Family-owned pet chain Just for Pets has just announced its transition to a more natural, sustainable approach to both products and practice, with the launch of its ‘No More Rawhide’ campaign — placing a ban on any future sales of rawhide products across the chain.

The pet retailer, who recently won ‘The Healthy Pet Guide’s Retailer of the Year 2022’, is known for putting animals’ health and wellbeing at the centre of every decision it makes, meaning there are no exceptions when it comes to rawhide.

With more pet owners on the search for healthy alternatives to rawhide, which averages at only 18% digestibility, Just for Pets Buyer, Leanne Blunn told us: “With so many healthy, natural and long lasting dog treats now available, we’ve recognised for a long time that to offer our customers the best for pet welfare, we have to be firm on what we won’t sell as well as what we do sell both in store and online.”

One of the healthy alternatives that Just for Pets has decided to stock in place of rawhide are No-Hide® Chews, created by Earth Animal. These award-winning chews are made with just six simple, natural ingredients: brown rice flour, eggs, olive oil, pineapple stem, banana and agar-agar (vegetable gelatine) ­­­— plus, one flavour-bursting, sustainably sourced protein. They’re the perfect choice for a tasty, long-lasting and natural chew for dogs (and cats). 

Speaking about the benefits of No-Hide® Chews, Earth Animal’s in-house vet, Dr. Kris Hansen, told us: “No-Hides are an excellent alternative to rawhide. Not only do they provide mental stimulation, but they also increase physical health, burning excess energy, whilst promoting healthy teeth and gums.

“Rawhide chews are made from the hides of factory-farmed animals, an inhumane practice that also contributes to climate change. And, most rawhide is treated with bleach and synthetic chemicals and preservatives that can cause harmful side effects to dogs. Choosing a No-Hide® means choosing the healthiest, most humane option for animals.”

Dr. Bob and his wife Susan Goldstein, have been passionately pioneering a more holistic, humane, and sustainable way of preserving and enhancing the quality of life for animals, people, and the Earth for more than 40 years – they call this Another Way. In 2015, the No-Hide® Chew was introduced to do just that by combining a healthy formula, high-quality ingredients, and compassionate sourcing.

Will Baggaley, International Sales & Marketing Director at Earth Animal, added: “We’re delighted to collaborate with Just for Pets on its latest ‘No More Rawhide’ campaign. Opting for healthy, humane alternatives, like No-Hides, is a small but important step in reducing the demand and slowing its harmful impact on animals, people and the Earth.”

Tom Maltby, Brand Manager at Just for Pets, said “Earth Animal No-Hide® Chews offer our customers and their pets a genuine, long-lasting and healthy alternative to rawhide. The company's ethical standards are world-leading so it’s been a real pleasure working with them on the #NoMoreRawhide campaign.”

This is just the start for Just for Pets, with it pledging to supply a range of natural and sustainable products for its customers. The retailer hopes to encourage many other pet shops to get involved in this transition, ensuring that the products on offer across the UK have the pet's health considerations as the number one priority. 

Find out more about Just for Pets and its alternatives to rawhide here.