We love our dogs in the Harrogate district, and increasingly owners are wanting to feed their four-legged companions more nutritious and organic meals.
One company making inroads in the market is Naturaw, which was founded in Tockwith in 2015 and has built a name offering ethically sourced and sustainably packaged dog food.
It’s grown from a small operation in Marston Moor Business Park to an annual turnover in the millions.
Its products are sold by more than 160 UK retailers and supplied directly to dog owners online.
Chris Broadbent, director, said Naturaw’s green credentials are its “raison d’etre” and help it stand out in a competitive market.
There is no plastic in its packaging and the meat they use comes from animals reared on high welfare farms.
A growing market
The UK dog food industry is worth £1.5bn a year but the market is dominated by brands selling processed wet and dry food on supermarket shelves.
Raw food is still a relatively small piece of the pie, worth £100m.
Naturaw’s core range of products includes chicken, duck, venison, beef and lamb meals. They are made up of 80% meat, 10% offal and 10% bone.
Naturaw’s raw chicken meal. It costs £2.80 per pack.
It’s more expensive than traditional dog food but Mr Broadbent said it’s in-keeping with what a dog is designed to eat. Raw food is said to give the dog’s coat a healthier glow.
Mr Broadbent said:
“The dog has really become part of the family and more thought is going into giving them healthier food.”
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Plastic-free
Anyone who regularly buys pet food will know how much plastic packaging can end up in the bin.
When Naturaw was formed in 2015 founders Jess Warneken and Tom Johnson wanted to ensure it sold a plastic-free product.
The company recently achieved the prestigious B-Corp certification after a rigorous 18-month audit.
It means Naturaw is recognised globally due to its high social and environmental performance.
The tubs are made from fibre from carbon-positive forests in Scandanavia and the food is wrapped in wool, rather than polystyrene.
The lid is made from plants and the text on the packaging is even printed with vegetable ink.
It’s all compostable too, so you can throw empty packaging on with your garden waste.
Fierce debate
The debate over raw dog food has been fierce within the veterinary profession.
Unlike commercial food, raw meat products are not pasteurised to remove bacteria.
Some vets believe this bacteria can pose a risk to the dogs, whereas others say it is perfectly healthy.
Mr Broadbent said there has been some “scaremongering” about raw food.
“Some say it will turn the dog into a rabid animal and start baying for blood. There’s an awful lot of misinformation, so it’s about education.”
Growth
Last year, Naturaw expanded its premises and moved into the Thorp Arch Estate near Wetherby.
Mr Broadbent said he hopes the company will continue to grow as more consumers look to ethical products when it comes to their pets.
Naturaw co-founders Jess Warneken, Tom Johnson and their baby Etta
He said:
“We’re all proud of our little business. Our ‘green-ness’ does make sense to the consumer, and the fact we have the B-Corp certification is a big feather in our cap.
“But ultimately its about the dogs, and the most healthy diet for them.”
