Z Pet Foods launches SA's first halaal-certified premium pet food

Z Pet Foods has opened its first retail store and launched Swanics Pet Nutrition, South Africa’s first halaal-certified premium dog and cat food. The launch took place on Friday, October 31 in Lansdowne.

Owner Zahir Vallie said the launch marked the result of years of work and commitment to offering local pet owners more choice.

Together with Swanics,  Mr Vallie and his team have developed a premium range of dog and cat food that is both nutritious and halaal-certified - a first for the South African market.

“I have always been a pet lover,” Mr  Vallie said. “After realizing that we, as pet owners, constantly look for better nutrition for our animals, I knew we had to create something different - something wholesome, ethical, and inclusive.”

The journey to creating this unique pet food began four years ago when Z Pet Foods partnered with Swanics to develop a formula rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, and natural additives designed to improve pet health and longevity. The result is a locally produced recipe - meticulously tested on various breeds - that’s both balanced and beneficial.

Every ingredient in the new Swanics pet food range is sourced locally and certified halaal, reflecting the team’s commitment to quality and ethical standards. Mr Vallie said that the process of achieving halaal certification was rigorous but rewarding.

“The halaal certification process is extremely stringent,” he said. “It goes through several levels of inspection and testing to ensure that every ingredient meets the highest standards of purity and safety. This gives us confidence that our food is healthy for pets - and trusted by owners.”

Mr Vallie also highlighted a crucial awareness gap within the Muslim community.

“Many Muslim pet owners didn’t realize that some commercial pet foods contain pork or by-products that are not halaal. We wanted to offer a solution that aligns with their values without compromising on quality.”

Mr Vallie said the decision to enter the halaal pet food market wasn’t just about meeting a local need - it’s also a forward-looking business move. "

The global halaal market is growing rapidly,” Mr Vallie said, adding that it’s taking the world by storm. "

We believe our product has the potential to succeed both nationally and internationally.”

This first store launch is just the beginning, said Mr Vallie. Z Pet Foods plans to expand nationwide and eventually reach international markets, showcasing South African innovation and ethical production on a global stage.

Swanics, a brand with a long-standing history of care and commitment to pet wellbeing, shares Z Pet Foods’ philosophy.

“Our partnership with Swanics has been built on shared ideologies about pet nutrition and care,” Mr Vallie said. “We both believe in giving pets the best life possible -  through nutrition, love, and science.”

The partnership has already received an enthusiastic response from local pet owners, who have praised the product’s quality and positive impact on their pets’ health, said Mr Vallie.

“The feedback has been enormous. It shows that there’s a real need for what we’re doing.”

Shaigh Thafier Najjaar, president of the Islamic Council of South Africa (ICSA), said: “When Zahir approached us with this idea, we took his hand and walked the journey together,” he said. “It’s the first time our council has certified a pet food, and we made sure every aspect met halal standards.”

Mr Najjaar highlighted the council’s scientific and ethical oversight throughout the process.

“Our team of technologists and labs analyzed every ingredient from start to finish. The result is something we can be proud of, a product that reflects both Islamic values and compassion for animals," he said.

“In Islam, we are taught to show care and kindness to all living creatures. Having a halal-certified, high-quality pet food available to Muslim pet owners is a wonderful step forward. I encourage pet owners to try it and see the difference in their animals’ health and happiness.”

Mr Vallie said: “At the heart of it, this is about love for animals. Our goal is to give them nutritious, safe, and wholesome food that helps them live longer, healthier lives. Passion and love are what built this brand.”