Free standing insert (FSI) coupon activity increased 8.0% during 2009, according to Marx Promotion Intelligence. Petfood was a large part of the increased activity, making three top 10 lists of the coupon activity.
Petfood was listed sixth for new product introductions and second for coupons issued. For individual retailers, PetsMart was ranked second behind Target for total FSI pages circulated.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
UK dog owner launches petfood line
Peter Speed of England, UK, developed special petfood after he discovered that one of his two dogs had a liver condition and was unable to find a food that would save his pet.
He worked with food technologists to launch his own recipes, leading to the Canine Cook range.
Speed is now concentrating on marketing the brand as part of his 1st Class Pet Food company, with treats and further recipes to follow, according to the Grimsby Telegraph.
He worked with food technologists to launch his own recipes, leading to the Canine Cook range.
Speed is now concentrating on marketing the brand as part of his 1st Class Pet Food company, with treats and further recipes to follow, according to the Grimsby Telegraph.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
APOP lists top weight-loss products
The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention tested a variety of fitness and weight-loss products for pets and listed the following as among its favorites:
*The Dog Tornado, which is an interactive food game that has four layers with rotating discs, and three of these layers have compartments for hiding snacks;
*The Brake-Fast Dog Bowl, which has three columns in the middle that magically make a half-cup of food appear more abundant and also takes a dog a little longer to eat; and
*The Liver Biscotti, which is a dog treat with less than 1 calorie per piece.
*The Dog Tornado, which is an interactive food game that has four layers with rotating discs, and three of these layers have compartments for hiding snacks;
*The Brake-Fast Dog Bowl, which has three columns in the middle that magically make a half-cup of food appear more abundant and also takes a dog a little longer to eat; and
*The Liver Biscotti, which is a dog treat with less than 1 calorie per piece.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Packaged Facts releases US pet supplies report
Packaged Facts announced the release of its Pet Supplies and Pet Care Products: The U.S. Market and a Global Perspective report.
The report, which covers non-food pet supplies of all types and for all companion animal types, examines trends in flea/tick care products, cat litter, toys, rawhide chews, bedding, grooming products, supplements, clean-up products and many other product segments.
The report, which covers non-food pet supplies of all types and for all companion animal types, examines trends in flea/tick care products, cat litter, toys, rawhide chews, bedding, grooming products, supplements, clean-up products and many other product segments.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Top 10 global petfood players
The most successful companies remain industry leaders and continue to reach new heights even in an uncertain economy. Read the full article in Petfood Industry.
PMMI hosts discussion of packaging trends
The Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI), organizer and producer of the PACK EXPO trade shows, invites petfood manufacturers to attend the first-ever PACK EXPO Thought Leaders Dinner, featuring a discussion of trends in the processing and packaging sectors by supply chain leaders and end users.
The dinner will take place on February 16 from 3:00-7:00 p.m. at the Hyatt Rosemont in Rosemont, Illinois, USA.
Click here to register. Registration forms must be submitted by February 1.
The dinner will take place on February 16 from 3:00-7:00 p.m. at the Hyatt Rosemont in Rosemont, Illinois, USA.
Click here to register. Registration forms must be submitted by February 1.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Package testing webinars now in multiple languages
Mocon Inc. is making its free educational webinars on package testing accessible to a larger global audience by offering online classes in Spanish, Chinese and English.
The company is also unveiling its International Series, which has been designed to provide information to packaging professionals in multiple countries.
The company is also unveiling its International Series, which has been designed to provide information to packaging professionals in multiple countries.
Pet insurance company advises vets to approve pet diets
Whether homemade or commercial petfood, Animal Friends Insurance advises pet owners to consult with a vet about the specific needs of their pets before outlining a diet plan.
The company said that with pre-packaged animal products, vets could also advise on how to read the packaging to determine the quality and nutritional value of the ingredients before purchasing.
The company said that with pre-packaged animal products, vets could also advise on how to read the packaging to determine the quality and nutritional value of the ingredients before purchasing.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Hill’s partners with home delivery company
VetCentric Inc., a delivery provider of prescription medications and veterinary therapeutic and wellness foods, announced its new affiliation with Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc.
Under the new arrangement, VetCentric partner clinics now offer pet owners access to the entire Hill's petfood product line, including Hill's Prescription Diets and Hill's Science Diet products.
Under the new arrangement, VetCentric partner clinics now offer pet owners access to the entire Hill's petfood product line, including Hill's Prescription Diets and Hill's Science Diet products.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
New study links overweight owners to overweight dogs
A study published in the journal Public Health Nutrition investigated the relationship between body weight in pet owners and body weight in their pets.
The study found that overweight owners tend to have overweight dogs, but no significant relationship was found between owners and cats.
The study found that overweight owners tend to have overweight dogs, but no significant relationship was found between owners and cats.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Dog food saves family in Haiti earthquake
A woman and her twin sons were saved during the recent Haiti earthquake by bags of dog food, according to her interview with CNN.
The family was shopping for cat food in a supermarket when the quake struck. The woman said that when she felt the supermarket falling down on her, she thought they were going to die. However, bags of dog food in the supermarket created what the woman described as a cave, which prevented the roof from crushing her and her sons.
The family was shopping for cat food in a supermarket when the quake struck. The woman said that when she felt the supermarket falling down on her, she thought they were going to die. However, bags of dog food in the supermarket created what the woman described as a cave, which prevented the roof from crushing her and her sons.
FDA warns of potential contamination in dog treats
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns consumers not to use Merrick Beef Filet Squares for dogs, distributed by Merrick Pet Care with a package date of “Best By 111911,” because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella.
The product was distributed nationwide through retail stores and Internet sales.
Although no illnesses associated with these products have been reported, FDA advises consumers in possession of these products not to handle or feed them to their pets.
The product was distributed nationwide through retail stores and Internet sales.
Although no illnesses associated with these products have been reported, FDA advises consumers in possession of these products not to handle or feed them to their pets.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Canidae to award US$10K in veterinary medicine scholarships in 2010
In an effort to assist veterinary students from the United States and Canada with the increasing cost of a veterinary medicine degree, Canidae All Natural Pet Foods will offer four scholarships in 2010 to first- and second-year graduate students.
The company will award four individual $2,500 doctor of veterinary medicine scholarships.
“One of our most important goals at Canidae is to raise awareness of the responsibilities of pet ownership which includes making sure that pets receive proper veterinary care,” said Jason Castillo, controller for Canidae. “To compliment this effort we established veterinary scholarships in 2008 and offered them again in 2009. Going into our third year of doing so, we are excited to help another group of four deserving students follow their dream of helping animals."
A strong history of academic achievement and dedication to the wellbeing of animals are among the criteria that will determine which four applicants receive the scholarships. Applicants' essays on responsible pet ownership also will be a deciding factor.
The scholarships are open to full-time, first- and second-year graduate students currently enrolled in a doctorate of veterinary medicine program at an approved college of veterinary medicine within the US or Canada.
For detailed application criteria and requirements, visit www.canidae.com/scholarships. The application period is January 15-April 15, 2010. Winners of the scholarship will be announced on the Canidae Web site approximately 60 days after the close of the application period.
The company will award four individual $2,500 doctor of veterinary medicine scholarships.
“One of our most important goals at Canidae is to raise awareness of the responsibilities of pet ownership which includes making sure that pets receive proper veterinary care,” said Jason Castillo, controller for Canidae. “To compliment this effort we established veterinary scholarships in 2008 and offered them again in 2009. Going into our third year of doing so, we are excited to help another group of four deserving students follow their dream of helping animals."
A strong history of academic achievement and dedication to the wellbeing of animals are among the criteria that will determine which four applicants receive the scholarships. Applicants' essays on responsible pet ownership also will be a deciding factor.
The scholarships are open to full-time, first- and second-year graduate students currently enrolled in a doctorate of veterinary medicine program at an approved college of veterinary medicine within the US or Canada.
For detailed application criteria and requirements, visit www.canidae.com/scholarships. The application period is January 15-April 15, 2010. Winners of the scholarship will be announced on the Canidae Web site approximately 60 days after the close of the application period.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Ingredient Issues: Call to action 2010
Five small steps would streamline information on petfood ingredients to help communicate with pet owners. Read the full article in Petfood Industry.
Pedigree gives free petfood to dog adopters
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Web site connects job candidates with employers
AnimalJobHunter.com is a recently founded Web site designed to match the needs of pet industry employers with qualified candidates.
On the Web site, job-seeking individuals and employers can apply to or post career opportunities related to the pet supply, petfood and pet service industries.
On the Web site, job-seeking individuals and employers can apply to or post career opportunities related to the pet supply, petfood and pet service industries.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Pudgy pets support group works with petfood company
Smith Veterinary Hospital in Thornhill, Ontario, Canada, has created a Chub Club to offer support to owners of pets that need to lose weight, according to The Canadian Press.
Jennifer Febel, a practice manager at the hospital, said the club offers mostly nutritional counseling, but it is working with an unspecified petfood company to devise a website allowing pet owners to access tips.
Jennifer Febel, a practice manager at the hospital, said the club offers mostly nutritional counseling, but it is working with an unspecified petfood company to devise a website allowing pet owners to access tips.
Why Are We Feeding Our Pets?
This is rather a basic question, but how many of us have stopped to consider the real answer? Are we feeding our pets to meet their basic nutritional needs, our needs, their perceived needs, or some other perceived reason?
Because of all of the advertisements and marketing distractions and often misleading misinformation, we may have forgotten our original purpose of why we are feeding our pets. The specific purpose of any food should be to supply all of the known required nutrients at balanced and optimal levels for the life stage and life style of the pet, and in a form that is acceptable to the animal we are feeding.
One may say ‘Duh’? However, it is easy to confuse one’s purpose of selecting and providing a food based on what is in the market. All premium and super premium foods are palatable, nutritionally complete, and balanced to meet the needs of all healthy pets. The danger comes when we select a food based on perceived benefits, marketing hype, appealing packaging, uniqueness of ingredients, and anthropomorphism. We are all vulnerable to varying degrees of these sales techniques. Millions of dollars are spent every day by companies hoping to bring the various attributes and qualities of their product to our attention, real or perceived, in order to influence our decisions. These attributes may have nothing to do with the quality of the product or impact its efficacy, but it often influences our decision because of our interpretation of the information we receive. ...Read the full blog on Petfood-Connection.com.
Because of all of the advertisements and marketing distractions and often misleading misinformation, we may have forgotten our original purpose of why we are feeding our pets. The specific purpose of any food should be to supply all of the known required nutrients at balanced and optimal levels for the life stage and life style of the pet, and in a form that is acceptable to the animal we are feeding.
One may say ‘Duh’? However, it is easy to confuse one’s purpose of selecting and providing a food based on what is in the market. All premium and super premium foods are palatable, nutritionally complete, and balanced to meet the needs of all healthy pets. The danger comes when we select a food based on perceived benefits, marketing hype, appealing packaging, uniqueness of ingredients, and anthropomorphism. We are all vulnerable to varying degrees of these sales techniques. Millions of dollars are spent every day by companies hoping to bring the various attributes and qualities of their product to our attention, real or perceived, in order to influence our decisions. These attributes may have nothing to do with the quality of the product or impact its efficacy, but it often influences our decision because of our interpretation of the information we receive. ...Read the full blog on Petfood-Connection.com.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Cranimals featured in new book
Certified organic pet supplements Cranimals have been featured in the recently released book 30 Days Without Kibble.
The book, written by Eva Blais, offers dog owners an alternative to buying commercially prepared kibble and canned dog food.
Blais says she chose Cranimals to supplement her whole food recipes because after feeding the supplements to her dogs, she saw an improvement in their skin, coat and dental health, and believes Cranimals has also helped keep her pets’ immune systems strong.
The book, written by Eva Blais, offers dog owners an alternative to buying commercially prepared kibble and canned dog food.
Blais says she chose Cranimals to supplement her whole food recipes because after feeding the supplements to her dogs, she saw an improvement in their skin, coat and dental health, and believes Cranimals has also helped keep her pets’ immune systems strong.
Monday, January 11, 2010
HSUS endorses stores that don’t sell puppies
The Humane Society of the United States has endorsed 45 Chicago, Illinois, USA, pet stores that have pledged not to carry puppies in hopes of funneling more customers to those retailers, rewarding them for steering clear of “puppy mills,” according to the Chicago Tribune.
"We want to encourage (the shops) by saying thank you, and to encourage people to support those stores," said Jordan Matyas, Illinois director for the Humane Society.
"We want to encourage (the shops) by saying thank you, and to encourage people to support those stores," said Jordan Matyas, Illinois director for the Humane Society.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Recalls among consumers’ top concerns in 2009
ConsumerAffairs.com released its annual survey of the most popular pages on its Web site.
The Web site’s recalls page came in as the third most visited webpage with almost 150,000 visitors in 2009.
The Web site’s recalls page came in as the third most visited webpage with almost 150,000 visitors in 2009.
FDA seeks feedback on petfood recall questionnaire
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is asking for public comment on its recently released Pet Food Early Warning Recall Rational Questionnaire.
With respect to the administration’s collection of information, FDA invites comments on these petfood topics:
(1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of FDA’s functions, including whether the information will have practical utility;
(2) the accuracy of FDA’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information;
(3) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and
(4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents.
Submit electronic comments on the collection of information to www.regulations.gov and written comments to the Division of Dockets Management (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, Room 1061, Rockville, MD 20852.
All comments should include the docket number (FDA-2008-N-0546) and must be submitted by January 29.
With respect to the administration’s collection of information, FDA invites comments on these petfood topics:
(1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of FDA’s functions, including whether the information will have practical utility;
(2) the accuracy of FDA’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information;
(3) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and
(4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents.
Submit electronic comments on the collection of information to www.regulations.gov and written comments to the Division of Dockets Management (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, Room 1061, Rockville, MD 20852.
All comments should include the docket number (FDA-2008-N-0546) and must be submitted by January 29.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Filipino lawmaker files petfood ingredient bill
Rep. Narciso Santiago III has filed the Pet Food Additive Information Bill, or House Bill 7059, which would require petfood producers to list the ingredients and additives in their product on the packaging, according to the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
HB 7059 would also require producers to place warnings if an additive is a known carcinogen or causes harmful side effects.
HB 7059 would also require producers to place warnings if an additive is a known carcinogen or causes harmful side effects.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Hartz reaches donation goal with shelter nominations
The Hartz Mountain Corp., a US company offering pet supplies and treats, still had US$1 million worth of pet supplies to donate to local animal shelters after pledging to donate a total of US$3 million worth of its pet supplies to animal shelters in the US and Canada.
Within 10 days of asking for nominations of worthy shelters, consumer nominations came in pouring in and, by the time Hartz ships supplies to the nominated shelters, the company will have reached its final goal.
“It seems everyone is in the holiday spirit as we’ve seen a tremendous amount of goodwill from consumers nominating animal shelters from all over the country, and we’d like to thank them for responding so soon and with such enthusiasm” said Bob Shipley, Hartz senior vice president of customer relations development.
Within 10 days of asking for nominations of worthy shelters, consumer nominations came in pouring in and, by the time Hartz ships supplies to the nominated shelters, the company will have reached its final goal.
“It seems everyone is in the holiday spirit as we’ve seen a tremendous amount of goodwill from consumers nominating animal shelters from all over the country, and we’d like to thank them for responding so soon and with such enthusiasm” said Bob Shipley, Hartz senior vice president of customer relations development.
Rachael Ray announces Mutt Madness winner, runner-up
TV cook show host Rachael Ray named the Angel’s Gate Hospice & Rehabilitation Home for Animals the winner in her first annual Mutt Madness Awards Program, a program set up to benefit pet charities from the sale of her Nutrish petfood line.
The public voted Angel’s Gate of Delhi, New York, USA, as winner of the US$50,000 grand prize. Last Chance Ranch Inc. of Quakertown, Pennsylvania, USA, was voted runner-up, receiving US$25,000 for the second place finish.
The public voted Angel’s Gate of Delhi, New York, USA, as winner of the US$50,000 grand prize. Last Chance Ranch Inc. of Quakertown, Pennsylvania, USA, was voted runner-up, receiving US$25,000 for the second place finish.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Wellness offers low-calorie petfood
Petfood manufacturer Wellness now offers low-calorie food for both overweight cats and dogs.
Wellness Healthy Weight is a lower-calorie recipe formulated to help cats lose the weight and includes guaranteed levels of glucosamine and chondroitin to support overburdened hips and joints.
Wellness SuperMix5 Healthy Weight is formulated with a low-calorie blend of ingredients to help less active dogs maintain a healthy body weight and lose extra pounds. The petfood contains increased fiber, 16% less fat and 11% less calories than Super5Mix Complete Health, along with guaranteed levels of glucosamine and chondroitin.
Wellness Healthy Weight is a lower-calorie recipe formulated to help cats lose the weight and includes guaranteed levels of glucosamine and chondroitin to support overburdened hips and joints.
Wellness SuperMix5 Healthy Weight is formulated with a low-calorie blend of ingredients to help less active dogs maintain a healthy body weight and lose extra pounds. The petfood contains increased fiber, 16% less fat and 11% less calories than Super5Mix Complete Health, along with guaranteed levels of glucosamine and chondroitin.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Traceability for today
Consumer concerns over their pets' health are advancing the developments of petfood traceability standards. Read the full article in Petfood Industry.
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