FDA: Don’t give bones to dogs

Although most pet owners assume it’s safe to give their pets a bone to chew on, the US Food and Drug Administration recently called it a “dangerous practice” that can cause injuries to pets.
“Bones are unsafe no matter what their size,” said Carmela Stamper, a veterinarian in the Center for Veterinary Medicine at the FDA. “Giving your dog a bone may make your pet a candidate for a trip to your veterinarian’s office later, possible emergency surgery, or even death.”
The FDA listed 10 reasons to not give a pet a bone, including broken teeth, mouth/tongue injuries, blocked windpipe and infections.
“There are many bone-like products made with materials that are safe for dogs to chew on,” Stamper said.

Dr. Sandra Barker finds human benefits from pet interaction

Dr. Sandra Barker, a professor of psychiatry and director of the School of Medicine Center for Human-Animal Interaction at Virginia Commonwealth University, studies what happens psychologically to humans when they interact with dogs.
In an interview with EarthSky, Barker revealed her findings in her 2009 study, in which people’s brain waves were tested before and after spending time with a dog.
She reported that she saw an increase in certain frequencies that correlate with a state of relaxation, in addition to a decrease in cortisol – the human stress hormone – after her subjects interacted with a dog.

Natura donates petfood to No More Homeless Pets KC

Natura Pet Products teamed up with animal welfare organization, No More Homeless Pets KC, to help feed homeless and in-need pets around the Kansas City, Missouri, USA, metro area.
“We are proud to be able to share more than 4,000 cases of our ... Innova dog and cat food cans with No More Homeless Pets KC,” said Don Scott, president of Natura.
Through donations like this, the animal welfare organization provides food, adoption awareness programs and other services for local animals.
The Innova dog and cat food will be distributed to other petfood pantries in the Kansas City area, as well as rescue groups and people caring for feral and free roaming dogs and cats. In addition, the donated petfood will be used to assist low income pet owners.

Video reports on industry growth, trends

Euromonitor International recently released a video reviewing pet industry growth in the past two years in addition to current petfood trends.
While petfood and pet care did not grow as much in 2009 as they did in 2008 due to the economic recession, when compared to other markets, the overall industry is still doing well.
“We expect this industry trend to pick up as the global economy outlook improves,” said Emily Woon, head of fresh food and pet care at Euromonitor.
She went on to explain the three trends currently seen in petfood: all-natural and organic petfood, weight management products and fortified/functional products.
“There is a lot of untapped potential from these three key markets,” Woon said.

Interzoo 2010 sees record number of visitors

Exhibitors and exhibition promoter, Wirtschaftsgemeinschaft Zoologischer Fachbetriebe GmbH, announced record-breaking results at the end of the recent 31st Interzoo in Nürnberg, Germany. With 4% more exhibitors and 3% more trade visitors from 117 countries compared to 2008, the event has exceeded expectations.
More than 38,000 trade visitors attended to find information on petfood, grooming aids, accessories and services. A total of 1,502 companies from 53 countries presented their innovations and trends for four-legged pets, ornamental birds, fish and reptiles for the four days of the exhibition on a record gross display area of over 90,000 square meters.
International exhibitors also rose from 77 to 79%. Besides Germany, the most exhibitors came from China, Italy, the Netherlands, Great Britain, the USA, France, Belgium, Spain and Poland.

Ernie Ward, Marion Nestle: Pets fat from treats

With recent studies showing that pets’ bellies are growing faster than ever, owners may be contributing to their pets’ obesity without even knowing it, according to The Associated Press.
Owners can overfeed their animals by as much as 25% a day, said Ernie Ward, a veterinarian and founder of the Association of Pet Obesity Prevention. “It seems so innocent. You overfeed and you don’t even know it,” he said.
However, Ward doesn’t place the blame on petfood, but on treats, calling them “kibble crack” and “calorie grenades.”
Marion Nestle, a professor and co-author of Feed Your Pet Right, agreed with Ward, saying the worst offense may be the “guilt treat” — those dropped by the handful when pets have to be left alone.

Butcher’s Pet Care completes paperwork to move

UK petfood firm Butcher’s Pet Care has completed legal paperwork in order to relocate to a new £38 million (US$55 million) administration and production facility, according to an article.
The company will move to the new Crick, Northamptonshire, UK, facility in late 2011.
Gazeley, a global developer of industrial spaces, is creating the new 250,000-square-foot complex, which will have the capacity to produce around 1,000 cans of petfood per minute and five million a week.,

Evanger’s hosts annual pet photo calendar contest

Evanger’s Dog & Cat Food Co. has opened up its 2011 Annual Calendar Photo Contest for entries.
There will be 12 pets chosen as the pet of the month, but this year entrants will be competing for a feature spread under one of the calendar’s four themes of sport exhibitors, service dogs, rescued pets and most creative pet photo.
Winners will receive their choice of Evanger’s super premium canned or dry petfood.
The calendar will be available in October and be offered free at select pet stores with a purchase of an Evanger’s product.

‘Feed Your Pet Right’ authors claim petfood labels are not truthful

Marion Nestle and Malden C. Nesheim, authors of the new book Feed Your Pet Right, said that organic petfood is largely a marketing term that isn’t verified and also claimed that premium petfoods contain mostly the same stuff as basic supermarket brands, according to a book blog.
Nestle, a public health professor and author of other books, said the labels are confusing and the organic label is a misnomer.
Neither provided specific information to support their claims.

Ke$ha gives petfood to help animals affected by flood

Singer Ke$ha donated 1,000 pounds of petfood to the Nashville Metro Animal Shelter in Tennessee, USA, after seeing the effects of the flooding on the region, according to an article.
The pop star – a Nashville native and owner of five rescued dogs – wanted to help her hometown after hearing the shelter was overwhelmed with homeless pets, so she headed to a local store, bought the petfood and dropped it off at the shelter.
“Sometimes animals get left behind when people are going through tragedy,” Ke$ha said.
She also confirmed that she’ll perform in an upcoming benefit concert for the city.

Natural Balance expands L.I.D. line, re-brands treat line

Natural Balance Pet Foods Inc. is expanding its petfood offerings with new canned and treat formulas in its L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets line. The line is designed for dogs with sensitivities to common petfood ingredients.
“We’re constantly striving to offer more options for pets, particularly those with special dietary needs,” said Heather Govea, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Natural Balance.
The two new canned formulas and three new treat formulas will create complete diets of three existing L.I.D. lines for dogs: Sweet Potato & Bison, Lamb Meal & Brown Rice and Sweet Potato & Chicken.
Along with the expansion of the L.I.D. collection, Natural Balance is re-branding the complimentary treat line with new packaging and a new name: L.I.T. Limited Ingredient Treats.
The new additions are scheduled to be available in stores by the end of May.

US panel indirectly supports organic petfood

The recent US President’s Cancer Panel Report, which urged consumers to minimize their cancer risk by eating organic food, gave an indirect boost to the organic petfood trend, according to Zootoo.
Organic petfood sales from 2009 saw an increase due to the organic trend in human food in addition to the humanization of pets, reaching US$84 million -- up almost 10% from sales in 2008, according to the Organic Trade Association’s 2010 Organic Industry Survey. The panel report’s emphasis on avoiding foods produced using chemicals and pesticides may help organic petfood sales continue to increase this year.
However, the OTA acknowledged that organic food can only assure the potential for less toxic residue in food, meaning organic petfood is not necessarily healthier than conventional petfood.

Canine drink helps guard against heat stroke

Brian Fate, a 26-year-old graduate student from Colorado, USA, recently invented an electrolyte- and vitamin-enhanced water to help his chocolate Labrador recover from hikes, according to The Rocky Mountain Collegian.
“With all the outdoor activity here in Colorado, dogs suffer from heat stroke and dehydration just as humans do if they are not given enough electrolytes,” said Matt Gauthier, the owner of local pet store Wagz, where the water is sold. “There is definitely a place in the market for this product.”
The drink, Dogdration, consists of deionized water, ginseng, vitamin C and glucosamine and is also currently sold at the local Freshies-Organic Foods.

Pup-Peroni sponsors survey about dog behavior

Pup-Peroni and Kelton Research company teamed up to conduct a survey about how dogs can pick up on their owner’s feelings and vice versa, according to ZooToo.
The survey found that 75% of people say that by reading their dog's body language and facial expressions, they can tell exactly what their dog is thinking, while over 40% of people agreed that their dog would be more likely to pick up on their bad mood than their best friend.

AFIA hosts importing, exporting seminar

The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) will hold its first-ever Import & Export Seminar in Arlington, Virginia, USA, Sept. 27-28.
The event is aimed at feed, ingredient and petfood professionals responsible for the imports or exports of agricultural products.
Registration for this event begins May 15 on AFIA’s website.

PETA, ASPCA weigh in on vegetarian cat food

The debate over the nutritional completeness of a vegetarian cat food continues with two groups disagreeing on what is best for cats, according to ZooToo.
“A vegetarian diet for your companion animal is ethically consistent with animal rights philosophy,” said the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
However, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) said feeding vegetarian diets to cats cannot be done correctly.
“At first, cats may appear to be doing satisfactorily on vegetarian or vegan diets,” the group said. “But over time nutritional deficiencies may occur. When it comes to felines, it really is best to provide a diet that includes meat.”

Humane Society of Sumner County provides free petfood to flood victims with pets

In response to the flooding affecting the Tennessee, USA, region, due to heavy storms on May 1, the Humane Society of Sumner County is offering free petfood to local owners.
“If any resident in Sumner County is suffering because of the flood, they can come in and get canned kitten, cat and dog food,” said society president Sandra Cherry.
While the facility didn’t take in any additional animals, staff members have also been busy assisting the Nashville Humane Association, where hundreds of pets have been displaced by the flood, according to The Tennessean.
Cherry said that her society is currently sharing all of its crates with the Nashville association in order to help out.

Seven fundraiser to help twin cities pet shelters overwhelmed by economic downturn

Pet shelters around the country are experiencing population explosions because people simply can no longer afford to take care of their animals.
To help raise awareness and ease the burden on shelters, Seven, Minneapolis’s premier dining and event destination, is hosting a fundraiser on Sunday, June 6th starting at 4pm with Pet Steps to Heaven. The event’s title sponsor, the PETFINDER.com Foundation, hopes this inaugural “Steak Out a Home for Pets” event encourages Twin Cities’ families to log on, find a perfect match, and give a sheltered pet a new home.
“This is a valuable resource and data center available to families that want to welcome a pet into their homes,” said John Laub, event promoter and Pet Steps to Heaven owner. “The economic downturn is affecting every aspect of our society, including our furry friends.”
In addition to great food and beverages, guests will mingle with local celebrities and their pets on Seven’s Skybar. Funding for “Steak Out a Home for Pets” also features silent and live auctions.
Tickets are $75 each. Table sponsorships are also available. To order tickets or for more information, go to www.7mpls.com/petfinder.php or call 612-868-8929

Procter & Gamble to acquire Natura Pet Products

Procter & Gamble (P&G), owner of the Iams and Eukanuba brands of petfood, has signed a deal to acquire privately held Natura Pet Products, based in Davis, Calif.
P&G, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, says the move allows it to "expand into the attractive holistic and naturals segment of the petfood category," complementing the company's current petfood brands and helping advance an overall growth strategy of "reaching more consumers in more parts of the world more completely."
Natura's brands include Innova, Evo, Healthwise, California Naturals, Mother Nature and Karma. Its products are sold in pet specialty stores and veterinary clinics, mainly in the US and Canada.
"Its time for the right company to take our brands to the next level of growth. P&G is that company," says John Rademakers, founder and owner of Natura. "We know that P&G will honor our history as they capitalize on their strengths to build these brands."
The deal is expected to close in about a month.

Glycemic Research Institute selects Orijen as healthiest petfood

Champion Petfoods LP has the healthiest dog and cat petfood on the market, according to judging done by the Glycemic Research Institute in Washington, DC, USA. It is the second year in a row that the Canadian petfood company has received the Pet Food of the Year award for its Orijen brand.

Wenger testing shows benefit of Hamlet Protein product

Testing conducted at the Wenger R&D Centre shows the benefits of using Hamlet Protein's soya protein product, HP 300, in the extrusion process.
Trials in August 2009 revealed the following:
*HP 300 showed much better organoleptic abilities than soya bean meal;
*HP 300 was not sticky after extrusion in comparison to corn gluten meal; and
*HP 300 used less energy than Soycomil P.
Additional trials in February concluded the following:
*HP 300 produced shorter fibers, darker color and increased production rate;
*HP 300 can be used as a partial or full replacement for wheat gluten in TMP;
*HP 300 obtained optimal results with 40% chicken meat, 30% HP 300 and 30% wheat gluten; and incorporating HP 300 in formulations significantly reduced costs.

International Safe Feed/Safe Food Certification Program now available

The American Feed Industry Association, the creator and sponsor of the Safe Feed/Safe Food program that has operated in the US since 2004, is now administering the international version of the program in cooperation with its counterpart in Europe, the Feed Additives and Premixtures Association.

Canidae continues to donate to The Pongo Fund

Canidae Pet Foods Inc. expanded its partnership with the Pongo Fund Pet Food Bank in Portland, Oregon, USA, to distribute superpremium petfood to those in need.
The petfood bank began operations last year with a donation from Canidae of US$125,000 worth of petfood. The petfood manufacturer continues its support of the Pongo Fund with ongoing premium petfood donations, including a recent shipment of US$20,000 worth of its Snap-Biscuit treats for dogs.

NAPPS warns of hidden health risks at dog parks

As the weather becomes warmer pet parents will likely take their best friend to a dog park. The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) offers three safety tips for pet owners who visit dog parks.
1. Bring a container of water to the park for your dog. The provided water stations are often used by raccoons or other wildlife during the night, and can spread dangerous infections, such as leptospirosis, a potentially fatal bacterial disease.

2. Carefully wipe your dog’s paws after leaving the dog park. The park’s soil can be a source of parasites and diseases and should be cleaned from the dog’s paws immediately.

3. Make sure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations prior to visiting the dog park. Through playful activity, pets can be exposed to other dogs that have not received proper vaccinations.
“Pet parents are drawn to the wonderful social and exercise benefits of dog parks, but few are aware that dog parks can impose health risks on their beloved pet,” explained Monica Leighton, President of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS). “At the core of NAPPS’ mission is a commitment to the welfare of animals. We urge pet parents to fully investigate the hidden dangers of dog parks before visiting one to protect their pet.”

Dog magazine, website help launch Iams dog college

DogChannel.com and its magazine Dog Fancy are providing the opportunity for dog owners to earn a degree online for free at Dog College, sponsored by Iams Healthy Naturals brand dog food.
The Iams Healthy Naturals Dog College program is going on April 15 through July 15. The three-month curriculum consists of nine courses that give pet owners the foundation for understanding and caring for their dogs.

Seven fundraiser to help twin city pet shelters overwhelmed by economic downturn

Pet shelters around the country are experiencing population explosions because people simply can no longer afford to take care of their animals.
To help raise awareness and ease the burden on shelters, Seven, Minneapolis’s premier dining and event destination, is hosting a fundraiser on Sunday, June 6th starting at 4pm with Pet Steps to Heaven. The event’s title sponsor, the PETFINDER.com Foundation, hopes this inaugural "Steak Out a Home for Pets" event encourages Twin Cities’ families to log on, find a perfect match, and give a sheltered pet a new home.
“This is a valuable resource and data center available to families that want to welcome a pet into their homes,” said John Laub, event promoter and Pet Steps to Heaven owner. “The economic downturn is affecting every aspect of our society, including our furry friends.”
In addition to great food and beverages, guests will mingle with local celebrities and their pets on Seven’s Skybar. Funding for Steak Out a Home for Pets also features silent and live auctions.
Tickets are $75 each. Table sponsorships are also available. To order tickets or for more information, go to www.7mpls.com/petfinder.php or call 612-868-8929.

Australian competitor buys Lovitt’s NZ

Petfood factory Lovitt’s NZ in Tauranga, New Zealand, shut down after being sold to an Australian competitor, according to the Bay of Plenty Times.
While operational, the company was a supplier of canned petfood to Coles and Woolworths supermarkets in Australia.

Study: Varied calories in diet petfoods confuse pet owners

Because the calorie counts of diet petfoods vary widely among brands, pet owners may be unknowingly overfeeding their pets, according to a study conducted at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.
The study measured the calories in 93 commercial diet petfoods (44 canine diets and 49 feline diets) and found that a pet owner serving one cup or can of diet petfood could potentially be adding more than 200 calories a day to their pet’s diet by switching brands.

PFMA survey: Older pet owners traumatized by separation from pet

A Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (UK) survey of more than 4,000 people discovered that 90% of people think that separation from a pet is traumatic for older people entering residential care, according to K9 Magazine.
The survey, conducted in March, also found 83% agree pets make their owners happier.

Petco, Blue Buffalo raise pet cancer awareness

During Pet Cancer Awareness month (May), Petco and Blue Buffalo will be partnering to raise awareness and funds to fight pet cancer.
Pet owners can make donations to the cause by rounding up their in-store Petco purchases to the next dollar at the register, or by making a donation in an amount of their choice. Blue Buffalo will also donate up to US$1 for every bag of Blue dog or cat food purchased during May.

Greenies hosts pet smile contest

Greenies will hold its second-annual “Show Us Your Pet's Healthy Smile” contest, an initiative dedicated to educating pet owners on the importance of daily oral care for their pets.