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

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

The Ritchies rollout features four key SKUs that focus on high-protein bases paired with native "superfoods." The recipes are designed to be high-protein and easy on the digestive system, using Australian-sourced beef, lamb, and fish.

    ✔️ 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

More Than Just a Pet: Why Lort Smith is Celebrating "Fur Mums" This Mother’s Day

While Mother’s Day traditionally celebrates human milestones, Lort Smith Animal Hospital is reminding us that the nurturing bond between "fur babies" and their caregivers is just as worthy of recognition.

With approximately 36% of pet owners being couples without children and 20% being single-person households, the definition of "family" has evolved. Today, the role of a fur mum—as an advocate, protector, and provider of unconditional love—is deeply valued for its impact on our health and happiness.

“Recognising Mother’s Day for those with pets is about acknowledging the deep, nurturing bond between pet parents and their animals, validating the significant dedication, and unconditional love involved in caretaking,” says Lort Smith CEO, Frances Mirabelli.”

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Case Study: Spud’s Journey to Confidence

For Brunswick resident Brianna Hudson, being a "mum" to her five-year-old Bulldog, Spud, is a role she cherishes deeply. Spud didn’t have the best start to life; adopted at age two, he arrived with more gaps in his history than answers.

“His early world was very small, with signs that he may have come from an unregulated backyard breeding environment,” Brianna explains. “What was clear when he came into my care was how overwhelming everything felt for him. He was frightened, very easily overstimulated, and unfamiliar with even the simple experiences. Leads were confusing, walks felt like too much, and cars were absolutely terrifying. When he first came home, it seemed he may never have been inside a house before.”

The transition was a physical challenge as well as an emotional one. As Spud’s body finally began to relax, he came down with a severe case of doggie flu, requiring constant nursing and medication to help him recover.

Small Wins and Big Wiggles

With time, lots of patience, and gentle introductions to the world around him, little Spud began to grow more confident. Moments that once overwhelmed him—stepping into a puddle, feeling a new texture underfoot, or passing a trolley—slowly became things he could move through and even enjoy.

“One of my favourite memories of those first few weeks was him discovering something that was entirely his: his name,” says Brianna. 

“Each time you’d say ‘Spud,’ his eyes would brighten and his whole body would sway with a happy little wiggle, as if he was proudly answering, that’s me!”

Life as a "Man About Town"

As he grew even more confident, I had the absolute joy of expanding his world little by little… first trip to a park, first trip to a beach and new friendships. 

Today, three years on he has become quite the “man about town” a socialite who insists on stopping by the cafés and shops he loves most for pats and cuddles, often greeted by name from across the street.

“He’s even learned how to catch the tram with me to explore nearby parks just beyond walking distance, and he absolutely loves it,” Brianna says. “At home, he’s a total cuddle bug who rules the house—with a particular fondness for his giant snuggly beanbag.”

For Brianna, the bond holds a meaning similar to any other form of caregiving. “He doesn’t need me to be perfect, just present, steady, and kind. Our bond reminds me to slow down, to notice more, and to care with my whole heart.”

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Could You Be a Fur Mum?

If you have room in your heart for a new connection, Lort Smith has three beautiful souls looking for their forever "Mums" right now:

• Spice: Spice, is a bold, bright seven-month-old Bull Arab pup with a big personality and an even bigger heart. Deaf and full of potential, Spice is already shining with her eagerness to learn, she’s picking up hand signals and loves engaging with her people.
  
  Active, clever, and affectionate, she’s looking for a dedicated, experienced home that can provide positive training, structure, and plenty of enrichment as she grows. Spice would thrive with an active family and may suit a confident, well-socialised dog companion.

• Buckley: A confident, curious gentleman with movie-star looks. Buckley loves attention and being right in the middle of the action. He may suit a home with older children and potentially a playful dog friend, though he can be a bit enthusiastic in play. He’s social, affectionate, and ready to steal the spotlight.

• Lucy: The lovely Labrador with a big heart and an even bigger wiggle! Goofy and clever, she’s all enthusiastic zoomies and classic Labrador charm, looking for a patient soul to bond with.

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“The positive impact animals have on our health and happiness is widely recognised and deeply valued,” says Ms Mirabelli. “We would like to take a moment to recognise and thank all mothers and their pets for making this world a little bit brighter.”

The Brisbane-born lifeline that protects your pet when something happens to YOU!

May marks Responsible Animal Guardian Month, a time for pet owners to look beyond the daily walks and treats to the more serious side of pet care.

On May 9, we will observe National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day, a date usually associated with bushfire kits and evacuation routes. However, Brisbane founder Ella Broomham realised that for most of us, the most likely "disaster" is the one we aren't talking about: What happens to our pets if something happens to us?

The "Nobody" Realisation

For Ella, a Brisbane-based marketing professional and dog owner, the moment of realisation came while driving home one afternoon. 

It was a thought she couldn't stop thinking about: If she were in an accident right now, who would know her dog, Indy, was home alone?

Like most dedicated owners, she had the good food, the vet on speed dial, and the favourite toy. She had thought of everything—except the "unreachable" scenario. If first responders were called to her side, who would know a pet was waiting at her house, and exactly what that pet needed? The answer, she realised, was probably nobody.

Finding nothing on the market that felt premium enough to belong on a keyring next to a well-made wallet, she decided to build it herself. Wren is a small Australian brand with one simple mission: to make sure your pet is never left without answers.

The Problem No Other Tag Has Solved

“If you are in an accident, your phone is locked. You cannot communicate. Your pet is home alone, waiting by the door,” explains Ella. “A collar tag does nothing in that situation—but your keys are right there. That is where Wren is most powerful.”

Wren is a precision-crafted stainless steel QR tag system. It comprises two distinct tag types, both linked to a single digital emergency profile:

• The Wren Keyring Tag: Designed for the owner’s keys. A single scan by a responder reveals the pet’s feeding schedule, medications, and emergency carer contacts. It even supports multiple pets on one profile.

• The Wren Collar Tag: If the pet gets lost, the finder scans the tag to access contact details and vital notes on how the animal handles strangers.

A Platform Built for the Moments That Matter

Each Wren tag connects to a live digital emergency profile managed at wrenpet.au. While the physical tags are the hardware, the digital platform provides the intelligence, featuring three specific tools that separate Wren from any other product:

✔️ Lost Pet Mode: Activates an urgent alert the moment an owner marks their pet as missing. Anyone who scans the tag is immediately informed the animal is lost and that the owner needs to be contacted urgently.

✔️ Scan Location Capture: Every time either tag is scanned, the system logs the precise location. This gives owners an immediate digital trail of exactly where their tag was found.

✔️ The Instant Missing Pet Poster: When a pet goes missing, every second counts. With a single tap, the platform generates a print-ready PDF pre-filled with the pet's photo and description. No designing, no wasted time.

Smart Tech, No Subscriptions

Importantly, Wren has ditched the subscription model typical of smart tags. One purchase keeps the profile active for life, with no app or software required for rescuers to use it.

“We did not want ongoing fees to be the reason someone left their pet unprotected" says Ella.

How to Get Wren (Presale Now Open)

Wren is currently available for pre-order in four premium finishes: Gold, Rose Gold, Brushed Silver, and Matte Black.

Special Launch Offer: Use code WRENPRESALE10 for 10% off.

• Wren Keyring Tag: $34.95 AUD

• Wren Collar Tag: $34.95 AUD

• Wren Bundle (Keyring + Collar): $54.00 AUD

• Wren Window Sticker: $9.99 AUD (Alerts responders to pets inside the home)

Not because something will happen, but because your pet deserves an owner who is prepared for everything. Because they’d do it for you.

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Website: wrenpet.com.au

Instagram: @wrenpet

Dogs of 1 Club – A Puppy Party with Purpose

Looking for the paw-fect way to spend your Saturday morning? 

Head down to 1 Hotel Melbourne on Saturday 16 May for Dogs of 1 Club, a high-vibe puppy party at Crane Terrace designed for VIPs (Very Important Paws).

Timed perfectly for your morning stroll along the Yarra, the event offers a mix of treats, community, and style—all while supporting a great cause.

The Highlights

✔ For the Pups: Complimentary puppuccinos and gourmet dog-friendly treats.

✔ For the Humans: Specialty coffee, fresh pastries, and complimentary Cocohit coconut waters.

✔ Paws & Portraits: Capture the memory with a live custom sketch of your dog by an onsite illustrator.

✔ Best Dressed: Dress your dog to impress! There is a prize up for grabs from Frank Green’s stylish pet range for the best-dressed pooch.

Party with a Purpose

It’s not just about the treats; it’s about giving back. During the event, 10% of all purchases over $10 at Neighbours Café will be donated to Lort Smith Animal Hospital, supporting their vital work in animal welfare.

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Event Details

• When: Saturday 16 May | 10am – 11am

• Where: Crane Terrace, 1 Hotel Melbourne (9 Maritime Place, Docklands)

• Entry: Free (Register your interest here via the 1 Hotel Melbourne website)

Whether you’re a local resident or just passing through on your weekend walk, swing by to soak up the atmosphere and support Lort Smith.

Losing a pet is a profound grief that often catches us off guard. You find yourself reaching for a bowl before you remember, or hearing a familiar sound at the door that isn't there anymore...

Amy, the founder of the Sydney-based studio The Soft Hours, understands this feeling intimately. Following the loss of her beloved Golden Retriever, Daisy, Amy turned to needle-felting as a way to "hold" her grief. 

Amy's craft began as a tribute to her own Golden Retriever, Daisy, capturing the joyful expression that memories are made of.

Today, she helps others do the same through her single guiding belief: that the love we have for our animals deserves to be truly, tangibly held.

Every piece from The Soft Hours is a labour of love, taking 6 to 10 weeks to hand-sculpt from merino wool. Working from your photos, Amy captures the exact tilt of an ear or the specific softness around the eyes that made your pet unique.

Every custom portrait begins with your favourite photos to ensure every unique marking and expression is captured in wool.

In the lead-up to Mother's Day, we are thrilled to partner with The Soft Hours to offer our readers the chance to win a custom tribute to their best friend.

The Prize Pool

• First Prize: A Custom Wool Felt Portrait (Head & Top option) handcrafted from your photos. (RRP $409)

• Runner Up: A LumiPet holographic 3D keepsake. (RRP $79)

Customised LumiPet sanctuaries: The runner-up prize offers a glowing, 3D holographic tribute tailored to your pet's unique story

About the Artist

Based in Sydney, The Soft Hours exists in the space between grief and gratitude—the "soft hours" after loss when you simply want something real to hold onto. Each portrait is sculpted using hand-dyed merino wool and wire, resulting in an uncanny 3D miniature that serves as a museum-quality heirloom.

For those navigating pet loss, or those simply wanting to celebrate a current companion, these portraits offer a level of tenderness that digital photos simply cannot match.

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How to Enter

To be in the running to win The Soft Hours Custom Wool Pet Portrait prize pack, please complete the following steps:

1. Follow our channels and like our giveaway post (published 03/05/2026) on our Facebook page and/or Instagram account.

2. Follow The Soft Hours @softhours.au on Instagram or on Facebook.

3. The entry question: Tell us which specific feature of your pet you would most want Amy to capture in a custom wool portrait (e.g., a soulful gaze, a quirky ear tilt, or a specific coat texture) and why?

Entries should be submitted via our official Facebook or Instagram page.

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Terms & Conditions

• Dates: The competition will open Sunday 3 May 2026 (6:00pm, AEST) and will close Monday 11 May 2026 (11:59pm, AEST).
• Eligibility: Open to Australian residents (18+) only.
• To enter: Like our post (03/05/26), follow the specified accounts, and answer the prompt above via the Australian Dog Lover Facebook or Instagram page.
• Judging: This is a game of skill. Entries will be judged by the Australian Dog Lover team based on the most creative, informative, or heartfelt statement.
• Limits: Entrants may enter once.
• Delivery: Please allow 8–10 weeks for the handcrafted production and delivery of the First Prize, as each portrait is custom-made.
• Claiming: Prizes not claimed within 48 hours will be redrawn.
• Privacy: The winner must be willing to share contact details and high-quality reference photos of their pet with The Soft Hours to facilitate the custom portrait creation.

*Entry into the competition is deemed acceptance of all terms and conditions.

The Power of the Paw: Why Melbourne’s Bravest Are Seeking Solace in Pet Therapy

There is a specific kind of silence that follows a fire call—a heavy, adrenaline-soaked quiet that first responders carry back to the station. But this morning at Lort Smith Animal Hospital, that silence was replaced by the frantic thumping of tails and the soft panting of four-legged healers.

To mark World Therapy Animal Day, crews from Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) traded their helmets for heart-to-heart connections with the stars of Lort Smith’s Pet Therapy program. While the event was a celebration of "cuddles," it underscored a much deeper, decades-long partnership between Melbourne’s iconic animal hospital and the men and women who keep the city safe.

A Bond Forged in the Line of Duty

The relationship between Lort Smith and Melbourne’s firefighters isn't just about today’s photo op; it’s a bond forged in the heat of emergency. For years, Lort Smith veterinarians and firefighters (formerly the MFB) have worked side-by-side on complex animal rescues. From cats trapped in the impossibly tight cavities of brick walls to animals pulled from house fires, the two organisations have long operated as a unified front for animal welfare.

However, as the mental health toll on first responders has come into sharper focus, that partnership has evolved. Today, the "rescue" goes both ways.

“Our first responders are perfect candidates to receive some love from our pets,” says Megan Nutbean, Lort Smith’s Community Programs Manager. “We see the magical effects this has. It isn’t just a nice morning out; it’s about managing workplace stress and supporting long-term mental health.”

The Dual Life of Mitch and Archer

One man who understands this better than most is Mitch Simons. With over 36 years as a firefighter, Mitch has spent a lifetime in high-pressure environments. But when he isn't in uniform, he is often found at Lort Smith with his dog, Archer, volunteering as a pet therapy team.

"I see first-hand how demanding the job at FRV is," Mitch explains. "And I also see how powerful the comfort of animals can be. 

Being here today with Archer, sharing the calm and connection he brings, is a unique way to support my colleagues and remind them how valued they are by the community."

The Science of the "Snuggle"

While the interaction looks simple, the biological impact is profound. Lort Smith bases its program on research from the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), which proves that even brief interactions with a therapy dog can significantly lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and trigger a surge of oxytocin (the "love" hormone).

For a firefighter who may have spent the previous night dealing with a traumatic incident, these physiological shifts aren't just pleasant—they are a vital tool for resilience. By lowering blood pressure and slowing the heart rate, the dogs provide a "reset" for the nervous system that few other interventions can match.

An 85-Year Legacy Looking Toward the West

Founded in 1936, Lort Smith is a Melbourne institution. As Australia’s busiest not-for-profit animal hospital, it treats over 25,000 animals a year. But as the city grows, so does the hospital’s mission.

Looking toward the future, Lort Smith is preparing for an ambitious expansion of their outreach. While the program is currently undergoing a strategic review to strengthen its services, the hospital has set its sights on Melbourne’s Western Suburbs for future growth. With the development of their Campbellfield facility, the goal remains to bring the healing power of the human-animal bond to hospitals, aged care, and community centres in areas like Sunshine, Melton, and St Albans.

Future intakes will be seeking volunteers who, like Mitch, are willing to make a long-term commitment to their community. They aren't just looking for "good dogs"—they are looking for dogs with the specific temperament to provide comfort in environments ranging from justice facilities to intensive care units.

More Than Just a Thank You

As the fire trucks pulled away from Villiers Street today, the mood was noticeably lighter. The firefighters left with dog hair on their uniforms and smiles on their faces, having received a small dose of the unconditional love that Lort Smith has been facilitating for over 30 years.

In a world that asks so much of our first responders, sometimes the most effective equipment isn't a ladder or a truck—it’s a wagging tail and a cold nose.

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Interested in joining the program in the future?

Thank you for your interest in the Lort Smith Pet Therapy program. While the hospital is not currently recruiting new teams as they take some time to review and strengthen this vital community service, future opportunities are on the horizon.

The next volunteer intake is currently projected for 2027. If you would like to be the first to know when applications reopen, you can register your interest via the official Pet Therapy Volunteer Registry here.

In the meantime, the existing teams continue their incredible work, pairing therapy dogs with staff in high-stress roles and fostering the human-animal bond across Melbourne.

READ MORE: 

The Dogs Who Heal the Healers – Discover how the D41R program in WA is providing a 'sixth sense' of support for paramedics on the front line.