Features

How retailers can appeal to the eco-conscious pet parent

As is the case right now across consumer culture, pet owners are making purchases with the environment at the forefront of their mind. In fact, in a recent Beco survey, 78% of customers said that sustainability is a major influence when deciding what to buy. Times are definitely changing.  To…

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The Violet Eared Waxbill

I have a deep love for the family of finches known as ‘the waxbills’ or otherwise known as Estrildid finches. The common name refers to the colour and apparent texture of the beak, in reality the appendage is not wax-like at all.  Much of this family of birds have been…

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The humanisation of the pet industry

What does ‘humanisation of the pet industry’ mean? By many, pets are seen and treated like family members. Owners want happy and healthy lives for their pets as much as they do for their children, and this has seen the emergence of new products and trends in the industry, with…

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Monitoring diabetes in cats and dogs during the Covid Crisis

Royal Veterinary College clinicians and researchers have long been at the forefront of advancements in the understanding of canine and feline diabetes mellitus, as well as improvements in the way these conditions are managed. Dr Ruth Gostelow is a clinician, researcher and teacher at the RVC and has a particular…

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Pet food, animal welfare, and the Agriculture Bill

In 2018, PFMA launched its Pet Food Vision. The vision was developed following the EU referendum when as representatives of the UK pet food industry we considered where we wanted to be as a global player following the UK’s exit from the EU. The PFMA Pet Food Vision focused on…

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The rise of D2C in pet care – How are brands adjusting to a new marketplace?

As lockdown restrictions have influenced major consumer behaviour changes, especially when it comes to shopping habits, it’s no surprise that brands across a variety of sectors have been tapping into D2C offerings as they present an easier, safer and more reliable option of purchasing. The pet care industry is no…

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The importance of tackling cancer quickly

The COVID-19 pandemic is still taking a terrible direct toll on human populations, but it can also have a terrible impact on pets needing veterinary attention, including for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.  Like in human oncology, rapid identification, diagnosis and treatment of cancer can make all the difference…

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Rice starch – The secret to success in clean label pet foods

The Covid pandemic has impacted many areas of life, even how we relate to our pets. According to recent research, 86% of people have bonded more deeply with their four legged friends and well over a third have seen their anxiety reduced by them in this tough season. As people…

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The future of pet retailing

Following a survey of our members, we have a clear picture of the impact of Covid-19 on the pet food industry to this point. Initially, sales in pet food peaked. People were stockpiling other essential items, and this was extended to pet food. This was followed by a small trough…

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How pet brands can best utilise social media

During lockdown there was a surge in sales for pet related products with new puppies, kittens, and everything else in between joining happy households right across the UK. Sales and demand for pet food and accessories have been strong, but for many brands (especially more niche ones) that poses a…

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