Natural Instinct Founders have left the company

[Helen]

I'm not sure if this will impact on the quality of the food but this was shared by Beverly Cuddy on Facebook today on behalf of the founders -

FOUNDERS EXIT BLOSSOMING PETFOOD BUSINES

"It is with genuine regret that the founders of Natural Instinct, David Brook, Michael McVay and Maggie the Welsh Terrier have left their ground-breaking raw pet food business with immediate effect.

The pioneering £3m business that had spent the last three years revolutionizing the way so many dog and cat owners appraised pet food and was a respected voice at major dog shows like Crufts and the London Pet Show, twice winning the prestigious Pet Industry accolade for top Pet Specialist.

According to Michael, ‘We’ve been deadlocked in discussions with our majority shareholders these last few months trying to ensure that our brand’s ongoing seismic growth does not come at the expense of diluted brand values or inferior products.

The last three years have been simply the best with regards meeting new friends and fellow pet lovers who’ve always taken the trouble to write and tell us what a difference we have made to their pets' lives"

[Mel]

Having heard the recent news of the co-founders walking away from their beloved business, who else is worried the level of food quality is going to suffer? Don't know what to do now. Tali eats the   Working Turkey which suits him. Very sad that major profit always compromises a company.

[Mel]

Thanks 

[elaine.e]

There's been a lot of talk about it on the Raw Feeding Group on Facebook, most of it speculation of course. Suzanne Brock of NI is a contributor to the Group but can't say anything on there for legal reasons.

About half the raw food I use comes from NI so I'll be keeping a watch for any possible changes to the quality of the food.

Maybe the founders can start a new company, but I had a longish chat with one of them about 3 years ago when he was kind enough to carry a big box of NI from their trade stand at Bournemouth Championship Show to my car (quite a long walk) and he told me a bit then about how difficult it had been to get the financial backing to start up. The thing the founders have got now is loyal customers, so if they decided to start up again I expect customers will follow them.

[MaggieR]

I think it will be a case of watch this space - you've only heard half the story... As you say Elaine, keep an eye on the quality of the food, and importantly the labelling to check for any changes in balance/source/composition etc.

[Mel]

Seems the best policy Lisa.

Not entirely confident about making my own diet at through moment either.

[Abbi]

I have just seen a link to a new co set up by one of the ex NI employees which sounds like a great new raw dog food source

Www.nutriment.co/

Also lots of good advice in general about feeding and other health issues.

[elaine.e]

The new company is run by the Brocks but isn't actually selling yet, although they hope to be up and running next week.

I still use Natural Instinct (along with Wolf Tucker and other sources) and haven't noticed any difference in either the ingredients or the quality of the products, although the opinions on the Facebook raw feeding group I belong to are divided, with some people reporting that some of the minces now seem less solid.

I hope the new company has success and also that they start selling 1kg tubs instead of the 500gms currently advertised.

[JaspersMum]

Hope it doesn't change as we have just moved to Natural Instinct and it's really suiting this lot!

Will watch with interest.

Can I ask which Raw feeding forums you recommend as would like to keep up to date with developments too

[MaggieR]

Can I ask which Raw feeding forums you recommend as would like to keep up to date with developments too

This is the FB group a few of us belong to - very knowledgeable, helpful bunch.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/328121590553154/

[Robbie34]

I found NI to be quite expensive for what it is, and I have doubts about the fat content, particularly as Henry must have a low fat diet due to Pancreatitis.  Consequently, I have found it to be only a little more expensive to feed him with raw food from the supermarket.  His main ingredient is chicken breast - £3.99 per kilo - from Lidl, Asda, and Aldi.  Found in the frozen food section.  This is supplemented with fresh liver and kidney.  I also add a dessert spoonful of Hollins meat and bonemeal.  A 4kg tub costs about £12 from Amazon and lasts ages.

[elaine.e]

Can I ask which Raw feeding forums you recommend as would like to keep up to date with developments too

This is the FB group a few of us belong to - very knowledgeable, helpful bunch.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/328121590553154/

It's a closed group, simply because it was growing so fast that it was in danger of overwhelming the administrators. But if anyone wants to join please feel free to contact me and it can easily be done.

[LisaG]

Can I ask which Raw feeding forums you recommend as would like to keep up to date with developments too

This is the FB group a few of us belong to - very knowledgeable, helpful bunch.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/328121590553154/

It's a closed group, simply because it was growing so fast that it was in danger of overwhelming the administrators. But if anyone wants to join please feel free to contact me and it can easily be done.

Please could you add me as the one I'm on at the moment is a little hard core for the cockers, thanks

[Workingcocker]

http://www.nutriment.co/

Is the new NI you get £10 off first order too feel free to use my name if you want to take advantage of the refer a friend offer... Sarah Evans

[Robbie34]

At the moment Makro have fresh, boneless chicken thighs on offer at £8.00 for two kilos.  I bought some the other day and Henry loves it.