Best Friend Ventures › Briefing
A weekly roundup of funding, product launches, partnerships, industry trends, regulation, and notable leadership moves across the pet care sector. Curated by Best Friend Ventures from 48 pet-industry sources.
FUNDING
British foodtech pioneer Meatly has raised **£10.4 million** in Series A funding to construct a **20,000-litre bioreactor plant** in London. The facility is intended to be Europe's largest cultivated meat production site, targeting industrial-scale output specifically for the pet food market.
Pet Gazette — 2026-05-18
EARNINGS
Converium Capital has built a **2% stake** in UK veterinary services provider CVS Group and is calling for a **£100 million share buyback**, arguing the stock is 'materially undervalued.' The move signals growing investor pressure on the publicly listed veterinary group to improve capital returns.
Pet Gazette — 2026-05-15
LAUNCH
Elanco is commercially launching Befrena (tirnovetmab), a new monoclonal antibody (mAb) injection for the treatment of canine allergic and atopic dermatitis. The product received **USDA approval in late 2025** and expands Elanco's dermatology portfolio. The launch marks a significant addition to the growing biologics segment of veterinary therapeutics.
DVM360 — 2026-05-18
LAUNCH · INNOVATION
Proteine Resources has unveiled VELI, a line of functional wet pet foods built on EntoPro — a hybrid dual-action alternative protein **developed over eight years** — at Interzoo 2026. The ingredient is positioned as a gut health solution, combining prebiotic and probiotic-like mechanisms in a single novel protein source.
Pet Age — 2026-05-21
LAUNCH
Royal Canin has introduced its first breed-specific diet formulated exclusively for Corgis, the latest addition to its unique line of breed-tailored nutrition products. To mark the launch, the brand partnered with the AKC Museum of the Dog to commission local artists to recreate famous artworks made entirely out of kibble, on display through the museum.
Pet Age — 2026-05-21
LAUNCH
Pawer Water has introduced a new Puppy Advanced Milk Formula manufactured in the UK using **human-grade ingredients** and formulated without artificial binders or preservatives. The product targets the growing premium puppy nutrition segment.
Pet Gazette — 2026-05-21
LAUNCH
Douxo has launched a new solid-format shampoo bar under its CALM range, clinically proven to manage red and irritated skin in cats and dogs. The product is designed to address allergic and atopic dermatitis symptoms and reflects growing consumer interest in sustainable, solid-format pet care products.
Pet Gazette — 2026-05-19
LAUNCH
Aldi has returned its seasonal pet cooling collection to stores ahead of summer, this year incorporating new technology specifically designed to prevent animal overheating. The discount retailer's relaunch underscores the growing mainstream retail interest in seasonal pet wellness products.
Pet Gazette — 2026-05-20
INNOVATION
A portable gamma–optical camera enabling point-of-care thyroid imaging has been introduced into veterinary practice, with a new hybrid system debuting in Greece. The device allows evaluation of cats with known or suspected hyperthyroidism without requiring referral to specialist imaging centers, representing a meaningful advance in feline diagnostics.
DVM360 — 2026-05-18
LAUNCH
Frozzys has expanded its functionally focused 'Happy Gut' range with new Happy Gut Protein Bites, formulated with a high-fibre, protein-rich recipe. The launch targets the fast-growing gut health pet treat segment as demand for functional pet nutrition continues to rise.
Pet Gazette — 2026-05-18
PARTNERSHIP
The Farmer's Dog has announced a YouTube partnership with The Oprah Podcast, resulting in a custom mini-series titled **'Life Is Better With Dogs,'** narrated by Oprah Winfrey. The series features real-world stories of pet owners and their dogs, marking a high-profile brand content collaboration for the direct-to-consumer fresh pet food company.
Pet Age — 2026-05-22
ACQUISITION
Assisi Pet Care has acquired Sniffers Pet Care and its flagship natural dog treat brand NAW, strengthening its position in the rapidly expanding natural treat market. The deal signals continued consolidation in the UK premium pet treat space as major players seek to bolster their natural and clean-label portfolios.
Pet Gazette — 2026-05-18
PARTNERSHIP
Packaging specialist Glowcroft has joined the Pet Industry Federation (PIF) as an associate member. The partnership is aimed at supporting the growth of UK pet food brands through improved packaging expertise and industry collaboration.
Pet Gazette — 2026-05-21
DATA
New market research projects the global dog food market will reach **$97.4 billion by 2036**, fueled by pet humanization, surging demand for premium nutrition, and growing adoption of functional diets targeting digestion, immunity, mobility, and life-stage support. The data underscores a structural shift in how consumers approach canine dietary care.
Pet Age — 2026-05-21
DATA
Owner-reported data from the **Dog Aging Project**, spanning **43,000 pets**, reveals that the vast majority of US dogs exhibit some degree of fear or anxiety. The findings carry significant clinical implications for veterinary practice, behavioral medicine, and the growing pet anxiety product market.
DVM360 — 2026-05-15
DATA
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) has released its first-ever recommendations focused exclusively on feline diabetes management. The new guidelines represent a landmark update, providing veterinary professionals with standardized protocols tailored to the unique metabolic and clinical characteristics of diabetic cats.
DVM360 — 2026-05-20
DATA
Covetrus has announced that VetSuite, its dedicated program for independent veterinary clinics, has surpassed **4,000 member practices** nationwide. The milestone reflects growing demand among independent clinics for group purchasing and support programs amid rising operational costs.
Pet Age — 2026-05-21
REGULATION
A public health investigation has confirmed a documented case of cat-to-human transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Authorities note the risk to the general public remains low, but the finding raises important biosafety considerations for veterinary professionals and pet owners with cats that may have exposure to infected poultry or wildlife.
DVM360 — 2026-05-15
REGULATION
The FDA has approved CosACTHen, a cosyntropin injection developed by Dechra, indicated for the evaluation of adrenal function in dogs. The approval provides veterinarians with a formally approved tool for diagnosing conditions such as hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease) in canine patients.
DVM360 — 2026-05-19
REGULATION
The FDA has conditionally approved a **100 mL size** of Dectomax-CA1 for use against New World Screwworm (NWS). Separately, Zoetis' doramectin injection has been granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for NWS prevention and treatment in dairy cows, horses, sheep, swine, and deer — reflecting an urgent federal response to screwworm biosecurity concerns.
DVM360 / Feedstuffs — 2026-05-19
REGULATION
The first US commercial pseudorabies case since **2004** has been confirmed in Iowa, linked to a Texas herd. The detection has triggered enhanced surveillance, depopulation protocols, and biosecurity measures across both states. The reemergence of this disease after more than two decades raises significant animal health and trade implications.
DVM360 — 2026-05-19
RECALL
A nationwide recall of raw pet food has been issued due to Salmonella contamination, as reported in the DVM360 weekly veterinary roundup. The recall underscores ongoing biosafety concerns surrounding raw pet food diets and their potential risk to both animals and human household members.
DVM360 — 2026-05-15
REGULATION
The FDA has conditionally approved a new targeted therapy for canine Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia (CM/SM), a painful neurological condition predominantly affecting small and toy breeds. This marks the **first conditionally approved treatment** specifically indicated for this condition, representing a meaningful advance in canine neurology.
DVM360 — 2026-05-15
LEADERSHIP
A microbiome-focused animal health company has appointed a new CEO, according to DVM360's industry leadership tracker. Additional leadership moves, recognitions, and achievements were noted across the broader veterinary and animal health sector during the week, reflecting ongoing organizational evolution in the industry.
DVM360 — 2026-05-18
LEADERSHIP
IQI has appointed Mike Turnbull as Sales Manager for Canada and the United States. Turnbull brings an extensive background in pet food and is expected to help strengthen the company's North American growth strategy.
Feedstuffs — 2026-05-19
EXPANSION
Animal Emergency Hospital Palm Coast (AEHPC) has announced the grand opening of its permanent, state-of-the-art facility located at **124 Flagler Plaza Drive** in Northeast Florida. After serving the community for over 18 months in a prior location, the hospital's move to a purpose-built facility signals significant investment in regional emergency veterinary infrastructure.
Pet Age — 2026-05-22
EXPANSION
Indian pet treat brand Dogsee Chew made history at Cannes as the **first pet brand** to walk the iconic red carpet, representing the global pet industry on one of the world's most prestigious cultural stages. Founders Sneh Sharma and Bhupendra Khanal paid tribute to their late dog Mowgli, whose embroidered motif adorned their ensembles as the inspiration behind the brand.
Pet Age — 2026-05-21