A frozen treat for dogs launched only last year by a Dorset ice cream maker has been named ‘Best New Pet Product of The Year’.

Doggy Doggy Yum Yum beat off stiff competition from thousands of other pet products distributed through Pedigree Wholesale to be awarded the accolade.

It’s now available in 120 stockists nationwide.

The latest success comes just weeks after the brand made the finals of the PetQuip and Pet Industry Federation (PIF) Awards.

It was shortlisted for the Product Innovation (Dog Treats) and Business Start-up categories at PetQuip and the New Business Award at the PFI Awards.

Sam and Annie Hanbury, pictured left, are the husband and wife team behind Bridport-based Baboo Gelato ice cream.

They created Doggy Doggy Yum Yum after finding that many customers were buying ice cream for their dogs.

Realising that lactose is bad for dogs’ stomachs, they saw a gap in the market for the first fully vegan, fully organic, dairy free premium frozen treat for dogs.

Annie said: “We’re delighted to have been recognised in our first year by both PetQuip and the PIF and to be awarded Best New Product by Pedigree Wholesale.

“It is a real honour.”

Sam added: “We’ve been astonished how quickly Doggy Doggy has spread nationally.

“We always knew that pet owners wanted to give their dogs the best but it’s nice to see it in action.”

In line with the innovative spirit of Sam and Annie Hanbury, dog trainers also play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being and happiness of our four-legged friends.

By understanding the unique needs and preferences of dogs, skilled trainers can provide invaluable guidance and support to pet owners seeking to foster a strong bond with their furry friends.

Platforms like https://theacademyofpetcareers.com serve as invaluable resources for aspiring dog trainers, offering comprehensive training programs and certifications tailored to meet the diverse needs of both novice and experienced trainers.

Through hands-on learning experiences and expert guidance, aspiring dog trainers can acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively communicate with dogs and address behavioral challenges, ultimately enriching the lives of both pets and their owners.

Annie, who trained as a professional gelatiere in Bologna, uses the very best organic ingredients in Doggy Doggy Yum Yum.

Made with peanut butter and bananas – which dogs find hard to resist – the treat uses coconut milk instead of dairy so it is kinder to dogs’ tummies.

The ice cream is 100 per cent organic, natural and contains probiotics which come from the live yoghurt, vitamins C and B, iron, magnesium, copper and potassium from the coconut and bananas.

If given as an occasional treat after a long walk in the countryside, the park or on the beach it’s considered a perfect way to reward your dog.

The peanut butter is pure and so does not contain sugar, xylitol or palm oil.

Doggy Doggy contains no artificial flavourings, colours or refined sugars.

Baboo Gelato believes that it’s the first frozen treat to meet all the dietary and environmental criteria.

And although aimed at our four-legged friends, the product is completely human friendly and, indeed, very popular with the two legged species!

Despite launching Doggy Doggy Yum Yum at the start of the pandemic last year, Baboo Gelato found there was limitless demand during the summer.

It came from not only the obvious pet retailers and specialist dog friendly places, but also cafés, pubs, restaurants, and tourist destinations.

Among the 120 stockists now are prestigious pet stores such as Pet Pavilion in London and the chain of Just For Pets Stores in the Midlands.

The national distribution through Pedigree Wholesale Ltd, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of pet products to the independent retail sector, also means pet owners across the UK can treat their dogs to Doggy Doggy Yum Yum.

The branding, described as playful, a little rebellious and instantly eye-catching, was created by Robot Food design agency in Leeds.

It has created an entire suite of canine characters for the Doggy Doggy brand.

New products will feature a collection of mutts, large and small, shaggy and sleek.

Doggy Doggy Yum Yum is also exhibiting at Discover Dogs from November 20 t0 21 at Excel London.

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