In This Issue
On a mission to shake up the UK pet food market
Unique new store caters for both home and pet market
Dog advent calendar already a Christmas bestseller
What are the other top selling Christmas pet products?
Seasonal dog treat with all the trimmings
IAMS responds to demand for naturally sourced foods
Just 30% of owners ask vets for help in managing their pet's stress
Breakthrough Award for Wildwash Horse Range
Get your own copy of Pet Trade Xtra
RSPCA expecting hundreds of calls this bonfire night
Baby iguanas stolen from Nuneaton pet shop
Prisoner distressed by loss of hamster took part in jail protest costing £12k
Ancol welcomes Database & Website Coordinator
Dog expert gets tongues – and tails – wagging worldwide
TV vet set to star at National Pet Show
Pets at Home reaches 400th vet practice milestone
PFMA announces all-star line-up for Pet Food Seminar at Vet Show
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Contact neil.pope@tgcmc.co.uk for all editorial matters.

Pictured: There are some advantages of working from home...Neil gets instant hugs from Billie-Jean, the Lancashire Heeler.

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On a mission to shake up the UK pet food market


Edgard & Cooper has set itself a challenge: to shake up pet food with its 'honestly' fresh kibbles for dogs...



Edgard & Cooper has set itself a challenge: to shake up pet food with its 'honestly' fresh kibbles for dogs.

After showcasing its product range at PATS Telford, the company is now sharing the importance of fresh, which it claims is a unique message in the pet industry today.

Contrary to meat meal, or freshly prepared meat that has been frozen, Edgard & Cooper has developed a 100% fresh meat kibble, which is says is a world first. The kibbles are made using only good proteins that have never been rendered or processed.

Edgard & Cooper decided to launch in the UK after learning that Britain is helping to pave the way when it comes to pet health. As health and wellness is such a focus for consumers in the UK, Edgard & Cooper want to make sure that pets too can enjoy natural, nutritious, and no-nonsense food.

So, who are these disruptive mutts? Edgard is a French Bulldog who after becoming very sick on poor quality foods decided that he needed fresh food rather than meat meal based products. And Cooper? This extraordinarily fussy English Cocker Spaniel refused to eat from time to time and craved healthy food that would tingle his taste buds.

And so their owners, Koen and Louis, along with their friend Jurgen, set out on a three-year mission to develop a truly unique product: 100% fresh meat kibbles.

With its new offices in London Edgard & Cooper is focusing on delivering fresh to dogs throughout the UK. Soon to be available is a range of grain-free, gluten-free and even organic kibbles, tins and cups.

For more information visit www.edgardcooper.co.uk

Unique new store caters for both home and pet market


Dog owner Alex Scales has opened a unique boutique in Grimsby catering for the home, gift and pet markets...



Dog owner Alex Scales has opened a unique boutique in Grimsby catering for the home, gift and pet markets.

Called Two Spotty Dogs after Alex’s two pet Dalmatians Molly and Archie, the store aims to provide customers with fun and quirky products.

"I really just wanted to open up something a little different around Grimsby that was quirky, yet affordable,” Alex told the Grimsby Telegraph.

"I had noticed that there weren't really any independent shops offering fun and creative items around the town, and there certainly wasn't a boutique for pets.

"We hope to have something for everybody and every animal as we have luxury treats, collars toys and baskets for your pets and furniture, homeware and other gems for everybody else."

The store has been open for less than a month three weeks but already business has been brisk. “People seem to be excited about what the shop has to offer."

 
Dog advent calendar already a Christmas bestseller
The Armitage Dog Advent Calendar is already proving to be a Christmas winner as an early sales rush pushed the product into anationwide bestsellers chart.
The Armitage Dog Advent Calendar is already proving to be a Christmas winner as an early sales rush pushed the product into a nationwide bestsellers chart.

Garden Trade News, the publisher of Pet Trade Xtra, produces the GTN Bestsellers chart every week, using Epos data collected from a vast range of retailers.

It's first Bestsellers Christmas chart was produced at the end of last week and the Armitage Dog Advent Calendar jumped straight to No 13 in the Top 50 bestselling items that week. The product had a phenomenal week, increasing sales by 100% on the previous week.
What are the other top selling Christmas pet products?


As well as the Dog Advent Calendar, what are the other top selling Christmas items for pets this year? GTN Bestsellers reveals all...



As well as the Dog Advent Calendar, what are the other top selling Christmas items for pets this year? GTN Bestsellers, compiled from Epos data from garden centres, names the top 5 here:
  1. Armitages Dog Advent Calendar
  2. Armitages Dog Chewy Selection Box
  3. Armitages Xmas Cat Advent Calendar
  4. Woodmansterne Advent Calendar For Dogs
  5. Armitages Good Boy Crunchy Cracker 160g
Armitages Dog Advent Calendar is No 18 in this week's Christmas Top 50 bestselling products, down from No 13 last week but sales are up 23%.

Sales volumes of the Christmas Top 50 overall are up 28% as festive business starts accelerating.

Trevor Pfeiffer, the GTN Bestsellers analyst, said: "Sales of the Dog Advent Calendar are running only a few lower than sales of other advent calendars. 

"I really think retailers could sell even more Dog and Cat Advent Calendars if they displayed them alongside other Advent products and not just in the pet areas."
 
Seasonal dog treat with all the trimmings
It probably comes as no surprise to learn that The Dog Treat Company has again flown out of the blocks when it comes to providing the perfect, under the pine stocking filler for deserving dogs this Christmas, called ‘Bark The Herald.’
It probably comes as no surprise to learn that The Dog Treat Company has again flown out of the blocks when it comes to providing the perfect, under the pine stocking filler for deserving dogs this Christmas, called ‘Bark The Herald.’

The company's popular free-range chicken liver treat has been buddied up with all the essential Christmas trimmings, including cinnamon, a light sprinkling of sage, a smattering of cranberries and a splash of coconut oil.

Joe Halliwell, founder of The Dog Treat Company, said: "We wanted to create a signature treat with strong ties to this most popular of family get-togethers, but based our recipe on ingredients with beneficial properties rather than seasonal sentiment. Cranberries support the bladder and boost the immune system, cinnamon is a well-respected   anti-inflammatory whilst sage supports your dog’s digestion.

"Coconut may not be a ‘Christmas classic’ but what dog wouldn’t want its coat looking resplendent when greeting friends and family over the festive period."

The Christmas Special will sell at £2.49 (pouch) and £5.99 (tin).



IAMS responds to demand for naturally sourced foods

IAMS has launched IAMS Naturally, a 100% complete and balanced nutrition pet food made with a selection of highly digestible, natural ingredients...


IAMS has responded to consumer desire by launching the new IAMS Naturally range, which offers highly digestible, naturally sourced ingredients rich in nutrients for visibly healthy, strong and happy pets.

Consumers have become increasingly aware of the ingredients that make up the food they eat, seeking out more natural options for themselves and their family in order to feel confident that they are providing a healthy and nutritious diet. With pets forming an integral part of the family, a similar focus has been placed onto pet foods, with consumers searching for naturally-sourced ingredients and nutritious foods for their pets too.

Since its birth in 1946 IAMS has been committed to providing pets with the highest quality nutrition and was the first company to introduce animal-based protein as the main ingredient in its foods for helping pets maintain muscle mass and remain healthy.

Now, with over 70 years of expertise in pet nutrition, IAMS has developed IAMS Naturally. This brand new range provides both cats and dogs with a 100% complete and balanced diet. The highly digestible ingredients means pets can absorb key nutrients from their food, helping them to look and feel great on the inside and out:

  • Sustainably sourced fish promotes a healthy skin and coat
  • Natural lamb, rice and vegetables aid healthy digestion
  • Natural sources of protein make for strong lean muscles

With all products free from artificial flavourings, pets can enjoy their food while owners can be confident that they are providing them with quality meals.       

Celine Gustin, Senior Marketing Manager of IAMS UK comments: “At IAMS we are passionate about providing pets with the highest quality nutrition, and owners with the peace of mind that they are doing the best for their pets. That’s why we continually review our offering and continue to develop innovative products which respond to consumer needs.

"With the new IAMS Naturally range, pet owners can feel confident they are providing their pets with a high quality food. With the range’s careful selection of naturally-sourced and highly digestible ingredients, pets can absorb the essential nutrients they need to be strong and healthy, and owners can feel reassured through the visible benefits provided."

IAMS has developed a range of marketing materials to support retailers with the new launch and help drive consumers into store, including FSDUs, posters, animated banners, trade and consumer advertising, and an online video for use on catch-up TV and YouTube.

The range of materials will not only encourage visibility of products both in and out of store, but will also help to educate consumers on the need to provide their pets with quality, premium ingredients, ultimately driving consideration and purchase.

IAMS Naturally is available in dry and wet varieties for cats, and dry for dogs. The Naturally Dry food range for dogs and cats is made with naturally sourced and highly digestible New Zealand Lamb, as well as delicious North Atlantic Salmon. The Cat dry food also includes a fruit and vegetable blend to provide a natural source of fibre.

With no artificial flavourings or colourants added, owners can have the peace of mind that they’re providing their pets with a nutritious meal. For cats, there is also the delicious IAMS Naturally wet range. With no added artificial flavours or preservatives, the range boasts highly digestible and naturally sourced New Zealand Lamb, as well as North Atlantic Salmon, Ocean Cod and Wild Tuna flavours which also include fish and sunflower oils for a healthy skin and coat.

RRP £0.59 for single cat wet pouches, RRP £1.99 for cat dry 270g, and RRP £3.99 for dog dry 800g.

For more information visit the IAMS website at www.iams.co.uk.

 
Just 30% of owners ask vets for help in managing their pet's stress
A survey of nearly 2,000 dog owners carried out by natural supplement company Lintbells identified that just 17% would definitely ask their vet for help if their dog was stressed and only 13% have actually tried this route already...
A survey of nearly 2,000 dog owners carried out by natural supplement company Lintbells identified that just 17% would definitely ask their vet for help if their dog was stressed and only 13% have actually tried this route already.

A similar percentage (18%) said they would definitely ask an animal behaviourist for help and just 15% have tried this already. However, 23% said they would definitely try using a natural or herbal supplement.

Lintbells Veterinary Director James Howie says in the lead up to firework season, practices should think about what can be done to get the message out about how vets and vet nurses can help pet owners./

“Worryingly, 26% or our survey respondents said they would not seek help from a vet and 18% would not visit an animal behaviourist. Firework season provides huge scope for animal professionals to educate pet owners and demonstrate how they can help and could provide a gateway to encourage more pet owners to present their pets who suffer from fearfulness and anxiety.”

After moving house and arrival of a new household member, firework noise was identified as one of the main triggers – with 48% of respondents claiming most dogs would be stressed by this and another 9% claiming their own dog is upset by fireworks but think this doesn’t apply to most dogs.

Ninety four percent of respondents said they were confident they could recognise the signs of anxiety and stress in their dogs, so this isn’t a problem that pet owners are failing to identify. It is, however, a significant issue as 4% admitted they had considered rehoming their pet due to its behaviour.

As well as trying supplements, pet owners also said they would try training aids or other treatments in preference to visiting a vet and stocking these types of product could provide an entry point. The value of the multimodal approach to behaviour is well recognised and James Howie notes that many owners will struggle to solve their problems alone without professional support.

The most popular solution for pet owners whose dogs were stressed was to avoid the stressful event or situation (42% would definitely try this). Another 39% would definitely turn to ‘Dr Google’. A dog trainer was a popular solution with 28% definitely trying this and 22% claiming they already had tried this.

James Howie says that many pet owners make the mistake of thinking these problems will simply disappear over time.

“Noise phobias don’t usually get better with time – in fact in most cases the fearful reaction will become worse year on year. It’s by using appropriate techniques like desensitisation and counter conditioning that long term improvements will result. Using supplements like YuCALM Dog can help keep dogs relaxed enough to accept these techniques without feeling too anxious and we are trying to get the message across that it’s vital to involve the experts.”

Lintbells new natural calming product YuCALM Dog contains natural ingredients such as L-Theanine, Lemon Balm and specific fish protein hydrolysates. YuCALM Dog is an effective way to help reduce stress and support dogs to become happier and more playful. For further information and support materials visit www.lintbellsvet.com.

Lintbells National Dog Happiness Survey was conducted online in September 2016 and 1956 dog owners took part.
Breakthrough Award for Wildwash Horse Range


The Wildwash Horse Range has won the prestigious Company Breakthrough Award sponsored by Mirrors for Training...



The Wildwash Horse Range has won the prestigious Company Breakthrough Award sponsored by Mirrors for Training.

The sponsors are leaders in online equestrian competitions and training through its website e-dressage.com

WildWash was founded by Andrew and Jane Cooper. "A passion for our pets lead us to open a pet boutique and pet spa nearly a decade ago and a love for animals and the environment we live in has inspired us to create WildWash," said Jane.

"Winning this award for our Horse Range is great recognition for all the hard work that has gone into the range."
 
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RSPCA expecting hundreds of calls this bonfire night
The RSPCA is preparing for another busy fireworks season by issuing advice for pet owners and those planning displays...
The RSPCA is preparing for another busy fireworks season by issuing advice for pet owners and those planning displays.

Last year the RSPCA received 436 calls relating to fireworks during October and November - more than in 2014 (364), 2013 (310) and 2012 (326).

The charity backed a fireworks campaign started by Julie Doorne earlier this year which led to a debate in Parliament by MPs. The campaign urged consideration to be given to restrict the private use of fireworks to all but certain days of the year - November 5, New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali.

For now displays can take place on any day so the RSPCA would urge organisers to be vigilant and give plenty of notice to people in the area so they can be prepared. Organisers can also do their bit by ensuring there are no farm animals close by or wildlife in the area or even nesting or hiding in the bonfire itself.

RSPCA welfare expert Lisa Richards said: “There are some simple things owners can do to help their pets. Make sure dogs and cats are kept indoors when fireworks are likely to go off, try to mask the noise of the fireworks by turning on the TV or music, and provide pets with a safe place to hide at all times.

“Small animals that live outside should have lots of extra bedding so they can burrow and some of their enclosure could be covered by a blanket for extra insulation and sound-proofing.

“It is not just dogs and cats that are affected by fireworks, farm animals can be easily frightened by loud noises and sudden flashes of bright light, which can startle them and cause them to injure themselves on farm equipment, and wildlife can be burnt alive after making their home in bonfires so it’s important to be careful at this time of year.”

The charity would also like to see the maximum permitted noise level of fireworks for public sale reduced from 120 decibels - equivalent to a jet aircraft taking off at 100 metres - to 96 decibels.

The RSPCA advises:
  • Fireworks phobia is a treatable condition and vet advice should be sought in the first instance.
  • Using a Sounds Scary! CD can help dogs learn to be less afraid of loud noises in the long-term.
  • For any pet, whether it be a dog, cat, rabbit or rodent, make sure you provide suitable hiding places with extra bedding where they can feel safe. This is also true for animals that live outside.
  • Close all windows and curtains.
  • Play music or put on the television to muffle the fireworks.
  • Make sure they’re kept in a safe place during any display.
  • Never punish or fuss over them as it can make things worse.
  • Make sure your pets are microchipped in case they escape.
  • Give your dog their walk earlier in the day.
  • Never ever take a dog to a fireworks display – even if they don’t make noise or show other signs of being scared – it’s still highly likely to be a stressful situation for them.
  • Pheromone diffusers may  help dogs and cats feel calmer.
  • One victim of fireworks cruelty is Merlin who was burned from head to tail when a group of youths tied a firework to him and set it alight.

After the attack in Bradford in 2014 Merlin was rushed to the vets for emergency care before transferred to the RSPCA Hull and East Ridings branch to recover.

Branch chairwoman Jackie Dainty said: “I couldn’t believe his injuries, we didn’t know if he was going to survive. Who on earth would be so cruel to do something so awful to an animal?

“We thought if he did pull through he would be scarred for life, his fur wouldn’t grow back, he’d need long-term care so I offered to give him a home without even meeting him.

“When I met him I fell absolutely in love with him. Despite everything he’d been through, despite his horrific injuries he just wanted to be cuddled, stroked and held.”

Incredibly Merlin’s wounds recovered and is now happily living with Jackie, her other cat Rudi and their rescue dog Lexi.

Jackie said: “He has coped so well. Incredibly he’s not even afraid of loud noises. I was expecting he would be terrified but we kept him indoors on bonfire night and he was fine. He’s an amazing cat.”
 
Baby iguanas stolen from Nuneaton pet shop
An appeal has been made for the safe return of two baby iguanas which were stolen from a Nuneaton pet shop...
An appeal has been made for the safe return of two baby iguanas which were stolen from a Nuneaton pet shop.

The two six inch lizards, one green and one red, were taken from Martins Pet Supplies in Queens Road on October 12.

Chris Martin, who runs the well-known family-run store, told the Nuneaton News that it is not the value of the animals that concern him, it is their welfare.

"These are only baby iguanas and they need to be in vivariums with heat and UV lights to survive," he said.

"They also have a special diet, they are vegetarians, they only really eat salad. They need to be looked after properly."

He said that the thief struck when he and his assistant were busy with a delivery at the front of the store.

"The vivariums displays are at the back and are locked, and we never normally have a problem, so the person who took them knew that they would have to get a key to get to them."

He is appealing for anyone who has been offered a green or red iguana to either contact him on 024 7638 1745 or call into the shop.
 
Prisoner distressed by loss of hamster took part in jail protest costing £12k
An inmate who was mourning the loss of his pet hamster took part in a two-hour jail protest that cost £12,000 in damages, a court has heard...
An inmate who was mourning the loss of his pet hamster took part in a two-hour jail protest that cost £12,000 in damages, a court has heard.

The incident that involved four prisoners happened at HMP Stocken in Rutland on 14 April 2015.

Kyle Blackie who is 23-years-old was one of the inmates who climbed on to netting with a mattress, food and Monopoly.

26-year-old Craig Mercer and 25-year-old Shane Green were jailed for 22 months each at a previous hearing, after admitting affray and criminal damage. A fourth man, 32 year-old Anthony Bailey, received a 20-month jail term.
  
The court had previously heard that the group had smashed furniture and light fittings.

It also heard that Blackie, from Doncaster, who was serving a five-year sentence for a series of burglaries in Nottinghamshire, Humberside and North Yorkshire, surrendered two hours after the protest began.

He was released in April this year.

Prosecutor Gordon Aspden said Blackie claimed the "distress" at the death of his pet was one reason he gave for taking part in the disorder.

The landscape gardener was spared jail when he appeared before a judge at Leicester Crown Court yesterday (19 October). He has been given an 18-month sentence suspended for two years following guilty pleas to affray and criminal damage.
 
Ancol welcomes Database & Website Coordinator
Ancol has welcomed Charlotte Parkes as its new Database and Website Coordinator...
Ancol has welcomed Charlotte Parkes as its new Database and Website Coordinator.

Charlie’s varied role will include product data management, managing the customer database, updating the Ancol website and developing new concepts with the Ancol NPD team. She will also be responsible for Ancol’s Facebook page and support PR and marketing campaigns.

Commenting on her new role, Charlie said: “Working with Ancol is a wonderful opportunity for me. I’m delighted to have a job role with both technical and creative sides. I look forward to learning about the industry and supporting Ancol’s industrious NPD team.”

Sales Director Sarah Lane added: “We are really pleased to have Charlie on board, with new ideas and skills, which will really add value to our new product and web developments. Innovation is Ancol’s lifeblood and with Charlie in place, it will only go to strengthen our development plans for 2017 and beyond.”

Prior to this role, Charlotte worked at Walsall College as a Learning Facilitator, working with students and staff members.
 
Dog expert gets tongues – and tails – wagging worldwide
A canine expert, who pioneered a new form of muscle treatment for dogs, is proving a multilingual success, as her specialised teaching course has been translated into Spanish – and is in the process of being adapted into several more languages.


A canine expert who pioneered a new form of muscle treatment for dogs is proving a multilingual success, as her specialised teaching course has been translated into Spanish – and is in the process of being adapted into several more languages.

Julia Robertson is the driving force behind Galen Myotherapy – a unique hands-on remedy used to treat dogs suffering from osteoarthritis, musculoskeletal pain and underlying issues. As well as treating dogs, Julia also teaches her technique to veterinary professionals and new practitioners through her Canine Myotherapy Diploma.

And the course is now going global with the Spanish version, and others to come – expanding Galen Myotherapy’s reach even further.

Julia, who has a background in farming and veterinary nursing, said: “It’s so exciting to have the diploma become a multilingual teaching tool. My aim is to support as many dogs as possible suffering from underlying pain – no matter their age or breed. With the diploma now available to students and professionals worldwide, we can establish a global network of myotherapists and support so many more pets.”

Through her training academy, Julia has already taught more than 200 students the techniques of Galen Myotherapy and how to use it. Learners have included veterinary surgeons, chiropractors, dog groomers and behaviourists, who have all been able to apply the treatment to support dogs they already work with.

The diploma consists of home study, via video tutorials, followed by practical hands-on sessions, where students get to treat canine patients while being guided by existing myotherapists. Through the new multilingual courses, learners will watch the video tutorials in their mother tongue and then attend international training days.

Julia, who is based in West Sussex, added: “The key to Galen Myotherapy, and what sets it apart, is that it works with dogs, keeping their needs and comfort in mind at all times. We do not advocate the use of muzzles, restraints or tables; our patients are instead treated on beds and cushions and are free to move or get up if the treatment becomes uncomfortable.

“The diploma stresses this important message to our learners, while equipping them with all the skills and knowledge they need to be able to treat dogs in their area.”

Canine anatomy – including the skeleton, muscles and nervous system, massage technique and common conditions, such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, muscle spasm and cramp, are among the topics covered through home learning, before students move on to practical sessions.

For more information about the diploma visit www.caninetherapy.co.uk/courses/canine-myotherapy-diploma or call 01444 881027.
 
TV vet set to star at National Pet Show
Julian Norton, from TV’s ‘The Yorkshire Vet', will be the star of the show at this year’s National Pet Show as the face of Burgess Pet Care’s new ‘Eat, Sleep, Hay’ campaign..


Julian Norton, from TV’s ‘The Yorkshire Vet', will be the star of the show at this year’s National Pet Show as the face of Burgess Pet Care’s new ‘Eat, Sleep, Hay’ campaign.

Julian, a partner in Skeldale Veterinary Centre in Thirsk – the original James Herriot practice – will be appearing at the Burgess Excel stand on November 5 and 6 to talk ‘feeding hay’ and sign copies of his new book.

As the face of Burgess’s Eat Sleep Hay campaign, the Channel 5 star aims to highlight the important differences between bedding hay and nutritious feeding hay.

“Feeding hay should make up to 85-90 per cent of a rabbit’s daily diet but a lot of us still don’t realise it,” said Julian, who will be appearing at the Burgess stand at 11am and 2pm. “Instead some 700,000 of us are giving our pets bedding hay, which is far less nutritious and made for sleeping not eating. I’d like to convert everyone at the show to giving feeding hay a go!”

“Forget five a day, you need to think fibre all day when it comes to rabbits,” added Rehana Kauser from Burgess Pet Care.

“Exclusively grown for feeding, and harvested and dried within 48 hours to lock in that freshness, high-fibre feeding hay not only boosts gut and dental health but it also helps to enrich the lives of rabbits too. We’re delighted to have Julian on board to help spread the message to even more rabbit owners at this year’s National Pet Show.”

Rabbit lovers will also be able to make willow balls in the Activity Area of the show, which are stuffed with hay to create an enriching eating game for rabbits, and get ideas for rabbit housing from the ‘Secret Rabbit Garden’ in the Burgess-sponsored ‘Small Animal Zone’.

Visit www.burgesspetcare.com to find out more about the ‘Eat, Sleep, Hay’ campaign.
 
Pets at Home reaches 400th vet practice milestone
The Pets at Home Vet Group has opened the firm’s 400th practice in Hampshire.


The Pets at Home Vet Group has opened the firm’s 400th practice on Hayling Island in Hampshire.

Sally Hopson, CEO of Pets at Home Vet Group, said: “The Hayling Island Vets4Pets practice marks another significant step in the journey of the Pets at Home Vet Group.

“It’s almost two years to the day since we opened the 300th practice in nearby Eastleigh and we find ourselves reaching another level in our quest of more than 700 practices in the UK, both in Pets at Home stores and standalone locations.”

The Hayling Island practice has three consult rooms, an operating theatre and separate cat and dog kennels. It is equipped with digital X-ray facilities, an in-house laboratory, isolation units and a spacious waiting area.
 
PFMA announces all-star line-up for Pet Food Seminar at Vet Show
Following the overwhelming success of last year's event, the Pet Food Manufacturers' Association has announced that it will be hosting a seminar called 'The humanisation of pet nutrition: Part of the family but not at the table' at the London Vet Show next month...


Following the overwhelming success of last year's event, the Pet Food Manufacturers' Association has announced that it will be hosting a seminar called 'The humanisation of pet nutrition: Part of the family but not at the table' at the London Vet Show on November 17.

PFMA will be joined by a panel of experts including: Dr Marge Chandler, Consultant in Small Animal Nutrition, Dr Cecilia Villaverde Haro, European Veterinary Specialist in Comparative Nutrition and Nick Edwards, Fellow of the European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists.

With the objective of delving deeper into how vets and vet nurses can support pet owners in making the correct nutrition choices for their pets, the Seminar will focus on the following discussions:
  • ‘Coeliac dogs, cholesterol in cats and other fairy stories’: Dr. Marge Chandler
  • ‘DIY Diets: Do’s and Don’ts’: Dr. Cecilia Villaverde Haro
  • ‘Treats, titbits and toxins’: Nick Edwards
If you would like additional information in advance of the event email info@pfma.org.uk.

Panel of experts

Dr. Marge Chandler: Consultant in Small Animal Nutrition and currently runs a Nutrition Service through Vets Now Referrals in Glasgow. Dr Chandler is an Honorary Senior Lecturer in Small Animal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition at the University of Edinburgh. After qualifying from Colorado State University Dr Chandler was in general practice for 4 years before returning to do a double residency in small animal internal medicine and clinical nutrition at Colorado State University and Massey University in New Zealand.

Dr Cecilia Villaverde Haro: Obtained her veterinary degree in 2000 and her PhD in animal nutrition in 2005 by the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB). She worked as a post-doctoral researcher in feline nutrition at the University of California Davis (UCD), where she also completed a two-year residency in small animal clinical nutrition at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (UCD). She is board certified in veterinary nutrition by the American College of Veterinary Nutrition (ACVN®) and by the European College of Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition (ECVCN) since 2010, and is vice-president of ECVCN since 2013.  She was an adjunct professor at the Departament de Ciència Animal i dels Aliments (UAB) and the chief of service of the Servei de Dietètica i Nutrició at the Fundació Hospital Clínic Veterinari (UAB) from 2010 to 2016 and helped fund www.expertpetnutrition.com. She is now working at the Nutrition Support Service at UCD. She is a consultant in clinical nutrition for the Veterinary Information Network (VIN).

Nick Edwards:  Nick has worked in toxicology, both human and animal, for more than 30 years and is a Fellow of the European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists. Amongst other roles he helps to provide the VPIS 24-hour service, is involved in training of VPIS scientists and veterinary professionals, and is currently a WHO consultant in poison centre development.

Michael Bellingham: Michael has worked in the trade association world for many years, firstly with the British Retail Consortium, before moving to the Food and Drink Federation in 1996. In January 2000 he took up the role of Secretary General to the Federation of European Rice Millers (FERM) in Brussels, moving back to the UK with PFMA in early 2004. Michael has a degree in Politics from Durham University and an MA in European Studies from South Bank University.
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