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Following extensive research and development, Nature’s Feast will be strengthening its offer with the launch of a new small animal food collection.
The collection features a range of food, treats and hay for rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters, an area which represents a £72m market opportunity year on year1.
The Nature’s Feast brand is now perfectly poised to add value to the category, using extensive consumer insight and product research. It has identified a gap in the market, with 43% of shoppers buying both mixed food and pellets, as they perceive nuggets alone to be boring and processed, despite their health credentials2. A new range offering the health benefits of nuggets, with the variety and interest of mixed grass and vegetables will be launched to the trade in July, alongside care guides, POS and other educational support.
An independent one month trial involving 68 rabbits and guinea pigs gave impressive results for this new range of products. It demonstrated the animals were more likely to forage (alieving boredom), but still ate all the food within 24 hours (ensuring nutritional needs were met)3. This indicates the emotional enrichment provided through their ability to express natural behaviours.
Items in the range include:- Nature’s Feast Rabbit Food – A blend of nuggets with 8% real grass, fruit and vegetables. Rich in fibre with natural prebiotics and linseed for Omega 3.
- Nature’s Feast Guinea Pig Food - A blend of nuggets with 8% real grass, fruit and vegetables. Rich in fibre with natural prebiotics and linseed for Omega 3. With added Vitamin C.
- Nature’s Feast Hamster Food – A blend of nuggets with 20% fruit and vegetables. Rich in protein from poultry meat meal, with natural prebiotics and linseed for Omega 3.
- Nature’s Feast Snack Selection – A healthy mix of natural snacks to feed straight or to mix in with food or hay. Presented in a 3-pack of different flavours: Fruit Garden, Vegetable Patch and Flower Garden.
- Nature’s Feast Garden Forage – A blend of 5 varieties of grass and hay topped with a delicious mix of flowers. Encourages foraging.
Rachael Dickinson, Senior Marketing Manager said: “Through our targeted research and insight we’ve developed a range of products that will add value back into the category with a natural, premium brand. This range will encourage animals to forage, yet provide them with optimum nutrition. All products are visually appealing to the pet owner, plus nutritionally and emotionally good for their animals.”
“We know that small animal owners are concerned about the health of their pets, but also want a food that will provide interest and variety. This new range is in a unique position as it meets both these needs, plus it’s being launched by a well-established brand with the knowledge and experience to drive this forward.”
1 PFMA Report 2015
2 Independent Primary Research 2015
3 Independent trial completed by Moulton College 2016
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Justin Heaton, a well recognised face in the pet industry and a former Division Director at Westland's Pet Division, has joined his wife Chloe as a director in their family business – The Innocent Pet Care Company Limited.
With a decade of experience working in the pet food industry Justin brings a wealth of expertise to the luxury treat manufacturer.
Joining the business was a natural step for Justin. He has a shared passion for the core values of the business as well as a wealth of experience.
“Both Chloe and I are mad about hounds,” comments Justin. “That’s why all our products are natural, ethically sourced and of the highest quality. I am very excited to be part of such a dynamic business and to be working with Chloe – let’s hope she feels the same!” The Innocent Hound and The Innocent Cat treats are luxury, hypoallergenic treats made from 80% British, sustainably sourced fresh meat. All our treats are air-dried, not cooked and are suitable for raw feeding. For more information email hello@innocentpetcare.co.uk or call 01765 641338.
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Innovative pet firm turns down Dragons' offer
Innovative UK technology start-up company PitPat, which produces a wearable activity monitor for dogs, has turned down a combined offer of £150,000 from two investors while appearing on BBC2's hit programme Dragons' Den on Sunday.
Innovative UK technology start-up company PitPat, which produces a wearable activity monitor for dogs, has turned down a combined offer of £150,000 from two investors while appearing on BBC2's hit programme Dragons' Den on Sunday.
PitPat found and CEO Andrew Nowell entered the Dragons' Den, asking for the amount for a 7.5% stake in the company but two Dragons – Deborah Meaden and Nick Jenkins – wanted a 10% stake each for combining to offer the cash sum.
 Andrew, who sought investment to grow the business in the UK and abroad, and to raise awareness of pet health, eventually declined the offer. The company will now be launching a crowdfunding round later this year in order to further expand the business and address the issue of pet health globally.
Designed in Cambridge and manufactured in the UK, PitPat gives owners a fun and engaging way to ensure that their dog gets the exercise it needs by keeping track of walking, running, playing and resting. PitPat attaches to any collar and with its sleek, compact and lightweight design it is the go-to gadget for dogs of any size or breed.
The device boasts best-in-breed technology with a year-long battery life and waterproof design, meaning it can stay attached and continue tracking all the time. Unlike other wearable technology products, there is no inconvenience or downtime for recharging.
Accompanying the PitPat device is a free iOS and Android app, which allows owners to keep an eye on their dog’s activity level and find out what they have done while they have been apart – with the dog walker, in kennels etc. The app compares the activity to a daily guideline based on the dog’s age, breed and weight and gives fun hints and tips towards responsible dog ownership.
PitPat re-tails at £39.99 and is available to purchase online at www.pitpatpet.com or at pet stores across the country. The company offered a Dragons’ Den online discount of £5 off for 24 hours from the time of airing.
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The UK pet industry could become stronger post-Brexit
The UK pet industry is set to become stronger and more efficient with companies already planning and adapting to likely changes caused by Britain's decision to leave the European Union, claims recruitment expert Lynda Ward. And that means excellent staff will be needed within the trade...
Pet Trade Solutions founder Lynda Ward, says that the UK pet industry shouldn’t fear leaving the EU.
Lynda, who utilises her 30 years’ experience in the trade for pet industry dedicated recruitment and marketing solutions, says: “Recruitment of staff is an excellent barometer of confidence in business and following a short period of uncertainty by employers immediately following the referendum, confidence is returning and many companies are forging ahead with expansion plans.”
Lynda believes that sensible companies have taken a hard look at their business plans and are finding ways to capitalise on the opportunities and to cater for possible downsides to the ‘leave’ vote.
She goes on: “At PATS in March the forthcoming referendum was a hot topic amongst stand-holders and every single business owner I spoke to said they wanted to leave the EU and had confidence in the future of their business due to the strength of their offering to the market.
"During my time the pet trade has survived two major recessions – earning the nick-name ‘the recession-proof industry’ – and of course this is due in part to the popularity of pets.
"However I’ve always found that we as an industry tend to have an innate resilience, positive attitude and entrepreneurial spirit and will always look for ways to circumnavigate problems and find even better alternatives.
"There’s no doubt that these attributes will be needed in the aftermath to Brexit but companies already planning and adapting will not just survive but will thrive and become stronger, more efficient and continue to need excellent staff.
Lynda is always happy to personally advise on any aspects of recruitment and marketing strategy and can be contacted on 07946 743784 or at lyndaward@pettradesolutions.com
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Benyfit Natural, one of the newest and fastest growing raw food manuafcturers on the market, will be unveiling its new branding at PATS Telford 2016 and the company is delighted to be exhibiting there for the first time.
The new packaging consists of convenient tubs with the meat contents blast-frozen to maintain their texture and taste. The tub surrounds carry an attractive tree design with a different breed of dog on each one to denote its variety.
The tubs themselves are BPA free. BPA is an industrial chemical that has been used to make certain plastics and resins since the 1960s. Some research has shown that BPA can seep into food or beverages from containers that are made from it and that exposure to BPA can lead to possible serious health effects. All the new Benyfit Natural packaging is made from recycled materials and is also recyclable.
With a growing reputation for being one of the best premium raw food diet brands to recently emerge on to the scene, the team at Benyfit Natural together with their advisers who consist of vets, nutritionists, dog trainers and behaviourists believe the old adage that you only get out what you put when it comes to dog nutrition. That is why they have developed a range of frozen raw food recipes for working dogs and dogs with specific dietary requirements that combine the right balance of quality raw ingredients, vitamins and minerals to maintain the health, vitality and bounce of any dog performing in the showring, out in the field or in their day to day lives.
The company’s founder, Ben Van Praagh, himself a leading gundog trainer who has competed across the UK with his dogs in gundog trials, is also a qualified chef having trained at Crawley College. With his belief that a balanced diet leads to balanced behaviour, he has been able to combine his understanding of training dogs with his nutritional background in order to produce a range of foods that are not only natural but are also nutritionally balanced and biologically appropriate.
Following the evolutionary principle that dogs are descended from wolves and other wild canines it is believed that our modern day domestic dogs are not genetically programmed to process quantities of grains, cereals and other fillers such as soya that are often found in many other commercial foods. A balanced diet, similar to that of humans that combines acceptable amounts of animal protein, fruit and vegetables will lead to healthier lives for dogs. The feeding of a raw bone and raw meat diet is also thought to have many health benefits including helping to prevent ear and gland infections, skin allergies, diabetes, heart and joint problems. The feeding of raw bones is also good for the health of a dog’s teeth and gums.
 
The Benyfit recipe range is available in Puppy, Adult and Senior life stages using a variety of meats such as chicken, tripe and beef. The complete diets also contain ground bones, carrot, broccoli, swede, offal, flaxseed oil, kelp and herbs as well as raw eggs all of which offer a natural combination of vitamins, minerals, omega oils and amino acids to produce a healthy skin, coat, joints, thyroid and cell production as well as helping to support the immune system. The adult food is coarsely minced to provide the texture that dogs like and the Premium Blend range contains a combination of venison, rabbit and turkey which is ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs. All varieties are designed to help maintain a healthy weight for an adult dog.
The Benyfit Puppy Food is finely minced for small mouths and also contains Verm-X for healthy intestinal hygiene. The Benyfit Senior food helps to maintain the correct weight of older or less active dogs and also contains added Glucosamine, MSM and Chondroitin for healthy joints and cartilages enabling easier movement.
A number of new diets have recently been added to the range and include Meat Feast. This recipe is vegetable free and has been created primarily to tackle the problem of itchy skin, one of the major symptoms of a yeast intolerance. Often grain and gluten can cause these types of problems but if these have been eliminated from the diet and the itching persists, it is more likely to be caused by the sugars in vegetables. Swapping to a vegetable free diet will stop the excessive itching and scratching in dogs prone to this intolerance. This product is also fantastic however for people wishing to feed a nutritionally balanced diet free of vegetables for any other reason. Benyfit Natural has also introduced a new Sensitive Diet which contains turkey as well as a new turkey variety working dog food as well. These cater for dogs that may have an intolerance to chicken or have sensitive stomachs.
WIN A NEW FREEZER AT PATS
The Benyfit Natural range is veterinary approved and is available to buy in convenient 1kg and 500 g tubs which can be easily stored in the freezer. The food is on sale in a number of leading retailers and stockists across the UK all of which report exceptional sales with the products. Freezer deals are available for retailers together with training for staff and excellent turnaround, delivery and customer service. Retailers visiting our stand at PATS Telford will also have the opportunity to win a small freezer packed full of our best sellers. So do not miss out and visit our stand, H50.
For further information visit the website: www.benyfitnatural.co.uk or Tel: 01892 770 188 or email: info@benyfitnatural.co.uk
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Demand for Beco Pets’ new eco-conscious Food for Dogs has gone through the Woof, with new customers’ requests for samples peaking at 120 per hour.
So at PATS Telford, Beco Pets is launching a new 8kg bag of their pioneering food, which is better for your pet and better for the environment.
Containing human-grade, ethically- and locally-sourced ingredients, new Beco Food for Dogs is grain-free, meat-meal-free, includes fresh meat only, and is the first British brand to use sustainably caught fish certified by The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).
Customers have requested Beco’s three delicious new recipes - wild boar with broccoli and pumpkin, free-range chicken with kale and chicory and MSC-certified cod and haddock with kale and chickpeas - in larger bag sizes that last longer.
Also still available in 2kg bags, with bigger bags offering savings. See www.becopets.com
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Lintbells launches natural solution for stressed dogs
Lintbells has launched YuCALM Dog, complementing the company’s best-selling joint and skin support products. It takes the company’s premium natural supplements portfolio into the area of behaviour therapy for the first time...
 Lintbells has launched YuCALM Dog, complementing the company’s best-selling joint and skin support products.
It takes the company’s premium natural supplements portfolio into the area of behaviour therapy for the first time.
The new supplement promises it offers an effective way to help reduce stress, allowing dogs to feel happier and calmer.
YuCALM Dog is ideal for pets with noise phobias or other behavioural concerns. It can be given short term to combat a specific trigger event – such as holiday travel or during firework season – or for as long as it is needed by dogs with nervous or fearful temperaments or more long standing problems.
Due to its unique formula of scientifically proven ingredients YuCALM Dog provides calming support in challenging situations, and can also help when used as part of a longer-term behaviour therapy or training programme.
YuCALM Dog, like all of the Lintbells products, has been perfected through extensive trials carried out in collaboration with specialist universities. Veterinary behavioural experts have also been involved in the development and evaluation process.
The supplement uses only natural ingredients such as L-Theanine which supports production of calming compounds such as serotonin and dopamine – the chemical messenger involved in the pathways controlling reward-based behaviours. Lemon Balm has an effect on GABA levels – which exerts a calming effect by inhibiting nerve transmission in the brain. High quality fish protein hydrolysates support brain function, as well as also acting on GABA and dopamine levels.
The objective with all Lintbells products is to produce the highest possible quality and performance at an affordable cost to veterinary practices and retailers. As a result, brands like YuMEGA and YuMOVE are widely stocked and recommended by vets and nurses and the pet trade.
John Davies, Co-Founder at Lintbells says, “There are many situations that dogs might face which provoke anxious or fearful responses. Pet owners have told us that they feel they need help to support their pets in these difficult situations. We are delighted to be able to offer a natural supplement that’s been properly validated and we’ll be reinforcing that professionals can give advice on the whole package of interventions needed to support pets in distress.”
YuCALM Dog is available in 30’s, 60’s and 120’s from veterinary and pet trade wholesalers. For further information on YuCALM Dog, visit www.lintbellsvet.com or talk to your Lintbells Veterinary and Retail Business Development Executives.
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alcott retractable leashes are leading the way
After a successful launch in the United States, the new collection of alcott retractable leashes from Pet Adventures Worldwide (PAW) are ready for international markets and will have their first appearance in the UK during PATS Telford...
After a successful launch in the United States, the new collection of alcott retractable leashes from Pet Adventures Worldwide (PAW) are ready for international markets and will have their first appearance in the UK during PATS Telford.
All alcott retractable leashes have features and benefits your customers want, including:- All Belt Design — No Cords!
- Soft Grip Handles
- Reflective Accents
alcott’saffordably priced retractable leashes are a must-have for any pet specialty store! alcott also offers matching nylon collars, travel gear and other dog walking solutions. In order to provide excellent customer service around the world, PAW has its global headquarters in Ohio (USA) and two supporting offices in Europe and China.
All PAW products are designed in the USA. Development, production and quality control are managed by PAW.
With decades of experience servicing the retractable leash market, PAW is the trusted partner of leading brands in North America.
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Dog owners have been urged to clean up after their pets when walking around South Yorkshire reservoirs.
Yorkshire Water say Scout Dike reservoir near Sheffield and Langsett reservoir near Barnsley are among the worst places in the region for dog mess being left to litter pathways.
The company is backing a new national campaign by the Dogs Trust called the ‘Big Scoop’ in which dog owners are being encouraged to act responsibly and scoop up after their pets.
Yorkshire Water says it has spent around £60,000 in the last five years trying to deal with dog mess at its reservoir sites, but it is still a problem it is trying to fix.
Alastair Harvey, recreation advisor at Yorkshire Water, said: “We welcome dog owners to our sites but leaving dog mess spoils the experience for our other visitors.
“So we are asking dog owners to bag it and bin it. We spend around £12,000 a year to tackle the problem and have bins provided at our most popular reservoirs, so we ask people to please use them and help us keep these beauty spots clean and enjoyable for all.”
Alex Jackson, campaigns manager at Dogs Trust, said: “Failing to pick up after your dog gives other dogs and their owners a bad name, and, whilst it is a small minority who don’t scoop their dogs poop, we are hoping the Big Scoop - Dogs Trust nationwide poop campaign - will remind everyone to help keep their local area dog poo free, prompt other owners to pick up dog mess and dispose of it in any public bin.”
To help highlight the campaign, an unusual photo stunt took place, with Yorkshire Water staff setting up a ‘pyramid of poo’ using smiley face poo cushions to highlight how the company’s staff are left to clear up the mess if dogs aren’t cleaned up after by their owners.
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Easidri donates to Pet Blood Bank UK
Easidri, makers of the Cooling Coat, Cooling Mat and Grooming Towel, has donated Cooling Mats to Pet Blood Bank UK, to help ensure the comfort of the dogs giving blood...
Easidri, makers of the Cooling Coat, Cooling Mat and Grooming Towel, has donated Cooling Mats to Pet Blood Bank UK, to help ensure the comfort of the dogs giving blood.
"PBB are very grateful to Easidri for the kind donation of Cooling Mats. The health and comfort of our donor dogs is paramount and at a time when temperatures are high, it's fantastic to have these on hand to help keep our canine friends cool while giving blood,” said Wendy Barnett, Head of Clinical and Professional Services at Pet Blood Bank UK.
"We hold four or five sessions a week at host practices across the UK, where owners kindly bring their dogs along to donate blood to help other dogs. The sessions are held very much like human blood donation sessions. The blood donation process takes about 5 - 10 minutes, but owners should allow up to 30 – 40 minutes for their whole appointment. Dogs are required to lie on a table, on their side whilst donating. We’re delighted with the donation of Cooling Mats and very grateful to our colleagues at Easidri for the support.”
The Cooling Mat has a soft, food grade gel inner that helps to keep the dog cool at the same time as supporting the joints and more. It has an advanced composite waterproof fabric outer that’s puncture resistant and easy to keep clean. The mat is available in five sizes, so there’s something for all dogs.
“We are delighted to be able to help support such a great cause,” said Martin Balmer from Easidri. “This charity does such great work, as do the dogs and the owners who bring their pets to give blood. We’re pleased to be able to help make their donation time as comfortable as possible.”
For more information visit the website www.easidri.com
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 Leading pet food manufacturing company, Sneyd’s Wonderfeeds has added a new variety to its successful Wonderdog range by introducing Small Bites.
The kibble in Small Bites is reduced in size so is suitable for smaller mouths and has a 25% protein content which means that it is ideal for active and working dogs.
The new variety is packed full of vitamins and minerals and the meat content consists of Beef with a small amount of Fish which is combined with vegetables so it is packed full of antioxidants, omega oils, Vitamin A, Vitamin D3 and Vitamin E as well as other various other minerals.
The food is available to buy in 10 kg bags and is designed to improve the coat and condition of smaller working and active dogs. It offers exceptional value for money is highly palatable and is dust free.
For further information please contact Sneyd’s Wonderfeeds on 01724 844 189 or email: sales@wonderdog.co.uk or visit the website: www.wonderdog.co.uk
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A hungry hound from Glasgow has undergone life-saving surgery to remove 4ft of his intestines - all because he swallowed a corn on the cob!
Rhodesian Ridgeback crossbreed, Sam (7), had an emergency operation to remove around half of his small intestine after PDSA vets discovered the corn husk was causing it to rot away.
PDSA Senior Vet, Susie Hermit, from the vet charity’s Glasgow Shamrock Street Pet Hospital, said it was one of the most severe cases she had ever seen:
“We found that the corn on the cob husk was causing a major blockage in Sam’s small intestine, restricting the blood supply.
“Unfortunately, some of the damage was irreversible and we had to remove around half of his intestine, which had begun to die off and rot. Sam was very lucky to survive. He was at high risk of developing potentially-fatal blood poisoning and the operation to remove such a large section of his intestines was incredibly risky.”
Sam’s owner, Lorraine Graham (43), from Tollcross, was petrified at the thought of losing her beloved pet.
She said: “We first noticed something was wrong was when Sam started being sick. and it gradually got worse until he was being sick every 20 minutes.
“I couldn’t believe it when PDSA x-rayed him and told us what was causing the blockage. We hadn’t been eating corn on the cob so he must have picked it up while outside,” she said.
“He was so weak and lethargic that I knew he was facing the fight of his life. Thankfully he pulled through and I can’t thank PDSA enough for saving him.”
“We’re extra careful with him now but I’m really happy that he’s made such a good recovery. He’s back to his old self again and is eating normally which is great.”
PDSA vets are issuing a warning to pet owners ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend, as many people may be planning barbecues.
Corn on the cob was one of the most common items removed from pets last year with 28 cases treated by PDSA. Other strange items swallowed by pets include bones (51 cases) and kebab sticks (7).
Thanks to funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, PDSA is educating pet owners about the phenomenon of pets eating strange objects – known as ‘pica’ - and how to keep their animals’ safe.
Susie added: “Pets like to use their mouth to investigate objects as well as to eat. Puppies and younger pets will often swallow an item by mistake, even though they had only meant to investigate it.
“Something like corn on the cob might seem harmless enough but if an object moves along the digestive system, as it did with Sam, it can cause a tear or life-threatening blockage.
“If you have pets at home, try to keep anything dangerous or easy to swallow out of paws’ reach. Only let them play with suitable pet toys and try to supervise them to avoid any accidents. If you do suspect your pet has swallowed something you should contact your vet for advice immediately.”
BBQ safety tips
- Skip the scraps: Eating barbecue scraps can upset your pet’s stomach. Undercooked, unfamiliar or fatty food can cause vomiting and diarrhoea
- Bit it: Throw away any leftover food and rubbish into a lidded dustbin. At PDSA our vets often see pet who have eaten corn on the cob cores. These can cause a serious blockage and need removing by surgery
- Keep fuel well out of reach: Lighter fluid can prove fatal if ingested as it contains hydrocarbons, which are derived from crude oil
- Keep pets well away from flames and glowing embers: With all that fur around, your four-legged friends could get severe burns. So make sure they steer clear
- Slap on the suncream: Pets can suffer from sunburn and heatstroke just like us. So give your pets some suncream, shade and plenty of water. For white fur or damaged skin, special pet suncreams are available from pet shops
- Think when you drink: Keep glasses and drinks out of reach of thirsty pets. Alcohol can be particularly hazardous for pets. Use plastic cups as glass bottles, mugs and tea cups can easily smash into splinters to pierce paws
For more information about pica and to learn about the top 10 most common items removed from pets by PDSA last year visit http://ow.ly/nFFu303zP4k
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Aberdeen City Council has launched a search for construction companies to renovate a family attraction at an Aberdeen park.
Pets’ Corner in Hazlehead Park is to undergo a £750,000 renovation and expansion, which includes a new larger area for the fish and reptiles and an education room.
The work at the council-run facility includes replacing the roof over both parts of the buildings, internal alterations and refurbishment, installing new fish and reptile tanks, new external access ramp and paths, and an upgrade to the staff facilities.
The major upgrade and refurbishment, which is expected to start in the 2016/17 financial year, was hailed today as a boost for the park.
Infrastructure vice convener Jean Morrison said: “It is great the tender has been put out for the revamp of Pets’ Corner as it will look fantastic when the building works are finished.”
Donald Shaw, chairman of Friends of Hazlehead Park group, said: “We’re delighted we’ve got there and we’re tremendously looking forward to the work starting – a refurbished and extended Pets’ Corner will be a boost to the park as it will give people, and particularly families, a reason to visit the area and find out for themselves all the fantastic facilities there are.”
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