(PRESS RELEASE) GRAAFF-REINET, EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA — KAROO Wild, a sustainably sourced, super-premium dog treat featuring lean antelope meat as the primary ingredient, is poised for further U.S. market expansion after a successful introduction in 2024. This novel (hypoallergenic) protein is sourced and manufactured by South African-based Montego Pet Nutrition, a family-owned pet food company celebrating 25 years of operation this year.
A first for American consumers and their pups, KAROO Wild stands apart from other dog treats as the only product in the U.S. to feature free-range African springbok antelope.
Montego Pet Nutrition has an aggressive U.S. growth strategy to saturate 500+ stores by mid- 2025. According to Joshua Patterson, VP of Sales – U.S., “Initial interest and sales have been promising, particularly with our training bits and trail bites. We offer an enticing and differentiated product promise with KAROO Wild – high in protein, low in fat and made from sustainable ingredients. Americans can treat their pups with a unique offering that they can also feel good about serving.”
Free from grain, gluten, and artificial colors and flavors, the ingredient panel on KAROO Wild products features natural and organic elements that result in a rich, flavor-forward experience. Hypoallergenic properties make them a perfect treat for dogs with dietary sensitivities, such as chicken allergies. All dogs will appreciate the distinctive, full-bodied gamey flavor and soft, chewy texture. Each treat is high in quality protein (20%), low in fat (5%) and game meat is known to be rich in essential nutrients such as iron, amino acids and B vitamins to support overall pet health.
In addition, the products support biodiversity and promotes sustainable farming, embodying Montego’s commitment to sustainable, ethical sourcing by using underutilized antelope meat offcuts/trimmings. It also strengthens South Africa’s growing game meat industry and encapsulates KAROO Wild’s mission to Reward, Revive, and Rewild.
“Game meat is a powerful alternative protein to chicken and beef thanks to favorable protein-to-fat ratios and nutrient dense profiles,” said Angelique Myburgh, Nutrition and Development Specialist, Montego Pet Nutrition. “Dogs will absolutely love the taste profile while benefiting from the functional ingredients packed into every bite.”
KAROO Wild is available in three flavors – rosemary, oregano and thyme, including:
- Training Bits: Smaller, bite-size treats for small breed dogs (4 oz.; $9.99 MSRP)
- Trail Bites: Larger, square treats ideal for medium breed dogs (8 oz.; $15.99 MSRP)
- Sticks: Largest in the range, best for savoring, for large breed dogs or to break and feed longer (16 oz.; $26.99 MSRP)
Montego Pet Nutrition is Africa’s leading independent pet food manufacturer, founded in 2000 by Hannes Van Jaarsveld. Built on a strong foundation of family values, innovation and commitment to quality from ingredient sourcing to processing and packaging, the Van Jaarsveld family continues to manage operations with an eye to further its global expansion. The company has always been passionate about bettering people, the planet, and pets. It currently exports to 22 countries.
Patterson and the Montego Pet Nutrition team will attend Global Pet Expo from March 26-28 in Orlando, Fl., and feature the full range of KAROO Wild products.