DISCERNING pet owners are turning to organic food for their pets.

The organic food market is growing at 50 per cent per year but a, perhaps, surprising fact is the growth in sales of organic pet food.

Over the past year organic pet food sales have risen by an incredible 400 per cent claims a new report.

In spite of the increase the total organic pet food market is still only worth £1.5 million, a mere two per cent of the total UK market.

Manufacturers report that sales of organic pet food rose during the height of the foot and mouth crisis and increasing concern about the use of genetically modified ingredients.

Just as allergies are on the increase in humans the same is true of pets. Many organic pet foods are also hypo-allergenic as they do not contain ingredients such as wheat gluten which are often associated with skin or digestive disorders caused by allergies.

One of the first organic dog foods on the market and the first to gain Soil Association accreditation was Pero's organic dog food. This was developed by a farmer from North Wales who found that his dogs would not eat many prepared dog foods.

He set about blending a dry food from totally organic ingredients. Word spread to a local agricultural merchant that wanted the food. Its popularity grew and it is now sold throughout Great Britain and the range has been extended to include puppy food, cat food and dog treats.

Anyone interested in finding out about Pero's organic food should ring 0800 917 9697.