Local dog photographer represents Geelong & the Bellarine in the renowned international Tails of the World project

Geelong-based photographer, Caitlin J. McColl of Ragamuffin Pet Photography, is looking for local dogs to pose for the 2024 Tails of the World photography book.

Tails of the World is an annual book that features heart-warming stories and portraits of dogs, captured by a team of 95 professional photographers from around the globe. All proceeds are donated to animal rescue and to date the organisation has raised over AU$150,000 for charity. 

“This is the first year that Geelong has been a featured location in the book,” says photographer, Caitlin McColl. “I’m so excited to explore and show off the region!”

Applications are now open for local dog lovers who would like to get involved in this feel good project. 

The proceeds are donated to Geelong Animal Welfare Society (GAWS), a not-for-profit, animal welfare organisation dedicated to caring for lost, unwanted, abused and injured animals in Geelong and surrounding areas. 

They are the third largest shelter in Victoria, now with the highest adoption rate, and rely solely on the generosity of donors.

✔️ 10 Geelong dogs will be photographed around the region by Ragamuffin Pet Photography and featured in the Tails of the World: Volume Three book.

✔️ Photoshoot spots are strictly limited and require a $100 Donation to Geelong Animal Welfare Society. Applications are now open and will close on August 11th.

✔️Dogs of all sizes, ages, breeds and training levels are encouraged to get involved (i.e. you don’t need to be a fancy furry model, we celebrate dogs just being themselves!)

Dog photoshoots for the project are currently taking place in towns and cities all over the 18 different participating countries: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, UK, USA and New Zealand.

Caitlin J. McColl founded the Tails of the World Collective in 2015. Her dream is to unite pet photographers across the globe in a mission to raise much needed funds for animal charities with beautiful photography and heart warming stories.

“To date, our Collective has raised over $150,000 for animal charities around the world,” McColl said. 

“We have a series of books featuring different locations - everywhere from Tails of the Netherlands, to Tails of Las Vegas, to Tails of Melbourne. The annual Tails of the World Book is a huge group effort and we’re so excited to be using our photography together to make a difference for animals in need”.

To get your furry family involved, visit www.ragamuffinpetphotography.com.au/tails-of-the-world  

To learn more about Tails of the World, visit www.tailsoftheworld.com

About Caitlin J. McColl/Ragamuffin Pet Photography:

Caitlin J. McColl is a multi-award winning professional pet photographer based in Geelong, Australia. Author of eight dog-filled books, Caitlin is also the founder of the Tails of the World Collective. She is passionate about celebrating the joy that dogs bring to our world through emotive, beautiful photography.

Related Stories:

Sydney photographer launches fundraising project through Tails of the World book series

Calling the dogs from Broome to Cairns for Tails of the World™ Project

We have 5 Family Passes for 4 people (valued at $90) to see the pink poodle starring in his new movie 200% Wolf, thanks to our partners at STUDIOCANAL. 

In Cinemas August 8, this promotional giveaway closes on Sunday, August 4.

The pink poodle is back! Now with 200% more wolf!

When Freddy Lupin’s wayward wish transforms him into a werewolf and deposits a mischievous moon spirit on earth, Freddy must restore the cosmic order before it’s too late! A follow up to the Australian animated feature film, 100% Wolf, in which our hero, Freddy Lupin, had to grapple with the shock revelation that he is destined to be not a mighty werewolf like all of his family, but a tiny pink poodle!

In 200% Wolf, Freddy Lupin, a pink poodle, struggles to lead his werewolf pack. When a wish accidentally turns him into a werewolf and brings a mischievous moon spirit to Earth, Freddy must restore order before it’s too late. With his friends, he must find a sorceress and send the spirit home, all while avoiding being turned into were-toads and resisting forbidden magic. Through this adventure, Freddy learns to embrace his unique identity.

Watch the trailer:

Release Date: In Cinemas, August 8

Duration: approx. 98 min
Classification: PG | Censorship Advice: Mild themes, crude humour, animated violence and some scenes may scare young children
Family Passes consist of two double passes and can be used for adults and children
Visit the Official Website: 200percentwolf.com.au

* Enter to WIN 1 of 5 Family Passes for 4 people 

to see 200% Wolf *

(Total Prize Pool: $450)

HOW TO ENTER

1) Like our Australian Dog Lover Page and Post 

2) Let us know in 25 words or less why you want to see this anticipated film via our Facebook page or @australiandoglover on Instagram (post 26/07/2024)

TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. This Competition  will open on Friday 26th July 2024 (2pm) and will close on Sunday 4th August (11:59pm, A.E.S.T.) The movie passes will be sent out to your address the same week.

Open to Australian residents only. Disclaimer - Entrants must be 18 yrs or older.

Winners passes will be mailed directly by the promoter.

2. To enter, like our page and this post and Let us know in 25 words or less why you want to see this anticipated film?

3. This Promotion is a game of skill and chance plays no part in determining the winner.

The entries will be judged by the Australian Dog Lover team. The winning entries will be selected based on the most creative, informative or useful statement.
4. Please note you MUST LIKE our Facebook page or FOLLOW @australiandoglover on Instagram to be eligible.
5. Entrants in the competition can only enter once.
6. Prizes not claimed within 48 hours will be redrawn.
* Entry into the competition is deemed acceptance of all terms and conditions.

SUBSCRIBE

Want to get all the latest articles and deals straight to your inbox?

Subscribe to our monthly email newsletter here to keep up to date with our latest posts. Newsletters are only sent once a month, and you may sometimes get a special offer exclusively for our subscribers only!

Animal rescue charities receive 4,500 coats to provide warmth to pets during harsh winter months thanks to the Petstock Foundation

Winter is one of the most challenging times for animal rescue charities, and the colder weather can be life threatening for pets who are exposed to the elements. With charities across the board experiencing rising costs to operate, a decrease in volunteers as well as increased demand for their services [1], it's becoming increasingly difficult to care for all pets in need.

To provide extra support to animal rescue organisations, the Petstock Foundation has teamed up with its suppliers, Doggone Gorgeous, Wriggley Diggley and Ruff N Rugged to donate over 4,500 coats worth $200,000 RRP, which will help animal shelters provide care for pets during the harsh winter months. 

Shelters in VIC, NSW, QLD and SA received the coats, including:

• VIC: BARC - Bendigo Animal Relief Shelter, Ballarat Animal Shelter, Wodonga Dog Rescue, Victorian Lamb Rescue. 

• QLD: Red Collar Rescue, Queensland Staffy & Amstaff Rescue, Capricorn Animal Aid, Silver Lining Pet Rescue.

• SA: Dusty Paws Dog Rescue, Paws and Claws Adoptions.

Jessica Curtis, Petstock Foundation Strategic Manager, says, “We are proud to have incredible suppliers who support our mission at the Petstock Foundation, to improve the lives of pets and people, and we thank Doggone Gorgeous, Wriggley Diggley and Ruff N Rugged for their generosity. 

Snuggly pups at Queensland Staffy & Amstaff Rescue

Donating over 4,500 much-needed winter coats to animal rescue charities will make a difference to animals in shelters during the colder months. 

Winter is also a reminder that there are thousands of animals waiting to be adopted across Australia, who don’t have a warm home and loving family, and we encourage those looking to welcome a pet to consider adopting a rescue animal.”

The Petstock Foundation is passionate about supporting the adoption of pets and over the past 10 years, and since 2007, has helped find loving homes for 41,000 rescue pets across Australia and New Zealand. 

During the Foundation’s National Pet Adoption Month in March 2024, the Petstock Foundation raised $99,053 for 119 rescue groups across Australia.

Lead image: Paws and Claws Adoptions dogs enjoying their donated coats. 

[1] Select Committee on the Cost of Living, Interim Report, May 2023. Link 

About the Petstock Foundation

The Petstock Foundation is a registered charity that exists to empower a better future for pets and people. Since its inception in 2007, The Foundation has raised more than $10 million to date and has found homes for more than 40,000 rescue pets. Petstock Foundation is contributed to by the fundraising initiatives of the Petstock Group, donations by business partners and team members as they come together for the pets that inspire them. 100% of funds raised go towards The Foundation to support its charitable partners and projects with all operating costs covered by the business.

MEDIA RELEASE, July 2024

New data reveals the best cities to live and visit with a pet dog 

• American cities dominated the list, taking out seven of the top 10 rankings

• San Francisco was number one, followed by Austin and Washington, D.C.

New data from Compare the Market reveals the best dog-friendly destinations across the globe, with San Francisco taking the top spot.

San Fran's Fort Funston National Park
boasts the best dog beach in the city!

San Fran scored 8.56/10 overall, ranking well in most metrics. 

The city performed especially well for the number of pet-friendly cafes/restaurants (46.39 per 100,000 people), the average number of rainy days per year (42), the number of vets (22.76 per 100,000) and number of dog parks (6.06 per 100,000).

The rankings indexed 65 cities globally, ranking them on five different factors.

American cities swept the top of the rankings, with Austin scoring 8.37/10 and Washington, D.C. as well as San Diego scoring 8.03/10. 

Austin scored well in numerous areas, especially in the number of pet friendly hotels, cafes and restaurants per capita (90.10 and 52.65 per 100,000 respectively) – both of which were the second highest out of all cities on the list.

 

Washington had the highest number of pet-friendly eateries out of all 65 destinations (53.14 per 100,000). The capital also had the seventh-highest number of vets per capita (23.97 per 100,000), and a high number of dog friendly hotels (35.58 per 100,000).

Voted California’s top luxury hotel on TripAdvisor, San Diego's Fairmont Grand Del Mar 

is also a dog-friendly resort

San Diego had very high scores for pet-friendly hotels (58.87 per 100,000), pet friendly eateries (50.76 per 100,000), and the third lowest number of rainy days on average (28 days a year).

Many American cities performed well due to high scores in several categories, but especially in the number of pet friendly hotels, cafes and restaurants. A large number of European cities also had high numbers of pet-friendly hotels, but not as many dog-friendly restaurants and cafes.

Top 10 dog-friendly cities worldwide

* Includes parks with dedicated, fenced-off dog off-leash areas, parks with open off-leash areas, and parks with dedicated times where dogs may be taken off-leash. Note that this does not include regular parks where dogs may attend while kept on the leash.

^ This includes restaurants and cafes where dogs may join their owners at outside tables, but not inside. Note that this is not an exhaustive list and there may be other venues that are dog friendly but were not included in this data source.

Compare the Market’s Executive General Manager of General Insurance, Adrian Taylor, said it’s important to check your pet insurance documents to see if your dog is covered when travelling interstate or internationally.

“It can be great to bring your pet dog with you on an adventure, but it’s important to check the details of your policy document – called a Product Disclosure Statement – to see whether you are covered when taking your dog on holiday,” Mr Taylor said.

“A lot of policies will cover pets if they travel anywhere in Australia – but not necessarily all of them. Some policies will cover your pet if you take them overseas on holiday as well, depending on the type and level of cover that you have.

“Having pet insurance is a great source of peace of mind when taking your dog on holiday to a new destination, so you can be covered for accidents, injuries and illnesses – in accordance with the wording and coverage of your policy.”

To view the full rankings and to learn more visit: www.comparethemarket.com.au

Game-changing treat-like medications and injectables revolutionise pet care for dog owners

Dog owners everywhere understand the challenges of administering medications to their furry companions. From monthly flea and tick preventatives to daily treatments for chronic conditions, ensuring pets receive their necessary medications can be a daunting task. 

The strain of this process affects not only the pet but also the bond between pets and their owners. However, there are increasing innovations in pet medication formulations, offering alternative and easier options to help owners medicate their pets, which can reduce the stress and hassle of traditional methods.

Veterinary experts highlight that chronic health conditions such as skin diseases and joint problems, are common in dogs and often require consistent medication. These conditions, if not managed properly, can significantly impact the quality of life for both pets and their owners. In the case of skin diseases like Atopic dermatitis, signs such as excessive itching can keep owners awake at night, and skin changes can lead to recurrent infections requiring further treatment.

Dr. Dani Hoolahan, a well-known veterinary dermatologist, emphasises the importance of effective and stress-free medication routines. 

“Chronic conditions can cause significant discomfort for pets and worry for their owners,” says Dr. Hoolahan. 

“Traditional tablets can be challenging to administer, leading to missed doses and increased anxiety for both the pet and the owner.”

A recent study [1] reveals that 65% of pet owners face difficulties when giving their pets conventional tablets. Many resort to disguising pills in food, which can be messy and unreliable, especially for daily treatments. This struggle can strain the relationship between pets and their owners, with nearly 29% of owners feeling stressed or unhappy about the process, and 32% worrying that their pets are not receiving the full benefit of the medication.

To address these challenges, animal health companies are developing new formulations to provide effective therapies in different formulations to suit pet owners needs and provide veterinarians with more options to get the best outcomes for pets and their owners. Some of these advancements include increasingly palatable treat-like medications and other longer-acting injectable formulations. These innovative treatments simplify the medication process, making it easier for owners to give pets the treatments they require with less resistance.

“Ease of administration is crucial not only for ensuring compliance but also for maintaining the trust between pets and their owners,” explains Dr. Hoolahan. “Treat-like medications offer a more pleasant experience for pets, promoting positive behavioural reinforcement and ensuring that pets receive their necessary medications consistently.”

Lukie, a four-year-old Swiss Shepherd, is a prime example of the benefits seen by pet owners with the introduction of a more palatable medication for his health condition. 

Lukie, who suffers from multiple allergies, struggled with traditional prescribed tablets for his condition. His owner, Tonya Trent, initially resorted to hiding the pills in cheese, but Lukie soon learned to spit them out. 

Since switching to a treat-like medication, Lukie eagerly takes his medicine, and Tonya no longer worries about missed doses. “It’s been a game-changer for us,” says Tonya. “Lukie is happier and healthier, and I’m relieved knowing he’s getting the treatment he needs.”

For pet owners struggling with medicating their pets, it’s important to let your vet know if you are having difficulty as they may be able to suggest a suitable alternative for you and your dog. There are an increasing number of new formulations for various preventative care and health conditions available from your veterinarian, who can discuss if there is an alternative for your pet’s needs.

References:

[1] Outcomes Research Report No. 22INTLORDERM-01-01. UK.

MEDIA RELEASE, 24th July 2024

Related Stories:

Environmental Allergies in Dogs: a Pain in the Skin!

New Serum Test Kit to identify Canine Atopic Dermatitis

Dog poop collection practices send Aussie neighbourhoods into a tailspin

…but wait, there’s a solution!

What weighs more than three of the world’s heaviest passenger aircraft, spans at least the distance from Sydney to Brisbane if lined up end to end… and stinks to high heaven?

Answer: the estimated total amount of poop being produced by Australian dogs each day, with new reports suggesting Australia’s dog poop collection culture needs an overhaul.

Recently, Gold Coast City Council revealed that it spent about $720,000 supplying 12.8 million plastic poop waste bags and servicing 274 bag dispensers during 2022-23. This contributed 23 tonnes of plastic waste into landfill and the environment, despite it being home to less than 69,000 registered dogs.

While a separate CQUniversity study has revealed Aussie dog poop collection habits vary widely, with 71% of owners reporting their dog produces one to five Bunnings sausages worth of poop daily, yet less than one-third are picking it up with the same frequency.

Keen to understand more about the impact of all this poop on our neighbourhoods, home to more than 6 million dogs, Canberra mum, dog lover and entrepreneur Rachel Hawes extrapolated the results to find a whopping 900km long poop sausage is being produced by Australian dogs every day, and that’s a conservative estimate.

“Other studies have shown the average weight of poop excreted by dogs daily is 340 grams, which adds up to a staggering 2040 tonnes - more than the weight of 3 commercial airliners,” she said.

With dog poop well known to harbour bacteria and parasites*, Rachel said immediately disposing of the waste significantly lowers the risk of spreading disease to humans and other animals…but also the risk of stepping in squishy brown landmines.

“So whichever way you look at it, dog poop is a big problem in our communities that needs to be well managed, or it can have large environmental, health and financial consequences,” she said.

Education and proper equipment are key to behavioural change

Tired of the daily dog poop dodge, Rachel is now on a mission to help more dog owners do the right thing and hopefully curb collection costs for ratepayers, through her new all-in-one poop disposal invention called the Pupoon.

Lightweight and odour-resistant, the Pupoon has an airtight chamber and a built-in bag dispenser that attaches to a dog’s lead like a cocoon. It fully equips dog owners to be self- sufficient and dispose of their own pet’s waste when out in public places.

“I’ve always wondered why there’s such a reliance on councils to manage dog waste at great cost to ratepayers, when there’s a simple and more convenient solution like the Pupoon,” Rachel said.

“There has been an issue with ordinary dog poop bag dispensers only doing half the job and leaving you carrying stinky plastic bags until you can find a rubbish bin, which isn’t always easy,” Rachel said.

“But now a Pupoon can take care of the whole pick up and disposal job, regardless of where your dog chooses to poop – on the beach, at the park, on the footpath or a neighbour’s lawn.”

Awarded an ACT Government innovation grant, the Pupoon fits standard biodegradable poop bag rolls available from pet stores. It is also much cheaper than a council fine for failing to carry adequate equipment or to pick up after your dog.

For dog owners interested in how their poop collection practices compare with others, the CQUniversity study of 1,054 participants, called ‘What Australians do with their dog poo? A survey of dog-owning household practices and attitudes’, found 331 owners pick it up daily, 293 ‘a few times a week’, 203 ‘about once a week’, 26 ‘once a month, and 57 said ‘never’.

Interestingly, a further 98 said they pick it up ‘before mowing the lawn’, 74 said ‘when it becomes a nuisance’, 73 said ‘before visitors come over’, and 30 when they ‘remember’. The survey also revealed 41% of dog faeces are ‘always or usually’ produced at home, 51% ‘sometimes at home/sometimes away from home’, and the remainder ‘always away’ from home.

The Pupoon is now available for purchase online at https://pupoon.com

NB: The biggest wide-body passenger airliner – the Airbus A380 - weighs a maximum 560 tonnes at take-off, the distance from Sydney to Brisbane is about 900km, and a Bunnings sausage measures a standard 15cm in length.

References:

ABC News Online: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-07-15/dog-poo-bag-plastic-gold-coast-environment/104079212#content

The US EPA estimates that the typical dog excretes ¾ of a pound (340g) of waste per day. https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2022-11/Composting-Dog-Waste-Booklet-Alaska.pdf

Calculations (NB: conservative estimates):

Approx. 6million dogs x 15cm (1 sausage only) = 900km
Approx. 6million dogs x 340g (average weight daily) = 2040 tonnes

About the Pupoon:

The Pupoon is a clever airtight storage capsule with built-in bag dispenser that attaches to most dog leads like a cocoon! Lightweight, odour-resistant, and Australian-designed, the Pupoon helps take the eww out of dog poop disposal. It is now available online at pupoon.com

MEDIA RELEASE, 23rd July 2024

The Secret Life of Aussie Pets (and their owners) set to be revealed as Dr Chris Brown launches his third National Pet Census

Celebrity Vet and popular TV presenter launches Dr Chris Brown’s Drooly Important Pet Census!

• Over 130,000 Aussie pet owners have taken part in Dr Chris’ previous two Pet Census surveys.
• Census aimed at driving positive change and keeping Australia pet-friendly. 
• Survey run in collaboration with Drool by Dr. Chris Brown.

Ever wondered how many Australians kiss their dogs on the lips? What about how many drop their doggy’s poo bags in someone else’s bin? Or, what percentage of Aussie cat owners share a bed with their felines? The answers to these big questions, and many more, are set to be revealed as Dr. Chris Brown launches his third national Pet Census.

Dr. Chris Brown’s Drooly Important Pet Census, run in collaboration with the celebrity vet and television host’s pet product site Drool by Dr. Chris Brown, aims to find useful insights into the country’s pet population, with the goal of keeping Australia pet-friendly.

“We know Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world,” Dr Chris said. “But, before I created Australia’s first National Pet Census 8 years ago, we knew surprisingly little about what our pets and their owners get up to!”

First launched in 2016 after Dr Chris noted not a single question was asked about the nation’s pets during that year’s National (Human) Population Census, the popular vet immediately took to social media to launch his own. Since then, more than 130,000 Australian pet owners have taken part in Dr Chris’ previous two Pet Census surveys.

“When we last surveyed the nation’s pet owners in 2021, one of the hottest topics was about how our pets were coping with their owners returning to work following COVID lockdowns. So, obviously I want to know about how all those Covid puppies are faring!” Dr. Chris said. “But this is also about checking-in on the health, happiness and interesting habits of the nation’s entire furry family in 2024, plus, finding out what issues really matter to their parents.”

Whether you own a dog, cat, bird or snake, parents of pets (of all shapes and sizes) are encouraged to take part in Dr. Chris Brown’s Drooly Important Pet Census online, with the informative and fun survey taking approximately five minutes to complete. 

Pet owners can submit their answers until August 3 via: https://www.drool.pet/

Some of the new questions in this year’s survey include:

• With cost of living pressures, has it changed how you look after your pets?

• Are there enough pet-friendly locations in your area?

• How do you feel about pets flying in the cabin of domestic flights?

• If money wasn’t a concern, what would you feed your pets?

• Calling all dog parents! Are there enough pet-friendly locations in your area?

• Every furry family member has a (not so) secret shame. Time to come clean on theirs!

“One of the very practical questions we’re asking this time round is whether dog owners think there are enough pet- friendly exercise options in their local area,” Dr Chris said. “Quite simply, in a country with as big a pet population as Australia has, we need accurate data to ensure our pets are accounted for when decisions are made.”

Unlike other pet-related questionnaires which are run at a state level in Australia, Dr Chris Brown’s Drooly Important Pet Census is open to pet owners right around the country.

“Not only will the insights we gain help us to better understand Australia’s pet population, but I’ll also be presenting the findings to councils and governments across the country to help keep Australia pet- friendly,” he said.

Among the valuable (and at times hilarious) insights gained from Dr Chris’ Pet Census in 2021:

✔️ 30% of dog owners thought their pup was needier than before Covid;

✔️ 23% of respondents took their dog to the vet less because of Covid;

✔️ Separation anxiety and bad breath were the biggest worries of pet parents;

✔️ And, less than 1% of pet owners didn’t talk to their pets.

According to Dr. Chris, results from the latest Dr. Chris Brown’s Drooly Important Pet Census will assist pet owners - and future pet parents - about how to best care for their furry friends.

“Even though I love my TV hosting roles, my first love is being a vet and I still practice to this day,” Dr. Chris said. “I really hope the results of this Pet Census will provide vets right around the country with a better insight into the most common challenges faced by Aussie pets. In turn, this will help vets and pet owners create better prevention plans for issues like anxiety, anti-social behaviour and even dental health. It’s all about happier besties!”

About Drool by Dr Chris Brown

Drool by Dr. Chris Brown is the celebrity vet’s range of pet products, trusted by over a million people worldwide. From vet-quality functional treats to natural washes, nourishing coat sprays and ear cleaners, the Drool by Dr. Chris Brown range is designed to improve pet health. With a number of products created in response to regular questions Dr. Chris has received from pet owners while working in his Bondi Junction Veterinary Hospital and via his popular Drool blog, the range is available to shop online and in more than 450 retailers nationally.

From Tech to Tail: How a sick pooch filled a hidden gap in the Aussie pet health market

An Australian family’s COVID lockdown experience has spawned a unique new pet product that has been two years in development, as Australia’s pet industry swells to $33 billion annually.

It was Lloyd Hall’s first pet dog, Lucky, acquired during the COVID lockdown in 2021, that led to the launch of a brand-new business start-up.

Sadly, soon after Lucky’s arrival to the household, the puppy became quite unwell.

“Lucky started to have very bad diarrhoea and I was having to get up every night on the hour to attend to him as he was in a fair bit of distress,” he says.

“It was very worrying and became worse, leading to a dermatological condition that caused him to constantly scratch, and an ear infection also developed – it was worse than having a sick child,” he explains.

Founder Lloyd Hall with his dog Lucky and his daughter Alexandra

After multiple visits to the vet the diarrhoea eventually settled, but not completely and some of the other symptoms still lingered. The experience led Lloyd to the realisation that there was no general health, or preventative nutritional pet products available that promoted the general health of their dog, in particular for gastrointestinal health.

“We had tried feeding Lucky raw foods only, organic foods and even kefir (a fermented milk known to have potential benefits for gut health) and this helped,” he says.

The problem was that these foods all have a very short shelf life, lasting no more than a couple of days, so it was not very practical, affordable or convenient for Lloyd to be endlessly buying them so regularly.

This led to a lightbulb moment for Lloyd, ex-IBM. “I am firmly of the belief that technology can transform lives and so I thought, how can I harness some of these skills to tap into a solution for the gap I identified through my own real-life experience with my own pet’s digestive health,” he explains.

So that is exactly what he’s done. He saw a gap in the Australian market where most cat and dog treats were meat-based and did not address specific health needs. After educating himself about the process of keeping raw ingredients fresh through the freeze-drying process and after extensive consultation and partnership with reputable veterinary surgeons, laboratory scientists and animal nutritionists, Wonderfur was born.

The supplement is the first-of-its kind, evidence-based, patented freeze-drying technology in Australian animal health, sourced with only Australian farm-fresh ingredients and prepared in TGA-approved facilities.

Linda Simon, a veterinarian, and a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, who has partnered with Lloyd on the development of the technology, says Wonderfur Bites are of an unusually high quality, and dogs and cats also enjoy the taste.

“Wonderfur Bites dog and cat supplements are made from all human grade ingredients. They contain green-lipped mussels that help with joint pain and inflammation as well as lactose-free yogurts to support a healthy gastrointestinal system.

“I love how these treats are freeze-dried; preserving the active compounds and ensuring the ingredients retain their natural potency. The colostrum, lactose-free kefir and inulin in these bites all work together to bolster the immune system and improve the body’s natural defences. Over time, this can lead to a smaller chance of getting sick and an improved ability to fight off any infection your dog or cat may face,” she said.

Other key active ingredients in the convenient cube-shaped supplement, that can be used as a food topper or treat/reward, include zinc, turmeric, which provides inflammatory and skin support and goji berry for immune health, eye, and skin health.

The launch of Wonderfur comes after a recent Animal Medicines Australia report revealed that from 2020 to 2022, pet ownership reached new heights in Australia as new owners took advantage of the opportunity afforded by flexible work from requirements imposed by the COVID pandemic. The report found that 20% of Australians feed their pets expensive, premium/human food and $2.9 billion a year is spent on pet healthcare products.[ii]

Lloyd hopes that his Wonderfur technology will help address the hidden problem of digestive health in Australian cats and dogs and hopes that it leads to many more pets across Australia feeling much healthier and happier, with better gut health.

Price & Where to Buy:

From this week, Wonderfur Bites are available to purchase in Australia online at wonderfur.com.au and depending on its success here, Lloyd has even bigger plans to roll the brand out globally.

RRP: $29.99 for a packet (net 50g) of 25 dog and cat single serve packs. 

[i] & [ii] https://animalmedicinesaustralia.org.au/report/pets-in-australia-a-national-survey-of-pets-and-people-2/

Related Stories:

Tummy to Temperament: How Canine Gut Health Affects Behaviour

Food Allergies & Gut Health in Dogs

Dog Ear Infections: Symptoms and Treatment

Billy + Margot announces Australian first in food innovation for dogs

Right now in Australia, up to 2 million dogs may be living with food intolerances, digestive issues and skin sensitivities*. Pet owners are desperate to help remove their dog’s discomfort which may include itching, stomach pain, bloating, gas, diarrhoea and rashes.

To help provide relief for our furry best friends, Billy + Margot™ has today announced an Australian first in pet nutrition with the launch of an alternative novel protein source.

Billy + Margot™ Insect Single Protein + Superfoods Dry Dog Food, was created to help dogs find relief from food sensitivities, because Billy + Margot™ wants all dogs to live their healthiest and happiest lives.

The all-new product features an alternative protein source found in Black Soldier Fly larvae, which are grown in quality-controlled conditions. 

Packed with amino acids, this number one ingredient also carries hypoallergenic properties, eliminating sensitivity issues more commonly found in animal protein and grains. 

With the support of the all natural TruMune™ postbiotics, which helps balance the good and bad bacteria in your dog’s gut, Billy + Margot™ Insect Single Protein + Superfood pack also promotes healthy digestion.

As the exclusive import permit holder of the Black Soldier Fly in Australia, Billy + Margot™ is setting the standard for the industry when it comes to innovation and advancing sustainable practices. With the insect production process requiring less food, water and space, compared to that of other animal protein sources.

Founder, renowned canine nutritionist and proud dog parent, Marie Jones said “Understanding the complex dietary needs of dogs has always been at the core of Billy + Margot™ and with this new product we’re proud to be delivering an alternative that is there to further support and enrich the lives of our dogs.

Through our extensive research and testing, we also found that the production was kinder on the environment. So, not only is it packed with nutritional and health benefits but it’s also a responsibly and sustainably sourced option.”

With a formulated blend of novel insect protein, nourishing and delicious superfoods, zero grains, and added essential vitamins and minerals, this new product is not just good for your dog but deliciously tasty too!

Billy + Margot™ are committed to crafting quality products. The new Billy + Margot™ Insect Single Protein + Superfoods Dry Dog Food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for adult maintenance.

As always, the team at Billy + Margot™ recommend dog owners speak to their vet for guidance on their dogs’ specific needs.

Price & Where to Buy:

RRP $39.99 (1.5kg). Available exclusively at Petbarn across Australia and online at petbarn.com.au 

To find out more, please visit www.billyandmargot.com

* Source: Greencross Vets

About Billy + Margot

Billy + Margot™ was created by expert canine nutritionist Marie Jones, who was inspired by her own two dogs to develop a range of high quality and natural dog food, created with love, passion and expertise.
Her aim was to purposefully craft recipes that provide dogs with complete balanced nutrition they need, using carefully selected natural ingredients.
Billy + Margot™ products feature a diverse range of ingredients and different food types, for variety, flavour and optimal nutrition, just for dogs with different age and weight.

About Real Pet Food Co

We’re creating a world where every pet, every day eats fresher and lives better. We are the largest manufacturer of fresh pet food in Asia Pac with operations in Australia, New Zealand, China, Singapore and the United Kingdom.
Our leading brands span kibble, wet food, treats and fresh & frozen meals for dogs and cats that are all-natural and less processed.
Real Pet Food Co’s portfolio of leading brands:
Billy + Margot, Trilogy, Ivory Coat, Nature’s Gift, Fussy Cat, Natures Goodness, Farmers Market, Doctor B’s, Paws Fresh, Purely Pets, Super Pets, Benyfit Natural and Vet’s Best Rewards.

MEDIA RELEASE, 15th July 2024