Herbie Wilde plant-based superfood for dogs

© Herbie Wilde

Pet Food

Herbie Wilde Launches Plant-Based Superfood for Dogs With 39 Natural Ingredients

Herbie Wilde is a new British pet food brand that has developed a nutritionally complete plant-based superfood for dogs, featuring 39 ingredients such as sweet potato, fruits, greens, ancient grains, herbs, and botanicals. The company was founded by former film production manager Ella Daines-Smith, who has worked on films such as Beauty and The Beast, Winnie the Pooh, Fast and Furious, and Jurassic Park. After trying to figure out why her dog, Bertie, was suffering from digestive issues, Ella discovered that the culprit was food. As pet food standards are lower than those for human food, manufacturers can include meat industry byproducts such as hair, feathers, hooves, bones, connective tissues, and beaks. While these are often high in protein, they are very difficult to digest, …

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Vegan dog food brand Omni launches meat-style wet food

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Pet Food

Vegan Dog Food Brand Omni Launches “Juicy & Fibrous” Meat-Style Wet Food

Omni, a UK-based vegan dog food brand, has launched a meat-style wet food range after a year of research and development. The range currently consists of beef and chicken-style options, combined with vegetables for additional health benefits. Both flavours can be purchased either in a can as a full meal, or as a topper sachet to be combined with dry food. Omni plans to develop more flavours, such as lamb, turkey, and salmon, in the coming months. According to the brand, pets consume 20% of the world’s meat and fish, and feeding a dog a meat-based diet is responsible for as many emissions as driving a Land Cruiser SUV for a year. Switching to a plant-based food such as Omni’s could therefore have huge benefits …

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Pet treats

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Pet Food

Superlatus Announces Planned Expansion into Pet Food Market, Beginning with Baked Plant-Based Treats

Superlatus, Inc., a food tech and distribution organization that recently completed a merger with pharmaceutical exchange platform provider TRxADE HEALTH, Inc., has revealed its strategic move to penetrate the global pet foods market, focusing on plant-based, high-protein pet foods and snacks. Notably, following the merger of Superlatus and TRxADE HEALTH, the combined entity made significant strides in the plant-based food industry. They recently expanded their portfolio by acquiring Perfect Day’s Animal-Free Brands through the acquisition of The Urgent Company. Only two days after acquiring The Urgent Company, Superlatus unveiled plans to launch a pulse protein snack in the United States in early 2024 under the recently acquired Brave Robot brand, well-known for its vegan dairy-free ice creams. The expansion into the pet food market will …

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Plant-based dog food

© ProVeg

Pet Food

Four Ways to Attract Flexitarian Pet Owners With Plant-Based Dog Food

As the plant-based movement gathers momentum globally, we’re seeing more people becoming interested in flexitarian diets, not only for themselves but for their dogs, too. Excitingly, a 2021 study found that 72% of US pet parents were open to having plant-based protein sources in their animals’ diets. The study participants also indicated a high interest in hybrid diets – balancing animal and plant-based protein sources – lending further credence to the notion that flexitarianism is leading pet carers to try a similar approach to feeding their pets. Innova Market Insight’s Nutrition & Health Survey 2020 shows that the top reasons driving consumers to switch to flexitarian diets include health, sustainability, and taste – all things dog parents are increasingly demanding for their pets, as well. …

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Wild Earth New Rotisserie Dog Kibble

©Wild Earth

Products & Launches

Wild Earth to Debut Core Collection of Kibble, Featuring ‘Meat Like’ Rotisserie Flavors, at Global Pet Expo

Pet wellness brand Wild Earth announces it will unveil its new Core Collection of dog kibble at Global Pet Expo 2023 which takes place next week. Made from plant and fungi ingredients, the new kibbles will be available in several new flavors, including “meat-like” Golden Rotisserie and Classic Roast. Featuring complete and balanced formulas, Wild Earth says its latest kibble is free from animal-derived ingredients and takes a biotechnology approach to cruelty-free pet nutrition. The new offerings include the Performance Formula and Core Formula, both of which exclude five of the most common food allergens in dogs – beef, chicken, dairy, wheat and lamb.  Designed for more active dogs, the Performance Formula comes in a Veggie Chicken ‘n Kabob flavor, and includes 28% fungi and …

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ProVeg NFH dog food

Image: ProVeg International

Pet Food

6 Must-Know Trends to Drive Plant-Based Dog Food Sales

The pet food industry has reached great heights in recent years, amassing an estimated worth of over US$91.1 billion. This is expected to boom to even greater amounts in the years ahead, with a large part of this growth due to innovation coming from the rising demand for plant-based dog foods. Though still a niche industry, with vegan and plant-based claims appearing on just 2.1% of dog-food products worldwide, it’s finding more shelf space compared to five years ago, when only 0.7% of dog-food had a plant-based claim, according to Innova Market Insights. And such plant-based claims are growing rapidly in dog-food (+40%) compared to the growth of all new dog-food launches (+5%) (Global, compound annual growth rate, 2018–2022). In order to be successful in …

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V-Dog Plant-Based Kibble

©V-Dog

Studies & Numbers

V-Dog: New Research Finds Dogs Can Thrive Long-Term on Plant-Based Kibble

Vegan dog food brand v-dog announces the first comprehensive study on the long-term effects of a plant-based diet for dogs has been completed by clinician-scientists at Western University of Health Sciences’ College of Veterinary Medicine. According to the company, the research confirms that dogs can thrive long-term on plant-based kibble while having a more positive impact on the planet.  Presented on February 20 at the Western Vet Conference in Las Vegas, the 12-month study found that a nutritionally complete plant-based diet can provide complete and balanced nutrition for dogs during adult maintenance life stages. According to v-dog, the study was conducted by independent clinical researchers and was not commissioned by the company.  As such, v-dog states, it represents an important contribution to the ongoing conversation …

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dog with treat ProVeg NFH

Image: ProVeg International

Pet Food

Top Tips for Producing a Sell-Out Plant-Based Dog Food

We already target flexitarians, vegetarians, pescatarians, and vegans with plant-based products – but what about those who have pets? Consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about the environmental, ethical, and health impacts of eating meat and dairy. Yet, many would not think twice about the origins of what they feed their companion animals.  However, like most human eating trends, the plant-based movement is spilling over into the diets of companion animals – dogs, in particular. As more people share their lives with canine friends and more people adopt plant-based eating habits (40% of European consumers identify as flexitarian, pescatarian, vegetarian, or vegan), the market is set to boom. With this in mind, how can your company best produce and sell plant-based dog food? What considerations are …

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Damien Clarkson and Judy Nadel, The Pack founders

Damien Clarkson and Judy Nadel, founders of THE PACK

Investments & Acquisitions

THE PACK Raises £835K for Nutritionally Complete Plant-Based Dog Food

UK plant-based dog food brand THE PACK has raised £835,000 in its seed funding round. The round took place both privately and through vegan investment platform Vevolution, which originally founded by THE PACK’s founders Damien Clarkson and Judy Nadel. Participants included Scelta Mycofriends B.V., Veg Capital, Kale United, and Akoleo, along with alt protein angel investors Simon Newstead, Alicia Robb, Simon Day, Victoria Betoski, and Leo Groenewegen. Additionally, an investment was made through Silicon Valley VC’s Accel early-stage scouting program. Investors from petcare accelerator Leap Ventures, including the Mars Petcare Companion Fund, also contributed. The funding will support THE PACK in launching its nutritionally-complete oven-baked dry food in early 2023. It follows the launch of the brand’s plant-based meat stew wet food, which was claimed …

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veg dog plant based dog food star dog named tamie

© VEGDOG

Pet Food

V-Label Awards Winner VEGDOG Secures €3.5M for European Market Expansion 

VEGDOG, which says it is the first pet food manufacturer specialising in 100% plant-based and gluten-free complete dog food, has secured €3.5 million in a Series A round led by Green Generation Fund. Following the investment, the company will focus on developing new products, expanding into German and European markets, optimizing previous sales channels, and hiring more staff. Ideal Partners Since its foundation in 2016, the German plant-based dog food startup has created a diverse product range, including snacks, wet food, complete dry food, and dietary supplements. Last year, VEGDOG reported €2.4 million in sales and the company reports it expects its 2022 turnover to surpass €4 million. The startup Family Office (former team of Vießmann and WattX), another Family Office from Munich, and previous …

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Omni plant-based dog food

Image courtesy of ProVeg

Pet Food

Study Finds Significant Health Improvements in Dogs Fed a Vegan Diet

A peer-reviewed study by UK pet food brand Omni has concluded that dogs fed a vegan diet experience notable improvements to their health. Three to 12 months after switching their pets to Omni’s plant-based food, dog owners reported several statistically significant changes, including improvements in: Anxiety Activity levels Glossiness of coat Dandruff Redness of the skin Itchiness Stool consistency Frequency of stools Flatus (passing gas). According to the study, which was published in the Archives of Clinical and Biomedical Research, over three-quarters of the 100 dogs had previously been eating a meat-based diet. “The study is a valuable addition to the scientific evidence that proves the benefits of vegan diets for dogs,” said Shiv Sivakumar, co-founder and co-CEO of Omni. While the results are encouraging, …

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Wild Earth Cell-Based Meat Broth

©Wild Earth

Pet Food

Wild Earth Develops ‘First-Ever’ Cell-Based Chicken Broth For Pet Food Market

Sustainable pet food company Wild Earth announces it has developed a cell-based meat broth topper for dogs, which will launch to consumers in 2023. According to the company, the broth is the world’s first cell-based meat product to debut on the pet food retail market.  Created in Wild Earth’s labs in Berkeley, CA, the chicken broth is made with the company’s proprietary technology and joins its current line of high-protein dog food and treats. According to Wild Earth, launching cell-based meat products represents the next step to transforming the pet food industry and reducing its harmful effects on the environment. “Our pets’ environmental paw print accounts for 30% of meat consumed in the US and it doesn’t have to,” explains Wild Earth Co-Founder and CEO, …

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Wild_Earth_Dog_Food_Bags

©Wild Earth

Pet Food

Wild Earth to Debut New Look and Pet Food Collection at SuperZoo 2022

Pet food company Wild Earth announces it is returning to SuperZoo 2022 to showcase its premium line of nutritionally complete, sustainable dog food and treats. The brand will also debut a new product design and preview its upcoming Core Collection, to be released in 2023.  New flavors At SuperZoo, North America’s largest pet retail show, Wild Earth co-founder and CEO Ryan Bethencourt will be on hand to unveil the brand’s new look and give attendees a peak at the Core Collection, which is set to hit shelves next year. The collection will feature limited ingredients and new flavors such as Rotisserie and Classic Roast, and will retail at a lower price point.  The company also plans to discuss its progress with cell-based meat development. Attendees …

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PawCo Plant-Based Dog Food

©PawCo

Pet Food

Former Impossible Foods Employee Launches “World’s First” Pet Food Made from Plant-Based Meat

Pet food startup PawCo announces the launch of its proprietary dog food made from plant-based meat. Founded by Dr. Mahsa Vazin, a former Impossible Foods employee, PawCo also reveals it raised a seed round earlier this year for an undisclosed amount.  According to the brand, it has invented the world’s first fully plant-based meat designed specifically for pet food. Made to be as tasty as traditional meat, PawCo says its recipe contains all the essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals most adult dogs need to thrive. Its product offerings feature plant-based protein mixed with a variety of fruit and vegetables; including Peanut Butter and Apple, Green Mix and Carrots, and Blueberries and Veggies.  Because the foods are animal product-free, they are also recommended for pets …

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Dog puppy food

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Cultivated, Cell-Cultured & Biotechnology

Agronomics Reveals Cultivated Meat Pet Food Venture Good Dog Food

Agronomics, the UK cellular agriculture investment group headed by billionaire philanthropist Jim Mellon, has partnered with Roslin Technologies, made famous for the world’s first cloned adult mammal Dolly the sheep, to launch Good Dog Food. Says Jim Mellon, Executive Director of Agronomics and Chairman of Good Dog Food: “An untapped sector of the agricultural market is the production of pet food via cellular agriculture. We are delighted to be able to announce our first joint venture in the cultivated meat field, to focus on the production of cultivated pet food.” Good Dog Food will develop a novel range of pet food products made using cell-cultured meat, highlighting that the current production of companion animal food is a major driver of climate change. In the US …

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Wild Earth Plant-Based Dog Food

©Walmart

Pet Food

Wild Earth’s Koji-Based, Meat-Free Dog Food Now Available at Walmart

Wild Earth, makers of sustainable plant-based dog food, announces the company’s superfood dry kibble will now be sold at Walmart, the world’s largest retailer. Wild Earth CEO Ryan Bethencourt broke the news on social media, and it appears the product is already listed on Walmart’s online shopping page. Made from ingredients like chickpeas, sweet potato, pumpkin, spinach and oats, Wild Earth’s kibble is formulated to provide a healthier, cruelty-free alternative to conventional pet food. Developed with a team of scientists and veterinarians, the brand says its foods, based on koji protein, provide digestive and allergy relief for dogs with food sensitivities, while promoting healthier skin and coats.  700% growth in two years Wild Earth first achieved major success through Shark Tank, where Mark Cuban closed an …

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©Petaluma

Pet Food

Meet Petaluma: A Mission-Driven Brand for Sustainable Dog Food

When Petaluma co-founders Caroline Buck and Garrett Wymore noticed a significant market gap for environmentally conscious dog food, they wanted to lead the change. After years of careful research and development, the couple introduced Petaluma in 2021 – a gently baked, nutritionally complete and sustainable dog food brand. Available in Roasted Sweet Potato and Peanut Butter flavors, Petaluma offers a veterinarian-formulated, plant-based alternative to conventional kibble brands, which typically require intensive use of land and fresh water, and emit excessive amounts of greenhouse gases.  According to the company, Petaluma’s products use organic ingredients such as chickpeas, sweet potatoes and flax seeds sourced from small farms, and provide all the essential nutrients dogs need to thrive. To develop the product, the co-founders worked closely with veterinarian …

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Sia Bond Pet Foods Advisor

©Bond Pet Foods

Pet Food

Pop Star Star Sia Partners with Bond Pet Foods As New Investor and Advisor

Bond Pet Foods, a biotech startup aiming to remove animals from the pet food industry, announces global music star Sia Furler is joining the company as an investor and advisor. In the new role, Furler will collaborate with the company on creative digital and marketing efforts to educate consumers about more humane and sustainable pet food production. Furler is a long-time animal advocate who has previously worked with notable non-profits such as the ASPCA and Best Friends Animal Society, according to a release. The singer also co-narrated the 2018 documentary Dominion, which spotlighted the egregious animal abuse taking place in industrial farming. “As a devout animal and environmental advocate, I’m inspired by Bond Pet Foods’ mission and believe their company is the future for sustainably-led …

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Omni founders, Image courtesy of ProVeg

Omni founders, Image courtesy of ProVeg

Investments & Finance

Vegan Dog Food Company Omni Raises £1.1M to Launch Functional Plant-Based Treats

UK plant-based dog food company omni has raised £1.1 million in a funding round, with investors including ProVeg International, Trellis Road, Purple Orange Ventures, Shiocap, and Kale United. The company will use the funding to launch a new lineup of plant-based dog treats that will target specific health conditions — such as skin issues, joint problems, and anxiety. Omni soft-launched in May of last year, shortly after joining the sixth cohort of the ProVeg Incubator. Since then, the dog food company has seen an average monthly growth rate of 55%. Nutritionally complete food “The sad truth is that one in four dogs in the UK will get cancer and one in two suffer from obesity,” Omni co-founder Dr. Guy Sandelowsky told vegconomist in an interview. …

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Clif Pet Plant-Based Jerky Family

©Clif Bar &Company

Pet Food

Clif Bar Leaps Into Pet Food with New Plant-Based Dog Treats

Clif Bar & Company, a leading maker of organic energy bars, is moving into the pet food category with a new line of plant-based dog treats. According to Pet Food Processing, CLIF Pet’s Plant-Based Jerky will launch in early 2022 with three recipes: Sweet Potato & Blueberry, Pumpkin & Apple and Butternut Squash & Cranberry. Each flavor contains just seven ingredients and is formulated for easy digestion, with additional product SKU’s rolling out in the near future.  Clif Bar is distinguished among sports energy bars for being largely plant-based and organic. The company also owns the popular brands CLIF Kids and LUNA bars. By venturing into pet snacks, Clif Bar will become one of the few mainstream food companies to extend its products in such …

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