'World's first' yogurt for cats and dogs proves a hit for Catalan company

A Catalan company that started making dairy products for livestock six years ago has found success with the "world's first" yogurt exclusively for cats and dogs. 

Yogupet comes in various flavors and formats, and sales for 2024 are expected to reach 400,000 units. 

It is manufactured by Bifeedbo, a company based in Lleida, in western Catalonia. Manager and co-owner, Àngel Ribes, says they are the "only ones in the world" that make yogurts for dogs and cats.  

They currently export to about ten European countries and have plans to expand this figure soon, as "the market reception has been very good." 

From pigs to pets 

Àngel Ribes explains that six years ago he founded the company, along with a partner, to make dairy products for livestock, specifically pigs. 

After initial success, they spotted a gap in the market for pets, and the idea of making yogurt for cats and dogs was born. 

The Yogupet brand was launched on the market about two and a half years ago and is sold in Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece, Poland, the Netherlands and Belgium. 

Ribes hopes to expand to the Czech Republic and Hungary soon. 

Dessert, snack, or treat 

Yogupet can be given to pets as a supplement to their usual diet, like their owners would take a yogurt, Ribes says – as a dessert, a snack or a treat. They can also be mixed with their main feed. 

He says that animals really like the sour taste of yogurt and that it is also beneficial because it provides them with nutrients and hydrates them. They are sugar and lactose free, except for one product for kittens. 

Pumpkin, Chia, kefir, 'champagne' 

The range of yogurts Bifeedbo sells is increasingly wide, generally made from cow's milk, but with complementary ingredients such as chia, olive oil or honey. 

They also make some for special occasions, such as the Halloween Yogupet with pumpkin and turmeric.  

Other products include a carrot and pear kefir Yogupet, and yogurt ice cream. 

The latest novelty that they hope will be a hit over Christmas is the 'Champ&Pet,' made with goat's milk and packaged in a small imitation champagne or cava bottle.  

The company employs around ten people and hopes to double production next year.