New Dog Food Which Saved His Pet

20 January 2010

Grimsby Telegraph www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk

By David Laister

DOES this Laceby man hold the key to curing potentially fatal canine conditions?

According to research, he may well do, after saving the life of one of his own dogs by creating a special food for it which can now be found on the shelves of many independent retail outlets across the UK.

Peter Speed was horrified to find that a liver condition affecting two of his 'best friends' was linked to eating protein-rich traditional foods.

After receiving the diagnosis from a vet, he carried out extensive market research and was unable to find a food that would save his pets – prompting him to launch his own recipes, with the help of food technologists.

Putting in substantial investment, and ensuring human food quality ingredients were used whenever possible, The Canine Cook range was formed, and he is now concentrating on the marketing of the brand as part of his 1st Class Pet Food company, with treats and further recipes to follow.

Mr Speed, who ran the Killingholme- based Sabre Energy petroleum distribution company for more than 20 years before selling up in 1996, said: “Just like humans, animals have intolerances too. I have had dogs all my life and I had no idea of the dangers of traditional pet food until my dogs fell ill and I carried out research into their diet. Although it was too late for Gemma, my second dog Brandy was able to make a full recovery within weeks of changing to the new diet.”

Pet foods often contain high quantities of beef, dairy products, soya and cereal – products people diagnosed with certain conditions often have to steer clear of too.

“I was horrified to find that the traditional dog food I was using was actually harming my dogs and I was concerned that thousands of other pets were likely to be suffering as well, simply because like me, owners were unaware of the intolerance dogs can have,” said Mr Speed.

“Now there is a healthy alternative which dog owners can give to their pets with confidence that it only contains good quality, healthy ingredients.”

Trials have reported major successes, and breeders are now being targeted with the high-end product, which is produced by a major European manufacturer.

Cook range of dog food and his pet labrador, Harvey.

Blended to produce a highly nutritious and healthy food with sunflower oil, linseeds, fish oil, cranberries, seaweed, green tea and natural compounds to promote healthy and supple joints, The Canine Cook range also contains Yucca to reduce flatulence and stool odour. Also in the mix – leading to the revolutionary claim – is Verm-X, a natural herbal compound used to control internal parasites in animals, but Mr Speed believes this is a first for a complete super premium dog food.

Mike Jeffreson, of Eastfield Veterinary Clinic in North Thoresby, cared for Brandy. He said: “It does happen. You get dietary intolerances, usually to a protein, that can manifest themselves as sickness and diarrhoea, and occasionally it can develop into skin problems if it gets into the circulation.

“It is very interesting that Mr Speed has gone on to do this. The dog was very unwell, we spent quite a lot of time going round in circles to investigate the problem, and ultimately we had a biopsy done and it turned out to be a dietary intolerance. As soon as he became very, very strict about the feeding, the dog got better.”

Brandy is now happy and healthy, as is Harvey, Mr Speed’s other Labrador.