Co Armagh firm tackles pet obesity amongst sofa surfing dogs

A Northern Ireland pet food company is tackling pet obesity after lockdown created a new level of sofa surfing amongst dogs.

The Co Armagh firm created their Lifestage food in reaction to the pandemic problem to help dogs get back in shape and stay healthy.

A recent survey by the PDSA and YouGov showed that 1.4 million pets across the UK had gained weight as they were exercised less and fed more treats during the Covid Crisis.

And they have teamed up with Jollyes pets store who will have their own ‘paunch patrol’ in the shape of trained advisers to provide nutritional advice on the best diet for their dogs and tips to keep weight at healthy levels.

Every store also has dog-friendly scales so pets can be weighed accurately and consistently.

Lifestage has been developed by Jollyes and Mackle Petfoods to offer a home cooked experience, a reflection of the burgeoning move to give pets status as equal family members.

The range of wet and dry food has up to 50% meat content and includes extensive grain free options to satisfy owners’ increasing awareness of their pets’ dietary needs when it comes to grain intolerance or sensitivity.

The expanded Lifestage dog food range comes in mouth-watering flavours such as salmon and trout with asparagus and turkey with sweet potato and cranberry.

All are vet approved and have gone through extensive taste testing to satisfy the most discerning canine palate and to nurture health and well-being.

The Lifestage dried and wet food and treats have been prepared with no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives to provide a delicious and nutritionally balanced diet for dogs of all sizes and at all life stages, from puppies to seniors.

Jollyes say their care for animals goes beyond pets and together with its suppliers, take great pride in sustainable and responsible pet food sourcing from the farm to the bowl.

Colin Ferguson Sales Manager for Mackle Petfoods said: “We have enjoyed a working relationship with Jollyes for many years, and Mackle Petfoods were delighted to work with them on the development and relaunch of their Lifestyle range.

“Working closely with the team, Mackle Petfoods were able to deliver a highly nutritious and tasty recipe for Jollyes to offer to pet parents and their pets in their stores nationwide.”

Customers can choose their dog’s Lifestyle food based on size, age and whether they want a grain-free option.

• Lifestage dry food, grain free recipes include turkey with sweet potato and cranberry, formulated for those with grain intolerance and sensitivity. They contain 50%with easily digestible carbohydrates and linseed as a natural source of omega 3 to promote healthy joints.
• Lifestage dry food Naturals include fish and brown rice, with 30% fish, turkey and brown rice, and lamb and brown rice.
• They have been formulated to be gentle on digestion, containing a natural source of omega 3, with added vitamins and minerals, and are naturally hypoallergenic.
• Lifestage wet food tins include duck with chicken and fruit and vegetables, made from 26% duck, chicken with fruit and vegetable and turkey with fruit and vegetables.
• They contain natural source of omega 3, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, as well as green beans to provide dietary fibre.
• Lifestage wet food trays include grain-free options such as chicken with potato, made from 60% chicken, enriched with vitamins, minerals and antioxidant-rich kelp, with peas for fibre.There is also duck with potato and turkey with potato, while the Naturals options include lamb with rice and turkey with rice.
• Lifestage meat treats can be used to reward dogs as part of a well-balanced diet and have been formulated to be gentle on the digestive system, with natural ingredients and no added salt or sugar.

Treats include chicken and duck breast fillets made with 100 per cent real meat and added omega 3 & 6 to promote a healthy skin and coat, as well as chicken wrapped calcium bones to encourage healthy teeth and gums. Chicken mini fillets and duck medallions are the perfect size for smaller breeds and double up as a great training aid.

Jollyes’ commercial director Chris Burns said: “Dogs have become more than just pets, they’re part of the family. Pet parents know how important a well-balanced diet is for-people and they are increasingly aware of the part it plays in their dog’s health and well-being.

“As dog lovers ourselves, we’ve worked closely with our suppliers to develop an extensive menu of tasty and nutritious home cooked-style food, with grain-free options to avoid intolerances.”