The former tennis pro’s puppy is to star in a new campaign about pet nutrition
Scottish tennis star Andy Murray has lined up his 8-month-old puppy, Bonnie to be part of the team fronting a new campaign for Purina Pro Plan pet food aimed at inspiring owners to care for their pet’s nutrition the same way athletes like tennis players look after themselves.
Purina has also signed up Italy’s Jasmine Paolini and her dog Cesare; Turkey’s Çağla Büyükakçay and her cat Izo, and Wizz, a dog owned by France’s Gaël Monfils and Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina in the elite squad to market its pet food.
The company’s research shows that half (50%) of British pet owners say they view their cat or dog as a family member and also reveal that pet care is a priority for many, with almost a third (32%) of owners actively researching to stay updated on pet nutrition topics, with 17% even claiming to know more about their pet’s nutrition than their own. Research shows that 85% of British pet owners prioritise their pet’s nutrition needs equally or above their own, with 64% putting their pet’s needs first.
Murray said: “Bonnie only joined us this spring, and she’s such a big part of our family already, so for me, it’s important that we prioritise her health and nutrition. Throughout my career, nutrition has been key to my performance, and so it makes sense that we do this for Bonnie too because she’s going to be busy as she keeps up with life in the Murray house. I’ve learnt so much about pet nutrition and how important it is since I started working with Purina Pro Plan and I hope Bonnie and I can inspire Pro level care among other pet owners”.
Harriet Morley, specialist channel director, Northern Region, Purina Europe, said: “We’re incredibly excited about this partnership. Assembling this squad of professional athletes is the perfect way to help inspire cat and dog owners to care for their pets in the same way top players prioritise their own health and nutrition.
“We are proud to be working alongside Andy Murray and his beautiful dog Bonnie for this partnership – alongside the rest of the squad – to connect with tennis fans and pet owners alike. I know this will be an incredible adventure, one that creates powerful moments to celebrate the bond between pets and their owners.”
The whole squad shared the exciting collaboration across their own social media, with two-time Olympic gold medallist Murray even giving his LinkedIn profile a playful update – transforming it into a joint account with his puppy Bonnie to spotlight their role as part of the Purina Pro Plan squad.
Throughout the partnership, Purina Pro Plan will engage with athletes, tennis supporters and pet owners to showcase how quality nutrition and care helps support pet health and well-being.
The professional squad will also star in a new Purina Pro Plan TV advert, which puts pet nutrition in the spotlight. The advert will roll out across TV, digital, and social channels in autumn.
