An award-winning pet product company is launching a crowdfunding campaign to finance its next phase of growth.

DotDotPet achieved remarkable results in its first year with its pet welfare products, including a silver PetQuip award for its eco dog towels

Harry Chapman, founder and director of DotDot Pet, said: “After a successful first year we have big plans to expand, allowing us to delight more pets and pet parents across the globe. 

“We will be launching the bestest new products focused on vet endorsed nutrition, fragrances for happier pets, and eco conscious accessories.”

DotDotPet launched its crowdfunding campaign on Crowdcube. For more information visit https://www.crowdcube.com/early-access/dotdotpet

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is advising dog owners not to feed their pets specific dog chews from China following concerns from the European Union (EU) of a possible link to serious behavioural changes.

Reports from the EU suggest that these products are potentially linked to dogs experiencing what is known as ‘werewolf syndrome’. Symptoms include panic attacks, aggression, spasms, epileptic fits and in some cases death.  There is no confirmed distribution of the chews to the UK and no cases have been detected in the UK.

Tina Potter, Head of Incidents, Food Standards Agency, said: “While there is no confirmed distribution of affected products to the UK, there is the possibility that some consumers may have purchased these online from international sellers. 

“No unsafe dog chews have been identified but, based on international investigations so far, we are advising dog owners to avoid feeding the affected chews to dogs as a precaution. There is no evidence to suggest these products present any risk to human health.”

The FSA has been liaising with authorities in affected EU countries to gain more understanding of the issue.

The affected products include:

Barkoo kaustange natur 29 cm 

Packaging: bags of 570 grams (with 3 chewing bones) 

Code on packaging (see photo): 1148655 MHD 04.2027 3200PF027

Barcode: 4260077047292

Barkoo kauknochen, geknotet natur 11cm 

Packaging: bags of 150 grams (with 3 chewing bones) 

Code on packaging (see photo): 1148592 MHD 07.2027 3200PF027

Barcode: 4260077046875 

Barkoo Kauknochen geknotet 24cm 

Packaging: bags of 150 grams (with 3 chewing bones) 

Barcode: 4260077046899 

Code on packaging (see photo): 1148657 MHD05.2027 3200PF027

Barkoo Kauknochen geknotet mit Spirulina 12cm

Packaging: bags of 180 grams (with 3 chewing bones) 

Barcode: 4260077047261 

Code on packaging (see photo): 1148654 MHD 06.2027 3200PF027

Chrisco Products: 

Chrisco Tyggeruller med kylling, 10 stk 

Item number: 12457 

EAN code: 5764630124578 

Use by dates: all dates 

Chrisco Tyggeruller med kylling & kyllingelever, 100g

Product no. 12324 

EAN code: 5764630123243 

Use by dates: 01/12/2025; 05-01-2026; 15-03-2026; 18-03-2026; 15-04-2026; 20-04-2026; 01-06-2026; 15-07-2026 

Chrisco Tyggeruller 18 stk. - hvide 

Product no. 12468 

EAN code: 5764630124684 

Use by dates: 05/01/2027; 26-02-2027; 15-03-2027; 18-03-2027; 24-03-202 

Chrisco Massive politistave, 2.stk. - brune      

Product no. 12541 

EAN code: 5764630125414 

Use by dates: 26/02/2027; 15-04-2027

Chrisco Massive politistave, 2stk. - hvide  

Product no. 12542 

EAN code: 5764630125421 

Use by dates: 05/01/2027; 20-04-2027; 01-06-2027 

Chrisco Tyggerulle m. kylling & kyllingelever, 1stk   

Product no. 12624 

EAN code: 5764630126244 

Use by dates: 01/12/2025; 05-01-2026; 15-03-2026; 18-08-2026

For more information click here

Known in the trade as ‘Mr Ferplast’, Karl Davies has stepped away from the business after 30 years, handing over to his daughter Emily, who has taken up the role of UK branch director for the Italian-owned company.

Karl started his career in the pet trade 35 years ago with TFH, moving to Ferplast in 1994, originally as an area sales manager. He has seen the company through many changes and stages of growth to where it is today, with nearly 4,000 pet accessories available.  

Emily's pet career started with Fish4Pets, working in the customer service department then later the marketing team. Following brief stints with a law firm and coffee company, she joined Little BigPaw, an up-and-coming pet food brand at the time, as a sales and marketing manager. In 2018 she joined Ferplast, looking after customers across the Midlands and handling office administration. 

Emily will be looking to grow Ferplast's brand presence in the UK, particularly focusing on supplying more of the independent pet trade. 

Karl will initially support Emily for one day a week until September while looking for a small part-time job outside the pet industry. He intends to spend his new found spare time supporting Kidderminster Harriers and visiting Bewdley Brewery.

Ferplast will be launching several new products throughout 2025 and supporting independent customers with a quality product offering, monthly promotions, and dedicated area sales managers on hand to provide customers with assistance. 

Contact Emily with all trade enquiries via emily.davies@ferplast.com or 07769 740300.

Paleo Ridge has launched its new Paleo Puppy range, offering optimal nutrition with carefully selected, premium ingredients.

Paleo Puppy features four delicious and nutritious flavours: turkey, lamb, chicken and beef tripe and duck, ensuring variety while meeting the specific needs of growing pups. 

Each 500g pack is packed with the finest quality meat, bone, and offal, complemented by a unique 5% superfood blend that includes reishi mushrooms. Renowned for their ability to protect cells and combat disease through oxidation prevention, reishi mushrooms provide a significant health boost, supporting puppies during their critical developmental stage.

Additional superfoods featured in this exceptional formula include nettles, wheatgrass, pumpkin seeds, and butternut squash alongside our favourites from the Paleo Plus range. This blend of superfoods makes Paleo Puppy the most nutritionally advanced puppy product on the market.

Every ingredient in the Paleo Puppy range has been meticulously chosen for its superior nutritional value, ensuring that each meal promotes healthy growth, strong immunity, and optimal wellbeing. 

Will Green, Director of Sales and Marketing, commented: “This launch marks an exciting milestone for Paleo Ridge. We’re passionate about providing dogs with the best nutrition possible, and the Paleo Puppy range reflects that commitment. Puppies deserve a strong start, and we’re proud to offer a product that prioritises their health and happiness.”

The Paleo Puppy range is now available to purchase online at paleoridge.co.uk and in selected stores.

Boehringer Ingelheim has launched FRONTPRO, a new flea and tick treatment for dogs in the UK. It is the first flea and tick treatment available as a chewable tablet in the Over-The-Counter (OTC) market, sold through a Suitably Qualified Person (SQP). 

FRONTPRO is currently available through e-retailers including Pet Drugs Online and Animed, as well as through the Pets at Home website.

FRONTPRO delivers a fast and lasting effect, protecting dogs from fleas and ticks for one month. It kills fleas within eight hours, before they lay eggs, which prevents household infestations. FRONTPRO is recommended for all breeds aged eight weeks or older (weighing two kilograms or more) and can be given with or without food.

"Preventative care is crucial for pet health. This new beef-flavoured, chewable tablet offers our customers an effective new option to protect their dogs from fleas and ticks and supports proactive pet health management," said Sarah Page-Jones, Lead Veterinary Surgeon at Pet Drugs Online.

"Boehringer Ingelheim is committed to expanding access to high-quality parasite prevention for dogs, which is why we’re proud to introduce an effective new option,” said a company spokesperson. 

"FRONTPRO chewable tablets provide effective protection from fleas and ticks, while complementing the regular care and advice pet owners receive from their veterinarians."

Boehringer Ingelheim, the maker of FRONTLINE, has introduced FRONTPRO as an innovative expansion of the FRONTLINE product family.

More information about FRONTPRO is available at: uk.frontline.com

More than 100 charities and worthy causes that help people, animals and the environment have benefited from the kindness of colleagues at VetPartners who raised £326,990 during 2024.

Teams from VetPartners’ veterinary practices and associated animal healthcare businesses throughout the UK and Ireland ran marathons, climbed mountains, baked cakes and organised dog shows, pub quizzes and raffles to generate their best annual fundraising total.

The events raised £172,146 during the year and VetPartners donated £154,844 through its charity fund that matches money raised by team members.

The amount included £46,373 for their 2024 chosen charity, StreetVet, an organisation that takes veterinary care out onto the streets to help homeless people and their pets.

World Land Trust (£34,144), Vetlife (£26,011, The Canmore Trust (£20,511) and Macmillan Cancer Support (£10,959) were among the other recipients of money raised by VetPartners colleagues.

Colleagues at VetPartners Ireland raised £19,695 (23,44 Euros) for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, their chosen charity of 2024 and 2025.

The fundraising activities saw 32 team members from Chine House Vets in Loughborough, including vets, nurses and receptionists, tackle the Yorkshire Three Peaks of Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen-y-ghent to raise £4,000.

Ashworth Vets in Hampshire and Berkshire, raised £900 from a variety of events, including their annual dog show and a black-tie event. A pub quiz and raffle organised by Braid Vets in Edinburgh raised £700, Lancaster Vets’ open day saw clients donate £700 and Hyndland Street Vets in Glasgow raised £600 during a kilt walk.

Everyone taking part in the VetPartners Virtual 5K event raised £1,600, while clothing banks at various practices across the UK also raised £1,600 during the year.

VetPartners Head of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Hannah James, who oversees fundraising activities, said: “Homelessness is something which is really visible in society, and the work of StreetVet really touches the hearts of everyone at VetPartners.

“Our team members are very dedicated in their practice every day, and yet in their spare time, they are doing amazing things to help other people and animals in need. It has been lovely to see colleagues pulling together as teams to do something positive for charity.”

StreetVet CEO Zoe Abbotts said: “Everyone at StreetVet would like to say a big thank you to VetPartners for choosing to support us as your charity partner in 2024.

“Their generous support throughout the year has been instrumental in enabling us to provide free essential veterinary care to the pets of those experiencing homelessness across the UK. Together, we have made a significant impact on the lives of many pets and their owners, ensuring loved, loyal companions receive the care they need and deserve. We’re grateful for their unwavering commitment and support of our vital work.”

Now efforts are focused on raising money for VetPartners’ 2025 chosen charity, Air Ambulances UK (AAUK).

Colleagues were asked to choose their 2025 charity of the year and AAUK received nearly 50% of the votes. AAUK is the national charity supporting the lifesaving work of the UK’s Air Ambulance charities, enabling them to save even more lives.

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We.pet  has welcomed  Jade Weston to its sales team for 2025. Jade joins the company at an exciting time, having had a record year both in the UK and with international export of its unique products and brands. 

Jade comes with a wealth of experience in the trade, having worked in retail and most recently managing a pet store in the Southwest. She is passionate about pet welfare and knowledgeable about our broad product range. Jade is excited to begin this new chapter with We.pet and meet both new and current loyal customers in the independent trade. 

Daniel Vander, Managing Director of We.pet, commented: ‘We.pet has expanded its range and taken on various new brands in 2024 including Benebone, Fantail orthopaedic pet beds, and Broadreach Nature natural supplements for dogs. With more new product launches coming, 2025 will be another growth year for We.pet and we are excited to welcome Jade into the sales team to grow and develop accounts in the South and South West!’

We.pet is a staunch supporter of the independent pet trade and only supplies independently owned brands to the independent trade that cannot be found in grocery. They believe that only independent pet stores can offer the face-to-face expertise necessary to recommend suitable products to pets and their owners.

Jade will be looking after a large area in the South spanning from Exeter across to Brighton and up to Oxford. If you run a pet store and would like a visit from Jade or any of the team covering the rest of the UK please make contact with the team on trade@we.pet  or call on 01342 710420.

Paw Comfort has officially launched its range of premium pet products tailored specifically for the UK market. This development promises to make life easier and more enjoyable for pet owners and their beloved companions.

From dog crates and kennels to innovative pet strollers and prams, Paw Comfort offers a variety of products designed with both pets and their owners in mind. Each item is thoughtfully crafted to ensure safety, comfort, and convenience. The company provides stylish and functional litter boxes and cozy beds for cat lovers, ensuring that feline friends feel at home. Additionally, for those who care for backyard poultry, Paw Comfort's chicken coops combine practicality and durability, offering a secure and comfortable space for hens.

"At Paw Comfort, we understand that pets are family," said a spokesperson for the company. "That's why we're committed to providing high-quality products that cater to their well-being while making life easier for pet owners. Whether it's a sturdy dog crate for travel or a soft, plush cat bed for snuggles, we've got it all covered."

One standout product is the pet stroller, also known as a dog pram, which has been gaining popularity among pet owners who want to include their furry friends in outdoor activities. Perfect for elderly or injured pets, these strollers ensure mobility without compromising comfort.

Paw Comfort is also committed to offering products that meet the unique needs of the UK market. All items are designed to reflect the preferences of British pet owners, combining practicality with style.

With a focus on premium quality and exceptional customer service, Paw Comfort is set to become a destination for pet care essentials in the UK.

Paw Comfort is a UK-based company that provides premium pet products for pet owners who prioritize quality, comfort, and style. With a diverse range of offerings, including dog crates, kennels, pet strollers, prams, cat litter boxes, cat beds, and chicken coops, the company aims to enhance the lives of pets and their owners. Paw Comfort treats pets as a family; every product reflects this commitment to care and excellence.

Visit https://pawcomfort.co.uk/ to explore the full range of products.

New research from Pets at Home reveals a continued fascination with pet names influenced by pop culture and entertainment. ‘Luna’, made popular from the Harry Potter character Luna Lovegood, once again holds the top spot as the most popular name for both cats and dogs in 2024 for its fifth consecutive year.

Unlike the real-world counterpart, 'Sabrina' did not dominate the charts (yet), but did see a huge surge in new cat sign-ups for this name. This trend has been attributed to Sabrina Carpenter’s multiple smash hits of 2024, is it that sweet? I guess so.

The research, conducted through Pets at Home’s Pets Club, which now boasts a membership of over 8 million pet owners, highlights how cultural trends continue to inspire pet names. For example, 'Bluey,' inspired by the extremely popular children’s show, remains a top choice for a second year. The name 'Taylor' has also seen a rise, influenced by the global success of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, while 'Batman'...no points for guesses on that one.

Dr Samantha Butler-Davies MRCVS, Veterinary Services Director at Pets at Home, said: “Adding a pet to the family is an exciting time, but selecting a name for your new arrival is a big decision.  When choosing a name for your pet, aim for something short, clear, and easy to say. One- or two-syllable names are ideal, as they are easier for pets to recognise and respond to. Avoid names that sound too similar to training commands or other names in the household to prevent confusion. Consider your pet's personality, appearance, or unique traits to find a name that feels fitting. Most importantly, choose a name you enjoy saying—you’ll be using it often!”

Top Cat Names 2024

1. Luna, Milo, and Bella maintain their positions as the top three cat names, continuing their popularity for the third consecutive year.
2. Luna – inspired by the Harry Potter character Luna Lovegood and meaning ‘moon’ in Latin
3. Milo – of German origin meaning ‘soldier’ or ‘merciful’
4. Bella – meaning ‘beautiful’ in Italian
5. Simba – made popular from the Disney movie ‘The Lion King’ and similarly of Swahili origin, meaning ‘lion’
6. Coco – Another Disney inspired name from the Day of the Dead film Coco, is also the shorter version of the name Socorro
7. Nala – of African origin, meaning ‘success’
8. Willow – meaning ‘willow tree’ and ‘freedom’
9. Oreo – after the popular American chocolate biscuit
10. Loki – primarily a male name of Scandinavian origin that means ‘trickster god’, the popularity of this name can also be linked to the Tom Hiddleston portrayal of the God of Mischief throughout Marvel movies.
11. Daisy – a flower symbolising ‘innocence’ and ‘purity’

Top Dog Names 2024

Similarly to cat names, the top dog names show a strong resemblance to last year’s list, with Luna, Bella, and Teddy holding their positions within the top five.

1. Luna – meaning ‘moon’ in Latin
2. Bella – meaning ‘beautiful’ in Italian
3. Teddy – meaning ‘wealthy protector’, ‘brave people’, or ‘God’s gift’
4. Milo – of German origin meaning ‘soldier’ or ‘merciful’
5. Poppy – of Latin origin meaning ‘red flower’
6. Lola – a short form of the Spanish name Dolores, meaning ‘sorrows’
7. Daisy – a flower symbolising ‘innocence’ and ‘purity’
8. Coco – a shorter version of the name Socorro
9. Buddy – meaning ‘friend’ this name has also seen a Christmas spike thanks to the Will Ferrel movie Elf
10. Willow – meaning ‘willow tree’ and ‘freedom’

The Nutriment Company (TNC), a leader in premium natural pet food, has made its first acquisition of the year – The Dog's Butcher, a renowned UK provider of premium raw dog food.

This acquisition of the Devon-based firm marks a significant milestone as TNC strengthens its position in the UK raw pet food market. 

The Swedish company made four acquisitions in 2024, including three in the UK – Totally Natural Pet Products, Natural Instinct and Pet Treats Wholesale.

The Dog's Butcher is a pioneer of raw dog food in the UK. The brand is renowned for its high-quality, hand-picked ingredients, sourced locally from Devon, Cornwall and the Southwest of England, and its wide range of products, with an assortment of over 100 different minces, chunks and bones.

Founders Joanne and Daniel Mcmahon have built a reputation for innovation and customer focus, serving over 150 trade customers and countless pet owners with passion and dedication.

Joanne McMahon said: “We were delighted when we met with the people from TNC. They really shared our commitment to raw feeding, and the quality of ingredients. They are committed to the pet industry and that was really important to us”

Peter Roy, UK MD for TNC, commented: ‘I’ve known Jo and Daniel for many years, and always admired their business. In early days of raw feeding I was in East Anglia with Anglian Meat Products, they were in the South West doing an excellent job, with great quality products – the pioneers of 80/10/10 and excellent quality ingredients across all their range. 

“The Dogs Butcher range really gives TNC a new exciting range to offer retailers. It’s a real pleasure to welcome them into The Nutriment Company. This is great news for retailers, giving them a real choice with different formats and raw food brands –Nutriment, Natural Instinct and Dibo – available from one manufacturer. 

‘Perhaps most importantly we’re pet people, it’s in our DNA, and every decision we make is designed to support the industry. We want to bring innovation to the pet industry, and give the independent stores the tools, products and margin to be successful in a very competitive market. 

“In 2024 we introduced Gently Steamed as a raw alternative, and in January 2025 we launched nuggets in the UK. The demand for both ranges has been phenomenal – giving retailers a real choice for all formats.

“More innovation is planned in 2025 and we look forward to seeing everyone at Crufts, Edition Dog Live, PATS and dog shows throughout 2025.” 

Anders Kristiansen, CEO of The Nutriment Company, commented on the acquisition: "We are extremely happy to welcome the The Dog's Butcher team to The Nutriment Company. It's a passionate team that has managed to maintain a consistently high-quality standard since inception and as such it is no surprise that customers highly value the product quality as well as diversity of the assortment.”

More information on The Nutriment Company can be found at www.nutriment.com

Pictured: The Dog’s Butcher founders Daniel and Joanne Mcmahon with Peter Roy, UK MD for TNC (right).

The UK pet industry has been mourning the sad passing of Steve Dixon, who died at the age of 70 just before Christmas. He had held area sales manager roles with Spillers Pet Foods, Supreme Pet Foods, Burgess Supafeeds and Burns Pet Foods before retiring in 2022.

Steve was universally liked and respected in the pet product industry and to hear the shocking news from his brother Rob and sister-in-law Tracey that he had passed away on 17^th December at only 70 years old was a blow shared by those who knew him in the pet industry.

Lynda Ward, owner of Pet Trade Solutions, paid tribute to Steve.

“I knew Steve from 1984 when he joined the sales team at Jenks Brokerage, covering the North East and Scotland (whilst I covered West Midlands and North West) selling products on behalf of Quaker Europe and Purina Petfoods with heavy influence on breeder contact and support at dog and cat shows.  We travelled to shows and sales meetings together and continued to periodically ‘chew the fat’ from then on.

“After 11 years with Jenks/McCormick UK, Steve’s career in the trade took him through Area Sales Manager roles with Spillers Pet Foods, Supreme Pet Foods, Burgess Supafeeds and, finally, from 2009, Burns Pet Foods.  

“During those years he developed a strong portfolio of clients including pet food wholesalers, managing directors of companies with the largest market share in the UK, influential buyers for national retail outlets, vets and many independent retailers.

“Exceptionally reliable, professional and with a ‘can do’ attitude, he was friendly, honest and trustworthy with an excellent reputation. 

“I had no qualms about putting him forward for any role and, having introduced him to Burns I wasn’t surprised some years on that when they approached me to find an Area Manager candidate for another area, the brief was simply, ‘We’d like another Steve Dixon please. An impossible brief – he was truly a ‘one of a kind’.”

Steve’s funeral will be held at the main chapel of Markeaton Crematorium (Derby) on Monday 20^th January at 2.30pm, donations to charity only please. 

Tracy and Rob said: “We’re wearing a splash of colour – Steve wouldn’t want all black.”

The owner of a family-run pet retail business has called for stiffer prosecutions and better police response to the growing problem of shoplifting.

Ali Pettitt, who runs three pet shops in Norfolk with husband Adrian, believes that without more support, the efforts of small and independent retailers to reduce crime seem futile.

Ali was prompted to post CCTV images of a suspect on social media after the theft of boxes of pet treats from outside the Pettitt and Boo shop in Catton, Norwich. A man has potentially been identified from the picture, but no arrest has been made.

Front of Pettitt and Boo's Catton store, off Fifers Lane in Norwich.

“We were expecting the delivery of pet treats during daytime in early December, especially as we were in the phase of build-up for Christmas,” explained Ali. “The following morning, our team were surprised to find the delivery at the back door and the carton damaged. Several boxes had been taken out.

Rear of the shop showing the shared delivery area with the neighbouring Co-op store.

“The delivery driver had left them at the back door after the store had closed, instead of taking them back to the depot. At about 4am the next day, a guy is seen on the CCTV from the Co-op store next door. He’s seen taking as many boxes as he can physically hold and carrying them across the car park.

“The theft seriously impacted our stock for the December month, with many of our regular customers disappointed that their dog’s favourite treats were not available.”

Battling against theft is becoming a huge problem for independent retailers like Ali and husband Adrian.

Ali, who posted a CCTV image (right) of the suspect on the store's Facebook page, added: “Shoplifting seems to be on-the-rise but via a wider profile of individuals. For example, we find repeated cases of customers using their own insulated bags at the freezers when selecting raw foods. They then take the full bag to the till and tell staff there are ‘x-amount’ of packs, in the hope that the bag won’t be checked. When we do check though, on as many as one in five cases, we find the quantity stated is inaccurate. Given that the number in the bag is always one or two more than the amount stated, rather than one or two less, it feels like it is less likely to be a case of miscounting, which would give examples of both greater and lesser quantities on spot-checks.

“We also notice it with the pick & mix treat counters. Customers will say there is an amount of x treats in a bag, but more and more frequently we find there are an extra one or two.

“Whilst not ‘traditional’ shoplifting, these are methods that a variety of people will employ to get something that they haven’t actually paid for.”

Incidents of regular shoplifting are on the rise too – from flea and worming treatments to toys. 

“The frustrating thing is that shoplifters know the likelihood of prosecution is very, very low,” said Ali. “Last year we had a ‘customer’ who picked up a ball thrower and walked straight out of the shop – no concealing efforts applied at all. When staff confronted her outside, she gave it back with a shrug of the shoulders.

“We are doing what we can to reduce the likelihood of being a target for shoplifters. One of the most effective methods of prevention is just to speak to every customer upon entry. Often framed as great customer service (which it is), speaking to people as they come into the store means they are aware that the staff have observed them.

“What we really need as a strong deterrent is robust prosecutions and police response. Without that support, our efforts to reduce crime seem futile.”

For more information about Ali and Adrian’s pet stores visit https://www.pettittandboo.co.uk