The fresh investment will be used to help the firm expand into the cat food market and to grow B&D’s sales, marketing and recruitment activities as it continues to convert the nation’s dog owners to turn their beloved canines towards a raw diet.

The firm now employs 38 people in Blairgowrie, Perthshire and is backed by private equity firm Mobeus.

In February, Bella & Duke embarked on a sales and marketing push after securing a £100, 000 loan from UMi Debt Finance Scotland.

Founded from sadness in 2016 after both CEO Mark Scott and COO Tony Ottley’s pet dogs died of terminal illnesses the pair embarked on researching mainstream processed pet food.

Upon their findings Mark and Tony were alarmed at what actually went into certain foods and the negative effects these ingredients pose for the health of dogs.

Four years later and Bella & Duke is producing raw, healthy fresh pet food with natural ingredients to over 45,000 dogs across the UK serving 11 million meals a year.

To make its highly-rated meals, the team scrutinises and applies nutritional science, and sources the best local ingredients, which are blended in its own kitchen to world-class standards and frozen inside 30 minutes, before delivering on demand to customers’ doors nationwide, so all food arrives fresh without additives or preservatives.

A recent survey from B&D found how 91% of owners saw an improvement in their dogs’ digestion and overall health within eight weeks, when they switched to raw – with a 100% improvement reported in dogs with IBS.

Such success has helped bring in the significant investment in this latest round led by Mobeus and the Scottish based firm is set to deliver 105% year-on-year revenue growth.

Mark Scott, CEO of Bella and Duke, said: “This investment is great for Bella & Duke moving forward and reiterates to the industry how committed we are to our mission in getting raw pet food into the mainstream. We consult the latest research, speak with ground-breaking scientists and thought leading vets, look at clinical feedback and listen to our amazing customers, so that we know our meals will make a huge contribution in helping dogs achieve optimum health.”