PPM_Dec24 by Pet Product Marketing

We’re in the home straight to Christmas now. I’m excited about reaching the festive season and taking some much-needed family time. Although, there’s still a lot of work to do before then! For Pet Product Marketing of course, but I also need to start thinking about buying some presents. Yes, I am one of those late shoppers. As the year draws to a close, ﬁrstly I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season. We all work hard to be able to enjoy our own time, so make the most of it.

Once we’ve revelled in the festive period (I am not wishing it away, honest), we’ll turn our attention to 2025. A new year is always a time to look backward to look forward. What went well for you this year? What do you want to change for the coming year? I try to follow the mantra of

4 News

The latest from the pet industry

10 Talking trade with… Craig Wallace, MD of Wilsons Pet Food

11 New products

What new products will you add to your store?

16 Product focus

Exo Terra is taking T5 lighting to the next level

18 Dog treats showcase!

Want to freshen up your offering of dog treats? We’ve got a selection to inspire you…

24 The pet health revolution

A look at health-boosting products you can stock

26 Business advice

The ‘always on’ culture: ﬁve ways businesses can mitigate the impact

28 Diary dates

Pet days and events calendar for 2025

evolution, not revolution. So, making focused, gradual changes that will last. You don’t need to transform everything. This was at the forefront of my mind when putting this issue together. I wanted us to provide inspiration for ways you could develop your store in the new year. From being a go-to retailer for helping pets with weight loss, planning an exciting social calendar, focusing on senior pets, adding new lines to your shop, creating excitement in the small animal category, or refreshing your dog treats offering, the issue is packed with ways you can improve what you do in 2025.

But before then, let’s get down the home straight to the holidays… see you on the other side!

Mike Mike Hallam – Editor, PPM.

30 Tackling obesity

How retailers can help ﬁght the obesity crisis

32 Senior pets

A retailer’s guide to supporting senior pets

36 Business advice

The UK’s widening green skills gap: ﬁve ways businesses can help to close it

38 Dog advice

How to help our pets cope at Christmas

40 Small companions

Spring clean your small pet category: a call for retailers to refresh and revitalise

42 Fishkeeping know-how

All I want for ﬁshmas… how beginners can avoid common errors

47 Canine nutrition

Why protein is so important for dogs

51 Cat feature

Debunking myths about cats

54 Puzzles

Take a mental break with some fun puzzles

Our email: editorial@petproductmarketing.co.uk

Our address: Pet Product Marketing, Warners Group Publications, The Maltings, West Street, Bourne, Lincolnshire, PE10 9PH

Michael Hallam, Editor (for news and product releases, contact Michael at michael.hallam@warnersgroup.co.uk)

For advertising queries please contact Stephen Tanner on 01778 392404

Nigel Fish, Design and Production Manager

Stephen Tanner, Key Account Manager (advertising Pet Product Marketing)

Andrea Walters, Key Account Manager (advertising Your Dog/Your Cat)

Printed by Warners Midlands plc

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PPM News

Marriage’s has existed for over 200 years

WHM Pet Group hosts spectacular heritage celebration

WHM Pet Group, a family-run company with headquarters in Holme-Upon-Spalding-Moor, East Yorkshire, and a large mill in Driby, Lincolnshire hosted a spellbinding celebration of farming, family, and food, in Yorkshire.

More than 150 special guests were entertained with a heritage extravaganza showcasing 200 years of milling, including the dramatic appearance of one of the last steam engines ever built. The event also celebrated the relaunch of WHM Pet Group’s pet food brand, Marriage’s.

Sam Marriage, Managing Director of WHM Pet Group, presented a family history of farming and milling spanning 600 years, including a spectacular outdoor video display, which took the guests on a fascinating journey through time.

Sam Marriage said: “This special day took many months of planning; it was incredible to see it come to life so beautifully. I am extremely proud of my family heritage and so grateful to the previous generations for their hard work, determination and integrity in establishing and maintaining Marriage’s as a much-loved household name.”

Michael Hallam, editor of Pet Product Marketing, said: “It was a real honour to be invited to the celebration. Marriage’s has a special ethos, which we got to see ﬁrst-hand. The business is about creating an organisation to be proud of and that succeeds not just for its owners, but everyone involved. It made quite the impression on me, and you can see the commitment that goes into their products.”

WHM Pet Group supplies retailers and farmers with premium quality wild bird, indoor bird, small animal, racing pigeon, pig, poultry and ruminant feeds.

For further information, visit marriages.co.uk

New chapter for PATS (Pets & Aquatic Trade Show) under new ownership

PATS (Pets and Aquatic Trade Show) has announced it has been acquired.

The UK’s largest pet trade show, which has moved to the NEC, Birmingham, for 2025, has been bought by Raccoon Media Group. Gordon Thomas, will continue in his role. He’ll work alongside Nicole Cooper, CEO of Raccoon Media Group’s Animal Health Division, to build on PATS’ strong foundations and drive the show to new heights.

Gordon Thomas, Event Director of PATS, shared his optimism: “Joining Raccoon Media Group is a fantastic opportunity for the PATS brand and our team. Raccoon’s commitment to our industry, alongside their expertise in running successful trade shows, means we’ll be able to take PATS to the next level. I look forward to working alongside Nicole and the broader Raccoon team as we embark on this exciting journey together.”

Raccoon Media Group’s recent launch of an Animal Health Division will bring enhanced resources, international expertise, and vision to support PATS’ continued growth in the UK. By working in close collaboration with the existing PATS team, Raccoon’s Animal Health Division is committed to elevating the event experience and creating new growth opportunities for the pet trade sector, both in the UK and beyond. Industry professionals can expect a dynamic evolution of the show, with an expanded focus on product innovation, networking, and insights that will serve both emerging and established brands.

Nicole Cooper, at Raccoon Media Group added: “We are thrilled to welcome PATS into the Raccoon family. This acquisition aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver industry-leading experiences in the animal health and wellness sector across the globe. PATS has long been a respected platform in the pet and aquatic trade world, and we’re excited to build on its success and create new opportunities for growth and collaboration across the sector.”

Raccoon Media has also purchased BETA International, the equestrian show, and the event will run on September 28 and 29, 2025, at the same time as PATS 2025.

For further information, please contact Ashley Cox, Group Marketing Director at Raccoon Media Group; ashley.cox@ raccoonmediagroup.com

THE PET & AQUATICS TRADE SHOW

28-30 SEPTEMBER

The UK’s deﬁnitive event for the Pet & Aquatics Trade

Thousands of products and hundreds of new launches

PATS 2025 moves to the NEC, Birmingham – the UK’s largest exhibition centre

All the leading brands exhibiting under one roof

Where the Pet & Aquatics Trade meet to do business

Supreme Petfoods unveils UK Small Pet Market Report 2024

A growing commitment to small pet health and well-being is emerging among pet owners, according to Supreme Petfoods’ newly released UK Small Pet Market Report 2024. Based on a survey of 1,000 rabbit and guinea pig owners, the report revealed key trends of small animal pet owners.

Interestingly, the report found that 54% of small pet owners favour physical stores over online options. This ﬁnding reinforces the value of local pet shops, which remain key destinations for small pet products alongside major retail chains. The report also revealed that over 80% of households with small pets consider them as adult or family pets. Furthermore, nearly 60% of rabbit owners are committed to taking their rabbits to the vet’s at least once a year, highlighting a strong desire to provide high-quality care.

The report also reveals that 80% of small pet caregivers are female –an increase and signiﬁcant demographic shift since Supreme’s previous benchmark survey two years ago. Additionally, the research indicates an 8% rise in rabbits being kept as house pets, with 55% of pet parents keeping their rabbits indoors. These changes reﬂect an evolving approach to pet care, where small pets are increasingly seen as family members deserving of attentive, high-quality care.

“Understanding the needs and preferences of small pet owners is crucial for shaping our product offerings and marketing strategies,” said Claire Hamblion, Marketing Director at Supreme Petfoods. “This report not only reﬂects current trends but also provides actionable insights for the future.”

The UK Small Pet Market Report 2024 also highlights trends in brand preferences and shopping habits among small pet owners. Supreme’s Science Selective brand leads in spontaneous brand awareness among small pet guardians, while its Tiny Friends Farm range has seen an impressive 34% increase in brand recognition since the last survey – a testament not only to Supreme’s commitment to creating high-quality products but also to its investment in initiatives to raise brand awareness, including targeted social media campaigns.

“We recognise the essential role that specialist retailers play and are committed to providing the resources and support they need for a successful small pet category,” Claire added.

The UK Small Pet Market Report 2024 is now available for download on the Supreme Petfoods website. For more detailed insights and data, please visit supremepetfoods.com/blog/uk-small-pet-marketreport-2024

Su-Bridge celebrates Operations Director

Ollie McDonagh’s 20 years of service

Su-Bridge celebrated a signiﬁcant milestone for its operations director, Ollie McDonagh, who has reached 20 years of service with the company.

Throughout his two decades at Su-Bridge, Ollie has played a key role in driving the company’s growth and success, consistently demonstrating dedication and strong leadership.

The company extended its deepest appreciation for Ollie’s hard work, loyalty, and invaluable contributions over the past 20 years. It noted his inﬂuence and leadership have had a lasting impact on the company and Su-Bridge looks forward to many more years of continued growth and shared success under his guidance.

Ollie receives a gift from Su-Bridge

Pure and durable, Anco Antlersare tough and long lasting, giving dogs hours of chewing pleasure. Naturally shed, our Grade A antlers are ethically and sustainably sourced.A true product of nature, they are fatfree, mineral rich and nutritious. Easy antlers are halved length wise giving easy access to the calcium rich marrow. The UK’s largest range of natural dog treats.

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PetQuip announces latest conﬁrmations for Zoomark UK pavilion

Following Zoomark’s launch of a new hall and a host of new features, the UK’s PetQuip trade association has issued an update on recruitment for the UK group.

Running from May 5 – 7, 2025 at BolognaFiere, Zoomark is one of the world’s leading pet industry events, covering nine halls, hosting over 1,000 exhibitors and 28,000 visitors at the last edition in 2023.

The UK group has 20 exhibitors conﬁrmed so far, showing a diversity of products including premium dog and cat food, treats and supplements, raw materials and ingredients, packaging, bedding, dog and cat toys, grooming products, and pet care supplies.

“Zoomark has announced some really exciting developments for the 2025 edition of the exhibition, which we are looking forward to being part of. We already have 20 exhibitors conﬁrmed for our UK pavilion, with 75% of our current allocated space already booked,” conﬁrms Emma Brazier, Event Manager, PetQuip.

“Our participating companies represent the innovative, creative UK pet market, which we are proud to support. I would urge any UK companies who are considering exhibiting at the show to talk to us soon to secure your best location.”

UK companies conﬁrmed so far include: McAdams Pet Foods, Vitalin, Canagan, Symply/Yora, The Barking Bakery, PATS 2025, Buitelaar Group, MiAlgae, Tribal Pet Foods, Law Print & Packaging Management, PetQuip, Petlife Vetbed®, James & Steel, Ruffingtons, King Catnip, Eden Holistic Pet Foods Ltd, DotDotPet, Buddycare, DOGGI/KATTI and Pets Choice.

Companies who would like to enquire about exhibiting with PetQuip, which provides exhibitors with an extensive marketing and logistical support package, either on the UK pavilion or with a space-only area, should contact emma@petquip.com

For details of PetQuip membership, please email info@ petquip.com or visit petquip.com

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Pet Product Marketing share your stories and new product launches for free! Simply email michael.hallam@warnersgroup.co.uk

For all the latest news and new products, head to petproductmarketing.co.uk

Gifting business launches keepsake in partnership with Blue Cross Pet

The Lovely Gift Group has launched a Christmas keepsake bauble in conjunction with the Blue Cross to help raise funds for the national pet charity.

Designed exclusively with the charity, the bauble features white feathers, a paw print charm, tiny paw prints in the charity’s blue colours, and is personalised with the pet’s name. Proﬁts from every bauble sold will go to the Blue Cross. The baubles can be bought to celebrate four-legged family members or remember those that families have loved and lost.

Blue Cross helps thousands of sick, injured and homeless pets every month by providing veterinary care, rehoming and fostering services, and expert behaviour advice, as well as education for future generations and pet bereavement support through its Pet Loss Support Service.

Helen Davies, founder of The Lovely Gift Group, said: “We are thrilled that we can bring Oh So Precious keepsake gifts to the Blue Cross supporters as our two brands share a vision in looking after the needs of owners, as well as pets. Working with the charity to launch our partnership at such an exciting time as Christmas is fabulous and I hope we can raise plenty of money through these bespoke keepsake baubles.

“2025 is going to be an exciting year for both of our teams as we have a number of initiatives that we are planning on together involving retail stores, online sales and of course a number of other charity projects”.

Diane James, Head of People Services for Blue Cross, said: “We are delighted to have partnered with Oh So Precious to create these baubles this Christmas. Pets are such a big part of so many of our lives, so to be able to have a keepsake to recognise or remember our beloved pets by is a wonderful way to celebrate them every Christmas.

Diane added: “We hope that the funds raised from these baubles will enable us to help even more pets and people.”

For trade enquiries for Oh So Precious, visit ohsoprecious. co.uk/pages/contact

BETA International bought by Raccoon Media

The UK’s premier equestrian trade show, BETA International, has been purchased by Raccoon Media.

As part of Raccoon’s newly launched Animal Health Division, BETA International will receive fresh investment and innovative enhancements designed to strengthen its role as the go-to event for the equestrian trade, offering new opportunities for networking, education, and business growth. Together with the National Equine Show, also organised by Raccoon, this acquisition allows for a more comprehensive platform to support and expand the reach of the equine sector.

This strategic move pairs BETA International’s long-standing heritage and industry reputation with Raccoon’s forwardthinking approach to event management, with a focus on delivering even greater value for exhibitors, retailers, and attendees. Nicole Cooper, newly appointed CEO of Raccoon Media Group’s Animal Health Division, will be collaborating closely with the experienced BETA team and its trade fair committee to introduce exciting new features while maintaining the event’s trusted format and character.

“We are thrilled to be a part of BETA International’s future

PIF Awards winners

2024 revealed

The winners of this year’s Pet Industry Federation (PIF) Awards were revealed at a black tie event last month. Here, we look at who took home the honours…

New Product Award – Accessories

(Sponsored by Su-bridge Pet Supplies)

Winner: Trinkety Paws – Waterproof Biothane Handsfree Dog Training Lead

New Product Award – Food

(Sponsored by Su-Bridge Pet Supplies)

Winner: James & Ella – Kibble + Raw Dog and Puppy Food

New Product Award – Health & Hygiene

(Sponsored by Su-Bridge Pet Supplies)

Winner: Dorwest – BrainCopa Tablets

New Product Award – Treats

(Sponsored by Su-Bridge Pet Supplies)

Winner: Baboo Gelato – Doggy Doggy Yum Yum

Manufacturer of the Year – Turnover Over £10 Million

(Sponsored by Anthesis)

Winner: Mackle Petfoods

Manufacturer of the Year – Turnover Under £10 Million

(Sponsored by Anthesis)

Winner: Proﬂax

Supplier of the Year

(Sponsored by Johnsons Veterinary Products)

Winner: Pet Trade Innovations

Wholesaler of the Year (Sponsored by PBW News)

Winner: Su-Bridge Pet Supplies

New Business of the Year

(Sponsored by Millin Brook Luxury Dog Boarding)

Winner: The Muzzle Movement

Grooming Business of the Year (Sponsored by TUFT)

and are committed to enhancing what has made the show essential to the equestrian community,” said Nicole. “With Raccoon Media Group’s resources and expertise, we aim to build on BETA International’s established reputation and create a dynamic event that provides greater value, connection, and insight for all visitors.”

Claire Williams, Executive Director of BETA, expressed her optimism about the future: “This acquisition offers a unique opportunity for BETA International to grow and adapt within the expanding landscape of the equestrian industry. With Raccoon’s commitment and expertise, we look forward to delivering even more value to our members, exhibitors and trade visitors in the years to come.”

For more information about the show, visit beta-int.com

Winner: Hurley’s Grooming Salon | Training Academy Kennel of the Year (Sponsored by Collar)

Winner: Millin Brook Luxury Boarding

Cattery of the Year (Sponsored by Call of Nature)

Winner: Newgate Kennels and Cattery

Home Boarding Business of the Year (Sponsored by YuMOVE)

Winner: The Pug Snug

Dog Daycare Business of the Year (Sponsored by Collar)

Winner: Claire’s Comfy Canines

Dog Walking Business of the Year (Sponsored by Collar)

Winner: Sophie’s Pet Care

Pet Service Business of the Year (Sponsored by Cliverton)

Winner: Yorkshire Pooches Therapies

Online Business of the Year

(Sponsored by The Animal People Recruitment Company)

Winner: Tug-E-Nuff

Export Business Award (Sponsored by Associated Veterinary Services)

Winner: We.pet Independent Pet Wholesale

Sustainability Award (Sponsored by Citation)

Winner: Doglyness International GmbH

Independent Retailer of the Year

(Sponsored by Vital Pet Trade Specialist)

Winner: Wildwood Pets

Pet Retail Chain of the Year (Sponsored by Naturo Pet Food)

Winner: Pet Pavillion

Garden Centre Pet Department of the Year

(Sponsored by Garden Centre Expo)

Winner: Notcutts

Marketing Campaign of the Year (Sponsored by Nobull Agency)

Winner: Play9 – Most Other Dog Toys Are Just Balls

Pet Tech Award (Sponsored by Loyalzoo)

Winner: Wearezumi

Lifetime Achievement Award

(Sponsored by Impact Exhibitions & Events Ltd)

Winner: David Tracey (Brambles)

Talking trade with… Craig Wallace, Managing Director, Wilsons Pet Food

About Wilsons Pet Food Wilsons Pet Food crafts a range of delicious cold pressed dog food and raw frozen dog food, made in their Scottish factories using only quality ingredients to keep canine companions ﬁt and well.

Cold pressed is seeing a surge in popularity – why is that?

We’ve been famous for our raw meals for a long time, which has been fantastic, but it’s great to have gained similar recognition for Wilsons cold pressed recipes, too. We invested heavily in cold pressed a few years ago as we saw the market going this way. We are now installing a second line; additional production machinery that will enable us to quadruple our capacity. More and more pet

owners are seeking diets containing quality ingredients, while also understanding the beneﬁts of gentle processing. If the goodness of the ingredients is retained, there’s no need to add colours, ﬂavourings, and preservatives. Wilsons cold pressed certainly ticks all the boxes. A recent stat showed 96% of dog owners feeding Wilsons cold pressed saw a positive change in their dog – it’s been great to see its popularity grow, and as a result, we now manufacture an extensive range of recipes.

What recipes are included in the Wilsons cold pressed range?

We make 15 complete recipes within our Premium and Working Dog range. Premium includes 10 tasty recipes such as lamb, salmon, white ﬁsh, or haggis, an insect and vegan option, and a meal speciﬁcally tailored for puppies; there’s no shortage of choice!

Our Working Dog range includes ﬁve recipes ideal for active and working dogs with a special blend of protein and carbohydrates to deliver slow-release energy. Options include ﬁsh, lamb, pork, chicken, and beef, each combined with tasty vegetables, vitamins, and minerals. The complete recipes are also allergy-friendly with grain free, wheat free, chicken free, and pea free options.

You’ve recently released new treats and supplements, too. Tell us more. We were excited to launch a selection of natural new treats last month – 17 in total! Ideal for training, rewarding, and enrichment. They range from Wee Salmon Crunchies (100% whole salmon, packed with Omega-3, 6 and 9), to Pheasant Bites, or Wild Boar Bites.

Our four new supplements perfectly complement our meals and treats. Available in small bite-size pieces, they’re easy to feed. The range supports digestion, skin and coat, calming, and joint support, alongside our Scottish Salmon Oil.

How do you work with retailers?

We really value our relationships with independent retailers; the knowledge and support they offer pet owners remains second to none and as a result is trusted. Having now completed the full rebrand, we are looking forward to launching new educational POS at the start of next year. This will support their valued guidance, further, providing detail on each of our ranges with speciﬁc products’ key features and health beneﬁts. We will continue to provide cold pressed sample packs for the trade to offer their customers, as they’re great for encouraging trial, enhancing the customer’s experience in-store, and driving sales.

Our new trade portal was developed to provide customers with quick and easy ordering, and has enabled instant access to pricing, images, and feeding guides, it’s been great to see this really grow in popularity. We’ve also worked hard to reduce delivery times, with most orders reaching customers three days from date of order. This ensures high stock levels are retained in-store, and can provide a more bespoke order for new customers. The sales team are always just an email away, too, trade@wilsonspetfood. co.uk

New products

Chuckit! Eco Fetch toy range

These eco-friendly toys encourage dogs and their owners to get outside, stay active, and strengthen bonds through the joy of fetch.

The Chuckit! Eco Fetch range features three innovative products: the Eco Fetch Ball (RRP £5.99), Eco Fetch Stick (RRP £9.99), and Eco Fetch Launcher, which comes with a compatible Eco Fetch Ball (RRP £12.99).

Each toy is made from 40% recycled rubber taken from Chuckit!’s

popular Ultra, Erratic, and Rebounce Balls, along with 40% recycled resin. This sustainable manufacturing process ensures every toy is unique, helping to reduce waste without sacriﬁcing the performance or durability Chuckit! is known for.

As more pet parents seek more environmentally friendly products, Chuckit! Eco Fetch meets this growing demand. With Chuckit!, you can provide your customers with a sought-after, high-quality product line that supports sustainability and boosts your proﬁt margins.

To ﬁnd out more, visit petproducts.co.uk/chuckit or speak to your business development manager

Paleo Ridge expands Classic range with new boneless meals for dogs

Paleo Ridge has announced the launch of two brand-new boneless meals as part of its popular Classic range. Classic Boneless Beef and

meals as part of its popular Classic range. Classic Boneless Beef and Classic Boneless Lamb are single-protein meals which contain high-quality meat an a d offal, l made e exclusively y from high-welfare e British meat.

a healthy, species-appropriate option for dogs who cannot consume bone. As complementary meals, they provide essential nutrition without the bone content, an ideal choice for post-surgery recovery or pets with other medical conditions. Each product offers a single protein, perfect for dogs with food sensitivities or intolerances.

The new boneless meals feature all-natural ingredients, offering additional to tailor each meal to a dogs who y g their r dog’ g s meals s themselves e . available, they offer convenience alongside premium-quality ingredients.

The ﬂexibility of the Classic Boneless range makes it easy to incorporate additional ingredients to tailor each meal to a dog’s unique needs. The boneless meals are popular among pet owners who enjoy preparing their dog’s meals themselves. With 1kg packs

TropiClean launches refreshing Watermelon grooming range

TropiClean is excited to announce the launch of its brand-new Watermelon range — a fresh, fruity collection designed to make pet grooming fun, easy, and effective. Infused with the invigorating scent of watermelon, this new range offers pet owners a natural and refreshing grooming solution.

The Watermelon range builds on TropiClean’s dedication to creating safe, effective pet products. Every TropiClean product is crafted with naturally derived ingredients and gentle formulas, free from harsh chemicals, sulphates, and parabens, to nourish and protect pets’ skin and coat. The refreshing watermelon scent adds a tropical twist to grooming, making it an enjoyable experience for both pets and their owners.

TropiClean Watermelon Refreshing 2-in-1 Pet Shampoo & Conditioner (RRP £9.99) gently cleanses and moisturises pets’ skin and coat with a luxurious, rich lather to help untangle fur for easier brushing, leaving the coat soft and healthy.

TropiClean Watermelon Waterless Pet Shampoo (RRP £9.99) is enriched with a botanical blend that provides a refreshing clean between baths while hydrating the skin and coat.

TropiClean Watermelon Deodorising Pet Spray (RRP £10.99) effectively neutralises odours at the source while moisturising and conditioning the coat, leaving pets smelling fresh like delicious watermelon.

The new TropiClean Watermelon range is available exclusively to the specialist pet trade through Pedigree Wholesale.

New Stay Well variety of Dr Veneta

Stay Well (Chicken & Rabbit, Apple & Pumpkin) is the latest recipe in the Dr Veneta range and is designed to maintain a healthy status quo in a dog’s well-being.

The food champions ingredients that are highly digestible and in the case of rabbit, hypoallergenic. The food is designed to keep inﬂammation in check while honing in on ingredients that support improved blood sugar control. This is achieved by smoothing unwelcome peaks and dips with added ﬁbre. This new recipe also supports the digestive system and pivotal microbiome while simultaneously protecting the gut lining.

The intricate freeze-drying process safeguards both the nutritional structure and shelf life of the products. It is also convenient and easy to use, highly digestible, grain free, is a complete meal, uses humangrade natural ingredients, such as raw meat and vegetables, and is

To ﬁnd out more, visit petproducts.co.uk/tropiclean or speak to your business development manager

high in protein. The food is suitable for all sizes and breeds of dogs from six months of age, and can be used as an alternative to a raw food diet.

Leading veterinary surgeon and nutritionist Dr Veneta Kozhuharova, who is Director of Associated Veterinary Services based in Rainham, created the range. Each recipe has been designed to tackle ailments seen in an everyday veterinary practice. Dr Veneta is available in ﬁve varieties: STAY MOBILE (Chicken, Swede & Blueberry), STAY CALM (Turkey, Pear & Apple), STAY SHINY (Turkey, Salmon, Carrot & Blueberry), STAY WELL (Chicken & Rabbit, Apple & Pumpkin), and STAY YOUNG (Pork, Pumpkin & Pear).

For further information, visit drveneta.com or email hello@drveneta.com

Fold Hill launches premium dog treat brand

A new-to-market gourmet dog treat brand, Ruffingtons, is launching to stockists from Fold Hill.

Featuring a range of edible art-style treats, Ruffingtons joins the Fold Hill family based on research that a growing number of dog

owners are wanting to show their beloved pets love through treats and presents.

The product range includes a total of seven SKUs, featuring:

● Marble Snaps (RRP £7.00) ● Terrier Truffles (RRP £7.00)

● 4-pack Cupcakes (RRP £4.00) ● 9-pack Cupcakes (RRP £7.00)

● Dog Doughnuts (RRP £5.00) ● Biscuit Paws (RRP £5.00)

● Dog Eclairs (RRP £5.00)

Ben Mankertz, Managing Director at Ruffingtons, said: “We have invested heavily into launching the Ruffingtons brand as we know that, over the past few years, the desire to treat and spend money on pets amongst users has risen exponentially. There is a gap in the market for artisan baked treats. We hope Ruffingtons will bridge it.” Ruffingtons is handcrafted in rural Lincolnshire by Fold Hill which already operates several high-performing brands, as well as offering a white labelling service.

To find out more, visit ruffingtons.co.uk or for trade enquiries, email info@ruffingtons.co.uk

Nutravet adds topical Ear Essential Oil to Nutraotic range

The Nutraotic Ear Essential Oil has been specially formulated to provide antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inﬂammatory support. It helps cleanse and moisturise the ear canal, reduce ear odours, and break down earwax, while also maintaining a balanced ear ﬂora to help prevent infections.

Like all products in the Nutraotic range, the Ear Essential Oil is crafted without harsh ingredients, ensuring a gentle, non-irritating experience for pets of all breeds and sizes. The blend features carefully selected pet-safe essential oils that promote ear hygiene, comfort, and long-term well-being.

“We recognise that ear health in dogs and cats is a frequent concern, and with the launch of the Nutraotic Ear Essential Oil, we’re expanding our ability to support pets in a way that’s effective and gentle. This product has been developed to make ear care simple and stress-free while using only the highest-quality ingredients,” said Chris Jones, Managing Director of Nutravet.

For further information, visit nutravet.com or for trade enquiries, email info@nutravet.co.uk

Wilsons expands natural dog treat range

Wilsons Pet Food, based in Scotland, has launched a substantial selection of 100% natural treats for dogs.

Tempting Bites

The new Bites range, available in 200g and 1kg, includes eight delicious varieties, each 100% single-source protein, meat, or ﬁsh. Options such as Goat Bites, Duck Bites, and Wild Boar Bites – each great for allergy support, improved skin and coat, and joint care. The new Pheasant Bites aid immune support, vision care and joint care; while the Venison Bites are high in protein and rich in omega-3 and iron. Porky Bites, Fish Bites, Rabbit Bites and Duck Bites complete the range. RRP prices range from £7.99 to £8.99 for 200g bags.

Natural & nutritious treats

Eight additional tasty treats offer a variety of health beneﬁts. The range includes Beef Liver, Beef Tripe, Baltic Sprats, Chicken & Duck Necks, Rabbit Ears, Pig Ears, and Chicken Feet. Prices start from £6.99 for 200g.

They’re allergy-friendly, high in protein, aid dental hygiene, support healthy joints and bones, and provide mental stimulation.

Wilsons Wee Salmon Crunchies

A ﬁrst for the UK dog treat market. Freeze-dried 100% natural whole salmon treats packed with omega; promoting a healthy immune system, healthy skin and coat, and supporting joint health.

Festive goodies

Wilsons has launched special limited edition treats in time for Christmas. Made with natural ingredients, the Mince Pie Festive Treats and Turkey and Cranberry Festive Treats are

Festive Treats and and Festive Treats are grain-free, making them ideal for sensitive tummies. RRP for a 70g bag is £4.

For more visit

For more information, visit wilsonspetfood.co.uk or for trade enquiries, visit trade.wilsonspetfood. co.uk/pages/become-a-stockist

Petcetera to distribute the award-winning Dog-G8

Leading wholesaler to the pet breeder and grooming industries, Petcetera, is to distribute the award-winning Dog-G8.

Father and son, Peter and Chris Maxted, from Horsham, last year appeared on BBC One’s Dragons’ Den, and received a £50K investment offer from Dragon, Deborah Meaden for their company which manufactures retractable, portable gates. They are designed to ﬁt almost any conﬁguration, notably the front door to prevent dog escapes and dog attacks, and have received a listing and distribution deal.

The Dog-G8 product is British made and features a concertina, modular, and retractable design. The product is incredibly versatile and can be used on multiple configurations, ranging from the front door to stairways, hallways, motorhomes and more. The gate’s modular design enables it to be spanned to any width, allowing the gate to be fitted to the widest of configurations, such as patio doors where standard, conventional gates cannot fit.

The gate is made from mild steel, coated in chrome or white powder, bolted together with bespoke, customised clips which give the gate strength and durability. When the gate is not in use it sits ﬂat and compact.

For more information, visit: dog-g8.com or for trade enquiries, visit petcetera.co.uk

Go Beyond Treats This Christmas

A brand new range of patisserie-style dog treats. Luxury, edible works of art that are made for dogs. View our beautifully handcrafted dog treats by visiting

Contact our sales team to stock e:

Exo Terra takes T5 lighting to the next level with new range

Earlier this year, Exo Terra previewed a new range of T5 Reptile UVB Bulbs at PATS 2024, which many reptile professionals identiﬁed as a game changer. In this article, we take a deeper dive into this range and what sets it apart from the competition

These new Exo Terra T5 VHO Bulbs are the culmination of years of research

between Exo Terra and reptile keeping & lighting expert Tomaskas, and features a unique phosphor blend, allowing it to replicate UVA & UVB rays in sunlight much more closely than was previously possible. To that end, this new phosphor blend effectively eliminates shorter wavelengths in order to match natural sunlight much more closely in the regions of UVB and UVA 2. These bulbs are manufactured in

Germany, to a medical-grade standard, and are held to the highest possible quality standards.

These new T5 ﬂuorescent UVB bulbs take the next big step forwards in safe reptile husbandry by eliminating shortwave lengths that could still be found in other T5 bulbs, for an even more true-to-life UV Spectrum, and a more realistic environment in a terrarium. These wave lengths are what solar meters read, which does mean that the bulbs will read slightly lower UVI than you might expect, but this can easily be adjusted by raising the basking area relatively to the bulb, and will greatly improve animal welfare overall.

UVA rays help stimulate appetite, activity and reproductive behaviour in reptiles, while UVB helps prevent metabolic bone disease and helps promote healthy Vitamin D3 synthesis and calcium absorption. The Exo Terra T5 Reptile UVB range covers a wide range of wattages, from 8W to 54W, which makes them easy to integrate into any existing ﬁxtures. The range is split further down into UVB100, UVB200 and UVB300, to closely match the needs of speciﬁc reptiles.

The Reptile UVB100 Bulb is designed for nocturnal and crepuscular reptiles, also known as Ferguson Zone 1, such as frogs, ball pythons, as well as crested and leopard geckos, who all have moderate UVB needs in the wild. In comparison, the Reptile UVB200 bulb matches the needs of partial sun and occasional basking reptiles, which naturally dwell in Ferguson Zone 2. This includes chameleons and green iguanas, among others. Finally, the Reptile UVB300 Bulb covers Ferguson Zones 3 and 4, and matches the needs of reptiles who bask in open, mid-day sun, such as bearded dragons and uromastyx.

Once again, the meticulous approach to spectrum development is what really makes this new range position itself as next level,

with independent tests showing that the Exo Terra T5 Reptile UVB Bulbs replicate UVB rays closer to sunlight than any other existing market leaders. The differences are obvious when looking at the spectrum graphs, with the Exo Terra T5 Bulbs matching the natural spectrum of UV in sunlight closer than has ever been achieved before. Exo Terra’s scientiﬁc commitment to accuracy really shines through, and should give keepers the conﬁdence that their reptiles are receiving the highest possible quality of care.

While the Exo Terra T5 Very High Output Bulbs are compatible with any existing fixtures on the market, Exo Terra is also releasing a new T5 Terrarium Top HighPerformance Reptile UVB Fixture, specially designed to enhance the bulbs’ performance and integrate them with no fuss in any terrarium setting. This new terrarium top comes with many new features, including a high-output reflector, which will increase light penetration in taller and mesh top terrariums. It’s also equipped with a highquality electronic ballast, which will greatly increase the overall performance and lifespan of any Exo Terra T5 Bulb installed. Its linkable design allows for the control of multiple fixtures with only a single timer,

and the grounded plug ensures top-notch safety and durability. Finally, the ﬁxture is an ideal choice for a wide range of setups, with its optional mounting clips allowing it even more ﬂexibility than just placing it on top of a terrarium mesh, for unparalleled versatility in terrarium setups.

Overall, these new T5 Reptile VHO Bulbs show an incredible step forwards in faithfully recreating a reptile’s natural environment in captivity, with some zoos and private collections already adopting the new range to maximise their animals’ welfare. Exo Terra shows once again that they are committed to pushing the envelope in what is possible in reptile keeping, and recreating a reptile’s natural habitat as closely as possible, which should instil conﬁdence in any reptile keeper on the market.

The full Exo Terra T5 range will launch in early 2025. Please contact your Hagen Sales Manager for more information and to place a pre-order, as stocks will be limited and assigned on a ﬁrst come ﬁrst served basis.

Visit exo-terra.com or for trade enquiries call 01977 556622

Dog treats showcase

Need to refresh your treat offering? We’ve got a showcase of 10 different ranges to excite your customers… and their pets!

While changing pet food brands is a bigger decision for consumers, treats are a category where buyers enjoy more options and variety. The new year is an ideal time to look at your selection and maybe ﬁnd some inspiration to stock something new…

Zoë Better Bones

Easily digestible and rawhide-free, Zoë Better Bones provide dog parents with a healthy snack for their dogs. Combining irresistible ﬂavours with chewy goodness, Better Bones help satisfy your dog’s natural chewing instinct while promoting oral hygiene. Consisting of nutritious protein and no added salt, the treats are easy on stomachs, and have a satisfying density and pliable texture that’s ideal for tender gums. Varieties include Small Bones, Chicken-Wrapped Small Bones, Chicken-Wrapped Twists, and Chicken-Wrapped Large Rolls.

● For trade enquiries, speak to your Hagen Pet Products representative, visit zeuszoe.com/dealer-enquiries or call 01977 556622

Fish4Dogs Sea Jerky

The original ﬁsh skin treats for dogs. The award-winning dental dog treats were voted the ‘Must-Stock Product of the Year’ in Pet Product Marketing’s Retailer Recommended Awards 2024 and the ‘Best Treat’ last year by the readers of our sister title, Your Dog magazine.

Sea Jerky is a healthy ﬁsh dog treat made from baked ﬁsh skins. The rough texture is great for removing plaque

and controlling tartar on a dog’s teeth. The ﬁsh treats for dogs are low-calorie, grain-free, and made from one simple ingredient.

Varieties of the treats include: Fish Knots, Fish Twists, Fish Strips, Fish Squares, Fish Tiddlers, and Fish Whoppers.

● For trade enquiries, email hello@ﬁsh4dogs.com or call 01299 252 352

www.laughingdogfood.com

TREATS

Wilsons Natural Dog Treats

Wilsons Pet Food has launched a substantial selection of 100% natural treats for dogs. The range includes 17 new treats, each free from junk or ﬁllers.

The new Bites range, includes eight delicious varieties, each 100% single-source protein, meat or ﬁsh. The Goat Bites, Duck Bites, and Wild Boar Bites are good for allergy support, improved skin and coat, and joint care. The Pheasant Bites aid immune support, vision care, and joint care. The Venison Bites are high in protein and rich in omega-3 and iron. Porky Bites, Fish Bites, Rabbit Bites and Duck Bites complete the range.

Eight additional tasty treats include Beef Liver, Beef Tripe, Baltic Sprats, Chicken & Duck Necks, Rabbit Ears, Pig Ears, and Chicken Feet. While a ﬁrst for the UK dog treat market is the freeze-dried 100% natural whole salmon treats packed with omega; promoting a healthy immune system, healthy skin and coat, and supporting joint health.

● Visit wilsonspetfood.co.uk or for trade enquiries, visit trade@wilsonspetfood.co.uk

Forthglade Soft Bites

Made with natural ingredients, with no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives, Forthglade’s Soft Bites are functional and bursting with goodness. The range offers grain-free recipes designed to help nourish the bond between owner and dog, and are ideal for training and rewarding behaviour. To help embed health and routine into your dog’s daily life, the natural treats have been created with wellness and well-being in mind. The range has health benefits, including supporting digestive health, improving joints and bones, and dental care. The range was ‘Highly Commended’ in the Your Dog Product Awards 2024.

● Visit forthglade.com or for trade enquiries, visit forthglade.com/pages/trade-business

YAKERS

Made with Himalayan milk, YAKERS are 100% natural dog chews. While a YAKERS chew provides hours of entertainment, our dog companions will be blissfully unaware they are full of health beneﬁts, too. Promoting dental health, the chews will help clean plaque and tartar from dog teeth. They are also packed with protein and calcium – while still being low in fat and free from preservatives and gluten.

● Visit yakers.co.uk or for trade enquiries, yakers.co.uk/contact-us/

Earth Animal No-Hide Strips

Having been a market leader in rawhide alternatives for a decade, Earth Animal No-Hide Strips are a new format of the brand’s best-selling chews. Made using the same highquality ingredients as Earth Animal’s original No-Hide Rolls, Strips come in ﬁve delicious ﬂavours: beef, chicken, salmon, venison, and peanut butter. While being aimed at lighter chewers, No-Hide Strips give all dogs the opportunity to savour the great taste and delightful chewing experience of an Earth Animal No-Hide chew. Great as a reward, impromptu treat, or everyday chew for dogs to enjoy, Strips can also help promote healthy teeth and gums.

● Visit earthanimal.com or for trade enquiries, visit petproducts.co.uk

Tiny Friends Farm Dog range

Known for their expertise in the small animal sector, Supreme Petfoods has released a range of dog treats. The company had, in fact, been producing dog treats under a white label for a large company and now has launched them under their popular Tiny Friends brand. There are four varieties: Danny Dog Doggy Donuts (semi-moist donuts, rich in tasty chicken and essential nutrients), Dolly Dog Yummy Sticks (crunchy baked bites in tasty chicken and garden vegetables), Dolly Dog Crunchy Cookies (crispy baked treats rich in tasty peanut butter), and Dolly Dog Tasty Bones (semi-moist bones rich in tasty chicken). The Tiny Friends Farm range is well received and, with its popular characters, lands well with dog owners.

● Visit supremepetfoods.com/products/pet/dogproducts or for trade enquiries, supremepetfoods.com/ become-a-stockist

Pet Munchies

All of the treats in the Pet Munchies range are made using natural cuts of human-grade meat or fish. The premium, gourmet treats are low in fat and salt, and high in protein. The brand includes ranges of All Natural Dog Treats, All Natural Training Treats, Semi-Moist Gourmet Stix, 100% Natural Wild Salmon Skin, and Premium Dental Buffalo chews – so something for the tastes of even the fussiest of canines! The award-winning treats meet the demand of the modern day consumer who wants natural, healthy and flavoursome products that have benefits for their pet.

● Visit pet-munchies.com or for trade enquiries, hello.petmunchies@assisipetcare.com

Hollings Sprats

Made with 100% fresh ﬁsh and gently air dried for a 100% natural, highly digestible treat that dogs love. Great to add to your dog’s dinner or to use as a natural treat or reward. A natural source of high-quality omega-3 and 6 plus essential fatty acids, these versatile treats help to support your dog’s skin, coat, and joints.

● Visit hollings.co.uk or for trade enquiries, hello@assisipetcare.com

WHIMZEES

WHIMZEES brings a passion to developing the most effective, all-natural dental treats for dogs. Made with only six primary ingredients, WHIMZEES contain no artiﬁcial ingredients, ﬂavours, or additives and come in a variety of fun, hard working shapes that dogs love. There are seven different shapes of WHIMZEES chew to choose from, including the VOHC-approved toothbrush chew. WHIMZEES also offers two sizes of puppy chews which are suitable for puppies aged three months and over.

● Visit kennelpak.co.uk/brand/whimzees or for trade enquiries, call 0115 939 9077 or ﬁll in the contact form on the WHIMZEES web page above

There is no doubt that we’re seeing a health revolution when it comes to caring for our pets.

As we’re becoming increasingly conscious of the need to take responsibility for our own health, this is extending (and sometimes even overtaking!) to our pets, too. Pet treats are a great example. Historically, they would be anything that our pets ﬁnd delicious. Now, manufacturers are catering for consumers’ demand for health by creating formulations which have targeted health beneﬁts. You’ll see treats with added vitamins, superfoods, and supplements.

The pet health revolution

What health-boosting products are you stocking?

This movement is driven by owners humanising their pets and wanting to give them the best lives possible. Of course, the market has responded. There are a whole host of products which are now available to boost the well-being of our pets – for almost every aspect of biology.

Here, we take an overview of the types of products that are available and the areas of health pet owners particularly want to target…

Health-boosting products

● Joint supplements – these will usually contain glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, or even collagen, which is becoming increasingly popular

● Omega-3 and fatty acid supplements –for skin, coat, and overall health. These fatty acids can often be found in the ingredients of food and treat recipes

● Probiotics – these live microbes support gut health and are found in foods and supplements

● Multivitamins – with awareness of the importance of vitamins, many owners are looking to boost their pets’ general wellness

● Calming supplements – mental health is important for pets, too. Owners want to reduce stress in their pets and also help improve their behaviour. Calming supplements and ingredients known for calming properties, including camomile, are being used in treats and foods

● Dental health products – from tooth brushes, dental chews, supplements and sprays, the dental market is a big sector of the health market

● Urinary health supplements – bladder support is another area that is catered for. You will often see cranberries used as an ingredients to support bladder health

● Skin and coat – supplements of biotin, Vitamin E, and zinc are thought to boost skin and coat health, as well as omega-3 and 6

● Weight management supplements (to support metabolism and weight loss)

● Antioxidants – superfoods and supplements containing antioxidants are used to prevent oxidative stress from free radicals in the body. It is known that free radicals can cause disease in the body over the long term

● Eye health supplements – lutein is a carotenoid known for improving eye health and is found in a variety of foods. Omega-3 is also known for eye care

● Liver and kidney support supplements

– diets low in phosphorus help prevent kidney damage, while herbal supplements and amino acids can boost the health of these organs

● Allergy relief supplements – products to relieve allergy symptoms usually are those that support skin health, such as omega-3

Products to consider stocking

● Supplements

● Salmon oils

● Health-boosting treats

● Pheromone diffusers

● Dental chews

The ‘always on’ culture:

ﬁve ways businesses can mitigate the impact

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development’s (CIPD) 23rd annual Health and Wellbeing at Work report will make stark reading for employers, with the average employee now taking 7.8 days of sick leave per year. This has climbed from 5.8 days a year since the data was last collected pre-pandemic in 2019.

Britain’s poor sickness record is estimated to cost the economy £43 billion a year. However, while this unquestionably costs employers time and money, a review of their own working culture may provide areas for improvement.

Recruitment software experts, Occupop, explore the dangers of an ‘always on’ culture and suggest some changes to better support employees

The ‘always on’ culture

The rise in sickness absence rates is closely tied to the UK businesses’ pervasive ‘always on’ culture, which refers to expectations that employees are constantly available and responsive to work demands, even outside of core working hours. Enabled by technology, it can lead to behaviours such as replying to emails during evenings and weekends.

As boundaries between work and personal life are obliterated, employees ﬁnd it increasingly challenging to switch off Whether working from home or in the office, the pressure to be perpetually available takes a toll on well-being. CIPD’s survey reveals that around three in four respondents have noted presenteeism —employees working even when unwell. This can lead to added complications along the line. This culture not only impacts health but can also erode a happy work/life balance.

Causes of absence

As demonstrated by the survey results, causes of absence remain reasonably consistent with previous years. Minor illnesses – such as cold and ﬂu – account for most short-term absences, while mental ill-health, musculoskeletal injuries, acute medical conditions, and stress are the primary culprits for long-term absence.

The pandemic’s aftermath, economic instability, and ongoing global events have

further exacerbated these issues. It’s no surprise that mental well-being continues to be a critical concern.

Taking action

David Banaghan, Co-Founder and Interim CEO at Occupo, says, “It is no surprise that employee absences due to sickness can create several challenges for employers, such as a loss of productivity and increasing pressure on other employees who have to cover the missing work, which can result in a vicious circle.

“Many employers may be surprised to ﬁnd out the UK has the poorest sickness record in the developed world with its ‘always on’ culture more prominent than in other nations. Fortunately, there’s plenty of action they can take to mitigate the impact.

“From ﬂexible working hours arrangements to bespoke well-being programmes, employers can lead by example and create a healthier, more productive workplace.”

Here are some suggestions: Review your working culture: Assess your organisation’s work culture. Is it conducive to employee well-being? Encourage open conversations about workloads, expectations and ﬂexibility. Promote a healthy work-life balance. Encourage employees to disconnect after work hours and don’t expect overtime unless in exceptional circumstances. Offer well-being programmes: Provide mental health resources, stress management workshops, and ﬁtness initiatives. Awareness schemes such as UK Mental Health Awareness Week (13th to 19th May) can be a good way to open

a dialogue. Train managers to recognise signs of burnout and support struggling employees.

Flexible working arrangements: Embrace ﬂexible schedules, remote work, and job-sharing options, which can allow individuals to taper their work/life balance between family life, social commitments, and ﬁtness. Trust employees to manage their time effectively.

Promote a positive work environment: Foster a supportive workplace culture where employees feel valued. Staff surveys can be an effective way of taking the temperature of your workforce. Recognise and celebrate achievements with ‘monthly stars’ awards and positive messages across social channels.

Monitor and adapt:

Regularly assess absence patterns digitally and address any emerging trends with HR meetings and 1-2-1s where appropriate. Use this data to inform decisions and tailor wellbeing initiatives accordingly.

Reducing sickness absences may require a holistic approach, but acknowledging the perils of an ‘always on’ culture can be a major stepping stone. By prioritising a well-being culture alongside more ﬂexible working patterns, businesses can break free from the shackles of permanent availability and create a workforce that not only survives but thrives.

David Banaghan, Co-Founder and Interim CEO at Occupop.

Visit occupop.com

Pet days and events calendar 2025

Pet-related social days and campaigns can be good drivers for sales and social media content. Here’s a selection of days for 2025…

January

■ January 21: International Squirrel Appreciation Day

February

■ February: National Pet Dental Health Month

■ February 20: Love Your Pet Day

■ February 25: World Spay Day

March

■ March 3: World Wildlife Day

■ March 6 – 9: Crufts

■ March 20 – 22: BSAVA Congress and Expo, Manchester

■ March 23: National Puppy Day

■ March 26 – 28: Global Pet Expo, Orlando, Florida April

■ April: National Pet Month

■ April 10: National Hug Your Dog Day

■ April 11: National Pet Day

May

■ May 23: World Turtle Day

June

■ June 4: Hug Your Cat Day

■ June 20: Take Your Pet to Work Day

July

■ July 5: Pet Remembrance Day (UK)

■ July 21: National Craft for Your Local Shelters Day (UK & US)

August

■ August 8: International Cat Day

■ August 13 – 15: SuperZoo, Las Vegas, NV (Largest pet retail event in North America)

■ August 20 – 24: Pet Fair Asia, Shanghai, China (Asia’s largest pet trade fair)

■ August 26: National Dog Day (UK & US)

September

Don’t forget! Inside the issue, you’ll ﬁnd your Pet Product Marketing wall planner for 2025. Share a pic of yours up on your ofﬁce wall on Instagram and tag us in it (@petproductmarketing)!

■ September 17: International Pet Bird Day

■ September 20 - 21: London Pet Show

■ September 28: World Rabies Day

■ September 28 – 30: Pet and Aquatics Trade Show, NEC, Birmingham

■ September 28 – 29: BETA International show, NEC, Birmingham

October

■ October 1–7: National Walk Your Dog Week

■ October 4: World Animal Day

■ October 21: National Reptile Awareness Day

November

■ November: National Adopt a Senior Pet Month

■ November 7: National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day

December

■ December 2: National Mutt Day

■ December 13: National Horse Day

Tackling obesity: the retailer role

A new report has shown that obesity is on the rise in all pets – and retailers have a role to play to help

Anew report from UK Pet Food, the association of pet food manufacturers, suppliers, and industry partners which is dedicated to advancing pet health, has revealed a startling rise in pet obesity.

The survey of vets and pet owners exposes a sharp contrast in perceptions — while only 4% of owners think their pets need to lose weight, vets say 50% of dogs, along with other species, are overweight. While owners, vets, and vet nurses will be at the forefront of tackling this weighty issue, retailers have a role to play, too. You can provide the right products and advice to support owners in helping their companions lose weight. You could even put scales in your shop.

Here, UK Pet Food share their top tips for retailers, provided by Annabel Battersby, Technical Manager, Jollyes.

CHECKLIST FOR RETAILERS ON COMMUNICATING WITH PET OWNERS

1. EACH DAY IS ABOUT PROGRESSION, NOT PERFECTION

a. It takes time to build healthy habits. Though it can be demoralising to not see the results you want in the ﬁrst week or two, they will come in time with positive consistency.

b. Weight loss and building muscle should take time. To see your positive progress, take a photo of your dog standing up from the top and the side so you can see your progress week by week. Many pet stores also have scales you can use to measure your pet’s weight each time you go shopping.

2. PATIENCE IS KEY

a. Sudden, signiﬁcant changes are hard to maintain. If you are trying to help your

(45% IN 2014)

pet lose weight, suddenly removing all treats and signiﬁcantly reducing their main meals will likely make them confused and unhappy. Make a weekly plan of the positive change you will focus on that week, and reﬂect back at the end of the month on all the positive changes you were able to maintain. This will help you see what you and your pet may need to work more on the following month.

b. If your pet has become used to table scraps (e.g. cheese or ham) being added to their dinner, and now will not eat without them, try adding some warm water to the bowl to increase the smell. Alternatively, a small amount of complete wet food could be added, in place of some of the kibble, to match the texture of the table scraps they have had before.

3. COUCH POTATO TO ULTRA MARATHON RUNNER

Just like us, pets are likely to injure themselves if they suddenly start doing a lot more exercise than they normally do. This can be more serious with older pets or those who have had signiﬁcant injuries in the past. To increase their exercise slowly, try adding one more light walk, e.g. 10 minutes on lead, walk each day, in addition to their normal walk. Carrying extra weight will put more stress on your pet’s joints, so by building up their exercise slowly it will help avoid adding extra stress somewhere your pet may already be sore.

4. WEIGHING AND MEASURING

to this level over a week or two to help build the habit of using the scales every day. Once you are at this level, reduce the amount you feed by 10% every two weeks until your dog is at a healthy weight.

b. The guidelines on treats packaging assume this is the only treats product you are feeding that day. If you feed multiple types of treats and high-calorie supplements, like salmon oil, this should be spread across them all.

5. LITTLE TWEAKS

a. If your pet eats their food very quickly then asks for more, making it hard not to give extra treats, then they may beneﬁt from a food-based toy for their dinner. These are available for both dry foods, such as snuffle mats, and wet or raw foods, such as stuff able toys.

b. Using stuff able toys and smaller main meal bowls can help build a positive habit with the smaller portions, though the food should still be weighed beforehand.

View the full report…

You can read the UK Pet Food Obesity Report 2024 by visiting ukpetfood.org/ spotlight-on-obesity/new-uk-pet-foodobesity-report-2024.html

a. Double-check the packaging on your pet’s food to see how much they should be eating for their current weight. Using a set of kitchen scales, weigh this out and see how it compares to what you normally feed. It will be enough calories for your pet, so don’t worry if the bowl looks less full than before. If you see a signiﬁcant difference to what you normally feed, reduce the amount down

Joint

A retailer’s guide to supporting senior pets

Pets are living longer. Over recent years, the average lifespan of dogs has increased by around 5% and for cats, the increase has been even greater. Purebred cats are living approximately 9% longer, while mixed-breed cats have seen a 15% rise in lifespan.1

This is good news for both pets and their owners, but what is driving this upward trend? There is no single cause. Instead, a variety of factors are contributing to more pets reaching their senior years in better health. Nutritional improvements, with tailored diets formulated for speciﬁc life stages and health conditions, have played a key role. Additionally, pet owners, guided by both specialist pet retailers and vets, have adopted a more proactive approach to pet health. And advancements in

veterinary care and diagnostics have allowed earlier detection and treatment of diseases.

However, as pets age, they become more susceptible to a range of age-related issues. These senior health challenges can negatively impact their quality of life, meaning older pets may require extra care and attention.

What do we mean by ‘senior’?

Older dogs and cats are often referred to as ‘senior,’ but what does this term really mean? One deﬁnition suggests that the senior stage refers to the last 25% of a pet’s expected lifespan.2 So, for small breed dogs, this might be around 10 to 12 years of age, while for giant breeds, it could be closer to six years. While individual variation exists, these ﬁgures provide a useful guide,

but more important than identifying an exact age is recognising that many agerelated conditions develop silently, making proactive care essential.

Spotting the early signs

One of the most common age-related health problems in pets is joint disease, particularly arthritis. Arthritis affects up to 80% of dogs over eight years of age3 and 90% of cats over 12.4 Furthermore, it is progressive, meaning it tends to worsen over time. While many owners associate arthritis with obvious signs like joint stiffness or visible lameness, these symptoms are not always easy to detect, especially in cats.

Cats are experts at hiding signs of illness, a survival trait inherited from their ancestors who were self-sufficient hunters. In the early stages of arthritis, cats may not show any

overt lameness. Instead, they may subtly change their behaviour, such as sleeping more or hesitating before jumping onto furniture. These early signs can easily be mistaken for normal signs of ageing. Other signs of joint pain in cats include reduced self-grooming, temperament changes such as irritability when handled, or reluctance to climb stairs or play.

In dogs, arthritis may be noticeable at an earlier stage. Owners may observe joint stiffness, difficulty getting up, or a slower pace on walks. However, even in dogs, early signs can be subtle and all too easily dismissed as ‘just old age.’ And in all pets, the condition progresses over time as joint cartilage degrades, leading to pain and reduced mobility.

Early signs of joint disease in senior pets

● General ‘slowing down’

● Sleeping more

● Temperament changes

● Reluctance to jump

● Less frequent self-grooming

Caring for joints

Retailers play a crucial role in supporting pet owners as they navigate the challenges of caring for senior pets, particularly in relation to joint health. Educating customers on the importance of early intervention for joint disease and offering a range of joint care products is essential to help older pets maintain mobility and comfort for as long as possible.

One effective way retailers can support joint health is by advising on the use of joint supplements and providing suitable product recommendations. While ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin and omega-3 fatty acids are well known for their role in supporting joint health, products containing undenatured collagen type 2 (UC-II®) represent an exciting new addition to the category.

Advanced joint support

detect collagen similar to UC-II® (like the type 2 collagen found in joints), they are able to slow the rate at which cartilage degrades, helping to support and retain a healthy layer of cartilage in the joints and also support the body’s natural antiinﬂammatory system.5

UC-II has also been shown to be more effective than the glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate supplements,7 the supplements most frequently used in the category. Because UC-II® works in a different way from glucosamine or omega3s, it adds to the overall health beneﬁts of supplements containing those ingredients, making it an ideal choice for pets showing signs of stiffness and reduced ﬂexibility.

UC-II® need to knows

● Collagen is a protein that provides structure for bone and cartilage

● Type 2 collagen is the most common type in joints

● UC-II® (undenatured collagen type 2) activates the immune system, to:

As one of the main structural components in cartilage, type 2 collagen helps maintain joint ﬂexibility, strength, and mobility. However, UC-II® does more than simply provide structural support. When ingested, UC-II® ‘switches on’ speciﬁc cells in the lining of the digestive tract, which then circulate around the body. When they

● Stiffness or limping Slow the process of inﬂammation and damage in joints

● Slow the process of inﬂammation circulate around the When Less

● Help initiate regeneration

● Help restore ﬂexibility, strength and mobility

What to stock

When it comes to joint care for senior pets, Beaphar’s Flexiﬁt® Chews are a key part of a retailer’s toolkit. Speciﬁcally formulated for dogs with reduced mobility, each chew contains 40mg of UC-II® in addition to glucosamine, omega-3, and vitamins C and E, for optimum joint support. The tasty chews are readily accepted, easy to give, and easy for retailers to recommend as all dogs, regardless of their size, need just one chew per day.

While Flexiﬁt® Chews are suitable for dogs with reduced mobility, other products in the Flexiﬁt® range cater to differing needs. With an easy-to-understand step-bystep approach, the range is easy to give, easy to dose and affordable.

A complete solution

In addition to joint supplements, retailers can support senior pets further by stocking products that support mobility and comfort, such as orthopaedic beds, ramps for cars, and pet steps. This combined approach can make a signiﬁcant difference to the quality of life of older pets, especially those with joint issues, helping them remain active, happy and comfortable well into their senior years.

Use Products

Level 1 Maintenance For dogs and cats with Flexiﬁt® Treats for dogs good mobility to Flexiﬁt® Bits for cats maintain healthy joints

Level 2 Advanced For dogs and cats Flexiﬁt® Paste for cats starting to show signs and dogs of joint stiffness and reduced mobility

Level 3 Optimum For dogs with joint Flexiﬁt® Chews for dogs soreness or reduced mobility that need optimum support

References

1. Montoya, M. et al. (2023) Life expectancy tables for dogs and cats derived from clinical data Front. Vet. Sci., Volume 10 doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1082102

2. American Animal Hospital Association. AAHA senior care guidelines for dogs and cats. Journal of American Animal Hospital Association. (2005) 41:81–91

3. Wright, A. et al. (2022) Identification of canine osteoarthritis using an owner-reported questionnaire and treatment monitoring using functional mobility tests. J Small Anim Pract 63, 609–618

4. Loder, R.T. & Todhunter, R.J. (2018) Demographics of hip dysplasia in the Maine Coon cat. J Feline Med Surg. 20(4):302-307

5. Gencoglu, H. et al. (2020) Undenatured Type II Collagen (UC-II) in Joint Health and Disease: A Review on the Current Knowledge of Companion Animals. Animals. 10. 697. 10.3390/ ani10040697

Cats will often hide the signs of arthritis

Flexiﬁt chews

According to the LinkedIn 2023 Global Green Skills Report, onethird of all jobs advertised in the UK required at least one ‘green skill.’

This refers to skills that may be needed to develop and support a sustainable, resource-efficient society. It includes climate action planning, conservation, and sustainable design.

At present, only one in eight British workers possess green skills, with the UK lagging behind several other major economies, including Germany and France.

With skills gaps widening between employers’ requirements and available talent, recruitment software expert, Occupop, examines how employers can tackle the issue and future-proof their businesses for years to come.

The

ﬁve

UK’s widening green skills gap:

ways businesses can help to close it

A looming crisis?

From renewable energy to eco-friendly technologies, the call for professionals with green skills reverberates across industries. However, the talent supply is currently insufficient to meet demand. Most alarmingly, this is how the UK compares to its European counterparts. In the wind energy sector, if Britain performed as well as Denmark, it could create an additional 98,000 jobs.

The green transformation ahead

The UK’s Net Zero by 2050 strategy will be extended far beyond lofty policy statements and involve tangible, on-the-ground changes. Consider the following: Infrastructure overhaul: Thousands of miles of cables must be integrated into the National Grid. Electric car battery factories need construction. Heat pumps must be installed. Wind, solar and other renewable energy farms will need expansion. Certiﬁed welders and engineers: Experts warn of a “critical shortage” of certiﬁed welders and electrical engineers. These skilled workers are the backbone of our green future, yet their scarcity threatens progress.

Net zero ambitions: The UK aims to create a net zero carbon footprint by 2050. Achieving this goal hinges on a workforce equipped with green expertise.

How can businesses plug the gaps? While the scale of the task may appear

daunting, savvy green skills recruitment will bring economic opportunities for businesses.

David Banaghan, Interim CEO at Occupop, explains, “The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) estimates that the transition to a green economy could generate as many as 1.6 million new jobs.

“This potential job boom is both an economic opportunity and a prerequisite for achieving net zero targets.

“To thrive in a sustainable future, companies should invest in upskilling their workforce and nurturing talent with expertise in environmental practices. Additionally, they can leverage technology to level up their recruitment processes.”

Here are some things to consider: Training and upskilling Companies must proactively invest in training programmes that equip existing employees with green skills. Apprenticeships, vocational courses, and certiﬁcations can bridge the gap and empower workers to contribute effectively to sustainability initiatives.

Collaborate with educational institutions

Partner with universities, colleges, and vocational schools to design a curriculum that aligns with industry needs. Encourage students to pursue green careers by highlighting their opportunities and impact. Embrace technology Harness the power of technology to meet

your recruitment challenges head-on. David at Occupop said, “AI-driven recruitment platforms such as applicant tracking software (ATS) can help identify and attract candidates with the necessary green skills for your business.

“ATS can provide efficient sourcing and screening, customised job postings, automated workﬂows and effective collaboration among hiring teams – all essential processes in plugging green skills gaps.”

Promote diversity and inclusion

Address social class, background, and gender disparities. A diverse workforce brings fresh perspectives and can accelerate innovation. Create pathways for underrepresented groups to access green training and employment. Digitised recruitment software can help you do this, eliminating any unconscious bias.

Government support and policy alignment

Advocate for policies that incentivise green skills development. Engage with policymakers, if possible, to ensure funding for vocational training and apprenticeships.

Conclusion

As the country transitions towards net zero, green skills are likely to continue to be one of the deﬁning recruitment trends of the future. Businesses that invest in their workforce’s green capabilities today will reap the rewards of a sustainable tomorrow.

Coping at Christmas

Top tips to share with your dog-owning customers

Christmas can be tiring for both you and your dog, but by putting a few measures in place, you can make the festive period trouble free...

Prepare for visitors

The main festive visitor will obviously come down your chimney late on Christmas Eve, but luckily Father Christmas is so light on his feet that your dog should sleep through it. However, other Christmas visitors are a different story. On Christmas Day and the days leading up to it, your house can be a magnet for all kinds of people, some bringing their own dogs with them. If you think your dog will ﬁ nd all this a little unsettling, then take him for a walk half an hour before visitors arrive and pop him into a quiet room or crate with a stuffed Kong to gnaw so that he can relax and you can supervise calm introductions later in the day.

Don’t overfeed your dog

We all eat too much on Christmas Day, and, given the opportunity, your dog will be no different. While a small amount of turkey and vegetables as a special treat shouldn’t do any harm, avoid feeding other table scraps, which can cause digestive upsets. In particular, be very careful that your dog doesn’t eat any turkey or chicken bones, which can splinter and stick in his throat or digestive tract. An emergency visit to the vet’s is no way to spend Christmas!

Keep your dog away from the Christmas tree

Christmas trees can be a source of almost unimaginable delight. Baubles and candy canes hanging from branches, tinsel dangling enticingly, and fairy lights twinkling can all provide too much temptation, particularly for puppies. One giant leap can send the whole lot crashing down, so consider placing a barrier, such as a puppy pen, in front of the tree to prevent access, or position a stairgate in the doorway so your dog can’t enter unsupervised.

Keep festive plants out of reach

A little kiss under the mistletoe is traditional but unfortunately many festive plants are toxic to dogs, particularly those with berries. Other poisonous plants include the popular poinsettia and amaryllis. Keep pets safe by placing potted plants high up, and hang mistletoe and holly where the berries won’t drop down for dogs to eat.

Choose a fake tree

Christmas trees look and smell gorgeous, but unfortunately the pine needles they shed can be hazardous to dogs. Needles can get stuck into paws, or worse - if your dog decides to eat them, they might get lodged in his throat. This might be the time to consider buying an artiﬁ cial tree. Another beneﬁ t of faking it is that you don’t have to water the tree and worry about your dog drinking stagnant water from the base.

Put candles up high

The glow of Christmas candles can look very pretty, but they are all too easy for an enthusiastic dog to knock over with his tail. If you do light candles, always place them high up on a shelf, safely away from animals and children. If you use scented candles ensure the room is well ventilated, and never leave lit candles unsupervised.

Supervise dogs

around wrapping paper

Christmas morning can be a blur of wrapping paper, tags, ribbons, tape, and

of course, lots of presents. It’s all too easy to forget the dog and not notice him chewing paper, swallowing ribbon, and nibbling the box of a brand new gift that has just been unwrapped. Supervise dogs carefully when presents are being opened and, if possible, only place parcels under the tree just prior to the big unwrap. Tidy as you go, gathering up wrapping paper as soon as it is removed, and placing it in a bin.

Chocolate is toxic!

For many people, Christmas night wouldn’t be complete without dipping into a box of chocolates and enjoying a nice tipple. However, alcohol and chocolate can be very dangerous to dogs. Explain to guests that chocolate contains a compound called theobromine, which is toxic to canines. Most dogs are put off by the smell of alcohol but some will drink beer or creamy drinks such as Baileys, and even small amounts can be extremely dangerous.

Supervise dogs and children

Children inevitably get extremely excited on Christmas Day. All those new presents to open, games to play, and crackers to pull can result in lots of squealing, jumping around, and, occasionally, tears and tantrums, too. Dogs can ﬁ nd all this overwhelming, so make sure that they are constantly supervised, particularly around toddlers who are at eye level with them. Even the calmest of dogs will have a breaking point, so don’t risk them snapping out of fear or in self-defence. Keep dogs crated safely or in a quiet room at times of high activity.

Keep your usual routine

Even on Christmas Day your dog will need his usual routine of walks and meals. Encourage the family to join you for a nice, brisk walk after Christmas lunch to help burn off the calories, expend some energy, and set you all up for a fun evening. Your dog will enjoy being part of the family so make sure you take his new ball and toy to play with.

Merry Christmas!

Give small animal owners something to be excited about

Spring

clean

your small pet category:

a call for retailers to refresh and revitalise

In the dynamic landscape of the pet market, many retailers are embracing the opportunity to enhance their offerings and meet the evolving needs of pet parents. As key players in this industry, they are poised to take the small pet category to new heights by focusing on specialist pet innovation and customer engagement. However, the current climate presents unique challenges that can impact the vitality of this category.

“The small pet category is ﬂat” is becoming a common misnomer, as this perspective is overlooking several crucial factors: namely, we are in the midst of a

post-pandemic reset coupled with a cost of living crisis, and many retailers have held off from refreshing their categories since before the pandemic. During the pandemic, there was an unprecedented rush to buy and adopt pets as people found themselves with much more time and disposable income.

As we navigate this macro-economic reset, the small pet category remains signiﬁcantly above pre-pandemic levels and the category deserves a reset, too.

The current picture

Recent data illustrates the resilience of the small pet population in the UK. In 2023, the estimated population of rabbits was around

one million, while guinea pigs and hamsters were approximately 0.9 million and 0.6 million, respectively. This shows that while there may be ﬂuctuations, there remains a solid base of small pet owners who continue to seek high-quality products for their companions. Notably, the ﬁgures for rabbits and guinea pigs have shown an increase in recent years compared to pre-pandemic levels, demonstrating that there is still an opportunity to capture real growth in this category.

Shifting demographics

The data also reveals a promising trend:

Despit Desp in con

altern

“Despite these promising statistics, many retailers have seen shifts in consumer behaviour that have prompted shoppers to explore alternative options.” ons.

since 2021, there has been a notable increase in the percentage of higher-income households with small pets. Speciﬁcally, the number of small pet households in the £40,000 to £60,000+ annual income bracket has risen by 43%. This demographic shift is signiﬁcant, as it suggests a growing willingness among affluent consumers to invest in high-quality products and specialist care for their pets.

Higher-income pet parents often prioritise premium specialist brands and unique offerings that cater to their pets’ specific needs, which can drive increased sales and profitability for retailers. This trend presents an excellent opportunity for retailers to enhance their product lines and marketing strategies, focusing on premium, innovative, and specialist small pet products that appeal to this lucrative segment. By catering to these discerning consumers, retailers can not only improve their bottom line but also create a more engaging shopper experience that reflects the evolving landscape of pet ownership.

Consumer behaviour

Despite these promising statistics, many retailers have seen shifts in consumer behaviour that have prompted shoppers to explore alternative options. When faced with increased pricing and a lack of innovation, customers naturally gravitate towards retailers that invest in refreshing and exciting new product lines. The crux of the issue lies in a lack of innovation and excitement in the small pet category. A failure to engage customers with new and varied offerings can lead to disengagement and migration to competitors who prioritise freshness and speciality in their stores.

To address this, retailers can take proactive steps to help revitalise their small pet categories. Here are some actionable tips:

1. Stock new products: Incorporate bestselling brands and exciting new products to keep the category fresh and appealing. This is especially crucial in the small pet food and treats category, where novelty can drive more frequent, repeat visits.

2. Focus on humanisation and premiumisation: Despite economic challenges, consumers continue to seek premium products for their pets. Stocking specialist brands that are not available in grocery stores can elevate your store’s status as a premium destination. The trend toward

premiumisation in pet care reﬂects a desire among pet owners to provide high-quality options, mirroring trends in human food.

3. Provide value alternatives: Offer the best-known, great value brands to appeal to budget-conscious shoppers while leveraging manufacturers’ point-of-sale materials and loyalty schemes to enhance customer engagement. This dual approach ensures that you cater to a wide audience without sacriﬁcing quality.

4. Encourage trading up: Use samples and coupons to incentivise customers to try a more premium, specialist brand. Training staff in pet nutrition can also enhance the shopping experience and drive sales, fostering a knowledgeable environment that builds consumer trust.

5. Create secondary product displays: Highlight your small pet category with additional product placements. Supreme offers free Floor Stand Display Units for both the Selective and Tiny Friends Farm brands to enhance visibility and attract attention.

As we look forward to 2025, it’s crucial for retailers to recognise that the small pet category is not in decline but rather in need of revitalisation. By making meaningful investments in product variety

and innovation, retailers can invigorate this segment and respond effectively to evolving consumer demands.

A growing opportunity

Additionally, broader pet ownership trends reveal that the dog population in the UK continues to ﬂourish, with 13.5 million dogs reported in 2023. This growth underscores the sustained popularity of pets and the increasing commitment of pet owners to providing the best care, creating a fertile ground for expanding offerings across all pet categories, including small pets.

Don’t forget, small pet parents are pet people, and on average have a total of four to ﬁve pets, 53% of these being dogs and 41% cats. By revitalising your small pet category and shouting about it from the rooftops, you’ll be attracting these high- value customers to shop for all their pet products in your store.

In conclusion, by adopting a fresh approach and taking proactive steps to engage consumers, retailers can not only reclaim lost market share but also set the stage for a thriving future in the small pet category. It’s time to spring clean your small pet category and reclaim the excitement that once deﬁned it.

POS merchandising can make a huge impression on customers

Claire Hamblion Marketing Director at Supreme Petfoods.

All I want for fishmas…

With a ﬂood of newcomers to the hobby, there are few times we see more beginner errors than at Christmas. Tom Ackrill looks at how to keep your festive cheer

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring – except of course for the very excited boy or girl (of any age!) about to receive their ﬁrst aquarium.

The festive season is often the first time that new fishkeepers make their way into what can be a very rewarding, very long-lived hobby. Certainly I know of plenty of fellow aquarists whose first memory of keeping fish was wrapped in shiny paper and nestled away under a tree. But often in the excitement to get started, some fundamental steps are missed, and by

the time the New Year rolls around, many of these shiny new aquaria are simply gathering dust under the stairs, in a shed, or in the loft. Why? Well, simply put, because there is often a lack of information available to ensure that the ﬁrst steps into the hobby don’t turn into a stumble, then a fall. If you are reading this with all the right intentions to bring some wet pets into your home, then before that ﬁrst drop of water hits the tank, take the time to read on and hopefully we can put you on the right path for a lifetime of aquatic bliss.

Size

matters

The natural reaction to trying out a new hobby is to do something that is going to have as little intrusion on your home as possible; for the simple reason that if you ﬁnd it’s simply not the hobby for you, you haven’t spent masses of time, space, money, and effort to simply have to undo everything and put your house back the way it was. For this reason, there’s an ongoing fashion that the ﬁrst tank a new aquarist owns tends to be something small; often in the 40-litre or less range.

For a ﬁrst aquarium, the idea of going small is a bad one, and for several reasons. Firstly, as tanks get smaller, the amount of

space available for stocking with ﬁsh (as well as the choices of ﬁsh available) shrinks. Once you get below about 30 litres, the pool of options become very shallow indeed; at least in terms of readily available species.

One of the most common and most lethal errors seen with new hobbyists is small tanks that are then heavily stocked. This leads to problems with water quality, which leads to problems with ﬁsh health, which leads to fatalities. As a minimum, my advice would be not to pick a starter tank of less than 60 litres in water volume, and ideally at least 80. Bigger is always better.

The right place

While there are probably a whole host of places in your home that you could put your new tank, there are a few tips and tricks that will make your life far easier in the long run.

First of all, don’t be tempted to put the tank right in front of, or next to, a window; especially one that gets a lot of daylight or bright sun, notably in the summer months.

Lots of light on an aquarium is perfect for algae growth, and you will quickly ﬁnd your glass and water turning a wonderful shade of emerald. While for some species that might actually be desirable, for most people who place their tank as a sort of centrepiece in a room, this is best avoided. Worse still, a tank in direct sunlight can be subject to temperature ﬂuctuations, and its inhabits could even be burnt through unavoidable and prolonged sunlight exposure.

a week. Ensuring a clear, uncluttered route for waste water and fresh water pays dividends. I place most of my own tanks near to an external door or window (but not in front of as explained above). That way I can easily put a hosepipe outside for draining old water.

ﬁnding that you’ve put the tank too far back against the wall or too far to one side. Before ﬁlling or adding anything to the tank, let it sit for a day or two, consider all the angles, and ensure you aren’t going to be swearing at it before the week is out.

Secondly, consider the fact that you will need to change some water in the tank on a weekly basis, and possibly more than once

Next, put the tank somewhere you can fully access everything at all times. There is nothing worse than needing to reach a plug socket, or install a new piece of kit, and

Lastly, put the tank somewhere you can enjoy it. This seems obvious, but often we ﬁnd a gap that looks appropriate, but is perhaps out of sight, or there isn’t anywhere easily you can sit and enjoy your creations. Just avoid somewhere with lots of traffic (like a hallway) which could end up stressing the ﬁsh out every time someone walks past.

Preparation is key

How to go about starting up a new aquarium is something of a mineﬁeld. You will hear advice from a wide range of sources, including from retailers, from friends and family, from online forums, social media, and indeed, the likes of me writing this article.

The fundamental piece of advice to take from this is that the heart of any successful aquarium is well-functioning nitrogen cycle. For the avoidance of doubt, here I am talking about what would be considered a ‘normal’ sort of set-up – experienced aquarists will be shouting at the page that I am ignoring the more extremophile set-ups, but in reality, these are not beginner set-ups which is what this article is focused on. Bear with me!

For most people the nitrogen cycle can be confusing, but in practice it’s pretty simple. Our ﬁsh produce ammonia as a waste

product. If not dealt with, this will build up, poison them, and eventually kill them.

We deal with ammonia by cultivating some nifty little microorganisms that I’ll refer to as ‘beneﬁcial bacteria’ which take that ammonia and use it as an energy source. Unfortunately, in doing that, they turn the ammonia into something called nitrite, which is also problematic. So, we have some other beneﬁcial bacteria that then take the nitrite, use it as their own energy source, and leave us with a very similarly named, albeit quite different chemical called nitrate.

Nitrate represents the ‘end’ stage of the cycle, and is removed through water changes, and also partially by live plants in the tank which will often uptake that nitrate as a source of nitrogen in the same way the plants in your garden will.

The critical bit here is that when you first set up your tank you don’t have many of these useful bacteria to hand, so adding fish is pretty much a recipe for disaster at best. Weeks and weeks of large daily water changes will be needed to remove the ammonia and nitrite until the bacteria slowly build up the kind of population sizes that can cope with all the waste the fish are creating.

How do we get these bacteria established? Option 1, which you’ll often hear is ‘wait a few days and then add ﬁsh’. Simply put, this is awful advice. Ignore it immediately and read on.

Option 2 is to perform a ‘fishless cycle’ where we set the tank up, feed it ammonia from a bottle to simulate the waste from our fish, and grow the bacteria colonies that way (testing the water regularly to watch the rise and fall of ammonia and nitrite and monitor when things are safe). It could take maybe 6-10 weeks unless you can get your hands on some mature filter media from someone who already has a tank (which speeds things up). It takes a while, but it means your tank will be a guaranteed safe environment when you bring your first fish home.

Option 3 involves bottled bacteria. This is the one that has probably the worst reputation in the hobby. Many companies offer something that promises to instantly cycle your tank and make it ready for ﬁsh. Alas, as many hobbyists will attest to, they overpromise and underdeliver. Many are either the wrong organisms, or they have been sat in that bottle on a shelf in hot and cold weather for so long, they’re functionally dead. One outsider is a product I have used many times now myself and is a newcomer to the market, and that is the aptly named Goop from the company Nitrico. As opposed to other bacteria, Goop is harvested to order from a specially set-up facility, and shipped like live ﬁsh, so it arrives in your hands in perfect condition. It pretty much instantly cycles your tank, but note that couriers over Xmas probably aren’t delivering, so you still might have to wait a few days!

Research, research, research

Take your time and make sure you know the needs of every ﬁsh (and that you can cater to

them) before purchasing. Do not walk into your local pet store and simply pick ﬁsh at random. What’s often seen in their displays is not actually reﬂective of what is going to do well in your tank.

For an example I can walk into any store near me, and I’ll be able to purchase a molly, Poecilia sphenops, and a neon tetra, Paracheirodon innesi, but for me, neither species will thrive in my water – it’s too soft for the molly, and too hard for the neon. If I wanted either, I’d need to alter my water chemistry to make them ﬁt.

This is why it is crucial to take time. Understand what the water conditions that come out your tap are (using a good-quality liquid test kit with a general hardness (GH) and carbonate hardness (KH) test), so that you can select ﬁsh species that will not just survive, but thrive.

Also, don’t forget those ﬁsh you see in the shops are very much babies. There are some truly massive ﬁsh in this hobby, many are capable of reaching a size of 30-60cm or more, and require huge tanks to thrive. Do not be taken in by what you see in the stores; these are very much the equivalent of the kitchen you see in the showroom, or the car you see in the magazine, and reality tends to be a little different.

Patience above all

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your set-up will not be perfected overnight. There is no shame in spending time making sure you understand what you are doing, ask the right questions, and consider all the angles before you proceed.

Think of keeping ﬁsh as no different to owning a dog, or a cat: you are fully responsible for the animal’s wellbeing. In fact, with aquatics this applies even more so because you are controlling everything. Your actions, or in some cases inaction, can and will directly impact both the health of your animals, and indeed your own well-being as a pet owner.

Speak to any fishkeeper and they will happily tell you that nobody knows everything in this hobby. We all have different ‘flavours’ to our hobby and different takes on what we like to keep, what we enjoy, what facets drive us to keep going. You will find your own niche in time, and hopefully, find yourself with a hobby for life.

Tom Ackrill

Tom is founder of the Freshwater Fishkeeping Facebook page.

THE NEWCOMER TRAPS!

You’ll likely see (and be drawn towards) some of the following ﬁsh. Here’s why you want to steer clear!

Shark catﬁsh, Pangasius sp. Actually a gigantic food ﬁsh that will soon outgrow your set-up and nobody will want to rehome

ghost

Large and shy, may eat tiny

but will deﬁnitely grow too large

Clown loach, Chromobotia

Gorgeous, aren’t they? Alas they need a shoal and can easily grow to 20cm or more. Also terribly prone to whitespot disease

Oscar, Astronotus ocellatus. Looks small and cute, grows and will eat all the smaller ﬁsh, and dulls with age

Pufferﬁsh, Tetraodon, Dichotomyctere, Colomesus, Pao. Adorable faces, but savage beaks that will destroy tankmates. There’s a pygmy version that’s not so bad but still isn’t ideal for a starter

Parrot cichlid, N/A (hybrid ﬁsh). Contentious as some folks love them, but they are often belligerent and reach a reasonable size

Pleco, Pterygoplichthys sp. This is not the suckermouth catﬁsh you seek. It grows huge. You want a bristlenose, Ancistrus sp. instead

Black

knifeﬁsh, Apteronotus albifrons.

ﬁsh

macracanthus.

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Protein is a macronutrient, and our dogs need a regular dietary supply of quality, digestible protein for their health and well-being. Like the other macronutrients – carbohydrates and lipids – protein is needed in much larger amounts than the micronutrient vitamins and minerals. A well-formulated diet will ensure our dogs obtain all essential nutrients in the right forms and amounts; protein is one of these.

Why is protein important and what should you know about protein in your dog’s diet? Here, we continue our exploration of canine nutrition know- how, focusing on protein.

CANINE NUTRITION SERIES

The power of protein

Jacqueline Boyd explains why protein is an important part of your dog’s diet

What is protein?

Protein is important for supporting body growth, repair and regeneration. It is a macronutrient and macromolecule, referring to the amounts needed per day in the diet (grams per day), and its chemical structure.

Protein is actually a group of related compounds, which vary in size, structure, form, and physical characteristics. What they all have in common is these individual protein compounds consist of long chains of individual subunits called amino acids, chemically linked together.

Amino acids are effectively the building blocks of proteins. Indeed, while we talk about our dog’s dietary protein

requirements, it is actually amino acids they need.

There are a large number of amino acids, but 20 are commonly found in nature. Each amino acid has speciﬁc characteristics, and how individual amino acids are combined together affects the structure and properties of the protein they are essential components of.

All about amino acids

Amino acids are also categorised as either essential or non-essential. Essential amino acids must be provided in the diet as dogs cannot make them themselves. Non-essential amino acids will also be provided in the diet, but can also be made by our dogs from other amino acids. Different types of protein differ in their amino acid proﬁle. This means that a diet with mixed protein sources can be useful to ensure our dogs obtain the diversity of amino acids they need – both essential and non-essential.

Dietary protein

Egg is considered to be a highly digestible and valuable dietary protein

Protein in our dogs’ diets comes from different sources. Meat is a good source of dietary protein, while many plants can also supply protein. These sources of protein will differ in their constituent amino acids, meaning that a diet with

mixed protein sources can be useful in meeting overall dietary needs. Individual protein sources will also differ in their amino acid proﬁle. For example, different meat sources have slightly different levels of constituent amino acids and plant proteins will do also. It is increasingly common to see alternative sources of protein in our dogs’ food such as insects. Because sustainability concerns and issues around animal production are becoming more problematic, it could be that insects and unusual sources of protein for our dogs are much more common in the future.

Protein is actually a group of related compounds, which vary in size, structure, form, and physical characteristics.

”

Some sources of dietary protein are known to have limited amounts of speciﬁc essential amino acids. This knowledge is important when formulating a diet, so that it provides all the amino acids needed, in the correct forms and amounts to avoid any deﬁciencies. This applies to meat, plant and insect sources of dietary protein.

Digestibility of protein

It is important that any protein in the diet is digestible so that our dogs can obtain nourishment from it. Different types

Fresh, lightly cooked chicken breast is much more digestible and a better source of many amino acids than many plant grains

of protein differ in how digestible and valuable they are in our dogs’ meals. For example, shoe leather is protein rich, but is not very digestible and is not an ideal item for your dog to eat!

Fresh, lightly cooked chicken breast, however, is much more digestible and a better source of many amino acids than many plant grains. Extensive exposure to heat can affect how digestible dietary protein is to our dogs and for this reason, feeding raw or the gentle cooking of protein-rich ingredients may make amino acids more available to our dogs. The balance between cooking to liberate some nutrients and make them more bioavailable, while also minimising the destruction of others is important. This especially applies to protein.

Interestingly, proteins are ranked based on their ‘biological value.’ This also varies based on cooking methods used, storage time, and other dietary ingredients that are bio-available. Egg is considered to be a highly digestible and valuable dietary protein. Rice protein is still useful to include but is much less digestible and valuable overall.

For young, growing dogs, those recovering from illness or injury, and highly active dogs, protein requirements increase even further.

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Why is protein important?

Protein is critical to provide structure and function in the body. Our dogs’ hair, skin, nails, muscles and other body tissues consist of protein. Blood cells, digestive enzymes, the immune system and hormones are also protein rich, indicating how important protein is.

Insects have passed the taste test with dogs

An important aspect to protein requirements is that there is a continual need for dietary protein to support the ongoing repair and regeneration of body tissues. Individual dogs do differ in their dietary protein needs, but an average adult dog needs approximately 2g protein per kg ideal bodyweight. For young, growing dogs, those recovering from illness or injury, and highly active dogs, protein requirements increase even further. This is because more protein and amino acids are needed to support the biological demands of these situations.

Dogs can also use protein as a source of energy to fuel activity and day-to-day life. Protein is also used as a precursor substance when dogs make their own glucose, via a clever process called gluconeogenesis. However, it is much more effective to formulate a diet that provides energy in the form of lipids and some carbohydrates. This means dietary protein can be used for growth and repair.

Feeding your dog excess protein or a very high protein diet when they don’t need it, is not always a good idea, either. Extra protein is not stored in the body and is excreted – often making very smelly urine and potentially a very high feeding bill, too!

Protein is essential for our dogs’ overall health and balancing their protein needs with what their diet provides is key

Insects

Did you know?

● A gram of protein supplies the same amount of energy (as kilocalories) as a gram of carbohydrate, but half as much as a gram of fat

● Cats and other obligate carnivore species have a higher daily protein requirement than dogs

● Dietary intolerances are most commonly to protein sources than other ingredients, meaning diets for sensitive dogs need to be managed with care

● Insect-derived protein is both palatable and digestible for our dogs if correctly processed, as well as being a good source of key amino acids

JACQUELINE

BOYD is an animal scientist, canine coach, nutritionist, writer, lecturer and Cocker Spaniel aﬁcionado.

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Top 10 myths about cats

We’re debunking common myths about our feline companions

1Black cats are unlucky (or lucky)

Through the ages, cats have been deeply woven into tales of folklore. But of the myths these have produced, not many have taken as much of a hold as the idea of black cats being omens of fortune.

In many countries across the world, black cats are seen as unlucky, with some cultures believing they can be precursors to misfortune, poverty, and even death. It’s not all bad news though, as in some countries,

including Japan, black cats can be a sign of good luck. Most of us will have heard the phrase about a black cat crossing our path. In Germany, whether the black cat is good or bad luck supposedly depends on the moggy’s direction. If the cat is crossing your path from left to right it’s good luck, but moving from right to left is considered bad luck. The myth has become that diverse it is hard to keep up!

The notion of black cats being bad luck appears to stem back to tales of them being

Didyou know?

If you do want to give your cat milk, there are milk formulas designed for cats available on the market

companions of witches in folklore. One suggested origin for the idea of a cat having nine lives comes from the myth that witches could turn into a cat but after the ninth time, they would permanently retain the feline form.

Of course, black cats can make wonderful pets! Unfortunately, it appears this myth is only a self-fulfilling prophecy for black cats themselves. Our dark-furred cats still suffer from this misconception of bad luck as they find it more difficult to find forever homes.

The RSPCA reported that over half of cats in their rescue centres have black as a main coat colour and that it statistically takes longer to rehome them. There continues to be campaigns, including Black Cat Appreciation Day, that aim to quash this myth once and for all.

2Cats need milk

The image of a cat lapping a saucer (it’s always a saucer rather than a bowl!) of milk is a well-worn image of our kitties. However, cows’ milk is not actually good for them – many cats are lactose intolerant. Milk is hard for them to digest and can upset their stomachs. That’s because cats possess only low levels of the enzyme required to break

Black cats are great pets!

Cats don’t need cows’ milk

Didyou know?

Toxoplasmosis can also be found in raw or undercooked meat and unwashed fruit and vegetables

lactose down. Kittens will have higher levels of the enzyme while they grow up on their mother’s milk but this will usually reduce as they mature. So, it is never a good idea to give cats milk as, in typical feline fashion of things that are bad for them, they will drink it anyway!

3Butter on the paws will help cats with a house move

This is one of the most bizarre cat myths! It was thought if you moved home, rubbing butter on your cat’s paws would erase the smell of their former environment and as he licks off the butter, he will become acquainted with his new territory. The reality is that this will probably stress your cat out more, add unnecessary calories, and leave greasy pawprints in your new home.

4Cats

are dangerous to pregnant women

Like many myths, this one is based on a truth but has exploded into something that doesn’t reﬂect reality. Cats are not a danger to pregnant women, but feline poo can contain a parasite that can pass on toxoplasmosis, an infection in expectant mothers that can harm the baby, or even cause miscarriage or still-birth.

The NHS website explains that while toxoplasmosis is rare, it is a good idea for mums to be to avoid emptying litter trays. If dealing with pet faeces is unavoidable, it is highly recommended for those at risk to use disposable gloves when handling litter trays, to change and wash trays daily, and wash hands thoroughly after any dealing with cat poo or close contact with cats who are sick. It also recommends wearing gloves when gardening and washing hands afterwards in case the soil has been infected by any cat poo (from your pet or a neighbourhood cat).

Being pregnant doesn’t mean you have to stop stroking your cat or enjoying their company!

5Cats are completely solitary animals

The domestic cat descended from wild cats that survived by mostly living alone, so our feline friends do have independence as part of their inherited psyche. However, cats can form incredible bonds with humans and other animals. The ability to live as part of our human households often relies on their socialisation and experiences in the very early weeks of life.

While they have many instincts that mean they are capable of looking after themselves, it has been proven that cats can suffer from separation anxiety when apart from their owners. So, they are not completely solitary – thankfully for us ailurophiles who love living alongside our cats!

What cats do often crave, through is control. You’ll often read the experts say that it is important to always give our kitties a choice, including giving them an option to escape to their own space when they want to be alone. That means our cats often spend time with us because they want to, which is probably the best endorsement of our bond with cats!

6They always land on their feet

Cats often land on their feet thanks to their righting reﬂex. This is part of the balancing and orientation anatomy that allows them to quickly ﬁgure out which way is up, even when falling. As they fall, once cats turn their head in a certain direction, the body soon follows so they can land on their feet.

This amazing ability baffled scientists for years and was investigated through research and experiments. However, they don’t always land on their feet. Cats can easily be injured through falls. It appears the height of a fall impacts whether they can land on their paws, with shorter falls giving them less time to correct themselves.

7All cats hate water

If you watch cat videos on the internet –where cats are often seen swimming – then you know this is not true.

It is the case that most pet cats are not fond of water and scientists suggest that this is due to them being uncomfortable with drenched fur (think of when you’ve had wet hair yourself), or even due to the fact that they descended from wild cats who came from arid environments. However, some breeds are known for enjoying being in water, including the Bengal and Maine

You don’t have to avoid your cat if you’re pregnant

The righting reﬂex helps cats land the right way up

Coon. The Turkish Van has even earned the nickname the swimming cat and is thought to have a more water-resistant coat which makes it less susceptible to the problems of damp fur.

8Cats are untrainable

While dogs are often more eager to please, it is still possible (and in fact enjoyable) to train our free-spirited felines – you just need to tap into their motivations. Positive reinforcement is a method owners use to encourage their cat to behave in ways they like, such as sleeping during the night or toileting where we want them to – and it can be used to train them for recreation, too.

A tasty treat and positive experiences can see cats learn a host of tricks and owners are also increasingly teaching their cats to walk on a leash. In 2017, cat Didga and owner Robert Dollwet set the Guinness World Record for most tricks by a cat in one minute with an astonishing 20 tricks! That’s inspiration for being able to teach our cats just one!

9 Eating grass means a cat is sick

Nibbling on grass is a common habit of many cats and believed to be an innate feline behaviour. While some cats may vomit after eating grass, a study showed that many cats are not sick afterwards and these cats are not necessarily suffering from any condition. Research suggested that this is a behaviour that is inherited from their wild ancestors and helps to remove parasites from the intestine. They also may get enjoyment from it! Some owners now even provide their feline friends with cat grass, a fresh version of the plant so their cats can exercise this seemingly natural behaviour.

10Cats can see in the dark

Our feline friends do not have night vision, they just require a lot less light to be able to see in the dark than humans. They can’t see in the pitch black any more than we could but have eyes designed to thrive in low light. Eyes consist of rods and cones. Cats have more rods that enable them to maximise their peripheral vision, motion sensing, and ability to see in the dark. Humans have

more cones which means we are better at detecting colours and seeing in daylight. The feline pupil also expands wider than ours, letting in more light.

Cats also have a tapetum. This is a reﬂective layer in the back of the eye that bounces light back into the retina — meaning a cat makes more of the light available. When you see cats’ eyes glow in your headlights, that shine you’re seeing is due to the tapetum!

Trick training can be fun!

Some cats enjoy the water!

The tapetum shine!