Wilsons Pet Food, a Perthshire-based pet food company that can trace its heritage back well over a hundred years, has announced its products are now in over 52 stockists across the UK and this number continues to grow.

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 the only purpose- 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. They have made supporting the independent retailer their priority by not discounting online, offering free samples and point-of-sale material in the way of posters and by creating boosted posts online to support new retailers. Recent stockists of the cold press range include Broughty Ferry Pet Supplies, Raemoir Garden Centre,  Ferrari Horse Feeds, J&T Rodger, Angus Pets and Aquatics, Abbey Pet Shop and Paws & Claws.

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.

“The Cold Press process itself brings a number of benefits,” says Craig, “however, at Wilsons we are mindful that a well-rounded product needs good quality ingredients and a well-balanced, nutritional recipe. We have worked with the top nutritionists specialising in Cold Press products, who have, based on scientific studies, created a complete dog food with all 6 of the major nutrient groups:  Carbohydrate , Protein , Fat , Vitamins , Minerals and Water.

“Achieving a good balance of vitamins/minerals is important and we have ensured that our product adheres to the “golden ratio” for 1 part Phosphorous to 2 parts Calcium to aid bone development.

“The Cold Press technique has also allowed us to incorporate super foods which provide additional vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, including:  Seaweed, Ginger, Turmeric, Thyme , Cranberry , Dandelion Root and Merry Gold Yellow .

 “An important trend in today’s market is the prevalence of “Grain Free” foods, with key emphasis on the removal of Wheat Gluten from products. We have designed two of products to be completely grain free with our other product using a low allergenicity gluten source, rice.

“Our recipes have been designed with a limited ingredient ethos with single source protein. It was essential for us to keep the product as natural as possible and so we have prioritised achieving nutritional balance through ingredients. Wherever possible we use all UK ingredients.”

The Wilsons cold press food is currently available in three varieties, Mountain Stream which is Scottish Salmon and Sweet Potato, Sweet Pasture which is British Lamb and Brown Rice and Sunrise Song which is Chicken and Vegetables. The recipes can be purchased in 2.5 and 10 kg bags.

For further information on Wilsons Pets Foods visit: www.wilsonspetfood.co.uk. If you are interested in becoming a stockist visit: www.wilsonspetfood.co.uk/become-a-stockist/ or Tel: 01250 798298