Bran & Birdy’s has successfully completed an innovation project with CAFRE, supported by Invest NI Innovation Voucher funding, bringing the development of its new range of functional dog gravies one step closer to market.
Turning an idea into a market ready dog gravy
The project was delivered with the CAFRE Food Technology team at Loughry Campus, combining specialist expertise with hands on product development. The goal was simple: create nutritious, functional gravies that can be added to dry kibble to make mealtimes more enjoyable while supporting hydration and overall wellbeing.
The work began with market research through Invest NI’s Consumer Insight Clinic, helping us understand what dog owners are looking for in modern pet food. This highlighted growing interest in products that are palatable, functional and made with clean label ingredients.
From there, multiple gravy recipes were researched and developed with careful consideration given to ingredient functionality, palatability, ease of use and compatibility with complete dry dog foods. Nutritional profiling was also carried out to ensure the products complement complete diets while reflecting our focus on quality, transparency and responsible pet ownership.
CAFRE also provided valuable guidance around pet food labelling and regulatory requirements. Their expertise has helped turn an early idea into a well developed product range that we can confidently take forward.
We are incredibly grateful to Hayley O’Neill and the CAFRE Food Technology team for their expertise throughout the project. The Innovation Voucher support has given Bran & Birdy’s access to specialist knowledge and facilities that have been instrumental in moving the range towards market readiness.
Alongside developing better products for dogs, we are also committed to creating a positive social impact. Bran & Birdy’s will support charities that care for and rehome retired racing greyhounds, combining great nutrition with support for dogs that need a second chance.
“Their technical expertise helped us turn our idea into a well developed, nutritionally informed product that we can confidently bring to market.”
The next step is bringing our dog gravy range from development into the hands of dog owners and their four legged companions. Follow along with the journey on Instagram @branandbirdys and keep up with what is coming next.
Follow the Bran & Birdy’s journey
Follow along as we continue developing better ways to make mealtimes more enjoyable for dogs while supporting a cause close to our hearts.
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