The winners of the PATS Sandown 2015 New Product Awards were chosen by a team of expert pet retail judges and announced by show organiser Gordon Thomas at lunchtime on Tuesday 17th March.

Their decisions, from more than 170 new products entered, took into account a number of guideline criteria such as product innovation, design, quality, packaging and value for money.

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, and felt the majority of items on display were reasonably priced in today’s challenging economic times.

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

CAT PRODUCT

Winner

KONG Glide ’n Seek

Entered by: KONG

Judges’ comments: This toy is a really innovative product. Cat owners will love the fact that the toy is good quality, durable and long lasting. It will definitely keep a cat entertained for hours while its owner is out and about. It’s a fun toy that fulfils a cat’s natural hunting instincts.

Highly Commended

Beco Catnip Toys

Entered by: Beco Pets

DOG FOOD AND TREATS

Winner

Gelert Country Choice Dog Trays

Entered by: Cambrian Petfoods

Judges’ comments: This range of gently steamed dog food trays ticks all the boxes – it has good ingredients and comes in smart packaging. And retailers will love the fact that it is VAT free.

Highly Commended

Recovery Recipe

Entered by: Lily’s Kitchen

DOG ACCESSORY PRODUCT

Winner

Zogoflex Toppl

Entered by: Collarways

Judges’ comments: This treat dispensing toy is guaranteed to last – in fact it will be replaced if a dog destroys it. As well as having great brand identity, the toy is colourful, making it stand out in store. It is also very well priced.

Highly commended

Buster Activity Mat

Entered by: Kruuse UK

BIRD PRODUCT

Winner

‘Carry Home’ Poultry Range

Entered by: Marriages Specialist Foods

Judges’ comments: This is a high quality poultry feed and is extremely good value for money. The packaging is striking, and consumers will love the fact that it can be easily carried around. It’s an excellent British product.

Highly Commended

Extra Value Suet Punnets

Entered by: Bamfords Top Flight

SMALL ANIMAL PRODUCT

Winner

Niblets range

Entered by: Mr Johnson’s

Judges’ comments: Everything is right about this product, from the great packaging to the excellent ingredients. Customers can see what they’re buying – there is no rubbish, dust or mess. This was an outstanding winner.

Highly Commended

Pet Shacks Treasure Island

Entered by: Envirosmart Products

PET CARE PRODUCT

Winner

Spray on Plaster

Entered by: Aqueos Care

Judges’ comments: This is a unique product. It does what it says on the packaging. It is also well priced. This product is so good we’re going to buy some for our shops when we leave here.

Highly Commended

Veloxa De-Wormer for Dogs

Entered by: Merial Animal Health

GROOMING PRODUCT

Winner

Animology Mane Tamed

Entered by: Group55

Judges’ comments: This product looks smart, has a fun name and is amazingly priced. It is packed with vitamins and proteins and fills a big gap in the market.

Highly Commended

Oatmeal Advance Shampoo

Entered by: Dorwest Herbs

  

One of the UK's leading pet product companies is giving away one million poop bags free in a nationwide campaign to encourage British dog owners to be more responsible.

Award-winning firm Beco Pets launched the initiative at PATS Sandown today (Tuesday), where it is hosting a reception in The Buyers’ Lounge throughout the trade show.

Every one of the 2,000 delegates attending the two-day expo is welcome to visit the lounge, situated in the main Surrey Hall at Sandown Park, near Esher, Surrey. The Beco display area has been turned into a colourful Beco World, with a grassy garden, cut-out trees and an inflatable house.

As well as a warm welcome, delegates will receive free refreshments and have an opportunity to sign up to Beco's UK-wide 'Project Poop Bag' campaign (Campaign motto: 'We Love Poop!'). Independent pet retailers can register to become a Beco bag stockist for FREE, no strings attached!

Beco Pets are so confident that their  eco-friendly poop bags are bigger, stronger and more eco-friendly than competitors’ that they have undergone a nationwide campaign giving stock away for free in an eye-catching countertop display on the basis that they believe the bags will sell well and the retailer will re-order.

Beco Co-Founder George Bramble (pictured above left) said: “We started Project Poop Bag back in the autumn and so far we have had nearly 300 retailers sign up to the campaign. The results have been fantastic with more than 60 per cent    re-ordering within a month. It’s clear that pet owners are looking for strong degradable poop bags in eco-friendly packaging, something our competitors don’t offer. The bags are even eco to the core – they have a recycled cardboard centre unlike competitor products that use plastic.”

As one of the UK's leading poop bag specialists, Beco Pets have sold a staggering 10 million bags to 15 countries around the world. With 8.5 million dogs in the UK, enterprising British entrepreneurs George Bramble and Toby Massey (pictured above right)seized a gap in the market for bigger, stronger and more eco-friendly poop bags.

The award-winning young duo formed the company in 2009, and are now rapidly expanding, exporting their extensive range of pet products to 43 countries worldwide. Based in Lewisham, south London, Beco have designed and manufactured more than 60 eco-friendly products for dogs, cats and other pets, including toys, feeding accessories, poop bags, hygiene products and pet beds.

Famous for their Beco Bowls, which are made from the off-cuts of Chinese bamboo chopsticks, Beco Pets scored another international success with their luxurious extra-comfortable Beco Beds, which have proved a particular hit with British dog owners and their pets. Made from recycled bottles, Beco Beds are up to seven inches thick, making them arguably the comfiest dog beds on the market. The company believes dogs have better dreams on a Beco Bed.

Also expected to catch the eye of stockists attending the show will be the new Beco Plush Toy range, being launched at PATS 2015. Every member of staff at this enterprising young British company has an animal named after them and the Plush Toy range features popular Beco characters such as Toby the Teddy, Aretha the Alligator, Lucy the Parrot and George the Giraffe, named after Co-Founder George Bramble.

Made from recycled plastic bottles, the new Beco toy range is crammed with 10 bottles in every toy. Double-stitched for extra strength, and with a squeaker inside, Beco characters will provide hours of fun for discerning pets and their eco-conscious owners. All Beco Pets' products are proudly designed in Great Britain. 

Beco Co-Founder George Bramble said: "It's a privilege to be hosting a two-day reception in the PATS 2015 Beco Buyers’ Lounge and everyone is welcome to take the weight off their feet and join us for a cuppa." Beco Co-Founder Toby Massey added: “Not picking up dog poop is anti-social, and disposing of it in a Beco Bag is easy, which is why we’re aiming to give away one million of them at PATS this year.”

For more information about Beco Pets visit www.becopet.com. To register for free entry to PATS Sandown visit www.patshow.co.uk

French company Diet'Dog is finding that more pet owners are turning to its natural dietary supplements and holistic skin and paw care products to ensure the well-being of their dogs and cats. And in a bid to get its products into the hands of more UK customers through better distribution, the firm is exhibiting at PATS Sandown.

"Our natural supplements are packed with superfoods, enzymes, essential nutrients, minerals and vitamins and are based on the principles of phytotherapy and aromatherapy to help with dogs and cats everyday conditions," says Alexandra Banry, who manages the UK side of the business.



Alexandra gave Pet Trade Xtra an insight into her company's innovativeproducts.

How long has the company been in existence?

Diet'Dog is a family owned company based in the east of France. The idea for Diet' Dog came to my dad, an animal nutritionist with a vet education, about 20 years ago. Diet'Dog has been in existence for 15 years in France.

A mad dog lover, my dad has always had dogs and always worked with animals, putting their wellbeing as his top priority. While spending lots of time with his doggy friends, he noticed that some of them were not as happy as they should be due to nutritional deficiencies, having health issues such as itchy and sore skin, dull, dry and flaky coat, degeneration of skeletal muscle, joints issues, digestive issues including bad breath and winds and lack of energy/vitality, so he started to think about how he could help these issues through nutrition.

It became clear that even the best of diets (raws, species-diet) could come from soils that are depleted or from lower quality food sources and lack sufficient protein, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Sometimes the food also loses many of its key nutrients through processing and storage. Having worked for the animal nutrition division of Roche, a global healthcare/pharmaceutical company, he had a thorough understanding of the importance of vitamins, carotenoids, enzymes, antioxydants and human quality nutrients in dogs' diet. So he came up with the idea of creating natural nutritional supplements  (by using phytotherapy principles) that every pet owner could use, adding all the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and enzymes lost in heavily packaged food and helping health issues of dogs. 

Do you now own the company?

The UK business is mine but Diet'Dog belongs to my dad.

Can you tell us more about your products?

Diet'Dog is a phyto-nutrition and phyto-care specialist. With Diet’Dog pet owners can keep their best friend naturally healthy. Our natural products respect pets while our supplements work naturally from the inside out.  Our products are vet approved and are recommended in the UK by holistic vet Richard Allport. Our mission is to ensure the wellbeing of all dogs whatever their age, size, breed or activity. We use the best possible ingredients we can source. Our ingredients are of the highest human grade quality. Using premium and ethically sourced ingredients, every product combines 100% natural ingredients to promote optimum health. The nutrients, vitamins, enzymes, minerals contained in our supplements are all naturally occurring, coming from plants, algae or vegetables.

We use minimal processing methods. We use the gentlest processing method of freeze-drying at (minus) - 40° to prepare our tasty granules to preserve all the abundant vitamins, minerals and nutrients, enzymes of our ingredients. Most pet products on the market are manufactured through a hot processing method (much cheaper), removing all the activity of their ingredients. Our supplements can replace the natural enzymes, phytonutrients and trace vitamins and minerals that are removed during the processing of most packaged food. Because of our granulation process, our granules are tasty and naturally effective: a guarantee for dogs! 

We believe in meeting high ethical standards. Diet’Dog complies with European Union established standards and guidelines to ensure traceability of the ingredients and optimal conditions for manufacture of its products. All our products are made in France. We do our best to make sure our products have no harmful effects, on human and animal health or the environment. None of our products have been inhumanely tested on animals.


How do your products work?

We believe in natural effective formulae which have been thoroughly prepared. We make sure that our ingredients work synergistically. For example, we combine herbs together to enhance certain properties and reduce others to create a tailored product with multi actions. A herb can improve the actions of another herb due to a completely different action of its own. As we only use natural ingredients in our natural supplements, their benefits are thought to build over time. A regular course of at least 21 days several times a year is therefore recommended. All our supplements are in the form of tasty granules that can be given daily whole by hand as a treat or sprinkled and mixed with normal food. 

How many products in the range?

Our range includes tasty natural dietary supplements and skin and paw care products for dogs and cats: 13 supplements and 6 care products. In total 19 products, including two supplements for all round health (D-Dog Superfoods and D-Dog Superfoods Beta) and 17 products targeting specific needs of pets (for example, itchy skin, joints, energy etc.)

Can owners of dogs with dietary problems use your products without seeing a vet first?

Yes they can unless their dog has a serious condition and is monitored by his vet.

What are you hoping to achieve by exhibiting at PATS Sandown?

We are hoping to get our brand further established in the UK and reinforce our distribution network.

Diet'Dog are on stand R5.

The opening day of PATS Sandown has been hailed as a huge success by exhibitors who unveiled an amazing array of products to visitors flocking to the Surrey venue.

Many of the exhibitors were particularly pleased to see a growing number of international buyers visiting the show as well as an impressive amount of UK-based retailers.

One of the success stories was the new Beco Buyers’ Lounge, which was busy all day. George Bramble, co-founder of Beco Pets, said: "This year's show has been a runaway success for us. We've been all hands to the pump.

"The retailers have loved stepping into our inflatable Beco house and strolling across our trim lawn. Our Beco Poop Bags have been flying off the shelves like hot cakes."

His co-founder Toby Massey was on hand to receive a Highly Commended Award for Beco's new recycled plastic catnip toys. He added: "Having launched our new plush toy range at PATS, we were especially pleased to be recognised in this way. It's a product we have taken lots of care and attention developing."

Nathan Perry, key account manager of Pooch & Mutt, said this year's show was the best yet. “Our stand has been incredibly busy. PATS Sandown is my favourite show. As a small company we don't have reps on the road, so this show is the only time we can see other suppliers, current customers and prospective new customers all in one place at the same time."

Ken Seymour, of The Tasty Bone Company, was pleased to welcome a high number of international visitors on to his stand, and said the quality of interest shown in the company’s product range, particularly the Tasty Twin Pack, was impressive.

AmPet Products was another exhibitor reporting lots of interest from overseas. “We’ve had one inquiry from a Moroccan pet shop,” said sales director Alex Wilson. “Our DOOG and Dexas products have attracted good interest from home and abroad.”

Ken Mackinnon, of K9 Dog Wash, said business was non-stop on his stand for the first three hours of the show. “We sold two of our K9000 coin operated dog wash units, which is amazing. One buyer said he had visited the show just to see us.”

Aqueos were attending their second PATS Sandown and it turned into a successful one, as their Spray on Plaster won Best Pet Care Product. “After the awards were presented one of the judges came on to the stand and placed an order,” said Tracy Richards. “Overall, the interest in our products has been fantastic.”

Visitors to the show were equally enthusiastic about the first day’s activities. Marshalls Pet Store, from Poole, Dorset, said: “Wow! What an awesome day at PATS Sandown. It rocked!”

UK-based AmPet Products is showcasing new and innovative products from top-selling American and Australian brands. AmPet has exclusive distribution rights in UK for brands such as Dexas, Spiffy Dog, Katie’s Bumpers and Tail We Can Wag (recently featured in Tatler) from the US, and DOOG from Australia.

Australian company DOOG is the latest firm to allow AmPet to distribute its range of outdoor pet products in Britain, and retailers will be able to see the products for themselves at PATS Sandown (stand A3a in the Surrey Hall).

“The whole range is geared towards outdoor activities, and we believe the products are ideally suited to the UK pet market,” says Alex Wilson, AmPet’s Sales & Marketing Director.

The range includes dog leads made from sporty and stretchy neoprene and finished with beautiful, bright and playful patterns, including chevron, candy stripes and geometric patterns. The neoprene material is quick drying and hard wearing for active water dogs and makes the leads very comfortable and soft for owners to hold on a long walk.

A set of collars comes in three sizes and all have a silver dog pendant attached to the clasp to engrave a dog’s contact details onto. Other products include a sporty range of running belts in an array of bright, neon colours as well as a whole family of fetching sticks for dogs called 'The Stick Family'.

AmPet is also excited about showing the award-winning Dexas range from Dallas, Texas. Dexas, best known for its products in the cookware market, has designed and produced a range of silicone pop-out pet bowls and travel cups in vibrant colours. This range was one of the talking points of PATS Harrogate in September, and Dexas has added four new stunning colour schemes, all of which will be exhibited at Sandown.

Every year the AmPet team visit North America’s largest pet trade fair, Superzoo in Las Vegas, and sniff out some of the best dog products being sold Stateside.

Spiffy Dog is another multi award-winning brand available in the UK through AmPet. Its collars are made from a unique material called Aerospacer, more commonly used in the manufacture of trainer shoes with the qualities of being quick-drying, lightweight and breathable. They are offered in a range of stunning designs created by in-house designer Kyle Nelson.

Other collars include New England designs from Up Country, and Mayan collars from Tail We Can Wag. These hand woven collars by artists in a small Guatemala mountain village were given the seal of approval by fashion and society magazine Tatler in December.

More dog owners are turning to harnesses for walking their pets, and AmPet distributes the Xtra Dog fleece and foam padded dog harnesses. They are made in the USA and UK in multiple sizes and stunning colour combinations, and have become the first choice for many trainers on both sides of the Atlantic.

Looking forward to Summer, AmPet has some of the best products to keep dogs cool in hot weather. These include cooling coats from Techniche that, once wetted down, keep dogs cool for nearly 10 hours.

   

AmPet also supply popular toys from the Katie's Bumpers range. These toys, made from fire-hose recycled from the Denver fire service, are some of the coolest on the market. Offered in different colours and shapes, they fly through the air and float on water. Katie's Bumpers are sponsoring K9 Aqua Sports in 2015.

Check out the full range on the AmPet stand at PATS Sandown (stand A3a, Surrey Hall) or visit www.ampetproducts.com. Alex Wilson can be contacted on 0330 088 1673 or by email alexw@ampetproducts.com

AmPet are on stand A3a.

A highlight of the Crown Pet Foods stand is a demonstration of the company’s new web-shop, which offers retailers a quick, easy and convenient way to order James Wellbeloved and Royal Canin products at any time of the day or night.

The exclusive Retail Web-Shop provides all the usual benefits and services that Crown Pet Foods offers via telephone ordering, but online access means that the service extends out of normal business hours.

For many retailers, it will be their first chance to get a good look at James Wellbeloved’s two new Senior Foods, Grain Free Senior and Small Breed Senior. 

James Wellbeloved marketing manager Anne-Laure Jaouën says: “We are very enthusiastic about these products, which provide naturally healthy nutrition for the specific needs of sensitive and small senior dogs. This is another way in which the specialist pet trade can differentiate their businesses, and another way to demonstrate your expertise.”

There are exclusive show offers on both James Wellbeloved and Royal Canin, and every order placed at the show is being entered into a prize draw for the chance to win an iPad Mini.

Stand visitors are also able to meet their dedicated business manager, explore merchandising opportunities and discuss the tailored services Crown Pet Foods can offer.

Crown Pet Foods are on stand E3.

March has been a very busy time for family-owned Bern Pet Foods. The exclusive UK importers and distributors of ORIJEN and ACANA dog and cat foods from the kitchens of Champion Petfoods, Canada, were an official sponsor at Crufts and this week are showcasing their brands at PATS Sandown.

Pet owners are becoming increasingly aware that their dog or cats are carnivores and, as such, should be fed on a high meat content diet with no grain, potato or GMO.  ORIJEN and ACANA adopt a biologically appropriate™, whole prey concept  with the  meat content in ORIJEN dog food up to 80% with 20% fruits, vegetables & botanicals. (90: 10 in cat food).  ACANA has a slightly lower meat content with up to 60% meat and 40% fruits & vegetables and, as such, has a slightly lower price point.

The greatest point of difference with the ORIJEN and ACANA brands is the provenance of their ingredients.  All the ingredients are sourced from known and trusted farmers or fishermen local to Champion and are delivered fresh to their kitchens.  The ingredients are never frozen and preservatives are never added.  ORIJEN and ACANA are all prepared in the kitchens of Champion and are never outsourced.

With 55% chicken, egg and fish, 20% fruits & vegetables & 20% low glycaemic oats, ACANA Chicken & Burbank is a great entry point and easy sell to dog owners who are looking for the same cost per feed but a healthier option to products available in the supermarkets. 

Bern Pet Foods are fiercely passionate about supporting the pet speciality stores who actively choose to spread the ORIJEN and ACANA BAFRINO* concept, usually from first-hand experience from feeding their own pets. 

Bern Pet Foods are on stand G10.

The Pet Industry Federation (PIF) is hosting a number of activities on its stand as well as providing information on its products, services and events...

PIF has a stand in the Surrey Hall – the PIF Seating Area - and is hosting a number of activities from there, as well as providing information on its products, services and events:

Member ‘Benefits Surgeries’

Find out how PIF benefits its members by dropping in on the ‘benefits surgeries’ taking place throughout the show:

1. PIF Protect – Tuesday 17 March – 10.30am – 12.30pm. Visit the stand for a free CCTV consultation, where experts can advise visitors on how they can best protect their business property through high quality CCTV.
2. PIF Telecom - Tuesday 17 March – 2.00pm – 4.00pm. Drop by to speak to our telecoms expert, who will tell visitors how PIF members can save money on their landline and mobile bills. There will also be product demonstrations taking place.

Education and online courses
The PIF team will be on hand to talk to visitors about the level 3 City & Guilds Pet Store Management course, which is now available as an online course; as well as the new range of Pet Handling & Welfare courses, developed to help those working with pets to improve and refresh their knowledge on a variety of different taxa.

Win tickets to the Pet Industry Federation Forum & Awards 2015
PIF’s annual Forum & Awards event will take place in Liverpool this year from 17-18 November at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Liverpool. This business-focussed event brings together the whole pet industry and provides unrivalled networking opportunities. PIF will be offering visitors to the stand the chance to win a pair of tickets during PATS. Simply take the light-hearted ‘test your taxa’ quiz to be in a chance of success.

Gloucestershire-based Animaware is showcasing both its innovative Animalarm and Animat (stand S17).

Designed to counter the life-threatening effects of pets over-heating, both products offer simple and practical solutions to keep your pet cool this summer.

The Animalarm designed and manufactured in the UK is a unique wireless temperature gauge for any environment, which automatically sends texts to your mobile phone when temperature limits are reached.

Extremely simple to use Animalarm operates on GSM networks and is compatible with any SIM card. It can be assigned to more than one mobile number with its easy coding system. There are no limits to the range for receiving messages, which accurately inform you on the status of the temperature. And alert every one degree beyond your programmed trigger temperature.

Perfect when travelling with your dog, Animalarm offers peace of mind to owners in transit. Surprisingly, the rear of a vehicle can be over 10 degrees hotter than the front as standard air-con systems are limited in their circulation.

Equally for those camping or motorhoming, Animalarm offers a versatile tool to ensure dogs do not overheat, and gives owners peace of mind that the temperature is monitored for optimum comfort for dogs wherever they go.

With applications ranging beyond travel to in the home, in boarding kennels and vet practices, the Animalarm is embraces modern technology to reduce an age-old issue of dogs over-heating in any environment.

The first of its kind in the UK, the AniMat uses an innovative and unique patented gel to cool down an animal on contact by absorbing body heat for up to an hour. It’s the exact same technology currently being used in cooling bedding and pads for humans. It’s non-toxic, non-leaking and so simple to use as it requires no battery or electrical activation.

It’s ideal for cats in the home or in transit as generally they won’t tolerate being dampened or enjoy being placed in front of a fan.  Made from easy to clean natural rubber dogs and cats are drawn to lie on its cooling surface. Complete with the option of a handy lightweight 100% cotton cover, the Animat is cool for both dogs and cats this Summer.

Available in three sizes retailing from £14.99, Animat is ideal for crates, car seats, and as a must-have cooling accessory for any dog bed or sofa.

Animaware’s Founder, Victoria Davidson commented:“ We’re very excited about showcasing our ‘heat sensitive’ products to the trade. We will be encouraging retailers and distributors alike with competitive margins, and point of sale material. Our aim is to reduce or even stop the often life threatening incidents of dogs suffering from heat exhaustion."

Animaware’s luxurious lightweight faux fur Dog Duvets will also be on display. Inspired to ensure a cosy night’s sleep for dogs and cats,10.5 tog duvets are ideal for a cat-nap anywhere.

For more information visit: www.animalarm.com

This spring, the leaders in natural intestinal hygiene control, Verm-X, reveal their exciting new product packaging.

The rebranding reflects the strong credibility the company has developed over the past decade and enables Verm-X to better emphasise the fact that it provides a powerful and effective solution in an area which is still dominated by chemical products.

The new multi-lingual packaging, which incorporates 10 languages, also reflects the company’s growing global presence, Philip Ghazala, Managing Director, explains:

“We believe our rebranding will yield growth opportunities as we continue to expand globally. Verm-X is now at the forefront of natural intestinal hygiene control and with pharmaceutical resistance problems increasing, the importance of natural solutions is greater than ever.” 

In conjunction with the packaging rebrand, Verm-X also announced the launch of New Allergy-X Capsules for Dogs and New Verm-X Pellets for Dogs.

For further information on Verm-X contact 0870 850 2313 or visit www.verm-x.com.

Verm-X are on stand T14.

Switching from the diamond trade to the pet trade, Mushka Gluck has joined the sales team of Long Paws. In her words she is "trading up from working with a 'girl's best friend' to a man's best friend."

It has been a busy start for Long Paws, having just moved into their new offices in Hampstead. Mushka is the first new member of the team.

She will be focussing on promoting Long Paws existing range as well as the new Comfort Collection of collars, leads and harnesses being launched by Long Paws at PATS Sandown (stand F3).

For more information visit www.longpaws.co.uk

Frozzys, the healthy frozen yogurt treat for dogs, is fast establishing itself with pet owners across the UK.

Made in the UK and packed full of carefully selected nutritionally beneficial ingredients, Frozzys are available in four lickable flavours – blueberry, cranberry, original, and strawberry – all of which are lactose free, low-calorie, and suitable for all dogs and puppies.

See the full Frozzys range at PATS Sandown 2015, stand K2.

For further information please contact Noel Conlon. Email sales@frozzys.com or call +44 (0)28 9070 7754.

Frozzys are on stand K2.

Bucktons has launched its new Superior Plus pigeon range to trade at PATS Sandown (stand M5).

The range features Quorum Sensing Technology, a scientifically recognised pellet unique to Bucktons which supports immune systems, using refined botanical ingredients to boost immunity and digestion, stimulate natural enzymes and prevent bacteria.

The brand represents over 80 years of commitment to the production of high quality pigeon, indoor bird, aviary and wild bird foods, providing optimum nutrition to meet the exacting needs of birds and those who care for them.

New for 2015 is the new Bucktons Superior Plus range, the latest scientific advance in pigeon food which was enthusiastically received by pigeon fanciers at the British Homing World Show of the Year in Blackpool last month. It features Quorum™ Sensing Technology, a scientifically recognised pellet unique to Bucktons which supports immune systems, using refined botanical ingredients to boost immunity and digestion, stimulate natural enzymes and prevent bacteria.

Rachael Dickinson, Senior Brand Manager for Bucktons, said: “We are excited to be showcasing this new range to trade at PATS Sandown. This is an event which is firmly marked in our calendar and which we plan for throughout the year.

“We’re looking forward to speaking to everyone at PATS about our new Superior Plus range, a next-generation pigeon feed that uses scientific developments to drive real innovation in this category.”

Bucktons are on stand M5 in the Surrey Hall.  For further information, contact Richard Greenwood, Pet Sales Manager on 07976 490 341, or email rgreenwood@westlandhorticulture.com

Keep up to date with Bucktons via its website www.bucktons.co.uk and Facebook page www.facebook.com/Bucktons.Pet.Care

Johnston & Jeff is revamping the packaging for its entire range of bird foods.

“This is a considerable project,” says managing director Richard Johnston. “We have over 127 different foods, and we are phasing the work across quite a period, but starting with our main and best sellers. Some of the wild bird products are already on the shelves.

“Ours is a premium brand with a genuine history and genuine values. Those values are derived from our manufacturing processes, and the quality and cleanliness of our foods. As a result sales increase steadily year on year. But it is critical to make sure that consumers understand the offer and the benefits of the different foods.

“The wild bird range covers four different categories at the moment: Blends, Special Blends – such as our Robin & Songbird – and Individual Seeds & Feeds, plus our Suet Foods & Specials. Now people can see at a glance which is which, AND see the key benefits of each food.

“Our Aviary and Parrot products are being developed at the same time.

“People are very serious about their interest in birds and they will choose good products which are genuinely beneficial and have genuine nutritional values and increasingly they are choosing on quality not price. We know that the information on our packs is valuable to them and this higher profile packaging will have a significant appeal.”

KEY POINTS:

• clear, easily read product points
• instant information via tick boxes 
• strong brand appeal and distinctive presentation
• all foods manufactured and produced by Johnston & Jeff

For more information visit www.johnstonandjeff.co.uk

Johnston & Jeff are on stand E12.

Lily’s Kitchen is adding a Senior Recipe range to provide older dogs with the best diet to support good health throughout their golden years.

The Senior Recipe products complement the brand’s existing ranges for puppies and older dogs.

Lily's Kitchen is showcasing the new product and its benefits for older dogs at PATS.

The Senior Recipe range comprises two unique meals. The dry edition is made from freshly prepared sustainable salmon and trout and butcher-quality turkey, and the wet variety is produced with 60% freshly prepared turkey. Both delicious and nutritious recipes have been created by vets and animal nutritionists and customised to meet the unique needs of senior dogs.

Like the rest of the Lily’s Kitchen recipes, this new senior dry food only uses freshly prepared meat with no ‘dried meat’, carcass or bone meals.  This new recipe is extra special as it is fortified with glucosamine, chondroitin and green lipped mussel, providing the highest level of joint care supplements of any dry food available, making it the perfect meal for senior canines.

These gluten free tailored recipes are also filled with DHA and EPA, prebiotics, Omega-3 and Omega-6, chelated minerals, vitamins and a special blend of 14 botanical herbs. Together these support healthy, supple joints and an alert mind. They also work to promote a healthy liver, bladder and kidneys as well as looking after the digestive system and immune system.

Good nutrition is essential for animals at all times, but especially important as they enter their golden years. Like all Lily’s Kitchen products, the Senior Recipe range is made with the finest, human-grade produce and absolutely no meat-meal, providing a real alternative to the mass produced, highly processed ingredients that fill the tins of normal pet food brands.

Founder Henrietta Morrison comments: “We’re looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and welcoming new ones at PATS in March at Sandown (stand A5), so we can show you our fantastic new Senior Recipe range. Hand-crafted with tailored ingredients, the recipe offers a range of health and well-being benefits for our wise and wonderful friends, such as helping to support healthy, supple joints and looking after a dog’s immune systems to help them ward off illnesses. We are also proud to have created a senior product that has the highest levels of joint care supplements available.

“We know as dogs grow older, their needs change, and we believe it’s important that their diet changes to reflect this. That’s why we’ve introduced the Senior Recipe, whichincludeseverything a more mature dog needs to keep fit and healthy.”

This new Senior Recipe was inspired by the brand’s namesake, Lily, the border terrier that belongs to Henrietta Morrison. Now at nearly 12 years old, Lily is a picture of health and the perfect example of a wise and wonderful dog that has benefited from a nourishing diet.  As she matures, she needs a little bit of extra help to maintain her shiny coat, fresh breath, strong teeth and active and happy lifestyle. These new meals offer everything she needs to stay in great condition and help keep her joints supple and mind alert in her twilight years.

Designed for dogs from seven years old onwards[1] the vet recommended recipes have multiple benefits:

• Joint support, through glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and green lipped mussels
• Gluten free dry recipe made with low GI millet and ginger, perfect for sensitive tummies.
• Grain free wet recipes with added natural prebiotics to look after the digestive system
• Keeps muscles strong, through high quality protein: salmon, trout and turkey
• Turmeric is included for healthy blood cell production and liver function
• Help to maintain an alert mind with added DHA and EPA from natural seaweed
• Helps to keep hearts healthy with salmon rich in Omega-3
• Healthy liver, kidneys and bladder from the added botanical herbs (milk thistle, cleavers, golden rod and dandelion root)

If you’d like to stock the Senior Recipe in your pet shop, or would like further information on the range of food and treats from Lily’s Kitchen, get in touch with the trade team on 0207 433 6979 or trade@lilyskitchen.co.uk.  Bespoke posters, leaflets and samples are available to support the launch of the new Senior Recipe.

Lily's Kitchen are on stand A5.

James Wellbeloved has launched two new 'senior' foods, recognising the importance of distinctive nutrition for different ages and sizes of dogs. The company now offers a senior food specifically for small breed dogs, and has also introduced a grain-free senior food.

James Wellbeloved marketing manager Anne-Laure Jaouën says: “We are very enthusiastic about these products, which provide naturally healthy nutrition for the specific needs of senior dogs in the small breed and grain-free sectors.  This is another way in which the specialist pet trade can differentiate their businesses, and another way to demonstrate your expertise.”

Grain Free Senior is available in Turkey, Lamb and Fish variants in 1.5kg and 10kg bags, and the new line joins the well-established grain-free foods for adult dogs.

Grain Free Senior provides all the benefits of standard James Wellbeloved Senior products but without the grain, and includes added chondroitin, glucosamine and herbs to help maintain healthy joints, plus added taurine for heart support.  Increased levels of vitamins C and E help support the older dog’s immune system, and reduced sodium and phosphorus levels lessen the impact of kidney problems.  Grain Free Senior is available only to the specialist pet trade.

New ‘freshpack technology’ means that 1.5kg bags will now be gas-flushed, ensuring freshness for longer, while the 1.5kg and 10kg bags are all designed to be easy to open and re-seal. The new-look James Wellbeloved packaging, rolled out late last year, appears across all packs, creating a strong, vibrant and impactful in-store presence.

Small dogs represent big business for the specialist sector, with many living to over 15 years, and consuming a Senior food for half their lifetime. They have specific nutritional needs, linked to their higher energy requirements, and tendency to dental and urinary problems. James Wellbeloved Small Breed Senior helps to address these issues with higher oil and protein levels plus green tea and cranberry extracts.  Small Breed Senior is available in Turkey, Lamb, Duck and Fish variants in 1.5kg and 7.5kg formats.

James Wellbeloved are on stand E3.