PetSafe indigo treats now available in Canada

PetSafe has announced that its indigo line of dog treats is now available in Canada.

The treat line features Smokehouse Strips and the indigo Fresh line: Floss Bones, Dental Sticks and Dental Sauce. Treats contain premium ingredients, according to the company, including vitamins, antioxidants and USDA-inspected meat, in order to provide dental and digestive health benefits. 

Vancouver-based petfood retailer Petcetera to close six more stores

Vancouver, Canada-based petfood retailer Petcetera will close six more stores in six cities by May 31, 2014, as part of an ongoing restructuring by the company, according to reports.

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Stores in Penticton B.C., Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, Winnipeg and Dartmouth, N.S., are the latest closures, on top of two in Abbotsford B.C., and Niagara Falls, Ont., that were announced in March.
The company said in March that it planned to file for creditor protection. This is the second major downsizing for Petcetera since 2009, when the number of stores in its retail network was cut to 18 from 50. It said Monday that it currently employs more than 300 employees in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Nova Scotia locations.

Minties dog dental treats now available at Walmart Canada

Minties dental treats for dogs has expanded its retail distribution to include Walmart stores across Canada and walmart.ca.

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Minties feature a triple-action formula that helps clean teeth, freshen breath and control plaque and tartar, according to VetIQ. The treats are also wheat-, soy-, corn- and gluten-free and are safe for dogs with allergies or specific dietary requirements. “We’re very excited to now offer Minties exclusively at Walmart Canada,” said Adelaide Sa, senior category manager for pets at Walmart Canada. “Our customers don’t have to compromise to keep their pets healthy. With Minties now available at Walmart, dog owners have access to nutritional and tasty treats for their dogs at prices they can afford.”
Minties are available in four sizes for tiny, small, medium and large dogs, with prices starting at CA$1.98 for trial size and CA$6.98 for a 170-gram bag.

Canadian government to invest US$175,000 in Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council

The Government of Canada will invest US$175,000 in the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council of Canada to help develop global market opportunities for Canadian petfood products, according to an announcement by Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz.
The federal investment will be provided through the US$88 million AgriMarketing program, under Growing Forward, which helps industry associations implement long-term international strategies. PIJAC Canada will use this investment to build relationships with new and existing customers, as well as increase the sales, exports and value of its products. The Canadian group will also attend US and other international trade shows, and participate in outgoing missions.
To find out more about this program, visit: www.agr.gc.ca/agrimarketing. 

Nestle Purina launches new Pro Plan petfood in Canada

Nestle Purina PetCare launched its Pro Plan Shredded Blend petfood in Canada.
The company describes its Pro Plan Shredded Blend as a multi-textured combination of crunchy kibble and tender shredded pieces with real chicken or lamb. Nestle invites Canadian pet owners to register online for a free sample and coupon.
"By simply visiting our website, and entering their information, a free sample of the Pro Plan Shredded Blend product will be delivered to their home. They will also receive a coupon, because once they've tried it, we're sure they and their dog will want to go out and buy a bag, and we further back this up with a complete satisfaction or money back guarantee," said Shelly Tandon, senior marketing manager for the company.

New Canadian petfood import regulations

Canada's new import requirements for petfoods, treats and compound chews become effective July 1, 2009. These commodities will only be allowed entry into Canada with a valid import permit held by the Canadian importer.
US facilities that wish to continue exporting petfoods, treats or compound chews with bovinae ingredients (except ingredients identified by the OIE as essentially BSE risk free) must be inspected and approved by APHIS’ Veterinary Services (VS), and each shipment of petfood with bovinae ingredients must be certified by VS.
The CFIA Questionnaire for US Bovinae Pet Food Facilities must be endorsed by VS and the originals given to the facility for submission by the Canadian importer to CFIA as part of the import permit application process. See the Guidelines for Bovinae Pet Food Facilities for more information.
US facilities that only desire to continue exporting pet foods, treats or compound chews with no bovinae ingredients must complete the CFIA Questionnaire for US Non-Bovinae Pet Food Facilities. See the Guidelines for Non-Bovinae Pet Food Facilities for more information.
US facilities that export pet chews to Canada present special challenges if the companies are importing finished pet chews from third countries for re-export to Canada or are importing ingredients from third countries that are not substantially changed in the manufacture of pet chews for export. See the Guidelines for Pet Chews Facilities for more information.

Canadian petfood market grows

According to a recent report by Euromonitor, growth in the Canadian petfood market is expected to continue.
The Canadian pet industry performed well in the review period, due to a good economy, more disposable income in Canada and the humanization of pets, prompting pet owners to spend more on premium petfood, according to the report.
Euromonitor reported the 2007 recalls actually boosted the demand for superpremium dog and cat food, as some consumers wanted higher-quality ingredients.
Supermarkets/hypermarkets remain the number one shopping destination for both dog and cat food, according to the report.
The report concluded: “Pet health care and dietary supplements will remain dynamic growth categories, as will superpremium petfoods, as the population of aging and obese pets grows. Accessories, particularly clothing, as well as pet services, also show great growth potential, as consumers are willing to spend increasingly large amounts of money on luxury items for their pets.”