Man’s best friend? Part of the family? Emily McCoy showcases a raft of new products for the pet lover who only wants the best for their animal companions
Whether you have a pet yourself or you’re catering to customers who care for furry, feathered or fanged friends, it is certainly beneficial to stay on top of trends and know what pet carers want.
With pet health, as with other areas of life, there’s a move towards sustainability. ‘Plant powered’ is now commonplace, drawing in natural and organic shoppers who are staying true to their green form. With a plethora of products parading on shelves and websites, it’s much easier to find food, treats, supplements and grooming products for our furry friends that don’t stray from environmental ideals.
According to Dr Guy Sandelowsky, owning a medium-sized dog has twice the impact on the environment as a gas-guzzling SUV. With that in mind it’s no surprise that environmentally attuned shoppers are turning to vegan, organic and sustainable pet food.
The category is racing ahead with new forays into insect foods – grubs and bugs being top of the list with fresh snacks from established brands like Daylesford and new kid on the block, Mr Bug. Ethical and sustainable farming practices that are less ‘land and water greedy’ are still a primary concern for consumers; something you see reflected in many pet products today.
So what’s on offer? Even in your most otherworldly dreams you would never have found such items as those now available in the pet care category – all made with a huge helping of imagination. Pet lovers can dabble in fun-flavoured foods (how about HOWND’s Papaya, Chia & Lentil Dahl with Coconut & Moringa?), mealworms, fragrant soaps, shampoos and even essential oil anti-pest fabric sprays.
As a brand it’s important to explain your ethos, says the latest Mintel research into sustainable strategies for pet food companies. Packaging is the first port of call for customers, so tell the story: reassure them that environmentally friendly packaging doesn’t necessarily cost more; highlight plastic-free credentials; and don’t forget to explain the impact of choosing the greener pet products options.
WildWash Paw Balm for Cats
Lush and lick-safe, massage this shea butter, sweet almond and borage balm into your little feline’s feet to help sooth dry spots and keep them on their paws.
Puressentiel Anti-Pest Fabric Spray
Dust mites, bed bugs or the dreaded fleas are common problems – but no more! This natural anti-pest fabric spray kills and prevents reinfestation, with the all-star ingredient palmarosa oil.
Green People allPaws
Transform mucky pups and kitties into pristine pets with Green People’s shampoos which use gently cleansing, pH-balanced natural actives that are sustainably sourced and suitable for all breeds. Options include Wild Mint and Sensitive.
Faith in Nature Dog Shampoo
Having tested on humans for almost 50 years, Faith in Nature brings the same natural quality to its dog shampoo collection. Choose from Detangling for curly coats and knots, Gentle for sensitive dogs and puppies or Deep Cleansing for dirty dogs – ‘fox poo doesn’t stand a chance’.
Daylesford Organic pet foods
Organic through and through, the recipes for Daylesford’s dry and wet food are
made with natural and grass-fed produce, including organic offal sourced from its farm. In September the brand launched new insect treats for dogs, in contrast to its vegan treat for fresh breath, made with mint, basil and honey.
Awake Organics Natural Dog Wash Shampoo
With none of the nasties, this new water-activated powder includes oatmeal, nourishing organic coconut milk and sunflower seed oil. It comes in a lightweight aluminium bottle, for on-the-go muddy moments.
Mr Bug Entovegan Dog Treats
Proudly grown and cooked in Devon, Mr Bug’s mealworms offer dogs something different from black soldier flies – the predominant grub of choice in bug-based treats. Four variants are available – The Nutty One, The Fruit One, The Veggie One and The Cheesy One – all packed with nutrients.
Omni Complete Vegan Dog Food
Omni products contain 30% protein – more than most meat-based dog food on the market, the brand claims. Other benefits of this all-vegan munch include glossier coats and, some even report, less offensive gas.
The Pack plant-based wet dog food
You’ve seen vegan meat for humans; now pets can try it too. The Pack simulates animal products in its three alternative options to fish, chicken and beef: No-Fishy Dishy; No-Cluck Casserole; No-Moo Ragu. Each one is packed with plant protein, vitamins and minerals to support dogs’ health.
HOWND porridge for dogs
This ready-made porridge for dogs is soft on the stomach and packed with plant-powered goodness. The brand has several options for breakfast-loving pets, including the latest Fresh Blueberry & Coconut Porridge with Chia & Oats.
Harrington’s supplements
Harrington’s chews and tablets are not just packed with omega-3 and vitamins D and C, but they prioritize taste, naturalness and meatiness. They are suited to different age ranges and help keep coats silky and joints supple.
Noochy Poochy pouches
One of the only dry dog foods that’s 100% vegan and complete, with vitamin D3 sourced from algae – great for zero waste shops too, with a 2kg recyclable bag available.
Natural Healing for Pets from Helios
Helios Homeopathy Ltd
Tel: 01892 511555
E-mail: [email protected]
www.helios.co.uk
Helios is a leading homeopathic pharmacy and manufacturer based in the heart of Tunbridge Wells and Covent Garden, London. Alongside our wide range of remedies and products for people we like to look after our four legged friends too.
The Helios First Aid Kit for Pets contains 24 homeopathic remedies covering a wide range of common complaints and first aid situations and our specially formulated SOeSsence flower essence for those emergency situations. There is a comprehensive booklet to help your customers choose the right remedy too. In addition our SOeSsence healing beeswax balm contains botanicals and essential oils to help heal sore paws and minor cuts and abrasions and our SLS free shampoo contains soothing plant based ingredients, particularly good for itchy and scurfy skin.
SerraPet®
Wholesale Health Ltd
Tel: 01606 889905
E-mail: [email protected]
www.wholesalehealthltd.co.uk
Good Health Naturally’s SerraPet® includes high-strength serrapeptase 250,000iu per tablet. It provides accelerated healing support for pet health. Serrapeptase is a naturally occurring proteolytic enzyme initially derived from the intestine of the silkworm, now naturally cultivated for safe animal and human use. Serrapeptase helps clear inflammation, mucus congestion and unwanted scar tissue, benefitting injuries, post-operative recovery, arthritis, ENT problems and other pet-related issues. Large and small animals can benefit, with owners of cats, dogs and horses reporting widespread use over the past 20 years. SerraPet® is the same serrapeptase used for human consumption. 90 tablets per bottle.
CBD FOR PETS
PURA VIDA ORGANIC
Tel: +385 916045050 / +385 12028900
E-mail: [email protected]
www.vida-organic.com
Beside feeling love towards us, our pets feel lots of different things. Happiness, joy, but also discomfort and sadness if something is not right. You are the one they can rely on and it is your duty to provide them with the best possible care and what is better than CBD? Whether your little one is perfectly fine or struggling with a problem, such as irritated skin, CBD is there to help. Pura Vida Organic has a selection of high quality CBD oils registered as COSMOS Organic or COSMOS Natural, also suitable for animals. Pet care at it’s finest.
Wildwash Shampoo
Tel: 07976 886727
E-mail: [email protected]
www.wildwash.co.uk
We used our 15 years of grooming experience to develop a range of natural pH balanced pet shampoos and cosmetics that are brilliantly effective and kind to our pets’ skin and coat. Our natural products are used on all breeds of dogs, cats and horses every day and give incredible results. Our products carry the Leaping Bunny Cruelty Free International logo and have Ethical Accreditaion. Trusted by groomers, vets and pet owners worldwide, your pets will thank you for it!