TFTAK scientists helped develop ViWell functional drinks for dogs

Dogs deserve more than just water. That belief is at the heart of ViWell functional drinks for dogs, a new science-led product range created by PetWellness Labs (part of the Olvi Group), with scientific input from TFTAK.

ViWell was developed from a simple idea: pets deserve the same thoughtful approach to wellbeing as people do. Dogs move, play, travel and recover - and their daily routines can be supported in simple, practical ways, including what they drink.

The new product range will be presented at Interzoo 2026, the world’s leading trade fair for the international pet industry, from 12 to 15 May 2026 in Nuremberg, Germany.

Building a new category in pet wellbeing

ViWell aims to build a new category: functional drink for dogs. Hydration remains at the core of every product, but each drink is designed to offer additional targeted support for everyday needs such as recovery, calmness and coat health.

Behind ViWell is the expertise of Olvi Group, an European beverage manufacturer with roots dating back to 1878. Across its subsidiaries, the group brings decades of experience in beverage development and manufacturing into pet wellbeing.

Science-led development with TFTAK

TFTAK supported the development of the ViWell product range by exploring the science behind key functional ingredients, such as different amino acids, electrolytes, collagen, and botanical extracts.

The development process brought together a wider network of expertise. In addition to TFTAK scientists, the development process involved collaboration with a UK-based pet nutritionist, Estonian veterinarians, and Pet Panel, an in-home dog food testing company based in Wageningen, Netherlands. This multidisciplinary input helped evaluate the products from several angles — ingredient functionality, nutritional relevance, veterinary perspective, and real-life acceptance among dogs and their owners.

Every product in the range is developed together with scientists and veterinarians, combining ingredient science with beverage formulation expertise and practical usability for dog owners.

"TFTAK has been a crucial partner for us on this journey, helping us turn a business idea into a science-led product that offers clear value and purpose for both dog owners and their four-legged friends in their everyday routines. This is a long-term journey that has only just begun; our ambitions are high as we build a new category within pet care on a global scale. TFTAK, through their partnership with veterinarians and pet nutritionists, has been instrumental in making the launch of our first range possible," says Kairi Raudmets, ViWell Business Development Lead, Olvi Group.

Three functional drinks for everyday routines

The current ViWell range includes three ready-to- drink functional drinks for dogs:

Recovery & Balance. A functional beef-flavoured drink with electrolytes, amino acids and vitamins developed to support everyday hydration and recovery after activity or during everyday routines.

Travel & Relax. A functional drink with lemon balm, valerian and B vitamins, created to support general wellbeing and calmness in situations such as travel or changes in routine.

Coat & Beauty. A functional drink with collagen and biotin, designed to support coat care and overall appearance as part of a dog’s regular wellbeing routine.

All ViWell functional drinks for dogs are low in calories (5-8 kcal per 100 ml), free from preservatives, and packaged in convenient Tetra Pak cartons. The products are available in 300 ml and 1000 ml sizes, making them easy to use both at home and on the go.

More than hydration

In addition to ingredient research and formulation support, TFTAK scientists conducted a consumer study in Estonia as well as in collaboration with Pet Panel an in-home acceptance study.

ViWell drinks were received by dogs and their owners in real-life conditions. The studies showed consistent intake across all flavours, with up to 82% of dogs readily consuming the drinks and 85% of owners expressing interest in purchasing the product at an acceptable price point.

For the development team, these findings helped validate both the product concept and its everyday usability. The results showed that functional hydration can be introduced into dogs’ routines in a simple and practical way, while also being positively received by dog owners.

For the development team, these findings helped validate both the product concept and its everyday usability. The results showed that functional hydration can be introduced into dogs’ routines in a simple and practical way, while also being positively received by dog owners.

“A good functional product has to work both scientifically and practically. In our in-home studies, ViWell passed an important real-life test: dogs drank it, and owners understood why it could be useful. That combination is what makes the product credible,” says Annette Kägu, Project Lead for ViWell at TFTAK.

Showcasing science-led innovation at Interzoo

ViWell will be presented to the international pet industry at Interzoo 2026, where global brands, suppliers and professionals gather to discover new products, trends and technologies for pets.

For TFTAK, the collaboration demonstrates how food and beverage science can be applied in new categories, including pet wellbeing. It also reflects TFTAK’s role in helping companies move from ideas to science-based, market-ready innovations.

We are grateful to the client for this deeply committed collaboration, and to all the experts who advised us throughout the development process.

We wish ViWell a successful international launch and are glad to continue our collaboration on the next products in the pipeline — new flavours and additional functional drinks already being developed for market entry in 2027.

Photos: PetWellness Labs