Danish Design Pet Products Ltd has become part of Petcare Group, based in Sweden, as founding directors Stuart and Susanne Newsome plan to retire from the business. 

The new arrangement will enable Danish Design to enhance product offerings, strengthen supply chains, and improve overall customer experiences. 

Stuart and Susanne Newsome will have a phased exit of the business as they plan their retirement. Stuart said of the acquisition: "We are extremely proud that Danish Design is a leading manufacturer of pet beds and accessories. Our daughter Annelise has successfully led the company for over 12 years and we are confident that with the support of Petcare Group, Danish Design will continue to deliver high-quality products and services." 

Petcare Group's members feature a handful of Scandinavian companies, all in the pet industry, with Danish Design becoming the first member from the UK. 

Sebastian Sandholm, co-owner of Petcare Group, said: “We are pleased to welcome Danish Design to the Petcare Group family. The addition of Danish Design to our group further enhances our product portfolio, with Danish Design becoming our sole brand of pet bedding. We are already well on our way with mapping out our growth strategy for the future.”

Danish Design's MD Annelise Lockley commented: “I am thrilled to become a member of this dynamic group and I am excited about the opportunities that this partnership presents. 

“I look forward to working closely with Petcare Group to deliver even more value to our customers.”

Danish Design will continue to operate as an independent business unit within Petcare Group, and the company’s customers and suppliers can expect the same level of quality, reliability, and service that they have come to expect from Danish Design. 

The acquisition by Petcare Group Sweden is expected to bring significant benefits to both companies, including improved supply chain efficiencies, access to new markets, and enhanced product offerings.

Lily and Cassy in their new shop, taken by Scott Merrylees.

A couple of animal lovers and friends opened the doors to their new pet shop last weekend and already it has proved to be a big hit with customers. 

Lily-Rose Barnes and Cassy Hill launched Feathers & Tails in Wakefield and have been more than pleased with the response so far.

Lily said: “Both Cassy and myself have had a passion for reptiles and birds. We keep a variety at home, including snakes, tarantulas and birds.

“We have both worked with animals for a combined 15-plus years in both the veterinary industry and pet trade, and pride ourselves on staying up-to-date on scientific research, the community and reports produced. 

“We want to set a new standard for selling reptiles and birds to make sure that the correct information, advice and husbandry is given to ensure the best quality of life for any animal, no matter its size or species. 

“We are community oriented and have plans to support other local businesses in our shop. We are for the animals first and foremost, they will always be our first priority but we strive to create a friendly atmosphere, and will offer advice without judgement. 

“We are also catering for general pets, especially dogs and cats, and we hold a large stock and reptiles and birds as well.”

Lily added that it was so great to see so many people supporting their small business on the official opening day.

A national accounts manager for a pet food supplier is now turning to a career in retailing with the opening of his own pet store.

James Kinge will open the doors to Mutt and Co in Norwich for the first time on Saturday (April 1). And to celebrate, the first 100 people through the door will receive a goodie bag and the first person to spend £100 will get a bottle of champagne. He will also be offering 10% off all treats during the day.

Having worked for Natures Menu, James is a firm believer in raw pet food so his new store will be well stocked with natural products.

The ribbon ceremony will take place at 9.15am.

Nationwide pet retailer Jollyes opened its flagship Scunthorpe store on Saturday with hundreds of customers visiting the store over its launch weekend.

Store manager Steve Marshall proudly cut the ribbon, assisted by North Lincolnshire Deputy Mayor Cllr Janet Longcake, representatives from Jerry Green Dog Rescue and Scunthorpe United mascots Scunny Bunny and Scunny Hunny Bunny.

Also taking part in the opening were stilt walkers and face painters helping Jerry Green Dog Rescue fundraise for their work across the region.

Scunthorpe is the first Jollyes to get a new-look Jolly Groomer as part of a £1million investment in the roll out of vet clinics, grooming parlours and other pet services such as the new ‘Wash & Go’ dog wash booth which offers a full clean-up for mucky pups without the hassle of messing up a home bathroom hay.

The new store also offers a selection of small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs as well as birds, fish and reptiles.

Manager Steve Marshall said “We couldn’t have had a better reaction from customers this weekend – we’re looking forward to serving pets and their parents right across North Lincolnshire in the years ahead.”

Between now and the summer of 2024, Jollyes plans will double the number of stores that offer community pet clinics, double opening hours for those clinics double the number of dog grooming locations at stores like Scunthorpe.

Vet-supervised dog and cat vaccinations in the clinic start at just £14 and £13 for rabbits with primary course jabs for dogs and cats at £33. 

Microchipping, already compulsory for dogs and now in new government plans extended to be compulsory for cats, start at just £13, offering significant savings against average prices charged by formal vet practices.

The Jolly Groomer at Scunthorpe offers straightforward pricing for a quality groom that doesn’t cost a paw and a leg.

Customers can choose precisely what grooming service they need, so they don’t pay for ones they don’t. Prices for a bath and brush will start at just £15.00. 

Jollyes new Scunthorpe store also provides pet parents in North Lincolnshire and nearby South Yorkshire access to Jollyes’ raw food frozen ‘shop-in-shop’ alongside high quality private label pet food such as its own Lifestage, K9 and Rileys brands which offer a premium experience without the big brand price tag.

See the gallery of pictures from opening day below...

Podium Pet Products is celebrating after its Be:Loved range won the Business & Product Innovation Award at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) South East Awards.

The popular Be:Loved range of wellness and lifestyle grooming products will now go through to the FSB’s national final in April.

“I am delighted to have picked up this award on behalf of a great team of people at Podium Pet Products,” said the company’s Carina Evans.

“The FSB has provided us with a huge amount of support since we joined the organisation in 2022, so to win this award is extra special.

“I now have a difficult decision to make: to go surfing in Cornwall or attend the national awards on 18^th April.”

For more information on the BeLoved range visit https://www.belovedpetz.com

HOWND plant-based nutritionally complete dog food has secured 219th position in the Food Tech 500 final ranking by Forward Fooding. 

The Food Tech 500 is a prestigious list that recognises the best in the food tech industry. It's no small feat to secure 219th place – HOWND stood out among 2,100 applicants from more than 67 countries with its innovative and nutritious dog food.

“What an amazing achievement it is for HOWND to be placed at #219 overall in Forward Fooding’s Food Tech 500 list,” said Mark Hirschel, Commercial Director & Co-Founder at HOWND.

“The list is filled with such incredible brands, all dedicated to making a difference within the food, tech and sustainability sector. It’s also worth noting that HOWND are one of two pet brands on the entire list and the only 100% plant-based brand which in itself is pretty incredible and a testament to all our hard work.

“We’ve got big plans here at HOWND HQ – excitement is growing as we look to scale our offering on an international level and maximise the part we play in creating healthier food for our pets, whilst protecting our planet and animal welfare.”

HOWND nutritionally complete superfood is enjoyed by thousands of dogs worldwide and available on subscription.

HOWND Superfood comes in 2kg & 10kg and is made with wholesome veggies, hemp protein & moringa. Wet food 400g comes in 3 delicious flavours: 

• Hearty Quinoa and Pumpkin Casserole with Organic Hemp Protein and Moringa
• Fragrant Papaya Chia & Lentil Dahl with Coconut & Moringa
• Fresh Blueberry & Coconut Porridge with Chia & Oats. 

For more information about HOWND's plant-based, nutritionally complete dog food, visit DogsLoveHownd.com

HOWND produces Ethical Products for Happy Hounds and is the pioneer of cruelty-free plant-based products for dogs in the UK. 

Founded in 2015 by Mark Hirschel and Jo Amit, the company creates a multi-award-winning range of ethical health, wellness and hygiene products certified by Cruelty Free International, The Vegetarian (Vegan) Society, PETA Cruelty Free, PETA Not Tested on Animals, The Ethical Company Organisation and Nature Watch Foundation. 

The company is also the mastermind behind national Bring Your Dog To Work Day and makers of the viral social brand movie When Harry Met Hero which has amassed more than 10 million views on Facebook.

Manchester-based entrepreneur Felix Robinson has set up a business with her son Tom to make the buying of dogs online safer. 

Felix, who has previously worked in the skincare industry, was inspired to launch Pet Trust UK following the Covid pandemic puppy boom.

Felix said: “During the lockdown a Manchester breeder was threatened at knifepoint with machetes. Her dogs and puppies were stolen from her home after a meet and greet with an alleged prospective family. Sadly, she wasn’t the only one as reports of attacks rose.

“My family and I knew that no platform supported breeders and prospective dog owners to make connections safely.

“Prospective owners are buying dogs online with no way of checking the breeder's credibility, health certificates and breeding practices. They were entrusting their fortunes without knowing if there was even a real puppy waiting for them or they were falling in love and finding their puppy cruelly ripped from them six months later due to poor breeding and hidden health conditions.

“We therefore decided to set up Pet Trust UK to make buying animals online safer.”

Felix believes that the current system for buying and selling dogs online is broken and leaves users vulnerable with the welfare of the public and animals clearly not the top priority.

The Pet Trust UK secure platform provides the following benefits:

• Pet Trust UK will include a dog family tree for all breeds so users can research the heredity of the dogs.
• Pet Trust UK will be doing health certificate checks to reduce the incidence of inherited disorders.
• Pet Trust UK will hold breeders accountable, ensuring the Licences are legitimate.
• All images will have a transparent logo and look at ai technology to recognise when a photo has been copied and if so, will be flagged.
• By introducing the UK's 1st Mandatory ID bank clearance checks, this new online platform ensures that the breeder and potential buyer know that the person messaging them is genuine, their details accurate and they are traceable.
• All potential dog owners will complete a questionnaire, which will be forwarded to the breeder on enquiry.
• All hobby breeders who do not have a licence are to be vetted by zoom with a preset list of questions to ensure the user is not a puppy farmer and is breeding responsibly.

“By ensuring that breeding dogs are healthy, we will contribute to the welfare of all dogs. This will create a trustworthy and safe environment for all users,” says Felix, who is the proud owner of a five-year-old rescue Boxer called Sammi.

As well as providing a safe environment to buy pets, Pet Trust UK also intends to give something back by working with rescue centres and giving a percentage of profits to partner centres. They have already partnered up with DNA Protected, and are working closely with Councils, and The Police to make their platform the most secure place to purchase pets. They also hope to link up with the Kennel Club and Laboratories to validate health results, vets, insurance companies, retailers and pet food manufacturers to give added benefits to customers. The business will be launching an Ecommerce site in September and also intends to provide educational courses and qualifications and resource material on various aspects of pet care.

Felix added: “I see Pet Trust UK becoming a one stop shop for dog breeders, breeding equipment and new puppy owners as we aim to offer something special to our customers. Our focus will also be on promoting licenced breeders and showcasing their profiles.”

For more information visit  www.pettrustuk.com or email felixr@pettrustuk.com  

Natural pet food supplier Forthglade has introduced three new treats to its popular multi-functional soft bites range.

Officially launched at PATS Sandown, the range is designed for a dog’s needs, from supporting good health through to aiding training. As with all Forthglade recipes the natural treats are free from any junk or fillers. 

Joints & bones is a new salmon recipe containing salmon oil, chondroitin and glucosamine and perfect for treating when out walking. Digestive health treats include tempting chicken with parsley, ginger and chicory ideal for after meal times. Forthglade’s new plant-based Rewards contain irresistible honey and banana, perfect for rewarding good behaviour whilst training. 

The full range of treats are suitable for dogs aged 2+ months and available in 90g re-sealable pouches, RRP £2.25.  Packaging is recyclable and the treats are also available in boxes of 8x90g pouches. Available to stock from April.  

The new treats are added to the current range which also includes Chicken with liver Rewards, peppermint & parsley Fresh Breath, and camomile, lavender & lemon balm Calming treats. 

For stockist information contact trade@forthglade.com

Burns Pet Nutrition has announced the return of its ever-tasty turkey wet food following its initial debut over the festive period as a limited-edition product.

Following its sell-out status, Wholesome Turkey is now available as part of their super-popular wet food range and introduces a new tasty variety to the Burns wet food family and is here to stay.

Crammed with protein and pure goodness, Burns Wholesome Turkey wet food nourishes your dog from the inside out and like the rest of the extra tasty varieties, Wholesome Turkey contains ingredients to provide dogs with optimal health, and absolutely no nasty fillers.

Made with real ingredients and a single protein source, this hypoallergenic wet food offers the perfect balance of nutrients, keeping your pet in top condition.

Burns Wholesome Turkey wet food is a complete diet, so it’s perfect as a meal on its own. However, this versatile product pairs perfectly with any of Burns’ dry food recipes too should you want to add a little crunch to your canine companion’s dinner!

Wholesome Turkey will be made available in 150g and 396g trays, and in multipacks of both sizes. Any pooch will be pleased to get their paws on this scrumptious recipe by Burns.

This complete wet food contains only wholesome ingredients such as turkey, wholegrain rice, carrots, vitamins and minerals, with no hidden surprises, ensuring that your dog is getting only the very best.

John Burns MBE, founder of Burns Pet Nutrition who developed the food, said: “We were thrilled with the popularity of the Wholesome Turkey range last year that we had to bring it back as a permanent fixture in our wet food range. This special recipe is hypoallergenic, gluten free and made using all our natural ingredients. As with all our wet foods, we ensure it is suitable for adult and senior dogs of any breed, fussy eaters and even the most sensitive dogs.”

Latest pet population statistics show that there are around 1 million fewer fish tanks in people’s homes, possibly due to rising energy prices.

Outdoor ponds – which saw a big leap during the pandemic years as more people spent time in their gardens – have remained fairly steady at 6 million, down just half a million in a year.

Pet Food UK’s Pet Population data reveals that in 2023 there are 7 million indoor tanks which equates to 15% of the population and 6 million households are enjoying an outdoor pond (12% of households). This compares to 8 million fish tanks (17% of households) and 6.5 million garden ponds (12% of households) in 2022.

“It is perhaps not surprising to see that indoor fish tanks numbers have dipped in the past year. It seems likely that rising energy prices have made people take the sad decision to shut down their tanks,” remarked OATA Chief Executive Dominic Whitmee.

“There is plenty of advice online about how to make small changes to tanks that will help lower energy costs and the numbers of tanks in households remains higher than the pre-pandemic years so looking longer-term these are still high figures for our industry.

“Nevertheless I think this shows that the price of energy is affecting our industry and not just for home aquarists. It is particularly frustrating that despite intense lobbying and robust data, the Government has continually ignored our requests for aquatic businesses to receive additional financial support during the energy crisis because, like fishkeepers, high energy prices are severely affecting them.”

Pet Food UK’s latest Pet Population Data report can be found here https://www.ukpetfood.org/information-centre/statistics/uk-pet-population.html

A fish-rich diet is the secret to success for Crufts Best in Show 2023 winner. Orca’s perfect muscular, skin and coat condition, is a result of a sustainably sourced digestible protein diet high in essential oils and omega 3, from Fish4Dogs.

The four-year-old Lagotto Romangnolo from Croatia is the most winning dog in the history of the breed.  Winning more than 40 Bests in Show in Europe and the USA, she is the first Lagotto ever to win Best in Show at Crufts.

Reflecting on Orca’s success, Crufts Champion Co-Owner Ante Lucin said: “Fish food is proved to give the best results for skin and coat care and dogs love to eat it. Orca Aka Am GCh Kan Trace Very Cheeky Chic loves food and is very motivated by her favourite fish treats during training.  Choosing a sustainable food source is very important for responsible breeders and trainers. That’s why I chose Fish4Dogs for Orca.”

Sarah Fowler, CEO Fish4Pets said: “We are delighted for Ante, super proud of Orca, and immensely proud of the hundreds of Fish4Dogs champion Breeder Ambassadors worldwide, dating back almost twenty years.  The work they do to ensure they give puppies the perfect start is essential for breeding the champions of tomorrow.  As is the role they play in educating new owners in establishing great feeding for happy healthy dogs.” 

For the 20th year running, Kent-based Artificial Lawn Company has supplied and installed its Pedigree Lawn to the 2023 Crufts Dog Show. ALC laid a total of 2890m² of its dog-friendly lawn in the main arena, the obedience ring, and the young kennel club arena.

The finish of the floors in each arena is important to ensure that the dogs have a good grip but comfortable landing during agility and flyball heats. It also looks great on the TV and helps add to the amazing atmosphere of the show. The floors also need to be quickly and easily washed down to maintain high standards of hygiene throughout the four days of the dog show.

“Our Pedigree grass is consistently the first choice for Crufts as it has been proven year after year to be the perfect artificial lawn for the active energy of dogs of every size and shape,” commented Sam Baylis, surveyor and salesman at Artificial Lawn Company. 

“It features a durable 15mm curled pile that is easy to maintain in case of natural accidents and provides the perfect landing surface for dogs who are proving their worth in the agility classes.”

Laying the artificial grass in the three arenas took just two and a half days to complete, as the floor is already perfectly flat - it is simply a case of cutting it to shape and fixing it to the floor using industrial double-sided tape. Not only is the floor covering perfect for the pooches, but it also brings a natural vibrancy to the arena.

At the end of the show, ALC rolls the grass back up and sells it at a discounted price. Due to its infamy (and great price), ALC’s Pedigree grass - as seen on Crufts - is often re-purposed into dog agility centres, dog homes, sports pitches, and even ditch liners for bowling greens. 

Established in 2000, Artificial Lawn Company is one of the UK’s most experienced manufacturers and installers of premium artificial grass products. Located in Kent, the company works predominantly in the southeast of England, supplying quality artificial grass to builders and contractors for commercial and residential projects, as well as carrying out installation projects itself.

Mars Petcare is launching Pedigree Multivitamins into the supplements category. Available now in grocery, each supplement contains 100% natural chicken, at least eight vitamins and are designed with active ingredients to help deliver specific benefits.

The vitamin blend, which has been developed with the Waltham Petcare Science Institute team, vets, and pet nutritionists, aims to support overall dog health with three key need states which includes joint care, digestion, and immunity.

Continuing its mission to make a ‘Better World for Pets’, the launch from Mars Petcare follows findings that revealed that only 10% of the category is currently in chew format, with the majority of products being perceived as unpalatable. As an accessible brand for all dogs, Pedigree is making it even easier for pet parents to offer their pets supplements with Multivitamins that are both easy to feed and dose in a small soft chew format, but are also designed to be safe for all dogs no matter their size or breed.

Angela Cameron, European Brand Director, Pedigree and Dog Care & Treats at Mars Petcare comments: “As the nation continues to become increasingly interested in taking care of their own health, more and more pet parents are looking for ways in which they can take more proactive care of their dog’s health. We know that 55% of those owners that buy dog supplements currently also take supplements themselves, therefore we understand the importance of ensuring supplements are accessible, affordable and understandable as there is appetite from consumers to keep their pets as healthy as possible. There is room to grow the category further and Pedigree, as a brand people know and trust, is ideally placed to support retailers in doing so.”

The supplements category is already worth £126m in the UK, but there is room for growth. As the UK’s number one dog food brand, Pedigree will use its status to recruit new shoppers into the supplements category with an accessible proposition that addresses pet-parent pain points and needs. Pedigree Multivitamins are scientifically proven to support dog’s health and vitality and will pose an opportunity for retailers to offer further value choice from a well-known and trusted brand.

Pedigree Multivitamins will be available in three variants including, joint care, digestion, and immunity with an RRP of £6.50 for an 180g pack. The launch will be supported by in-aisle and out-of-aisle POS to drive awareness and disrupt the shopper as well as online POS which includes banners, category pages and check out page media.

Purina has brought together a consortium of experts in seaweed bio-stimulants, plant health and soil science to launch a three-year academic study on the possible role of seaweed-based bio-stimulants in regenerative agriculture. 

The study will evaluate the potential impact of seaweed-based bio-stimulants on plant performance and nutrition, as well as crop safety and quality.  

The study will be supported by on-farm field trials aiming to investigate how seaweed extracts applied to crops might improve soil health and plant responses to abiotic stresses (e.g. drought conditions), and evaluate the potential to reduce the amount of synthetic fertilizer while maintaining yield. 

In many regions of the world, food production relies on synthetic fertilizers, overuse of which can negatively impact soil health, biodiversity, water and air, as well as the climate. To address these challenges and, as part of Nestlé’s pledge to source 50% of its key ingredients from regenerative agriculture by 2030, Purina is exploring novel agricultural approaches. 

Sheri Smithey, Head of Product and Technology Development for Purina said: “We must explore innovative solutions if we are to make progress against our climate goals. We are proud to be working with partners in researching the potential of seaweed-based bio-stimulants to help farmers and our supply chains adopt more regenerative agricultural practices .”  

Juli Plassmeyer, Vice President Global Marketing and Sustainability at Nestlé Purina Petcare, said: “Purina’s strong commitment to sustainability encompasses the transition to regenerative agricultural practises for our ingredient sourcing. We must explore novel solutions like these to help accelerate the transition.” 

Seaweed brings the additional benefit of absorbing some of the carbon and excess nutrients flowing into the ocean, reducing the risk of ocean acidification, whilst promoting marine biodiversity.  

Sponsored by Purina, the study brings together an expert consortium led by Fera Science Ltd.  Wageningen University & Research (WUR), Plant Science group and the Kelp Forest Foundation will lead on the research side, with Agricarbon UK and NatureMetrics supporting field trials with soil carbon analysis and eDNA soil biodiversity testing. Two seaweed companies will provide the seaweed-based bio-stimulants.  

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Pets at Home has announced a change to its board of directors with the appointment of a new independent non-executive director.

Dr Natalie-Jane Macdonald MBE will be appointed as an independent Non-Executive Director with effect from 27 May 2023.

On her appointment to the board, Natalie will also become a member of the Nomination and Corporate Governance Committee and the ESG Committee.

A graduate of Glasgow University, Natalie spent eight years as an NHS hospital physician before moving into the private sector where she spent 17 years at Bupa holding various roles, including Managing Director of Bupa Health and Wellbeing.  

Natalie has chaired Nuffield Health, the UK's largest healthcare charity, since May 2020 and was CEO of Sunrise Senior Living UK until 2021.  Natalie is also a board member of Riverstone Living, a retirement living business and chairs Voyage Care, a healthcare services company providing support for people with learning disabilities.  She also holds an MBA from London Business School.

Ian Burke, chairman of Pets at Home, commented: “On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to welcome Dr Natalie-Jane Macdonald MBE to Pets at Home Group plc.  Natalie brings an exceptional level of strategic and operational healthcare experience, together with knowledge of complex consumer businesses at an executive and board level, skills which will be valuable as Pets at Home continues to build its consumer-centric, omnichannel, pet care platform.  The directors and I look forward to Natalie joining our Board of Directors and completing our team.”

Law Print & Packaging Management Ltd Pack will be exhibiting at Zoomark in Italy from 15-17 May 2023.

Managing director Carole Bayne said: “We always take advantage of the increasingly popular trade show to strengthen bonds with our existing and new customers, and this new edition will be no exception.

“Although we supply both conventional and sustainable solutions across a wide range of pack formats, materials and features, this year we will be also showcasing our further improved Ready2Recycle range of sustainable packaging solutions.

“Made of a single polymer structure, they are all 100% recyclable! Our most popular options are PE/PE pouches, flat bottom or quad seal bags, as well as PP woven bags.

“They are made of a laminated structure of BOPE/PE, MDOPE/PE or BOPP/PP materials, meaning that they are ready to be recycled at the end of use, contributing to a more circular economy.

“Come and visit us in Hall 30 Stand D24 to discuss how we could help your business to grow by choosing the right packaging for your brand and your products.”

Following news that scientists claim to have found a vegan diet for dogs that’s “adequately nutritious”, lead nutritional advisor at ProDog Raw Alison Frost described the findings as misleading. 

She said: “A three-week study, using only one breed of dog, and with no mention of raw feeding or any of the protein requirements and complete amino acids needed in a carnivore's diet, is not enough to measure the long-term effects a vegan diet has on dogs.

“Dogs are facultative carnivores, and while they can ‘ survive’ as vegan, they cannot thrive on a diet without meat. The long-term health effects of a solely-based vegan diet are not yet available, as this is a relatively new way of feeding.

“The physiology of a dog is designed to process meat and bone, and not carbohydrates. Dogs do not have a need for carbohydrates in their diet, they obtain their energy from protein and fat, which is found naturally, and easily digested from quality meat. They have a short digestive tract, acidic stomach acid to effectively digest raw meat and bone, and deal with bacteria. Their jaws and teeth are designed to catch prey and tear off large chunks of meat, and they do not have the enzyme amylase in their saliva to break down plant matter like a herbivore.

“There’s no issue with pet owners choosing to feed themselves a vegetarian or vegan diet, but not to their dogs. In fact our CEO, Heidi Maskelyene, is herself a vegetarian, but set up ProDog Raw after losing her dogs young to health issues that could be linked to their high carbohydrate processed diet, and would never feed a vegetarian or vegan diet to her dogs.  

“More longer term studies, like this one that proved a high raw meat-based diet showed lower levels of inflammation markers in the dogs bodies and compared the gut microbiota, gene expression in the skin, metabolomics from blood and urine and nutrient profile from blood and genes, are needed.  

“The benefits of feeding a species-appropriate raw diet to our carnivorous pets has been consistently proven to improve the health and lifespan of pets. Dog owners want to know they’re making the right choices when it comes to their best friend’s health, and misleading ‘studies’ like this only serve to make those choices more confusing.”

To reads the scientists’ claims click here

Brambles Pet and Wildlife are advising retailers to stock up on Brambles Hedgehog Food ahead of the forthcoming Hedgehog Awareness Week (HAW), which takes place on 30 April-6 May.

David Tracey, sales manager, commented: "We’re getting ready for a bumper week of activity on Social Media during HAW where we’ll be giving away over £1000 worth of wildlife food and associated products for Wildlife Rescues in our popular giveaways. There’s always a huge increase in demand for our food during this period so we recommend retailers ordering much more of our hedgehog food than normal in time for HAW."

For more information visit www.bramblespaw.co.uk or follow social media channels:

Facebook

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A team of vets and nurses faced a 10-hour fight to save lives after a horror house fire involving eight dogs.

Firemen pulled several animals from the inferno and tried to revive them with oxygen before police put in an urgent call in the middle of the night to South Lincs Vets.

Night vet Nancy Brown dashed to the property near Boston to triage the stricken Labradors before the seven worst affected were rushed back to the practice. 

Fellow emergency vet Nina Blackmore then faced what she called “the worst shift of my life” as she led a team in a lengthy battle to save them.

Sadly, the two with the most severe burns and lung damage had to be put to sleep. 

But five were brought back from the brink of death and, with the permission of the owner, were safely transferred to the care of an animal charity.

The call came in to South Lincs Vet Group earlier this month, at around 4.30am. 

After stabilising a number of the dogs who were in a critical state on the scene, they were transferred to South Lincs’ veterinary hospital in Sutterton, Boston for urgent care.

“Most of the seven dogs, who were all adults, were able to walk in but they had severe injuries and they deteriorated rapidly,” said Nina.

“With smoke inhalation, the carbon monoxide binds to the red blood cells and stops oxygen being delivered properly. The burns and swelling on the airways of the ones that were worst affected were causing real problems.

“We were trying to get as much oxygen in as we could, while delivering high doses of pain relief.”

Tragically, despite non-stop care, it wasn’t possible to save two of the dogs. And even the dogs who hadn’t seemed as badly affected, started to go downhill.

“We were just trying to go from one to another, giving as much oxygen to each as we could,” said Nina. “The hardest bit was losing the two dogs, but at one stage I thought we might lose at least a couple more.

“I honestly wondered how it was going to end and how many would be left.

“But every one of the team was amazing, with our nurses looking after the critical ones and noticing every change.

“After 10 hours we were finally able to get the last patient stable and off the table and I’m so happy we were able to save the five dogs. 

“It was all very emotional and quite traumatic. I’m proud to be at a practice able to take in so many dogs and have the equipment and expertise to treat them all while still dealing with a normal busy day of cases.”

After further treatment, the dogs were taken in by local charity Albies Friends and a GoFundMe page has been set up to help towards their care and re-homing.

MiLounge has introduced the UK’s first Human Dog Bed that comes complete with an orthopaedic memory foam mattress for customised support and luxurious cushioning to provide the perfect lounging experience.

MiLounge, that went viral on TikTok with more than 200 million views, was the brainchild of Qasim Amin after he broke his ankle last year. With limited movement he needed a place to rest comfortably without the challenge of a set of stairs.

He begun sourcing a solution that could be stored and easily moved, while retaining the comfort of a traditional bed. MiLounge brings together all these elements while allowing the user to relax, nap or cuddle in it with comfort.

Available in three colours, beige, and dark and light grey, MiLounge comes complete with a removable and machine washable faux fur cover, adjustable pillow bolsters, handles for ease of transport and is suitable for anyone up to 6ft 3” tall.

Qasim, founder of MiLounge, says: “Before we launched the product, we had a waiting list of more than 31,000 people and we sold out of the stock we had on the first day. People are buying MiLounge for a variety of reasons including recouperation, travel, as a guest bed, for children to play in, for those with neurodiversity, and some just simply to snuggle in with their dogs! We call it the Human Dog Bed because that’s exactly what it looks like.

“MiLounge gives the user the comfort they would expect from a bed but with the freedom and ability to fold it away or vacuum pack it down to maximise space saving.”

MiLounge is priced from £275 and can be shipped globally. For more information visit www.milounge.co

The winners of the PATS Sandown 2023 New Product Awards, sponsored by pbwnews, were chosen by a team of independent pet retailers, who arrived at the show before 9.30am today (Sunday), in order to make their choices from more than 200 new products entered. 

Their decisions took into account a number of guideline criteria such as product innovation, design, quality, packaging, value for money and sustainability.

The judges agreed that the New Product Showcase had produced a high calibre of entries with a tremendous amount of innovation. They were pleased to see such a wide range of products in the eight categories

The Awards were presented to the winners at 1pm on Sunday by David Rees, editor of pbwnews, and show organiser Gordon Thomas.

Here is a full list of the winners together with the judges’ comments:

PATS Sandown 2023

New Product Award Winners (sponsored by pbwnews)

Cat Food and Products

Carnilove True Fresh Cat Foods 

Carnilove (stand J7)

Judges said: “This product contains good ingredients and is super nutritional. As well as being sustainable, it comes in appealing packaging.”

Dog Food Products

Vets Menu Tasty Gravy Toppers

Macahl Animal Health (stand K14)

Judges said: “Containing natural ingredients, this product promotes good dog health. Great for fussy dogs, it has a good price point and has eye-catching packaging.”

Dog Treat Products

Doodle’s Deli Natural Treats

Pedigree Wholesale (stand H3)

Judges said: “With sustainability high on consumers’ needs, this product is very eco-friendly. It is 100% natural and is very well priced. Dog owners will love these treats.”

Dog Accessories and Toys

Henry Wag Easy Roll Travel Bed

3P Enterprise (stand M5)

Judges said: “We’ve not seen a product like it. It’s perfect on days out for owners and their pets. Compact and well-priced.”

Dog Harnesses, Leads and Clothing

Comfort Rope Lead with New Screw Lock

Long Paws (stand A3)

Judges said: “This product has a great safety feature, making it extra safe for walking. It’s also comfortable when in use. Dog owners will also love the fact it has a great price point.” 

Small Animal and Bird Products

Little One Range of Tasty Maze Tunnels

Mealberry GmbH (stand G3a)

Judges said: “A great idea that hasn’t been seen before. It also offers good value for money. Another attraction is the choice of flavours and sizes.”

Pet Care Products

Pet first aid kits personalised to pet businesses

ProTrainings Europe Ltd (stand S2)

Judges said: “Every pet home should have one. This product is a great idea, offering businesses the chance to personalise it.”

Grooming Products

Oatmeal Dog Shampoo

Buddycare (stand L10)

Judges said: “An amazing fragrance, vegan and cruelty-free, eye-catching branding, and great value – there could only be one winner of the grooming category.”

Peter Roy, a well-respected figure in the UK and European pet food industry, is launching an exciting new business called COYA Pet. Retailers and buyers will get first glimpse of the brand at PATS Sandown, which opens on Sunday.

Peter, the MD of COYA Pet, spoke about his new venture on the eve of the UK’s Spring Pet Industry Exhibition, and explained why he believes the brand will take the market by storm. 

“COYA is a new-to-market Freeze-Dried Raw pet food,” said Peter. “Anyone who knows me knows I love the raw petfood market – I spent 10 years driving the raw frozen market in UK and Europe and loved every minute. When I left the business a couple of years ago I spent a lot of time over in the US and was really amazed at how they had taken raw to another level. 

“In the US now, the raw market has evolved to both raw frozen and raw Freeze-Dried – and in eight years the raw Freeze-Dried market now outsells the raw frozen market – because it’s convenient. 

“At COYA our aim is to make raw feeding more accessible and convenient for pet owners and retailers. We’ve taken our inspiration from the US market and developed a product range, made in the UK, that puts both pet health and pet owner convenience first through Freeze-Drying technology – giving them convenient raw.”

Why is Freeze-Dried pet food so important to the market?  

Raw feeding is quite rightly at the forefront of many owners’ minds when choosing what to feed their pet – I still believe raw is best. However, it can often be inconvenient and in my experience it caused people to move away from it completely or never entered in the first place. The raw feeding market is today worth about £250m but by making it more convenient COYA will make a huge difference in growing the market in another step change. By bringing convenience to the sector it will open up to a much wider consumer audience.

Why’s it so good for retailers as well as pet owners?

There’s a huge margin impact for retailers when stocking raw frozen pet food, and a massive erosion on margin for them. The cost of running freezers as well as specialised delivery means that this type of food can become margin reductive – a double door upright for instance can cost £2,500 per year in energy costs alone, so you need to sell £7,500 at 33% margin just to break even. So for retailers, Freeze-Dried Raw food is a way of offering the nutritional benefits of raw without the costs of stocking specialised food, maintain all the margin from the supplier.

From a pet owner’s point of view, we know that many people ‘want to feed raw but…’  There’s lack of time, it’s inconvenient and storage can be a problem. So COYA’s Freeze-Dried Raw range of products offers them raw without the chore.

How do you see the future of pet nutrition? 

All the indicators suggest that premium brands which have a clear point of difference, and strong understandable consumer message will continue to grow well. Similarly, those economy brands, often multi-channel will continue to grow. I believe it’s the mid-range brands that are losing ground; often with consumers more comfortable to move away from a mid-range brand to an economy brand…but were not seeing this at the high meat, or premium brand market. 

Treats continue to grow nicely too – if people are trading down for food they are spending more on treats. Natural feeding will continue to soar. I believe raw is best and so do many retailers and consumers, but it can be inconvenient to buy, inconvenient to store and inconvenient to serve. So with COYA’s positioning as convenient raw, we are so excited to be at the forefront of both a retailer and pet owner solution...keep feeding raw, but Freeze-Dried Raw – if not a complete swap a partial swap, when you are away from home, or just a bit short on time or preparation, for example.

What can we expect from COYA in the future?

COYA is a small team of really dedicated individuals, all from pet speciality – you’ll know them all. We’re here to help retailers understand the potential  and listen to your thoughts. With our state-of-the-art Freeze-Dried technology and our decades of experience in the pet food industry, we have only just got started. Our aim is to transform the raw category but pet food as a whole. Watch this space!

COYA Pet is on stand L12 in the Surrey Hall at PATS Sandown.

According to the UK Pet Food’s annual pet population data, 57% of British households (16.2m) now house 38m pets. Although the number of pets is up from 35m last year (a rise of 9%), there has been a fall in the proportion of households owning a pet, from 17.4m (62%) in 2022. 

The most popular pets list has also evolved with a 50% rise in the number of smaller pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters and this population is now at 5m – 1.7m more than the previous year.   

Alongside a decrease of 6% in the dog and cat populations, which now stand at 12m and 11m, 13% (3.7m households) admit to having relinquished a pet in 2022 with this figure rising to 28% among young owners (16-24 years old). Looking at which pets were relinquished, 47% gave up a dog, 36% a cat, 12% an indoor bird, 8% a rabbit, 6% a Guinea pig and 7% another pet.  Following the pandemic pet-acquisition boom, especially among millennials and Gen Z, 30% of these young owners now admit that the cost-of-living crisis has made them rethink pet ownership.  

Nicole Paley of UK Pet Food comments: “World events have had a massive impact on lifestyles over the last few years. Throughout the pandemic, we saw an increase in people adding a pet to their family as they sought the amazing companionship a pet can bring. Today, owners are clearly impacted by the cost of living and sadly relinquishment figures are high. The small pet population is on the up suggesting that people believe they are more manageable and less expensive to keep. Although pets bring huge joy to a household, they also come with a huge responsibility and it is so important to understand the care and cost implications – whatever the size of your pet.”   

Nicole continues: “Startlingly, we discovered that only 29% of people considered the cost when they got a pet.  Almost one fifth (18%) admitted that a pet was more expensive than they had considered. This figure rises to 23% among the youngest owners (16-24) and families are also impacted with 15% of those with children finding it tough.”   

Dr Samantha Gaines, from the RSPCA’s companion animals department, says: “Sadly, these really valuable and important statistics demonstrate what RSPCA frontline officers and animal centre staff are already seeing day-in, day-out.  As the cost-of-living crisis deepens, more people are abandoning animals, more animals are coming into our care, and rehoming is slowing as financial pressures bite.  It's particularly worrying to see 13% needing to give up a pet, including really high numbers of younger owners.”  

Natalie Powdrill-Wells, Research Officer at Woodgreen Pets Charity, adds: “We are now experiencing a deluge of demand on our services, with long lists of pets waiting to come into our care as owners can sadly no longer look after them. As a charity, we’re definitely feeling the impact of an increased small pet population in the UK – with a 250% increase in relinquishment requests for rabbits over the past two years. Although they’re smaller in size, it doesn’t mean they’re smaller in cost or responsibility, so we encourage careful consideration before taking on a pet of any species.”  

The vast majority of pet owners will do anything for their pet.  Giving up a pet – or making changes to their pet care routine is often a very last resort. However, UK Pet Food’s research does confirm that around 20% of owners have had to make cuts on pet insurance, vet visits and pet food.  This rises to over one quarter among the younger demographic (5).    

Natalie Powdrill-Wells adds: “There are also more people coming to Woodgreen seeking help when they aren’t able to afford urgent veterinary care. In many cases, pet owners aren’t seeking early treatment for minor conditions, and are cancelling insurance policies due to financial worries, which can sadly lead to worsening health problems and unmanageable vet bills down the line. If anyone is struggling with a pet, help is available from charities like Woodgreen – it's often much easier to treat or resolve a problem, whether it’s behavioural or medical, if it’s addressed quickly. Please don’t let it get to the point where you feel like giving up your pet is the only option.”  

Dr Samantha Gaines also confirms: “Sadly, we have heard of people going without food themselves to feed their pets but we want people to know that there is help available, from pet food banks, vouchers to help with vital vet care and cost cutting tips.  In this tough financial climate, the RSPCA is doing everything we can to keep pets in loving homes. We’ve committed £1.5million of extra funding to crisis measures; launched a new Cost of Living Hub and a dedicated telephone helpline, while our pet food partnerships continue to go from strength to strength.  

"What these statistics also show is that pets continue to be really important to people in the UK, with pet ownership on the rise, and that the companionship these animals offer is so invaluable. We're proud to work with so many of these owners every year, sharing our pet care advice and welfare tips, and building a world that's an even kinder and more compassionate place for animals."  

In times of crisis, the companionship of a pet can be even more important and valuable. From a mental wellness perspective, it has been shown that companion animals support owners who are feeling stressed or depressed. Over 50% of owners feel that pets support their mental wellbeing and this rises to over 60% among older people with a wide range of additional benefits such as fewer visits to the doctor.   

Nicole adds: “There is a need to raise awareness amongst potential owners on the financial responsibilities of pet ownership – whilst supporting all the amazing owners who are struggling.  In times of crisis, many pet owners do not have a choice.   This year, UK Pet Food wanted to support our colleagues in the welfare sector by analysing relinquishment and we are working closely with the CFSG (Canine & Feline Sector Group) to identify what the pet care sector can do to help. Plus, we have a guide for pet owners looking for pet food on a budget (insert link to factsheet when finalized).”  

UK Pet Food is also working with Fareshare - the charitable food redistribution network - and a coalition of animal welfare organisations to coordinate donations of pet food from our members.  This is part of our work to ensure that the pet food industry provides more immediate support to the most vulnerable owners and keeps pets and their families together during these challenging times. 

GA Pet Food Partners, a private label pet food manufacturer based in Chorley, Lancashire, has won both the Family Business Award and Export Award at the 13th Annual Red Rose Awards that took place at the Blackpool Winter Gardens, with over 1000 business professionals in attendance.

Lancashire Business View’s Red Rose Awards is the event where Lancashire business, commerce and industry are celebrated. It provides the best possible platforms to promote success and encourage trading within the county.

Businesses from the length and breadth of the county vied for titles across a range of categories, with only the best of the best, as selected by a panel of expert judges, progressing through to the shortlist and a rigorous interview stage before being rewarded for their excellence.

Both the Family Business Award and Export Award, had six finalists competing respectively to win the titles. The specially crafted awards were presented by Paul Hardy for the Family Business Award and Helen Clayton for the Export Award. Both hosts were delighted to announce GA as the winner. 

When presenting the Family Business Award, Paul said: “GA is a fantastic family business, run with military precision, which is incredible at adopting a family ethos. A family charter is used and ingrained within the organisation, and initiatives, including a hardship fund for employees, demonstrates the family feel.” 

Helen said when presenting the Export Award: “We were blown away by the GA story, the passion, the drive and the strategic direction of the business. The ethos of being a team, driving quality from Lancashire and taking it to international environments. Enormously impressive export credentials with a considered, well-resourced and strategic approach.”

GA is a family-owned private label pet food busines that create recipes using the finest raw materials sourced from farms and fisheries they know and trust. Their partners are traditional pet shops and corporate brands that use these recipes to create their own pet food brand.  

GA has enjoyed significant growth in both sales (up 20 per cent) and profit. They have continued to invest in European expansion with nine wholly owned European subsidiaries exporting over 50 per cent of net sales. 

GA has sought to continue investing in the ‘GA Family’ with a dedicated career development team, they also celebrate individual success with company-wide voting for a colleague of the quarter award.

Roger Bracewell, Chairman of GA Pet Food Partners, said: “The whole of the GA Family are delighted and honoured to receive both awards. The awards recognises the hard work and dedication of all at GA from a small family farm 30 years ago to a £140 million turnover company, 44% of which is exported.”

Pets & Friends, a specialist pet retailer with a network of UK stores, salons and a leading website, has announced the opening of its latest location in Brigg Garden Centre, North Lincolnshire.

The new store is a partnership between Kennelpak, the parent company of Pets & Friends, and The British Garden Centres Group (BGC). Located in a prime location within the pet-friendly garden centre, it is easily accessible for pet parents and their furry friends.

Pets & Friends is known for providing a unique pet shopping experience that offers expert advice, dietary recommendations, and a wide range of pet services to their local communities. With great quality products to suit all budgets, the retailer provides everything a pet parent needs, from personalised nutrition plans, Puppy and Kitten clubs to professional grooming services for dogs, cats, and small animals of all ages.

Kennelpak Retail Director Steve Collard said: “Pets & Friends offers a pet parent shopping experience that is a great fit for the pet-friendly environment at Brigg. BGC’s commitment to providing exceptional service and expertise to their customers is matched by our dedicated to our pet parents. This level of service is a key component of the success we’ve seen over recent years and has earned the trust and loyalty of our in-store and online customer base. We are excited to be bringing Pets & Friends to Brigg and the surrounding areas, providing them with everything they need to keep their pets happy and healthy.”

The new Pets & Friends store and Pets Parlour Spa & Grooming Salon, which occupies a spacious three thousand square feet space within Brigg Garden Centre, is situated next to the dog-friendly restaurant. With a range of garden furniture, plants, and a play-centre for little ones, it is an ideal destination for pets and their families.

David Lazenby, Property and Concessions Director for British Garden Centres group expressed his happiness about the partnership with Pets & Friends. “British Garden Centres have many successful retail partnerships across our estate, so we are delighted to add Pets & Friends to that list. The store the Kennelpak team have created at Brigg looks fantastic, our customers were excited to see it open. Now it has, we are getting great feedback about the team of pet experts and the Pets & Friends shopping experience.”

The new store and grooming salon officially opened on March 17th 2023, by ‘Best-In-Brigg’ competition winning dog Bailey and his owner Nancy, along with Kennelpak CEO Claire Bayliss and the Brigg Pets & Friends team. 

PATS has proved itself yet again to be the UK’s number one pet industry exhibition with suppliers and buyers agreeing the Sandown show had been a huge success.

With more than 150 companies and brands exhibiting their vast ranges, there was plenty for visitors to see and talk about during two days of non-stop activity.

Much of PATS Sandown’s success is down to the fact it provides the perfect platform for retailers and buyers to see, feel and touch all the latest new products under one roof.

This year’s show was no exception as visitors gave it the thumbs up. Lyn Neal, of Pet Express Pet Shop in Hastings said: “As a retailer it’s important for me to come to PATS Sandown – I visit every year. It’s very inspiring to see all the latest launches on display, and then meet up with the product suppliers. I always look forward to the show.”

Chris Murray, travelled three hours from his Brysons Pet Supplies store in Exeter. He commented: “I’m a stickler for seeing and feeling new products before I buy them, and visiting PATS Sandown gives me that opportunity. For me it’s a long drive to the show but well worth the trip.”

And Jane Dixon, head of e-commerce at online retailer Get Set Pet, added: “PATS is a great source of information and new products, and it’s ideal to have everything and everyone all under one roof. I’m particularly interested in sustainable options and I’ve seen lots of products that tick the box at Sandown.” 

Maja Frangos, retail buyer for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, said: “We visit PATS because having face-to-face meetings with suppliers is crucial in our business. As well as the great networking opportunities we also get the chance to see the latest products.”

PATS Sandown was the place for pet retailers to see a host of new exhibitors as well as the industry’s big-name brands.

First-time exhibitor Percuro Planet Friendly Pet Food created lots of interest on its stand. CEO Brett Vye said: “PATS has been perfect for us to introduce our brand to the UK market. We’ve spoken to a good mix of people, including buyers from pet stores, groomers and garden centres. We’ve been very impressed with the response.”

And Peter Roy, founder of COYA Pet, added: “There has been no better place to spread the message about the launch of our new products – freeze-dried raw pet food and treats. PATS has been the perfect platform to explain the benefits of the products, and I’ve been impressed with the quality of visitors to our stand.”

It was a similar story for Grub Club, whose Hugh Petit said: “This is our first time at a PATS show and we’ve found it a great way to connect with retailers and buyers. We’re a fairly new business so it’s important for us to spread the word about our brand – this show has definitely helped us to achieve our goal.”

Julia Brown, director of OLUV, commented: “The decision to take a stand at PATS has paid off for us as it has allowed us to present our cat-litter product to a captive audience. We’ve had lots of positive feedback. We’ve also welcomed the networking opportunities that PATS presents.”

Regular exhibitors also gave PATS Sandown the thumbs up. 

Stuart Ferriday, trade marketing manager at Forthglade, said: “We always value our time at PATS.  It’s great to introduce new product launches at the event and get some great feedback.  We’ve been able to catch up with customers old and new, and offer some exclusive trade deals across our products – as ever it has proved a great show.” 

Grant Rogers, of 3P Enterprise, added: “The timing of the exhibition has been perfect as we’ve been able to launch US brand Jolly Pet on to the UK market. Together with the Henry Wag display, this range has created lots of interest on our stand.” 

The last word goes to Nick Franks, director of Johnson’s Veterinary Products, who said: “As a well-established business it is important for us to exhibit. The UK pet industry needs a successful show like PATS Sandown.” 

Dates for the diary

PATS Telford: 1-2 October 2023

PATS Sandown: 24-25 March 2024

There was so much to see and do over the two days of PATS Sandown exhibition. If you weren't lucky enough to make it, here's a picture round-up from Sandown...

Gallery of pictures below...