerable dog breeds, has attended a key meeting in Parliament on the flat-faced dog crisis.

Lindsey John Taylor, 45, founder of OxyPet, and Karla Pearson, 51, Director of OxyPet and Founder of No Bull Just Natural Health for Dogs, attended a packed meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group (APDAWG) in the Houses of Parliament this week, focused on the growing welfare problems linked to extreme breeding in flat-faced dogs such as pugs and French bulldogs.

The session, titled The Future of Dog Welfare: Problems of Breeding for Extreme Features, brought together policymakers, scientists, welfare charities and industry voices amid mounting concern that exaggerated physical traits are leaving thousands of dogs struggling to breathe, exercise and live normal lives.

Speakers on the night included representatives from The Kennel Club, Royal Veterinary College and Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, each outlining the scale of the problem and the urgent need for reform across breeding, purchasing and public awareness.

For Lindsey and Karla, whose company works closely with dogs suffering from breathing difficulties, the debate struck close to home.

“We were really interested to hear such a wide range of views in the room, and there’s a growing recognition that extreme conformity breeding is causing real suffering. What’s encouraging is that all parties want to make a difference. At OxyPet we want to support the welfare of all dogs who are already struggling, particularly brachycephalic breeds with compromised airways.”

OxyPet provides oxygen-rich spring water, created by infusing Cornish spring water with nano-bubble oxygen. The result delivers significantly higher oxygen content than ordinary drinking water, supporting hydration and vitality. The company has become particularly well known among owners of flat-faced dogs, citing cases where brachycephalic pets have shown noticeable improvements in breathing comfort and quality of life.

The mission behind OxyPet is deeply personal. Taylor co-founded the company following the significant improvements his family had seen with their beloved boxer dog, Mowgli, whose battle with cancer shaped his determination to focus on oxygen, hydration and holistic wellbeing as cornerstones of animal health. That journey has since seen OxyPet support rescue dogs, older pets, and a growing group of brachycephalic breeds whose anatomy makes everyday wellness more challenging.

Animal welfare groups have repeatedly warned that demand for flat-faced dogs has fuelled breeding practices that prioritise appearance over health, leaving veterinary charities and owners to manage the consequences. APDAWG’s latest meeting reflects increasing political momentum to tackle the issue through education, regulation and responsible breeding standards.

As MPs and experts consider the future of dog welfare in the UK, Lindsey and Karla agree, “it is vital that the voices of both science and lived experience are heard so we can reduce the suffering of flat-faced breeds and give today’s generation of dogs a healthy future they truly deserve."

Find out more about Oxypet at www.oxypet.co.uk

Paleo Ridge has launched Rescue Dog Club, a new initiative designed to support rescue dog charities, shelters, and the dedicated people who work tirelessly to give dogs a second chance.

The company believes every dog deserves access to nourishing, high-quality food. However, rescue centres and shelters across the UK are often stretched beyond capacity, caring for countless dogs who are still waiting to find their forever homes. With limited funding and a growing number of dogs in need, providing truly nutritious food can be a significant challenge.

The Rescue Dog Club has been created to help ease that burden. Through the scheme, rescue organisations and shelter staff who work to find dogs their forever homes will receive an exclusive 20% discount on all Paleo Ridge raw food. This initiative ensures wider access to quality nutrition for the dogs who need it most, while recognising and rewarding the people who dedicate their lives to their care.

Director of Sales and Marketing, Will Green says: “The effort involved in keeping rescue dogs healthy, safe, and ready for adoption is immense. We believe those who make this happen deserve meaningful support. The Rescue Dog Club is our way of giving back to the rescue community and helping more dogs thrive while they wait for their future families.”

In addition to the discount, Paleo Ridge will proudly promote participating rescue organisations across its website and social media channels, helping to raise awareness, reach new audiences, and ultimately connect more dogs with loving homes.

The Rescue Dog Club reflects Paleo Ridge’s ongoing commitment to ethical feeding, community support, and improving the lives of dogs at every stage of their journey.

Paleo Ridge has a long-standing commitment to supporting rescue organisations. Their involvement began with direct food donations to Many Tears Rescue in Wales. Building on this support, in 2023 they launched the Donate Raw to Paws in Need initiative, enabling customers to donate 1kg of raw dog food alongside their weekly order, with Paleo Ridge matching every kilogram donated. To date, this initiative has resulted in the donation of over 6,000kg of raw dog food to rescue charities across the UK.

For more information about the Rescue Dog Club or to apply, please visit Paleoridge.co.uk

Dogs fed on premium, meat-rich pet food can have a bigger dietary carbon pawprint than their owners, according to the largest study into dog food’s climate impact.

The survey by scientists from the Universities of Edinburgh and Exeter revealed that wet, raw and meat-rich products were associated with substantially higher greenhouse gas emissions than dry dog food.

The report claimed that the production of ingredients used in UK dog food was estimated to contribute around one per cent of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions.

The findings highlight the need for greater transparency and better labelling of dog food ingredients to help consumers make informed choices, as pet ownership continues to rise, experts say.

Scientists used ingredient and nutrient labelling information to calculate the carbon footprint of almost 1,000 commercially available dog foods, based on emissions generated during the production of ingredients. 

Their sample included a selection of dry, wet and raw foods, including plant-based and grain-free options.

Producing enough food of the types fed in the UK for all dogs worldwide could generate greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to over half of those from burning jet fuel in commercial flights each year, experts estimate.

The analysis also reveals striking differences in the environmental impact of commercial dog foods, with the highest impact foods responsible for up to 65 times more emissions than the lowest rating options. 

Using large amounts of prime meat – which could otherwise be eaten by humans – pushes up emissions, whilst the use of nutritious carcass parts that are in low demand helps limit environmental impact. 

Dry food, not marketed as grain-free, tended to have a lower environmental impact than wet, raw or grain-free options. 

Dog owners who want to reduce environmental impacts but not change food type should check the label description of meat cuts used in the food, aiming for a lower content of prime meat, experts say.

An increase in the use of plant-based dog foods is also likely to reduce emissions. However, the research team caution that only a small number of plant-based foods were available to test for this study.

The study, funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sci­ences Research Council (BBSRC), is published in the Journal of Cleaner Production.

John Harvey, from Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, said: “As a veterinary surgeon working on environmental sustainability, I regularly see owners torn between ideals of dogs as meat‑eating ‘wolves’ and their wish to reduce environmental harm. 

“Our research shows just how large and variable the climate impact of dog food really is. It’s important for owners to know that choosing grain-free, wet or raw foods can result in higher impacts compared to standard dry kibble foods. 

“The pet food industry should make sure meat cuts used are of the types not typically eaten by humans, and that labelling is clear. These steps can help us have healthy, well-fed dogs with a smaller pawprint on the planet.”

The full study can be viewed by clicking here

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652625026344?via%3Dihub

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The Pet Industry Federation has published a new member-only video in partnership with Leo Bookkeeping, aimed at helping those self-employed in the pet industry understand and prepare for Making Tax Digital.

Making Tax Digital represents a significant change for sole traders, initially for those with income over £50,000, but dropping to £30,000 in 2027, which will require more frequent digital record-keeping and reporting to HMRC. While the rollout has been phased, many of these types of operators remain unclear about what is required, when the changes apply to them and how best to prepare.

The video, featuring Lucie Howard from Leo Bookkeeping, provides a clear and practical overview of Making Tax Digital, focusing on what sole traders need to do now to avoid problems later. It covers the key principles of MTD, common misconceptions, and practical tips to help businesses get ready, including record-keeping, software considerations and day-to-day implications.

Nigel Baker, PIF CEO, said: “Making Tax Digital is one of those changes that can easily feel overwhelming for sole traders. This video is about cutting through the noise and giving our members clear, practical guidance so they can prepare with confidence rather than react at the last minute.”

The video forms part of PIF’s wider programme of business support, helping members stay compliant, informed and confident in a changing regulatory and commercial environment. It is available now in the PIF members’ area.

The Petshop Postie, in Greenock, Scotland, has been recognised nationally for its excellent customer service.

The independent family-run pet shop has earned a @FeefoOfficial 2026 Platinum Trusted Service Award.

To achieve platinum status, The Petshop Postie has maintained a Feefo service rating of over 4.5 for at least three consecutive years. 

The shop posted on its Facebook page: “This achievement would not have been possible without your valuable feedback and continued support, so a big thank you to our customers.”

The Animal Focused Alliance has announced the launch of a new Graduate Membership, designed to support newly qualified pet professionals as they enter professional practice or begin setting up their own businesses.

The new membership category has been developed in response to growing numbers of individuals completing Ofqual-regulated qualifications in pet care, grooming, training and animal-related services, and the need for appropriate professional support during the early stages of their careers.

Graduate Membership recognises the commitment required to complete structured, regulated training, while providing access to professional guidance, sector updates and welfare-led resources at a reduced cost. The discounted first year of membership is tiered according to qualification level, ranging from 10% for Level 2 qualifications to 30% for Level 4 and above.

The initiative is intended to bridge the gap between qualification and professional practice, supporting graduates as they navigate regulation, licensing expectations, business responsibilities and ongoing professional development.

Vicky Skinner, founder of the Alliance, said: “Completing a recognised qualification is a significant achievement, but it’s only the starting point. Graduate Membership is about recognising that commitment while ensuring new professionals have access to clear, factual guidance and support as they establish themselves in the sector.”

The Animal Focused Alliance works across the UK to support welfare-led, responsible practice within the pet sector. Its work includes providing sector updates, contributing to consultations and working groups, and offering practical guidance on regulatory and business issues affecting pet professionals.

The introduction of Graduate Membership reflects a broader focus on raising standards, rewarding professionalism and supporting long-term career sustainability within the pet care sector.

Further information is available via the Animal Focused Alliance website www.animalfocusedalliance.co.uk

UNLEASHED by Purina, the leading pet innovation and acceleration programme, has unveiled six promising start-ups that will form its ‘Class of 2026’.

Powered by the Purina Accelerator Lab, the UNLEASHED programme supports start-ups through a test and learn approach that aims to drive business growth. During the 20-week programme, now in its seventh year, each start-up gets hands-on support to disrupt the market with their innovative pet-care solutions. 

The programme has a global reach, with this year’s representatives being from South Korea, Hong Kong, Sweden, Germany, Poland, and Brazil:

• AI For Pet, South Korea: Powers daily veterinary practice with multimodal AI analysis of eyes, skin, teeth, gait, and clinical dialogue for real-time decision making. AI for Pet won UNLEASHED’s startup competition at the 2025 London Vet Show, where startup founders pitched their pioneering ideas to an expert panel of judges.
• Petalife, Hong Kong: An AI-powered preventative pet health platform helping pet owners detect early health risks from everyday photos and videos.
• Lassie, Sweden: The world’s first preventative pet insurance, that rewards pet parents for taking better care of their pets.
• Petleo, Germany: Petleo bridges the gap between vets and pet owners with digital tools that simplify workflows and improve animal care and accessibility.
• Psinder, Poland: Psinder helps people find the right dog, supports responsible adoption, and gives shelters the visibility they deserve.
• Sistema Pet, Brazil: An all-in-one SaaS management platform for breeders and pet services.

Following applications opening in the summer, a panel of judges shortlisted six start-ups, whose disruptive technologies aim to make pet ownership more seamless and joyful, while enhancing care delivery by veterinarians and pet professionals alike. AI has increasingly become a driver of innovation in the pet-care sector, with four of the winners leveraging technology in their solutions.

Each winning participant will have access to up to CHF 50,000, alongside cutting-edge resources and hands-on, expert mentorship from Purina’s commercial insights team, helping accelerate their growth throughout the process. UNLEASHED by Purina also seeks to identify synergies with the start-ups and opportunities for long-term partnerships and projects beyond the programme.

Sheri Smithey, Purina Global Head of Research & Development, said: “Our 2026 cohort reflects the growing role of AI and emerging technologies in the pet care sector. We’re now seeing AI evolve from a promising capability into a transformative force - one that is driving earlier detection of health issues, assisting clinical decision making for veterinarians, and giving pet owners more information and confidence in caring for their pets. The breakthroughs from this year’s start-ups are supporting  the industry to move to data-driven solutions - a priority we’re proud to champion at Purina.” 

Jeanne Chatelle, Europe Head of the Purina Accelerator Lab, added: “Each year, the quality and diversity of businesses we see are exceptional, and this year is no exception, with applications coming from 47 countries. Many of the solutions are redefining what is possible in pet care. With every programme, the UNLEASHED community continues to grow in both scale and geography, bringing together an increasingly international group of disruptive, industry-leading start-ups into our growing UNLEASHED network. I look forward to seeing the progress and potential of this year’s participants, building upon the successes of startups we have supported so far.” 

To find out more about UNLEASHED by Purina visit: www.UNLEASHEDbypurina.com

The Federation of Garden and Leisure Manufacturers Limited incorporating Gardenex, PetQuip and the CHA will no longer be trading with immediate effect. Post pandemic it became increasingly clear that it was an uphill struggle to get the Federation on a firm financial footing to continue to offer a value service to members.  

The Federation team have worked tirelessly to improve the situation and to continue to provide export advice and services to British businesses. However, the perfect storm of Brexit, the pandemic and President Trump’s market disruptions have made that task extremely difficult. The Federation has lost all semblance of financial support from the government over the years which has had a detrimental effect on many British businesses in our sector who want to explore exporting options. 

Certain industry leading lights stepped up to join as Patron members paying more than their share to try to assist. Their support was invaluable over the last 6 months. 

Exhibition bookings made through PetQuip for Interzoo 2026 will now be handled directly by the Interzoo show organiser and any company deposits and payments have been passed to Interzoo. Bookings are safe and exhibitors will be contacted by the show organiser in due course. They will receive a separate email shortly with contact details and further information. 

For the future, Prairie Limited will be working closely with Interzoo in order to offer the UK pet sector overseas exhibition services going forwards. They will also be taking over the operation and delivery of the annual PetQuip Awards which will be renamed The Pet Excellence Awards. 
 
GIMA will be offering a new export member service, providing exporting support to their members. Gardenex members will be contacted shortly so that the remaining term of their membership will be transferred to GIMA. 

This is a very sad day for the industry. Gardenex, PetQuip and the CHA have been stalwarts of their relative sectors helping hundreds (if not thousands) of businesses to generate millions in export income for the UK over the years.  
 
The Federation Team wish all the members every success in their businesses.  

The Pet Industry Federation has issued a statement saying it was sorry to hear the news that Gardenex, PetQuip and the CHA would no longer be trading. PIF said these organisations had made a valuable contribution to their sectors over many years, particularly in supporting UK businesses with exports and overseas trade.

PIF added: “For many pet businesses, this announcement will understandably raise questions about export support, regulation and access to international markets, at a time when trading internationally continues to be challenging.

“Over the coming weeks, PIF will be speaking to members and industry partners to better understand where additional guidance, signposting or representation may be helpful, particularly in relation to regulatory and compliance matters.

“PIF remains focused on supporting UK pet businesses to operate responsibly, adapt to change and plan with confidence for the future and will continue to work collaboratively with partners across the sector to ensure businesses feel supported during this period.”

The prestigious PetQuip Awards have been renamed The Pet Excellence Awards following news that the trade association has ceased to exist.

The awards will now be run by a company called Prairie Ltd, who will also be working closely with Interzoo in order to offer the UK pet sector overseas exhibition services going forwards.

Not much is known about Prairie Ltd but it’s understood the company will be announcing its plans shortly.

The PetQuip Awards were launched in 2014 and have been running alongside PATS ever since.

Three pet care startup companies – Scooch (39th), Grub Club Pets (73rd) and Pet Proov (75th) – have been recognised in the prestigious Startups 100 Index of new businesses.

Scooch is a pet wellness platform, offering owners personalised advice, vet-approved products, and tools to keep furry friends feeling their best. The subscription-based platform offers AI-powered animal healthcare through personalised health checks and care plans, and access to qualified vets for help and support.

Founder Baris Ozaydinli said the awards “validated Scooch not only as a pet brand but as a technology company transforming pet health.”

Grub Club makes pet food made with insect protein, delivering hypoallergenic, gut-friendly nutrition that is also kinder to the planet.

“We found that each dog switching to Grub Club from a meat-based diet can save 1.5 tonnes of CO2eq. emissions per year,” said founders Alessandro Di Trapani and Hugh Petit. “If just one percent of the UK’s 12 million dogs made the switch, that’s 180,000 tonnes of CO2eq. saved, which is the equivalent of 75,000 homes’ annual electricity usage.”

PetProov is the UK’s first pet verification platform, using government-grade technology to ensure our animal friends go to safe, loving homes. Founders Kate Margolis and Garry Clarke said: “Our goal is to make identity and welfare checks as normal in pet ownership as they are in banking – a simple step that everyone expects and relies on”.

Now in its 18th year, the Startups 100 is the definitive list of the most promising new UK businesses.