COMMUNITY
THE GREENE PET COMPANY Fiona Greene is passionate about two things, animals and the environment. Four years ago she combined the two to create an ethical pet company.
BY SOPHIE SADLER
After a long spell in London looking after her parents who passed away, she decided to begin a new chapter and moved to the Algarve with her daughter, after falling in love with the area while on holiday. A committed vegetarian, Fiona has worked in many different fields but admits she always comes back to animals and campaigning about climate and environmental issues wherever she lives. “My company began as an obsession with finding products that are good for us and the environment and not always accepting what is commercially offered. It is a company that prides itself on selling only 100% Natural, 100% Ethical, 100% Whole Food and 100% sustainable treats and products for dogs.” Some of the products she sells cannot be found in the rest of Algarve. They are nutritious with many health benefits and all her products are Grain-Free, Low Fat, and HypoAllergenic with human-grade ingredients and are suitable for dogs of all ages. Fiona also cooks her own dog food from locally sourced meat and adds extras like vegetable oats and potatoes, which she also sells in 500g tubs. “It has been a long journey and quite disheartening along the way to find truly ethical products. Many companies claim to be natural but that is a long way from being ethical. Her research uncovered some alarming facts about dog treats. “I found a brand that is made from leather and is bleached in very harmful chemicals and coated in glue, but because they can chew it for a long time and comes in pretty shapes people were sold on it and it is on sale everywhere,” alleges Fiona. Building a new unknown business in a foreign country as a single mum has been very challenging, but I hope that by continuing to follow my passion I can continue to live in the place I love. All her products have stories behind them from her thorough research. Her Long-Lasting Cheese Chews are made from a hard dried cheese that originates from the Himalayas, where the Sherpas used to carry them on their treks. They are now sold as dog treats, with all of the fat and lactose being removed during the drying process. She points out that hard chews are not suitable for all dogs and chewing time should be managed.
6
FOLLOW US ON TOMORROWALGARVE
Fiona explains that it is important when looking at ingredients to understand what your buying. “My new biscuit bone contains meat sourced from free-ranging organic chickens in Switzerland. It has been taste-tested by my three rescue dogs and it is now on sale as a great treat to take on days out. Each stick contains 50% of the dog’s usual dinner portions.” Her sustainable products go beyond food. “One of my first products were dog collars made from Cork. I loved the fact that it is sustainable. By using cork we help the tree to develop, and the Cork collars are great for dogs with sensitive skin as they are hypoallergenic, odourfree, lightweight, dirt and mould resistant and also water and fire resistant and very strong. Even my packaging is now Biodegradable and recyclable.” She also makes her own Paw and Nose Balm from essential oils. One of her most unusual sustainable products are deer antlers! “Many people don´t realise that deer antlers naturally fall off every year after rutting season and make sustainable dog chews, they don´t smell or attract flies like bones. Don´t buy Buffalo horns which have most likely been hunted or cut off live animals.” The company also works closely and support many animal charities locally like the Cadela Carlota, Bamboo Association and network continuously about animal welfare here and worldwide. They offer free delivery along the Algarve on a regular basis. With delivery dates advertised on the Facebook page. In addition, they will have a stall at many Christmas Fairs and dog shows around the Algarve. So, if you are looking for a great Christmas present for your four-legged friend Fiona is stocking Cranberry and sweet potato treats. Fiona and The Greene Pet Company wish all her doggie customers a Very Waggy Christmas.
+INFO: www.thegreenepetcompany.com Thegreenepetcompany