Hill’s Pet Nutrition Ltd has recalled a selection of its canned dog food because it may contain high levels of vitamin D, which exceed the maximum recommended intake.

The products are:

• Prescription Diet Canine i/d (12x360g cans)
• Prescription Diet Canine w/d (12x370g cans)
• Prescription Diet Canine z/d (12x370g cans)
• Science Plan Canine Mature Adult Active Longevity Chicken (12x370g cans)
• Science Plan Canine Advance Adult Fitness Chicken (12x370g cans)

Point of sale notices havel been displayed in all retail stores selling these products. These notices explain to customers why the products are being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought any of the products. The company is also contacting customers who have bought the affected products wherever possible.

In a statement on its website the Food Standard Agency said: “High levels of vitamin D fed to a pet over a short period (weeks/months) should not cause concern. Over a longer period of feeding, ingestion of elevated levels can lead to potential health issues depending on the level of vitamin D and the length of exposure, and dogs may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, excessive drooling, and weight loss. Vitamin D, when consumed at very high levels, can lead to serious health issues in dogs including renal dysfunction.”

In its customer notice, the company stated: Hill’s Pet Nutrition learned of the potential for elevated vitamin D levels in some of our canned dog foods after receiving a complaint in the United States about a dog exhibiting signs of elevated vitamin D levels. Our investigation confirmed elevated levels of vitamin D due to a supplier error.

“We care deeply about all pets and are committed to providing pet parents with safe and high quality products. Hill’s has identified and isolated the error and, to prevent this from happening again, we have required our supplier to implement additional quality testing prior to their release of ingredients. In addition to our existing safety processes, we are adding our own further testing of incoming ingredients. All products within Hill’s control have been placed on hold. Hill’s will be contacting all customers to retrieve products.”

For more information visit https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-03-2019

A town centre pet supplies shop has been forced to shut down due to a lack of trade.

Creature Comforts, in Congleton, Cheshire, closed for the final time on Saturday after less than a year in the town.

Owner Ruth Hindson, who has run a thriving pet supplies shop in Sandbach for 11 years, says a lack of footfall meant the Congleton business was not sustainable.

Ruth told the Stoke Sentinel newspaper: “We opened here last April and expected it to be slow at first but it has not taken off. I don’t know if it’s the competition from the supermarkets and other stores. The footfall here is not good.

 “The business rates have also been a problem as we don’t get any relief because we have two shops, even though we are only a small business.

“I do feel sad to have to close but it is also a relief. We took a gamble but it didn’t work out.”

Ruth and her husband Ian will now concentrate on their Sandbach shop.

To read the full Stoke Sentinel report click here

With just three days to go before PATS Sandown opens its doors on Sunday, the final preparations are being made for what promises to be a highly profitable and successful show.

PATS Sandown takes place over Sunday and Monday (10^th-11th February) for the first time, and visitors can expect to find more exhibitors than ever with over 150 companies showcasing hundreds of new products.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR FREE ENTRY TO THE SHOW

UK retailers and international buyers will also have the opportunity to take advantage of an impressive number of show offers, and discover trade secrets from leading figures in the pet and grooming industries.

“There has been a tremendous amount of work going on behind the scenes to make sure that PATS Sandown delivers the widest range of exhibitors, new products, seminars from experts and grooming demonstrations…all under one roof,” said organiser Annie Foord.

“There is so much to see and do inside the exhibition halls I would advise visitors to arrive early at Sandown Park in Esher, Surrey – the show opens on both days at 9.30am. We can’t wait to greet everyone.”

Here are 10 reasons why PATS Sandown is a must-visit exhibition for pet retailers and garden centre buyers:

1. New Sunday and Monday opening days create the perfect opportunity for retailers to browse all the latest launches without impacting on valuable sales time.

2. The change to a February date will offer retailers the chance to stock up with all that’s new for 2019 well before the retail shows get going in the Spring.

3. A record number of new items will be unveiled in the New Product Showcase, sponsored by pbwnews.

4. The New Product Awards, judged by a panel of independent pet retailers, are a great guide to what’s likely to become tomorrow’s bestsellers.

5. A strong line-up of experts will reveal ahead-of-the-game ideas on new lines, new approaches and new profit potential during two days of seminars.

6. Grooming demonstrations and workshops will be returning to the show after a two-year absence. Visitors will be treated to a packed programme of tips and techniques.

7. There a huge number and wide range of deals and discounts exclusive to PATS Sandown visitors.

8. More than 40 companies will be exhibiting at PATS Sandown for the first time, and together with valued regular exhibitors will ensure it’s a show to remember.

9. Visitors benefit from free show entry, free parking, and free catalogue.

10. Visitor numbers to PATS have continued to grow since the show launched in 2009. A total of 3,848 pet retailers attended both PATS Sandown and Telford in 2018, so you can be sure it’s the right exhibition to visit.

For all the latest information visit www.patshow.co.uk, where you can also register for free entry.

Opening times

Sunday 10^th February: 9.30am-5.00pm

Monday 11^th February: 9.30am-4.00pm

A natural honey compound sourced from a variety of a Mediterranean plant that only grows in the mild wet conditions of west Wales and Ireland is helping pets diagnosed with cancer.

Scientist Dr Robert Nash has provided his ground-breaking IminoHoney to dog and cat owners who report that it can either cure animals given terminal cancer diagnoses or greatly extend happy and active life.

IminoHoney is a 100% natural honey product sourced in the UK and containing an extremely rare iminosugar compound also found in the Mediterranean plant when grown in Aberystwyth but not in the Mediterranean.

The honey is naturally rich in a small and unusual molecule with very specific activity that appears to aid wound healing and boosts a weak immunity when it is given in food or applied topically to tumours.

A number of vets and animals around the world have trialled the treatment, which costs £59.99 for a pack of ten sachets, with impressive results.

Dr Nash’s work focuses on the development of new pharmaceutical medicines based on natural iminosugars for inflammatory disorders, diabetes and cancer.

Dr Nash, whose company is based in Aberystwyth, said: “Science is the key to our product range. Sugars or carbohydrates are vital to health in many ways and faults in sugar biochemistry occur in most diseases and in ageing.

“As animals age they typically have weaker immune responses which makes them more prone to various infections and diseases and for cancerous cells to take hold.

“We’re seeing that iminosugars have the remarkable ability to correct many of these errors and to restore a youthful balance.

“The compound only needs to be taken once every two to four days and old dogs with untreatable tumours – and probably defective and ageing immune responses – appear to give particularly encouraging results.

“Honey is well-known in traditional medicine for wound healing as bacteria cannot grow in such high sugar concentrations. But, typically, honey only works when applied to the wound.

“IminoHoney for pets is unique in giving an improved quality of life in terminal cancer and also seems to aid recovery from surgery.

“I’m delighted with some of the incredible results we are seeing in pets.”

Dr Nash is producing a range of products derived from his iminosugar research including a product launching in America for osteo-arthritis and a European product to treat diabetes.

Holistic cancer vet Dr Birgit Ahlemeyer from Sussex has been using IminoHoney in combination with her other treatments. She said: “I am passionate about treating animals with the most appropriate therapy or combination of therapies in order to improve their health and quality of life.

“I love that this honey is a natural product and I really believe that it can give an immunity boost to a sick animal.”

www.drnashglycohealth.co.uk

DrNashGlycoHealth will be at PATS in Sandown

Case study

Medical herbalist Anita Myatt has been treating her 10-year-old English Bull Terrier, called Chubby, with Iminohoney for the past 12 months after he was diagnosed with cancer.

Anita, who lives on a croft on the Isle of Skye with her husband Simon Larson, a photographer, said: “Chubby was diagnosed with cancer after he started developing tumours on his body.

“I’ve lost count of how many operations he had but, this time last year, we were told there was nothing else that could be done to help him.

“We knew he was getting upset too because he had started to get quite aggressive and was afraid of going to the vets.

“As a medical herbalist I champion natural medicines so when I heard about Iminohoney I wanted to try it.

“Within four weeks of taking the honey every three days in his food I could see a difference.

“The tumours stopped growing, his coat regained its shine and his skin returned to a healthy colour. Chubby suddenly had more bounce to him.

“I’ve kept in touch with his oncologist and he is surprised that he is still with us. In fact, it’s arthritis – and not cancer – that is his issue today and I’m treating that with a cucumber extract.

“Everyone thinks Chubby is a wonder dog. I’m just so happy that something as simple and natural as honey has given my lovely dog a new life.”

Other case studies

• A 13-year-old black Labrador from Aberystwyth, called Holly, developed lumps on her lower lip which the vet expected would quickly spread to her lungs. Instead of surgery or chemotherapy, Holly’s owner Hazel gave her Iminohoney in her food every three days for six weeks. The lumps cleared, never came back, and Holly had a further 18 months of active life before developing arthritis. Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzON_V7gyFg
• Ole Blue, a 12-year-old Tibetan Terrier from Cambridge was diagnosed with a liver tumour the size of a golf ball and secondary tumours in the lungs. The vet recommended he was put down. After taking Iminohoney all his symptoms such as general malaise and loss of bladder control went and he lived more than another year in good health before dying of old age. His owner David said: “He immediately responded to the honey. Ten minutes after taking it he was acting like a puppy.”
• Bolly, a Husky Malamute from Lincolnshire started taking Iminohoney three times a week with his breakfast after cancer surgery which had discovered secondaries not removed. His owner Alison said: “The treatment helped Bolly’s wound to heal, prevented him stiffening up in the evenings and stopped an upset tummy. He is bouncing around and seems a much happier dog. I now swear by this honey, I think it is brilliant, and have used it on my cat after he got an infected cat bite.” Bolly was given the all clear at a six month check-up.
• A vet in Essex has been trialling Iminohoney on four older dogs all with tumours and has noticed an improvement in general wellbeing in all of them. None of the tumours have grown any further. She said: “One dog is even doing things it hadn’t done for a while, like chasing squirrels.”

Heights Farm Premium Pets Foods, a family-run business based in Bolton, Lancashire, is set to expand its empire with the launch of new franchise operations in Stockport, Altrincham, Warrington, Southport and Aston under Lyne. 

This move will allow more customers across the North of England to have Heights Farm’s premium quality pet food delivered straight to their doors via a fleet of vans operated by pet-loving entrepreneurs who are in charge of running their own businesses in their own particular localities.

Stephen Ward, Founder of Heights Farm, says “We are looking for enthusiastic, sociable and warm-hearted people with the ambition and self-motivation to grow a successful business. There may be people who are fed up with their existing jobs, looking to start-up on their own or are looking for a change of lifestyle. Working with animals has many therapeutic benefits and if applicants are dog owners, there can’t be many more jobs where you can take your dog to work with you in your own van.”

Stephen set up the company in response to his own experience of the pet food industry when his Douge De Bordeaux Mastiff, Milo started to develop a number of allergies which started to make his life very tough.

Despite being put on a prescription diet by the vet and taking a course of steroid tablets, the vet bills started to mount and Milo’s itchy skin condition continued once he stopped taking the tablets.

Prolonged use of steroids could also have had serious side effects such as liver and kidney damage and it was only after switching to a salmon- based hypoallergenic dry food that many of Milo's symptoms started to clear up.

Stephen said: “For the first time Milo was actually happy, his patchy coat had started to heal and the redness had almost gone. Stool quality was also greatly improved.  It turned out that Milo was in fact wheat and wheat gluten intolerant.

 “This experience got us thinking how many more pets and pet owners had been in the same situation as ourselves?

So after lots and lots of research and investment we decided to come up with the most amazing hypoallergenic blend of complete dry food that would in effect be a health food for dogs and cats with a very special and clinically proven ingredient-Green-Lipped Mussel.

"The extruded kibble is exposed to a steam process that gives a honeycomb texture inside, aiding digestion. The complementary natural ingredients such as Kale, Carrots & Peas, Yucca, Rosemary, Seaweed etc. also complete this natural dry food.”

The Heights Farm Range now includes life stage recipes, grain and gluten free recipes and recipes that cater for joint health together with a range of tasty treats.

The franchise term is five years with the option to renew or then market your established Heights Farm business investment.

Cost of franchise is £9,999.00 + VAT.

For further information visit www.heightsfarmpetfoods.co.uk,  tel 01204 322755 or email enquiries@heightsfarmpetfoods.co.uk

Bestpets has launched new consumer facing collateral to help its Bestpets Local Retail Club customers to drive sales and to help suppliers raise awareness of their products among consumers.

The new collateral includes a resized monthly consumer flyer, new shelf edge labels and redesigned A3 posters. Launched for the Bestpets January 2019 promotional cycle, the redesign has enabled the national pet wholesaler to add an extra promotion to each of its 12 annual promotional periods.

The most significant and beneficial changes to the flyer are:

• The flyer has been resized to a single-fold A4 design, perfect for posting to consumers and with a much more convenient layout when compared to the previous square flyer which had a double-sided gatefold advert that consumers had to fold out to read the deals
• The new format 4-page flyer now includes extra space for supplier adverts, to support new product launches and brand building
• Each monthly flyer can now support a 15th, stand-out Premium Promotion, with a specific space designed for editorial coverage to outline the product features and benefits to consumers
• The flyer has been rebranded with stand-out background (alternating every other month between yellow & blue) and red roundels to highlight the promotional price for each product; a colour combination known to give good value perception.

The new A3 posters and shelf edge labels have also had the same redesign applied as the flyer, providing extra space for more promotions and using red and yellow & blue as the stand-out colours to improve value perception among consumers.

Peter Brame, Director of Trading - Pet, said: “Our Bespets Local Retail Club is designed to help drive footfall, increase profit and raise the profile of independent pet stores through keen promotions and impactful Point of Sale.

“We are always listening to customer feedback and looking for new ways to develop the Retail Club offer. This redesign has been about improving the value proposition our retail customers can offer consumers, by increasing the number of deals advertised in our monthly promotions and using the most value-creating colours.

“A simple change like this can have a great impact for customer sales and also supports our suppliers with more space for promotions and a special monthly feature to highlight product features and benefits for one leading deal.”

Tony Charlton, of Tony’s Pet & Garden Supplies in South Shields ,added: “Consumers like the red pricing as it stands out. The posters are bright and stand out overall too - they catch the eye of customers passing by and are easy on the eye.’”

The new collateral is available to all Bespets Local Retail Club customers via the Bestpets website or their local depot.

For more information about the Bestpets Local Retail Club visit: https://www.best-pets.co.uk/trade/bestpets-local

Harvest Pet Products, the Lincolnshire producer of bird food, is set to create 15 jobs after securing a seven-figure finance deal with HSBC UK.

The firm, which specialises in wild animal food and seed, says it will use the funding to invest in a new facility for manufacturing fat ball bird food within the UK.

The business says the move has increased its turnover by £2.5m after winning new contracts with high-profile retailers, including Tesco and Poundland.

It also hopes to increase its turnover by 50% over the next 12 months. Harvest Pet Products has created 15 new jobs since opening the new manufacturing plant and expects to generate another 15 new roles.

“Harvest Pet Products has enjoyed four years of successful growth and is ready to push on to the next phase of the business cycle," said finance director Angela Phillips.

"With the weakened pound making the importation of fat balls from Europe less expensive, we have increased our manufacturing capability of this product to meet rising demand.”

Paul Armstrong, area director for business banking in Lincolnshire, HSBC UK, said: “Harvest Pet Products is a great example of a local business which has lots of drive to succeed and create opportunity within the region.”

Pictured: Ian Green, HSBC UK's relationship manager, with arvest Pet Product operations director Matthew Bryant, finance director Angela Phillips, and managing director Jon Bryant.

Spring 2019 will see a burst of new products launched by Henry Wag. The lifestyle brand conceived and designed by Grant Rogers will build on its range focusing on improving the health and well being of pets by removing the barriers to a more healthy active life.

The products were first unveiled at BETA International in January but will be presented for the first time to the pet industry at PATS Sandown.

The range of Henry Wag travel products will grow with the addition of two travel beds, the Travel Snuggle and the Multimat, both giving dogs a place to rest on days out or a target sleeping area when travelling.

Also, for the travellers, Henry Wag has added to the range, collapsible travel bowls to aid hydration after exercise, and a Training Treat bag to aid recall, discipline and with space for poo bags. Later in the year will see the launch of a dog Travel Harness for use in car and in conjunction with the range of seat protection products already available under the Henry Wag brand.

There are additions to the Microfibre drying range with the launch of the Noodle Glove Towel and a range of a dog drying coats in 5 sizes designed for use after wet walks to help owners reduce the effects of dirty wet dogs on car and home interiors.

For the first time 2019 will see Henry Wag expand into the equine market. The technical microfibre material used to achieve high levels of cleaning and absorbency to remove dirt and water from a dog’s coat has been used to develop a range of towels for the Equine market to help remove dirt and water from horses after exercise or washing.

The products are ideal for use after wet, muddy rides or at events to reduce the risks of infection and sores. They can be used to dry around ears and eyes. User trialists have commented that the noodle towel is great for cleaning sweat after removing the saddle and bringing a sheen to the coat before auctions. The soft noodles do not pull the hair and give a silky sheen to the coat.

All these products and more can be seen at the Henry Wag Stand M5 at PATS Sandown.

Josera Youngstar Grain-Free Puppy Food, which will be unveiled to UK retailers at PATS Sandown, has won the ÖKO-TEST Award, which is Germany's equivalent to Which? magazine.

öKO-TEST is Germany’s most prestigious consumer advice magazine. Started by leading consumer journalists in 1985 it has a strong emphasis on consumer safety and health.

All products are tested by independent labs and reviewed solely based on their effects on health and the environment. Both natural and mainstream products are tested, so they’re all on a level playing field.

Owners of a new puppy are understandably anxious about feeding their fur baby, so it is good news that grain free YoungStar by Josera was rated “excellent” by OKO-TEST.

Tested against 11 other puppy foods, YoungStar was praised by the magazine for its ingredients – especially the valuable omega-3 fatty acid DHA derived from algae. 

Studies show that the trainability of young dogs is better if they have received DHA in early puppyhood. YoungStar is carefully made without undesirable ingredients such as soy, wheat, artificial colourants or contaminants such as glyphosate, some of which were detected in tested foods from other manufacturers.

.

JOSERA YoungStar is a natural, grain-free and easily digestible puppy food with tasty poultry meat and is suitable for young dogs from their 8th week.

A balanced calcium-phosphorus ratio and vitamin C as well as manganese and copper in an easily absorbable (organically chelated) form support a strong bone structure and healthy joints.

JOSERA YoungStar is particularly suited to dogs that require grain-free nutrition and have normal levels of activity.

For information on Josera pet foods and how to become a stockist visit www.passionateaboutpetfood.co.uk or email hello@passionateaboutpetfood.co.uk

HOWND will be launching retail starter packs of its award-winning range of 100% natural Hemp Wellness Treats at PATS Sandown. When ordering a case of 10 units per variety (total x 50 units) at 10% discount customers will also receive a free branded counter display unit. 

The free functional CDUs are decorated with eye-catching visuals and branded in HOWND’s distinctive colours. The displays can hold twenty units of HOWND’s premium range of vegetarian hemp-based treats.

The starter packs will be available to order from Pedigree Wholesale and directly from HOWND from the end of January. Trade price £119.25 plus VAT. RRP per unit £4.50.

HOWND will be at PATS Sandown on stand S10, Esher Hall. Spend over £250 across all HOWND ranges at PATS Sandown to receive a 15% show discount.

HOWND created Hemp Wellness Treats to complement its ethical range of pet care products.  Made in the UK from ethically sourced local ingredients, these premium snacks come in five different flavours; tackling common conditions, such as smelly breath (Yup You Stink!), itchy skin (Got an Itch?), calming anxiety (Keep Calm), healthy bone development (Playful Pup), and stiff joints associated with ageing (Golden Oldies).

All of HOWND’s pet care products are natural, cruelty-free and 100% and HOWND is endorsed by the Nature Watch Foundation. HOWND has the coveted Ethical Accreditation from the Ethical Company Organisation, with all products in the pet care range bearing the Cruelty Free International ‘Leaping Bunny’ logo – only one of a handful of pet product manufacturers worldwide to receive this accreditation.

www.dogslovehownd.com

Nandi of Africa treats are new to the UK and distributor Bulelo Limited will be exhibiting the brand at PATS Sandown 2019. The exhibition will be the inaugural exhibition for the brand in this country.

Nandi of Africa is produced by Maneli Pets, a specialist manufacturer of premium quality pet treats in South Africa, which aims to be the best pet treat maker globally and is backed by a team of animal loving social entrepreneurs.

Maneli Pets recognizes the significance of the pet trade globally, and with a factory that is certified for exports to the UK and EU (and the USA) it is now able to service these strategically important markets.

Nandi, short for mnandi which means “delicious” in the language of the Zulu people of South Africa is 100% delicious, 100% indigenous and 100% sustainable; the wild delight experienced by your pet each time they are given one of these treats will be all the proof needed in the promise of the name. What makes Nandi special is that the proteins are all 100% natural and are free from hormones and antibiotics. The treats are made without artificial preservatives, added grains or unnatural fillers which makes them incredibly healthy and nutritious and ideal for pets with allergies.

The range includes three product categories, namely Freeze Dried meat cubes, Jerky Strips and Chews, and are available across a wide range of uniquely African proteins. The proteins range from traditional proteins like beef and lamb to novel proteins such as venison, ostrich and fish. Watch this space for additions to the range of product and protein categories, including bones which are expected in Q2 2019! There will also be free sample bags to give away at PATS giving you the opportunity to try these delicious treats with your pets at home.

There is also a bulk non branded treat offering available which will be on display on the stand.

Nandi of Africa will be on stand C15 at PATS Sandown. Trade show introductory offers will be available and dependant on order sizes.

Beco Pets is offering a free mint tea and roll of poop bags to everyone who visits its stand at PATS Sandown, E1 in the Surrey Hall. The idea is to celebrate the brand's mint-scented, strong, thick and degradable poop bags.

George Bramble, the founder of Beco Pets, said: "We are proud to have been working with the organisers of PATS for over five years, always trying to offer something new and exciting to their visitors."

Along with competitive show offers, Beco Pets has previously built a fresh meat and fish display to show what goes into its dog food, an exclusive buyers lounge and flown the UK's largest inflatable poop bag above its stand.

The PATS organisers have pegged this year as 'one not to miss' and everyone who arrives will be greeted by a Beco Team member offering them a tea bag and directions to where they can collect their 'cuppa'.

Pet food brand Purely Fish has announced steady growth both here in the UK and also through export sales worldwide.

The Cornish based company that produces a range of 100% natural pet food and treats made from fish, launched just 20 months ago with just three varieties of dog treats.  The company now has 34 different SKU’s, covering treats, wet food, toppers and raw, for both cats and dogs, in retail and bulk buy sized packs.

At PATS Telford last September, Purely Fish launched four new SKU’s, two for dogs and two for cats in handy 20g snack packs.  These treats embrace the growing trend of humanisation in pet food, whilst maintaining core values – ‘healthy and natural’. 

Purely Fish Business Development Manager, Karen Scott comments: “Innovation is key to the continued success of Purely Fish and we commit a great deal of time and investment to ongoing new product development. 

“We listen to our customers and understand their needs, and over the next 6 months, we aim to bring a number of new products to the market place, to help our brand to continue to grow.”

Exports of Purely Fish now cover Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Poland and Germany.  In the UK, Purely Fish is stocked by many of the leading pet wholesalers and retailers including Pedigree Wholesale and Pets Corner.

Rachel Carr, a Buyer for Pets Corner comments: “It’s great to see a small British company grow and promote their Cornish heritage within independent pet stores in a very busy marketplace.”

Purely Fish is now looking forward to exhibiting at PATS Sandown (Stand A2a).

Entered into the New Product Showcase at PATS Sandown is one of the company’s newest products, ‘Purely Fish with Salmon for Cats’, a complementary wet food, packed in a 170g weight can with a ring pull lid for convenience.  Made from just salmon and whitefish, this product is 100% natural and rich in Omega 3 oils to benefit skin and coat condition, heart health, joint mobility and digestion.

For more information, please visit www.purelyfish.co.uk or contact Karen Scott on 01579 346777.

In another first for Pet Trade Xtra, we bring you the launch of a digital magazine version, packed full of information about the forthcoming PATS Sandown trade exhibition on February 10-11...

To view the first edition just click on one of the links you'll find on the home page of Pet Trade Xtra.

In the issue you find everything you'll need to know about the Sandown show including:

• New Product Showcase
• Seminar line-up
• Grooming demonstrations
• Floorplan
• Full list of exhibitors and stand numbers
• News from exhibitors

Pet Trade Xtra's digital magazine will be published monthly, and alongside our weekly newsletter you'll all the latest stories from the pet trade.

If you're interested in advertising or sponsorship opportunties in either the newsleter or digital magazine email ben.greenwood@tgcmc.co.uk or alan.burdon@tgcmc.co.uk

TO VIEW THE ISSUE CLICK HERE

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Subscribe for free by clicking here

Natures Menu has won a coveted Feefo Gold Trusted Service Award 2019, an independent seal of excellence that recognises businesses that go above and beyond for delivering outstanding customer service.

Created by Feefo, Trusted Service is awarded to businesses that use Feefo to collect genuine reviews and insights from verified customers. Recognised as a symbol of trust, this accreditation remains unique as the awards are based purely on the interactions with customers. This feedback has been collated by the Feefo review platform, with Natures Menu being awarded the accolade based upon its performance.

Natures Menu collected 2,939 5* reviews between January 1^st 2018 and December 31^st 2018, achieving a Feefo service rating of 4.8 out of 5 from customers.

Craig Taylor, Natures Menu Managing Director, said: “It’s a fantastic achievement to receive this award from Feefo for the third year running and to be recognised for delivering an exceptional service to our customers. Having been operating for 37 years, Natures Menu has always worked hard to ensure our customers receive the best service possible.

“Our team of trained experts, all qualified in Raw Advisor training, listen, understand and respond to their customer needs and constantly strive to make the whole customer experience as enjoyable and effortless as possible. Well done to the whole team here at Natures Menu and thank you to all our customers for taking the time to leave their reviews.”

Natures Menu specialises in raw dog and cat food made with fully-traceable quality meats and fish, blended vegetables, fruits and healthy carbohydrates, and uses British suppliers and ethical product sources wherever possible.

Trade only Retailers wanting to find out more information about Natures Menu and their range can email trade@naturesmenu.co.uk, phone 0800 0183770 or visit www.naturesmenu.co.uk. By registering for a trade account, retailers can gain access to hassle-free online ordering, great value freezer deals and point of sale, plus free training and the option to become a qualified Raw Advisor.

Pictured, from left to right: James Langan, Craig Taylor and Peter Roy

The Pet Industry Federation  has been working hard on a number of initiatives to help its commercial boarding members comply with the new Animal Activities Licensing regulations.

PIF welcomes the new regulations and their intention to raise standards in the pet industry, however, some concern exists over the higher standards required for kennels and catteries which make it difficult for them to access the higher star ratings.

PIF believes there should be a level playing field between what is required for the different types of licensed boarding activities, so that standards are not compromised, and profits do not come before welfare.

Nigel Baker, PIF CEO said: "Many kennels and catteries have invested huge sums of money to improve their facilities, but are only able to reach lower star ratings, because of the imbalance between the number of optional and mandatory higher standards in the guidance.

"In addition, kennels and catteries are subject to two sets of guidance, with their overall star rating is determined by the lower rating obtained by either licensed activity."

He continued: "For the higher standards to work and reach the overall objective of improved animal welfare, they need to be both commercially viable and aspirational, and not wholly unachievable.

"It may not be possible for businesses to achieve some higher standards without a rebuild, which could require planning permission and a large capital investment.

"With the changes to the home boarding guidance, home boarding businesses are still able to achieve a high star rating in a domestic environment without a large capital investment."

Through its work with the Canine & Feline Sector Group PIF has, however, been successful in making some guidance changes which will have a positive effect on the kennel and cattery sector:

• Higher standard unit sizes for catteries can now include raised platforms
• The minimum temperature in kennels and catteries can be ‘in some part’ rather than ambient
• The need for an attached kennel run has been removed, as long as the kennel can offer at least four opportunities for taking the dogs out of the unit.

In addition, PIF has developed a range of regulated Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications, as well as online courses such as canine first-aid and behaviour, to help business meet the training obligations of the new licensing regulations. Discounts on these qualifications are available to its members.

The Ofqual regulated qualifications include:

• Pearsons BTEC Level 3 – Pet Services Qualification
• City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate of Technical Competence in Animal Health, Husbandry and Handling (Canine Unit)
• City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate of Technical Competence in Animal Health, Husbandry and Handling (Feline Unit)

PIF members additionally gain access to templates, policies, advice and help on licensing issues.

The Pet Industry Federation will be attending PATS Sandown where it will be delivering a seminar on both days on the new Animal Activities Licensing regulations.

Visitors can talk to the team about PIF membership at PATS; by emailing info@petfederation.co.uk or by telephoning 01234 273933.

As part of its 70th anniversary last year and to show its commitment to ongoing charitable giving, Dorwest Herbs launched the Dorwest Foundation.

The Dorwest Foundation helps dogs and cats in need of care, health and quality of life improvements through the sales of their all-round herbal health supplement Keeper’s Mix, where 10% of profit from every sale of this product goes direct to the Foundation.

In December Dorwest selected five charities recommended to them by their customers to receive donations, and Rushton Dog Rescue, Barking Mad Dog Rescue, Animal House Rescue, Linbee Dog Rehoming and New Start Cat rescue each received a £500 donation.

These donations help pay for vet bills, vaccinations, fostering costs and helps save dogs from the meat trade and enter the UK.

Rushton Dog Rescue commented “Without donations like Dorwest’s our work would not possible, so we thank them very much!”  

Jo Boughton-White, Dorwest MD, said: “This cash made a real difference to these charities and I want to thank to all our customers who contributed and made this possible.  We hope to help even more dogs and cats this year and we can only do this with your help.”

To find out more about the Dorwest Foundation and help improve the quality of life of a dog or cat visit www.dorwest.com/foundation/

Are food allergies on the increase? Can vegetarian diets deliver complete and balanced nutrition to cats and dogs? PFMA’s Veterinary Nutrition Experts have the answers…

In response to demand from industry professionals, PFMA has worked with nutrition experts to develop two new factsheets on the subjects of Vegetarian Diets and Allergies, now available to download pfma.org.uk/fact-sheets. 

Nicole Paley, Deputy Chief Executive, PFMA explains: “We launched our factsheet range just over a year ago to tackle and dispel many of the myths around pet food.  The range now covers sixteen subjects and with over 3,400 downloads, they have proved to be a valuable resource for pet professionals at the front line of pet care.

Nicole adds: “We decided to add the Vegetarian Diets Factsheet and Food Allergy and Intolerance Factsheet to our range in response to demand for clarification on these topics.  Owners are exploring alternative diets and whilst cats are obligate carnivores, dogs are omnivores and can adapt to vegetarian diets.  As with all diets, they need to be well-balanced and our factsheet contains top tips.  The Allergy Factsheet explains the difference between allergies and intolerances, which are both adverse food reactions but are very different conditions requiring different advice from veterinary professionals.”

The PFMA Factsheets cover a wide range of subjects from ingredients, additives and labeling to raw, homemade and grain-free diets. For more information visit pfma.org.uk/fact-sheets

PFMA’s range of Factsheets includes:

• Additives
• Calorie Factsheet
• Can’t all small mammals eat the same food?
• Carbohydrates in Pet Food
• Claims on Pet Foods
• Food Allergy & Intolerance
• Grain-Free Diets
• Homemade Diets
• Indoor Birds
• Ingredients
• Labeling
• Proteins
• Puppy Nutrition
• Raw Feeding
• The Different Pet Food Formats
• Vegetarian Diets

Wilsons Pet Food, a Perthshire-based pet food company that can trace its heritage back well over a hundred years, has announced the appointment of Meg Morrison as their Head of Sales.

Meg, who is originally from Edinburgh but now resides in Shropshire, has over a decade’s experience in animal nutrition.

She started her career in the horse racing industry which led to her interest in animal food. Through her employment with one of the UK’s major horse feed and pet food manufacturers, this led on to a further interest in canine and pet nutrition. Meg also has sales experience in the international equine accessory market.

Meg’s role will involve the management of the sales and marketing team at Wilsons Pet Food and looking after key accounts which will include both wholesalers and independent retailers. She will also be responsible for building up the breeder side of the business and for the launching and growing of the Wilsons own label offering.

With a long history in working dog foods, the company now produces an expanded range of products to cater for an ever-demanding consumer and continues to innovate within the pet food sector. They source only the best quality ingredients and produce top quality, appetising foods which help to maintain the health and vitality of any dog.

With a built factory in the UK to produce cold press food, Wilsons are hoping to expand their customer base even further. They want to establish the Wilsons brand even more in the pet food market by adding a raw pet food and natural treat offering later in the year.

The Wilsons Pet Food owner, Craig Wallace says: “Our cold press food has the correct level of protein as well as the right balance of fat to protein, something often missed in dry dog food Our range was developed with the help of pet nutritionists Milka and Damir Tesla who organise the Nordic Pet Food Conference and are experts in the field of cold press pet food."

Cold Press Dog Food is a dry dog food which is pressed at a lower temperature of 55 - 65°C compared to ‘kibbled’ dry dog food which is extruded at a temperature of approximately 145°C.

High temperatures result in the destruction of proteins and complexing of starches (sugars) reducing digestibility and thus absorption within the gut. Cold pressing minimises the impact of temperature damage and produces a food with greater digestibility and superior nutritional value.

The lower temperatures used with Cold Press Technology allow a greater range of beneficial raw materials to be added, including fragile herbs which have significant health benefits for dogs and are sources of essential vitamins and antioxidants. These cannot be used in traditional extruded ‘kibble’ as they would be almost entirely destroyed in the high temperature process.

The natural pressing and blending of materials create a high density, high nutrient, high digestibility product that breaks down naturally and quickly in the digestion process; releasing all the value and goodness as it does so. Whereas, traditional kibble can remain intact and partially digested for hours.

http://www.wilsonspetfood.co.uk

A new regulator of SQPs (suitably qualified persons) is set to launch in 2019. Vetpol has, for many years, been actively involved in veterinary and animal owning communities and is currently in the process of gaining accreditation for its training course.

The company has already attracted the interest of a number of stakeholders in animal health, as well as sponsors who have provided seed funding for the initiative.

Vetpol intends to take a fresh approach, based on its vision of how the market for veterinary medicines is changing. The new course will be delivered online – opening up opportunities for those in more remote areas and reducing the time spent away from the business.

SQPs have grown in number over the last decade and there’s a continuing need for the category of veterinary medicines they dispense. Both retailers and veterinary practices are facing increased pressure on margins and will want to dispense medicines in a way that’s both safe, compliant and appropriate for their customers and clients.

Director Caroline Johnson (pictured) says: “Our long-term vision is to establish a business of veterinary pharmacy professionals capable of delivering real value to the customers and businesses they serve."

The course itself aims to be easy to understand and assimilate and also comprehensive, with a focus on communication and being able to make better recommendations with regard to the health of the animal. There will also be clarity on the remit of the role and working with other professionals – including the need to refer to a veterinary surgeon in appropriate circumstances.

The online nature of the course allows it to be updated regularly with new information on emerging parasite risks and new research. Weather patterns and increased movement of animals within the UK and across Europe, mean that parasite populations and their distribution are changing significantly and the course will keep pace with that variation.

With an increase in the number of products available across all categories to support the health of horses and small animals, these sections of the course will be comprehensive and focused on market needs. This will make it a very relevant qualification, create a potential point of difference for outlets and build expertise within businesses that want to grow or support their equine and small pet sectors.

The production animal module will be up to date with a focus on improving production, maintaining welfare standards, herd health planning and how SQPs can help farmers put their plan into action, again in line with current practice.

Caroline says the ultimate aim is to train competent and confident SQPs who are able to use their qualification to energise businesses, support clients and customers and make informed and responsible recommendations.

Anyone wishing to register an interest in receiving information on the course or pre-registering can email info@vetpol.co.uk. Interested individuals can also apply to join vetpol’s SQP Discussion Forum on Facebook, or connect on Twitter @vetpolSQP. 

The Pet Industry Federation has launched PIF Print - an exclusive new discounted printing service for its members.

PIF has partnered with a leading print supplies company to bring its members an online website of marketing material most often needed for business.

Users can customise pre-designed templates or upload their own artwork, and then send them to print.

This new benefit offers excellent quality printwork at a lower price than other online printing services, all with free delivery. Simply visit www.pifprint.co.uk for further details.

PIF Print joins the continually expanding range of member benefits on offer to members from the Pet Industry Federation.

From advice and help on licensing issues, access to regulated qualifications; to legal help, insurance and discounted telephone and broadband; as well as more fun offers on chocolate and wine, there are more reasons than ever before to become, and remain, a member of the Pet Industry Federation.

Further information is available from the PIF Business Centre at PATS Sandown; from PIF customer services on 01234 273933 or at www.petfederation.co.uk

Thousands of cat enthusiasts, an international competition with over 200 cats, and a multitude of quirky cat vendors all under one roof. That’s right! This May, the felines are pushing aside their canine cousins and taking centre stage at the LondonCats International Show and Cat Expo, the cat equivalent to Crufts!

On a mission to stage, reward and celebrate our PURRFECT companions, LondonCats will be taking over Tobacco Dock in Central London on the 4th and the 5th of May

2019 for the biggest cat expo in all of Europe and the first event of its kind in the UK. A cat extravaganza like you have never seen before!

In attendance will be every cat lovers favourite authors James Bowen and A Streetcat Named Bob who will be signing their bestselling books. James & Bob’s exceptional story has been an inspiration worldwide and the film has become a phenomenon.

LondonCats will also welcome Cisco Systems co-founder and philanthropist Sandy Lerner. You can hear excerpts of Lerner’s book ‘Caticons: 4,000 Years of Art Imitating Cats’ from the Educational Stage and her book will be available to buy at the show. Lerner uses her success to be an advocate for animal welfare.

For those who want to give something back to their beloved four-legged friends there will be plenty of ways to spoil them with treats and gifts from a shopping village dedicated to crazy cat products. Dr. Elsey’s will be on hand to provide litterbox solutions for the life of your cat and a range of premium state of the art products for happy, healthy cats. Also, in attendance, will be Katzenworld the UK’s biggest cat blog forum, Purrform Premium Raw Cat Food, Bengal Cat World, Scrumbles, Autopet and their hi-tech “litter robot” just to name a few.

Whether you are looking for the latest and best food & treats or the most innovative & hi-tech gadgets, you will be sure to leave happy with a little something for your “friends” at home.

Other features include a “Cat Agility Ring”, SEVEN super interactive “Judging Rings”, “Meet the Breeds”, Instagram’s biggest cat celebrities and delicious food & drink from London’s best food trucks!

Come and see your favourite breeds such as the Bengal, British Short Hair, Maine Coon and Sphynx and some newer breeds like the Lykoi (werewolf cat), American Curl, Toyger and many more, all under one roof competing for the ultimate prize of Best Kitten, Best Cat, Best Alter and Best Household Pet.

It was ‘all go’ at the The Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain Aviemore Sled Dog Rally.

On both days the forest around Loch Morlich in the shadow of the Cairngorm Mountains echoed with the howls of over 1,000 dogs eager for the off on the 7 mile trail and an unavoidable late start on the Saturday only added to the excitement.

The 250 mushers taking part were racing teams including Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds, Greenland Dogs and Canadian Eskimo Dogs and CSJ was mingling with the crowds doing interviews and taking photos of the teams for their website and social media pages.

Held and organised by the Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain and Forestry Commission Scotland this 36^th anniversary of the rally was another roaring success and CSJ are looking forward to sponsoring again in 2020.

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

A dog owner has claimed a Pets at Home store threatened to keep his pet after he turned up late to collect it from a grooming session.

Derek Greenway told the Telegraph & Argus newspaper that Pets at Home, in Idle, West Yorkshire, refused to give him his six-year-old Shih Tzu, called Marley, back when he went to collect him.

According to the newspaper, he accused the manager of threatening to hold onto his dog because he was nearly two hours late. He said he was asked to pay a £15 late fee under the company’s terms and conditions – which he said he had not been aware of.

Mr Greenway said he had misheard when to collect his pet, and that he was 50 minutes – not two hours late – and refused to pay up.

“They were holding my dog to ransom,” the 56-year-old told the Telegraph & Argus.

A Pets at Home spokesperson said they were willing to speak with Mr Greenway about the dispute.

They added: “It is disappointing that Mr Greenway feels upset.

“Our policy and customer contract clearly state there is a charge for the late collection of dogs from our Groom Room.

“Given how very late the pickup was, we feel it was fair to ask that the charge was paid and rest assured, Marley did return home with Mr Greenway.”

You can read the full Telegraph & Argus story by clicking here

Pet Trade Solutions founder Lynda Ward says people need to be aware of unrealistic promises from potential employers.

She says that the pet trade is becoming littered with people who have innocently taken assurances of high commissions and bonuses at face value and are now ruing the day…after reality has hit.

Among the worst cases are good experienced sales people who have worked hard, used their contacts and even developed strategies for businesses, to be told a few months on that sales aren’t high enough to sustain their employment.

Lynda (pictured) says: “After 35 years I have at some point worked with or have knowledge of most companies in the industry and have a good idea which to, in effect, ‘kiss, marry or avoid’.  I am regularly asked by people what I think about companies who approach them and of course my advice is always given in strict confidence. 

"I hate to see people go down the wrong route in understandable eagerness to climb the career or salary ladder. In the past I have warned employers to be wary of bloated claims on CVs but now I’m warning employees that there are many brand owners with an inflated idea of what they can actually pay.”

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

Multi award winning pet care brand HOWND are finalists at the first European Pets & Money Summit to be held in London at the end of February.  HOWND is one of only 12 companies chosen out of 30 to showcase their products and pitch to investors, retailers and industry executives at the event.

Mark Hirschel, co-owner of HOWND, says: “This is a very prestigious event for us and a fantastic opportunity to meet and network with some very important industry people. It usually takes months and sometimes years to meet the kind of people we will be pitching to at the Pets & Money summit”.

www.dogslovehownd.com

A new pie and pastie shop has opened in a building which used to be home of a long-standing pet store in north Norfolk.

Norfolk’s Pie Man opened last weekend in Sheringham where pet shop Claws and Paws used to be. The store closed in September last after trading from the location for 20 years.

Full story here

Pioneering dog-food brand, Different Dog, will be exhibiting at PATS Sandown 2019 to preview its innovative, plastic free retail packaging. As well as this exciting development, the team will also be showcasing a range of new seasonal recipes.

Considerate to dogs' needs and the planet We all know plastic presents a significant environmental threat. This ongoing war on plastic waste has inspired Different Dog to introduce new plastic-free packaging across its entire product range. Caring about the planet as much they care about dogs' health and happiness, Different Dog are launching fully compostable, cardboard pots. Visitors to PATS will be treated to an exclusive preview ahead of the roll out in Spring 2019.

Located on Stand L5 co-founders, Charlie and Alex Thurstan; in-house vet - Alison Lambert; and operations manager, Steph Teece will be on hand to introduce customers to Different Dog's latest release, Nutrition Boosting Bone Broth. Cooked in house the old-fashioned way, using grass-fed Lamb, Bone Broth is a complementary nourishing drink. Serve as a tasty nutrition boost to moisten food or as a liquid treat with benefits - ideal for dogs that are a little under the weather, perfect for picky eaters, or to help keep pets in tip-top health.

Special occasion - there's a dinner for that!
Based on family favourites, Different Dog's high-quality recipes are designed by veterinarians and nutritionists. Each recipe is prepared using fresh ingredients from local suppliers and is grain-free, low in carbohydrates and packed full of superfoods, all meals meet FEDIAF guidelines for a complete and balanced diet.

New additions to the range include:

  *   I Love You Beef
  *   Easter Lamb
to ensure dogs don't miss out on special calendar celebrations!

Co-founder Alex comments; "We're extremely excited to return to PATS. We're different - we want every dog to be as happy and as healthy, however, it's not just what our pets eat that affects their wellbeing but also the state of the environment they live in, which is why we've pledged to switch our packaging to a plastic-free, compostable alternative in 2019.   So out with the old processed meals and plastic and in with the shiner coats, better digestion and reduced waste!  Our range of healthy, natural and homemade family favourite recipes, means owners can feed their dogs as well as they do their family and be less impactful on the environment."