Funding from Worcestershire County Council's Proof of Concept programme has helped an innovative entrepreneur create a simple new bowl that keeps pet food fresh and sealed when not in use.

Called Pedaldish, the product launched this week, and will initially be on sale for six months exclusively at Pets at Home - both online and in selected stores across the UK.

Pedaldish keeps pet food in a sealed container with a flap lid. A cat or small dog can open the lid by stepping onto the ramp. Inside is a shallow bowl for a single portion of meat and a deeper bowl for larger meals.  Biscuits stay crunchy, meat stays moist and the sealed dish also contains the smell of food.

"Unlike other pet bowls with lid, Pedaldish doesn't use motors, electrics or sensors.  Best of all there's no batteries to replace," said inventor Peter Hill.

Flies can't reach the food inside and floating airborne microbes are kept away, reducing the risk of infections such as campylobacter.

In hot weather, you can keep meat cool by adding ice to the deep bowl. The product has been designed to help raise pet food off the floor so a cat or dog doesn't have to crouch to eat, aiding digestion.

Peter designed the original prototype of Pedaldish using parts from a pedal bin in his garage in Redditch, Worcestershire.

"I would come home to find my cats' pet food untouched and covered in fly eggs and I knew something had to change. I modified a pedal bin, fitted it with a ramp and taught my cats to step onto it when they wanted to eat. From that day I never lost pet food to flies ever again," said Peter.

"Visitors saw my cats using the homemade feeder and it became the source of many discussions. When I started getting requests to make them, I knew it was something that could help other pet owners," he said.

Peter spent two years developing Pedaldish, experimenting to find the ideal size and shape for the ramp and bowl.

Once he had created a prototype, Peter worked with Blue Orchid, a Worcester-based business growth consultancy and Worcestershire Proof of Concept (POC) grant-funding programme - which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund 2014-2020. POC is one of a suite of business support programmes at Worcestershire County Council and aims to support smaller businesses  to  explore, develop  and protect early stage innovative business ideas, through a partnership with the Central Technology Belt (CTB).

"It was a very straightforward process. I applied for funding to subsidise the first 3,000 products and help purchase the tools I needed to mass-produce the product," explained Peter.

"If you're a small or medium business in the Worcestershire area and you're looking for help to launch or develop an innovative product or service, the Proof of Concept programme should be top of your list as a point of contact."

Manufactured in the UK, Pedaldish has been designed and built to be used every day, and to last for many years. Click on the image above to see the product in action.

Pedaldish is the first product in Peter Hill's Petvictus range of pet products. It currently comes in an attractive charcoal grey colour, but a range of finishes will shortly be available, including bespoke artwork by local artists. 

The best way for independent retailers to find out how to stock Pedaldish is to go on to the Petvictus Facebook page, or to www.petvictus.com. It will be available via wholesale suppliers and they can approach their wholesaler asking them to contact Petvictus directly.

Innovative pet companies have featured strongly in the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, which were announced on Her Majesty’s birthday on Sunday.

These awards are for outstanding achievement by UK businesses in four categories.

The awards are selected by the Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister, who is assisted by an Advisory Committee that includes representatives of Government, industry and commerce, and the trade unions. 

Click on the links below to find out the stories behind the success of pet companies in this year’s award.

Lintbells achieves second win in awards

International trade award for The Company of Animals

Royal recognition for Little BigPaw

Vegan pet food company wins Queen's Award

Royal award for family-run natural pet food producer

Premium natural pet supplements manufacturer Lintbells has been awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise for the second time – this time for International Trade.

This follows The Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation, which was awarded to Lintbells in 2016 for the development of its marketing leading joint supplement YuMOVE.

The award reflects the fantastic growth of Lintbells and success at a global level. The support it has had from veterinary practices and the pet trade channel has played a major role in helping it achieve impressive results

Established in the UK and based in Weston, Hertfordshire in 2006, rapid growth by the business has seen turnover increase by 290% between 2014 and 2016 and international trade increase by 106% within the last 12 months. Lintbells now exports supplements to over 20 countries worldwide.

John Howie, CEO and co-founder of Lintbells, said: “We’re delighted that our international growth has been recognised by such a prestigious award. It’s always been our vision that Lintbells would grow in order to help better the lives of animals and the award reflects increasing brand recognition from pet owners around the world.”

He continued, “At the centre of our innovative products is a scientific focus ensuring the effectiveness of all our supplement ranges, which is why our products are so successful at supporting animals achieve a better quality of life.”

This latest award joins a host of accolades achieved by Lintbells in recent years: The Sunday Times Fast Track 100 2016 and 2017, The Sunday Times Fast Track Ones to Watch 2015, The Sunday Times list of the top 100 Best Small Companies to Work for, Pets at Home - ‘Best Multi-Channel Supplier’, Pets at Home – ‘Best VIP supplier award’ and 'Market Mover' category at Growth Accelerator's The Brave & The Bold awards 2014.

Each product uses the highest quality ingredients sourced from around the globe, centring on the company’s proprietary ActivEase® Green Lipped Mussel, which is sourced from sustainable farms off the coast of New Zealand, in partnership with Lintbells.

The Lintbells philosophy is to ‘think global act local’ and to ensure its products help pets stay visibly full of life.

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise have been operating in various forms since 1966. The awards are announced annually on 21 April, The Queen’s birthday and selected by Her Majesty The Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister, who is assisted by an Advisory Committee that includes representatives of Government, industry and commerce, and the trade unions.

For more information about Lintbells visit www.lintbells.com or call 01462 790886.

Winning the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category is a huge milestone for The Company of Animals and reflects the ongoing success and phenomenal growth by the business over the past six years. 

The business has seen an impressive £6.6 million increase in international sales from 2011 - 2016, with international trade now making up 63% of their total sales. 

The Company of Animals (COA) was founded by Dr Roger Mugford in 1979 as a vehicle to sell his inventions. It all began with the creation of the original HALTI Headcollar by Dr. Roger Mugford and has evolved into a comprehensive range of training and behaviour products for all types and sizes of dog. This includes the top rated HALTI Optifit Headcollar which adjusts to the shape of your dog’s face for exceptional comfort and control, and the HALTI Harness, designed to stop a dog pulling by providing steering control from the chest. Both are designed for use with the HALTI Training Lead. 

Today, The Company of Animals sells its products in over 50 different countries around the world and has over 40 product categories in its portfolio. The core of the business is training and behaviour brands including HALTI, Pet Corrector, Baskerville Clix and Pet Head which are established respected brands globally. 

Vicky Benneworth, Marketing Manager at The Company of Animals, commented: “It is an absolute honour to receive such recognition as this. We have been expanding internationally over a number of years and the Queen’s Award really pays credit to all the hard work and effort that our team put in on a daily basis. It is our mission to continue to create behaviour enhancing products to improve the relationship between people and their dogs all over the globe."

The Queen awarded The First Class Pet Company, the team behind the brand Little BigPaw, with The Queens Award for International Trade in recognition of outstanding growth in overseas sales.

Little BigPaw is a premium range of pet foods and treats, made in the UK with British ingredients. Launched in 2015, Little BigPaw has expanded rapidly taking advantage of new trends in pet feeding, innovative production and expanding international markets.

Little BigPaw is made with natural ingredients and high levels of meat so pets absolutely love the taste. Discerning pet owners only want to feed their pet ingredients that they can trust. Little BigPaw is grain free, wheat free and contains absolutely nothing artificial: just great food packed with natural goodness.

The range includes super premium cat mousses, single serve meals targeted specifically at small dogs and the Naturally Delicious range of tinned foods packed with superfoods and herbs for all dogs. New for 2018 and now available, is a delicious range of Oven Baked Treats hand made in wood fired ovens.

As well as The Queens Award for Enterprise 2018, Little BigPaw won the UK Pet Industry Federation Exporter of the Year and the Innovation Award at CIPS in November 2017.

Little BigPaw Co-Founders, David Alton and Jim Weston, have over 50 years experience between them in the Pet Trade. With a team of dedicated staff and innovative products they are rapidly making Little BigPaw a leading brand in specialist pet stores.

“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this Award. It is a huge honour and an outstanding  reward for all the hard work put in by our staff and dedicated distributors. We have a tremendous team who will continue to deliver the very highest standards whilst growing Little BigPaw into the leading British made pet brand," said Jim Weston.

"We are a small company and feel very humbled to be given such a prestigious Award. It’s a great tribute to the hard work of our employees and Little BigPaw distributors over the last 3 years," said David Alton.

"This is a huge recognition for the business. It really feels like we are starting to make an impact in the International Pet Industry. We consider our approach of international distribution partnerships and product innovation key to our success."

To become a stockist or to enquire about international distribution please email bigtaste@littlebigpaw.co.uk

Benevo Vegan Pet Foods, the UK’s best selling vegan dog food brand, has received The Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade.

Founded by Darrell de Vries, Benevo launched it’s first pet food in 2005, with the aim of creating a meat-free dog food alternative, with a unique wheat-free recipe for more food sensitive dogs. This soon proved popular amongst customers who were buying it online in the UK. Enquiries began coming in from abroad, and slowly the export sales began.

Soon Benevo was selling more food outside of the UK than at home. Within a few years, they were reaching far beyond their initial EU customers. Benevo can now be found from California to Japan, and Norway to New Zealand. Export sales now account for the majority of Benevo’s sales, with significant customer bases in locations as diverse as South Africa, Hong Kong and Israel.

The Queen’s Award acknowledges the company's outstanding growth, after seeing recent rapid development of their export sales in recent years.

Director Darrell de Vries said: “As a pioneering company swimming against the tide of traditional pet foods out there, this is a very significant award for us.

"An award of this level is breakthrough recognition of Benevo’s international achievements and a real boost for our team who have worked so hard to support Benevo’s products and customers.”

Regarding what this award means for the future Darrell added: “Incorporating the Queens Award for Enterprise logo on our packaging and marketing will set our product apart from the competition.

"This award is proudly earned, not won, so I believe it enhances our brand reputation both here in the UK and abroad - that can only help to grow international sales further.”

Benevo continues to lead with innovation in this niche market, with their growing selection of 100% vegan products. Now including complete cat food, puppy food, grain-free and organic options, as well as a large range of meat-free treats.

Benevo vegan pet foods are currently available throughout the UK at independant pet food stores, health food stores and online.

Simpsons Premium has been awarded a Queens Award for Enterprise: International Trade 2018.  The company will celebrate its award during a royal reception in the summer.

The natural pet food producer is a family business based in Wigan, Greater Manchester and was founded in 2009 by Craig and Lisa Simpson who saw a gap in the market for affordable high quality pet foods containing only the best quality natural ingredients. 

They currently produce for dogs 15 complete dry foods, 10 complete wet foods and 11 natural treats and for Cats the UK and Europe’s first 90/10 Dry Food and 5 complete wet foods.  All are formulated to their own unique bespoke recipes. 

The products are currently available in 23 European countries and more recently they have expanded into the Asian Market where they also hope to see their sales continue to go from strength to strength.

Lisa Simpson said: “We are all incredibly proud to achieve such a huge award and it is testament to how hard our team work and the quality of the products. 

"We have had substantial growth throughout Europe in the last three years and demand for the products has been overwhelming, particularly in the Italian and Polish markets.  

"We are of course especially grateful to all our international stockists and customers who have had faith in our brand and helped us to achieve this accolade."

A family owned company is helping to make sure that hedgehogs – currently on the endangered list – are being fed nutritionally beneficial food.

Brambles Pet and Wildlife is a family owned company and the team have been involved in developing products for animal welfare since 1990. Gail Tracey, the Managing Director, has a scientific background in Biological Sciences.

“We have combined our experience and expertise to formulate foods that are nutritionally beneficial to wild animals and ensure that they do not contain any added sugar, colours, or artificial flavours,” said Gail’s husband David.

“We also do not use other ingredients that are commonly used in other commercial foods, such as mealworms, that are potentially dangerous to Hedgehogs in particular. All our foods are sourced and made in Great Britain.

“As hedgehogs are now on the endangered list they need all the help they can get and many people are rising to this challenge. However, it is very important to feed them nutritionally beneficial food as many rescue centres are reporting hogs with dental disease caused by foods containing sugar. Sugar can also lead to obesity & associated cardiovascular issues and too much fat in food can lead to Fatty Liver Disease that can quickly become fatal to the animal.

“Also, increasingly hedgehogs are being seen with Metabolic Bone Disease in which bones & teeth are soft, deformed and easily fractured. The cause of this disease is Calcium to Phosphorus ratio imbalance in the blood due to food containing too much Phosphorous. To redress this blood imbalance Calcium leaches out of the bones and teeth resulting in very painful bone and dental abnormalities.

“We do not recommend giving Hedgehogs any foods containing high levels of Phosphorous such as:

• Mealworms
• Peanuts
• Sunflower Hearts

“It’s worth noting that hedgehogs are particularly fond of mealworms and will ‘cherry pick’ them if mixed in with other foods leaving the more nutritious parts of the blend uneaten. The same, to a slightly lesser degree can be said of dried fruit, peanuts and sunflower hearts. Therefore, these foods should not be given in any circumstance as there’s no way of knowing how much the hedgehogs are eating and it stops them eating other nutritionally beneficial foods.

“In addition hedgehogs lack the enzyme Lactase and so cannot digest lactose found in milk. If given milk they can get digestive problems and diarrhoea.

“At Brambles Pet and Wildlife we are passionate about wildlife. Our vast experience enables us to produce a range of quality foods that keep wild animals in tip top condition in today’s challenging times. Many Wildlife Centres throughout the UK are using our Hedgehog Foods and, Swan & Duck Food, and we are working with them to promote the message about good hedgehog nutrition. We have also advised the RSPB on hedgehog food and they now stock all of Brambles hedgehog foods.”

Brambles Crunchy Hedgehog Food and Brambles Meaty Hedgehog Food are complementary foods specially formulated to give the right balance of nutrients, vitamins & minerals for wild hedgehogs and, due to its crunchy texture, it is also great for dental health. The foods are also suitable for badgers and foxes.

Gail and David have been helped at Brambles Pet and Wildlife by their two daughters Laura (21) and Emma (13).

“They have both helped with packaging design and social media, plus visits to wildlife hospitals,” said David.

Brambles Swan & Duck Food is a complementary food specially formulated to give the right balance of nutrients, vitamins & minerals for swans and ducks. It is also suitable for geese, moorhens and coots and as it floats people can easily see when it is time to stop feeding the birds. Available in 1.75 Kg & 12.55 Kg sizes.

For more information visit www.bramblespaw.co.uk

Naturediet will soon be unveiling the winners of their nationwide search to find the cover stars of their new packaging, ahead of a major rebrand planned for the Autumn.

The natural dog food manufacturer has chosen to use Naturediet fed dogs for authenticity, and to show appreciation to their customer base for their loyalty.

“We’re extremely proud of our products and the difference they make to the overall health and vitality of our customer’s dogs. The best models for our brand are the dogs who are fed it, so it was a natural choice to recruit them to represent our brand” says Emily Cannon, head of marketing.

After a month-long campaign to find models, the independent British manufacturer received 100’s of entries, ranging from best of breed winners to lovingly rehomed rescue dogs. “True to the ethos of our foods, we wanted celebrate dogs of all ages, breeds and sizes, and we have been truly spoilt for choice”.

Dogs owners from across the country made the effort to attend a week-long photo shoot close to Naturediet’s factory in Norfolk, in the hope of their dogs making the cut and gracing the new packaging which will be on show at PATS Telford in September.

As well as presenting a revamped and revitalised look for the 42 year old brand, Naturediet are excited to reveal a new packaging format as a result of their continued investment in cutting edge manufacturing technologies. “Our new packaging is not only innovative for the wet food category but actively addresses highly relevant environmental matters and is a further advancement for the business in reducing our carbon footprint” continues Emily.

Naturediet specialise in limited ingredient, 100% British made natural dog food. To request further information on Naturediet contact trade@naturediet.co.uk or call 01362 822320.

Beaphar UK is again launching its well-known Worm Awareness Week, which this year runs from 26th May-3rd June 2018, and is encouraging everyone to become a ‘seasoned wormer’ so they can win against worms.

Worms are nasty and dangerous parasites which can cause serious health problems for both pets and people. In the UK alone, 1,495,000 people are estimated to be living in households where their pet dog is infected with a worm that presents a risk to human health.

However, worms can be easily controlled and avoided if owners treat their pets regularly. It is recommended that owners worm their pets at least every three months – that’s one treatment for every season.

“The aim of Worm Awareness Week is to educate pet-owners about the importance of regular worming, encourage them to commit to a worming routine by becoming a seasoned wormer, and to take action against worms by heading down to their local pet shop and purchasing Beaphar WORMclear,” explains Dr Sue Huggett, Business Manager, Beaphar UK.

“This is a key sales opportunity for all retailers, with customers guaranteed to be coming through the doors. Ordering your stock of Beaphar WORMclear early is crucial to make sure you don’t miss out.”

Beaphar WORMclear is a vet-strength wormer that can be used to combat tapeworms and roundworms, the most common types of worms in the UK. Developed using ingredients of proven effectiveness in the veterinary channel, Beaphar WORMclear has a meaty flavour, making them more palatable to pets and therefore easier to administer, meaning pet-owners can protect both their pets and their families in one simple dose.

To support Worm Awareness Week 2018, Beaphar a planning a comprehensive consumer based campaign, the centre of which will be a consumer video. Beaphar has also produced a range of eye- catching in-store sales support for retailers, including wobblers, posters and consumer leaflets, which will help capture attention and generate sales. Additionally, they have designed Worm Awareness t-shirts for retail staff, which will not only draw attention to the cause, but encourage customers to ask questions in-store.

“A big part of Worm Awareness Week, and to generate constant sales of worming products throughout the year, is educating pet-owners about worms and the importance of regular worming,” said Vicky Le Fanu, Marketing Manager, Beaphar UK. “We’re encouraging all retailers to ask their teams to take our Worm training module, which is available via our Trade Zone.”

“By encouraging your team to take part in our training you can increase staff knowledge, ensuring that your customers are given the correct advice, which will help boost and encourage sales. Our Worming module is also AMTRA accredited and worth 5 CPD points.”

A suite of digital assets, which can be downloaded from the Beaphar Trade Zone, suitable for use on your website and social media, are also available to help spread the word about Worm Awareness Week.

Worm Awareness Week 2018 is running from 26th May – 3rd June. To stock up on Beaphar WORMclear, contact your local Sales Executive, call our award winning Customer Services Team on 0333 0066236 or email info@uk.beaphar.com.

HOWND's Jo Amit and Mark Hirschel and their dogs Laila and Roxy were honoured to be chosen to host Cruelty Free International's monthly award ceremony. This month, Alex Mayer, MEP for the East of England, collected her award as Cruelty Free International's ‘Parliamentarian of the Month'.

The MEP, who is a member of the cross-party Animal Welfare Group in the European Parliament, is passionate about animal welfare and received the award for April 2018 for supporting the Cruelty Free International global campaign to end animal testing for cosmetics.

The MEP received the award from HOWND Directors Jo Amit and Mark Hirschel along with their office dogs Laila and Roxy.  HOWND, manufacturer of cruelty-free pet care products, is very proud of its Cruelty Free International Leaping Bunny certification which it was awarded in 2015 and was thrilled to have been invited to host the event.

Jo Amit, Director of HOWND, said: "We were very honoured to have been chosen to present Cruelty Free International's ‘Parliamentarian of the Month' award to animal rights advocate MEP Alex Mayer.

Alex is instrumental in helping the organisation reach its goal of 8 million petition signatures, and we are incredibly proud to be involved in supporting the global ban on cosmetic animal testing.

Last year Alex joined shoppers and staff at the Braintree Freeport and Chelmsford stores of campaign partners The Body Shop to show her support and sign the petition calling for the United Nations to adopt an international convention that will end animal testing for cosmetic products and ingredients across the world by 2020. The petition has now reached over 5.5million signatures.

Michelle Thew, Chief Executive of Cruelty Free International, said: "We are over the moon to champion parliamentarians who show concern for animal welfare and take steps to help end the suffering of animals in laboratories. Alex has been a strong advocate of animal welfare and has supported the Cruelty Free International campaign to end cruel and unnecessary cosmetics testing on animals."

MEP Alex Mayer said: "I'm delighted to receive this award from Cruelty Free International and to have had the opportunity to work closely on their campaign for a global ban on animal testing for cosmetics. With the range of cosmetic options and non-animal testing methods available, there is no reason for animals to suffer for our beauty anywhere in the world. The ban works in Europe and it can work globally too."

This year marks the five-year anniversary of the European Union's outlawing of the sale in Europe of new cosmetics tested on animals. The move - made by the world's largest cosmetics market - followed earlier bans on the testing of cosmetics products on animals in 2003 and of ingredients in 2009 and has inspired legislation across the globe.

However, despite the availability of approved non-animal testing methods and existing ingredients safe for human use, there are still no laws banning animal tests for cosmetics products and ingredients in 80% of the world. Cruelty Free International estimates that over half a million animals - from rabbits to mice, rats, guinea pigs, and hamsters - are still used annually in cosmetics testing worldwide.

Law Print and Packaging is set to unveil its latest packaging innovations and finishes for the pet food sector at Interzoo 2018, 8-11 May, in Nuremberg, Germany. 

“From the ever-growing pet treats sector to new store label brands, our team have been inundated with projects over the last 12 months. The pet food market consistently shows dynamic growth and innovation, as consumers see their pets as an integral part of family life," said Carole Bayne, Sales and Marketing Director at the fast-growing flexible packaging supplier.

The latest additions to their portfolio will be showcased at Interzoo for the first time, along with new formats, closure features and finishes.

One of the latest advances uses the application of textured (haptic) varnish to flexible packaging creating a unique, multi-sensory packaging experience. Recently, the UK supermarket chain Sainsbury’s adopted the innovative finish for their new range of Hypoallergenic Dog Foods.

“As millennial buying power becomes ever more prevalent in the pet food sector, it’s clear these savvy consumers are looking for a point of difference. According to recent reports from Packaged Facts, the millennial market is far more likely to spend more on products for their pets than older generations. This creates an exciting time for brands to experiment with packaging features that add greater perceived value,” commented Marketing Manager, Kate McCauley.

Law Print Pack offer a full turn key service for pet food manufacturers, brands and retailers from initial design consultancy to final store delivery.

“Maybe sustainability is big on the agenda for 2018 or perhaps you're looking to streamline supply chain through packaging optimisation? We invite you to meet with our team to see our latest innovations designed to drive down costs, improve efficiency and deliverfantastic quality packagingon the shelf,” added Carole Bayne.

Visit Law Print and Packaging, in the British Pavilion, Hall 9, Stand 9-607c.

As a society we’re living longer. Ten million Britons alive today can expect to reach their 100th birthday, compared with just 15,000 centenarians at present.

To support the ageing population, it’s essential to understand the science of healthy ageing, and seize the opportunity to improve the quality of lives lived longer. And we believe the same is true for our dogs.

The concept of healthy ageing in dogs, characterised by a long health span during which an individual dog is healthy and free from serious disease, is explored further in a peer reviewed article from EUKANUBA’s veterinary experts, published in Companion Animal, one of the UK’s leading clinical journals for the veterinary profession.

While there is a paucity of studies on ageing in dogs, there is good evidence to suggest that changes in nutrition, lifestyle and appropriate health care have a significant influence on a dog’s lifespan.

In fact, in the journal entitled ‘Healthy Ageing and the Science of Longevity in Dogs’, EUKANUBA reveals that there are very clear parallels when it comes to ageing in humans, and ageing in dogs.

For EUKANUBA, the journey to understanding healthy ageing began in 2004, when the advanced pet nutrition brand embarked on a ten-year observation involving 39 Labrador Retrievers. The dogs’ health and life spans were monitored, with unprecedented results – nearly 90%3 of the Labradors fed on EUKANUBA’s advanced nutrition, together with appropriate care, lived beyond the breed’s typical twelve-year life expectancy.

The results demonstrated and redefined what successful ageing in dogs could look like, indicating how nutritional factors and appropriate care can have a significant impact on healthy ageing in dogs, just as they can have on humans. The results also highlighted how different nutritional components can provide health and wellbeing benefits that build from one life stage to the next

As an expert in life stage nutrition, EUKANUBA is passionate about educating pet owners on the concept of healthy ageing. The team of experts involved in the observation realised that rather than simply adding more years to a dog’s life, it’s vital for pet owners to focus on extending the health span of their pet, giving more quality life to those years.

It is this insight which inspired EUKANUBA to introduce a new range of advanced nutrition, which combines fresh chicken1, for a tasty recipe which also supports optimal body condition. Carefully tailored across each life stage and breed size, EUKANUBA recipes can help owners and their dog to live life well together.

Kellie Ceccarelli, EUKANUBA’s Veterinary Training Manager, comments, “When it comes to healthy ageing in dogs, the findings from EUKANUBA’s Longevity observation reinforce the fact that as dogs age they have different nutritional needs. Just as with humans, to ensure our pets enjoy an extended health span, it’s essential that dogs receive appropriate care and nutrition. Rather than simply extending the years of life, it’s important for owners to help their dog achieve a long health-span by providing them with tailored nutrition which supports their changing nutritional needs from Puppy through to Senior.”

“That’s why EUKANUBA’s new range of advanced nutrition includes five life stage variants. By tailoring the protein and fat levels for each life stage and dog size, we wanted to provide nutrition that builds from one life stage to the next, supporting dogs as they grow from a Puppy to Adult, Adult to Mature and Mature to Senior.”

Part two of the Science of Longevity journal from EUKANUBA will be published in Companion Animal later this year, focusing on the topic of cumulative nutrition and the life-course perspective for healthy ageing.

Police have made an arrest following a theft of £50 from a till at a pet shop in Evesham.

The Ludlow Advertiser reported that burglars smashed their way into The Pet Food Shop overnight on Monday April 9 and into the early hours of the following day.

Sgt Alex Denney told the newspaper: "The suspect was arrested by my team the following day for other matters and is now in prison for a period. We will be visiting this offender prior to release and he will be interviewed for the Pet Food Store offence and some other matters.

"I would point out that there have been no similar offences in the locality since the arrest.”

If any person has any information that they feel would assist they can do this anonymously via www.Crimestoppers-uk.org or via telephone on 0800 555 111.

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A pet shop owner is closing his business in Norfolk because online shoppers are taking custom away from the high street, he has told his local newspaper.

Teresa’s Pet Necessities in Gaywood, King’s Lynn, will close its doors for the final time on Saturday.

Nicholas Kulkani took over the running of the shop from his sister, Teresa, following her death from ovarian cancer in 2011.

He told the Lynn News: “I’ve watched the town have the heart and soul ripped out of it. The future of retail is very depressing and small, independent stores are under threat.”

Set to close on Saturday, Teresa’s Pet Necessities has customers who have stayed loyal for 30 years, buying from Teresa when she worked at Anne Kennedy’s Pet Store, and then when she set up her own business in 2004.

Nicholas said: “She loved her animals, and she loved her customers. She said to me before she died that I must never treat them as customers or she would come back and haunt me, because they were her friends.

“And they were, she would even run deliveries for the elderly in the evening if they couldn’t get to the store to pick up their bird seed.”

Teresa died in 2011, aged 46, and the family made the decision to keep the store going in her name until now. The family have decided to close the store after feeling the hit from online shoppers.

Read more by clicking here

Over the last 3 years, Inspired Pet Nutrition (“IPN”) has enjoyed rapid growth across its core pet business while expanding into new areas such as Baked completes, Wet Trays for Dogs and Cat Pouches.

IPN is therefore pleased to announce a significant strengthening of its senior management team together with the promotion of Graham Wheeler to head up process and innovation.

Chris Wragg will join IPN as Director of Marketing from June 2018. Chris has spent some 20 years in various marketing roles working with some of the UK’s most iconic brands at Nestle and more recently with Mars.

In his new role, Chris will oversee all aspects of IPN’s brand marketing, digital strategy, and creative execution. He will lead a marketing team which manages an increasingly diverse range of brands, including Wagg, Companions, Nineteen87, and of course Harringtons.

Harringtons is firmly established as the UK’s fastest-growing mainstream pet food brand and, on the heels of a multi-year period of substantial marketing investment, now boasts brand awareness on par with companies many times its size.

“Chris is an extremely talented executive with a proven track record of building successful consumer-facing brands," said Richard Page, Managing Director of IPN. “We are excited about the myriad opportunities available to our portfolio of pet food brands, and we believe that Chris will bring a distinctive and thoughtful approach to our continued strong investment behind these brands.”

James Lawson will join IPN as Managing Director of The Real PetFood Company (“TRPC”) from July 2018, as well as IPN’s Operating Board.

James spent the last seven years as Joint Managing Director of GA Pet Food Partners, where he was instrumental in building that business into a Global leader in premium pet foods, made under contract.

James’ unique combination of technical development and commercial acumen will allow IPN to continue crafting best-in-class treats, super premium baked complete food, and industry leading wet food at IPN’s new 120,000 sq ft bakery in Kinmel, North Wales.

In his new role, James will work closely with Graham Wheeler, founder of TRPC and a leading animal nutritionist within the UK. Additionally, in response to global demand for TRPC’s products, James will also support the building up of the business’ export capabilities.

“James is a great addition to the IPN leadership team. His proven skill sets will enable us to continue delivering the best pet food at the best value to the largest number of pet parents," said James Lambert, Chairman of IPN.

Graham Wheeler’s appointment to the Board of IPN was also confirmed. He will lead the group’s renewed focus on developing innovative and exciting products across the entire range of pet foods; ensuring IPN is leading the field in pet nutrition in a changing and challenging consumer environment.

Since 2015, IPN has grown sales in excess of 40%; has invested some £30m in capital projects and with Harringtons, has created a brand with an estimated retail value of c. £60m.

The Pet Food Manufacturers' Association welcomes in its new Chairman, Tony Parkinson, Managing Director of Town & Country Petfoods, a family-run business based in Melton Mowbray, which includes the HiLife brand of dog and cat foods.

Tony takes over from Peter Kersh, Managing Director of World Feeds.

“Peter will be a tough act to follow,” Tony comments “but I’m looking forward to the challenge. I’m delighted that he and I will continue to work together over the next two years, along with the new Vice Chairman, Derek Evans from Butchers Pet Care.

“Our role is to support the excellent team at PFMA through the very specific difficulties the industry faces over Brexit and pursue our ambitious vision to confirm the UK’s position at the forefront of the world’s pet food industry for years to come.”

Michael Bellingham, PFMA Chief Executive, added: “Tony has been supporting PFMA for many years at our Executive Committee and alongside Peter and Derek, we are in very capable and experienced hands. We would also like to extend our thanks to Peter, who came in to the role not anticipating Brexit, but has risen to the challenge nonetheless with his trademark energy and a clear sense of direction.  We look forward to continuing the journey with the Chair team.”

Back in 2013 both Oscar & Hooch and Medical Detection Dogs (MDD) were on a journey, a new UK pet brand and a charity that was expanding quickly (over 600 volunteers today).

Oscar & Hooch founder Paul Steckler wanted to give something back from day one and with his background in pharmaceuticals, Medical Detection Dogs was the perfect fit.

Medical Detection Dogs not only deliver hope through advancement in disease detection but also provide support to people who have life threatening conditions, their assistance dogs are family members and a very important lifeline.

Oscar & Hooch agreed to make a design that accentuated the MDD colours and so the black & red range was born. Once assistance dogs complete their training they are provided with a collar & lead set in black & red.

As well as providing accessories to MDD, Oscar & Hooch make an annual donation to this very worthwhile cause. Now in the sixth year of partnership both have great ambitions.

Claire Guest CEO Medical Detection Dogs, said: “we are proud of the work of our dogs, their ability to detect human disease and save human lives is becoming better recognised every day.  Partnering with Oscar & Hooch means our dogs wear a high quality lead and collar in colours that people now associate with our work.  We are so grateful for the support of Oscar & Hooch in helping us to achieve our goals.”

Paul Steckler Founder Oscar & Hooch, said: “From day one it was clear that MDD were the right partner, not only because of the amazing work they do but also because of the people who work tirelessly for this cause, led by Claire, a truly inspiring CEO.”

About Medical Detection Dogs:

Medical Detection Dogs trains dogs to detect the odour of human disease. It is at the forefront of the research into the fight against disease and helping people with life-threatening conditions.

Our Bio-Detection Dogs are trained to find the odour of diseases, such as cancer, in samples such as urine, breath and swabs. Our Medical Alert Assistance Dogs are trained to detect minute changes in an individual’s personal odour triggered by their condition and alert them to an impending medical event. We receive no government funding for the work we do and rely entirely on the generosity of donations from trusts and the public.   

For further information

Oscar & Hooch

Elaine Steckler, Director   01934 713667

enquiries@oscarandhooch.com

Medical Detection Dogs

Frankie Hockham, Fundraising Manager 01296 655888

fundraising@medicaldetectiondogs.org.uk

Supreme Petfoods has launched a new bedding product for small pets and it has strong green credentials throughout its production.

Tiny Friends Farm Eco Bedding is made from surplus paper from paper mills, which would otherwise be sent to landfill. Even the farm where biomass boilers dry the paper into soft bedding, is powered by wind turbines.

It is estimated that up to a third of consumers* choose brands based on their social or environmental impact. Bedding for herbivorous small pets can also be recycled by some local authorities after use and it’s compostable at home, so the new eco bedding is not only sustainably produced but can be disposed of responsibly too. The packaging is also recyclable.

New Tiny Friends Farm Eco Bedding is virtually dust-free, very soft on tiny paws and highly absorbent, helping to keep small pets fresh, dry and comfortable. For retailers, it’s easy to handle in store – the double-compressed packs can be transported in an environmentally responsible way and take up less shelf room, while generating good margins. The 15 litre packs are even easy to carry home from the high street, with an in-built carry handle.

Claire Hamblion, Supreme Marketing Manager says it’s a great addition to the small pets category, “Clearly branding this product under the Tiny Friends Farm brand helps shoppers make their choice quickly and we know this fast basket fill is essential to create browsing time so they can select products for other pets too. It’s a responsible purchase from a trusted brand and aligns really well with the natural ethos of our products.”

Tiny Friends Farm has a recommended retail price of £9.99 for a 15 litre pack.

For further information visit Supreme Petfoods at www.supremepetfoods.com.

Finest Brands International – home of the iconic Toggi label – will continue as BETA International's official clothing supplier for an eighth consecutive year.

As part of the agreement, all members of the trade fair's organising team will wear specially selected garments from Toggi's stylish country collections – each dual-branded with embroidered logos.

“We have long regarded Finest Brands International as one of our most loyal supporters,” said trade fair organiser Claire Thomas.

“We are thrilled that, with their help, all members of the BETA International team – from those working behind the scenes to those liaising directly with exhibitors and visitors in the halls –  always look incredibly smart and instantly recognisable while on duty. Ensuring that our corporate appearance is firing on all cylinders is extremely important, as it is a tremendous reflection on the professionalism of the show.”

Sarah-Jane Fedarb, managing director of Finest Brands International, added: “Everyone at Finest Brands is very proud that the hard-working BETA International team will be donning Toggi clothing and footwear for the 2019 trade fair. They do an outstanding job of organising and managing the event, for which the whole trade is very grateful.”

All members of the BETA International organising team wear branded shirts and gilets from Toggi, which is famed for its leisure and rider wear. Toggi’s equestrian garments are aimed at those who want to enjoy the outdoors in comfort and style, with jodhpurs, boots, jackets, shirts, breeches and accessories for everything from mucking out to competition riding.

The BETA International organising team take their pick from a stylish selection of classic country clothing, selecting pieces that will remain crisp and comfortable throughout the three-day show. This year, female members wore Toggi's checked Tattersall shirts and waxed Cambridge gilets, while men opted for Toggi checked Cresswell shirts and water-repellent Tiverton gilets.

Toggi joins the trade fair’s fellow supporters, media partner Equestrian Trade News, visitor bags sponsor Hy and main sponsor Neue Schule.

BETA International is the world’s leading trade fair for equestrian, country clothing, outdoor and pet products. The 2019 show takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 20 to 22 January.

For further information about exhibiting, contact James Palmer, telephone +44 (0)1937 582111 or email jamesp@beta-int.com.

CSJ’s owners Ceri and Phil Rundle hosted the Bodfari Trials over Easter Weekend and raised a £850 for the Walton Centre, Liverpool.

Sponsored by CSJ the Bodfari Trial kicked off the North Wales sheepdog trials season and despite the second day suffering from floods, sleet, snow, rain and wind was extremely well attended.

Ceri Rundle said, “The Walton Centre specialises in neurology and neurological surgery - thankfully trials people are a hardy crowd and we are delighted that everyone turned out and helped to raise money for such a worthy cause.”

Brynley Williams with his dog Elwyn Lad topped the winners tables with Ceri also doing well with her young homebred Moel Dan coming 2^nd in the prestigious Open class and going on to win the Novice class.

Keeping to the Easter theme the prizes included mugs and egg cups hand painted by local KGB Pottery.

Following three years of research and development Interpet has launched Tri-Spec 2, a maximum output aquarium light with a uniquely engineered lens system that delivers unparalleled light output.

Safe and extremely efficient this latest innovation is particularly suited to marine aquariums, helping to promote healthy growth of coral.

The Tri Spec 2 LEDs offer maximum versatility being available in four sizes (52cm – 60cm, 69cm – 80cm, 90cm – 100cm, and 116cm – 124cm) with three fitting options (extendable end brackets for direct replacement into flap systems; versatile brackets to retrofit onto any aquarium hood; or upgrade with a suspension kit to hang over open top tanks).

They can be used to replace lighting in any size of furniture aquarium, and have an IP67 water proof rating enabling them, unlike some other brands, to be submersed in depths of up to one metre.

Designed in the UK, the Tri Spec 2 comes with a three year guarantee and can be used with a separately available Bluetooth controller via the Tri-Spec app.  The product is now available to retailers.   

www.interpet.co.uk

PFMA (Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association) visited Paris in April for a meeting with the International Office of Animal Health (OIE). The aim of the visit was to find out more about their standard-setting work on animal health and its role in international trade.

Michael Bellingham advised: “Our meeting with OIE was prompted by the prospect of the UK leaving the EU and seeking to be a more global player. PFMA recognises this and is gearing up with a series of meetings with key international organisations who will have a critical impact on our sector.”

Last autumn PFMA visited the World Trade Organisation in Geneva, OIE is a key partner in global trade with the WTO setting standards for farm animal health and welfare. 

Michael continued: “Whilst OIE already has a partnership agreement with the Global Pet Food Alliance (which PFMA belongs to through its European counterpart, FEDIAF), it is clear they see the UK becoming a key influencer in OIE directly working on pet food issues.”

Whilst in Paris, PFMA also met the trade team at the British Embassy to discuss practical challenges raised by members on future trade across the Channel.

With these new connections in place, PFMA continues to help members stay informed about what to expect as negotiations on the UK’s future relationship with the EU progresses.

For more information, please contact Nicole Paley or Michael Bellingham on 020 7379 9009 or nicole@pfma.org.uk

Due to launch in May, the 1,700 square foot shop on King’s Road will be set across two floors and offer products for cats and dogs from a range of international and regional pet grooming brands.

Items will include leads and collars, pet clothing, safety equipment, sports accessories and treats for pets from brands such as Mia Cara, Duepuntootto and Cloud7.

The store will also feature a grooming spa on the lower ground floor and a bespoke dog crèche where clients can drop-off their dogs before a shopping trip.

Jenny Matthews, founder of Love My Human, said: “We are delighted to embark upon our first UK store after a successful online business and in the prime location of King’s Road.

"We are excited to join this exclusive community which are attracted by premium and distinctive products and see the King’s Road as the perfect place for our brand to grow.”

PATS Telford will be presenting state-of-the art grooming demonstrations and talks on both days of the show at The Telford International Centre on Sunday and Monday, September 23-24.

The grooming programme, in association with British Dog Groomers' Association and The Welsh Grooming Academy, will include some of the country’s leading groomers.

The demonstrations will highlight the knowledge and expertise required to complete traditional grooming techniques successfully as well as showing off a few modern and creative ideas as well.

With an increasing number of pet retailers introducing grooming salons into their stores, the PATS programme of talks and demos will provide invaluable insights into this side of the business.

“Myself and other members of BDGA are really looking forward to delivering two days of interactive demos/seminars at PATS Telford this year,”

said Mathew Spry, acting chairman of BDGA. 

“This exhibition is one of the most enjoyable events out there. A welcoming environment with new products, free samples and an opportunity to network and learn is always a great day out in my book.”

Mathew, who is organising the grooming programme at PATS Telford, is a competitive groomer both in the UK and internationally, and also owns Barkingham Park Pet Spa and The Welsh Grooming Academy.

PATS organiser Gordon Thomas said: “We’re really excited to be running such a full programme of grooming talks and demonstrations in association with British Dog Groomers' Association and The Welsh Grooming Academy.

“The grooming features were a highlight of last year’s PATS Telford and it’s great to be staging such an exciting programme again. We’ve made the Grooming Workshop area even bigger this year as a result of its popularity. If you’re thinking of adding grooming to your pet business, make sure you visit PATS Telford.”

The exhibition hall at The Telford International Centre will be packed with stands showcasing new products. To register for free entry to the show and to view the full list of exhibitors visit www.patshow.co.uk

PATS TELFORD GROOMING PROGRAMME

Here are some of the highlights over the two days. More details and timings to be confirmed.

• Kelly Davis & Mathew Spry - Higher Diploma Grooming Demonstrations and Higher Diploma Questions and Answers
• Mel Overand - Handstripping Border Terrier 
• Francisco De Assis - Everyday Salon Creative and Ideas
• Georgia Fuller - Bichon Frise Pet Perfect 
• Beccie Woods - Handstripping Schnauzer 
• Fee Brook - Clipping Spaniels well
• Francisco De Assis Ferreira De Vasconcellos From Germany - Poodle T Trim
• Kelly Davis - Pet Westie traditional style made easy (Level 3 Dipoma) 
• Kelly Davis - C&G New Level 3 fast track discussion, questions and answers 
• Beccie Woods - Clipped Schnauzer breed standard styling

There will also be demonstrations on the Karhia Hand Stripping machine; information on tools and products for the everyday groomer; plus tips and tricks to increase salon revenue.

For those interested in taking the PIF Higher Diploma, five people can take along their dogs for the Kelly Davis Higher diploma examiner to talk to you about your dog, what you need to do to achieve this higher level qualification, is your dog a good choice for the exam and where you could improve for higher marks? Special passes will be given to the five selected people. If you are interested contact Mathew Spry by email matt@barkinghampark.co.uk

Bone china will certainly be clinking in eager anticipation whilst kettles will be whistling with joy at the thought of National Tea Day (April 21-22) which is almost upon us.  And yet, whilst we sit down and sip our favourite Rooibos, Builder’s, Green, Oolong  or Darjeeling, spare a thought for our four legged friends who will once again have to settle for a bland bowl of lukewarm water...or will they?

Doggy’s Cuppa is a daily tonic packed with beneficial herbs assembled by Kent-based canine specialist vet Veneta Kozhuhrova who has a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeon’s approved Master’s Degree.

According to Veneta, "I constantly found myself diagnosing and resolving a series of frequently recurring yet debilitating minor doggy ailments from digestive and urinary health to dehydration immune support and even flatulence!  There are massive disparities between the best and worst dog foods in the marketplace which means many dogs are consuming kibbles or wet food devoid of taste, best in class ingredients or nutritional worth."

Doggy’s Cuppa is a range of eight herbal brews made with human-grade ingredients (De-tox urinary, Soothing for digestion, Slimming for obesity, Rejuvenation for old dogs, Evening & Morning Brews, Fitness working dogs & Calming angsty dogs) at affordable everyday price points that can be consumed either as a drink, (not hot!) as a herbal gravy poured on top of their food or even a dry topping.’   

Doggy Cuppa’s ambitions go far beyond the Independent Pet Food sector and online to include dog friendly establishments (boutique hotels, cafes and pubs).

www.doggyscuppa.com