True Leaf | Canada
True Leaf brings the natural health benefits of hemp to pets in safe, specially developed products.
Hemp-based pet products
Based in Vernon, BC., Canada, True Leaf has two main divisions: True Leaf Medicine and True Leaf Pet. True Leaf Medicine was launched in 2013 aimed at providing federally approved, safe and effective cannabis products for the medicinal market. It applied to become a licensed producer of medicinal cannabis and has since received government approval to build its facilities, which are scheduled for completion in August 2018.
True Leaf Pet was established in 2015 to market hemp-focused products for the pet industry. The company launched True Hemp™ products in Europe, Canada and the US, making it the first hemp-based pet product line to be marketed worldwide.
Health benefits
Hemp is coming into its own as health-conscious consumers worldwide recognise its benefits. Crushed hemp seeds yield an emerald-green oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids, stearidonic acid (SDA) and a source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA) – all seen to have potential anti-inflammatory properties. Ground hemp seeds yield one of nature’s highest sources of digestible, gluten-free protein and fibre, essential to a healthy diet.
“Alongside ground hemp seed and hemp leaf inclusions, we add other ingredients to our products to address specific functions,” says Darcy Bomford, True Leaf founder and chief executive officer. “These include New Zealand green-lipped mussel and turmeric root for hip and joint function, DHA and pomegranate for health support, and green tea, chamomile and lemon balm for a calming function.”
Although hemp is a version of the cannabis plant, the products contain none of the marijuana ingredient THC that is responsible for the psychoactive effect, so they are perfectly safe for pets.
Pet treats
Their dog treats come in three varieties: True Hemp Calming™, True Hemp Hip+Joint™ and True Hemp Skin+Coat™. These are available both as soft moist treats made with 20% hemp and 70% fresh chicken, turkey and salmon, and in a new dental stick format. They plan to bring the health benefits of hemp to cats this spring with new cat treats, which will be available in Calming, Skin+Coat, Hip+Joint and Urinary Care varieties.
International expansion
The company’s pet products are a popular choice for owners everywhere. Since 2015, the pet division’s revenue has increased ten times, year over year, and further rapid growth is expected as the company makes plans to expand into more European countries.
With the expansion of their pet’s markets and the construction of True Leaf Medicine’s facility, management believes the future looks bright. The Canadian government is expected to legalise marijuana for recreational use in August 2018. With the company’s construction work planned for completion around the same time, they will be in an ideal position to explore new ways to provide quality of life products for people and their pets.
interzoo 2018 – hall 2, booth 422a