Native Superfoods: The New Aussie-Made Range Hitting Ritchies Shelves
In several Australian Aboriginal languages—particularly Warlpiri and other languages of the Northern Territory and North Queensland—the word Bunji means "mate," "close friend," or "kinsman." It is a name that perfectly describes the one who waits by the door, walks beside you, and knows when you need them most. It is also the name of a new player in the Australian pet food market that is betting dog owners are looking for something more than just another generic, mass-produced kibble.
Bunji, the pet care arm of Cooee Native Superfoods, has officially landed in Ritchies IGA stores across the country, following a successful rollout in 163 Bunnings Warehouses.
While many "big name" Australian brands have recently shifted to international ownership or trans-Tasman conglomerates, Bunji is keeping things strictly local. Developed and produced in Inverell, New South Wales, the brand is 100% Australian-owned and operated, focusing on a supply chain that sources directly from regional farmers and native ingredient growers.
The Science of Saltbush and Bush Rosemary
The core of the Bunji range isn't just about the protein; it’s about the "botanicals." Rather than using standard fillers or synthetic additives, the recipes utilise native Australian plants that have evolved to be nutrient-dense in our unique environment.
- Old Man Saltbush is a standout inclusion. Long known by regional graziers for its ability to thrive in dry conditions, Saltbush is a mineral powerhouse for dogs. It is naturally high in Calcium and Magnesium and contains a unique profile of antioxidants and Vitamin E. For a dog’s diet, this translates to a natural source of electrolytes and minerals that support metabolic function and skin health, without the need for heavily processed, lab-made supplements.
- Bush Rosemary is the other key player. Most premium dog foods use standard rosemary as a natural preservative, but the native Australian variety is particularly potent. It contains high levels of carnosic acid, which helps protect cells from free-radical damage and supports a healthy immune system. Because it is a natural antimicrobial, it also helps keep the kibble fresh without the use of artificial chemical preservatives like BHA or BHT.
Australian Imagined, Australian Made
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| Founder and CEO Terri-Anne Daniel with her dogs, celebrating the brand’s expansion into the independent supermarket channel at Ritchies IGA |
In an era of "corporate dilution" where major labels are often owned by overseas investment firms, Bunji is positioning itself as a transparent alternative. By keeping the entire process—from the initial recipe ideas to the final bagging—within regional New South Wales, the brand ensures that the nutritional integrity of the local ingredients isn't lost in a long, complicated supply chain.
This "Australian-first" approach addresses a growing demand for transparency. Dog owners are increasingly looking for products where they can trace the ingredients back to a specific region. By basing their operations in Inverell, the team behind Bunji is able to oversee the quality of the raw ingredients arriving from local farms, ensuring a shorter distance from the farm gate to the pet’s bowl.
Design with Depth
The unique identity of the brand extends to the packaging, which stands out in a crowded supermarket aisle. The bags feature intricate illustrations by artist Kate Webster, with each artwork inspired by water, bushland, or outback regions.
These designs aren't just decorative; they are visual representations of the native ingredients and the specific environments where they grow. Each SKU features specific artwork—such as the blue and purple tones inspired by the Murray region for the fish variants—bringing cultural depth and storytelling to the range while keeping the identity warm and familiar.
On the Menu: The Product Range
✔️ Roast Beef and Bush Rosemary Pie: Available in both 3kg Kibble and 400g Training Treats, this variant utilises the antioxidant properties of native rosemary to balance the rich protein profile of Australian beef.
✔️ Nana’s Lamb and Saltbush Stew: A gentler protein option for dogs with sensitive stomachs, available in 3kg Kibble and 400g Training Treats, utilising saltbush as a natural mineral supplement.
✔️ Fish and Sea Parsley Mornay: Often found in the 400g Training Treat range, this recipe focuses on Omega-3 fatty acids and marine-derived ingredients to support everyday digestive health.
With the brand expanding into more than 200 independent supermarkets this month, it’s clear that there is a significant appetite for pet products that prioritise regional manufacturing and functional, native ingredients over standard commercial fillers.
Price & Where to Buy
The Bunji range is available now at Ritchies IGA, Foodland (SA), and Bunnings Warehouse locations nationally.
Bunji Super Dog Treats (400g): RRP $18.99
Bunji Super Kibble (3kg): RRP $28.99
Website: bunjinativesuperfoods.com.au
Instagram: @bunji.au
Facebook: Bunji Native Superfoods






















