Predictions about baby boomers and pets were wrong

In 2012, a Bloomberg article predicted that baby boomers would spend less on pet products as they age and may give up their pets. But a recent report from Packaged Facts says baby boomers are a major key to market growth.
According to the Bloomberg article, pet ownership rates tend to drop as people age, and baby boomers, defined as those born from 1946-64, are reaching retirement age. An industry survey found that routine veterinary care could cost about US$248 per year for a dog, which may mean these baby boomers could be forced to give up their pets on fixed incomes and in smaller homes, or due to physical limitations that prevent them from being able to care for their pet.
However, with most children gone from the home, baby boomers still spend a significant amount on their pets and treat them like humans. The Nielsen Co. reported that baby-boomer households spent an average of US$211 per year on petfood in 2010, exceeding spending by any other generation. As a result, the pet industry is promoting the benefits of pet ownership for older people, like through the Human Animal Bond Research Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting the positive role that animals play in a person's health.
At around 77 million strong, the generally high-earning and big-spending baby boomers are one of the most important forces driving the pet industry and one that holds enormous promise, according to the new Packaged Facts report. To date, boomers have broken the historical pattern of slacking off in pet ownership as they age. Instead, they have superimposed their proclivities toward health/wellness and self-pampering onto their pets. This is very good news for the pet industry and pet markets. But the news gets even better in that boomers are rapidly aging into the senior bracket. If boomers' 'rule-breaking' behavior with regard to pet ownership continues, the result will be robust pet market participation in the senior cohort, where pet ownership rates have historically been far below average. 

Report: 4 key trends driving $15 million US pet market

Valued at US$15 billion in 2014, nonfood pet supplies are part of a much larger US market for retail pet products and services, totaling almost five times this amount. Yet the competitive allure of the pet supplies segment — which grew by 15% during the five-year 2010-14 period — is as irresistible as ever to retail marketers, according to market research publisher Packaged Facts in the report, “Pet Supplies in the US, 10th Edition.”
More than 2,250 companies of varying sizes compete in the US pet supplies market. This number has grown steadily as more companies have oriented themselves toward the pet and pet supply markets, notes David Sprinkle, research director, Packaged Facts. And the competition will likely continue to ratchet up as the market grows steadily to reach a projected $17 billion in sales by 2019.
In “Pet Supplies in the US, 10th Edition,” Packaged Facts pinpoints four key factors that will influence market growth during the rest of 2015 and beyond. These drivers and macrotrends include:
Impact of economy on pet spending: Like most consumers, pet owners adapted to life in the "new normal" economy, and many continue to retain their cautious approach toward spending. While a growing number of pet owners feel as though their financial situation has improved, a much larger constituent is barely maintaining the status quo, while some consumers are still struggling significantly. Yet, while many consumers are still feeling the economic pinch, survey data also reveal that pet owners are increasingly seeing themselves as better off relative to previous years and seem to be increasingly optimistic about their future.
Savings still a priority for pet owners: Cost savings are still important for pet products. Roughly half of pet owners feel that they are spending more than they used to on pet products. However, between 2011 and 2015, the percentage of pet owners who feel that pet products are becoming too expensive dropped from 74% to 64%, indicating that a growing number of pet owners may be comfortable revisiting higher priced products. At the same time that some pet owners are less concerned about cost, the vast majority (71%) still agree that they seek out lower prices, special offers, and sales on pet products. Thus while some consumers are becoming more receptive to higher cost items, most still appear to be bargain hunting.
Premiumization and natural pet products: For the past decade, premiumization has been driving much of the pet market growth, and this trend remains in strong play. Premiumization especially drives increased sales (at least in dollars if not in units) of high-end pet products, and most industry experts view the trend as critical to maintaining growth and profit as margins on premium pet product lines can be considerably higher than for standard brands. Natural pet products are a key target for premiumization, and consumers continue to look for natural products in the non-food pet products space. Pet health is another key medium for justifying market-supporting higher prices for premium products, and virtually all pet product marketers are focusing more intensively on pet health. Pet owners are willing to spend more if they believe that the products offer health and wellness benefits.
Baby boomers as major key to market growth: At around 77 million strong, the generally high-earning and big-spending baby boomers are one of the most important forces driving the pet industry and one that holds enormous promise. To date, boomers have broken the historical pattern of slacking off in pet ownership as they age. Instead, they have superimposed their proclivities toward health/wellness and self-pampering onto their pets. In and of itself, this is very good news for the pet industry and pet markets. But the news gets even better in that boomers are rapidly aging into the senior bracket. If boomers' "rule-breaking" behavior with regard to pet ownership continues, the result will be robust pet market participation in the senior cohort, where pet ownership rates have historically been far below average.
"Pet Supplies in the US, 10th Edition" compiles extensive and proprietary survey data on pet product trends, consumers, and pets, and carefully examines key factors influencing market growth. All pet types are considered, including cats and dogs as well as birds, small animals, fish, and reptiles. The report covers all major nonfood pet product categories including cat litter, rawhide/natural chews, other dog/cat supplies, and non-dog/cat supplies. Within these categories, major segments examined include cat litter, flea and tick care, toys, bedding, grooming, clean-up, and many others.

New pet food at PetSmart will help charity

Pet lovers can now feed their own pets a wholesome meal and serve one up to a pet in need. PetSmart Inc. will launch Good Natured, a new, philanthropic and natural dog and cat food brand available exclusively at the more than 1,400 PetSmart stores and online at petsmart.com. For every bag of food purchased, PetSmart will donate a meal to a pet in need through PetSmart Charities or PetSmart Charities Canada.
The dog food donations will benefit thousands of PetSmart’s shelter partners, freeing up the shelters’ precious funds for adoption and other life-saving programs. PetSmart expects donations from customer purchases of Good Natured products to reach 250,000 pounds of food – equivalent to 500,000 meals – in the first year of sales.
“At PetSmart, we know pet parents want the best for their pets. That’s why we are thrilled to launch this wholesome, quality food that is also affordable,” said Eran Cohen, chief customer experience officer, PetSmart. “Good Natured’s natural formulation is a great match for pet parents who want to serve up a healthy option to their own pet, while also providing a wholesome, nutritious meal to pets in need.”
Good Natured is a value-priced, natural, wholesome pet food. It features quality, real ingredients, with meat as the first ingredient, and is free from corn, wheat, soy, artificial preservatives, colors or flavorings to keep pets healthy and strong. Dry and wet food options are available for cats and dogs, and the largest package size is available for less than $30.
The new brand is now available for purchase at PetSmart stores across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, as well as online at petsmart.com.

RECALL: Halo recalls Spot’s Stew Sensitive Cat Turkey kibble

Products may contain mold

Halo, Purely for Pets has initiated a limited, voluntary recall of its Spot’s Stew Sensitive Cat Turkey kibble with a Best By date of 09/04/2016 due to reports of mold. No other Halo products are affected.
Consumers who have Spot’s Stew Sensitive Cat Turkey stamped “Best By 09/04/2016” should discontinue feeding, and return the remaining portion to any Halo retailer for a full refund or replacement.
While some pets can ingest mold without incident, others may experience digestive issues. Consumers should consult their veterinarian if their cat experiences digestive issues. Halo is also instructing its retailers to remove Sensitive Cat Turkey products stamped “Best By 09/04/2016” from their shelves.
The affected product is Spot’s Stew Wholesome Turkey Recipe Sensitive Formula for Cats with UPCs 745158350231 and 745158340232. The products come in 6 lb. and 3 lb. bags with a best by date of 09/04/2016.
For more information, contact Halo Customer Care at +1.800.426.4256 Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, or email customers@halopets.com or visit www.halopets.com.

RECALL: Salix Animal Health expands Good ‘n’ Fun recall

Original recall was issued October 1, 2015

Salix Animal Health L.L.C. of Deerfield, Florida, USA, is voluntarily expanding its recall of Good 'n' Fun - Beefhide Chicken Sticks because this product may be contaminated with Salmonella.
Sampling conducted by the Georgia Department of Agriculture confirmed the presence of Salmonella in an additional lot of this product. In an abundance of caution, Salix Animal Health is expanding its original recall to include the tested lot and others made around the same timeframe. This affects Good 'n' Fun - Beefhide Chicken Sticks only; no other product is affected by this announcement.
The recalled Good 'n' Fun - Beefhide Chicken Sticks were distributed nationwide to Dollar General, Dollar Tree and Family Dollar retail stores. The recalled product is packaged in a 2.8 ounce bag stamped on the back side with an item code number of 82247 and with an expiration date ranging from 02/2018- 07/2018.
The UPC code is 0 91093 82247 1 as shown in the table below.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected, but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers of Salmonella and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
Salmonella can affect animals that eat contaminated products and there is a potential risk to humans if they come in contact with Salmonella from handling contaminated products.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some, or all, of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
No other product is affected at this time. Customers should look at the item number, and expiration date on the product package to determine if it is subject to the voluntary recall. Customers who have purchased the product subject to this recall are urged to dispose of the product or return it for full refund.
We take our responsibility to pets and their owners seriously and are taking steps to prevent it from occurring in the future. Salix Animal Health is also working with retailers to ensure that the affected product is removed from inventory and is no longer sold.
If you have these products, please contact Salix Animal Health’s consumer affairs team at +1.800.338.4896, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 pm. EST for a refund. Customers with questions may call the consumer affairs team at the number listed above.

Three Dog Bakery promotion honors military veterans

Wednesday, November 11 marks a day our nation honors its military servicemen and women. It’s also a day Three Dog Bakery pays tribute to returning U.S. veterans with a special promotion aimed at raising money for service dogs.
On Veteran’s Day 2015, Three Dog Bakery and man’s best friend are doing their part by providing military veterans with service dogs. Three Dog Bakery will donate to FISH – Food Industry Serving Heroes – an amount equal to 15 percent of the total product sales it takes in on Veteran’s Day through its bakeries, retail outlets and online. In addition, the company will contribute a year’s supply of its dog food and treats to the recipients of its service dog initiative to further lessen the financial burden on America’s veterans.
FISH is a nonprofit organization designed to engage the food industry in serving military veterans who have sacrificed greatly to guarantee US freedom. With the donations from the Three Dog Bakery Veteran’s Day promotion, FISH will purchase service dogs to distribute to veterans in need. Three Dog Bakery co-owner Aziz Giga says the health and well-being of returning servicemen and women is a subject that is close to his heart.
“I’ve always been humbled by the sacrifices the men and women of our military make on behalf of American freedom, and I recognize the struggles they have returning home,” Giga says. “It’s so important for those of us who have benefited from their sacrifices to do what we can to help. For many, there is no greater need than simple, daily assistance – the kind that can often be provided with a service dog. We are encouraging our suppliers and service providers to participate with us by donating to FISH as well.”
In fact, many returning military personnel and veterans face myriad challenges that can be aided with the use of a service dog, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, immobility and inactivity. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2014, about 3.4 million veterans had a service-connected disability.
Service members and veterans are provided with highly specialized service dogs that help them find a new level of independence in their post-combat life. Service dogs are specially trained to help perform a multitude of tasks that increase the independence of their human partners, including retrieving items from the refrigerator, pushing handicap buttons, turning lights on and off, opening and closing doors and so much more. What was once impossible becomes possible. People paired with service dogs show significant improvements psychologically, socially – even economically.
Not surprisingly, service dogs are in high demand. Wait times for these highly trained canines vary from six months to three years. Training begins when the dogs are young. The most common breeds are Labradors, golden retrievers or a mix of the two. Some organizations charge the recipient for their assistance dog to recoup some of the cost of training the animals. These highly trained canines work on average eight to 10 years before they retire.
“Service and companion dogs have become a life-changing necessity for many returning veterans, but are cost prohibitive for most,” says FISH Founder Paul Chapa.
With 50 million dog owners in the U.S., Three Dog Bakery believes the necessary financial support to provide service dogs is an affirmation of the many benefits provided by living with a dog and a tribute to its loyal customers, the many four-legged friends who press their noses up against the bakery glass or who enjoy their treats at home. Three Dog Bakery will pioneer this annual tradition just as it did the canine bakery concept 26 years ago. Popular among canines and their owners alike, its products feature a diverse array of premium, all-natural, made in the USA treats and food for those special times in a dog’s or family’s life.
Three Dog Bakery oversees nearly 40 boutique bakeries for dogs, located within the United States, Canada and Hong Kong, and is known for its custom-made baked treats. Additionally, the company provides Three Dog Bakery brand and private label packaged products to national and independent pet retailers, grocery, mass, club and drug stores, as well as through direct-to-consumer online sales. Among its most popular products within that retail segment are baked treats, like the Classic Crèmes and Lick’n Crunch cookies.

FDA focuses on FSMA Phase 2 implementation

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) focused on implementation of Phase 2 of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) at its public meeting in Chicago on October 20, 2015.
According to Roberta Wagner, associate director for FSMA operations, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition at FDA, FSMA is being implemented in three phases:

• Phase 1: Setting standards by developing regulations and policy.
• Phase 2: Designing strategies to promote and oversee industry compliance by identifying performance metrics to measure success.
• Phase 3: Transitioning strategies and performance metrics from design to operation and evaluating their success.

To implement Phase 2, which is the next step in the process, FSMA workgroups were established by FDA’s food and veterinary medicine executive council. Those workgroups are charged with developing the framework and multi-year implementation plan for ensuring compliance.
“We’ve set ourselves up so we are not operating in silos within the agency,” Wagner said.
Guiding Phase 2 FSMA implementation is a Program Alignment Initiative that relies on several factors to result in successful FSMA implementation:

• Vertically integrated, commodity-based programs
• Specialization of inspection and compliance staff and regulatory labs
• Clear, current and consistently applied policy
• Streamlined decision-making
• Risk-based allocation of program resources
• Agreed-upon performance and public health metrics

Key implementation principles

Joann Givens, food and feed program director for FDA Office of Regulatory Affairs, explained that Phase 2 implementation relied on several key principles. Those are:

• Industry education, outreach and technical assistance: This can be achieved by facilitating industry compliance with prevention-oriented standards through guidance documents, tools and resources for education, alliances with stakeholders, and technical assistance networks.
• Regulator training: Stringent training will promote uniform, quality inspections, which will result in consistent decision-making by regulators.
• Inspections: Systems-based inspections, as opposed to observation-focused ones, will be interactive and cooperative.  
• Compliance and enforcement: The development and implementation of explicit inspection and enforcement strategies will facilitate consistent decision-making by regulators. FDA also will encourage the industry to comply with regulations and make corrections on its own. The agency says it realizes that not all observations are equal relative to risk and the potential for public health impact and that it is aiming for a dynamic regulatory strategy.
• Accountability and stakeholder engagement: FDA is looking to develop meaningful public health and performance metrics to measure the success of FSMA implementation. It says it recognizes the role of the marketplace in influencing and expanding industry compliance with FSMA rules and therefore plans to work closely with industry, government agencies, academia, other key stakeholders and partners.

Purina helps celebrate domestic violence shelter dog park

Urban Resource Institute (URI) and Nestlé Purina PetCare hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 13, 2015, to celebrate Manhattan’s first-ever dog park in a domestic violence shelter.
The new dog park is located at Urban Women’s Retreat (UWR), an emergency shelter that is part of the URIPALS (People and Animals Living Safely) program. URIPALS is the only program in New York City and one of the few nationally that allows survivors of domestic violence to live in shelter with their pets. To date, URIPALS has helped 43 families with 63 pets, including 38 cats, 18 dogs, and a range of smaller animals, such as reptiles and fish, escape domestic violence.
Sponsored by Purina, which funded the design and construction of the dog park, the Purina Pet Haven will provide survivors of domestic violence and their families (including pets) with a safe and calming retreat in which to heal together while in shelter. The opening of the new dog park builds upon Purina’s previous support of the URIPALS program. In spring 2014, Purina also sponsored the creation of the Purina Play Haven at URI’s Safe Haven shelter in Brooklyn. Since its opening, the park at Safe Haven has served as a vital component in the healing process for a number of families and their pets.
“Through the URIPALS program, we have witnessed first-hand how important it is for survivors to have their beloved pets by their side while they heal,” said Nathaniel Fields, president and CEO of URI. “From early on in the URIPALS program, Purina has been committed to supporting survivors of domestic violence and their pets. We know that the new dog park will play an integral part in helping our clients heal, and for that we are extremely grateful to Purina.”
URI and Purina’s collaboration in support of URIPALS brings together one of New York City’s largest domestic violence service providers and a leader in the pet care industry around the closely linked issues of animal abuse and domestic violence. United by the belief that people and pets are better together, URI and Purina are helping reduce barriers to safety for families with pets in domestic violence situations and hope to continue raising awareness about the impact of abuse on the whole family — including pets.
“For most pet owners, the bond with their pet is incredibly strong, and for people in abusive relationships their pet can be an important source of comfort,” said Dr. Kurt Venator, Purina veterinarian. “Purina is very proud to support the Urban Resource Institute in its efforts to keep families and their pets together during this time of healing.”
As part of its support for the URIPALS program, Purina is also donating Purina ONE brand dog food, Purina Cat Chow brand cat food, along with other dog treats and cat litter. In addition, Purina is working with URI to provide supplies for welcome kits for families bringing pets to Urban Women’s Retreat, including pet travel carriers, safety gates, pet beds, pet feeding and watering bowls, cat scratching posts, leashes and pet toys.
 At the ribbon-cutting, Manhattan Deputy Borough President Aldrin Bonilla and New York State Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal issued proclamations celebrating the URIPALS program and its impact on survivors of domestic violence and their pets in New York City.

PetSmart-Petco merger talks stall over antitrust risk

Merger talks between PetSmart Inc. and Petco Holdings Inc. have stalled because of disagreements over antitrust risks, according to a report.
The risks for a deal hinge on how the Federal Trade Commission would define the pet supply market, reports say. A narrow definition that includes only specialty pet supply stores would make it more difficult to get a deal approved. A broader definition that includes any retailer that sells pet supplies would make the deal easier to approve.
In September, PetSmart said it was exploring the possibility of acquiring Petco.
The two companies also explored a merger possibility in 2014, but PetSmart ruled out a deal with Petco in favor of a buyout by private equity consortium led by BC Partners Ltd. for US$8.7 billion. At the time, PetSmart was unsure a deal with Petco would receive antitrust clearance.
In August 2015, Petco filed for an initial public offering of stock that could value it at US$5 billion to US$6 billion, including debt. And, in early October, the company confirmed it would go public again after nine years of private ownership.
The company has filed an amended S-1 form with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, but no terms were given in the filing.
Proceeds from the offering will go to the selling stockholders instead of the company. The private equity firms that own it and other investors will retain majority voting power after the initial public offering.

Prins Petfoods expanding in Denmark

Prins Petfoods is expanding toward Denmark. The Dutch family-owned company from Veenendaal specializes in 100% natural quality food for cats and dogs, and they are working with Danish partners Thomas Torp Christensen and Jørgen Ravn Christensen, whose company Torp&Ravn is active in the Danish market for pet shops and garden centers. Their collaboration will start in November 2015.
Torp&Ravn is a small company specialized in quality pet food. It has its own storage and logistics, provides professional advice and manages its own sales and trainings. Torp&Ravn fully supports Prins’ philosophy: providing 100% natural products and sharing knowledge and know-how.
There are approximately 60,000 dogs and 70,000 cats in Denmark. Prins’ initial sales will be via pet stores, garden centers and breeders. The Prins CareTeam, which provides owners with advice on nutrition, nurture, care and animal behavior, will be localized to suit the Danish needs.
The Danish partners will ensure Prins’ philosophy is properly expressed in Denmark. Prins’ top priority is animal well-being, and the company aims to offer more than just food, or, as we see in the Danish slogan: Prins.

AFIA to host FSMA Phase III training

The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) will host its second Food Safety Modernization Act Phase III training January 27, 2016, as part of the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta, Georgia. The one-day session will cover various components of the new law, published in the Federal Register on September 17, Current Good Manufacturing Practice and Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Food for Animals.
The seminar is ideal for all employees involved in feed, ingredient and pet food manufacturing. AFIA staff experts and Daniel McChesney, PhD, of the US Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, will address:

• Completing an animal food safety plan
• Current Good Manufacturing Practices
• Developing an effective supply chain program
• Foreign Supplier Verification Program and Third-Party Rules
• Records for FSMA compliance

AFIA’s next steps

“AFIA was ready for the release of the FSMA final rule and you can rest assured our staff is preparing to make the implementation process as smooth as possible,” said Henry Turlington, PhD, AFIA director of quality and manufacturing regulatory affairs. “This training will help plant managers, quality associates and feed industry personnel gain a better understanding of the animal food rule.”
You can register online or on site.
IPPE is expected to attract more than 28,000 attendees and is a collaboration of three trade shows — International Feed Expo, International Poultry Expo and International Meat Expo — representing the entire chain of protein production and processing. The event is sponsored by the American Feed Industry Association, US Poultry & Egg Association and the North American Meat Institute.

Mars launches Eukanuba line in India

Mars Inc. subsidiary Mars International India has launched its Eukanuba pet food line in India.
Eukanuba brand pet food will be available in 1 kilogram, 3 kilogram and 15 kilogram packages in specialty channels in metro areas and in major cities across the country.
Mars acquired the Eukanuba brand, as well as Iams and Natura, from Procter & Gamble in 2014.
Eukanuba has been in existence for 69 years and has manufactured pet food in 70 countries. The Eukanuba portfolio includes products that cater to unique pet needs for maintaining healthy activity levels, shiny coats, dental protection, building strong bones and lean muscle, and maintaining proper function of the digestive tract.
'Eukanuba is a well-established brand and is trusted by pet owners across the world. It has a wider portfolio in terms of variants, textures and flavors for special needs of the pets,' Mars India Corporate Affairs Director Nitin Kulkarni said in a statement. 'With Eukanuba coming on board, we hope to satisfy the needs of our customers and pets around the world by offering them high-quality products.'

Early bird registration open for Petfood Forum Asia 2016

 Early bird registration is now open for Petfood Forum Asia 2016. The fifth edition of this event will be held March 30, 2016, in Bangkok, Thailand. Petfood Forum Asia is held in conjunction with VICTAM Asia/FIAAP Asia, one of the largest agri-feed trade shows in the world.
With the early bird special, you can register now and save US$50. Pre-registration is required to reserve your seat. Registration includes all educational sessions, session materials, breakfast, networking lunch and refreshment breaks.
Petfood Forum Asia is a conference for the Southeast Asia pet food and pet treat industry. Petfood Forum Asia provides the ability socialize and network with industry peers from throughout Southeast Asia and to meet those hard-to-reach prospects, have project update meetings on-site with customers, and meet new leads through networking events.
Petfood Forum Asia attendees include professionals working in nutrition, ingredient and processing technologies, packaging, food science, research and development, product development, food safety, quality analysis/quality control, purchasing, import/export and regulatory compliance.
Petfood Forum Asia will take place March 30, 2016, in Bangkok, Thailand, and will be co-located with VICTAM Asia together with the 9th Aquafeed Horizons Conference and FIAAP Animal Nutrition Conference on March 29, 2016. The 2016 VICTAM Asia combines the FIAAP, VICTAM and GRAPAS exhibitions (and their respective conferences) under one roof at Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Center (BITEC) in Bangkok, Thailand, March 29-31, 2016.

Most popular PetfoodIndustry.com stories for week ending October 9

Tailoring pet food to mimic human diets

Nestle Purina is making the most of the trend in pet food of feeding animals the same things that humans eat. “We want to have products that appeal to the owner,” Chef Amanda Hassner said in a report. “It can’t look or smell horrible to the person.” Accelerated by millennials, the humanization of companion animals is becoming more prominent.

K-9 Kraving Dog Food recalls Chicken Patties

K-9 Kraving Dog Food has announced a voluntary recall of its Chicken Patties Dog Food shipped between July 13 and July 17, 2015, because these products may be contaminated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. The affected product was distributed to retail stores only in Maryland. No other K-9 Kraving Dog Food products are affected.

PFI president: pet food's compelling story for consumers

A focus on pet food safety as a common cause and a commitment to providing comfort and nutrition to pets create a very compelling story for the pet food industry to tell consumers, says Cathy Enright, president of the Pet Food Institute (PFI).

Big Heart Pet Brands investigated over alleged slave labor

Plaintiffs law firm Hagens Berman is investigating Big Heart Pet Brands for allegedly importing fish-based pet food from suppliers who use slave labor. Hagens Berman alleges that Big Heart Pet Brands imports pet food from Thai Union Frozen Products. According to U.S. customs documents, Thai Union has shipped more than 28 million pounds of seafood-based pet food for some of the top brands sold in the United States.

Petco will go public once again

Petco Holdings Inc. will go public after nine years of private ownership. The company has filed an amended S-1 form with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, but no terms were given in the filing. Petco has not said what exchange it will file on or what its symbol will be. Proceeds from the offering will go to the selling stockholders instead of the company.

Survey: Dog owners have difficulty choosing pet food

In light of National Pet Wellness Month in October, Just Right by Purina recently conducted a survey to find out what concerns dog owners have about their dog’s health and wellness, and which aspects they find the most difficult to make informed decisions on.
PSB conducted an online survey among 900 dog-owners in the US. Research was conducted between September 8 and September 11, 2015.

Survey findings

• Nearly half of dog owners surveyed agree choosing the right food for their dog is the most difficult part of pet ownership.
• Half of dog owners surveyed say they think about their dog’s nutrition often.
• More than half of dog owners surveyed (52%) and nearly 7 in 10 Millennial dog owners surveyed (68%) agree their dog’s nutrition is more confusing than their own.
• 70% of dog owners surveyed agree the dog food they select mostly fits their dog’s needs, but is not the perfect fit.
• Of those surveyed, 79% of millennials believe the pet food they select is not the perfect fit.
• Almost 1 in 4 dog owners surveyed say they felt overwhelmed with the amount of choices available the last time they purchased dog food.
• 1 in 4 dog owners surveyed estimated, on average, they spend more than 10 minutes in the dog food aisle deciding between the different blends, brands and flavors available.
• Nearly 4 in 10 (37%) of millennials say they spend more than 10 minutes choosing between the different blends, brands and flavors available.
• When asked about how they would feel if there were a food that could be personalized for their dog’s nutritional needs, dog owners surveyed were primarily positive about this opportunity, with 57% stating they were interested.

Tailoring pet food to mimic human diets

Nestle Purina is making the most of the trend in pet food of feeding animals the same things that humans eat.
“We want to have products that appeal to the owner,” Chef Amanda Hassner said in a report. “It can’t look or smell horrible to the person.”
Accelerated by millennials, the humanization of companion animals is becoming more prominent. As a result, many of the top human food trends have found their way into the petfood market -- particularly those that focus on the health and wellness of our furry family members. Those include:

• Better health through nutrition. Pet owners are looking to eliminate certain ingredients from their pets’ diets, such as sugar, grains, dyes and preservatives.
• Nutrition for seniors, as pets and their owners are living longer lives.
• Weight management, as a large percentage of America’s pet population is overweight or obese.

According to Euromonitor International, millennials tend to humanize pets more than other generations and are more willing to spend more money on higher-quality food and human-grade products.
“Pet owners aren’t just looking to provide a home for their pets,” said Bob Vetere, president of the American Pet Products Association. “They are investing in their pets’ quality of life. Oftentimes they do this at their own expense, cutting personal expenses, but not those affecting their faithful companions.”

Petcurean to open new manufacturing facility

Premium pet food company Petcurean is opening a new manufacturing facility in partnership with Elmira Pet Products to meet the growing demand for the Canadian brand’s products.
The new facility will feature state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment for its premium-quality, custom pet foods made with market-fresh meats, veggies, fruits and berries -- all formulated by Petcurean’s nutrition department to promote the optimal health and well-being of dogs and cats.
“At Petcurean, we have a deep-seated commitment to providing the freshest, highest-quality premium pet food for our customers and their four-legged family members,” said Rick van Schagen, president and general manager for Petcurean Pet Nutrition. “Ownership in this new facility allows us to ensure a secure supply for our growing customer base, and provides us with a solid foundation to continually innovate the best, premium pet food recipes that our customers have come to know and expect.”
Petcurean will continue to seek ingredients used in their recipes from carefully vetted farmers, ranchers and producers. The majority of the meat proteins, grains, cereals, fruits and vegetables in Petcurean’s GO!, NOW FRESH and SUMMIT Original recipes will continue to be sourced from North America and as close to the production facility as possible.
 The manufacturing operation will uphold Petcurean’s very high standard of sanitation, cleanliness and manufacturing excellence. The facility will be run by Elmira, one of Canada’s largest dry pet food manufacturing plants with a dedicated and knowledgeable operations staff who have broad experience manufacturing premium-quality pet food products. As with other of Petcurean’s facilities, the plant will seek certification by the EU, FDA, BRC and CFIA.

Register for P3|Progressive Pet Products trade show

The new P3|Progressive Pet Products trade show has officially opened advance online attendee registration and announced a call for speakers for the educational seminar series, “Focus on the Future.”
Filling a marketplace need for a Midwest trade show for pet industry retailers, P3 will bring the industry’s newest pet products, exceptional educational programming and networking events together August 24-25, 2016, at Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
“We’ve been very pleased with the positive response and industry feedback we’re received since announcing the new P3 show,” says Stacey Barrett Brooks, show director, P3. “Top distributors, manufacturers and industry newcomers are already reserving space on the show floor and we’re now moving into full gear with show promotions and programming. It’s exciting to watch this new show take shape.”
To make attendee registration and entry as easy as possible, while also ensuring the wholesale integrity of the new event, P3 is offering ExpressPass registration to credentialed retailers involved in pet-related businesses. Rather than receiving a badge in advance by mail, retailers can receive an ExpressPass via email to scan with onsite readers and quickly print out badge(s) when they arrive at the show.

Call for speakers

 Retailer education will be an integral part of the inaugural P3 edition with a program lineup including morning keynote presentations and additional sessions scheduled throughout the show centered around the theme “Focus on the Future.” P3 is now accepting speaking proposals until November 15, 2015.

Pet food, feed meeting focuses on feed safety rule

Implementation and enforcement of the Current Good Manufacturing Practices and Hazard Analysis and Preventive Controls for Food for Animals, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) regulation most relevant to pet food safety, was a key focus of the 2015 Feed and Pet Food Joint Conference held September 29-October 1 in Columbus, Ohio, USA. The two organizations hosting the conference, the National Grain & Feed Association (NGFA) and Pet Food Institute (PFI), have played a leadership role in providing industry response to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the rule.
The conference’s opening sessions were presented by two FDA representatives: Daniel McChesney, PhD, director of the agency’s Center for Veterinary Medicine Office of Surveillance and Compliance, who provided an overview of how the rule will be implemented; and Scott MacIntire, director of FDA’s Division of Enforcement/Office of Enforcement and Import Operations within the Office of Regulatory Affairs, who spoke about enforcement of the rule. A workshop on the second day of the conference helped attendees understand the rule’s requirements and how to demonstrate compliance.
McChesney reiterated that the regulation, commonly referred to as the animal feed preventive controls rule, establishes current good manufacturing practices (cGMPs) for animal feed and pet food for the first time and requires all registered manufacturing facilities within those industries to have written preventive controls plans. After several hundred comments from industry members, FDA also looked at existing industry standards and revised the requirements for cGMPs in the final rule, making them more flexible and less prescriptive because of the wide range in types of facilities, products being made and species of animals the products are manufactured for.
The cGMPs in the rule cover personnel, plant and grounds, sanitation, water supply and plumbing, equipment and utensils, plant operations, holding and distribution, and holding and distribution of human food by-products for use as animal food, McChesney said. He added that it is up to each company/facility to determine which of these might have hazards that need control.
He also discussed the food safety plan, which must include hazard analysis, preventive controls (including process, sanitation, supply chain controls, plus a recall plan), monitoring of hazards/controls, corrective actions and controls, verification, validation, verification of implementation/effectiveness and re-analysis of plan itself. “This rule is heavy on documentation; everything must be documented,” McChesney said.
The rule also includes a supply-chain program, which involves supplier verification activities (such as on-site audits), sampling and testing, and review of relevant safety records, among other elements. The activity and frequency should be based on the nature of the hazard, where it is controlled and the supplier performance.
To help pet food and feed manufacturers comply with the rule, FDA is issuing guidance documents. One on cGMPs is finished, McChesney said, and in the process of being cleared through the federal government’s channels; a document on hazard and analysis and preventive controls is under development.
MacIntire discussed the training requirements of FSMA and FDA’s role. The agency has established a Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance, in conjunction with NGFA and PFI, which is developing and providing training to industry as well as regulators. Food and feed safety staff from FDA will be required to attend this training, and industry members will receive a certificate proving they did the training, which will count under FSMA, MacIntire said. The preventive controls training will take three to four years because of the sheer number of people needing training, he added. In addition, the agency has formed a Food Safety Technical Assistance Network to provide central, consistent sources of outreach and real-time technical assistance to industry and regulators before, during and after inspections. Training for that is also under way.
MacIntire emphasized that the underlying philosophy for his division’s enforcement of FSMA is to try and change the culture in FDA, from one of enforcement only to gaining industry compliance. That includes having an open-door policy to industry at all levels and recognizing companies when they self-identify problems and fix them, coming up with different ways to address things. Because of the flexibility of the animal feed preventive controls rule, FDA will not use a one-size-fits-all approach, MacIntire said. That likely means spend less time in facilities with very good safety records and more time in ones that need more help.
Other speakers at the conference, including Bob Ehart, senior policy and science advisor for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, questioned whether FDA would receive full and adequate funding from the US Congress to enforce FSMA regulations.

AFIA to host 9th annual Pet Food Conference

The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) will host its ninth annual Pet Food Conference January 26, 2016, as part of the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta, Georgia. The education-packed conference is designed to inform pet food industry representatives about the latest industry initiatives, including speakers from government entities, private companies and universities.
Attendees will engage with a well-rounded cast of presenters to discuss industry issues including country of origin labeling, pet obesity trends, allergen research and the newly published Food Safety Modernization Act and its implications on the pet food industry.
“Every year attendees from around the world congregate at the Pet Food Conference to acknowledge, discuss and rectify pertinent issues affecting the pet food industry,” said Leah Wilkinson, AFIA director of ingredients, pet food and state affairs. “The conference offers an opportunity for industry professionals to unify and learn about the latest in the field.”
 IPPE is expected to attract more than 28,000 attendees and is a collaboration of three trade shows — International Feed Expo, International Poultry Expo and International Meat Expo — representing the entire chain of protein production and processing. The event is sponsored by the American Feed Industry Association, U.S. Poultry & Egg Association and the North American Meat Institute.

Texas A&M to hold course on feeds, pet food extrusion

A one-week Practical Short Course on Feeds & Pet Food Extrusion will be presented January 31-February 5, 2016, at Texas A&M University by staff, industry representatives and consultants.
The program will cover information on designing new feed mills and selecting conveying, drying, grinding, conditioning and feed mixing equipment. Current practices for production of pet foods, preparing full-fat soy meal; recycling fisheries byproducts, raw animal products, and secondary resources; extrusion of floating, sinking, and high fat feeds; spraying and coating fats, digests and preservatives; use of encapsulated ingredients and preparation of premixes, and least cost formulation are reviewed.
 Practical demonstration of pet food, vacuum coating, and several others are demonstrated on four major types of extruders - (dry, interrupted flights, single and twin screw), using various shaping dies. Reservations are accepted on a first-come basis.

Big Heart Pet Brands investigated over alleged slave labor

Plaintiffs law firm Hagens Berman is investigating Big Heart Pet Brands for allegedly importing fish-based pet food from suppliers who use slave labor.
Hagens Berman alleges that Big Heart Pet Brands imports pet food from Thai Union Frozen Products. According to U.S. customs documents, Thai Union has shipped more than 28 million pounds of seafood-based pet food for some of the top brands sold in the United States.
“Based on our investigation and media reports, Hagens Berman attorneys believe that Thai Union relies on forced or slave labor to catch the fish used in fish-based Meow Mix-brand wet cat foods. These men and boys are victims of many human rights violations: they are trafficked from countries neighboring Thailand, sold to fishing boats by brokers and smugglers, and forced to work under physical violence, emotional abuse, and verbal threats. Reports by the New York Times and The Guardian have recently shed light on these inhumane working conditions,” the law firm said in a press release.
Hagens Berman says that, in violation of California law, Big Heart Pet Brands does not disclose that its supplier, Thai Union, employs these forced labor practices and instead continues to profit from the slave labor that supplies the fish.
Nestle and Mars previously have been sued by consumers accusing the companies of failing to disclose the use of forced labor on boats that supply the fish they use in pet food.
And now several lawmakers are looking to address the problem. In August, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., proposed legislation aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in corporate supply chains. Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, D-N.Y., has sent a letter to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to put more focus on illegal fishing and on preventing “trafficking and slavery in the fishing industry.”
More than 2,000 enslaved fishermen have been rescued in 2015 as a result of an Associated Press investigation into forced labor on fishing boats in Asia. A multimillion-dollar Thai-Indonesian fishing business has been shut down, at least nine people have been arrested, and two fishing boats have been seized.
 The men saved from the forced labor came from Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos and have been identified or repatriated. Hundreds more have been quietly returned home, so the companies running the fishing businesses can avoid human trafficking allegations.

Petco will go public once again

The company has filed an amended S-1 form with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, but no terms were given in the filing. Petco has not said what exchange it will file on or what its symbol will be.
Proceeds from the offering will go to the selling stockholders instead of the company. The private equity firms that own it and other investors will retain majority voting power after the initial public offering.
In September, PetSmart said it was exploring the possibility of acquiring Petco Holdings Inc.
The two companies explored a merger possibility in 2014, but PetSmart ruled out a deal with Petco in 2014 in favor of a buyout by private equity consortium led by BC Partners Ltd. for US$8.7 billion. At the time, PetSmart was unsure a deal with Petco would receive antitrust clearance.
If PetSmart and Petco merged, the new company would account for 30% of US pet specialty supplies stores, reports say.
PetSmart and Petco account for 20% of all pet product sales in the US, according to market research publisher Packaged Facts. The two pet retail stores had combined sales of about US$11 billion in 2014 based on Packaged Facts' estimates, with sales of natural pet products an important factor in the strong performances.

RECALL: K-9 Kraving Dog Food recalls Chicken Patties

K-9 Kraving Dog Food has announced a voluntary recall of its Chicken Patties Dog Food shipped between July 13 and July 17, 2015, because these products may be contaminated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.
The affected product was distributed to retail stores only in Maryland. No other K-9 Kraving Dog Food products are affected.
No illnesses have been reported to date. Even though no illnesses have been reported, consumers should follow the Safe Handling Instructions printed on the K-9 Kraving Dog Food package when disposing of the affected product.
K-9 Kraving Dog Food became aware of a potential issue after receiving notification from the FDA that a routine surveillance sample of Chicken Patties tested positive for Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.
“At K-9 Kraving Dog Food we take quality and safety very seriously. We believe that under all circumstances, health and safety comes first, and we are committed to providing the best possible nutrition for pets,” said Robert Barrett, CEO of K-9 Kraving Dog Food.
Consumers feeding the affected product should discontinue use and monitor their pet's health, and contact their veterinarian if they have concerns. Consumers who purchased the product can obtain a full refund or exchange by either returning the product in its original packaging or bringing a proof of purchase back to their retailer.
Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
Consumers with additional questions can call +1.800.675.1471 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, EST.

More visitors coming to Interzoo from Eastern EU

The number of visitors to Interzoo 2014 from Eastern European Union was up 49% from 2004, according to Interzoo News.
“The central location of Germany and in particular the innovative, international range of products and services at Interzoo have no doubt contributed to this,” said Herbert Bollhöfer, managing director of Commercial Association of Specialist Zoological Companies.
Between 2004 and 2014, there was an increase in the number of visitors to Interzoo from Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Lithuania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Estonia.
 Interzoo now plays a central role in business strategy in particular for the companies from Germany's eastern neighbors Poland and the Czech Republic. At Interzoo 2014, 1,141 experts and specialists came from Poland and 986 from the Czech Republic. But Interzoo has also become an important marketplace for the pet supplies retail trade visitors from Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia.

RECALL: Salix Animal Health recalls Good ‘n’ Fun product

Salix Animal Health L.L.C. has initiated a voluntary recall of one lot of Good 'n' Fun - Beefhide Chicken Sticks because it may have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
The recalled Good 'n' Fun – Beefhide Chicken Sticks was distributed nationwide by Salix Animal Health to Dollar General and Dollar Tree retail stores.
The recalled product is packaged in a 2.8-ounce bag stamped on the back side with lot # AO15010 and with an expiration date of 03/2018. The UPC code is 0 91093 82247 1.
No pet or consumer illnesses from this product have been reported to date. However, Salix Animal Health is conducting a voluntary recall of this product.
The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the Georgia Department of Agriculture revealed the presence of Salmonella in one 2.8 ounce package of Good 'n' Fun - Beefhide Chicken Sticks labeled with the recalled code.
No other product is affected at this time. Customers should look at the lot code and expiration date on the product package to determine if it is subject to the voluntary recall. Customers who have purchased the product subject to this recall are urged to dispose of the product or return it for full refund.
Salmonella can affect animals eating the product and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated products.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some, or all, of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their health care providers.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected, but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is investigating the cause of this problem to prevent it from occurring in the future. Salix Animal Health is also working with retailers to ensure that the affected product is no longer sold and removed from inventory.
If you have these products, contact Salix Animal Health's consumer affairs team at +1.800.338.4896, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST for a refund. Customers with questions may call the consumer affairs team at the number listed above.