Vital Pet Products managing director Bruce Steuart has issued an 'open letter' to the independent pet trade following news that supermarket giant Waitrose was entering into pet product retailing market.

Here is the letter in full...

In the last few days Waitrose have launched a new website www.waitrosepet.com that is offering over 9,000 pet products to UK consumers. Many of these products are what you and I would consider to be for our Independent Trade “only” but increasingly in the last few years they have become available by other routes as well as our channel. This is the nature of an active market but it undoubtedly makes trade extremely tough for all Independent “bricks & mortar” pet retailers in the UK.

You will hear a lot of talk in the coming days about who is supporting this Waitrose website and I wanted to let you know our position clearly and immediately.

This website is being supplied by Monster Pet Supplies who is a customer of ours as well as other wholesalers in our Trade. Monster spoke to us in August to explain that they were considering this move but did not confirm that they had decided to go ahead with this project nor when it was going live. It is fair to say that we should have followed this up as a priority but we did not and as a result we have been caught out with this going live. We have immediately placed Monster Pet Supplies account with us on hold until we have spoken to all the suppliers affected.

On the brands that we own ourselves for the UK market, or from those partners who work closely with us, I confirm that these will remain exclusive for “bricks & mortar” pet shops and will not feature on this website or outside our Trade. That’s our on-going commitment to you. And whilst securing these agreements is never easy, we aim to do this only on quality products that you can get behind and sell with confidence, that also deliver strong margins.

But our business is a distribution business that requires volume to be efficient. And it is this efficiency that helps us to deliver the best possible pricing for you. So on those brands that we don’t own, we will always ask the brand owners for clarity on where they want their products offered for sale. If they request that they are to be made available to Internet Only retailers or in this specific case made available to Monster Pet Supplies for waitrosepet.com, then we will supply, to ensure that the volumes are kept with us in your supply chain.

We will continue to invest significant effort in encouraging manufacturers to work with us in support of you or indeed in challenging them about their supply strategies. Of course these relationships will all be different, ranging from those quality partner brands for “bricks & mortar” pet shops only, to the simplicity of a 3rd party logistics partnership like the one we have with Crown Pet Foods that allows us all to benefit from keeping the volumes in our Independent channel. Where other manufacturers make different choices, to go direct or to use supply options outside our Trade, then we will have failed in our efforts to keep those volumes within your supply chain. This has a direct effect on the pricing of all products as it makes the supply chain more expensive.

And we then rely on you as retailers to engage in the debate with manufacturers and wholesalers, and ultimately to consider your buying options.

I would encourage you to actively challenge us all on our supply principles as well making sure you are clear about the costs you are supporting. For every delivery from a different supplier you are paying for another warehouse, another driver, another delivery vehicle, more fuel charges and more administration costs. And many of these not even with Pet trade companies. I am not trying to suggest you should only trade with us. Just that we need to understand what we are paying for and wouldn’t we rather support like-minded businesses who will step up to ensure the long term sustainability of our Trade.

If Independent Retailers again do not vote with their feet, then distributors and manufacturers without the same principles will continue to make these same decisions, favouring short term sales volumes over the long term sustainability of our market. This is an option we have repeatedly avoided, potentially to the detriment of our business and turnover, in an effort to support you, the Independent retailer. The choice is now yours to decide who you will support for the future of our Industry.

Kind Regards,
Bruce Steuart
Managing Director
Vital Pet Products

Some 9,000 products are being offered, including 60 Waitrose own-brand lines, spanning foods and accessories for cats, dogs, birds and fish. 

The site also offers access to a telephone advice line and is offering free delivery on all orders over £30 and a repeat ordering service.

The range will be extended to include specialist equine and reptile products in 2015. 

One pet retailer told Pet Trade Xtra that the Waitrose website could spell the start of the end for many independent pet shops. 

Another said manufacturers should do more to protect the independent pet trade."They are ultimately responsible for their brands and being unaware is not an excuse."

Betty & Butch, recently crowned PetQuip UK Pet Retailer of the Year, has launched a ‘Wash the Dog for Christmas’ campaign urging owners to bathe their pets in natural healthy products instead of using washing-up liquid...

According to the Manchester-based company, a hasty Christmas Eve dunk in the tub is the only bath of the year for many dogs, with many owners using low quality shampoo and washing-up liquid, none of which meet the pH balance of a dog’s skin.  

Angel Moore, managing director of Betty & Butch, is also a qualified dog groomer who specialises in holistic dog therapy. He said, “Over the years, and especially in the first week of January, we have had numerous calls telling us a dog is itching, and the majority of the time it comes down to what it has been washed in, usually on Christmas Eve."

Over the next three months the team at Betty & Butch is arranging a series of events to highlight the campaign.

The company also produce a range of soap bars – ranging from breed-specific to sensitive skin - which are a perfect solution to the problem.

Betty & Butch has also put together a download of tips on how to make the bath pleasurable for both owner and dogs - customers can visit www.bettyandbutch.co.uk for the free download.

Customers also have the option of buying Christmas pamper packs containing Betty & Butch’s signature Christmas soap, presented in a range of attractive gift boxes. These are available to trade with profit margins of up to 80%.

For trade enquiries call 0161 881 8864 or email sales@bettyandbutch.co.uk

The nation's love of pets drives an estimated £6 billion of spending for the UK economy, a new report from Pets At Home has revealed.

The Pet Report has drawn on a wealth of data from Pets At Home’s Very Important Pet (VIP) loyalty club database – made up of 2.5 million VIP members and more than 7 million registered pets – and an annual survey of over 5,000 pet owners to provide a unique insight into the role pets play in the UK economy and consumers’ lives today.

The report shows that increasingly we are treating our pets as we would treat ourselves, and that’s driving increased spending among pet owners. For instance, the pet food market is expected to grow to £2.6 billion by 2017, driven by advanced nutrition which gives dogs and cats a premium balanced diet with natural ingredients. Meanwhile 20% of UK pet owners have set up social media profiles for their pets.

Nick Wood, Chief Executive Officer of Pets At Home, commented:  “Our love of pets is good for the UK economy and this report provides definitive proof of this. For so many people, pets are an integral part of family life, and increasingly pet-lovers are treating their pets as they would themselves, whether that’s through an improved diet or treating them to a visit to a groomer.

“The report shows the wide range of ways in which pet ownership benefits the economy. It’s about so much more than just pet food, and from travel companies to social media, pet ownership is a factor many companies have to incorporate into their strategies today.”

The full report can be found at www.petsathome.com/petreport

Other key findings include:

• Our love of pets is good for the UK economy. The pet care market is estimated to be worth £6 billion in 2014, having grown by almost £1 billion in the past five years, despite the economic downturn. It is expected to grow further, by £800m in the next three years alone, as the economy recovers.

• In 2012, pet food and accessories accounted for approximately £3 billion, while services such as vets, grooming and insurance totalled approximately £2.5 billion. Pet services are expected to show strong growth through to 2017 – with insurance estimated to grow by 9.3%, grooming by 4.1% and small animal vet services by 3.2%.

• We are treating pets more as we would ourselves. Pet owners really care about their pets’ health, which explains why the UK pet health and hygiene market has grown from £289 million in 2006 to £334 million in 2012. It is predicted to grow to £380 million by 2017. The UK small animal vet market has grown by 2.3 % per year since 2006, and between 2012 and 2017, it is projected to increase at an annual rate of 3.2%. 

• Pets are a key driver of social media activity. 20% of pet owners have set up a social media profile especially for their pet, while nearly 90% share pictures of their pets online. Facebook is by far the most popular platform for sharing images of pets, with 27% of owners featuring their pets on Facebook, followed by Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest. 

• Pet owners spend £450 million a year on taking their pets away. The report found that a third of pet owners holiday with their pet and spend an average of £126 extra to keep their pet by their side, with one in six spending an additional £200 or more.

Recruitment specialist Lynda Ward has revealed that jobs within the pet industry are on the rise but disappointingly wages are still below those in other industries...

Lynda's company Pet Trade Solutions is reporting an upswing in the number of jobs in the pet industry.

“This is the most mobile that the market has been for over a year, with companies feeling more confident to take on more staff due to the long-awaited upturn in the economy," said Lynda.

"The South East of England remains the most popular for Area Sales Manager roles, with Export or International Sales Manager roles coming a close second.

"On the downside salaries are still lagging behind other industries such as the human food sector, and the pet trade really needs to re-assess its offering in order to keep our best people and also to attract new blood.”

Lynda is always happy to personally advise on any aspects of recruitment and marketing strategy and can be contacted on 07946 743784 or at lyndaward@pettradesolutions.com

With a year to go before AQUA 2015, the UK’s No 1 water gardening and aquatics trade exhibition is shaping up to be one of the best shows ever staged at Telford International Centre with 82% of stand space already sold.

Returning exhibitors include Alf Ltd, Aqua One, Berry Ring, CASCO, Certikin, Evolution Aqua Interpet, Lotus-Atlantis, J&K, JMC, Mars Fishcare, OASE, Pedigree Aquatics Wholesale, Peter Golding, Tetra and Tropical Marine Centre. A full list is on the AQUA website www.aquatelford.co.uk.

The two-day exhibition on October 14-15, 2015, will also have a strong international presence with companies like Eheim, JBL and Tunze (from Germany), Aquadip, Sibo BV and Velda (The Netherlands), Petra Aqua (Czech Republic), and Amblard (France) having committed to taking stand space.

“It’s great to see the industry getting right behind AQUA 2015,” says organiser Annie Foord. “Major companies from both the UK and abroad are returning to show,

“There’s still a year to go before the event and with 82% of the available stand space already booked, I can see the exhibition being sold out before too long.”

AQUA, which is staged every two years, has grown in size and popularity with companies like Alf Ltd agreeing it’s the perfect stage to launch new products. Sales and marketing director Tania Barton says: “AQUA is a great event and pulls the whole industry together under one roof. It gives us the chance to showcase any new and exciting products to many of our customers over two days. This is more effective than our sales people going around shops with samples as some shops just don’t have the resources to spend a lot of time with reps during opening hours.

It’s a similar story for JMC, whose Jane Flaherty says:  “AQUA is an important event for us because it is one of the few places where we can showcase our products to such a great selection of the aquatic trade. I think we would be crazy to miss it and have already started planning a new and exciting stand layout for 2015.”

There will be lots for visitors to see and do at AQUA 2015 and one of the most popular features is the New Products Showcase where exhibitors get the chance to unveil their latest launches. A panel of retailers will judge all entries on the first morning of the show before New Product Awards are handed out to the winners later in the day.

CASCO Europe won a New Product Award at AQUA 2013 and CEO Matthew Bubear says they’ll be entering again next year. “We have various products and innovations in development at the moment which we will launch at AQUA 2015.

“AQUA is a very well organised and attended trade show which gives us a great opportunity to reach out to the trade,” adds Matthew. “At the show our aim is to provide brand and product awareness. It also gives us the opportunity to demonstrate features and provide an excellent platform to launch new products.”

Annie Foord talks to exhibitors on a regular basis and she knows that AQUA 2015 is an important date in their calendar. “Companies will be working hard between now and AQUA 2015 in a year’s time to produce new and innovative products and services. So if you’re a retailer or buyer make sure you put the date in next year’s diary. It’s an event you can’t afford to miss.”

The AQUA 2015 website can be found at www.aquatelford.co.uk and the AQUA hotline is +44 (0) 1892 862848. Companies wishing to exhibit should call Annie Foord on the same number.

Date for the diary

AQUA 2015, October 14-15, Telford International Centre

"We are regulated by DEFRA and are required to submit our products for regular testing to an independent laboratory in order to ensure they are safe for dogs to enjoy all our meat products.

"We are also registered with our local trading standards, have our CIEH Food Hygiene Safety Certification and are also fully insured."



All Alfie & Molly's treats are wheat and gluten free and there is a grain free range: 

• Veggie Crunchies - Grain Free 
• Chicken Liver Paws - Grain Free 
• Mackerel Munchies - Grain Free 
• Berry Heaven - Grain Free 
• Hearty Beef Squares - Grain Free 
• Lamb Buttons - Grain Free 
• Turkey Triangles - Grain Free 
• Gourmet Peanut Butter & Banana Hearts 
• Funky Fish - Wheat & Gluten Free 
• Scrummy Liver Oaties - Wheat & Gluten Free 
• Doggy Chocolate (Carob) Oaties - Wheat & Gluten Free 
• Hearty Lamb Bites - Wheat & Gluten Free 
• Beefy Delights - Wheat & Gluten Free 
• Lavender & Lemon Calmers - Wheat & Gluten Free 
• Herby Salmon Flapjacks - Wheat & Gluten Free 
• Roast Chicken, Apple & Sage - Wheat & Gluten Free 
• Heavenly Turkey - Wheat & Gluten Free 
• Luscious Liver Bites - Wheat & Gluten Free 
• Cheese & Apple Mini Bones - Wheat & Gluten Free 
• Double Cheese Oaties - Wheat & Gluten Free 

Maria and Marika started the business of online www.alfieandmolly.co.uk and have now got 16 independent stockists around the country. They are hoping to sign up more and anyone intrested should email maria@alfieandmolly.co.uk

The new Kyjen Slo-Bowl from Animal Kingdom helps to solve the problem of dogs eating too fast. As well as helping to prolong the pet's mean it also adds an element of fun.

Voted 'Best in Show' at the Global Pet Expo 2014 in Orlando and chosen as a 'Fave Find' by Modern Dog Magazine, this dish actually turns gobbling into a game.

Dogs quickly learn to 'chase' their food through the maze of ridges and valleys, making dinnertime feel more like a hunt. And because the Slo-Bowl rewards their play with bits of food, dogs become moe engaged as the meal goes on. Vets agree that slower feeding is safer feeding.

The Slo-Bowl is available in a range of sizes and colours and is suitable for all breeds of dogs. It is also dishwasher safe, and BPA, PVC and Phthalate free.

The Kyjen Slo Bowl is available through Vital Pet Products and NVS and is supplied through Animal Kingdom Limited.

For more informationn contact Animal Kingdom on info@akbrands.co.uk or visit www.akbrands.co.uk

To see a video of the Slo-Bowl in action click here

SureFlap, the award-winning microchip-operated pet product specialist, has launched an innovative new SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder, the first product in its range of ground-breaking new pet feeders.

Activated when the pet feeder identifies an authorised pet by its microchip or RFID collar tag, the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder will slide open automatically when approached by the animal and close when the pet has finished feeding.

The feeder will ensure that pets eat from their own bowl, making it ideal for pets on special diets and those that are on medication or on a weight management programme.

It will also stop other pets from stealing food. Indeed, the side guards and the folding lid create a barrier around the bowl when the feeder is open to shield food from other pets when the animal is eating.

In addition, the SureFeed bowl is available in four colours and features a unique integrated seal to help keep food fresher for longer and the house free of smells, flies and insects.The feeder is easy to clean and the mat and lid can be removed and washed.

“The SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder provides owners with the versatility to feed their pets whatever their requirements, from those on special diets to animals in multi-pet households that have their food stolen,” says Dr Nick Hill, founder and managing director at SureFlap.

“The new SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder is the first in a range of innovative pet feeders from SureFlap with additional products in the pipeline.”

For further information on the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder or the company's microchip operated pet products, including its innovative SureFlap microchip pet doors, visit http://www.sureflap.com, phone 01954 211664 or email enquiries@sureflap.co.uk.

Billy+Margot has unveiled a new partnership with renowned vet Paul Manktelow, which is set to add value to its loyal customer base and reinforce the core values of the brand.

As one of the UK’s leading veterinary surgeons, Paul Manktelow is well known for advising and commenting on a number of important pet health issues across a plethora of print, broadcast and digital media.

With regular appearances on a range of prime time TV programmes and a substantial following across social media channels too, Manktelow’s partnership with Billy+Margot will see him deliver weekly blog advice, in bite size tips, as well as host live Q&A’s on the Billy+Margot social media channels and website.

Commenting on the partnership, Billy+Margot founder Marie Sawle, pictured below with Margot, said: “Ensuring that our pets are happy and healthy is a key value to the business and to me, and this is why all of our product ranges are packed with natural ingredients that put an emphasis on canine health and nutrition.

“Working with Paul will not only provide our loyal customer base with professional advice on the wider issues that pet owners face every day, but it will also give them handy hints and tips on up to date pet health matters and more.” 

Ceva Animal Health, manufacturer of the leading veterinary behaviour products, Adaptil for dogs and Feliway for cats, is hosting two live webinars to educate SQPs on advice that can be given to pet owners in the run up to and during the fireworks season.

The online seminars, which are hosted by Emma Wright, retail trainer and SQP advisor at Ceva Animal Health, will focus on the signs of firework fear and impact this has on cats and dogs. The webinar will detail how to advise customers on preparing their home for the fireworks season and the use of pheromone support (Adaptil and Feliway) with evidence based material.

The first webinar took place last evening and there is a scond planned for 7.00pm on Wednesday, October 22. Delegates will need to register at least 24 hours prior to the webinar date by emailing their name, SQP number and email address to retailuk@ceva.com in order to be sent the webinar link with access instructions.

The webinar lasts for approximately 45-50 minutes and accounts for three accredited CPD points. Ten questions will be emailed to delegates after each webinar has finished and these must be completed with a pass mark of 80% in order to gain the points.

For further information please contact Ceva Animal Health on 01494 781510.

Firework season is a very stressful time for dogs and many owners will be seeking advice from their vet or pet shop to find out how best to help their dog during this period. There are many different solutions that can help and The Tellington TTouch training method has wonderful applications for helping dogs during firework season or for any dog that is noise sensitive.

TTouch is a gentle training method, consisting of a series of circles and lifts as well as groundwork exercises to make your animal more aware, more balanced, and less stressed.

Practitioner Toni Shelbourne explains: "Tellington TTouch (TTouch) was developed over 30 years ago by Linda Tellington Jones. The method uses non-habitual movements of the skin to improve the posture of an animal. As posture affects behaviour, the animal's symptoms decrease as they come into balance. An animal requires physical, mental and emotional balance to be able to simply act, not react to a situation.

"Think of a saying you use to describe being frightened like, 'tuck tail and run' – this beautifully describes the posture that a noise phobic animal can adopt. The posture then 'tells' the dog how to behave – in other words, in a fearful way. Change the posture and a different message is sent, the behaviour diminishes and hopefully disappears over time. There lies the beauty of TTouch, it gets to the emotional core of the issue and helps the dog to change their perception of a fearful stimulus.

"As the dog can now rationally think its way through the problem, the desensitisation training, if still needed, becomes much more effective. They can now think due to not having to act in an instinctive fearful response. TTouch can be the long term cure as well as the on the spot relief. Better still it is easy to learn and you can do it yourself in the comfort of your own home."

Tellington TTouch Earwork

Dogs have mobility in their ears which can mean that they can hold tension here. Gentle strokes of the ear to the tip can help release that tension. This may also help stop a dog going into shock in the event of an accident. When doing earwork it is important to support the head with one hand. Work on the ear the opposite side to the side you are supporting (see picture above). With the thumb on the outside of the ear and the folded forefinger on the inside slide the hand from the base of the ear to the tip. Try and change the angle on each slide. You can also do circular TTouches on the ear. 

To make circular touches work from the base of the ear to the tip (picture left) These cicles need to be light, slow and a circle and a quarter. Generally in TTouch we work clockwise, but some dogs may prefer it anti-clockwise.

AmPet offers a couple of solutions that can really help with noise phobia, within the TTouch tool kit – Body Wraps and Thundershirts.

Practitioners for years have been using body wraps to help dogs, horses and even cats. Instructor Kathy Cascade explains: "One of the most useful tools of the Tellington TTouch method is a simple ace bandage known as a 'body wrap'. For years, TTouch and TTEAM equine practitioners have been using body wraps to influence an animal's posture, movement, and behaviour. Sometimes the result is subtle, as when a horse picks up a foot to step into a trailer when he couldn't do it previously, and sometimes the result is seemingly miraculous, as when a dog that is terrified of thunder storms or fireworks is able to calmly lie down and sleep through the noise. How can a simple piece of cloth have such a wide ranging influence on an animal? Part of the answer lies in how the sensory information from a wrap is processed in the animal's nervous system.

"Typically, a body wrap is applied to an animal's body in some sort of figure eight fashion, making contact around the chest and crossing over the back, sometimes extending to the hindquarters. "While the wrap is applied comfortably, it is never put on tightly, as the purpose is simply to bring awareness to the area of the body it contacts, rather than for any type of support. Because of the slight stretch inherent in an ace bandage, the contact provides a light sensation of pressure against the body that also moves slightly as the animal moves. This has the effect of bringing a heightened attention to or awareness of how an animal is using his body parts during movement." More information can be found on the other side of this sheet.

Another product, recommended by vets, dog trainers and Tellington TTouch practitioners that can really help is the Thundershirt. Tellington TTouch Instructor Marie Miller says: "When a dog is in a highly aroused state because of fear or frustration, his latent nervous system takes over and he just reacts to his environment. His response may be to deflect, flee, freeze or protect himself, rather than observing his environment, thinking and then offering a learned, measured response. When correctly fitted, these shirts exert an even pressure around the chest, shoulders and ribcage. Used with Tellington TTouch body and ground work, they can be particularly helpful to calm a dog so that they are able to observe and think, rather than just react.

"These shirts, were designed to help dogs who suffer fear of thunder and, indeed, they help many dogs in this way. However, they can also be very useful when working through retraining programmes with dogs who are reactive or shy and those who do not travel well."

More information about Thundershirts and TTouch wraps can be found at www.ampetproducts.com or www.thundershirt.xtradog.com

PATS’ standing as an international pet trade show is set to grow even further following the decision to move its September 2015 show to the Telford International Centre.

The switch to Telford is seen as a great opportunity to attract more international visitors eager to discover innovative new pet products from UK companies. With England’s two largest international airports (outside of London) ideally situated for Telford – Birmingham with 110 daily arrivals and Manchester with almost 200 – travelling to and from the event will be far easier.

PATS Telford is taking place on Sunday, September 27, and Monday, September 28, 2015, and UK pet suppliers are already getting excited about the chance to showcase their products and services to a growing number of overseas distributors.

“We hope the show continues to grow,” says Lisa Osborne, of Marriages Specialist Foods. “We want PATS to draw more people from around the world and put the British pet care market in the global spotlight. People are often nervous of change but I believe it is a step in the right direction.

“Having done several shows at Telford International Centre I have found it to be well organised and clean, and it has great facilities. It will remove all the loading and unloading frustrations, and time wasted in queues.”

And Katie Goldsmith, of Collarways, also believes Telford will help to attract an increasing number of international visitors. “Good transport links will help our customers, particularly those from abroad,” she says. “Another added attraction is the fact that all exhibitors will be in one hall and that will make the show easier to navigate for visitors. We are looking forward to the move to a modern building that is more readily equipped to deal with both exhibitor and visitor needs.”

PATS believes that the British pet industry should be staging international exhibitions in the UK. Organiser Gordon Thomas says: “The UK pet market is the second largest in Europe and we need a venue that reflects the scale of the trade. Telford International Centre fits the bill perfectly.”

The decision to move venues was made after extensive external research revealed there were a number of issues concerning Harrogate as PATS continues to grow in size and stature.

The show organisers believe the move to Telford International Centre is the best and most exciting option for many reasons. The venue is a purpose-built exhibition centre, with a light airy feel, ideally situated on the edge of the town. It has superb exhibitor access for build-up and breakdown and free parking for 1,300 vehicles right by the venue.

There is a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets in and around the venue with three hotels on site offering 338 bedrooms. A further 325 bedrooms are available within a five-minute walk and 1,000 just a 15-minute drive away.

Dominic Ebery, marketing director of Fish4Dogs, feels the move to Telford will make the build-up and breakdown of stands a lot easier. “The UK pet industry needs a successful show like PATS so any decision to improve the event should be welcomed.”

Dates for next year’s PATS

PATS Sandown: March 17-18, 2015

PATS Telford: September 27-28, 2015 

Even pets are experiencing the far-reaching effects of The Great British Bake Off as a growing number of people are taking to baking for their dogs.

Home-made dog treats being produced by pet owners range from snacks such as biscuits and buns, to fishcakes and even polenta bakes.

In particular an increasing number of owners are baking birthday cakes for their dogs containing the ingredients favoured by their pets.

Among the converts to baking for their pets is Brendan Lynch, a finalist in the BBC’s Great British Bake Off series in 2012.

He said he starting cooking for his dog Monty, a labradoodle, after researching shop-bought pet food online and finding the ingredients in such products “quite shocking”.

“Monty is our first dog and before we got him we did a lot of research into dog food and treats. We found that there are a great deal of additives in off-the-shelf supermarket products.

“Dogs and cats, just like us, develop allergies and reactions to additives over time, and there is definitely much less scrutiny on what goes into treats and animal foods generally.

“I decided that I was better off making my own. I am in control of what is going in and Monty likes it. In any case I enjoy baking for him as well.”

Recipes posted by Mr Lynch, 65, on his website include one for chicken liver and bacon dog snacks, which he says are intended, “as with chocolate cake for humans”, as an occasional treat.

His contribution adds to a growing catalogue of recipe books for dogs, including the Healthy Hound Cookbook, a collection of 125 dog food recipes published in May, and In the Dog Kitchen, due to be published in October.

Dogs Trust, the welfare charity, even included a recipe for lamb cupcakes in a recent edition of its magazine Wag, under the title The Great British Bark Off.

Animal-loving Christie Hanson from Kirkburton in West Yorkshire has been named Britain’s top pet owner following her efforts in caring for two ill dogs...

Christie beat off hundreds of others to win the competition organised by Frontline Spot On.

The 25-year-old video games producer has been rewarded for her dedication to her rescue dogs Roxie and Copper.

She adopted seven-year-old cross breed Copper, then six-year-old Roxie a few months later as a companion for her, and they soon became the best of friends.

But in April 2014, Roxie was diagnosed with lymphoma.

Every week, Christie drove Roxie to a vet to have chemotherapy and held her paw while she endured blood tests. At home, Copper would wait patiently for her best friend to return.

When Christie found out Roxie’s treatment wasn’t working, she was referred to a specialist vet in Liverpool and together they would undertake a 150 mile round trip every week to ensure Roxie had the best possible chance of survival.

Determined to save her pet, Christie spent her wages on pet insurance and premium pet food for both her dogs to ensure they received the best nutrition possible, and would hide Roxie’s steroid tablets and vitamins in the finest chicken meals.

Sadly, in September, Roxie lost her battle leaving Christie and Copper heartbroken.

Christie won a trophy, a year’s worth of Frontline Spot On products, a pet-friendly ‘staycation’ for the whole family and a pet hamper full of goodies.

She said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have won the competition and been crowned the UK’s Most Dedicated Pet Owner.

“To many people, pets are a huge part of the family and for us; Roxie and Copper are no different.

“Roxie was a real fighter and I’m so proud of Copper’s devotedness to her best friend. I’ve learned to cherish every moment with my dogs and will ensure Copper is doted on.”

Blooming Pet Products has added a new product to its digestion range – Gut Health.

Gut Health is a liquid feed supplement made using a concentrated herbal extract containing 14 different herbs to support gut health naturally.

The supplement has been created to give cats and dogs a ‘feel good gut’ the natural way, by taking a holistic approach, through supporting the natural balance of the body and the immune system.

“Gut Health has been added to our range to give customers a different way to support the gut health of their dogs and cats,” says David Willey from Blooming Pet Products.

“It’s entirely natural and uses herbs that support gut health naturally. Better still, it’s really easy to integrate to the cat or dog’s diet – you just add the suggested amount to his or her food for five days…that’s it.”

Gut Health is available in 100ml bottles and has a RRP of £8.95.

For more information, see www.bloomingpets.com or call 01548 531835.

The meaty strips are 100% natural, grain free, and contain no additives or preservatives. Ingredients are all sourced from selected EU suppliers

Hollings also has a new 100% Natural Chicken Fillets 100g. Again sourced from EU supply, these treats are 100% natural, high in protein and low in fat

For further information contact Hollings by email info@hollings.uk.com

Pet owners have been warned that cuddling a cat can cause them stress with research revealing

Nicky Trevorrow, Cats Protection’s behaviour manager, said: "Being held or stroked for too long can be very stressful for some cats.

"Space and peace is often what they need - they’re not small furry humans so what would comfort us won’t necessarily comfort them.

"Owners love their animals and want them to be happy but our research has highlighted a lack of understanding of stress triggers for cats and how to deal with them."

The charity also found that 55% did not realise that living with another cat or dog can cause stress and 51% failed to recognise wetting and soiling in the house as a sign of stress.

Only a quarter knew that grooming a particular area all the time was an indication that their pet was suffering anxiety.

And half were unaware that strange cats coming into the house also had an effect. 

It carried out the research for a BBC2 Horizon documentary, Cat Watch 2014, which followed the secret lives of 100 cats. The programme was shown on Tuesday.

The animals were tracked using GPS and micro-cameras and examined in three different environments.

The series reveals the secret language of cats and why they meow, how they transformed from pampered pet to predator and how they see, hear and smell the world with the sense of their wild ancestors.

Harry Makin, who ran a pet shop in Radcliffe, Bury, until he retired in his late 70s, has celebrated his 102nd birthday.

The Mayor of Bury Cllr. Michell Wiseman attended a party in Harry's honour at Hollybank Care Home in the Greater Manchester town.

Daughter Eunice Myatt said: “Dad has always been an animal lover. Him running the pet shop was such fun for us as children, I always had lots of animals at home as a youngster."

"There are lots of people in the town who will know him. He also used to sell fishing equipment and bait. The shop was demolished after he retired.

“Dad has been healthy for most of his life and I think it is because he always walked everywhere, he never drove.

“He really enjoyed his get-together at the care home and looked very happy.”

Harry is pictured with the Mayor of Bury Cllr. Michell Wiseman, and son Peter Makin.