Pet Industry News February-April 2023 by The Intermedia Group

INTRODUCING Purina® PRO PLAN ® LIVECLEAR ™ THE FIRST CAT FOOD TO REDUCE ALLERGENS IN CAT HAIR FEBRUARY - APRIL 2023 PET INDUSTRY’S YOUNG GUNS ● ALTERNATIVE PROTEINS ● HOLISTIC HEALTH

PUBLISHED BY:

C&I Media Pty Ltd

Editor’s Note

We are delighted to present our latest issue, featuring some of the brightest young achievers in the pet industry. These individuals have already made a significant impact on the pet world, and we are excited to introduce them to you. From innovative pet product designers to animal behaviourists and veterinarians, these young professionals are changing the game and advancing their fields in innovative new ways.

In this issue, we also delve into the world of alternative proteins in pet food. As the demand for sustainable and ethical pet food grows, many pet owners are turning to alternative sources of protein. From insects to plant-based proteins, we explore the benefits and drawbacks of these options and highlight some of the best products available on the market today.

Finally, we take a closer look at holistic therapies for pets. As more pet owners seek natural and non-invasive treatments for their furry friends, we examine some of the most popular and effective holistic therapies, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and massage. Our experts provide insights into how these therapies can help improve a pet’s overall wellbeing and quality of life.

A lifelong passion

For Dr Bronwen MacRae, Chief Health Officer at Royal Canin, considering a career outside the veterinary field was never an option.

8 Pet Industry News February - April 2023 5 Minutes With…

FROM THE age of six, Dr Bronwen MacRae knew what she wanted to be in life. A routine vaccination for her family dog saw Dr MacRae intrigued by the process – the checking of the eyes, ears, and mouth, feeling the belly, listening to the heart and lungs – and inspired her to pursue her dream career.

“Seeing the vet take such good care of my dog meant I never considered any other career option. After finishing high school, my family moved to Melbourne so that I could study veterinary science, I am very grateful to them for that,” she explained.

That gratitude towards her parents is still evident as Dr MacRae lists them both, her mother who is a doctor and her father who has managed large companies, as inspirations in her life.

“I think I have followed in both of their footsteps, having had a career in both medicine and business management. They have both given me incredible advice over the years, and encouraged me to pursue my passion for medicine, science, and supporting the bond between people and their pets.”

While she recently joined Royal Canin in the newly created role of Chief Health Officer ANZ, Dr MacRae’s career path

“I’ve been lucky to have experienced all aspects of working in a veterinary hospital, each person’s job is so important. I started off as a kennel cleaner, then worked as a vet receptionist, before becoming a vet nurse until I graduated from vet school. I’ve been a veterinarian now for 12 years, living and working in Melbourne.”

These moments of change in Dr MacRae’s career enabled her to expand her knowledge to cover both the medicinal and managerial aspects of the veterinary industry.

“The biggest defining moments in my career were each time I said yes to an opportunity outside of my comfort zone, as each one forced me to learn and grow. Moving from clinical practice to operations management was a big change, but also an incredible learning experience. As was the move from managing vet hospitals to working with hospital managers as an industry partner.

“Saying yes to opportunity, although it can be daunting, has allowed me to work with people who inspire me to work harder towards a better world for veterinarians, nurses, pets, and their people.”

Chief Health Officer

In her role as Chief Health Officer at Royal Canin, Dr MacRae is tasked with advocating for two things – science-based nutrition and a sustainable veterinary industry.

“My role is to work in partnership with the vet profession on ways we can provide value to the challenges they face and support their pet-owner clients with science-backed premium nutrition to help boost our pet’s overall health and wellbeing between vet visits.

5 Minutes With…

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“I have a long-term vision for this role, I know I’ll be starting conversations and projects now that will continue for years to come.” – Dr Bronwen MacRae

“We have known for over a decade veterinarians experience stress and burnout, that many experience mental health fatigue and it is common for vets to leave practice after only a few years. I remember being told about this as a new graduate, that it was just the way things are and as a vet you just have to be tough.”

Being a newly created role, and Dr MacRae being the first person to fill it, her goal for now is simple – learn and look for opportunities to support positive change.

“I have been learning about Royal Canin’s goals and vision – like our plan to be a carbon natural company. I’ve visited our Waltham Research Centre in the UK to learn about the research behind our nutrition. I’ve also connected with our industry partners to learn about the state of the veterinary industry right now and where Royal Canin can support initiatives that promote a sustainable and healthy veterinary workplace.

“I have a long-term vision for this role, I know I’ll be starting conversations and projects now that will continue for years to come.”

Among those conversations will be addressing the national vet shortage and helping veterinarians deal with mental health problems in general.

“This year, Royal Canin and Love Your Pet Love Your Vet published a research report on the relationship between pet owners and their veterinarians. They found that the majority of Australian pet owners do not know that the incidence of suicide among veterinarians is four times the national average and that 68 per cent of vets have lost a colleague to suicide, myself included.

“The results also showed that 60 per cent of veterinarians have sought professional help due to stress, anxiety or depression from their work. When we asked them why, the top two reasons were pet owner expectations, usually around cost of treatment, and long working hours.”

Dr MacRae said that these results make it clear that mental health support is critical for veterinarians.

A pet passion

Despite the challenges that veterinarians obviously face, Dr MacRae still loves what she does, and has many moments that she treasures.

“I remember feeling like a superhero when a young dog came into the clinic having gotten into the fishing tackle box at home and attempted to eat a fishing lure with three hooks –one was through his tongue, one through his lip and the other through his paw as he had tried to get it out of his mouth.

“Within minutes I had sedated him and removed the hooks, then reversed the sedation and he was awake and walking around like nothing had happened. The owners were very relieved, and it was very rewarding to see their concern and love for their dog.”

It’s not just the animals that make her work enjoyable, but also being surrounded by like-minded colleagues that share a united passion for pets and their wellbeing.

“All my colleagues and customers love animals and will happily share photos and stories about the animals that have made their lives better. It might be their dog, who loves to ‘sing along’ to the piano, or their cat who likes to play fetch, or their rabbit who steals the lid to the pellet container.

“My own pets have brought me so much joy throughout my life, and I love working with people and an organisation who genuinely put the health and wellbeing of our furry companions first.” n

5 Minutes With…

10 Pet Industry News February - April 2023

“My own pets have brought me so much joy throughout my life, and I love working with people and an organisation who genuinely put the health and wellbeing of our furry companions first.” – Dr Bronwen MacRae

Canine Couture

Born from a desire to offer pets fashionable products, DOGUE has gone from strength to strength over the past 25 years.

Words Thomas Oakley-Newell

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS ago, Simone Kingston was on the hunt for practical yet fashionable products for her dog, Gulliver. Not being able to find anything, Kingston took it upon herself, and DOGUE was born.

“The concept of DOGUE was to open Australia’s first dog boutique. ‘A House of Canine Couture’ featuring its own doggy label with a focus on pet fashion. High quality products, cool branding, and extensive service, creating a fun and unique shopping experience for dogs and their owners,” she explains.

Founded in 1998, DOGUE is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and currently has nine stores across NSW, Queensland, and Victoria, with a retreat boarding facility in Berrima, NSW.

Falling into the pet industry through simply wanting better things for Gulliver, Kingston says DOGUE is built from a place of love.

“Wanting dogs to have a place where they could have all the good things they deserve, a place where dog lovers could come together as a community, a place where dogs could come to shop and are made to feel welcome. DOGUE has given me a creative outlet I would never have dreamed possible, a place where I could indulge my love of design, fashion and interior and of course dogs.”

Joining DOGUE in 2005, Margaret Hennessy who is now CEO/Owner, came on board to run the retail business to allow Kingston to focus on wholesale and design.

“I loved the concept that Simone had come up with, and being a passionate animal lover, I was very keen to assist Simone and Tony

develop the brand. We then saw an opportunity for me to take on the retail arm of the business, to allow Simone to focus on being more creative and to design a more extensive product range. It was all about the DOGUE passion, the dogs, and the customers.”

Alongside their retail offering, Kingston and Hennessy identified an in-demand market to upscale their business.

“We base key decisions on the health and wellbeing of the dogs in our care but add a stylish flair to what we do at the same time.” – Margaret Hennessy, CEO/Owner, DOGUE

12 Pet Industry News February - April 2023

L-R: Margaret Hennessy and Simone Kingston

“We were a small store in Woollahra in Sydney’s East and we needed to find alternatives to being a pure retail offering. Within a couple of months, we introduced grooming and within that first year moved to our current location in Oxford Street, Bondi Junction where we have two sites side by side – retail, grooming, and day care.

“Grooming is such an in-demand service and for most of our stores it is now the main revenue driver. This absolutely changed the business as our clients are such regular visitors, many weekly,” explained Hennessy.

Furry fashion

In addition to grooming, day care, and general retail, DOGUE’s own range of products really shine through.

Kingston explains that DOGUE’s product ranges are distinctive and known for their playful prints, working with what’s in fashion, both on the street and at home.

“From our extensive experience in retail and services we have a strong understanding of the pet accessory market and the needs of consumers, so we are consistently working on designs that customers want.

“We get that customers want quality products, but they also want individual style, because dogs don’t want to all look the same at the park, so our ranges offer lots of different looks that can be mixed around to achieve this.”

At the end of the day, Hennessey says their philosophy is simple – dogs come first.

“We base key decisions on the health and wellbeing of the dogs in our care but add a stylish flair to what we do at the same time. Trust in the pet industry is so important. The longevity of DOGUE, our customer service and the thousands of services we provide each year have earnt us that trust.”

It is this trust and quality service that has enabled DOGUE to succeed over the years, and despite the business evolving and growing so much since its inception, Hennessy still gets a kick every time they open a new store.

Industry Spotlight petnews.com.au 13

“DOGUE has given me a creative outlet I would never have dreamed possible, a place where I could indulge my love of design, fashion and interior, and of course dogs.”

– Simone Kingston, Founder, DOGUE

“Every time we open a new store it is so rewarding. Partnering with franchise owners, the HQ team, store team and other providers to bring it all together is a definite buzz. Watching as each store grows and engages with its own community of dogs and developing those special connections is what DOGUE is all about.

“Extending the DOGUE family to The Country Retreat in 2010 – our intimate boarding facility – has been such a great service add on for our customers, a safe and trusted home away from home.”

Best paw forward

Not content with simply working across retail, grooming, and day-care, DOGUE also has a website, which is currently in the process of being re-designed and launched as part of the 25th anniversary celebrations.

“Our website is around 12 years old. With the new website, we’re really wanting to focus more on our actual online offering and our product range. We’ve got lots of new products coming out this year under the DOGUE banner and we really want to get behind that because that’s going to generate revenue for the whole company,” explains Hennessy.

For Kingston, the website needs to reflect the evolution of the business, which has changed over the past 12 years.

“We’re trying to push what we represent as a company as soon as you get onto the website, our products, our services,

Celebrate DOGUE’s 25th Birthday!

DOGUE in-store birthday celebration: Customers are invited to attend any of DOGUE’s nine stores in NSW, Victoria and Queensland between 4-6pm on Thursday 2 March to share in DOGUE’s birthday celebrations. There will be afternoon tea, Instafamous guests, treats for everyone’s gorgeous canines, give aways and a snap sale of 25 per cent of all DOGUE Design products in-store.

DOGUE Cover Dog Competition: From 1 April 2023, customers can log on and register their beloved four-legged pooch to participate in the DOGUE Cover Dog competition and look book to be unveiled in May.

DOGUE Autumn Range Launch Party: DOGUE will hold a launch event in May 2023 for all customers, suppliers, staff, and media as it unveils its exclusive DOGUE Autumn range and announces the winners of the DOGUE Cover Dog competition. DOGUE will also unveil its new website at this time.

RSPCA Million Paws Walk: DOGUE will be continuing to celebrate its birthday with stands at RSPCA Million Paws Walk in Albert Park (VIC), Sydney Olympic Park (NSW) and University of Queensland. Spin the wheel, more giveaways, and pre-walk stretching class (think dog yoga).

Industry Spotlight

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Below: Simone Kingston (right) with DOGUE Williamstown (Victoria) Franchisee Andrea Tully.

Young

Jessica Joosse, Consumer Care Advisor, Royal Canin ANZ

WHEN JESSICA Joosse’s cat became unwell as a child, it was the first time she really thought about a career in veterinary medicine. Until this point, Joosse thought entering the industry meant becoming a vet, but experiencing first-hand the impact nutrition can have on an animal’s health, due to her cat’s main medical treatment being a strict diet, she realised there was another way.

Now working as a Consumer Care Advisor at Royal Canin ANZ, Joosse supports pet owners, vets, and pet professionals in choosing the right diet for their pet’s specific needs. The 28-year-old says that working directly with the industry to share her knowledge, and help an even

series, are just some of Dessen’s career highlights. His love for animals and education is palpable and evident through the work he performs in the industry – he’s even got a five-part native animal segment on Play School coming up. Looking at the impact he hopes to leave on the pet industry, Dessen wants to ensure that the wellbeing of animals remains at the forefront of everything we do.

“By prioritising the needs of animals above all else, the pet industry can play a pivotal role in promoting a more humane world that enriches the lives of companion animals and people alike. I also hope to highlight the role we can all play in improving the lives of animals everywhere, to better protect and conserve our natural world.”

Young Guns

We put the call out, and you nominated the top performing young people across the pet industry. From retailers to veterinarians, and even a YouTube sensation, these are who you nominated as the pet industry’s Young Guns.

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Christian Bonney, Trainer, Bonnies Dog Obedience and Puppy School

AS A child, Christian Bonney would attend his family business’ dog training classes to watch and talk with customers as they arrived at Bonnies Dog Obedience and Puppy School.

This love instilled at a young age grew, and at the age of 16, Bonney received his Dog Trainer Certificate from one of Australia’s most recognised dog trainers, Val Bonney. He then started teaching his own group classes independently.

Being tech savvy, Bonney developed the company’s website and for the first time in the business’ 50 year history, allowed for members to book online for themselves. This development allowed for the expansion of services offered by Bonnies, resulting in one-to-one training sessions, dog walks, home visits, socialisation sessions, online articles, and more, all managed by Bonney.

something that drives me to stay involved in the dog training industry. I am also greatly inspired by the legacy my family has generated over the last 50 years in business and I strive to do my part to continue it.”

Dr Alex Kennedy, Veterinary Resident, SASH

GROWING UP on a farm with deer, cattle, and golden retrievers, and with a mother who bred Burmese cats, working with animals for a career is a dream come true for Dr Alex Kennedy.

In her role as Veterinary Resident (specialist in training) in small animal internal medicine, Dr Kennedy is constantly inspired by her colleagues at the Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH) and the tireless work they do in making the most advanced treatments available to the pets of Australia.

Young Guns

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involved in the wider industry and immerse herself in important pet industry organisations.

Working with the team at Indepet and being a part of what they are doing for independent retailers has been a career highlight. Westaway said she was inspired by Indepet’s 2022 conference and that it was a fantastic opportunity to get together and have beneficial discussions about the industry.

“I am so appreciative to be recognised as a Young Gun in the pet industry. I live and breathe pets and absolutely love it. This recognition will help me build my reputation and open doors to more opportunities within the pet industry.”

James Holloway, Livestock Carer and Salesperson, Majestic Aquariums

SIX YEARS ago, when James Holloway’s mum realised how much money her son was spending on aquariums, she asked Paul Talbot, the owner of Majestic Aquariums, if her son could have a job to help fund his habit, landing Holloway his first and current job in

Now 18, Holloway works through the week maintaining the health and wellbeing of fish at the store, as well maintaining customers’ aquariums. He’s always striving to further his knowledge of his aquarium hobby to improve his career, with a goal of moving into the salt water and reefing side of the industry.

Holloway has participated in, and even helped run, many of the Reef Stock and aquarium tradeshows. Meeting people at the shows has helped expand his knowledge and passion for the industry.

“I would love to see a push towards long-term and sustainable coral and fish collection in places around the world to prevent the bans and limits we’ve seen put on many fish and coral species across the world.”

18 Pet Industry News February - April 2023

Lauren Goodman, Vet Nurse, Breeder, Volunteer,

lover from day dot, one of Lauren Goodman’s earliest memories is of a juvenile galah being blown out of a tree and seeing her parents call WIRES to come collect it. Goodman was fascinated by the galah and to learn about what wildlife rescue was.

As a teenager, Goodman suffered an injury to her right arm, losing function and mobility in it. While this caused her years of struggle, animals played a major part in her rehabilitation and recovery. She felt she had to push herself for them, even though she had almost given up on her own

“I hope to better educate and help understand, to provide comfort and care, to implement change, and to give a real chance to the animals that deserve it – who wouldn’t be otherwise given the chance or opportunity, had I not stepped in.”

Nathan Olivieri, Co-Founder and CEO, RightPaw

HAVING A partner as a vet, Nathan Olivieri would often hear stories of challenging or problem cases from her day at work. It was these discussions that led them both to realise that many pet issues, such as health, behaviour, or dog abandonment, could be traced back to the early stages of a pet’s life.

This is when Olivieri decided to start RightPaw, a start-up that creates a simpler, safer, and more supportive way to find a new dog online. RightPaw allows pet owners to find a new puppy from verified, responsible breeders, and gives breeders a platform to manage their puppy applications and breeding program in one place.

In just over two and a half years, RightPaw has grown to nearly 1000 breeders and receives tens of thousands of puppy applications a year.

“I’d love to see more public awareness and education on how to find a pet responsibly. There is a big job to do in raising awareness on this issue, and we can’t do it alone. I’d love to see government and industry taking an interest in this as well.”

Young Guns

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contently for hours staring at it.

Fast-forward to now, and Chid has six aquariums, more than 150 fish, and runs a successful YouTube channel called ‘Bodgie from Straya’ that allows him to showcase his passion for aquariums.

On the channel, Chid documents his journey, makes product reviews, and displays how fun aquariums can be to people of all ages. The 19-year-old hopes he can inspire young aquarists to enter the industry and to also show-off different brands to help aquarists run a successful aquarium long-term.

“I would love to see more inclusivity of ages in the pet industry, while there is a large part of the industry targeted towards children, I feel like there is a lack of information and education that is provided to children about pet care and husbandry.”

Brianna Done, Dog Behaviourist, Best Friend Dog Care

FINDING

HERSELF at a crossroads in Year 12, Brianna Done combined her love of animals with her interest in the workings of the brain and started studying a Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour).

Currently working as a Dog Behaviourist at Best Friend Dog Care, Done works with all different breeds and ages, from training puppies to helping with behavioural problems later on in life. Hearing her clients’ success stories and how they’ve achieved their training goals is what motivates and brings joy to Done.

Educating pet owners on the importance of enrichment is something Done believes is under-appreciated in the pet industry, and she would like to see more emphasis on this in the future.

“Watching dogs thrive and show their true personalities is what inspires me. I love watching dogs and their owners understand each other, and in turn both their confidence and connection grows. Being a part of that journey is so fulfilling.” n

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Driving change: alternative proteins in pet food

WALKING ALONG the pet food aisle, beef, lamb, chicken, and fish dominate the ingredient list. Tolerated by most pets, they are the go-to protein source for pet food formulators. However, new alternatives are on their way, which may answer pet owners’ growing concerns about the bioavailability, sustainability, and animal welfare of mainstream pet food.

With conventional pet food estimated to be responsible for a quarter of the environmental impacts of meat production – in terms of the use of land, water, fossil fuels, phosphates, and pesticides – it is natural that we see a significant uptake in new proteins being used.

Duck, seaweed, goat and even insect protein are trending in newly formulated pet foods, with sustainability being the driving force of change. Dr Stephanie Stubbe, Veterinarian and Founder of pet treat company Anipal, has seen how today’s pet owners are not just choosing pet food for its nutrition content but for its impact on the environment.

“Having a background in agriculture and being from a beef farm has fuelled my passion in helping drive positive environmental change in the veterinary, pet and agricultural industries,” she says. “We use alternative proteins in our pet food range to help improve nutritional outcomes for pets with ingredients that have low carbon footprints.”

The primary novel protein sources Dr Stubbe uses in her natural treats include seaweed, insect meal and kelp, which are said to be both hypoallergic and less carbon-intensive to produce.

“The most important element about a complete protein from a nutritional perspective is its bioavailability – how well it can be broken down and used by the body. The proteins we use have high bioavailability, so the dog can easily digest

As our food sources change, so does our pet food. But how does Fido feel about eating bugs?

Words Kylie Baracz

“We use alternative proteins in our pet food range to help improve nutritional outcomes for pets with ingredients that have low carbon footprints.”

22 Pet Industry News February - April 2023

– Dr Stephanie Stubbe, Veterinarian and Founder, Anipal

them to support muscle development and repair, bone development and repair, hormone and enzyme protein,” says Dr Stubbe.

“They are also much less carbon-intensive in how they are produced. Fifty times more seaweed can be produced on a hectare than wheat and 10 times more protein per hectare than cattle farms. Insects are 12 to 25 times more efficient than cattle in converting their feed to produce the same amount of protein.”

Carolyn Macgill, Executive Manager at the Pet Food Industry Association of Australia (PFIAA), welcomes the use of insect protein in pet food yet is wary of its health claims.

“The most common reasons we hear that pet food companies are starting to use, or are considering, insect protein is sustainability and cost,” she says. “Although some companies manufacture offshore using insect protein on a reasonable scale, it is still in the consolidation phase in Australia. Insect protein is regarded as more sustainable, and with increased production and availability, it should become more cost competitive compared to current protein sources. There are indications that it may assist where pets have an allergy to animal protein, but I have no evidence yet to support this.”

New Zealand wet food and treat company Zealandia also uses novel proteins in its formulations that claim to be hypoallergenic and are sourced using regenerative farming or direct from the wild.

“A cat or dog should enjoy a diverse range of complete and balanced nutrition with different proteins. This is why we have 10 variants in our range: beef, Brushtail possum*, chicken, duck, goat, Hoki fish, lamb, salmon, venison and wallaby,” says Andrew Burch, Director of Zealandia. “We incorporate a base of lamb organs in all our canned food, liver which is rich in B vitamins, green tripe for digestion ease, heart for natural CoQ10 and brain health, salmon oil for skin and coat health and green-lipped mussels for hip and joint maintenance.”

Zealandia’s four wild proteins – Brushtail possum*, goat, Hoki fish and wallaby – are not exposed to any antibiotics, or artificial hormones, which Burch says can help your pet be allergy tolerant to these proteins. Along with these wild protein sources, the company also produces food and treats using venison, duck, and elephant fish.

“We have a natural product made from elephant fish tails. This helps remove plaque from dogs’ teeth,” says Burch. “This year, we will launch Zoki Oil, made from Hoki fish oil, certified as sustainable by the International Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).”

Burch says novel proteins can offer different nutritional qualities and benefits to pets that standard proteins cannot. This can include unique levels of protein, fat amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.

“Brushtail possum*, for example, has the highest levels of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids than any other meat,” he says. “[It has] up to nine times the omega 3 fatty acid content found in beef or chicken.”

While the pet food industry may welcome the shift, veterinarians have yet to fully understand these alternative proteins’ nutritional benefits. Dr Stubbe believes this will come with time and research.

“Like myself, other veterinarians are driven by science,” she says. “Once we understand these proteins’ nutritional and environmental benefits, and there are reliable studies to demonstrate these benefits, we are interested in incorporating these new tools to help treat our patients.”

Burch agrees and says there will be considerable growth in the alternative proteins included in pet food, including lab-created products.

“There are several pet food companies already offering plant-based, vegan, and insect-based pet food. The next step further to this is cultivated meat for pets;

Alternative Proteins

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“It will take years to produce lab-grown meat in commercial volume and gain mass consumer appeal. In the meantime, until proven, we remain focused on natural, more biologically suitable proteins, which have been sourced through sustainable, regenerative farming, or wild from their natural habitat.” – Andrew Burch, Director, Zealandia

Alternative Proteins

Other environmentally sustainable proteins being researched and used in pet food include carbon-positive beef, created using regenerative farming methods such as planting more trees, not using artificial fertiliser, and by building soil carbon by sowing diverse plants into pastures.

Macgill understands that the impacts of climate change and increasing biosecurity risks will mean the pet food industry will naturally assess ingredients and supply. However, at this stage, PFIAA’s main priority is continuing

regulation, all manufacturers and importers would need to meet the standard.”

Pet owners and veterinarians alike are continuously searching for more nutritional and safe pet food that is also kinder on the planet. And with a variety of eco-conscious protein options to choose from, the pet food aisle may feature more of a diverse range of sources over the coming years. So, the future looks positive for those looking to include nontraditional proteins in their pet food formulations.

“We know that pet food follows human food, so we will see changes in the future,” says Macgill.

Dr Stubbe agrees and is enthusiastic about what the future holds for pet food.

“The future is exciting and limitless. There is a lot of potential in other algae, plant and marine-based proteins, yeasts and fungi,” says Dr Stubbe. “I look forward to exploring this space and developing scientific and sustainable solutions for the vet and pet industries.”

*The Brushtail possum is a protected species in Australia, yet it is seen as an introduced pest in places like New Zealand. Brushtail possums, goats, and wallabies are hunted as part of an eradication program to help protect native New Zealand birds. n

Single-cell proteins: Yeast

Created as a co-product of brewing and distilling, yeast is a source of B vitamins, antioxidants, immune support, and gut health. However, surprisingly, yeast has another superpower. It contains more protein per gram than any meat product. By weight, yeast includes 45 to 49 per cent protein versus beef at 24 to 26 per cent. It is also environmentally friendly as it grows abundantly and quickly and is quite affordable. It features in many plantbased pet foods, including Wild Earth in the US.

“We know that pet food follows human food, so we will see changes in the future.”

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NUTRITION FOR CATS & DOGS

Sustainable Seafoods We Support Birds & Forests Farm Animal Compassion

COMPLETE AND BALANCED

Sustainable Seafoods We Support Birds & Forests Farm Animal Compassion

Holistic versus traditional veterinary medicine

We explore the role of traditional veterinary medicine and holistic therapies in pet care and discover that combining the two approaches in the veterinary practice may provide more for the patient and close the communication gap between vets and their clients.

Words Caroline Zambrano

VETERINARY MEDICINE plays a crucial role in keeping our pets healthy and happy. It aids in treating animals when they become sick or injured and offers a lot in preventative care, protecting our pets from potentially becoming ill and helping to extend their life.

With rapidly advancing veterinary medicine, it’s no surprise pet owners today depend a lot on traditional vet care for health issues that arise with their animals.

With the rise in awareness about pet care, animal lovers are also investing more in the care of their pets, as reported in Animal Medicine Australia’s Pets in Australia research. People are also becoming more educated about natural pet care and demanding holistic alternatives to what traditional vets are prescribing to support the health and wellbeing of their animals.

Traditional veterinary medicine is also referred to as Western, mainstream, allopathic, biomedicine, orthodox or conventional veterinary

medicine, and its medical treatments and protocols involve medications, vaccinations, examinations, diagnostic testing (such as blood work, faecal exams) and surgery.

Western medicine saves the lives of millions of animals every year. For instance, deadly rabies, parvovirus, and heartworm can now be treated and prevented thanks to Western veterinary medicine.

Holistic veterinary medicine is defined by the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA) as a form of healing that considers the ‘whole patient, body, mind and spirit’ in its approach to achieving optimum health and eliminating the root causes of disease.

Rooted in thousands of years of tradition, holistic medicine is designed to enhance, rather than be an alternative to, traditional veterinary care. Some examples of holistic treatments include herbal medicine, acupuncture, physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and naturopathy.

Sunshine Coast-based animal naturopath,

Healthy Pets

26 Pet Industry News February - April 2023

energy practitioner and pet nutritionist Ruth Hatten works as a nutrition consultant for pet food companies and with pet parents supporting their animals with nutrition and natural remedies.

“Vets provide a fantastic and essential service when it comes to acute and emergency care. But they have a heavy reliance on artificial products, drugs, pharmaceuticals, and processed prescription foods, which for chronic health issues can do more harm than good, especially over the long term,” said Hatten.

“Holistic therapies honour animals with reference to their evolutionary history, their natural state. They reduce and remove the negative effects of toxins and optimise health (e.g. gut health, skin issues, allergies).”

Yet, unlike Western veterinary medicine, which uses scientifically proven methods to improve overall health, holistic treatment can lack the peerreviewed, research-backed evidence to support its effectiveness.

“Evidence is subjective,” argued Hatten. “Anecdotal evidence is science and there is plenty of that in natural medicine because ancient cultures have been using it for centuries and still stand by those medicines, because they work.”

While traditional veterinary medicine is excellent at diagnostics, the holistic community suggests Western medicine mostly treats the animal’s symptoms, in some cases not addressing the root cause of why the illness occurred in the first place.

Pet and equine veterinarian Dr Leigh Davidson, founder of online vet service Your Vet Online, maintains that the entire holistic movement is based on a misnomer that Western veterinary medicine does not treat the whole or overall wellness of an animal.

“Nothing could be further from the truth,” she said. “All aspects of traditional veterinary medicine look at the whole body when considering treatment and preventative strategies. Take diabetes in cats, for example. We can use insulin to regulate blood sugar levels, but we also advise on specific diets and will always try to use diet to manipulate a cat into remission.

“Even with an orthopaedic disease or broken limb, we must consider not only a potential surgical repair but also look at diet to improve bone and joint health, weight and consider the mental wellbeing of the animal while it is recuperating and healing.”

While the general holistic approach is to avoid medication, occasionally holistic vets will recommend surgery or medication in combination with natural therapies if they think that will be the best treatment for the pet.

Similarly, vets in general practice also commonly use Chinese medicine, such as Yunnan Baiyao (to help stop bleeding), suggested Dr Davidson.

She expressed concern for “unproven and unregulated substances or procedures that ultimately waste time and can prove detrimental to the health and quality of life of animals,” adding “There is no such thing as alternative medicine, only medicine that works and medicine that doesn’t”.

Western veterinary medicine a game changer for pet health

The veterinary industry boasts cutting-edge veterinary surgeries, technologies and medications that have been a game changer for pet health.

“Pharmaceutical drugs play a pivotal role in helping animals and our community,” said Dr Davidson. “They drive medical progress for animals and humans, improving life span and quality of life for all.”

There is now revolutionary treatment for dogs who struggle with painful allergies and cats with deadly Feline Infectious Peritonitis, plus protection

against ticks, fleas and mites, treatment for mast cell tumours, and much more.

Since the deadly dog disease Ehrlichiosis was first discovered in Australia in 2020, the Seresto™ Collar for Dogs (Elanco) has been specifically used to reduce transmission of the disease between dogs by brown dog ticks, according to Elanco’s Technical Veterinarian Dr Liisa Ahlstrom.

“Whether it’s parasite prevention, treatment of infections or management of medical conditions such as heart and kidney disease or osteoarthritis, pharmaceutical products (like those developed by Elanco) significantly improve the quality of life of cats and dogs,” she said.

Dr Davidson added: “Without pharmaceutical companies we would not see the complex research, discovery and development that goes into producing and ensuring safety of many of the medications we use for ourselves or our animals on a daily basis.”

This is where traditional and holistic veterinary medicine differentiate. Unlike holistic therapies, scientific research on pharmaceutical drugs is done and paid for by manufacturers to ensure their drug does what they want it to do, so they can make marketing claims around it.

“If all research money that went into pharmaceutical medicine was applied to natural medicine, we would have ‘scientific evidence’,” said Hatten.

Consultation lengths also differ between GP vets and holistic practitioners, like in the human health system. Where pet owners generally have about 15 minutes for a general consultation with their local vet, they can get one hour with a holistic practitioner, which of course costs more.

Dr Davidson said GP vets can certainly offer longer consultations to address all their clients’ concerns, not just the problem they came in for, but it would consequently cost them more for the time. If this is something pet owners want, they just need to ask their vet.

Furthermore, many pet owners often like to think they want to use a ‘natural’ product; however, these are often far more expensive than a regulated medicine, she added.

For instance, Dr Davidson had a client with a horse suffering from ulcers. To treat the painful gut issue, she advised two options: “A seemingly effective but expensive herb and a pharmaceutical drug backed by substantial research that proved efficacy and safety but costs far less. The client ultimately chose the cheaper pharmaceutical option,” she said.

“Sometimes people spend a lot of money to go ‘natural’ and it stretches them financially. It’s not that I’m against the use of natural products. As a veterinary professional, I’m offering them a product with evidence that it will be effective and won’t harm their animal.”

Transition to integrative veterinary medicine

Integrative veterinarian Dr David Ward from Sydney’s All Nature Vet Care gained many years of experience in the veterinary industry – from treating wildlife and large animals to small pets, where he practiced for more than 20 years. Over time he became frustrated with chronic illnesses not responding to or developing side effects to Western conventional medicine.

Driven by his interest in complementary therapies, particularly acupuncture, Dr Ward pursued a diploma in integrative veterinary therapies (which combines Western and holistic veterinary medicine) and what he learned changed the way he practices veterinary medicine today.

In the past, Dr Ward would immediately take a conventional medicine approach to treating a patient, whereas now he begins with an integrative approach, combining conventional and complementary treatments with sound holistic nutritional advice.

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“There is no such thing as alternative medicine, only medicine that works and medicine that doesn’t.” – Dr Leigh Davidson, Founder, Your Vet Online

He said: “I don’t believe in the word ‘alternative’. I believe in ‘complementary’ –that alternative treatment complements the current conventional approach to provide holistic medicine. You have more ways to treat diseases than currently available in conventional treatments.”

Dr Ward said he understood, only after studying integrative therapies, that as a traditional vet he knew “nothing about being holistic”.

“It felt like I was in the left wing of the house and the rest of the house was unexplored. Once you know all these other complementary therapies, you have so many other ways to provide benefits for patients,” he said. “We have to be more open-minded, that there is more than one way to treat something.”

Dr Ward said integrative veterinarians work with many GP vets who embrace complementary therapies, adding “we don’t want to steal their business. We want to treat diseases together and add to better outcomes.”

Osteopath and Co-Founder of Sydney’s The Animal Rehab Klinik Dr Rhys Donovan believes in an integrative approach to supporting pets recovering from surgery or suffering from other painful musculoskeletal conditions. His clinic offers post operative rehabilitation therapies like physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and laser therapy.

“Unlike human doctors, vets are often unfamiliar with the concept of rehab or when it’s appropriate. It is well established in human medicine that post-op rehab improves clinical outcomes,” he said.

Dr Donovan said he’d like to see vets be more proactive about offering complementary therapies or referrals without pet owners needing to prompt it.

“Vets have quite a stressful job and are being overworked. That’s where we can help take some of that workload,” he said. “In an ideal world, we’d have vets recommending rehab services to all post operative patients, including cases that have gone well and don’t need much rehab. We can give owners extra advice and exercise recommendations, and the ability to feel more confident in their dog’s recovery.”

Queensland veterinarian and Aussie Mobile Vets Co-Founder Dr Alison Shen (featured on the popular TV show Bondi Vet with her sister Dr Audrey Shen) is a big fan of complementary therapies.

She offers acupuncture, which she has found to have no adverse side effects nor any drug interactions, can be performed in the comfort of the pet’s home, does not require hospital stays and is a very effective and noninvasive treatment for many conditions including pain.

Complementary therapies vital in palliative care

Complementary therapies also play an important role in palliative care especially where conventional medicine and surgery treatments are no longer an option.

Dr Shen feels more vets are not only starting to embrace complementary therapies, but also considering them for their own pets.

“Veterinary medicine will continue to improve and evolve. We are

constantly learning and hopefully more awareness, education and research will enable veterinarians to see how alternative therapies can complement traditional vet medicine well,” she said.

Currently, traditional vets interested in holistic therapies, particularly acupuncture, pursue a degree after finishing veterinary school – if they haven’t burned out by that stage, said Dr Ward. His dream is for integrative veterinary medicine to be incorporated into the undergraduate university degree.

“If acupuncture was included in universities, the myth would disappear with the science, and break down barriers,” he said.

Having met many veterinary professionals at vet expos curious about particularly acupuncture, Dr Ward sees a definite move towards incorporating integrative therapies into the general practice.

“I think the new generation of vets are more open and inquisitive,” he said. “At vet expos, I saw a lot more complementary therapies being offered, and natural supplements and herbals being distributed through vet practices.”

Finding the right balance for optimal health outcomes

Small animal veterinarian Dr Christopher Lee believes optimal health outcomes are a result of finding the right balance of preventative care, appropriate nutrition, addressing the underlying causes of specific diseases when present, the use of medication when necessary, and the utilisation of holistic treatments.

Also, the Veterinary Director of CBD Vets Australia, which supports vets with education and provides access to legal medicinal cannabis treatment options, Dr Lee believes conventional medications are often necessary but are not effective enough or contraindicated.

“As veterinarians, it is difficult and distressing to see traditional treatments fail to control a pet’s symptoms or improve their quality of life. It’s times like this that treatment options like holistic and plant-powered medicine (like medicinal cannabis) have an essential role to play in exploring how to achieve the best possible outcome for the pet patient,” he said.

“And increasingly consumers are becoming more aware of cannabinoids’ medicinal properties and are actively seeking out natural, plant-based treatments to help their pet live their best life. Such an integrative approach can significantly improve the quality of life of patients.

Cannabinoids have strong anti-inflammatory, pain relief, antioxidant and mood balancing effects. It just comes down to finding the right balance.”

Dr Noam Pik, CEO and Co-Founder of leading genetic testing company Orivet, also believes a collaborative approach in veterinary medicine can benefit an animal’s overall health.

“More and more vets are looking at animal health in a more holistic, highlevel way to examine what happens in their patients. Combining knowledge from traditional and holistic vets and integrating tools from both when appropriate can absolutely improve clinical outcomes,” said Dr Pik.

Healthy Pets 28 Pet Industry News February - April 2023

Dr Alison Shen offers mobile acupuncture

“Veterinary medicine will continue to improve and evolve. We are constantly learning and hopefully more awareness, education and research will enable veterinarians to see how alternative therapies can complement traditional vet medicine well.”

– Dr Alison Shen, Co-Founder, Aussie Mobile Vets

“Given DNA is a natural part of any being, using information obtained from DNA to manage health is invaluable in both traditional and holistic disciplines.”

Online veterinary business community Vetanswers founder Judy Gillespie has worked in the industry in various capacities for more than 20 years, including roles in consultancy and business manager of the Australian Veterinary Business Association (now called The Veterinary Business Group as part of the Australian Veterinary Association).

Gillespie sees integrative veterinary medicine as one of the future growth areas within the veterinary industry but believes some vets are not embracing it as quickly as pet owners seem to be. What’s holding them back is ‘Science’.

“Vets are scientists and take their role of advocacy for animals very seriously,” she explained. “In general, vets will only consider using therapies once they have been proven to work via multiple peer review studies.”

However, it can be a challenge to prove the benefits of holistic therapies in pets as animals cannot tell us when a treatment is making them feel better.

“So often studies have to rely on the feedback and observations of their owners, which is problematic in itself. Studies proving the efficacy of a drug like Monepantel can show the reduction in tumour size, etc, but proving a dog has reduced arthritic pain after acupuncture treatment is

“What we need for vets to embrace holistic veterinary medicine is more science. More peer reviewed studies that prove the efficacy of holistic therapies. The veterinary industry should be driving the introduction of complementary therapies, but I suspect it’s pet owners who are pushing it to their vets.”

Gillespie believes the veterinary industry will continue to mirror human health, so as more humans experience the benefits of natural therapies, they’ll expect the same treatments for their animals.

“It wasn’t so long ago that acupuncture was seen as ‘alternative’, whereas now it’s a common treatment option for most physios,” she said. “Vets will need to keep up with this expectation from their clients. It shouldn’t be the clients driving the introduction of complementary therapies.” n

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Orivet DNA testing

What’s New?

Brand news and promotions.

All new Ferplast Goodbite

Small Animal Dental Chews

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure, and this is especially true when it comes to dental health for small pets like rabbits and guinea pigs. Regular dental check-ups with a veterinarian who specialises in small animal care and appropriate dental care can help prevent oral health problems and ensure your pet stays healthy.

While providing hard and crunchy treats for your pet to chew on can help to wear down their continuously growing teeth, it’s important to remember regular chewing on hay, branches, and other appropriate items is still necessary to keep their teeth at a healthy length.

To maintain the health of your pet’s teeth and gums, it’s important to provide appropriate chewing materials, feed a balanced diet, have regular dental check-ups, provide dental cleanings if necessary, and watch for signs of dental problems. Healthy treats for small pets can include fresh vegetables, dried fruit, hay, herbs, and commercial treats that are made specifically for small pets and contain natural ingredients.

Ferplast Goodbite Tiny and Natural Small Animal Chews are a great solution for your small animal’s oral health. These chews will not alter your pet’s diet, are 100 per cent biodegradable, digestible, attractive, safe if ingested, hygienically safe, non-toxic, natural, and long-lasting. Ask your local sales representative or visit petpacific.com.au for more information on these fantastic dental chews for small pets.

Ziwi launches innovative new Peak Freeze-Dried Booster Series

Ziwi believes that cats and dogs can only thrive when they eat a high meat diet that satisfies their biological needs as carnivores. As experts in alternative-toraw pet food and nutrition, Ziwi is always looking for new and innovative ways to bring the best quality products to help pets thrive, which is what led them to crafting a new product that all pets will want in their bowls – the Ziwi Peak Freeze-Dried Booster Series.

Pet guardians increasingly consider pets as family, leading to new thinking about pet care and health and a willingness to pay for better nutrition and ingredients. Younger generations in particular are far more willing to splash out on their fur babies, opting for ultra-premium pet food. A trend from ‘raw’ to ‘alternative-to-raw’ has emerged in recent years, due to convenience and concerns surrounding food contamination and nutritional deficiency.

A growing number of consumers are already purchasing meal enhancers and toppers to boost the palatability, nutrition, and variety

of their pet’s diet, with the ‘build their bowl’ trend becoming popular.

Ziwi Peak’s Booster Series is a natural daily boost of superfoods for proactive health and wellness for both cats and dogs.

Different from other toppers or boosters, Ziwi Peak’s freeze-dried Raw Superboost for dogs and cats and functional boosters for dogs feature high inclusions of nourishing meat. They are raw inspired and prepared by gently freeze drying to lock in the nutritional value of Mother Nature’s best ingredients – without added synthetics.

Designed to complement the existing Ziwi Peak range and to be used as a topper, making up 10 per cent of a pet’s current diet, Ziwi Peak’s Booster Series meets the rising demand from pet guardians to provide delicious, healthy, easy-serve products to provide their pets with a boost of nutrition.

Scan the QR code to learn more.

30 Pet Industry News February - April 2023

New animal test kits combating zoonotic diseases

Animal diagnostic testing has become pivotal in helping veterinarians to quickly identify and treat illnesses and health issues that arise from various germs, bacteria, and viruses. Early detection of animal diseases is crucial, not only for protecting public health but also maintaining the wellbeing of our pets.

Zoonotic Diseases are diseases transmitted from animals to humans and with more than 200 known types of zoonoses, they are responsible for a large percentage of all newly identified infectious diseases as well as many existing ones (Ebola, HIV).

Not every zoonotic disease develops into a pandemic, however they can still pose a serious threat to humans. Globally, it is estimated that these types of diseases cause 2.5 billion illnesses and 2.7 million deaths each year.

In Australia, nationally notifiable zoonotic diseases included brucellosis, leptospirosis, and Q fever2. Alongside wild animals, each of the three diseases were able to be passed onto humans through domestic and livestock animals that had been infected, making farmers and animal healthcare workers the most at risk of infection.

Australian-owned and operated Touch Biotechnology has created its new animal diagnostic test kits for dogs, cats and cattle that will detect and combat multiple pathogens (viruses and other diseases) from a single sample in just 10-15 minutes.

User-friendly, requiring minimal training and providing high-quality (very high sensitivity of less than 97 per cent) results – the innovative diagnostic test solutions for veterinarians, animal care professionals and animal caretakers, enables them to make informed decisions about the health and treatment of animals.

The FastVET range includes a Giardia Rapid Antigen Test, 5in1 Diarrhea Rapid Antigen Combo Test Kit, Toxo Rapid Antibody Test Kit, FCoV Ag + FCoV Ab Rapid Antigen Combo Test Kit, FIV Ab + FeLV Ag Rapid Antigen Combo Test Kit and CCV+CPV+Giardia Rapid Antigen Combo Test Kit. For more information or to access the FastVET Animal Diagnostic Test Kit range, veterinary practices are encouraged to visit touchaustralia.com.au/pages/animalrapidantigen.

New Zealand Brushtail Possum –ethically irresistible!

Zealandia offers a unique product for cats and dogs made from the New Zealand Brushtail Possum. This lively little critter likes to eat New Zealand’s rich flora and fauna, making it probably the highest source of Omega 3 from any land dwelling animal. It also targets native New Zealand birds, which is the primary reason why it is being removed from their non-native eco-system. This makes it a rich and hypoallergenic feast, with a feel good factor attached.

The canned food includes 95 per cent meat and organs, meat as the first ingredient, wild boneless protein, and a precise base of enzyme-rich green lamb tripe. Green-lipped mussel is added for hip and joint support, and king salmon oil for skin and coat health.

The continent of Zealandia is the purest on earth with deep blue seas, fertile land, and clean fresh air, resulting in a pristine environment that promotes life to flourish in good health. Zealandia responsibly sources ethical and sustainable ingredients of the highest quality from the Zealandia ecosystem and develops them into products that nourish our beloved pets to enable them to live long and happy lives.

Made in a boutique canning plant in sunny Gisborne, New Zealand, Zealandia proudly offers an exciting range of canned pet foods formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition, keeping pets healthy and vitalised.

For more information visit zealandiapets.com.

What’s New? petnews.com.au 31

“Zealandia responsibly sources ethical and sustainable ingredients of the highest quality from the Zealandia ecosystem and develops them into products that nourish our beloved pets.”

Scientifically formulated Cherish Pet Food extends it range

Cherish Pet Food, Australia’s own scientific premium pet food, is excited to launch its 8kg Amazing Adult and 8kg Mindful Mature Small Bites to add to its existing range of pet food.

Scientifically formulated using Australian farmed ingredients, the small bites range is aimed at providing quality nutrition to your smaller or senior canine companions.

Cherish Pet Food is packed full of superfoods: antioxidant rich blueberries, cranberries, and turmeric; two types of prebiotics to assist gut health and immune function; and the allimportant brain boosting combination of medium chain triglycerides (extracted from coconut oil), DHA, amino acids, selenium and iodine to support brain function. A scientific balanced blend of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, with high levels of EPA is also included for healthy skin and a shiny coat. It is gluten free and low GI for sustained energy throughout the day, and the protein level is perfectly balanced to maintain muscle mass and healthy bones. Being a complete and balanced food, it’s the only source of nutrition your dog needs.

Made in an Australian-owned AS-5812 certified manufacturing facility and with every ingredient safely within the acceptable range of

intake as set by Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), you can be assured Cherish Pet Food meets the nutritional requirements of your pet with the quality you expect.

Please visit cherishpetfood.com.au/wholesalers to locate a wholesaler in your state.

Serotoninkc launches breed specific grooming supplies

Serotoninkc has launched a range of shampoos and conditioners that have been developed to meet the needs of specific dog breeds.

The range, which caters to 25 different breeds, from silky curls and drop coats to squishy faces and white coats, has been developed to soothe and nourish sensitive skin.

Roxxie Myers, Founder and qualified chemist, developed the first products for her sensitive Boxer dogs, Karl and Charlie. After trying many diets, medications, and alternative grooming products in the market to address their itching and scratching, Myers decided to take the matter into her own hands with natural products made especially for their needs.

“Having a happy dog was my main goal when developing the first product, and for Karl and Charlie, it was a success,” she said.

In the first year of business, Serotoninkc has seen growth in independent pet stores, dog groomers, and online retailers such as Pet Circle.

While breed specific ranges have seen success with specialised dog groomers, especially those that cater to oodle breeds or thick doublecoats, the Serotoninkc Ultra Sensitive ‘Nude’ range has also been well received by customers and dog groomers alike. For more information visit serotoninkc.com.

What’s New?

32 Pet Industry News February - April 2023

Pro Plan® LiveClear™ is changing lives for cat owners

Purina’s breakthrough innovation, Pro Plan® LiveClear™, has taken the market by storm, and since launching in February 2021, has contributed the largest dollar growth to the Pro Plan® cat portfolio of products.

Pro Plan® LiveClear™ is a global first cat food that assists in the management of feline allergens. With the capability to reduce the allergens in cat hair and dander with daily feeding in as little as three weeks, Pro Plan® LiveClear™ provides outstanding nutrition in an everyday food.

The product comes in five different variants and was the culmination of more than a decade of Purina research, dedicated to finding a safe and effective way to address a problem that impacts up to one in five adults.

“No other cat foods on the market claim to be able to reduce allergens in cat hair and dander. It’s definitely a game-changer,” said Michelle Beaumont, Senior Brand Manager – Pet Specialty, Nestlé Purina Petcare.

Purina scientists discovered the primary cat allergen, Fel d 1, can be reduced when cats eat a diet containing a specific protein found in eggs.

This is a safe, feline-friendly approach that does not interfere with the Fel d 1 production or change the cat’s overall physiology.

Beaumont continues: “Managing sensitivities to cat allergens can be a substantial struggle for many and may limit the loving interactions between cat lovers and cats and can be a huge barrier to cat ownership.”

Through this breakthrough innovation, Pro Plan® LiveClear™ may help keep more cats in their forever homes, with the product shown to reduce allergens in cat hair and dander by an average of 47 per cent, starting in the third week of daily feeding.

In a third-party trial conducted via Social Soup in 2021, 95 per cent of cats enjoyed eating Pro Plan® LiveClear™, which all cat owners know is a huge relief given their fussy natures. Cat owners were also happy with the overall results of the product, with a 95 per cent purchase intent post-trial.

Pro Plan® LiveClear™ is available in two pack sizes; 1.5kg RRP: $55.99; 3kg RRP: $89.99. Discover more about this novel approach to managing feline allergens at www.proplannutrition.com.au/live-clear.

What’s New?

Ipromea’s simple solution to combat separation anxiety in dogs and cats

Ipromea, a leading pet probiotic company, has offered a solution for the millions of dogs and cats in Australia suffering from separation anxiety.

Dr Claire Stevens, resident veterinarian at Gold Coast based Ipromea, recommends probiotics as an excellent additional therapy without any adverse side effects unlike Fluoxetine, Amitriptyline, Trazodone for dogs, and Gabapentin for dogs and cats, which can be problematic when it comes to ensuring good overall health.

“We see a lot of pet owners come to the clinic desperate to help their pets cope with separation anxiety, believing the only option is to medicate their pets with antidepressants.”

Dr Stevens says that separation anxiety in dogs has increased by 700 per cent over the past two years, with many owners transitioning from working full-time at home back to the office.

Supplementing the pet’s diet with natural products that regulate their stress levels will help them cope with this change.

Magically remove pet stains with NOMESSMATE

NOMESSMATE soap is the latest addition to join Proviro Group’s premium range of Australian, high quality and eco-friendly products.

The pet stain remover soap is a magic all-rounder when it comes to removing stubborn pet stains, and works on pet apparel, furniture, carpet, clothing, and bed linen.

NOMESSMATE is handmade and crafted with all natural ingredients including lemon eucalyptus and coconut oil and is covered with a net to enhance friction on stains. It can be used as a stain remover or pre-treater for machine or hand washing.

With instructions as simple as, ‘wet soap, lather, rinse’ – it’s the stain remover product that no pet home should be without.

Proviro Group has a focus on a pure product, sustainability, quality and affordability, and is proud to add NOMESSMATE to its portfolio, which also includes CATMATE, HORSEMATE, MYBESTMATE, HEATMATE, and MINIMATE. For more information on how to range NOMESSMATE visit provirogroup.com.au.

“There are more natural ways to support your pets’ nervous system rather than turning to medication. Pet owners need to start taking extra care of their pets’ gut health, especially now that scientific studies have shown probiotics can also help to reduce the signs of anxiety in dogs.

“A good and easy way to boost your pet’s gut health is using highquality probiotic meal toppers or clean treats that contain probiotic strains like Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium or Prevotella copri (P. copri).”

Pet probiotics, according to Dr Stevens, with useful natural components like hemp powder, camomile, or valerian extract will help pets relax and assist with their anxious behaviour by working from the inside out.

“While vet advice should always be sought before taking any action, helping your pets cheer up again with a balanced diet, exercise and natural supplements is a great way to kickstart their mental health.”

For more information visit ipromea.com.au.

What’s New?

34 Pet Industry News February - April 2023

Dr Claire Stevens, resident veterinarian at Ipromea

The Biccies concept started when driving around the suburbs of Melbourne in the lead up to Christmas of 2021. Covid was no longer a limiting factor to travel, seeing friends, and seeing family. Communities began to re-emerge as houses, streets, and suburbs celebrated the holiday season with amazing displays of coloured lights, fun, frivolity, and festivity.

Taking our dog for a walk around the streets enjoying the atmosphere we couldn’t help but feel the buzz of community as we mingled with other people and their pets. People had brought their dogs along with decorated collars, tinsel, or fancy (or bad!) holiday sweaters. Children laughed and patted some very happy dogs and adults laughed as they saw a sense of happiness that can only be created in times of positive humanity.

That feeling is created (yes, created) when you bring family, friends, and communities together.

Our business was born out of a sense of community –to improve positive connections in way that makes us, and our pets, happy. Together.

We want to promote colourful expression in both pets and their families. From our product range of bed canopies, our collars and leads, to our cleansing products, they come from our family to yours.

Our products are ethical, caring, nurturing, and engaging. We are a local Victorian business focussing on environmentally safe and sustainable products.

O U R S T O R Y biccies.com.au

Bark & Beyond: A new class of dog treats

Bark & Beyond was founded in 2022 with a passion for manufacturing only the highest-quality treats contain no preservatives, no additives, and no fillers, keeping them natural and affordable.

Nathan Grainger, General Manager and Founder of Bark & Beyond, explains how his passion for producing top quality and affordable dog treats, has led the business to invest heavily into its facilities in Wilberforce and North Richmond NSW, to create an expansive logistics network that “Not only are our products of the highest quality standard for dehydrating various pet treats, meaning we can help your business grow – so contact

Royal Canin Hematuria Detection kits now available

Lower urinary tract disease (LUTD) is a common condition in cats, which can be difficult to detect by owners. It often involves cystitis where the cat may strain to urinate, visit the litter tray more often or even start urinating inappropriately.

Cats tend to hide disease symptoms and often show little signs of early illness. In the case of cystitis, if undetected, can become much more serious to treat or your cat may require expensive long-term care.

Royal Canin Hematuria Detection is an at home diagnostic aid, that can reliably and rapidly detect microhematuria (microscopic blood in urine). As around 50 per cent of cats that have had an episode of LUTD will have a recurrence within a year, it is important to use ongoing monitoring to recognise any relapse.

A non-invasive early screening for feline haematuria at home, the white beads are simply added to a cat’s normal litter. When exposed to the cat’s urine, if they turn blue, it indicates blood cells are present in the urine (which is never normal) and veterinarian advice should be sought. This colour change will occur in seconds and stays visible for 48 hours. One box will cover six weeks of monitoring, making it an affordable diagnostic tool.

One major contributing factor to LUTD is stress so using a stress-free way to test the urine is especially helpful for owners and can be used in the follow up of treatment, periodically, as well as times where flare ups might occur due to stress like going to the cattery, or changes in the home.

Royal Canin Hematuria Detection is available from veterinarians as well as through online specialist pet retailers.

For more information visit royalcanin.com/au/cats/ products/hematuria-detection-by-blucare.

What’s New?

To find out more contact Bark & Beyond on 02 4576 9700 or email info@barkandbeyond.com.au or visit barkandbeyond.com.au.

36 Pet Industry News February - April 2023

Super Feedy brings innovation to mealtime with 4-in-1 slow feeder dog bowl

As pet parents, we know how important it is for dogs to have healthy and enjoyable mealtime experiences. Unfortunately, many slow feeding bowls on the market can be frustrating for dogs and their owners, leading to poor health outcomes.

Super Feedy, an Australian lifestyle pet brand, is changing the game with its innovative 4-in-1 slow feeder dog bowl.

Ryan O’Neill-Fong, Founder of Super Feedy, understands the frustration pet parents feel when their dogs are in pain after meals.

“We’re disrupting the category with a better alternative,” he says. “No dog has to live in pain and discomfort, and no pet parent has to live with additional stress and frustration.”

Super Feedy combines a slow feeder bowl with a reversible lick mat that doubles as the lid for food prep and a travel dog bowl. With its vet approved design and generous 10 cup capacity, this slow feeder promotes healthy eating habits in dogs, improves digestion, and stays in place during mealtime with a suction cup base.

Whether at home or on-the-go, Super Feedy gives peace of mind and provides a convenient and healthy mealtime solution for dogs. The versatile design is suitable for use with wet, dry, and raw food diets, soft treats, purees, and stews.

Made from recycled plastic and food grade silicone, Super Feedy is dedicated to making feeding time easier, healthier, and more enjoyable

for dogs. With its brand new slow feeder, pet parents can enjoy mealtime with modern design and innovative functionality.

Whether you’re looking for a solution for one dog or two, Super Feedy has you covered. For wholesale enquiries contact hello@superfeedy.com.

What’s New?

NSW Puppy Farm legislation update

PIAA stands ready to swing into action to represent its members’ interests, supporting responsible and ethical breeding practices before the new parliament in April.

Words Anthony Ramsey

THE AMENDED Puppy Farm legislation, which passed the NSW legislative council in November last year, was a great compromise solution that would have achieved the objectives of eliminating puppy farming while still supporting the legitimate businesses that truly put animal welfare as their highest priority. Unfortunately, this amended legislation never made it to the NSW Legislative Assembly and will now lapse with the dissolving of the NSW parliament in the lead up to the March election.

This puts us back to the start of the legislative process again. The best case scenario would be the new parliament picks up the already amended legislation proposal that PIAA now supports as its starting point. Unfortunately, the Animal Justice Party (AJP) is again likely to attempt to reintroduce a more hard-line version of the bill.

This threat is further magnified should the AJP become king makers with balance of power in the NSW Legislative Council after the election. PIAA stands ready to swing into action both during the election campaign and to again represent our members’ interests, supporting responsible and ethical breeding practices before the new parliament in April.

As far as other jurisdictions, Victorian legislation has been in place for almost four years now. Amendments secured at the time ensured responsible breeding businesses were able to continue to operate. Consequently, we have seen no negative impact on pet population numbers in Victoria, although the Covid boom makes it hard to fully analyse or make reliable correlations. Many of the amendments that were included in the NSW legislation were the same common sense amendments that were part of the Victorian legislation.

Pet stores selling puppies and kittens however were banned as part of the Victorian legislation, primarily because the stores themselves were unwilling to accept greater regulation requiring higher standards and consequently lost the battle entirely. This has certainly led to an increase in puppy scams and consumer fraud in Victoria as the process of buying a puppy has become somewhat opaque and now lacks the legal consumer protections that previously applied to pet shop sales.

In NSW, PIAA member pet retailers actively support increased standards and regulations. This has been reflected in the amendments that were achieved, which would allow pet retailers to continue to sell puppies and kittens, provided they are members of a recognised industry association, are independently audited each year, and only purchased their puppies from registered breeders.

Both the Queensland and South Australian parliaments are starting to make noise regarding reviewing and updating their current companion animal breeding laws. They have not yet developed a formal proposal, which is why the current battle in NSW is so critical. Queensland and South Australia are more than likely to use whatever legislation is passed in NSW as the starting point of their review into their own legislation.

I understand this is a complex, nuanced and potentially emotive issue to get your head around.

It is also important to note that with almost 70 per cent of Australian households keeping a dog or cat, most of the support from the pet keeping public is also broadly aligned with the current PIAA position. That is, supporting the breeding and trade of companion animals in a viable yet ethically responsible manner.

PIAA supports the implementation of improved regulations that ensures adherence to the highest animal welfare standards. PIAA agrees that ‘Puppy Farms’ and bad retailers that do not put the welfare of their animals first have no future in this industry.

This, however, cannot be at the cost of throwing out the baby with the bathwater. This alternative, should the AJP be successful, would see puppies and kittens becoming unaffordable and possibly completely inaccessible to the average Australian family.

Any legislation that negatively impacts the dog and cat population, and the Australian public’s easy access to companion animals will be bad for our entire pet industry. n

Industry Insights

“PIAA supports the implementation of improved regulations that ensures adherence to the highest animal welfare standards.”

– Anthony Ramsey

38 Pet Industry News February - April 2023

of Australia

www.eacanimalcare.com sales@eacanimalcare.com

Sustainability: From paddock to pet bowl

THE MESSAGE is clear, experts have asked for urgent, collaborative action to combat climate change and prevent irreversible damage to the health of our planet.

Our Bernese Mountain Dog, Ava, is more concerned with what’s inside her pet food bag rather than the bag itself, but as the main purchaser in our house, I’ve been paying more attention to what we do with the packaging once we’ve finished using it, and it’s one waste stream that’s received its fair share of media coverage lately.

Packaging plays a vital role in keeping pet food clean, fresh, and safe. It’s a convenient way to move your pet food purchases from the store to home and often it helps with portion control. Soft plastic, which is used for almost all dry pet food products and single servings of wet pet food, is a challenging material to recycle, unlike metal tins, rigid plastics, or paper, which can be recycled from kerbside collection bins.

In boardrooms, inside retail outlets, and throughout farming communities and freight, we’ve seen a change in conversations on recycling. Australians want to move away from short term solutions towards embracing a circular economy. For pet owners, that means a shift away from a ‘throwaway mindset’ to an increased demand for packaging that can be reused, repurposed, or recycled to reduce waste and environmental impact.

With the pause of the supermarket drop-off program run by REDcycle, which, until recently was Australia’s largest consumer soft plastics collection

scheme, the need for long-term solutions has never been clearer.

Playing a vital role as loving companions and loyal friends, pets make a huge contribution to the health and happiness to millions of us. To keep enjoying the benefits of pets while also caring for the planet means owners should consider what they can do to help.

What can pet parents do?

1. Recycle your packaging: Look for the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) for guidance on recycling your products appropriately.

2. In lieu of supermarket soft plastics collection bins, look out for a pet food recycling point – listed here: terracycle.com/en-AU/brigades/royalcanin-au.

3. Do your research to understand the initiatives and changes brands are making to reduce their impact on the planet.

About PFIAA:

The Pet Food Industry Association of Australia was established in September 1972. The mission of the Association is to promote standards of excellence in the development of the pet food industry through consideration of the needs of pets and the community, the active promotion of the benefits of responsible pet ownership, and the promotion of prepared pet food as the preferred method of pet nutrition and reinforced through establishment and self-regulation of industry standards. n

“Australians want to move away from short term solutions towards embracing a circular economy.”

Industry Insights

– Carolyn Macgill

In the pet food industry, sustainability is becoming increasingly important at every step of the supply chain.

Words Carolyn Macgill

40 Pet Industry News February - April 2023

Carolyn Macgill Executive Manager PFIAA

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The origins of the Fressnapf Group

THINKING OF taking a holiday next year in Europe and you thought you might call into a pet shop to see how they do things there? Chances are the shop would be one of the Fressnapf Group.

There are more than 1800 Fressnapf and Maxi Zoo stores in 11 countries around Europe. They employ almost 16,000 people from more than 50 countries. More than 1,000 new people joined the company in 2021, including 214 who began working in the corporate centre in Krefeld, Germany.

Fressnapf has annual sales of more than 3.1 billion euros (AU4.8 billion). In Germany, the majority of the stores are operated by independent franchise partners, while in other European countries they are operated as company-owned stores.

The product range currently includes 16 brands in all price categories available exclusively at Fressnapf and Maxi Zoo. Five of these brands – Premiere, MultiFit, AniOne, Real Nature and Select Gold return 100 million euros per annum.

So, where did it all begin?

The first store opened in 1990 in the North RhineWestphalian city of Erkelenz by Torsten Toeller who still remains the company’s owner and CEO.

In 1995, the 50th Fressnapf store was opened and by the following year they had reached 100 stores. In 1997, the group expanded into Austria and Switzerland, and by 1998 Fressnapf launched the first of its exclusive brands, MultiFit.

By 2002, stores had opened in Luxembourg and Hungary and the 400th store opened in Marienfelde in Berlin. The following year, Toeller was awarded Entrepreneur of the Year, and a store opened in

Denmark. The company also celebrated its 500th store opening in 2003.

In 2005, the company was awarded the ‘Goldener Zuckerhut’ – the highest award in the retail industry in Germany.

In 2006, the Fressnapf Academy was founded, where employees could be trained as consultants in order to enable them to competently advise customers. This was also the year of the 750th store in Como, Italy.

By 2009, the 1000th store had opened in Munich, Germany. And just a few years later in 2015, the company celebrated its 25th anniversary.

In 2017, for the fourth time Fressnapf/Maxi Zoo received the Franchise Award in Gold. And in 2018 the 1500th store was opened near Paris, and sales reached two billion euros for the first time. It’s at this time that the company also went live with its online store in Austria. Bringing us up to the present day, in 2021 Fressnapf/Maxi Zoo benefited from the pet boom during the Covid pandemic and broke the three billion turnover barrier.

Giving back is an important part of Fressnapf/Maxi Zoo policies with donations of more than two million euros for animal organisations, more than 3,000 pallets donated to animals in need, more than 150,000 Christmas wishes fulfilled for animal shelters, and 16,000sqm of protected habitat for insects.

The Fressnapf Group sponsors various non-profit animal welfare projects and is constantly expanding its social commitment under the ‘Together for Pets’ initiative. With the vision ‘Happier Pets. Happier People’ the Fressnapf Group views itself as an omnichannel and customer-centric retailer that creates an ecosystem around pets. n

Industry Insights

“In 2021, Fressnapf/ Maxi Zoo benefited from the pet boom during the Covid pandemic and broke the three billion turnover barrier.”

– Bob Croucher

Since its foundation in 1990, the Fressnapf Group has grown to be Europe’s largest pet retailer.

Words Bob Croucher

Torsten Toeller

42 Pet Industry News February - April 2023

The state of Australia’s aquarium sector

THE AQUARIUM Industry Association of Australia (AIAA) continues to facilitate the applications of the nine species of fish to being applied for to potentially be added to the permitted import list. The species are Red Line Torpedo Barbs, Galaxy Rasbora, Polkadot Loach, RedTail Blue loach, Striated Loach, Skunk Loach, Emerald Tiger Rasbora, Featherfin Synodontis, and Histronica Loach. These fish are with the Environment Department to undertake their own risk assessments.

AIAA has continued to provide strong advocacy and representation to government at all levels on behalf of our members and the aquarium industry in Australia. We continue to stay alert to the relevant issues around our country that impact our members and the aquarium industry generally.

One of the additional topics on the radar of many marine fish importers and retailers, is that captive marine fish are not able to be imported, whereas captive freshwater fish make up the predominant part of imports. This makes no sense and is primarily due to captive marines being essentially unavailable when the import restrictions and requirements were drawn up. This has now changed significantly with many captive-bred clownfish, and now an

increasing number of marine angelfish, being available on the international market.

We continue to lobby the Biosecurity division of the Agriculture Department to commence this review. At the video conference meeting held on 29 September 2022, the Biosecurity team updated the AIAA that the Marine Ornaments Import Risk Assessment discussion paper for public consultation was imminent.

AIAA has participated in consultations and the risk assessments process overseen by the Freshwater Vertebrate and Invertebrate Pest Committee, which investigated ornamental fish that are present and traded in Australia but not approved for import called the ‘Grey List’. This created uncertainty surrounding their legality and could have resulted in hundreds of aquarium fish species being taken away from our trade if not for AIAA’s involvement. This process is now complete with no short-term adverse impacts likely, largely due to our input into the process.

The AIAA continues to advocate for its members and the broader aquarium industry. Now is the time to join if you’re not a member – head to the website aiaa.net.au to join now. n

“One of the additional topics on the radar of many marine fish importers and retailers, is that captive marine fish are not able to be imported, whereas captive freshwater fish make up the predominant part of imports.”

– Jared Patrick

The AIAA provides an update on the issues currently impacting the aquarium industry in Australia.

Words Jared Patrick

Industry Insights petnews.com.au 43

Jared Patrick President Aquarium Industry Association of Australia

Pet mishaps you’re likely to see at the vet in 2023

THE LATEST figures from Australian Medicines Australia (AMA) show that 69 per cent of households have a pet, and nearly half (45 per cent) of current pet owners are ‘less experienced’ having purchased a pet during the pandemic (up from 39 per cent in 2021)¹.

While it’s encouraging to see more Aussies reap the physical and emotional benefits of having a companion animal, the rising trend of pet ownership puts the onus on veterinarians and industry to educate pet owners about the different health conditions and mishaps that can occur throughout a pet’s life – no matter what age or breed the animal may be.

In light of this research, GapOnly®, a payment solution powered by PetSure, identified common pet personas including their key characteristics and related health conditions.

Reviewing case data from the 2022 financial year for some conditions for each archetype revealed key insights about the cost of different health conditions. The data analysis*, conducted by GapOnly®, was undertaken to drive better pet healthcare outcomes and to highlight the role that pet insurance can play in helping pet parents prepare for the unexpected.

The common pet personas and their mishaps include:

• Munchers are the kind of pet that you can’t leave alone at a family BBQ. From erasers to socks and human medication, their love of food could land them at the vet treated for ingestion of foreign bodies, ingestion of toxins or even diabetes over the long-term. The average case amount for claims related to the Muncher was $1,196 with an average benefit reimbursed of $843 or 71 per cent#. In some cases, claims related to Munchers were as high as $33,334 for dogs.

• Opportunists are cousin to the Muncher. Also fooddriven, they are cheeky and clever and they know how to work a room to get what they want. Making up 11 per cent of annual cases, claims related to Opportunists include ingestion of foreign bodies, pancreatic disease, and gastrointestinal conditions. The average size of a claim related to Opportunists was $842, while the largest claim amount for the Opportunist archetype for dogs was more than $40,000.

• Daredevils are bold and courageous but could head to the vet for claims related to bone fractures, tissue damage or traumatic injury and musculoskeletal conditions. Claims related to Daredevils make up 11 per cent of annual cases. The average size of a claim for conditions related to Daredevils was $659, and in some cases, it was as high as $38,000.

• Wranglers are keen to get off the beaten track, and likely to encounter not so friendly critters on their way. Snake bites, insect bites and tissue damage or traumatic injury are potential conditions for these pets. The average case for conditions related to the Wrangler was $562 while the largest amount claimed for dogs in one more complex case was as high as $38,000.

In addition, the GapOnly® research revealed the top five health conditions for FY22 which included skin conditions (14.68 per cent), gastrointestinal conditions (11.03 per cent), tissue damage or traumatic injury (8.56 per cent), ear conditions (8.37 per cent) and eye conditions (4.94 per cent).

We tend to see a similar set of top conditions most years so it’s likely these health conditions and mishaps will continue to drive overall vet visits in 2023. However, while the top health conditions are relatively consistent each year, seasonality tends to

Industry Insights

“While it’s encouraging to see more Aussies reap the physical and emotional benefits of having a companion animal, the rising trend of pet ownership puts the onus on veterinarians and industry to educate pet owners about the different health conditions and mishaps that can occur throughout a pet’s life.”

– Maria Neale

Maria Neale General Manager GapOnly®

With pet ownership at a record high in Australia, we’re seeing a new cohort of pet parents who may be navigating pet ownership for the first time.

Words Maria Neale

44 Pet Industry News February - April 2023

drive higher cases for specific conditions at certain times during the year.

For example, if you see a Wrangler who likes to adventure outdoors they could be at risk of snake bites. According to the data, spring and summer are peak snake bite seasons so it’s important for pet parents to be extra vigilant and keep their pet on a lead if taking them out in bushland or areas where there’s tall grass.

The good news is pet insurance can help pet owners prepare for unexpected accidents or illness. Pet parents may not realise many policies pay a benefit of up to 80 per cent of eligible bills up to the value of $30,000² and with GapOnly®, customers can claim on the spot and just pay the gap** between the vet invoice and the insurance claim benefit.

Having a GapOnly® ready policy can also help customers manage cashflow by reducing upfront out-of-pocket expenses. This is a key point to communicate to pet owners, given the current climate where Aussies are experiencing high cost of living pressures (and with new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showing inflation was up 1.9 per cent in the December quarter³).

As veterinarians, you likely see the value of pet insurance in clinics every day. Having pet insurance can help a customer with a contribution towards the cost of treatment so they can focus on what matters, their pet’s recovery.

With a high level of pet ownership and new pet parents, 2023 could see a higher number of vet visits, which is why it’s never been more important to educate pet parents about pet health and the role of pet insurance, so together we can help minimise the worries that come with owning an animal. n

References:

¹Animal Medicines Australia, Pets in Australia: a national survey of pets and people (2022).

²Petsure.com.au bronze, silver or gold policies provide coverage for eligible claims up to the value of $20,000 while platinum policies provide coverage for eligible claims up to the value of $30,000. Correct as at December 2022.

³Consumer Price Index, Australia, December Quarter 2022 | Australian Bureau of Statistics (abs.gov.au).

#Reimbursement for these claims would be subject to limits, such as annual benefit limits or sub-limits, benefit percentage, applicable waiting periods and any applicable excess. Cover is subject to the policy terms and conditions. You should consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement or policy wording available from the relevant provider.

**The gap means the difference between the vet’s invoice and the eligible claim benefit under your policy.

About the Research:

*Case data is from PetSure, the power behind GapOnly®. It includes the annual diagnostics case data for cats and dogs, as reported in November 2022. The data outlined relates to the 2022 Financial Year. Any year on year comparisons, relate to the Financial Year stated. To identify the pet personas listed, GapOnly® analysed case data to find claims that were the result of an unexpected event outside the pet parent’s control and spoke with customers and vet advisors to identify common pet archetypes for these events. After identifying the characteristics of each persona, GapOnly® reviewed case data for health conditions for each archetype for the last financial year.

Industry Insights

Greencross officially opens vet hospital at University of Melbourne

Greencross has officially opened its 3000sqm vet hospital at the University of Melbourne in Werribee.

The facility features 14 modern consultation rooms, three state-of-the-art surgical theatres, and specialised wards for highdependency and intensive care patients.

Dr Liam Donaldson, Clinical Director and Emergency and Critical Care Specialist, said the Greencross Vet Hospital is expected to treat more than 23,000 animals each year.

“I’m extremely excited to be leading the team at Greencross Vet Hospital. As a critical care specialist, offering GP services, advanced diagnostic imaging, and specialised care as well as an emergency hospital at the one location is really special and unique as it means we’re able to provide exceptional care to pet parents.”

Pets in the Werribee area will have access to a full range of services at Greencross Vet Hospital, including high-field MRI and CT scans in addition to radiography, ultrasonography, and fluoroscopy. Small animals and exotic pets can use the GP and expert referral services, and in the upcoming months, 24 hour emergency services are anticipated to be added.

The Greencross Vet Hospital and University of Melbourne are

dedicated to fostering academic achievement for the upcoming generation of veterinary professionals in addition to attending to the community’s veterinary needs. Students pursuing a doctorate in veterinary medicine will receive expertise in critical care, general practise, diagnostics, and client communication.

Moira O’Bryan, Dean, Faculty of Science at the University of Melbourne, said they are proud of their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine course and remain committed to ensuring high quality clinical teaching and learning outcomes for students.

“This partnership will allow our students to experience a significant section of their clinical practice here at Werribee and gain exposure to a broad range of clinical opportunities throughout their placement. We are excited to work together to deliver great service and educational outcomes for our students and the community.”

Mars New Zealand appoints Aussie export as new GM

Mars New Zealand has appointed Emily Dowling as its new General Manager to oversee the Mars Petcare, Mars Snacking, and Mars Food portfolios.

Her appointment follows the departure of Pete Simmons who resigned earlier this year, following 16 years with the business. He departed the business on 30 January.

In his five years as General Manager, Simmons set about leading a program to refocus the business on growth priorities, partnering with customers across the different channels, establishing digital commerce in the business, and developing a strong talent offer – all while leading the business through Covid.

Dowling will head up the growth and development of brands such as Whiskas, M&M’s, and Masterfoods, while driving the company’s purpose: ‘a better world tomorrow starts with how we do business today’.

With more than 18 years of experience working in the FMCG industry across Australia and Europe, Dowling joins the New Zealand leadership team from Mars Petcare Australia, where

she has served as the Marketing Director since 2018.

During her tenure, she led the launch of the Temptations brand (now the category leader in grocery cat treats); developed Mars Australia’s first directto-consumer (D2C) online store for the Advance brand; and engineered the first consumer promotion for The Lion’s Share, a global fundraising initiative for the United Nations Development Program. In 2021 she was recognised as one of the top 50 Chief Marketing Officers in Australia.

Dowling, who has relocated to Auckland with her family (and dog), says that she is thrilled to be joining Mars New Zealand.

“The team here has always had an outsized impact on Mars’ business globally, particularly on the creative side with truly groundbreaking campaigns like My Hooman, our pet adoption platform. They’ve also demonstrated best in class agility in managing supply chain challenges in recent years, and I’m committed to driving that consistency for our retail partners and consumers.”

News

46 Pet Industry News February - April 2023

Emily Dowling

Barking up the right tree

From baking up treats in a home kitchen to operating two warehouses, it’s safe to say Laila and Me has come along in leaps and bounds.

Born out of a difficulty to find healthy treats for her dog Laila, who suffered from skin allergies, Mel Devereaux began cooking treats in her own kitchen and posting recipes and videos online, garnering interest from friends and family.

“I then purchased a small dehydrator, started to both bake and dehydrate a range of different treats for other peoples’ dogs, which led to selling my homemade products at local markets, and what started off as a hobby quickly began taking up most of my time,” explained Devereaux.

Fast forward to today and Laila and Me now employs nine staff members over two warehouses in Thomastown and Bendigo, and along with the Australian market is also exporting to China, Taiwan, and New Zealand.

“We have plans to increase to three countries including the USA, Singapore, and South Korea in the next 12 months. These countries have shown interest in a desire for Australian Made, high quality pet food.”

Laila and Me works closely with local farmers and businesses to

Mel Devereaux, Founder, Laila and Me

improve its sustainability practices, and is currently upskilling its team, to develop and retain them, by sending them on courses that help support them and the business.

Not satisfied with just the Freeze-Dried Raw and Frozen Raw Pet Food ranges, Laila and Me will be launching sister company Rawvolution in the coming months.

“I love researching new trends and processes in the industry and passing on what I learn to our loyal tribe. We are known for being completely transparent, which means we are extremely trusted by our customers.

“We are on a mission to rid Australian shelves of unregulated treats with nasty additives and chemicals, and fill them with all natural, preservative-free and human grade products.”

News petnews.com.au 47

Biccies’ big break

New brand Biccies Luxury Pet Products (Biccies) has set itself a lofty goal of becoming the leading brand in Australia and New Zealand’s mass produced, luxury pet goods segment.

Producing a range of high-end beds, bowls, and cleansing products, Biccies is currently providing its products direct to consumer but is looking to branch out via retailers and distributors across Australia and New Zealand.

Nick Tripp, Founder of Biccies, said that the past year has been very busy for the business.

“We have spent a lot of time and effort researching the market to understand what our customer truly wants in a pet product, and what pets gravitate towards naturally.

“It is easy to simply make or import a product and start selling it, however we want to develop a product that only provides value to our clients, but also helps improve the lives of our pets, and makes our customers happy with the value of their Biccies product.”

Biccies’ locally manufactured beds, The Hound and The Comfort, which are made using high-quality Tasmanian Oak, are currently drawing a lot of interest from consumers.

“Market research has shown that these products are very much in demand in our segment, and are filling a gap for luxury pet products.”

The company’s No Knots hair detangling spray has also proved popular, particularly the growing number of ‘Oodle’ dog owners.

“No Knots makes their life so much easier in terms of dematting their pet, and also helps our groomers reduce grooming difficulty and pain to the pet.”

Not content with just offering their current range, Tripp says they will have a more exciting range of products coming to market over the course of the year.

“Our full range of cleansers will be hitting the market in February, and later in the year we will be launching a range of pet toys that fits in with our sustainable manufacturing and carbon neutral plan.”

NSW’s record $40m investment into animal welfare

The NSW Government has announced a record $40.6 million investment into animal welfare and rehoming efforts across the state.

Of the total funding, $20.5 million will go to RSPCA NSW to expand enforcement of animal cruelty laws, $12 million will support the construction of new facilities for companion animal rehoming at the Sydney Dogs and Cats Home at Kurnell, and $5.5 million will go to the Animal Welfare League to also expand enforcement of animal cruelty laws.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the funding will provide greater outcomes for rehoming organisations and crack down on animal abusers.

“These programs will increase capacity of those organisations that support rehoming and animal welfare to ensure more companion animals are given a safe and secure place to call home.”

Steve Coleman, CEO of RSPCA NSW, said the enforcement capacity boost accelerates RSPCA’s plans centred around the inspectorate to achieve its mission of reducing animal cruelty.

“This funding unlocks growth in our enforcement agency so we can continue prosecuting those who cause harm, while

implementing prevention programs that reduce animal cruelty across the state.”

Wendy Tuckerman, Minister for Local Government, said the investment will ensure that unclaimed or abandoned cats and dogs can be quickly adopted by new families and into their forever homes.

“This government has made major investments in shelters across the state to fast-track upgrades and worked closely with metropolitan, rural, and regional councils to better understand rehoming practices.

“We’ve also introduced free lifetime pet registration for people who adopt a rescue dog or cat from shelters or pounds, another cost-saving incentive to adopt your next family pet.”

Melissa Penn, General Manager of the Sydney Dogs and Cats Home, said the funding will help build a new shelter in Kurnell, which was previously at risk of shutting down.

“After almost 80 years of service, Sydney Dogs and Cats Home has been an essential service supporting over 1.1 million Sydneysiders. We have the experience and expertise and with a permanent facility securing our future, we can scale up and help even more lost, abandoned, and unwanted pets.

News

48 Pet Industry News February - April 2023

Increased quarantine time for imported pets

The Federal Government has announced from 1 March, dogs and cats imported from most countries will need to undertake 30 days quarantine.

Currently it stands at 10 days, but following a policy review, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry decided to increase the quarantine time to mitigate the chance of rabies in Australia.

Australia currently holds a rabies-free status, with the last recorded case appearing in 1867, and since the quarantine period was reduced from 30 days to 10 days in 2013, there still has not been a single case of rabies.

Dr Paul Hewitt, a member of Dogs Qld, said that while the quarantine period is 30 days, most animals are required to do 180 days in residence overseas before importation.

“It is more like 210 days, plus up to three months to get a spot in the overloaded quarantine facility, and then the actual 30 days quarantine. We could be talking 270 days between when a pet

owner says goodbye to their beloved animal or show dog and they are re-united.”

Dr Hewitt has been breeding dogs for over 50 years and has been a respected judge at local and international dog shows. Over the years, Dr Hewitt has imported six dogs and currently has two animals at a boarding facility in the USA, and says that cost is also another massive factor.

“The present cost of quarantine is $200 per day per animal, for ostensibly a glorified boarding kennel. So, for 30 days the cost will go up to $6,000 from $2,000 per animal.”

Dr Hewitt is paying $40 a day for each animal in the US boarding facility, which brings the total cost to $7,200 per animal for the required 180 days in residence.

“Thus, you could now be looking at some $13,000 not including air fares and consultancy fees. No change out of $20,000, which is out of range of most owners be they show dogs or loved pets.”

PETstock and Qantas announce new partnership

PETstock customers can now earn Qantas Points when shopping online or at a PETstock store, thanks to a new partnership.

Qantas Frequent Flyers will earn one Qantas Point for every dollar spent at PETstock and five bonus points per every dollar when making repeat purchases of participating brands in-store or online.

Shane Young, CEO of PETstock, said they are always looking for ways to add more value to the lives of their customers.

“Partnering with the Qantas Frequent Flyer program is an opportunity for our customers to choose how they’re rewarded when they shop, either through our existing PETstock Rewards program, or now, by earning Qantas Points.

“We want our customers to be able to see the value of shopping at PETstock, not only for our extensive product range and renowned expertise of our staff, but because they can benefit from earning money back when they shop through our loyalty program, or earn Qantas Points to redeem on flights, hotel stays or on restaurants just to name a few.”

PETstock customers will also be able to earn Qantas Points though PETstock’s other services such as grooming, puppy school, and veterinary services.

Olivia Worth, CEO of Qantas Loyalty, said Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world and adding more value to the growing spend on pets is great news for members.

“Frequent flyers significantly boost their points balance every year through everyday spending like shopping at Woolworths and filling up at bp, and now they can earn points on their pet care too.”

Customers can now link their PETstock Rewards card with their Qantas Frequent Flyer details before shopping in-store or online.

News

petnews.com.au 49

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Entry is FREE Register at candiexpo.com.au

Exhibit at C&I Expo for:

C&I Expo is the leading trade-only destination for petrol, convenience and impulse retailers from across Asia Pacific to gather for two days of networking, deal-making, product sampling, and education.

Suppliers, manufacturers, distributors of food and beverage, commercial equipment, merchandising, display and business services to the petrol forecourt, convenience and independent grocery market.

Exclusive sponsor

Email exhibition@c-store.com.au or call +61 2 8586 6172 for an exhibitor

EXHIBIT?

HOW DO I EXHIBIT AT C&I EXPO 2023 in sydney?

prospectus. WHO SHOULD

Pet Industry News February-April 2023

Editor’s Note

TOP READS

A lifelong passion

Chief Health Officer

A pet passion

Canine Couture

Furry fashion

Best paw forward

Celebrate DOGUE’s 25th Birthday!

Young

Jessica Joosse, Consumer Care Advisor, Royal Canin ANZ

Christian Bonney, Trainer, Bonnies Dog Obedience and Puppy School

Dr Alex Kennedy, Veterinary Resident, SASH

James Holloway, Livestock Carer and Salesperson, Majestic Aquariums

Lauren Goodman, Vet Nurse, Breeder, Volunteer,

Nathan Olivieri, Co-Founder and CEO, RightPaw

Brianna Done, Dog Behaviourist, Best Friend Dog Care

Driving change: alternative proteins in pet food

Alternative Proteins

Single-cell proteins: Yeast

NUTRITION FOR CATS & DOGS

Holistic versus traditional veterinary medicine

Western veterinary medicine a game changer for pet health

Transition to integrative veterinary medicine

Complementary therapies vital in palliative care

Finding the right balance for optimal health outcomes

What’s New?

Brand news and promotions.

All new Ferplast Goodbite

Small Animal Dental Chews

Ziwi launches innovative new Peak Freeze-Dried Booster Series

New animal test kits combating zoonotic diseases

New Zealand Brushtail Possum –ethically irresistible!

Scientifically formulated Cherish Pet Food extends it range

Serotoninkc launches breed specific grooming supplies

Pro Plan® LiveClear™ is changing lives for cat owners

Ipromea’s simple solution to combat separation anxiety in dogs and cats

Magically remove pet stains with NOMESSMATE

Bark & Beyond: A new class of dog treats

Royal Canin Hematuria Detection kits now available

Super Feedy brings innovation to mealtime with 4-in-1 slow feeder dog bowl

NSW Puppy Farm legislation update

PIAA stands ready to swing into action to represent its members’ interests, supporting responsible and ethical breeding practices before the new parliament in April.

Sustainability: From paddock to pet bowl

What can pet parents do?

About PFIAA:

The origins of the Fressnapf Group

So, where did it all begin?

The state of Australia’s aquarium sector

Pet mishaps you’re likely to see at the vet in 2023

Greencross officially opens vet hospital at University of Melbourne

Mars New Zealand appoints Aussie export as new GM

Barking up the right tree

Biccies’ big break

NSW’s record $40m investment into animal welfare

Increased quarantine time for imported pets

PETstock and Qantas announce new partnership

Exhibit at C&I Expo for:

Articles inside

Driving Change: Alternative Proteins in Pet Food

Industry Spotlight: DOUGUE

5 Minutes With... Dr Bronwen MacRae