Tribal Pet Foods will launch in August with a range of seven dog treats, and the company claims they will provide pe owners with an option that has not yet been available to the market.

Tribal’s range of benefits-based products, use ingredients that aren’t commonly found in traditional pet foods.  Introducing a variety of such ingredients to a pet’s diet provides a strong base for optimum health, and can help to prevent food related sensitivities that are becoming increasingly common in pets. 

Each treat is hand baked in the UK to lock in as much nutrition as possible, and each ingredient expertly selected from natural sources, to create a convenient and delicious range of healthy dog treats that have been scientifically proven to maximise canine health through a variety of vitamins and nutrients.  

An innovative traffic light label on each treat pack makes Tribal the first pet food company in the world to use this system. The labelling system will now enable pe owners to select the ideal fit for their best friend’s diet. The system for pets will measure fat, fibre and calories - the three most important factors in helping the battle against rising canine obesity.

Tribal’s passion for science and nutrition, combined with their love for dogs and years of research has led to a profound knowledge of canine health. The team were inspired to find an innovative way to feed each family’s entire tribe with the reassurance that their health and happiness are completely supported. As Tribal has discovered, canine dietary requirements are very different to our own, however like us, dogs need a full and varied range of foods to support healthy digestion and nutritional absorption.  

 Founder Fatima Maktari says “When I brought my first dog home, it amazed me how little variety there was in the dog food products that were available.most of them were based on a chicken, fish and rice diet.  When I looked closer, I was shocked to learn about the poor quality ingredients and fillers used in many of those dog foods and the effect it could have on my dog’s health and wellbeing. 

"During my Master’s degree in Chemistry at the University of Oxford, I carried out research into specific fatty acids and the beneficial role they can play within the body.  I was able to use my insights to research what makes a balanced diet for dogs.  With this knowledge, I created Tribal and this range of healthy and alternative treats for dogs.”

Each of Tribal’s carefully created biscuits have been tested on a panel of 50 dogs for quality and taste assurance across a variety of breeds, including spaniels, shar-peis, West Highland terriers, German shepherds, poodles, ‘cockapoos’, pugs and retrievers.

The Tribal range includes:

Natural Health - Coconut, Banana & Peanut butter
Packed with organic coconut oil, this treat is a great source of the rare MCT fatty acids which can help improve your dog’s metabolism and also their learning abilities.

Natural Health - Beef & Tomato
Tomato puree is one of the best sources of the rare antioxidant lycopene where it is more ‘bioavailable’ than in fresh tomatoes. Lycopene is very powerful and helps support your dog’s immune system

Natural Health – Tuna
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (also known as PUFAs), particularly those from tuna, have been shown to be beneficial for dogs cardiovascular system.

Natural Support - Liver & Lavender
Proven to promote calm and reduce stress, lavender will help your dog relax while liver provides a rich source of vitamin A, which is essential to their vision.

Natural Support - Apple, Mint & Ginger
This dual action formula uses mint to freshen breath and improve digestion, as well as gingerols which relax and sooth sensitive tummies.

Natural Care - Chicken & Flaxseed
Contains natural sources of linoleic acid (a type of Omega 6) which is essential for maintaining healthy skin and a shiny coat.

Natural Care - Cheese, Carrot & Sunflower Seed
Sunflower seeds are a great source of vitamin E, an essential nutrient which protects cell membranes from damage and helps to maintain health & wellbeing.

For more information visit www.tribalpetfoods.co.uk

The Pet Show 2014 has signed a new sponsorship deal ahead of the UK’s largest family pet event, which takes place on August 2 and 3 at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire.

Webbox, who offer complete feeding solutions for cats, dogs and ornamental fish, and Goodwyns, a provider of holistic dog food free from wheat, gluten, additives and preservatives, will be sponsoring The Kennels – an area dedicated to all things dog.

And not only will Webbox be sponsoring the largest zone of The Pet Show 2014, they will be using the event to showcase their newest dog treat, DreamBone - a healthier alternative to rawhide bones.

DreamBone made its supermarket debut earlier this month and will be rolled out across further stores later this summer.

Tony Raeburn, chief executive of Webbox said of the latest addition to the range: “We’re incredibly excited to be introducing this extremely palatable and revolutionary dog treat to the UK grocery market. 

“With DreamBone hitting supermarkets up and down the country, pet-owners can now treat their canine companions to a nourishing and tasty treat with complete peace of mind!”

With more than 80 stands, The Kennels will have everything the devoted dog lover could wish for – from tasty treats and specialist food to expert advice and interactive displays.

The Kennels even has its own arena with a packed programme of events, including an amazing display from the military dogs of the Defence Animal Centre.

Carly Jackson, Operations Director of The Pet Show 2014, said: “We are delighted to welcome Webbox and Goodwyns to The Pet Show 2014. As the creators of quality pet food, loved by dogs across the country, Webbox and Goodwyns are the perfect sponsors for The Kennels.

“Our first show last year attracted a huge amount of visitors and exhibitors and we are looking forward to surpassing these figures at this year’s event. We want to make The Pet Show 2014 an even bigger opportunity for our commercial partners and create an even more exciting show for our visitors and guests.”

For more information on The Pet Show 2014 or to buy tickets, head to www.thepetshow.co.uk

Maidenhead-based manufacturing & distributing company Dog Rocks Ltd has been named winner of their region in the Haines Watt Young Entrepreneur Series for West Berkshire. 

Carina Evans, CEO of Dog Rocks Ltd, which manufactures, represents and distributes pet products worldwide, came top in her age group for West Berkshire.

When asked about how she felt regarding Dog Rocks being named as winner for her region, Carina said: “We’ve build on successful worldwide sales of Dog Rocks to forge relationships with manufactures & distributors both in Europe and the States. 

"We have great infrastructure & shipping lines in both regions and will continue to innovate and capitalize on the space we have created.  We have exciting plans and more ideas in the pipeline but really we were lucky to find a product that sold its self thereby opening up these opportunities."

Dog Rocks Ltd will be attending a number of in-house USA distributor trade shows this autumn as well as Superzoo Las Vegas in July, the leading US west coast based pet trade show.

“This will be our second year at Superzoo and it’s an ideal platform from which to cement existing relationships and check on the infrastructure we have put in place out there as well as meet new customers so we progress onwards and upwards."

Visit www.dogrocks.co.uk to find out more about Dog Rocks.

Leading figues in the aquatic industry have been paying tribute to Dr Alex Ploeg, Secretary General of Ornamental Fish International, who lost his life in the plane crash above Ukraine. Dr Ploeg perished along with his wife Edith, their son Robert and his friend Robin. They were on their way to a holiday in Asia.

Keith Davenport, of OATA, knew Alex very well. He said: "First and foremost Alex and Edith were lovely people. Good natured, friendly and humorous were just a few of their qualities. I was lucky to meet and know them both and I will miss them. I did not know their son Robert directly but Alex and I did exchange family stories.

"On a professional level I spoke to Alex regularly, often daily. We co-operated on many issues of relevance to the UK ornamental trade. We never tried to decide who achieved what when we were successful rather enjoying our success in working together.

"Alex provided the working basis of species which was used in the recent Import of Live Fish Act revision.

"The quality of his work is reflected by so few noticing any difference. He, I and colleagues in Germany worked to remove the threat of import controls that could have followed if a listing of species susceptible to EUS (a fungal disease that can affect many tropical species and be carried by cold water species) had not been revoked by the EU.

"When the Invasive Regulation was in the European Parliament he unselfishly made sure I was invited to see to see key MEP's and to various meetings. His knowledge, his contacts, his style (always well informed and organised prior to meetings) his openness and willingness to collaborate on and discuss issues means he will be missed by those who knew him and by the global industry."

Roberto Hensen, of OFI, said: "Alex was much appreciated worldwide and a fount of knowledge about our industry. He was a keystone, not only for us, but also for EPO (European Pet Organization), Dibevo (the Dutch Pet Trade Association) and other organizations.

"Alex’s vast amount of contacts ranged from ministers to top civil servants in Brussels, Den Hague, Singapore and elsewhere, but also with workers on the floor, breeders and collectors. When he spoke, everyone in our industry listened. His ability to express complex issues simply and logically made him a much-asked-for speaker at international conferences.

"My wife and I have known Alex and Edith for more than 25 years when he and I were breeding fish together on the island of Bonaire in the Caribbean. Even though we moved to different continents, we never lost touch and I have seen his children grow into wonderful adults. A few years ago he asked me to assist him in the OFI secretariat and I gladly accepted, and he, Edith and I worked very well together as good friends in mutual respect and understanding and with a lot of humour."

Gerald Bassleer, president of OFI, added: “I worked closely with Alex over the past eight years and he has taught me about the world of NGOs, politics, negotiations, the future of OFI, good food, humour, etc. We will miss him and Edith and our task is to continue much stronger with the pathway they prepared for our industry, friends and relatives."

The owner of Ryan’s Pet Centre in Dumbarton says his customers are staying loyal, despite the opening of a Pets at Home superstore in the Scottish town.

Ryan's Pet Centre owner Joe Graham says so far he hasn’t lost too many customers to the superstore, which opened in St James Retail park at the end of June.

“There’s been a wee bit of a drop in customers but then nothing substantial, and it’s hard to gauge just now because of the school holidays, we would have fewer customers anyway.

“Most people seem to be saying they’ll continue to shop here but that’s not to say it’s going to stay that way. 

“Pets at Home has got its own lines as do we, with things like dog food people don’t tend to change the brand once they’ve got one their dog likes. 

“Pets at Home can afford to buy in bulk, which we can’t, but I will be making sure we’re getting the same deals from suppliers otherwise we won’t buy from them.” 

More than 5,000 people have signed a petition calling for dogs to be allowed on the passenger decks of ferries after a pet died in a car during a crossing to Dover.

The three-year-old pug had been left in a car during the journey on Friday when temperatures reached more than 30C.

P&O said procedures had been followed correctly - the windows were open and the ship's ventilation was working properly.

The family, who are believed to be moving from Germany to England, were travelling on the Spirit of France which left Calais on Friday at 10.45am and arrived in Dover local time at 11.20am.

When the family returned to their vehicle after the hour-and-a-half journey, three-year-old pug Merlin was dead.

Now a petition has been set up to hold ferry companies to account - as it explains cross-Channel ferries do not allow owners to have their pets with them. Animals must remain in the vehicles.

The petition has been set up by Nina Gadson, who lives in Aldershot, and addressed to Defra and Elizabeth Truss, the new secretary of state for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

It read: "A friend's dog died on a cross channel ferry run by P&O due to heat exposure, they came down to their car after the 1.5 hour crossing to find one of their beloved pets dead, this is not an isolated incident.

"Defra says that: Whenever animals are transported, including journeys with pets, the law says that: 'No person shall transport any animal in a way which causes or is likely to cause injury or unnecessary suffering to that animal’, and yet, ferry companies are insisting that pets remain in cars on unventilated car decks.

“It would be an animal rights abuse for a person to leave their pet in their car on land for over an hour, so how can the ferry companies be allowed to make pet owners do this?"

A P&O spokesman said: "We are reviewing our policy regarding the carriage of pets following the death of a Pug on board one of our ships on Friday.

"Temperatures ashore were oppressively hot and humid last week, leading to heat-stress health alerts from weather forecasters and medical authorities. However, coastal temperatures were considerably below those inland, and in the English Channel lower again due to the cooling effects of low sea temperatures.

"On the ship concerned, ventilation of the deck where the vehicle concerned was parked is excellent with a constant through-flow of cooling fresh air along the entire length of the deck. The deck is not exposed to the sun’s rays and our staff always respond positively to requests from pet owners to check on their animals during the crossings.

"Many airlines refuse to transport certain breeds of dogs, notably Pugs, Bulldogs and other brachycephalic breeds, due to the respiratory issues from which these animals are prone to suffer. P&O Ferries, which carries more than 50,000 pet dogs a year of all breeds, is reluctant to stop offering a service to the owners of certain breeds, believing that owners are best placed to judge the suitability of conditions when transporting their animals. However, the company is now reviewing its policy.

"This was a hugely distressing incident for the family concerned and for our personnel, who tried to revive the animal for 20 minutes, administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation and oxygen. The family has the company’s sincere sympathies.”

People are twice as likely to insure their pets than their family. Research from Friends Life has revealed that 21% of people hold a pet insurance policy while just 12% have critical illness cover, and an even smaller number (9%) hold income protection.

The figures are even more surprising given that family and health are the top concerns for the majority of respondents, and although 34% had life cover, it wouldn't help in situations where the individual was unable to work.

In fact, 19% of mortgage holders (according to figures from Scottish Widows) admit that they'd have no idea how they'd cover their household bills if they or their partner couldn't get into work. And, with men aged 20-40 having a one in four chance of suffering from cancer, a stroke or heart attack before retirement age, these statistics are particularly troubling.

The Government wouldn't be able to adequately step in either. Yes, you may be entitled to Employment and Support Allowance if you were unable to work through illness or injury, but this pays a maximum of £468.65 a month. Could you, and your family, live on that? Probably not.

Looking at the facts, it's hard to see why people insure pets instead of their family. Pet insurance is of course a sensible option – vet bills can quickly add up and could put a strain on your household budget should a lot of treatment be required – but protecting your income stream is perhaps even more important. It needn't cost a fortune and you don't even need to go it alone, as seeking expert advice can save you up to 40% on the cost of your premiums.

Richard Eagling, head of protection at Moneyfacts, comments:

"It is a sad fact that, when it comes to financial planning, taking out protection is often the last consideration and frequently overlooked entirely. Making the most of an ISA allowance or topping up a pension often takes precedence over securing adequate financial cover in the event of death or a serious illness.

"But, in particular, income protection should be the cornerstone on which all financial planning is built. After all, anyone with financial commitments should make protecting their income against the likelihood of being unable to work due to an accident or long-term sickness a priority.

"However, despite the logical case for such cover, recent figures from Swiss Re show that take-up of all protection products (including term assurance, income protection and critical illness) fell last year. Cost is often given as a reason for not taking out protection products, but 21p a day for £100,000 worth of life cover should not be beyond the affordability of most people. Some of the statistics included in our infographic will hopefully serve as a wake-up call and highlight the need to take this issue seriously."

So, your pets may be part of your family, but that doesn't mean you should forget about everyone else. You'll want to make sure your furry friends are covered, of course, but having additional protection should never be overlooked, and considering that suitable cover can cost from as little as 21p per day, it makes a lot of sense to look into it.

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has received its largest grant – £125,000 raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. 

The award was presented to the charity’s chief executive Claire Horton and one of its ambassadors, actor Amanda Holden, who were joined by a canine guard of honour featuring some of the dogs at Battersea who need new homes.   

"I’d like to say a huge thank you to players of People’s Postcode Lottery for supporting these gorgeous dogs and cats,” Ms Holden said. "I’ve always loved Battersea and I’m passionate about the incredible work they do for abandoned animals.

"The care and commitment staff and volunteers show the animals who come into the Home is incredibly heart-warming, and thanks to this funding from players Battersea can continue to find lost, unwanted and abandoned dogs and cats the permanent, loving homes they really deserve.”

Ms Horton said: "Every year we rescue, rehabilitate and rehome lost, abandoned and unwanted dogs and cats at our three centres – here in Battersea London, Old Windsor in Berkshire and Brands Hatch in Kent. Last year we cared for almost 10,000 animals – an average of 14 dogs and six cats coming in each day looking for a second chance in life. 

"Without Battersea, these animals would simply have nowhere else to go, but thanks to the fantastic support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery we can continue to provide them with the love, care and attention they need to start over again.”

Since it was founded more than 150 years ago, Battersea has rescued, reunited and rehomed over 3.1 million dogs and cats. 

Clara Govier, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: "I’m delighted that players of this lottery are able to support Battersea with this fantastic sum. It will ensure that the amazing staff at Battersea can continue to care for Britain’s beloved animals.”

Recent industrial design graduate Lucie Bateman,21, has designed a quirky flat pack hen house designed for the city dweller - with little or no space but a desire to keep chickens.

The Brunel University, London, graduate said : "Most hen houses designed for the urban environment come ready-assembled and can be a nightmare to actually get into your garden or out again.

"My design uses flat pack principles and sustainable materials and it can be assembled in minutes or taken apart and stored when not in use."

Pets were twice as likely to nudge an owner playing with a rival dog as when he was looking at a bucket of sweets.

The study in the journal Plos One, is the first experimental test of jealous behaviour in dogs.

Psychology professor Christine Harris, of the University of California, San Diego, said: “Our results show that animals besides ourselves display strong distress whenever a rival usurps a loved one’s affection.”

Researchers, working with 36 dogs, filmed owners ignoring them in favour of a stuffed dog which could bark and wag its tail, a bucket of sweets or reading a book.

Seventy-eight per cent of dogs pushed at the owner when he played with the stuffed dog, but 42% objected to the sweets. Only 22% were bothered by reading the book.

The UK’s Number 1* normal nutrition specialist brand is proud to announce the launch of the new BETA Breed Specific Range.  As dog breed groups have similar characteristics and needs, BETA Breed Specific products offer high quality and Complete Dry Dog nutrition tailored for the 4 most popular breed families – Spaniels, Shepherds and Setters, Terriers and Retrievers.

The Advanced Nutrition category is currently the only segment of the market offering tailored nutrition for a variety of different breed types.  Pet owners believe their dogs are special and those shopping for Normal Nutrition brands in the Specialist channel are likely to be looking for tailored, quality nutrition too.  PURINA, with its 85 years of expertise in dog nutrition and behaviour has carefully developed the Breed Group Specific range offering tailored nutrition for specific breed groups.

It is important for consumers to understand how each recipe is tailored to the individual needs of the different breed types and the new pack format allows simple communication of the benefits for each breed.  There is also a strong visual link on front of pack to the breeds they are developed for and the imagery used.

Here is a summary of how each recipe has been specifically formulated for each breed type:

• Spaniels are lively by nature which means they need a food that will sustain their energy needs throughout the day.  BETA Spaniels is specially formulated with high levels of protein and fat to help them maintain their extremely active nature and vitality for life.  Also suitable for hunting dogs.
• Shepherds and Setters are natural born explorers but they can be more prone to sensitive digestion.  BETA Shepherds and Setters is specially formulated with ingredients that are easy on dog’s intestines and contains all the right nutrients to help keep muscle mass in peak condition.
• Terriers are always on the lookout for adventure and love a good run around in the hope of finding it.  BETA Terriers formula is a balanced mix of nutrients designed to replenish energy, help maintain muscle mass and help keep bones strong and healthy.
• Retrievers love playtime – and they also love mealtimes.  BETA Retrievers is a specially balanced formula with all the nutrients needed for a healthy, active life but with reduced fat levels compared with BETA Adult to help keep optimal body condition.

For more information please contact your PURINA Business Development Manager or visit www.purina-beta.co.uk

*Reg. Trademark of Société des Produits Nestlé S.A.

*IRI value share – Total pet specialist w/e 9^th Nov 2013 (excluding PAH)