Raw dog food company Poppy’s Picnic has teamed up with TV soap actress Gemma Oaten to call on dog owners to try the fresher way to feed their pets during August.

Poppy’s Picnic has announced it is launching its new RAWgust ‘change-for-life’ themed month for dogs this August. 

The company is calling on all pet owners to pledge to try its fresh food throughout the month. It hopes to make noise and educate those that are unfamiliar with the benefits of feeding raw, while also encouraging those who have always wanted to try it, to see how easy it is to do.

With the help of first-time-fresh-feeder, soap star Gemma Oaten, it hopes to run a successful campaign this year, that will inspire other fresh food companies to join in as a collective in 2019.

Poppy’s Picnic handmakes locally sourced, 100% natural food and describes the benefits of feeding its fresh, mince, meatballs and treats as follows:

• Improved digestion: pups will digest the majority of the food they eat, causing smaller, healthier, firmer, and less odorous and frequent poos meaning they’re smaller and easier to pick up
• Healthier skin and coat: the full complement of nutrients and their added natural oils mean full, glossy and strong coats.
• No added sugar: leading to better weight management and better teeth and gums
• Reduced allergy symptoms: the food is free from wheats, grains, chemicals and preservatives which can contribute to allergies and behavioral problems, leading to calmer, tail wagging dogs

Founder, Dylan Watkins says: “We are calling on people to join our Raw Revolution this month because few dog owners know that when they feed kibble-only diets, they’re giving their four-legged friend fillers and ‘meat derivatives’, that are sprayed with fat and other substances to make them more appealing to dogs.

"With over 50% of dogs being obese in the UK, and the percentage of dogs with diabetes having risen by 30 times in the last three decades, it’s time to take a stand and do right by our dogs.”

Former Emmerdale and Holby City actress, Gemma Oaten, is supporting Poppy’s Picnic in its campaign and feeding her Miniature Schnauzer, Ruby Tuesday fresh food for the first time.

She says: “I saw Poppy’s Picnic on Dragons’ Den and immediately wanted to support the brand. I’ve never tried raw before now as I've always been told that dry is best so was just led by that.

"Having read all of Poppy’s Picnic’s testimonials, I felt RAWgust was the opportunity to get involved and it looks very promising for Ruby.”

Feeding Poppy’s Picnic is easier than some dog owners might think, providing control, convenience and cleanliness. Its complete mince and perfectly portioned meatballs are easy to feed and handle, and look like those you would eat from the supermarket.

Once defrosted the food is quick and easy to serve for those and transferring from pack to plate is a much easier, cleaner experience, compared to conventional trays, tubs and chubs.

Dylan adds: “We’re aware that feeding fresh frozen food isn’t convenient or cheap enough for everyone’s lifestyles but believe that any fresh nutritional intake is better for dogs than nothing but dried brown pellets.

"If owners can just feed our balanced meals then great, but if mixing it with kibble makes it more accessible, we’d encourage owners to try it out. We are all about making it easier for more people to feed their dog the best – as much or as little as is possible.

"Our Very Important Paws team are always on the end of a phone or email to help with the transition.”

Blogs and informational posts will be shared via social media and the website. Those pledging are asked to use #RAWgust in their updates on social media.

www.poppyspicnic.co.uk