Greenopia, an online directory that educates consumers on sustainable purchasing, updated its independent "green" ratings of nearly 30 pet food brands sold in the United States.
Greenopia gave its highest rating, a Four-Green-Leaf Award, to just four of the pet food brands rated: Karma of Natura Pet Products, The Honest Kitchen, Wenaewe and Raw Advantage. The second-highest, three-leaf-rating went to eight pet food brands: Dr. Harvey's, Newman's Own Organics, Petguard, Champion, Castor & Pollox, Back to Basics, Wellness and Dogswell.
"It seems that pet food recalls are happening more and more frequently," said Gay Browne, Greenopia's founder. “In our analysis, we tried to combine the food’s environmental attributes with an assessment of its ingredients to find not only safest foods for your pet, but also ones that are better for the planet.”
Greenopia collected data from manufacturers and independent sources about each brand's ingredients, packaging, sustainability reporting, supply chain, animal testing policies and green building design, awarding additional points to companies that adopted environmental initiatives. The green pet food ratings are available for free, online.
Showing posts with label Green Pet Food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Green Pet Food. Show all posts
Friday, July 29, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Pet food follows organic food trends of pet owners
Recent trends in organic food have carried over from the plates of pet owners to the bowls of their pets. Big-box pet retailers and pet specialty stores are increasingly stocking shelves with premium, organic, locally-sourced, free-range, minimally-processed and raw pet foods to follow this trend, says a recent Los Angeles Times article.
"If there's a trend in human food and supplements, you'll see it on the pet food aisle," said Bob Vetere, president of American Pet Products Association. "Gluten-free, vitamin supplemented, breed-specific, senior formulas — all of these have taken over the pet marketplace, and we're seeing the competition increasing."
Pet owners are spending more to feed their pets, as retail pet food sales were up 2.8% from 2009, to US$18.4 billion in 2010, according to the Packaged Facts. The market research company predicts that sales of natural foods will surpass overall petfood sales within the next five years, despite the fact that these foods can be more expensive than commercial pet food brands.
Many pet owners seek food they believe is more wholesome and natural compared with large commercial brands. Some pet owners switched to specialty foods after a 2007 recall of pet foods tainted with melamine, though there is no guarantee that specialty pet foods foods cannot also be contaminated, experts warn. In some cases, veterinarians say, legitimate pet concerns, such as meeting the nutritional needs of old age or treating allergies, are reasons pet owners switch to feeding a specialty food.
Dr. Nancy Scanlan, a veterinarian and executive director of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, says experimentation may be the best method of finding the right pet food. Scanlan encourages pet owners to talk to their veterinarian, read pet food ingredient labels and look at studies in peer-reviewed journals.
"If there's a trend in human food and supplements, you'll see it on the pet food aisle," said Bob Vetere, president of American Pet Products Association. "Gluten-free, vitamin supplemented, breed-specific, senior formulas — all of these have taken over the pet marketplace, and we're seeing the competition increasing."
Pet owners are spending more to feed their pets, as retail pet food sales were up 2.8% from 2009, to US$18.4 billion in 2010, according to the Packaged Facts. The market research company predicts that sales of natural foods will surpass overall petfood sales within the next five years, despite the fact that these foods can be more expensive than commercial pet food brands.
Many pet owners seek food they believe is more wholesome and natural compared with large commercial brands. Some pet owners switched to specialty foods after a 2007 recall of pet foods tainted with melamine, though there is no guarantee that specialty pet foods foods cannot also be contaminated, experts warn. In some cases, veterinarians say, legitimate pet concerns, such as meeting the nutritional needs of old age or treating allergies, are reasons pet owners switch to feeding a specialty food.
Dr. Nancy Scanlan, a veterinarian and executive director of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, says experimentation may be the best method of finding the right pet food. Scanlan encourages pet owners to talk to their veterinarian, read pet food ingredient labels and look at studies in peer-reviewed journals.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Online pet food, pet supply store offers eco-friendly products
An online pet food and pet supply store, Eco-Dogs.com, recently opened to provide eco-friendly products to pet owners.
Eco-dogs.com officially opened its Web-based storefront on March 1, with the goals of introducing pet owners to natural, organic and eco-friendly products for pets, as well as educating them on ways to support a more sustainable environment, according to co-founder, Marion Elledge.
Items available in the online store include pet products such as Cycle Dog, Ecollargy, Wagging Green, and Earth Dog collars and leashes. The products are made of organic materials like soy, hemp, cotton, wool and bamboo, and also from recycled materials like inner tubes, billboards and plastic bottles.
“It is important to us to bring awareness as to how people can involve their pets in their eco-conscious efforts to prevent global warming and guarantee a sustainable environment. Thus, our slogan became ‘leaving smaller carbon paw prints,’" said Roger Franklin, co-founder and vice president. "We at eco-dogs.com are not only concerned about the environment but also the health of our canine and feline companions."
Eco-dogs.com officially opened its Web-based storefront on March 1, with the goals of introducing pet owners to natural, organic and eco-friendly products for pets, as well as educating them on ways to support a more sustainable environment, according to co-founder, Marion Elledge.
Items available in the online store include pet products such as Cycle Dog, Ecollargy, Wagging Green, and Earth Dog collars and leashes. The products are made of organic materials like soy, hemp, cotton, wool and bamboo, and also from recycled materials like inner tubes, billboards and plastic bottles.
“It is important to us to bring awareness as to how people can involve their pets in their eco-conscious efforts to prevent global warming and guarantee a sustainable environment. Thus, our slogan became ‘leaving smaller carbon paw prints,’" said Roger Franklin, co-founder and vice president. "We at eco-dogs.com are not only concerned about the environment but also the health of our canine and feline companions."
Friday, October 1, 2010
Free Range Eco Naturals changes name, implements many 'green' initiatives
Free Range Eco Naturals Dog Treats Inc. changed its name as one of several initiatives the petfood company has undertaken to become more environmentally friendly.
As a part of these initiatives, Free Range relocated from Brazil to pastures in Argentina, where use of additives like steroids and hormones is forbidden, according to the company. Free Range also moved its corporate headquarters and warehouse facilities to Shelby Township, Michigan, USA.
The new offices are designed to have more "green" features, such as low-VOC wall paint, automatic light sensors, recycled carpeting, paperless inventory management system and a waste and recycling program. In addition, every package is biodegradable, compostable and recyclable, and have wild grass labels printed with soy ink, the company claims.
As a part of these initiatives, Free Range relocated from Brazil to pastures in Argentina, where use of additives like steroids and hormones is forbidden, according to the company. Free Range also moved its corporate headquarters and warehouse facilities to Shelby Township, Michigan, USA.
The new offices are designed to have more "green" features, such as low-VOC wall paint, automatic light sensors, recycled carpeting, paperless inventory management system and a waste and recycling program. In addition, every package is biodegradable, compostable and recyclable, and have wild grass labels printed with soy ink, the company claims.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Petfood part of a world 'going green'
Sustainability. Eco-friendly. Green. All buzzwords used -- though not consistently or backed by any common definitions or standards -- to describe products and practices that are supposedly kinder to the environment and, some believe, the health of humans and animals (including pets).
Yesterday AdAge.com announced that the US Federal Trade Commission will likely be releasing new "Green Guides" very soon to at least direct, if not regulate, how companies use marketing and packaging claims related to sustainability and environmental impact.
These new guidelines may help establish some standards and common definitions, at least in the US, which could go a long way in helping consumers sort through such green claims. Because if one thing is certain, it's that consumers (and probably most marketers) could really use some clarification.
In "World Gone Green," an article in the August issue of Food Technology (published by the Institute of Food Technologists, or IFT), Krista Faron of Mintel breaks down the latest research on what US consumers think about sustainability. Much of this research applies to consumer packaged goods, including petfood.
Some highlights:
Self-reported "green" purchasing behavior has changed dramatically just since 2006 and through 2007, though it has plateaued since. Just four years ago, 12% of consumers surveyed by Mintel were labeled as "True Greens": people who regularly purchased green products. By end of 2007, that figure had more than doubled, to 27%.
Mintel forecasts sales of natural and organic foods and beverages in mass retailers excluding Walmart and natural channels to increase 4.8% this year and 6.1% in 2011. (For natural and organic petfood data, see the latest research from Packaged Facts.)
That's the good news. The bad news, Faron says, is the high point for sustainability appears to have passed, at least in terms of spending patterns.
Much of the article discusses green marketing and labeling claims and just how confusing or even invisible these are to consumers. Faron argues that perhaps better visibility, awareness and definition of claims could have an influence on spending patterns and purchasing behavior.
The other point that stands out is that price is still a huge factor in whether consumers will respond to green claims and actually buy the products. This is especially true during tough economic times but appears to have always been the case: Like petfood, green products overall seem fairly recession-proof. Mintel's research shows green purchasing behavior has remained "remarkably similar in the boom times of late 2007, recessionary climate of October 2008 and January 2010 and, most recently, in June 2010," Faron writes.
Yesterday AdAge.com announced that the US Federal Trade Commission will likely be releasing new "Green Guides" very soon to at least direct, if not regulate, how companies use marketing and packaging claims related to sustainability and environmental impact.
These new guidelines may help establish some standards and common definitions, at least in the US, which could go a long way in helping consumers sort through such green claims. Because if one thing is certain, it's that consumers (and probably most marketers) could really use some clarification.
In "World Gone Green," an article in the August issue of Food Technology (published by the Institute of Food Technologists, or IFT), Krista Faron of Mintel breaks down the latest research on what US consumers think about sustainability. Much of this research applies to consumer packaged goods, including petfood.
Some highlights:
Self-reported "green" purchasing behavior has changed dramatically just since 2006 and through 2007, though it has plateaued since. Just four years ago, 12% of consumers surveyed by Mintel were labeled as "True Greens": people who regularly purchased green products. By end of 2007, that figure had more than doubled, to 27%.
Mintel forecasts sales of natural and organic foods and beverages in mass retailers excluding Walmart and natural channels to increase 4.8% this year and 6.1% in 2011. (For natural and organic petfood data, see the latest research from Packaged Facts.)
That's the good news. The bad news, Faron says, is the high point for sustainability appears to have passed, at least in terms of spending patterns.
Much of the article discusses green marketing and labeling claims and just how confusing or even invisible these are to consumers. Faron argues that perhaps better visibility, awareness and definition of claims could have an influence on spending patterns and purchasing behavior.
The other point that stands out is that price is still a huge factor in whether consumers will respond to green claims and actually buy the products. This is especially true during tough economic times but appears to have always been the case: Like petfood, green products overall seem fairly recession-proof. Mintel's research shows green purchasing behavior has remained "remarkably similar in the boom times of late 2007, recessionary climate of October 2008 and January 2010 and, most recently, in June 2010," Faron writes.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Top scoring petfood brands in eco-friendliness ranking
Just three of 30 popular petfood brands received top scores in a ranking of eco-friendliness by Greenopia.
Greenopia collected data from petfood manufacturers and independent sources about many product factors, such as ingredients, packaging, animal testing policies and green building design. The brands were rated on a green-leaf-system, with companies receiving extra points for the implementation of environmental initiatives.
Top scoring brands got a four-green-leaf award and included the Karma Organics line from Natura Pet Products, The Honest Kitchen and Raw Advantage. Nearly one-third of the brands evaluated got the lowest, zero-leaf rating, including Friskees, Iams and Purina.
Greenopia collected data from petfood manufacturers and independent sources about many product factors, such as ingredients, packaging, animal testing policies and green building design. The brands were rated on a green-leaf-system, with companies receiving extra points for the implementation of environmental initiatives.
Top scoring brands got a four-green-leaf award and included the Karma Organics line from Natura Pet Products, The Honest Kitchen and Raw Advantage. Nearly one-third of the brands evaluated got the lowest, zero-leaf rating, including Friskees, Iams and Purina.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Natura goes green with initiatives
Natura Pet Products challenged pet owners to go green this upcoming Earth Day on April 22 by supporting petfood manufacturers that are involved in environmental practices.
Natura’s own green initiatives include the construction of its new eco-friendly office, switching to hybrid cars for the company’s corporate and sales teams, adding a videoconferencing system to minimize air travel between its offices and reducing paper consumption by moving much of its communications online.
Natura’s own green initiatives include the construction of its new eco-friendly office, switching to hybrid cars for the company’s corporate and sales teams, adding a videoconferencing system to minimize air travel between its offices and reducing paper consumption by moving much of its communications online.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Mars opens 'green' plant in Arkansas
Mars Petcare US has opened a new plant in Fort Smith, Arkansas, US, that the company says is the state's first sustainable manufacturing facility and the first sustainable petfood manufacturing plant in the world.
The US$80 million, 305,000-square-foot facility has received Gold certification from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for its water recycling and energy reduction features, plus efforts to protect against erosion and light pollution. The plant is the first within Mars Petcare US's 20-facility network to receive such certification.
"Our future is being built on the passion we have for pets and our desire to make the world a better place for them," said Luc Mongeau, president of Mars Petcare US. "This facility demonstrates that commitment, as it allows us to make our remarkable products in a more environmentally responsible way."
As part of the plant opening, the company donated US$5,000 each to the Sebastian County, Arkansas, Humane Society and the Arkansas Earth Day Foundation.
The plant will produce the company's Cesar Canine Cuisine line of dog food.
The US$80 million, 305,000-square-foot facility has received Gold certification from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for its water recycling and energy reduction features, plus efforts to protect against erosion and light pollution. The plant is the first within Mars Petcare US's 20-facility network to receive such certification.
"Our future is being built on the passion we have for pets and our desire to make the world a better place for them," said Luc Mongeau, president of Mars Petcare US. "This facility demonstrates that commitment, as it allows us to make our remarkable products in a more environmentally responsible way."
As part of the plant opening, the company donated US$5,000 each to the Sebastian County, Arkansas, Humane Society and the Arkansas Earth Day Foundation.
The plant will produce the company's Cesar Canine Cuisine line of dog food.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
PFI GRAS recommendations, speaker lineup
The following is a summary of the Pet Food Institute's (PFI) recommendations on self-affirmed generally recognized as safe ingredients (SA-GRAS). Geoffery Wong of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will present on this topic October 15 at the PFI Annual Industry Meeting.
1. FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) does not have the resources to review ingredients under both SA-GRAS and the Association of American Feed Control Official's (AAFCO) Ingredient Definition Committee (IDC). The firm seeking the approval should determine which way they want to submit.
2. A firm can make a determination that a particular use of a substance is GRAS and go to market. Or, notify FDA of its notification.
3. The scientific standard for a determination of GRAS requires the same quality and quantity of information in a food additive petition.
4. Proceeding with the AAFCO process has a lower data hurdle, in part because these ingredients are ones for which FDA does not have safety concerns.
5. If they notify FDA the result will be: Letter of no questionsLetter stating insufficient basisCVM does not support listing an ingredient that goes through the FDA-SA-GRAS process in the OP.If a state takes action against an ingredient that is the subject of a no questions letter and is listed on the Web site, FDA will not support the state challenge.
6. An ingredient the firm wants listed in the OP must go through the AAFCO-IDC process.
At the PFI Annual Industry Meeting, The Update Session, October 15, at 2 p.m., will feature:
*Ricky Schroeder, manager, Feed & Fertilizer Reg., Texas A&M University (AAFCO Perspectives)
*Bill Burkholder, petfood specialist, FDA, CVM (Current state of petfood regulations)
Geoffery Wong, supervisor, Ingredient Safety Team, FDA, CVM (More information on Self-Affirmed GRAS)
*Kim Young, deputy director, Division of Compliance, FDA, CVM (Reportable Food Registry)
*Kristin Schmitz, senior staff veterinarian, USDA, APHIS, VA, NCIE (Canadian Export Issues)
1. FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) does not have the resources to review ingredients under both SA-GRAS and the Association of American Feed Control Official's (AAFCO) Ingredient Definition Committee (IDC). The firm seeking the approval should determine which way they want to submit.
2. A firm can make a determination that a particular use of a substance is GRAS and go to market. Or, notify FDA of its notification.
3. The scientific standard for a determination of GRAS requires the same quality and quantity of information in a food additive petition.
4. Proceeding with the AAFCO process has a lower data hurdle, in part because these ingredients are ones for which FDA does not have safety concerns.
5. If they notify FDA the result will be: Letter of no questionsLetter stating insufficient basisCVM does not support listing an ingredient that goes through the FDA-SA-GRAS process in the OP.If a state takes action against an ingredient that is the subject of a no questions letter and is listed on the Web site, FDA will not support the state challenge.
6. An ingredient the firm wants listed in the OP must go through the AAFCO-IDC process.
At the PFI Annual Industry Meeting, The Update Session, October 15, at 2 p.m., will feature:
*Ricky Schroeder, manager, Feed & Fertilizer Reg., Texas A&M University (AAFCO Perspectives)
*Bill Burkholder, petfood specialist, FDA, CVM (Current state of petfood regulations)
Geoffery Wong, supervisor, Ingredient Safety Team, FDA, CVM (More information on Self-Affirmed GRAS)
*Kim Young, deputy director, Division of Compliance, FDA, CVM (Reportable Food Registry)
*Kristin Schmitz, senior staff veterinarian, USDA, APHIS, VA, NCIE (Canadian Export Issues)
Friday, September 18, 2009
Mulligan Stew launches dry dog food line
Mulligan Stew Pet Food will launch its first dry dog food line, Mulligan Stew's Premium Baked Kibble, at the US fall industry trade shows SuperZoo and HH Backer, according to a news report.
The product includes patent-pending formulation for optimal cellular health, the company says.
Diane Peterson, Mulligan Stew's chief sales and marketing officer, says: "We chose an experienced baked kibble manufacturer located in the heart of the USA, who produces our kibble line utilizing wind powered energy. During these energy-conscious times, sustainable best business practices are important."
The product includes patent-pending formulation for optimal cellular health, the company says.
Diane Peterson, Mulligan Stew's chief sales and marketing officer, says: "We chose an experienced baked kibble manufacturer located in the heart of the USA, who produces our kibble line utilizing wind powered energy. During these energy-conscious times, sustainable best business practices are important."
Friday, June 12, 2009
Directory rates 30 petfoods on ‘green’ scale
Greenopia, an online directory for everything green, recently released its independent ratings of 30 popular petfood brands sold in the USA.
The only brands receiving the coveted Greenopia Four-Green-Leaf Award were Karma of Natura Pet Products and Raw Advantage.
Greenopia collected data from manufacturers and independent sources about each brand's ingredients, packaging, sustainability reporting, supply chain, animal testing policies and green building design.
Companies were given additional points for their adoption of environmental initiatives. One-third of the brands evaluated earned zero-leaf ratings, revealing them to be below Greenopia's minimum green threshold.
"Sometimes it is hard to know which brands are safest and healthiest for your pet," said Gay Browne, Greenopia's founder and CEO. "We've combined analysis of sustainability issues and health considerations to make it clear to our readers which products are better for the environment and their pets."
The only brands receiving the coveted Greenopia Four-Green-Leaf Award were Karma of Natura Pet Products and Raw Advantage.
Greenopia collected data from manufacturers and independent sources about each brand's ingredients, packaging, sustainability reporting, supply chain, animal testing policies and green building design.
Companies were given additional points for their adoption of environmental initiatives. One-third of the brands evaluated earned zero-leaf ratings, revealing them to be below Greenopia's minimum green threshold.
"Sometimes it is hard to know which brands are safest and healthiest for your pet," said Gay Browne, Greenopia's founder and CEO. "We've combined analysis of sustainability issues and health considerations to make it clear to our readers which products are better for the environment and their pets."
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