A pet treat start-up business, Furr Boost based in Shropshire has done the double for pet product innovation by winning the Best Dog Product at the PIF Awards which were recently held at Whittlebury Hall in Northamptonshire.
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Photo caption: Graham Sampson, Deidre Sampson, Ian Toal, Louise Toal and Alison Sampson.
The business had also recently just won Best Pet Product of the Year (Food and Treats) at the PetQuip Awards with their range of smoothie drinks. The products were created by a former technical manager to the food industry with over 20 years’ experience, Louise Toal and the success of the brand also meant that they were finalists in three other categories as well at the PetQuip Awards: Green and Organic, Sustainability and Supplier of the Year and also made it as a finalist in the Business Start-Up category at the PIF Awards.
Louise’s Beagle, Phoebe at the age of 18 months became unwell with bladder problems which after investigations with her vet, were linked to the dog’s food. Using her technical background, Louise then started experimenting with protein shakes to help flush out Phoebe’s system and to provide her with the hydration that she needed when she was refusing to drink enough water in the summer months. This led to the creation of the Furr Boost range of smoothies.
Louise says:
“There is no one else making a product like ours. Yes, there are drinks on the market that are botanical, broth based and electrolyte based etc, but none that are like a natural smoothie. Each of our recipes contains a meat, fruit and vegetable, along with added oils and vitamins, so it’s more than a hydration drink, it supports the dog’s wellbeing in areas such as digestion, skin and coat, anxiety, metabolism and immunity.”
Furr Boost can be used in a variety of ways. Served frozen, it can be placed in a Kong Toy or lick mat for dog training or as a distraction, or simply given to a dog as a tasty icy treat. Unfrozen, it can be added as a topper to meals or on hot days, simply pour into a bowl for instant hydration. In the winter, it provides a comforting nutritious drink for dogs and is particularly good for senior dogs when they need help with their digestion and diet.
Furr Boost is available in three tasty varieties which all use the best quality 100% natural human grade ingredients: Chicken, Butternut Squash & Cranberry, Pork, Apple & Sweet Potato and Beef, Broccoli & Blueberry. Other added ingredients include flaxseed, coconut and salmon oils, dried sea kelp, chicory root extract, yeast beta glucan, vitamins B&C and water.
Furr Boost is also a sustainable product using packaging materials which are recyclable avoiding single use plastic as each smoothie is available in a Tetra Pak Carton.
Since launching, Furr Boost has seen its customer base grow online with a healthy presence on e-commerce websites but it is also now looking to expand its retail operation. The business is receiving a high level of international enquiries for the drinks and is currently exploring export opportunities. There also plans to introduce new varieties in the near future. The brand is supported by a number of ambassadors and social media influencers and currently sponsors British Flyball Teams, Dog Agility competitors with interest also from the
The products are currently stocked by VioVet and Jollyes. Louise is also currently in talks with a major wholesaler to find a wider distribution for Furr Boost.
“Our ultimate aim is to be a global business and a household brand that people can trust. Using Furr Boost as part of a dog’s daily nutrition and diet can help to keep the vets bills down for unnecessary health issues associated with food and lack of hydration, which was exactly where I started with my first dog. We haven’t come down from cloud nine since winning both awards and we are delighted to be recognised by the pet trade,” says Louise.
For further information visit: www.furrboost.com
For trade enquiries contact Louise Toal on Tel: 01746 785 410 email: [email protected] or visit the wholesale page: www.furrboost.com/wholesale