DOG and Just for Pets are joining forces to champion great British craftsmanship, bringing beautifully made, locally produced pet products to more dog owners across the UK. 

The partnership celebrates the skilled makers behind DOG collections, with leather collars and leads handcrafted in the Cotswolds and the signature tweed collection made in Yorkshire. 

Rather than simply selling accessories, the partnership aims to shine a spotlight on British manufacturing, working with independent workshops and skilled craftspeople who’s expertise are becoming increasingly rare. The DOG brand is already bult around UK production and this collaboration marks a new pledge to extend the British collections. 

DOG and Just for Pets are actively looking to work with more UK manufacturers, artisans and specialist producers who share the same passion for quality, sustainability and craftsmanship.

Whether producing leather goods, textiles, ceramics, grooming products, treats or pet accessories, DOG wants to hear from manufacturers looking to create the next generation of premium British pet products which will be sold through Just for Pets stores. 

For more information contact Just for Pets today.

Air-dried food brand The Innocent Hound has given its bestselling 70% Original Complete Food range a colourful new look, creating an even more eye-catching and impactful display for retailers.

Known for its vibrant use of colour across its range of award-winning treats and food, The Innocent Hound’s latest packaging refresh brings the same bold and recognisable identity to its 70% Original Recipes. The bright, vivid packaging has been designed to help shoppers easily discover air-dried food and make each recipe instantly recognisable on shelf.  

The updated range includes eight air-dried recipes – six complete food recipes for dogs, including firm favourites such as Lamb Casserole, Beef Stew, and Salmon Fishcakes, alongside two dual protein complete food recipes for cats: Salmon & Tuna and Duck & Venison.  

Each recipe is now available in a recyclable, resealable 1.5kg pouch, replacing the previous boxed format. The new format is easier to store at home, convenient for pet owners and creates a more impactful display in store, with the full range now aligned for maximum shelf appeal. 

The award-winning recipes are available in cases of four, allowing retailers to order by individual flavour, or choose a mixed case featuring four of the most popular recipes. This makes it the perfect way for retailers new to air-dried food to introduce the category to their customers. 

Chloe Heaton, Founder and MD of The Innocent Hound, says: “This is something we’ve wanted to do for a long time, and now we’ve found the right packaging to bring the whole range together. Having all our food and treat packaging aligned creates a really impactful display and helps shoppers discover and understand air-dried food more easily.

“It’s an exciting time for us as the range comes together, and we can’t wait to showcase the new look at upcoming trade shows, including PATS, and see it on shelves in stores soon.” 

The gently air-dried food range is an excellent choice for customers who like the idea and benefits of raw feeding but want the convenience of dry food. Made using high-quality British meats, the food retains flavour and nutrients through a gentle drying process, while offering the practicality of no refrigeration, freezer storage or preparation – making it ideal for everyday feeding, mixing with other diets or travelling. 

With the air-dried category continuing to grow, The Innocent Hound’s refreshed 70% Original Complete Food range offers retailers an exciting opportunity to introduce customers to a premium, convenient alternative to traditional dry food. 

To discover the full range and become a stockist, visit InnocentPetCare.co.uk and open a trade account.

Burgess Pet Care has confirmed it will return to Pet Fair Asia 2026 to exhibit its small animal brand Burgess Excel, alongside its distribution partner Lanrel Z.O.O. It will showcase the brand’s latest innovations while strengthening its position across international markets.  

Taking place in Shanghai, the event represents an opportunity for the Yorkshire-based business to connect with distributors and retail partners across the Asia-Pacific region, with the aim of supporting continued export growth.  

Burgess Excel returns to Pet Fair Asia following its recognition as Leading Small Animal Brand at the 2025 event. The award, determined through a combination of consumer voting and judging by an expert panel, reflects the brand’s strong reputation among both pet owners and industry professionals across Asia.

At this year’s show, Burgess Excel will move beyond product showcasing to highlight its role as a forward thinking advocate for small animal health. With increasing global demand for small pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs, the brand will spotlight its expertise in nutrition, handling and welfare, alongside its ongoing commitment to evidence and science-led innovation.  

Central to the showcase will be Burgess Excel’s continued investment in small animal nutrition, underpinned by science-led product development designed to meet the specific dietary needs of rabbits, guinea pigs and other small mammals. The approach seeks to support long term health through high quality, nutritionally balanced feeding solutions.  

Representing Burgess Excel at the event will be Kelly Leary, International Sales Manager, who leads relationships with APAC distributors. Kelly said: “Pet Fair Asia is an important platform for us to connect with existing and new partners across APAC and to better understand the needs of retailers and small animal owners in these markets.  

“Demand for small animals is growing globally, and so there is a clear opportunity to raise standards in nutrition and care. At Burgess, we are focused on combining scientific expertise with practical guidance to support retailers and owners in delivering the best outcomes for animals.”

Burgess Pet Care’s presence at Pet Fair Asia forms part of its broader international growth strategy, supported by its heritage, its reputation for premium, innovative products, and a commitment to welfare. It comes following the announcement that the group recently acquired German small animal nutrition brand Bunny Nature.

Attendees are invited to visit Burgess Pet Care at Pet Fair Asia 2026 from 19–23 August at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre to explore the Burgess Excel range and discuss partnership opportunities.  

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Over 20 million dogs and cats in the UK lack pet insurance, while millions of owners are uncertain about exactly what their policy covers. To solve these issues, Lassie (www.lassie.co), the Swedish pet health pioneer trusted by the owners of more than 300,000 dogs and cats in Sweden, Germany and France, has launched in the UK, introducing British cat and dog lovers to the world's first preventative pet insurance ecosystem. Combining AI-native claims handling, personalised preventative care and comprehensive insurance in a single app, Lassie's system completes over 60% of claims in around six minutes from start to finish.

Lassie was co-founded in Stockholm in 2020 by CEO Hedda Båverud Olsson, who grew up watching her veterinarian mother becoming frustrated by treating pets only after preventable or manageable conditions had progressed into more serious illnesses requiring more complex and expensive care. 

Alongside Hedda, Lassie was co-founded by pet insurance industry veteran Sophie Wilkinson, COO and former Spotify developer Johan Jönsson CTO, pairing deep expertise in veterinary care, insurance and technology. The three co-founders set out to flip the traditional pet insurance model on its head, rewarding prevention instead of only paying out after something goes wrong. As the company continues to expand, Lassie's UK launch is being led by newly appointed Country Lead Andy Tomlinson, who brings experience building and scaling consumer brands, including leadership roles at leading UK short-term car insurance app Cuvva.

While an estimated 40% of pet injuries are considered preventable, traditional insurers typically only engage after an animal has become sick or injured, even though many of the most common claims could be avoided through better education, earlier intervention, and ongoing owner engagement. Rather than waiting until a pet becomes ill or injured, Lassie, one of Sweden's most-loved startups, uses AI, behavioural science, gamification and tailored guidance to help UK dog and cat owners prevent problems before they arise. The platform delivers week-by-week programmes tailored to each pet's age, breed and stage of life, instead of offering generic advice. A new puppy owner, for example, receives timely guidance on training, nutrition, socialisation and vaccination reminders precisely when milestones arise. 

British pet owners can now access more than 200 bite-sized educational courses covering health, behaviour, nutrition and preventative care, watch expert videos and earn points for completing activities that help keep their pets healthy. Those points translate into tangible rewards, including lower insurance premiums, discounts and loyalty benefits, encouraging proactive care every day.  

The Lassie platform integrates GPS pet tracking technology through partnerships with companies such as Tractive, allowing owners to monitor activity levels, take part in exercise challenges and earn additional rewards for maintaining healthy routines. Customers who take out Lassie insurance can opt to receive a complimentary Tractive GPS tracker, making it easier to keep pets safe and support their health and wellbeing.

AI sits at the heart of Lassie, powering both its personalised pet health companion that delivers tailored guidance throughout each pet's life and near-instant claims process. UK customers simply photograph their veterinary receipt in the app, with the majority of claims completed in just minutes, often allowing owners to be reimbursed before they even leave the veterinary clinic.

The app is available to all UK pet owners, whether or not they choose Lassie insurance, while those who do can manage their cover in the same place. Lassie's approach mirrors a wider shift already seen in human health insurance, where providers including Vitality and YuLife reward healthy behaviours and focus on prevention rather than treatment.

Hedda Båverud Olsson, CEO and Co-founder of Lassie, says: "The British are famous for being a nation of animal lovers, and we believe Lassie will prove a must-have for UK pet owners who want their pets to benefit from the same shift towards preventative, personalised care that has already transformed human health insurance. Every UK pet owner knows that feeling: the panic of an unexpected vet bill, or the sinking realisation that their policy doesn't cover what they thought it did. We love our pets like family, but pet insurance hasn't kept pace with the way we care for them. We started Lassie because we believe pet insurance should do more than simply pay claims. By combining a pet wellbeing platform with comprehensive insurance, we're helping pet parents prevent problems before they start, while giving them the confidence they'll be protected if the unexpected happens. We've already seen our approach transform the lives of more than 300,000 dogs and cats and their owners across Sweden, Germany and France, and are excited to bring this same preventative approach to benefit pet owners across Britain."

In February 2026, the company raised $75 million in a Series C funding round led by investors including London’s Balderton Capital, Felix Capital, Inventure, Passion Capital and Stena Sessan, bringing total funding to $115 million. Since launching in 2020, Lassie has protected more than 300,000 animals across Sweden, Germany and France, generating more than €100 million in annual recurring revenue. In June 2026, Lassie was selected by Balderton Capital to feature in its Europe-wide "Built in Europe" billboard campaign alongside other trailblazing British and European companies including Revolut, Mistral AI, Wayve, Synthesiaand ElevenLabs.

Nestlé Purina will see a significant capacity investment with a new plant in Mantova, Italy, as the company looks to meet continued demand growth for pet food. 

The facility will combine a wet pet food plant with a highly efficient logistics platform serving Purina as well as other Nestlé brands.  

The plant will produce super-premium wet pet food for cats and dogs, for key Purina brands. The investment will bring the number of Purina production sites in Europe to 15, serving a total population of around 111 million cats and around 91 million dogs across Europe. Petcare now accounts for 29% of Nestlé sales in Zone Europe and continues to deliver strong organic growth led by real internal growth.   

Rafael Lopez, CEO of Nestlé Purina PetCare Europe, said: "Petcare is one of Nestlé's four focus businesses, and this investment is a clear signal of our continued growth ambition for the category. Super-premium wet pet food is particularly attractive right now. It offers a variety of textures and sensory experiences combined with great nutrition for dogs and cats, all things that people are looking for as they welcome pets into the heart of their families."  

The European market for pet food is estimated at close to CHF 30 billion. The pet population has grown strongly in recent years and people are spending more on their pets. Wet pet food is one of the fastest-growing segments, offering a variety of flavors and formats including convenient premium single-serve options. Wet cat food is a particular growth driver, with the segment growing by 8% in Europe in 2025.   

The new logistics platform will serve retail customers more efficiently, support more sustainable transport flows and strengthen supply chain resilience for Purina products as well as other categories.    

"The new Purina plant for wet pet food and the distribution platform strengthen our presence in Italy and at the heart of European transport corridors, enabling us to serve customers and consumers better and faster," said Marco Travaglia, President and CEO of Nestlé Italy.   

The project will be developed and integrated over the coming years, with production expected to start in 2029. The facility will include a range of environmental measures to reduce emissions, lower logistics-related traffic, save water, and recover energy.Petcare is also an important growth driver for Nestlé globally.

Accounting for 21% of the Group’s global sales, the category is expected to continue growing, supported by rising pet populations, increasing demand for super-premium nutrition and the premiumization of wet cat food.

The investment in Mantova follows Nestlé's announcement earlier this year of a CHF 370 million investment in a new wet pet food factory in Brazil, underlining the company’s long-term commitment to meeting growing demand for pet nutrition worldwide. 

The new Tug-E-Nuff Aero-Tug has been awarded The Dog Trainer School (TDTS) Recommended Product status following an independent trial by professional dog trainers before the toy was widely available to the public.

Over a three-week evaluation, 30 professional dog trainers and dog professionals tested the Aero-Tug in a wide range of real-life training scenarios, including recalls, retrieve games, tug sessions, enrichment activities, water retrieves and everyday walks. Following the trial, 86.7% of testers said they would recommend the Aero-Tug to another trainer or client, earning the toy TDTS Recommended Product status.

The independent trial highlighted the Aero-Tug's lightweight design, versatility and practicality, with testers particularly praising its suitability for tug, retrieve and recall games, its comfortable bungee handle and its ability to float during water retrieves. Alongside positive feedback, participants also provided constructive suggestions for future development, including additional size and colour options, giving Tug-E-Nuff valuable insight from experienced professionals.

Helen Wainwright, Co-Founder of The Dog Trainer School, said: "One of the things we're most proud of with the TDTS Recommended programme is giving brands access to genuine, independent feedback from experienced dog professionals. Our members were among the first people to put the Aero-Tug through real training scenarios before its public launch, and the results speak for themselves. We're delighted to award the Aero-Tug TDTS Recommended Product status."

The TDTS Recommended programme helps dog owners identify products that have been independently tested by experienced dog professionals, while giving manufacturers meaningful real-world feedback from the people who use these products every day. Products are assessed through structured trials with members of The Dog Trainer School community and must achieve a minimum recommendation score before being awarded TDTS Recommended status.

A leading independent retailers association has called for wider business rates relief for the high street. It comes after pubs, clubs and live music venues were handed a further 20% cut.

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), which works with over 6,000 independent retailers across the UK, said other high street businesses have been left behind.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced that pubs, clubs and live music venues in England will get a 20% reduction in their business rates bills. It takes effect from April 2027. The cut comes on top of the 15% relief already announced.

Downing Street said it could save a typical pub an estimated £1,100 in tax next year. Nearly 32,000 venues will benefit. The cut is expected to cost around £100 million. It will be funded through a review of reliefs given to other businesses such as vape shops. It will not apply to the very largest live music venues.

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "Once again pubs, clubs and music venues are being given special treatment on business rates. This follows the discount they were given after last year's disastrous changes to the system. My question is straightforward. What about the rest of the high street, when other businesses have seen a 15 per cent increase this year and their business rates bill more than double since 2024? If the Prime Minister is serious about revitalising high streets, he cannot only support pubs in this way. Seventeen thousand shops closed in 2025, plus many thousands of jobs lost, and that number will keep rising if these businesses continue to be overlooked."

The announcement is the Prime Minister's third policy move in as many days. Most bus fares in England were capped at £2 from January. VAT on household electricity bills will be cut from October.

Marleybones has announced its largest retail expansion to date with a nationwide launch at Pets at Home.

Beginning 29 June, Marleybones' complete Pantry Fresh meal range will be available online and in approximately 430 Pets at Home stores across the UK, significantly expanding access to its Pantry Fresh recipes for pet parents nationwide.

The milestone marks the next chapter in Marleybones' mission to make fresh, nutritious feeding simpler and more accessible. Combining gently cooked, shelf-stable meals made with high-quality ingredients, Marleybones offers the nutritional benefits of fresh food with the convenience of pantry storage—no freezer, defrosting or subscription required.

Pets at Home will become the first retailer to stock Marleybones' full Pantry Fresh meal range, including single meals, 12-pack cases and the new Variety Pack, giving customers the broadest Marleybones offering available in retail.

The launch includes nine SKUs across Marleybones' bestselling recipes:

• Chicken, Lamb, Beef and Salmon 390g meals
• 12-pack cases of Chicken, Beef and Lamb
• 12-pack Variety Pack
• 4-pack Variety Pack

"From day one, our mission has been to make better nutrition easier for more dogs and the people who love them," said Josephine Rode Bager, Co-Founder of Marleybones. "Launching nationally with Pets at Home is an incredibly exciting milestone because it brings Pantry Fresh nutrition within reach of families across the UK. We're proud to partner with a retailer that shares our commitment to helping pets live happier, healthier lives."

Co-Founder Mikala Alexandra Wilson Skov added: "We created Marleybones because we believed fresh feeding shouldn't be complicated. Today's pet parents want food they can feel good about feeding every day, but they also need convenience that fits into real life. Seeing our full Pantry Fresh® range on shelves nationwide is a huge moment for our team and an exciting step towards making better everyday nutrition accessible to many more dogs."

Dani Lowry, Head of Category at Pets at Home, said: "We're always looking to bring innovative, high-quality products to our customers, and Marleybones is a fantastic addition to our dog food range. As more pet owners seek convenient ways to feed their dogs nutritious food, we're pleased to be working with a growing brand that is helping to meet that demand. The nationwide launch of Marleybones' range expands the choice available to our customers and supports our commitment to helping pet owners provide the very best care for their pets."

The launch builds on a strong start to 2026 for Marleybones as the company continues to expand distribution and introduce more dogs across the UK to a fresh approach to everyday nutrition.

The Marleybones Pantry Fresh range is available from 29 June 2026 in Pets at Home stores nationwide and online.

Purr & Meow, sister brand of Pooch & Mutt, has unveiled a refreshed identity, upgraded recipes and new range architecture.

The refresh brings the same wellbeing-led nutrition, expert-backing and premium positioning to the cat industry that has made Pooch & Mutt the trusted dog health brand across Europe.

The refresh follows Pooch & Mutt’s major rebrand in January, which repositioned the business as ‘for all breeds & needs’, as no pet is the same. Purr & Meow now brings the same philosophy to cats, with nutritious, functional recipes designed to support them through every life stage and wellbeing need. 

Every recipe is made with carefully selected, functional ingredients to support cats from the inside out, with a particular focus on gut health. Across the range, ingredients including Prebiotics and Postbiotics, Psyllium Husk, Apple and Mojave Yucca help support healthy digestion and overall wellbeing. 

Paul Dennison, CEO of Pooch & Mutt, comments: “The new Purr & Meow identity has been created to give cat owners a brand they can trust. The cat food category continues to premiumise, and we believe there is a clear opportunity to stand out with strong shelf appeal, functional nutrition and products that feel genuinely tailored to cats’ different needs.

“As part of the Pooch & Mutt family, Purr & Meow benefits from years of experience building one of the most trusted health-led brands in the dog space. This rebrand gives Purr & Meow the foundations to follow that same path, with clearly defined ranges, high-quality recipes and expert-backed products.

“Longer term, our ambition is for Purr & Meow to become a much bigger part of the business, with the same level of innovation, expertise and range development that shoppers and retailers now associate with Pooch & Mutt.” 

The Purr & Meow  portfolio is currently divided into two key ranges: Primal and Superfoods.

The Purr & Meow Primal range is positioned as the brand’s premium, ancestral-style collection. It includes complete Wet and Dry foods packed with natural animal proteins and superfoods and the brand’s first ever Jerky. The range is designed to help fuel energy, support lean muscle maintenance and build a strong, healthy body.

Primal products include:

• Salmon Complete Dry Food with Turkey & Herring and Duck Complete Dry Food with Turkey. 80% from natural animal sources. RRP £19.49, 1.5kg. 
• Salmon Paté Complete Wet Food with White Fish and Turkey Paté Complete Wet Food with Duck. 94% from natural animal sources. RRP £19.80 x12 85g pouches.
• Salmon, Sprat & Trout High Protein Jerky. 85% Fish. RRP £2.75, 90g. 

The Purr & Meow Superfoods range has been developed to offer a more affordable everyday option while still delivering functional nutrition. Covering Kitten, Adult, Senior and Indoor cat life stages, the range is designed to support cats with targeted recipes for digestion, skin and coat, joints, cognitive development and everyday vitality.

Superfoods products include:

• Turkey, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Complete Dry Food (available in Kitten, Adult, Senior and Indoor). RRP £11.99, 1.5kg.
• Complete Wet Food with Turkey Fillets in Gravy (available in Kitten, Adult, Senior and Indoor). RRP £13.20 x12 85g. 

The pricing structure of the Primal range has been adjusted from existing products to reflect upgraded recipes. The NEW Superfoods range will launch alongside Primal to ensure the brand continues to appeal to cat owners looking for accessible, everyday nutrition without compromising on quality.

The new identity and packaging launches today across Purr & Meow’s D2C site: https://www.poochandmutt.co.uk/collections/cat-food

Only Rescues has announced the launch of the inaugural Rescue Pet Awards – a new national awards initiative dedicated to celebrating the remarkable people, pets, shelters and businesses transforming the lives of rescue animals.

Hosted by renowned dog trainer and television presenter Victoria Stilwell, best known for It's Me or the Dog, the awards will culminate in a prestigious ceremony in London on 24 November 2026.

Every year, thousands of dogs and cats are given a second chance thanks to the dedication of rescue organisations, volunteers, foster carers, veterinary professionals, groomers, pet care providers and compassionate businesses. At a time when many rescue organisations are facing increasing demand, the Rescue Pet Awards have been created to recognise the individuals and organisations whose commitment helps rescue animals find happier, healthier futures.

Brought to you by Only Rescues, the app that matches rescue dogs and cats with potential adopters, helping more rescue pets find their forever homes, the awards aim to shine a spotlight on the compassion, innovation and collaboration that exists throughout the rescue community.

Founder Tara Hamdi said: "Every rescue pet has a story, but behind every rescue pet is an entire community of people working tirelessly to give animals a second chance. These awards were created to recognise not only the incredible pets themselves, but also the foster carers, volunteers, shelters, veterinary professionals, influencers and businesses whose compassion and dedication make rescue possible. We hope the Rescue Pet Awards inspire even more people and organisations to get involved in supporting rescue animals and celebrating the incredible work happening across the sector."

The Rescue Pet Awards feature 17 categories celebrating every part of the rescue community, including Rescue Dog of the Year, Rescue Cat of the Year, UK Shelter of the Year, Rescue Volunteer of the Year, Best Veterinary Practice for Rescue Pets and Best Retail Brand, alongside awards recognising foster carers, businesses, brands and professionals supporting rescue animals. By recognising excellence across the rescue sector, the awards aim to celebrate the collaboration that helps more rescue animals find safe, loving homes.

The inaugural Rescue Pet Awards are proudly supported by an outstanding group of sponsors committed to improving the lives of rescue animals, including Agria Pet Insurance, Butternut Box, Marro, Nobull, Tug-E-Nuff, Simply Jaspers, Glowcroft, Mackle Petfoods, Gatehouse Awards, Tarragon Wealth, WildWash and Pet Remedy, with more sponsors to be announced.

Nominations are now open across all 17 categories, with entries welcomed from rescue organisations, businesses, professionals and members of the public.

To submit a nomination, visit www.therescuepetawards.com.

Drawing on more than four decades caring for people before specialising in canine behaviour, Wiltshire canine behaviourist Jules Ballard discovered that helping anxious dogs often begins with supporting the people who love them.

Wanting owners to have a wide range of options rather than a fixed approach to follow, she wrote Holistic Help for Your Anxious Dog, bringing together psychology, behavioural science and holistic therapies to support both dogs and their owners.

According to research, anxiety affects around 73% of dogs in at least one form, while anxiety disorders affect millions of adults across the UK.

Jules found that when clients came to her for support with their dogs, much of her work was focused on the human end of the lead, and that became the foundation which the book was built on.

"You’d have a chat on the phone with a worried owner and realise they were anxious, as well as the dog," said Jules. 

"Dogs mirror us all the time. They pick up on how we're feeling, so if you can help someone get to a better place themselves, their dog benefits too.

"People would say to me, 'I bought this dog because I wanted to do Canicross’ or ‘I wanted a dog I could take everywhere with me,’ and they found themselves grieving for the dog they thought they were going to have.

"A lot of what I do is working on managing expectations, exploring the options to support them both with their anxiety and help them to accept and see they have the dog they were meant to have. Every dog we have teaches us something."

Alongside her 41-year NHS career, Jules gained first-class honours degrees in Psychology and History, completed a Level 6 Diploma in Applied Canine Behavioural Management, and undertook extensive training in Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), botanical therapies, Traditional Chinese Medicine and reflexology.She has also spent years working within the Clinical Psychology field, supporting people through birth trauma, PTSD and phobias.

Holistic Help for Your Anxious Dog is divided into five sections covering the science of anxiety, botanical and energetic therapies, practical behaviour support techniques, and a dedicated section helping owners manage their own emotional wellbeing and the part Jules feels sets the book apart.

Jules explained: "I want people to look at it and think, I'm going to try that strategy,” and realise just how many options are available.

"You've got an absolute smorgasbord of different things you can try.  Not everything will be for everyone, but there's something in there for every dog and every owner.

“My ultimate aim is for owners to feel less alone, more empowered and more positive about sharing a happy future with their anxious dog.” 

With more dogs than ever showing signs of anxiety, this book aims to give owners practical, compassionate tools to build confidence and improve wellbeing for both ends of the lead.

Holistic Help for Your Anxious Dog is available now from Amazon.

Jollyes Pets has announced the launch of its own label specialist pet food brand Optimum Pet Health, offering science-based pet nutrition without the usual hefty price tag.

Created to compete with some of the biggest and best-known brands in the pet food market, Optimum Pet Health has been designed around customer insights to make choosing the right specialist food simpler and more intuitive for pet parents.

The launch comes when vets are recommending high-priced specialist nutritional pet food to tackle a significant rise in pet obesity.

According to the PDSA Animal Wellbeing Report 2025[, around half of all pets are overweight or obese.

And the UK Pet Food Obesity report recently cited that around half of all dogs and over four-in-ten cats were overweight.  The same report also highlights that almost three-quarters of vets believed pet obesity rates had risen[3] noticeably over the past 10 years, but almost eight in ten owners (77 per cent) of owners thought their pet was the right size and weight[4].

Carrying excess weight can increase the risk of a range of health conditions and impact a pet’s quality of life, yet many owners are unaware their pet is carrying unhealthy extra weight.

Through Optimum Pet Health and its in-store support services, Jollyes is aiming to help customers and breeders who often fall back to long-established brands, to make informed and thoughtful nutritional food choices that don’t break the bank.

Alongside the launch, every Jollyes Pets store is encouraging dog owners to make regular weight checks part of their pet care routine.

Each store is equipped with dog-friendly scales, and all Jollyes colleagues are specially trained and can provide nutritional advice, help customers choose the right Optimum Pet Health diet for their dog and share practical tips for maintaining a healthy weight.

Product Range Overview

The new range features ‘OptiThrive’, a blend of carefully selected nutrients, vitamins and minerals, with every recipe tailored to support dogs' individual health and wellbeing across both wet and dry food products, for different breed sizes and all key stages of their lives.

Recipes are vet approved and have undergone extensive taste testing to ensure they meet the expectations of even the most sensitive palates.

Developed with customer insight, the range has been designed to make choosing the right nutrition simple - clear health messaging, easy-to-shop packaging and in-store merchandising help pet owners quickly identify the most appropriate product for their dog, while specialist recipes, including urinary health options, are clearly differentiated on pack.

Products in the range include:

• Optimum Pet Health Adult Dry Complete 15kg £48.00
• Optimum Pet Health Adult Dry Complete Large Breed 15kg £48.00
• Optimum Pet Health Junior Dry Complete Weight Control 15kg £52.00
• Optimum Pet Health Junior Dry Complete 15kg £48.00

Customers can save almost a third (29 per cent) by choosing selected Optimum Pet Health products over comparable well-known brands and similar specialist own label ranges at other pet retailers.

Jollyes’ chief marketing officer Sean McGinty said:

"We know pet owners want the confidence that they're feeding their dogs a nutritionally balanced diet, but they also want products that are easy to understand and offer excellent value.

“Optimum Pet Health has been developed with leading UK suppliers to deliver trusted, science-backed nutrition that supports dogs throughout their lives.

"Nutrition and healthy weight go hand in hand. Many owners don't realise their dog may be carrying excess weight, which is why every Jollyes store has dog-friendly scales and trained colleagues on hand to offer practical feeding and nutrition advice.

“By helping customers regularly weigh their dogs and understand their dietary needs, we're supporting healthier, happier pets."

This product launch further strengthens Jollyes' commitment to supporting responsible pet ownership by combining quality nutrition with expert in-store guidance.

Later this year will see the introduction of the OPH cat range.

For decades, the pet industry – like much of the consumer goods sector – has embraced global manufacturing. Products bearing labels such as Made in China or Made in Vietnam have become the norm, driven by competitive pricing, efficient production and an increasingly sophisticated manufacturing base. Today, overseas factories produce goods of exceptional quality, making off-shoring a commercially logical decision for many brands.

But the conversation is changing.

Rising freight costs, geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain disruption and growing consumer interest in sustainability have prompted many manufacturers to ask a different question: What value does British manufacturing still offer?

For long-established pet accessory manufacturer Ancol, the answer is becoming increasingly clear.

From British factory floors to global supply chains

Ancol began manufacturing leather collars and leads in Walsall more than 55 years ago before expanding into webbing products during the 1970s. At its peak, the company employed more than 100 people producing collars, leads and accessories that earned an international reputation for quality, supplying independent pet retailers alongside major grocery chains throughout Europe and North America.

Like many British manufacturers during the late 1980s and 1990s, Ancol gradually embraced overseas production. As manufacturing capabilities in Asia expanded, off-shoring enabled companies to remain competitive, protect margins and broaden product ranges. The strategy was commercially sound and, for many businesses, essential for continued growth.

Today, Ancol's turnover is approximately ten times larger than it was during its manufacturing peak, yet it operates with around one-fifth of the workforce. Those staffing changes occurred gradually through retirement, career changes and natural attrition rather than wholesale restructuring, but they reflect a wider story across British manufacturing.

The UK became increasingly effective at trading products—but progressively less capable of making them.

The cost of losing manufacturing

The disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic exposed just how dependent many industries had become on global supply chains. Shipping costs reached unprecedented levels, with container prices at times exceeding the value of the products they carried. At the same time, increasing labour costs overseas, changing economic conditions and global political uncertainty highlighted the risks of relying exclusively on imported goods.

Many businesses began searching for British manufacturing partners, only to discover that much of the country's production infrastructure had disappeared. Skilled machinists had retired, specialist suppliers had closed, and entire networks of component manufacturers and supporting industries had diminished.

The skills gap was no longer theoretical – it was tangible.

A different direction

Unlike many businesses that exited manufacturing altogether, Ancol maintained its production capability throughout these changes. While several respected names in the pet accessory sector moved entirely to imported goods, Ancol continued investing in British manufacturing expertise.

That decision is now shaping the company's future.

Since 2020, the business has committed significant investment to expanding its UK production capacity. Dog bed manufacturing has been developed in-house, product design and packaging capabilities have been strengthened, leather production has been modernised with computer-controlled cutting and sewing technology, and specialist printed webbing is now designed, printed and manufactured entirely at its Walsall facility.

Further investment in 2026 includes laser cutting technology and additional computerised sewing equipment, allowing even more products to be manufactured efficiently in Britain.

More importantly, these investments are creating skilled employment and helping rebuild expertise that has been steadily disappearing from British industry.

Manufacturing adds more than products

Choosing British manufacturing is not simply about where a collar or lead is made. It is about shortening supply chains, improving quality control, responding more quickly to market demands and investing in local skills.

It also offers greater resilience. Recent years have demonstrated that businesses with diverse manufacturing capabilities are often better positioned to respond to unexpected global disruption than those reliant on a single overseas supply route.

For consumers, British-made products may represent an opportunity to support domestic employment while purchasing competitively priced, high-quality pet accessories. For retailers, they offer provenance, consistency and a compelling story that increasingly resonates with customers.

A competitive alternative

Imported products will always have an important place within the pet industry. Global manufacturing remains essential, and many overseas factories continue to produce outstanding products.

However, the industry no longer needs to view British manufacturing as an outdated concept or a premium-only proposition.

Companies such as Ancol are demonstrating that investment in UK manufacturing can coexist with competitive pricing, product innovation and commercial success. More than five decades after the business first began making collars and leads in Walsall, it is once again expanding its British manufacturing footprint – not through nostalgia, but through strategic investment in the future.

The question, perhaps, is no longer why buy British?

Instead, it may be worth asking what value is created when established manufacturers continue investing in British skills, British jobs and British production – and whether that investment benefits not only individual businesses, but the wider pet industry as a whole.

Pet Trade Innovations has announced the latest updates to its award-winning Bamboodles range – a new floor-standing in-store display stand available on a limited-time trade offer, and the launch of two new products designed to keep dogs engaged for longer: the Bamboodles Giggle Bone and Bamboodles Tripod.

A refreshed Bamboodles rebrand designed to stand out in-store

Pet Trade Innovations Ltd has rolled out an updated look across the Bamboodles range, with refreshed packaging and a cleaner, bolder shelf presence. The rebrand is designed to make the range easier for customers to shop and for retailers to merchandise, while maintaining the brand’s focus on durable, engaging chews.

Key retailer benefits

• Stronger shelf impact: refreshed packaging and a clearer range presentation to help shoppers choose quickly.
• Incremental sales opportunity: newness (rebrand + new products) creates a natural reason to re-merchandise and re-promote in-store.
• Dedicated floor space for the range: the FSDU helps retailers build a clear Bamboodles destination and drive visibility.
• Engagement-led: Giggle Bone + Tripod add scent + sound to drive interest and repeat purchase.

New product launch: Bamboodles Giggle Bone + Tripod

Also launching two new additions to the Bamboodles range:

• Bamboodles Giggle Bone
• Bamboodles Tripod

Both are peanut butter scented and include a fun sound element designed to keep dogs engaged and add enrichment during chew time.

Availability

The stand and new two new Bamboodles toys are available to order now.

Trade enquiries

Pet Trade Innovations Ltd 

Email: info@pettradeinnovations.com 

Website: https://pettradeinnovations.com/

Exhibitors at PATS 2026 are being encouraged to enter their latest product launches into the prestigious New Product Showcase & Awards, with entries now officially open ahead of the exhibition's return to the NEC Birmingham on 27–29 September 2026.

Winning a PATS New Product Award can be a game-changer for a business. The recognition has helped previous winners turn innovative launches into bestselling retail products, attract new stockists and distributors, and secure valuable export opportunities.

With entries now open, this year's Showcase is expected to feature a record number of exciting new products from across the pet and aquatics industry.

Sponsored by Leopard Co and supported by media partner pbwnews, the New Product Showcase gives buyers and retailers the opportunity to discover the industry's latest innovations in one dedicated location. Visitors can see, compare and evaluate new products before visiting exhibitors' stands to learn more.

Recognising the Showcase's importance to both exhibitors and buyers, it will once again occupy a prime position within the exhibition. 

Every product entered into the Showcase will automatically be considered for the highly sought-after New Product Awards.

Each exhibit will be accompanied by an information card highlighting key product details, including the recommended retail price and the exhibitor’s stand number, making it easy for visitors to follow up with manufacturers and suppliers throughout the show.

The awards will be judged by an independent panel of leading pet retailers on the opening morning of the exhibition. Winners will be announced at the Exhibitor Drinks Reception on the first day of the exhibition and promoted throughout the remainder of the event, giving visitors a clear guide to the standout product launches at PATS 2026.

Previous winners have been quick to highlight the commercial value of receiving a PATS New Product Award.

WildWash won the Grooming Products category at the 2025 awards with its 5 in 1 Magic Mud for Dogs & Cats. Co-founder Jane Cooper said: “Winning the award was a significant moment for us. It has opened up conversations with new stockists and partners looking for proven, standout products.”

Karnlea was another successful exhibitor at PATS 2025, winning with its Cat Supplement Topper. Founder Lara McCullough said: “We had some very stiff competition from other great products from amazing brands who we respect deeply. Winning felt like all the hard work we put in was worth it.”

New Product Award categories

This year's awards feature 12 categories:

• Cat Accessories & Toys
• Cat Food Products
• Dog Food Products
• Dog Treat Products
• Dog Accessories & Toys
• Dog Harnesses, Leads & Dog Wear
• Small Animal & Bird Products
• Pet Care Products
• Grooming Products
• Aquatic Indoor Products
• Aquatic Outdoor Products
• Reptile Products

Exhibitors can submit their entries online at www.patshow.co.uk.

Alongside the New Product Showcase, visitors to PATS 2026 will be able to meet leading suppliers and manufacturers from across the pet industry while experiencing a range of new features, including the International Pavilion and a dedicated Hosted Buyer Programme, further enhancing the exhibition's growing international appeal.

PATS 2026 will once again be co-located with BETA International, the leading equestrian trade exhibition, taking place on 27–28 September 2026. Retailers and buyers will be able to visit both events with a single registration, giving BETA International visitors access to PATS and vice versa.

Visitor registration is now open at https://bit.ly/4aLE1Hp with free admission available to qualifying trade professionals. For more information about PATS 2026, including a full list of exhibitors, visit www.patshow.co.uk

A pet wellbeing entrepreneur honoured by the King almost missed the royal ceremony after his taxi failed to turn up, forcing him into a frantic dash across central London on a rented e-bike.

Martyn Bartlett-Judge, from Exeter, who is managing director of Devon-based Pet Remedy, weaved through heavy traffic from Covent Garden, along the Strand, around Trafalgar Square and up The Mall to St James's Palace after realising he was running out of time.

The dramatic last-minute sprint ensured he arrived in time to receive the prestigious King's Award for Enterprise for Innovation, and even gave King Charles III a story to smile about.

Far from being unimpressed, the King was reportedly highly amused when Martyn explained the lengths he had gone to in order to make the ceremony.

Martyn said: "It's probably the fastest I've ever cycled. I was dodging traffic, tourists and red lights thinking, 'I can't keep the King waiting!' It turned out to be quite an adventure, and His Majesty saw the funny side too when I told him the story."

The Princess Royal and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, who were also attending the event, were equally fascinated to hear about Pet Remedy and its pioneering work improving the emotional wellbeing of animals.

Pet Remedy received the King's Award for Enterprise for Innovation in recognition of its portfolio of calming products, designed to help animals cope with stress and anxiety without sedation.

The company's patented formula is used to naturally calm the nervous system while allowing animals to remain alert and responsive. Suitable for mammals, birds and reptiles, the products are now used by pet owners, veterinary professionals, rescue organisations and behaviourists around the world.

The innovation was developed in the UK and has been continually refined since its launch, with the latest reformulated blend introduced in 2025.

Martyn said: "This is an extraordinary honour for Pet Remedy and a hugely proud moment for everyone connected with the business.

"We have always believed animal emotional wellbeing deserves to be taken seriously, and this award is powerful recognition of that. It reflects years of research, determination and a commitment to creating a product that genuinely helps animals, while giving owners and professionals a trusted, natural option."

Assisi Pet Care has acquired leading natural pet food manufacturer Forthglade from European private equity firm IK Partners. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1971 and headquartered in Okehampton, Devon, Forthglade is one of the UK’s leading premium natural pet food brands, specialising in high-quality, minimally processed wet and dry dog food and natural treats. Operating out of its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Devon, the Company has established a highly diversified omni-channel distribution model across major grocery retailers, independent specialist pet stores and a fast-growing online platform across both direct-to-consumer and third-party online channels.

IK acquired a majority stake in Forthglade in August 2020 through its IK Small Cap II Fund (“IK SC II”). Since then and under the leadership of CEO David Cox, Forthglade has doubled revenues; significantly expanded its production capacity; accelerated its digital commerce footprint; and scaled its product offering across wet and dry food, treats and supplements.

The acquisition marks a significant strategic milestone for Assisi and its latest step in building a leading European platform in premium, natural pet care since Wind Point acquired the Group in 2023. Forthglade materially strengthens Assisi’s position in premium natural pet food, adding a differentiated, much-loved brand with strong momentum across grocery, specialist and online channels. It joins Assisi's existing premium brand portfolio, which includes Burns, Hollings, HiLife, Maced, Pet Munchies, Yakers and NAW — creating a highly complementary natural pet food and treats group with robust manufacturing capabilities across the UK and Continental Europe.

Chris Melander, CEO of Assisi Pet Care, said: "We have long admired Forthglade and the business David and his team have built. To create such a strong, multi-channel brand; trusted by pet owners across grocery, specialist retail and online, is a real achievement, underpinned by a passionate commitment to natural, high-quality nutrition. Forthglade is an outstanding fit for Assisi and we are excited to invest behind the brand and the business to unlock its next phase of growth."

David Cox, CEO of Forthglade, added: "Joining the Assisi family marks an exciting new chapter for Forthglade and is testament to the incredible journey we have been on over the last few years. I am immensely proud of how we have developed the business, establishing the Company as a trusted leader in premium, minimally processed pet food. None of this would have been possible without the dedication, passion and hard work of our exceptional team, as well as the support of IK throughout this journey. Partnering with Assisi provides the strategic support to accelerate our growth and we are all excited about the next stage for the business."

Tom Salmon, Partner at IK Partners and Advisor to the IK SC II Fund, commented: "We are proud to have supported Forthglade through a transformational period of growth. Under the leadership of David Cox and the wider management team, the Company has strengthened its position as one of the UK's fastest-growing pet food brands, driven by a clear strategic vision and significant investment across the organisation. We would like to thank David and the entire Forthglade team for their partnership and wish them, together with Assisi, every success in the next chapter of the Company's journey.”

Oh So Precious pet keepsakes has named four UK independent pet stores, in its inaugural ‘Pawsomely Independent Awards’, for going the Extra Mile for customers. 

The Extra Mile Award was given to the four shops across the UK on National Independent Pet Shop Day, 10th July 2026, in recognition of the special touches, personal service and effort they put in to help customers cherish special times with their pets. 

The winners are: Paws of Robin Hoods Bay, Doghouse of Wiltshire, Direct Pets of Berwick upon Tweed and The Barking Lot in Wetherby.  The winners have all received a large crystal award to display in store. 

Helen Davies, Founder of Oh So Precious, said: “In any market, independent retailers are critical to the local economy, opportunities for entrepreneurs and often the more personal and individual touch for customers. With Oh So Precious being a deeply personal brand, we have worked with a great number of independents who have really understood and embraced the meaning behind the products, the importance of understanding their customers’ love for their pet.

She continued:  “The Pawsomely Independent Award for The Extra Mile is to recognise that some retailers really do pull out all the stops as part of their customer service DNA.  Our winners showed celebration of ownership and continually highlighted the love between owner and pet in their stores, through events, in their marketing or on social media, which is why we couldn’t pick one winner – we had to have four!"

The Judges said:

Paws of Robin Hoods Bay

This award was given to acknowledge the friendly welcome given to four legged visitors and the shop’s passion for making special days out more memorable.

Doghouse 

This award was given for the thought and effort put into celebration events and parties creating memories for family of our four legged friends!

Direct Pets

This award has been given to acknowledge the fantastic four legged customer engagement on each store visit.

The Barking Lot Pet Shop

This award has been given to acknowledge the team’s efforts to educate and support pet owners with useful well-being and safety advice.

The Pet Industry Federation is helping UK pet businesses explore the US market through two major international opportunities: a supported UK delegation to SuperZoo in Las Vegas next month; and a dedicated UK pavilion at Global Pet Expo in Orlando in March 2027.

The two initiatives form part of PIF’s growing international work to help UK pet businesses make valuable commercial connections, understand overseas markets and identify new routes to growth.

Supported UK Delegation to SuperZoo 2026

SuperZoo takes place in Las Vegas from 12-14 August 2026 and is one of North America’s leading pet retail trade shows.

PIF is co-ordinating a supported visit for UK buyers, retailers, distributors and buying groups looking to source new products, meet suppliers and gain a better understanding of the US pet market.

The visit forms part of SuperZoo’s Curated Access Programme, which combines complimentary access to the exhibition and education programme with additional planning, recommendations, networking opportunities and on-site support.

The programme will include:

• Complimentary SuperZoo exhibition registration and access to the two-day education programme;
• A tailored exhibitor and product recommendations, based on buying-interests questionnaire;
• Registration and meeting-scheduling support;
• A guided NielsenIQ show-floor tour
• Access to the International Trade Center and its meeting and networking facilities
• First Timers Networking
• An invitation to the SuperZoo Beach Party

The commercial education programme includes topics of particular relevance to UK independent retailers and pet businesses, including the future of independent retail, current US pet business strategies, improving margins, using financial information and key performance indicators, responding to changing consumer expectations, ecommerce, merchandising and cost-effective promotions.

PIF is also planning a dedicated UK-US networking breakfast, during the show. Speakers are currently being secured to provide practical insight into the US market, including buyer and distributor expectations, routes to market and the commercial considerations facing UK companies.

UK Pavilion at Global Pet Expo 2027

PIF is also developing a dedicated UK pavilion for Global Pet Expo, taking place in Orlando in March 2027.

The pavilion will give UK brands the opportunity to exhibit as part of a co-ordinated national presence at one of the world’s most important pet trade exhibitions.

PIF is now asking interested companies to confirm their provisional space requirements so that the overall pavilion size and layout can be agreed with the organisers.

Exhibiting as part of the UK pavilion will provide a number of advantages, including:

• A stronger and more visible collective UK presence
• A strong location within Global Pet Expo’s International Pavilion, positioned just off one of the show’s main trolley aisles.
• A co-ordinated pavilion location and layout
• Support with organiser liaison and exhibition planning
• Joint promotional and networking opportunities
• PIF support before and during the show
• A more accessible route into a major overseas exhibition for companies that are new to the US market

The pavilion will be open to PIF members and is intended to reduce some of the complexity of exhibiting overseas while raising the profile of the UK pet sector internationally.

Businesses interested in joining the SuperZoo delegation or exhibiting at the Global Pet Expo UK pavilion should contact Alexandra.baker@petfederation.co.uk as soon as possible, for further information.

Details about both shows, including registration forms, can be found at www.petfederation.co.uk under the International Trade section.