Leading Worcestershire-based pet food manufacturer, Albion Meat Products, is celebrating its 30th year in business. 

The company, which produces natural meat products for dogs, is one of the pioneers of the Biologically Appropriate Raw Food diet in the UK as they were one of the first companies to recognise the potential in this Bones and Raw Meat formula.

BARF follows the principle of evolution that dogs are descended from wolves and other wild dogs and although humans have changed their external appearance as well as special skills (guarding, protecting, hunting or lap-dogs), the dog’s digestive system however remains unchanged.

Dogs belong to the family of carnivores, i.e. meat eaters with sharp incisors designed for more than just grinding vegetables and grain. A natural raw meat diet combined with vegetables, rice or cooked potatoes is seen by many to be healthier way to feed their pets. This is also supplemented by feeding raw bones.

The company was founded by Catherine Donegan, the daughter of Birmingham meat supplier, Leslie Rock who was also part of the original business. He used to get requests all the time from dog owners who wanted to feed their dogs raw meat and bones and used to do a roaring trade in ox cheeks, bones and sheep heads having found this diet had a remarkable effect in turning around the health of their pet German Shepherd dog, Lucy.

Deciding not to pursue a career in nursing, Catherine started the business at the age of 18 by delivering meat products for dog owners from the back of her car around the Midlands.

The business expanded quite rapidly and the product range was expanded to include butcher’s pet mince and they opened a manufacturing plant based in Birmingham and moved their sales and delivery service to Pershore where Catherine lived. Catherine’s husband Gary is also now a partner in the firm.

 All the meat in Albion’s products is sourced locally where possible and is of human grade quality. They offer five core ranges as well as selection of bones. For those who do not want to make up their own recipes they also offer a complete food.

To celebrate its 30th anniversary, Albion has announced it is to re-brand its range and is in the process of developing new logos and packaging for the business.

Picture caption: Catherine Donegan, Founder of Albion Meat Products, with Kim Hague who has just started a celebration cake business in Worcester.