Montego takes South African Karoo Wild Dog treats to UK market

SOUTH AFRICA – Montego Pet Nutrition is expanding its international pet nutrition footprint by launching its Karoo Wild dog treat range in the UK, bringing a South African-developed novel protein product to a new market through a partnership with UK pet distributor The PetFellas.

Karoo Wild, developed in South Africa’s Karoo region, uses sustainably sourced African antelope meat as its primary protein. 

The range will make its official UK debut at PATS 2026 at the NEC Birmingham from 27-29 September.

The launch lets Montego bring a pet nutrition product built around an underutilised African protein source into the premium UK treats market. 

Montego already exports its products across the SADC region, as well as to selected markets in Eastern and Western Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and other international markets.

African novel protein enters UK pet market

Karoo Wild was developed around antelope meat sourced from South Africa. 

Montego describes antelope as a lean, high-protein meat that is lower in fat than many conventional meat proteins and provides nutrients including iron and B vitamins. 

The company also positions antelope as a novel protein option for dogs with sensitivities to more commonly used proteins.

The range includes Training Bits, Trail Bites and Sticks. 

The treats are grain- and gluten-free and contain no artificial colours or flavours, while rosemary, oregano and thyme are used as natural herbal infusions.

The product also reflects Montego’s focus on creating value from South Africa’s game meat sector. 

The company says Karoo Wild uses game meat, including less-valued offcuts, to create a new market for local farmers while supporting sustainable game management in the Karoo.

Montego’s Nutrition and Development Specialist Angelique Myburgh has described the company’s use of ethically sourced game meat as part of an approach that links pet nutrition with rural livelihoods, biodiversity and responsible resource use.

Montego was founded in Graaff-Reinet in South Africa in 2000 and has grown from producing 65 tonnes of pet food a month to more than 300 tonnes a day. 

The company now has more than 180 products across nine brands and a presence in more than 20 countries.

The UK expansion therefore forms part of a broader internationalisation strategy rather than a standalone product launch.

Gerard O’Mahony, Director of The PetFellas, said the partnership would introduce UK retailers and consumers to a product combining “premium quality, novel protein” and sustainability credentials rooted in South Africa’s Karoo region.

Montego said The PetFellas’ UK retail relationships and understanding of the market made it a suitable partner for introducing Karoo Wild to UK consumers.

The full range will be showcased at PATS 2026, where Montego and The PetFellas will meet retailers and distributors interested in the products.

The move highlights how African pet nutrition manufacturers can develop products around locally sourced protein resources and take those products into international premium markets.

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