Ice cream for dogs on sale at Shrewsbury garden centre

Britain's first ice cream treat for dogs is on sale at a Shropshire garden centre – and is expected to fly off the shelves when the warmer weather arrives.

Dobbies Garden World in Shrewsbury has introduced Billy & Margot, the UK's first iced treat for dogs, which will be available in a range of different flavours.

The new product has been developed by nutritionist and dog lover Marie Sawle and comes in flavours such as strawberry & apple and apple, banana and carrot.

Marie developed the product after her pet black Labrador, Billy, used to rush to meet the ice cream van that called daily to the garage she managed before deciding to retrain as a nutritionist.

She said: "I am very excited about the launch at Dobbies as it's a great place for Billy & Margot to be stocked.

"Sadly Billy has since died but his constant companion, Margot, is still very much with us and combining their names to create the brand seemed the obvious thing to do."

Duncan Kazakevics, pets and aquatics buyer for Dobbies, said: "I am delighted to be joining forces with Marie Sawle to bring this innovative doggy treat to our customers.

"I made the decision to introduce this unique product which I hope our dog-loving customers and canine counterparts will go barking mad for."

The product contains no milk, which can be harmful to dogs, and sugars come from the fructose naturally found in the fruit that forms the major ingredient.

Vegetable purees also flavour the ice cream, while Aloe Vera and flax oil have been added to boost the healthy qualities of the product. It is now available for £2.99 per 160g tub from Dobbies Garden World in Hereford Road in Shrewsbury.