The History of Nutrience
Nutrience has dramatically evolved since its humble beginnings in
1988. After extensive research into pet food formulations, Hagen decided
to venture into pet food by purchasing formulation proposals from
a Veterinarian in Ontario, Canada. From the very early stages, nutrition
and science (the two words that were merged to form Nutrience), have
been at the forefront of the Nutrience philosophy. Nutrience was produced
in Canada via private label and was meant to occupy an important niche
in the market, high quality pet food for the independent pet trade.
Without consumer advertising and without expensive sponsorship required
in other channels, Nutrience slowly developed into a leading brand
in Canada, and the brand leader in the independent pet trade sales
channel. This philosophy of maximum value for the pet owner, provided
the sales growth, all backed up by the 45 year reputation of the Hagen
company. From the very beginning, high quality ingredients, leading
quality control, exclusive formulas and innovative packaging have
been instrumental in the success of Nutrience. The following are but
a few of the highlights:
- 1988: start of operations in Canada and the US.
- 1989: launch of Super Premium dog biscuits.
- 1990: start of operations in Europe
- 1991: introduction of exclusive Puppy Weaning Formula.
- 1992: switch from 50/50 chicken/vegetable based proteins to 100%
chicken based proteins, which led to a reformulation of the complete
line.
- 1993: first pet food manufacturer to sell a Mash Formula for puppies
and kittens. The new formula greatly aided the difficult transition
to consuming dry food.
- 1996: exclusion of poultry by-products, addition of organic minerals
and introduction of natural preservatives (mixed tocopheroles, citric
acid and rosemary extract).
- 1996: first pet food manufacturer to incorporate an exclusive
herbal mix for improved pet health in one of its formulas (Supreme).
- 1997: acquisition of Hagen Pet Foods, a state of the art pet food
manufacturing facility.
- 1999: additional improvements were made by adding probiotics,
prebiotics and natural enzymes.
- 2001: introduction of exceptional new ingredients: carnitine (Diet
Formula), glucosamine and chondroitin (Senior) and lutein (Junior
and Supreme).
- 2001: first pet food manufacturer to have a sliding zipper on
its bags. The exclusive easy open/easy close feature was an instant
hit with consumers.
- 2003: successful launch of the revolutionary Im3. Nutrience’s
Immune Complex incorporates three components: lutein, spray dried
egg and microencapsulated organic acids. All play a powerful role
in the immunological defense system of young puppies and kittens.
Results have been simply extraordinary.
The past decade has also seen the incredible growth of sales in Canada
and countless countries around the world. The future looks just as
promising for Nutrience, as new, exciting markets introduce the Super
Premium food every year. Nutrience has always and will continue to
place the focus on the health of your dogs and cats. Naturally.
