Round-up: Pet food brands widen their reach across North America

New retail and distribution agreements are widening access to pet food across the US and Canada. Independent retailers, specialty distributors and national chains are all playing a role in expanding the footprints of leading brands.

Zesty Paws

A new partnership has made Zesty Paws Probiotic Bites available at all BJ’s Wholesale Club and online. 

“With over 8 million members, BJ’s is the perfect platform to bring one of our fastest-growing categories – probiotics – to even more families looking to support their pets’ digestive health, now in a club-size format that delivers both value and convenience,” Zesty Paws says in a LinkedIn post.

Launched in 2015, Zesty Paws is a pet supplement maker based in Florida. Its products have been named the official probiotic line of the American Kennel Club, the world’s largest purebred dog registry.

Natural Pet Food Group

Natural Pet Food Group’s K9 Natural and Feline Natural’s portfolio of freeze-dried, canned and supplement products is now available at Pet Valu stores nationwide, thanks to its new partnership.

The agreement will bring K9 Natural and Feline Natural’s portfolio to more pet owners across North America.

“As demand for health-focused pet foods continues to grow, Pet Valu is the perfect partner to help us expand our reach and impact,” says Michael Harrison, Sales Executive for Western Canada at Natural Pet Food Group.

The parent company of K9 Natural and Feline Natural, Natural Pet Food Group is a New Zealand-based pet food manufacturer, and Pet Valu is Canada’s largest specialty retailer.

Portland Pet Food Company

Portland Pet Food Company has partnered with Rhode Island-based distributor Pet Food Experts (PFX) to expand its portfolio reach to retailers in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Mid-West, Ohio Valley and Mountain regions.

“All of us at Pet Food Experts are inspired by the Portland Pet Food Company story and their commitment to real, fresh ingredients,” says Nate Benner, Director of Vendor Development at PFX. “That commitment to quality and pet health makes them a natural fit, not only for PFX, but also for our retailers and their customers.”

Portland Pet Food Company was founded in 2014. It offers human-grade pet food and treats made with US-sourced human-grade ingredients, available across the US, Canada and parts of Asia. PFX is a US specialty distributor serving over 10,000 pet retailers.

Annamaet Petfoods

Pennsylvania-based pet food company Annamaet Petfoods has entered a partnership with Pet Solutions Group (PSG), a sales organization that works with brands in the independent pet channel through distributor relationships, retail expertise and a data-driven approach.

“Our team is continually exploring ways to bring the best products to the pet food market, and we’re thrilled to have a partner in PSG to help us expand our reach to even more pets and their families,” Annamaet says in a LinkedIn post.

“At PSG, we are proud to partner with a brand that is not only committed to pet health but also to sustainability and nutrition. We look forward to amplifying their message and expanding their reach with our deep industry knowledge and proven strategies for independent retail success,” says Kirk Young, CEO of Pet Solutions Group.

Founded in 1986, Annamaet Petfoods currently ships products throughout the United States and exports to 15 countries.

Vital Essentials

Wisconsin-based Vital Essentials’ raw and freeze-dried pet food and treats are now available at all 750 Pet Supplies Plus stores nationwide, as well as through the retailer’s online platform.

Founded in 2009, the company offers raw, frozen and freeze-dried pet food and treats for cats and dogs. Its products are distributed through more than 7,000 independent pet retailers across the US and online.

Pet-Ag Pet Products

Pet-Ag’s portfolio of pet nutrition products is now available at multinational retailer Walmart following a retail partnership launched in August.

Headquartered in Illinois, Pet-Ag has provided science-based animal nutrition products, including milk replacers, for over 80 years.

New Van Den Bosch brands

Michigan-based pet food distributor Van Den Bosch (VDB) has added 3 new brands to its portfolio: This & That Canine Company, Under the Weather Pet and SmarterPaw.

This & That Canine Company is a Canadian brand founded in 2009, offering premium dog treats and chews. “This collaboration allows us to bring our treats to even more dogs while supporting retailers with products that truly stand out in today’s marketplace,” says Dan Collins, VP of Sales & Business Development at This & That Canine Company. 

Under the Weather Pet is a manufacturer of veterinarian-formulated pet wellness products, including food, supplements and gels. 

“Under the Weather offers a great variety of just-in-case items for pet parents – from bland diets to pill wraps and a thermometer. They also have items to support keeping your pets happy and healthy, like support chews and powders,” says Abby Siebern, VP of Sales & Purchasing at VDB.

Meanwhile, the partnership with SmarterPaw will bring its catnip brand Meowijuana across retailers in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Western Pennsylvania. Its products include catnip, engaging toys and chews.