We are delighted to welcome a new voice to the pages of Pet Product Marketing. Jo Boughton-White, Managing Director of Dorwest, will be joining us with a monthly column designed to share insights, expertise, and practical advice from the world of herbal pet health.

One of the most established and respected names in the pet care sector, Dorwest is the UK’s oldest, independently owned, pet supplement company. It was founded in 1948 and has been building a proud legacy of natural health support for dogs and cats ever since.

Still family-owned and based in beautiful rural Dorset, Dorwest pioneered the use of herbal veterinary products with its transparency, quality, and evidence-based formulations. It works hard to resonate with independent pet retailers and with pet owners who want herbal remedies and supplements they can genuinely trust and recommend.

Here’s Jo to tell you a bit more…

“I’m most excited to be contributing to PPM because the independent retail community is so integral to what we do at Dorwest. Independent retailers are often the first point of contact for pet owners seeking natural solutions, so they are vital for communicating our herbal pet care message.

“The inspiration behind my series in the magazine is to demystify some of the information around herbal remedies and supplements. For some people, they can still feel like an alternative option, rather than an integrated part of a pet’s well-being toolkit. We have plenty of studies to back up the ingredients we use.

“My connection to the company is more than professional — it’s deeply personal, as I’m actually the third generation of my family to lead the company. My grandfather founded the business 77 years ago, but it was my parents, Mary and Tony Boughton, well-known figures in the veterinary and pet care world, who spent decades developing the business to where it is today. Mary was amazing in relentlessly championing the use of herbal medicine for animals and instrumental in helping to secure licences from the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). This was a huge milestone for Dorwest that added scientific and regulatory credibility to what was once considered an alternative approach.

“Our current team works really hard to stay true to the core principles of the business and, as a result, Dorwest has that family-run feel. We’re still relatively small headcount-wise – yet not quite so small once you start counting the office dogs! My three Whippets come to work with me every day, and they join several more four-legged 9-5 regulars! We live and breathe dogs here – and this genuine love for them is baked into the Dorwest DNA.”

Debunking the myths around herbal and natural

“In my columns, I’ll cover a range of topics – from how different herbs support specific conditions, to seasonal well-being, product facts, and regulatory insights. As the natural pet care sector gets more crowded, facts and regulations are becoming increasingly more important. Not all brands are created equal and poor-quality products can tarnish the entire herbal sector.

“Many pet owners still don’t know how many herbal supplements work, what they’re for, or whether they’re safe. Admittedly, terms like herbal and natural can sound a bit vague or unscientific, so I’m here to offer some guidance and insight. People may be unsure about dosages, interactions, and conditions – and without advice from a vet or trusted retailer, some prefer to stick with conventional products – even when herbal can be a safe and effective alternative to try.

“I also believe that there is still a common assumption that natural or herbal equals weak or slow compared to pharmaceutical treatments. This belief may be reinforced by the fact that herbal products often work gently over time. Pet owners might not see visible effects right away and wrongly assume the supplement didn’t work. Without an instant result, they may feel they have wasted money and hesitate to try again.

“Guidance is so important, and we find that when Dorwest products are paired with strong in-store advice from our independents, clear labelling, and/or a real-life case study, they tend to perform much better. Customers want guidance and stories, not just jars on shelves.

“If there’s anything PPM readers would like advice or information on regarding herbal pet care or Dorwest products, I’d love to hear from you.”

Send suggestions and questions directly to: [email protected]

Visit dorwest.com