RawSAFE accreditation

Sets High Standards For Raw Petfood Manufacturers

The first independent accreditation of its kind has been launched to ensure that pets and working dogs across the UK are fed the best and safest possible raw food.

The mission of RawSAFE is to encourage the highest safety standards and best practice in commercial raw pet food manufacturing by conducting an independent audit and an unannounced spot check of manufacturers annually. Audits are conducted by independent auditors from the largest meat hygiene and food safety inspectorate in Europe. A set of standards, which are reviewed and updated frequently, has been prepared after consultation with experts in human food manufacturing and veterinary professionals.

Manufacturers who successfully pass the audit can add the RawSAFE Certification Mark to their products, assuring consumers of the highest level of quality and protection for their pets. The integrity of this mark is legally enforced to stop fraudulent advertising by manufacturers who either fail the audit or who choose not to be audited.

Two UK-based pet food manufacturers – Bella & Duke in Inverkeithing and Paleo Rudge in Waterlooville – have become the first to achieve RawSAFE accreditation, which is supported by the Raw Feeding Veterinary Society (RFVS).

RawSAFE is run by veterinary professionals to support vets, manufacturers, consumers, pets and working dogs across the UK. Collaborating with experts in human food manufacturing, the company has examined existing accreditation standards within the industry.

The resulting RawSAFE standards match those required for human food production and have relevant adaptations to safely accommodate various ingredients used in pet food – but less commonly eaten by humans – such as dog, they can be sure that it has been manufactured with safety in mind.

“RawSAFE aims to encourage positive, constructive and science-based interaction between the veterinary profession and commercial raw pet food manufacturers. We have the safety of our animal companions and their human guardians at the heart of everything we do.”

The RFVS defines the gold standard diet for dogs and cats as comprising fresh, raw meaty bones, meats, organ meats, fruits and vegetables, minimally processed by mincing and freezing.

This diet, which contains no added synthetic supplements, additives or preservatives, is said to be biologically appropriate for the anatomy and physiology of dogs and cats. This reduces inflammation and disease of the digestive tract and the body as a whole whilst fulfilling their welfare needs, thus improving everything from the dental to mental health of dogs and cats.

Last November, RawSAFE shared a stand with RFVS at London Vet Show 2022 where there was standing room only for two presentations by RFVS president Dr Amaya Espindola.

“We didn’t stop talking to vets and nurses the entire time the show was open and almost all of them were asking really constructive questions about how they can better understand and support their increasing numbers of raw feeding clients,” says the directors of RawSAFE.

“Without exception, they understood the importance of RawSAFE and we’ve had a very busy time talking to veterinary professionals and journalists since the event.

“It was very clear that such reassurance was essential to even the most open minded of the vets that we spoke to. Their concerns are absolutely valid in relation to poorly manufactured foods, hence why we look to set the excellent manufacturers clearly apart.

“We were delighted to hear time and again that they would be recommending accredited products to their clients in the future.

“It was also pleasing to hear from one applicant that they had received an enquiry asking if they were RawSAFE accredited, as the potential customer’s vet had insisted, they should only use a RawSAFE certified product.”

UK natural pet food brand receives UK £6 million investment

Natural pet food brand

Scrumbles received a £6 million ($7.2 million USD) investment from growth capital investors BGF. The brand will use the investment to expand its senior team and to support its growth in omni-channel.

Based in London, Scrumbles was founded in 2018 by husband-andwife duo Jack Walker and Aneisha Soobroyen, chief executive officer. The couple was prompted to create Scrumbles after their pets experienced digestive health issues. Mr Walker and Ms Soobroyen leveraged their extensive FMGC experience to establish the brand. Scrumbles offers tailored-made food for cats and dogs in a range of high-quality, natural recipes.

Products include dry and wet formulas, treats and functional diets made with probiotics to support gut and digestive health. The brand’s formulas are available at major UK retailers, including Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsburys, Pets at Home and others. Scrumbles also operates a direct-toconsumer (DTC) channel and has a strong online sales presence.

As well as supporting pets through its formulations, Scrumbles also seeks to support the environment.

The brand achieved B Corp certification in 2018 and received recertification this year for its continued practices toward accountability and transparency.

BGF’s investment was led by an all-female investor team: Daina Spedding, Isabella Fox and

Daria Polunina. According to BGF, Scrumbles has experienced significant growth, with its revenue tripling since launch.

“BGF is thrilled to be backing Scrumbles, an exciting business with an ambitious growth strategy,” says Ms Spedding. “Pet nutrition is a resilient and growing market and Scrumbles is well positioned to serve the increasing demand for healthier, natural food for pets. We look forward to supporting Aneisha and Jack as they continue to expand the business and build on their significant success to date.”

Scrumbles will use BGF’s investment to hire a new finance director and increase its marketing to support expansion throughout all of its sales channels.