London dogs and their owners experienced the joys of God’s Own Country – at a Yorkshire Embassy for pups in the heart of the capital.
Pooches claimed ‘dual gnash-ionality’ with an edible passport, stamped by TV’s The Yorkshire Vet’s Peter Wright, overseen by Ambassa-dog Yorkshire Terry the Yorkshire Terrier. They also feasted on a dog-friendly Yorkshire Pudding filled with Harringtons wet food, brimming with fresh meat ingredients and vegetables in every bite.
Yorkshire-based natural dog food brand Harringtons created the world’s only regional embassy, at Six Park Place on the outskirts of Green Park, after its new research* revealed that 54% of owners see their dog as one of the ‘locals’ where they live. Two in five (41%) are even convinced their pooch responds to certain dialects more than others.
A key reason for the embassy was that dog owners showed huge appreciation for Yorkshire. Ranking its best qualities, they revealed the scenery (56%), friendly people (42%), culture (33%), pubs (28%) and food (23%) to be what the county does best. As part of its mission to make natural nutrition accessible for all, the brand made all of Brits’ favourite things about Yorkshire available at the Embassy for dogs and owners nationwide to enjoy.
Harringtons’ research also found that more than two-thirds (67%) of owners consider their dog to be part of the family. Meanwhile, nearly one in five (18%) say their pup is their best friend. Two in five (42%) even believe their dog has a similar personality to theirs, as 36% say their faithful friend is ‘always’ with them.
The humanisation of dogs is influencing name trends, too. Over half have given their pooch a ‘human’ name like Phil or Bob.
Because dogs are such valued family members deserving great nutrition like us, quality food is the top priority (49%) for owners – far surpassing dog walking routes (17%), their dog bed (7%) and toys (4%).
Despite this, only 7 in 10 believe they are currently feeding their pup an optimum diet. The economic crisis continues to take a toll, with over half (54%) admitting that cost is the biggest barrier to better nutrition for their pooch. Nearly a quarter, meanwhile, say their dog is too much of a fussy eater.
Pet owners are aware of what makes a good diet, though. Nearly half (47%) agree a high percentage of meat content indicates quality dog food, along with recipes containing freshly prepared meat ingredients (33%) and vegetables (31%).
While pups enjoyed these nourishing ingredients at the embassy, owners tucked into Yorkshire Pudding canapés and free Yorkshire beers from Saltaire Brewery to ease the pressure on wallets.
‘Ambassa-dog’ Yorkshire Terry is a straight-talking Yorkshire Terrier and star of Harringtons’ latest TV ad campaign. He embodies the Yorkshire values of thriftiness and authenticity while being a big believer in “posh nosh at a proper price”.
Peter Wright, vet for Harringtons and star of Channel 5’s The Yorkshire Vet, said: “There’s a real trend for owners to ‘humanise’ their pets, loving them as they would a relative or friend – and even seeing them as part of the community.
“Owners want nothing but the best for their beloved dogs, with freshly prepared meat, vegetables and gravy (ideally with recognisable ingredients) in every bite seen as key to giving them a happy, healthy life. I want to reassure all pet owners, including those rightly worried about money, that quality pet nutrition needn’t cost the earth. Dogs deserve, and can enjoy, posh nosh at a proper price.”
A spokesperson for Harringtons added: “Here in Yorkshire, we are rightly famous for our honest straight talking and our short arms and long pockets. We are delighted to share that Yorkshire authenticity and great value with dogs from all over the UK as part of our mission to make natural, wholesome food affordable for all.”
