Surplus food gets a second life as Australia looks for ways to cut landfill waste

Leading Australian pet brand is revolutionising repurposed food and turning it into pup-approved goodness that’s also good for the planet

Australia wastes at least 7.6 million tonnes of food each year*, but an Australian-first initiative is turning that problem into part of the solution, rescuing surplus market produce and transforming it into dog treats and meal boosters. 

Meet DOGood: a premium range of dog treats and meal boosters made from repurposed fresh market produce. Created by pet brand Wagalot in partnership with sustainability leaders Eco Guardians, the range turns surplus food into something paw-sitive and powerful.  

DOGood rescues otherwise unavoidable surplus produce from Melbourne’s iconic Prahran Market, and transforms it into a nutritious, vet-endorsed product for pets. For every kilogram of DOGood produced, up to 10kg of surplus produce is diverted from landfill. 

Using on-site dehydration technology by Eco Guardians, surplus produce is processed directly at the market – reducing waste at the source and creating a closed-loop system.

“We are wanting to do some good for the planet,” Wagalot founder Alice Needham said. “Reducing landfill is the key to reducing carbon emissions, and by processing it onsite we further reduce the environmental impact.”

But the good doesn’t stop there. Half of all DOGood profits will be donated to animal and environmental charities, extending the impact well beyond the bowl.

“Aussies can now spoil their pups with a 100% Australian made mix while also supporting charities that are helping the planet. We want to see our great country thrive, so this is us doing our bit.”

Eco Guardians’ Head of Sustainability and Partnerships Sophie Thorne said, “The real opportunity here is scale. If models like this were adopted more widely across markets and supply chains, the impact on Australia’s food waste problem could be significant.”  

DOGood is available now online via Standout Pets, shipping Australia-wide.

*National Food Waste Strategy Feasibility Study 2021