Nominations open for Hill’s veterinary award

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) and Hill's Pet Nutrition have launched the search for the 2016 Next Generation Award winner. The Award recognizes a recently qualified veterinarian who has contributed significantly to the betterment of companion animals, the veterinary profession and society at large. Now in its second year, the Next Generation Award will be presented at the WSAVA annual World Congress on September 27-30, 2016, in Cartagena, Colombia.
Candidates for the WSAVA/Hill's Next Generation Award can come from any country and must meet the following criteria:

• Graduated within the past 10 years
• Active in continuing education
• Have a strong record in community service
• Working to bridge the gap between their generation and others’

The WSAVA's 96 member and affiliate associations represent more than 158,000 individual veterinarians from around the globe. They work together to advance the health and welfare of companion animals.
The first recipient of the WSAVA/Hill's Next Generation Award in 2015 was Dr. Pantakarn Onnak, from Chonburi, Thailand. Onnak carries out a great deal of voluntary work, including running a program to neuter stray dogs and cats abandoned in Buddhist temples in Thailand, and educating young people about preventative health in companion animals and the importance of neutering.
"I have worked as a volunteer for 10 years and do it because I want to make people and animals’ lives better,” Onnak said. “I was honored to receive the Next Generation Award at the 2015 WSAVA World Congress in Bangkok, and it has inspired me to continue my work helping communities and animals in Thailand.
"I believe the Next Generation Award is important to our profession because it can be difficult to encourage younger vets to volunteer, as they have so many other challenges in their lives when they first qualify. If we lead by example, we are able to promote the role of the veterinarian within our community, and we may inspire our colleagues to get involved."
Hill’s funded Onnak’s attendance to the 2015 WSAVA World Conference so she could accept her award. She also received a donation toward her voluntary work, an engraved plaque and a WSAVA certificate.
Dr. Jolle Kirpensteijn, chief professional relations officer at Hill's Pet Nutrition, said: "We believe it is particularly important to engage with millennial veterinarians – those in the early stage of their professional careers, as well as future vets still in training. They are the future of our profession and, through making this unique award and the message it gives, we aim to inspire them to contribute to the betterment of companion animals, the veterinary profession and their communities around the world."
Dr. Siraya Chunekamrai, honorary secretary of the WSAVA, said: "The WSAVA Awards are our way of celebrating outstanding work by our global colleagues as they continue to advance the care of companion animals. We are grateful to Hill's for its continuing support of the WSAVA and look forward to reviewing this year's entries for the Next Generation Award."
Candidates can nominate themselves by sending an email to wsavasecretariat@gmail.com by Jan. 1, 2016.

VCA Charities, Hill’s mark 1 million meals for pets in need

Marking the serving of one million meals to pets in need, VCA Charities and Hill’s Pet Nutrition celebrated the major milestone in their five-year partnership at the St. Joseph’s Center in Venice, California, USA, where the pet food assistance partnership began in 2010.
The partnership with Hill’s helps support the VCA Pet Food Pantry program, initiated by VCA Charities five years ago to provide pet food to pet parents stricken by the economic downturn. At that time, an increasing number of pets were being taken to animal hospitals for euthanasia or abandoned when their owners could no longer bear the cost of caring for them.
Since that time, the VCA Pet Food Pantry program has expanded to more than 20 locations throughout the United States and Canada, providing free pet food to clients of existing food pantries.
“We started the Pet Food Pantry program to provide healthy, nutritious pet food to families who could not otherwise afford it in the local communities we serve,” said Art Antin, chief operating officer for VCA Animal Hospitals. “By providing these one million free meals, we have helped many families in need hold on to the loving and comforting bond their pets provide.”
St. Joseph Center’s Executive Director Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kellum said: “The Food Pantry is the primary gateway to St. Joseph Center's efforts to help working poor families achieve and maintain stability as they make their way toward lasting self-sufficiency. With the VCA Pet Food Pantry on-site, our families don’t have the additional burden of worrying how they will be able to feed their companion animals.”
Working with VCA Charities, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, the maker of the Science Diet, Prescription Diet and Ideal Balance brands, currently donates premium pet food to more than half of the VCA Pet Food Pantries across the US, and has made a commitment to expand the current partnership by supporting additional pet food pantries with pet food donations over the next few years.
“Our mission at Hill’s is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets,” said Kostas Kontopanos, president of Hill’s Pet Nutrition, North America. “We want to help transform lives, and this partnership with VCA Charities allows us to do that by keeping a pet with its family during a time of need when its unconditional love is most needed.”
In furthering its mission, Hill’s has a long-standing history of helping pets in need through its Food, Shelter & Love program, which has donated more than $280 million worth of Hill’s Science Diet brand foods to more than 1,000 shelters in the U.S.
Hill’s also comes to the aid of communities impacted by disaster. In the past two years, the Hill’s Disaster Relief Network has delivered free pet food to 60 shelters and veterinary clinics across the country in response to 25 major incidents to feed displaced pets.
VCA Charities continues to support programs, organizations, and causes that promote pet healthcare education, proactive veterinary care, proper pet nutrition, and prevention of cruelty to animals. In furthering its mission, VCA Charities partners with the American Red Cross in their Disaster Relief Network, and provides free exams, boarding, and vaccinations for pets displaced or injured during a disaster or emergency.

Plan ahead for National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day

In recognition of National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day on May 9, 2015, Hill’s Pet Nutrition is encouraging pet parents to plan ahead by creating a pet emergency go-kit and following several easy tips to ensure the safety of their pets during a crisis.
“The best thing a family can do in the case of an emergency is be prepared, and that includes having a plan in place for your pets,” said Kostas Kontopanos, president of Hill’s Pet Nutrition North America. “We hope that families take into account some simple steps that will help them feel ready to respond should disaster strike.”
Hill’s recommends building a Pet Emergency Go-Kit in order to cut down on time in the event of a crisis, allowing families to focus solely on getting to safety as quickly as possible.
“Just knowing that a kit is packed and ready to go should eliminate some of the stress during an emergency,” said Dr. Ellen Lowery, director of U.S. Veterinary and Professional Affairs at Hill’s Pet Nutrition. “It will put a family at ease, knowing that everyone, including their beloved pets, will be taken care of.”
The Pet Emergency Go-Kit should include the following:

• Basic first aid supplies
• A three-day supply of bottled water and the pet’s preferred food, held in a waterproof container
• Safety harness and leash
• Waste clean-up supplies
• Medications and a copy of the pet’s medical records
• List of veterinarians and local pet care organizations
• List of the pet’s feeding routine and any behavioral issues
• Comfort items, such as a blanket or favorite toy, to help keep the pet calm and comfortable

Hill’s Pet Nutrition recommends the following additional Tips to Help Ensure Your Pet’s Safety in an Emergency:

• Ensure your pet’s identification by using a microchip or collar ID tag, and make sure that your contact information is up-to-date.
• Display a pet rescue decal on your front door or window to let first responders know there is a pet in the house. Include your veterinarian’s contact information.
• Learn where your pet likes to hide in your house when frightened. Finding your pet quickly will help you evacuate faster.
• Identify a location to take your pet if you need to leave your immediate area. Keep in mind that disaster shelters for people may not be open to pets. Scout hotels and motels with pet-friendly policies and ask relatives or friends if they could house you and your pet.
• Carry a picture of your pet in the event of separation.
• If you need to evacuate, consider taking a pet carrier or crate for transport and safe-keeping.

Hill’s Disaster Relief Network
In the event of an emergency, the Hill’s Disaster Relief Network is positioned to quickly respond and aid impacted areas by supplying pet food to communities hit by disasters. The first-of-its-kind network was established in 2013 as an extension of Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love program, which has donated more than $280 million worth of Hill’s Science Diet brand foods to more than 1,000 shelters in the United States and helped more than eight million pets find new homes.
In the past two years, the Hill’s Disaster Relief Network delivered free food to more than 60 different shelters and veterinary clinics across the country in response to 25 major incidents – including floods in Colorado, fires in Idaho and Arizona, the fertilizer plant explosion in Texas, the mudslide in Washington state and tornadoes in the central and southern regions of the country. In 2015, the Hill’s Disaster Relief Network has already assisted with three incidents – most recently with the March tornado damage in Moore, Oklahoma.
 “It’s important for pet owners to know what resources are available to them within their own communities before they’re needed,” said Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of San Diego Humane Society, which is a member of the Hill’s Disaster Relief Network. “With storm and wild fire season under way, we’re encouraging families to pay close attention to these emergency planning tips so they are better prepared and more confident when having to respond to a disaster. Pets are a part of the family, so it’s just as important to include them in your emergency plan.”

New Hill’s products address concurrent conditions in pets

Hill’s Pet Nutrition is introducing Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic + Mobility Canine and Metabolic + Urinary Feline: nutritional solutions to help treat common concurrent health conditions.
Veterinarians have long noted the link between obesity and canine osteoarthritis and feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), with numerous studies showing that excess weight can exacerbate these conditions.  However, treating weight and canine mobility or weight and FLUTD together has often required complicated regimens that can be difficult for pet parents to follow.
“Concurrent conditions are difficult to manage successfully, often requiring multiple treatment options,” said Ellen Lowery, DVM, PhD, MBA and Hill’s Director of U.S. Professional & Veterinary Affairs. “Sometimes it creates the challenge of deciding which condition to focus on first, when really the only way to effectively treat both is to work together.”
Hill’s two new products are based upon the revolutionary nutrition of Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic. Hill’s scientists have taken this powerful technology and combined it with:

• Prescription Diet j/d’s ability to help dogs walk, run and jump more easily in just 21 days, to create Metabolic + Mobility Canine
• Prescription Diet c/d Multicare’s effect of dissolving struvite stones and reducing the recurrence of feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) signs by 89 percent, to create Metabolic + Urinary Feline

 These formulas present a new approach for addressing a growing problem. The latest estimates suggest that more than 50 percent of dogs and cats presented to veterinary clinics are overweight or obese. As that number increases, so do the number of dogs and cats with obesity-related concurrent conditions.

Hill’s Global Symposium offered as virtual event

Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc.’s 2015 Global Symposium will, for the first time, be run as a virtual event. Delegates can join the physical gathering in Miami, Florida, USA, on April 26?28, and through a custom?built virtual event center, from April 27?June 30.
The 2015 Hill's Symposium is designed to inspire and educate veterinarians and veterinary health care team members to use nutrition to improve and transform pet's lives. A special focus will be on treating pets that suffer from concurrent conditions. Common examples include dogs suffering from arthritis and obesity, and cats suffering from lower urinary tract disease (LUTD) and obesity.
"The Hill's Global Symposium is one of the premiere nutritional continuing education events of the year,” said Dr. Heather Berst, organizing chair of the Global Symposium at Hill’s Pet Nutrition. “But time is so often a critical issue in busy practices, and taking a few days out to travel and attend the symposium is, unfortunately, just not possible for some veterinarians and key team members.”
Delegates attending virtually will be able to view lectures live and participate in Q&A sessions through the virtual event center. All lectures will be recorded and available for viewing on demand until the center closes on June 30. This virtual aspect will also benefit delegates attending the physical event, as they will be able to watch lectures again after the symposium and share them with colleagues.
During the symposium, expert speakers from around the world will discuss the pet health benefits of using nutrition to help manage multiple health conditions. Additionally, expert speakers will discuss key topics impacting the veterinary profession, including communication, compliance, social media and diversity.
"Nutrition plays a key role in managing pet health,” said Dr. Ellen I. Lowery, director, US Professional & Veterinary Affairs. “Recommending the right food for pets suffering from multiple conditions is an effective, practical solution that will encourage compliance and support a successful outcome.
 "We don't want busy veterinary professionals to miss out on the great learning opportunities being offered, so we are bringing the symposium to them. We have invested significantly in the technology platform to ensure that our virtual delegates enjoy the experience and can participate as fully as those in the room.”

Hill’s Pet Nutrition helps feed shelter animals

US-based Hill's Pet Nutrition has two charitable programs that partner with animal shelters to provide quality petfood to animals in need.
Established in 2002, Hill's Food, Shelter and Love program has donated more than US$275 million worth of Science Diet brand foods to more than 1,000 shelters nationwide. The aim of the program is to boost the health of shelter animals so they are more adoptable. Since its creation, the program and has helped more than 7 million pets find new homes. Food, Shelter and Love is active in all 50 US states and helps feed more than 100,000 homeless pets in more than 800 shelters daily.
Hill's Disaster Relief Network is an intervention that provides petfood to communities affected by natural disasters. In the wake of disasters, petfood owners often have trouble obtaining food for their animals. The Disaster Relief Network distributes emergency petfood through a nationwide network of 100 shelter partners. To date, Hill's has contributed to relief efforts in the aftermaths of Hurricanes Sandy, Isaac and Katrina; tornadoes in Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri; and fires in Colorado Springs, Arizona and Idaho.

Hill’s Pet Nutrition announced as founding sponsor of VetFolio

Hill's Pet Nutrition has become the exclusive animal nutrition founding sponsor of VetFolio, an online continuing education platform for veterinary professionals offered by the American Animal Hospital Association and the North American Veterinary Community.
As part of this commitment, Hill's is sponsoring select nutrition courses, articles and related content. Hill's will also sponsor a new VetFolio program for veterinary students, veterinary technician students and recent graduates. This program will include online resource centers and educational modules.
"Veterinary healthcare team members, students and recent graduates are busy people," said Ellen Lowery of Hill's Pet Nutrition's US professional and veterinary affairs department. "We're happy to support this platform because VetFolio provides access to quality CE opportunities and resources on their schedule." 

Hill's Pet Nutrition extends partnership with Minnesota Urolith Center

Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc. has extended its partnership with the Minnesota Urolith Center (MUC) to reduce the worldwide incidence of urinary disease in companion animals and to enhance the global veterinary care of pets with urinary tract disorders.
Through its continuing partnership with the MUC, which is part of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, Hill's provides financial support, enabling the MUC to offer stone analysis at no cost to veterinarians anywhere in the world, and through global Hill's divisions and distributors provides transport of samples to the MUC. Hill's has also partnered with the MUC in a new initiative to create a multi-language website, making urolith submission simpler and more convenient for veterinarians anywhere in the world.
"This support from Hill's Pet Nutrition has enabled us to do what we do best: support veterinarians in their mission to accurately diagnose, treat and prevent urinary tract diseases with the most effective and compassionate therapies," said Professor Jody Lulich, co-director of the MUC.

NAD: Hill's Pet Nutrition violated NAD/NARB procedures

The National Advertising Division (NAD) has determined that Hill’s Pet Nutrition violated the procedures that govern the advertising industry’s system of self-regulation by seeking to use for promotional purposes decisions reached by the NAD and the National Advertising Review Board (NARB).

Hill’s originally filed a challenge to advertising claims made by Blue Buffalo Company Ltd. with the NAD. NAD recommended Blue Buffalo modify its advertisements to avoid disparaging competitors. Blue Buffalo appealed NAD’s findings to the NARB, which recommended Blue Buffalo modify an online petfood comparison chart and its advertising claims to avoid conveying the message that competing petfood companies are “fooling” or otherwise misleading consumers.
Following completion of the appeal, Hill’s public relations firm, Burson-Marsteller, sent an “article starter kit” to certain bloggers that included a “sample blog post,” a “fact sheet” on Hill’s products and a series of links to the NAD and NARB press releases and articles written about the Hill’s/Blue Buffalo dispute.
Self-regulation is a voluntary process; participating companies agree at the outset that decisions will not be used for promotional purposes, according to the Advertising Self-Regulatory Council. Effective self-regulation requires that participants adhere to both the letter and the spirit of the self-regulatory system.

Hill's Science Diet offers social community for pet healthy living

Hill's Pet Nutrition and its brand Science Diet offer 10 Week Turnaround, a social community for pet owners who want to "bond with their pet through a healthy, active lifestyle," according to organizers. By joining and participating, pet owners will receive access to Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight, and the chance to win part of over US$15,000 in prizes, plus free food for a year to one dog and one cat.

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Other benefits of the program include bi-weekly gift card giveaways for participating advocates, exclusive access to Hill's content including launches, infographics and more, and recognition for top advocate content across Hill's social channels.

RECALL: Hill's Pet Nutrition recalling Science Diet Adult Small & Toy Breed dry dog food

Hill’s Pet Nutrition is voluntarily recalling 62 bags of Science Diet Adult Small & Toy Breed dry dog food due to possible Salmonella contamination. The bags were part of a single-production run that was accidentally distributed to 17 veterinary clinic and pet store customers in California, Hawaii and Nevada, according to the company.

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"Hill’s has contacted the 17 affected retail customers and is now in the process of retrieving the recalled bags and notifying consumers who may have purchased any of the affected products," said the company. The recall is limited to 62 15.5 lb. bags of Science Diet Adult Small & Toy Breed dry dog food with the Stock-Keeping Unit (SKU) code of 9097, “Best before” date of 08 2015 and production code M094.
There have been no reported illnesses related to this product to date.

Hill's Pet Nutrition provides tips to ensure pet's safety in an emergency

In coordination with the season of preparedness, Hill’s Pet Nutrition has shared best practices for pet owners to be ready for any type of an emergency by recommending the following "Seven Tips to Ensure Your Pet’s Safety in an Emergency":

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Hill's Pet Nutrition's suggested "Pet Emergency Go-Kit."
• Ensure your pet can be identified by either a microchip or collar ID tag and that contact information is up-to-date.
• Prepare a “Pet Emergency Go-Kit” of pet supplies that is readily accessible in an emergency. Your Pet Go-Kit should include: First aid supplies and guide book; three-days’ supply of petfood (in a waterproof container) and bottled water; a safety harness and leash; waste clean-up supplies; medications and medical records; a contact list of veterinarian and pet care organizations; information on your pet’s feeding routine and any behavioral issues; comfort toys; and a blanket.
• Display a pet rescue decal on your front door or window to let first responders know there is a pet in the house. Include your veterinarian’s contact information.
• Learn where your pet likes to hide in your house when frightened. Finding your pet quickly will help you evacuate faster.
• Identify a location to take your pet if you need to leave your immediate area. Keep in mind that disaster shelters for people may not be open to pets. Scout hotels and motels with pet-friendly policies and ask relatives or friends if they could house you and your pet.
• Carry a picture of your pet in the event of separation.
• If you need to evacuate, consider taking a pet carrier or crate for transport and safe-keeping.

Hill's Science Diet brand launches Vets Know Best tour

To celebrate new and improved formulas and packaging for many of its petfoods, Hill's Science Diet has began a Vets Know Best tour. The tour will travel around the US to share samples with pet owners and their pets. 
During the stops, consumers will have the chance to learn about pet nutrition and Science Diet petfood at an interactive veterinary-like clinic. In addition to samples, the team will hand out coupons for free treats and wet foods along with animal-lover pins. 

Hill's Pet Nutrition will not exhibit at Interzoo 2014

Hill's Pet Nutrition announced it will not exhibit at Interzoo 2014, joining a number of other pet industry companies. 
Hill's says the decision was based on increasing internationalization at Interzoo and fewer participants in the European pet product trade, making the investment on exhibiting at the show not worth the return. The company says it intends to invest in resources and budget money in target group communication for customers and consumers instead. 

Hill's launches new cat, dog foods in reformulated Science Diet line

Hill's Pet Nutrition launched five new food varieties and eight new treat varieties for cats and dogs as part of the reformulated Hill's Science Diet line, now featuring natural ingredients.
The new petfood varieties contain a balance of essential nutrients with natural ingredients, quality protein as the first ingredient, no chicken by-product meal, and no artificial colors, preservatives or flavors. Dry food varieties include Adult Grain Free for cats, Adult Grain Free for dogs, Adult Indoor Long Coat for cats, Senior Indoor Long Coat for cats, and Senior, Small and Toy Breed Age Defying for dogs. 
Newly launched Science Diet treats are all natural, made with real chicken and beef, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables, and are free of corn, artificial colors flavors and preservatives. Treats include Baked Light Biscuits, Dental Chews, Fruity Snacks and Veggie Chips. 
Additionally, Hill's launched a new brand of Ideal Balance treats for dogs and cats. Ideal Balance treats are made from quality, natural ingredients, such as chicken, tuna, lamb, duck, beef, apricots, carrots, and other fruits and vegetables. These grain-free pet treats come in Oven-Baked Naturals, Soft-Baked Naturals and Crunchy Naturals, in a variety of flavors.  

Hill's forms petfood distribution network to aid pets during emergencies

Hill's Pet Nutrition has established a Disaster Relief Network through the Hill's Food, Shelter & Love program, which will enable Hill's to quickly deploy petfood resources in case of an emergency. 
The Network consists of nearly 100 participating shelters across the US that Hill's can coordinate with to distribute emergency food supplies to pets in need.
"The Hill's Disaster Relief Network formalizes the work Hill's has done with shelters throughout the country. Together, we can respond as quickly as possible when animals and their communities are impacted by disaster across the country. We are very proud of our strong relationships with shelters. When disasters happen, Hill's is ready to respond with emergency food shipments within hours," said Kostas Kontopanos, president of Hill's Pet Nutrition US.
Hill's is also working to educate pet owners on what they can do to help keep pets safe and healthy when a disaster hits, leading up to National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day, May 11. 
"Because owners have such strong bonds with their pets, we want to encourage pet parents to think about how their pets factor into their evacuation plans. Taking precautionary steps can help avoid delays in the event of an emergency," said Dr. Dan Aja, director of US professional and veterinary affairs at Hill's. 
Hill's advises pet owners to take the following steps to prepare their pet for an emergency:
• Ensure your pet can be identified by either a microchip or collar ID tag, with updated contact information.
• Prepare an emergency box of pet supplies that is readily accessible in the event of an evacuation. Emergency kits should include: first aid supplies and guide book; a three-day supply of petfood in a waterproof container and bottled water; a safety harness and leash; waste clean-up supplies; medications and medical records; a contact list of veterinarian and pet care organizations; information on your pet's feeding routine and any behavioral issues; comfort toys; and a blanket.
• Display a pet rescue decal with veterinarian contact information on your front door or window to let first responders know there is a pet in the house.
• Identify a location to take your pet if you need to leave the immediate area – keep in mind that disaster shelters for people may not be able to shelter pets.
• If you need to evacuate, consider taking a pet carrier or crate if possible for transport and safe-keeping.
• Carry a good picture of your pet with you in the event of separation during evacuation. Learn where your pet likes to hide in your house because pets may hide if they are scared.
To request assistance during an emergency, shelters can contact Hill's at DisasterRelief@hillspet.com. 

Hill’s Pet Nutrition integrates new petfood packaging closure technology

Petfood manufacturer Hill’s Pet Nutrition has partnered with Velcro Industries to integrate its Press-Lok closure technology into its Science Diet petfood packaging.
The Press-Lok closure, designed to be more consumer friendly, has an alignment that allows the hooks to engage without precise lineup. It also has an audible “click” sound so pet owners know when the package is closed.
"There are many tangible consumer benefits that the Press-Lok closure system provides to our Hill's Science Diet packaging," says Christopher Rector, director of marketing of Hill's US. "The Press-Lok application provides a fast, effective and stress-free bag closure solution. [It] opens and closes easily and quickly, keeping the kibble in and the paws out."

Hill's Pet Canada launches Pet Dental Health Awareness campaign

Hill’s Pet Nutrition Canada launched the 2013 Pet Dental Health Awareness campaign to increase awareness of the connection between oral and overall health.
“Periodontal disease is the most common problem veterinary health care teams see in dogs and cats,” said Susan Jones, D.V.M., director of veterinary affairs at Hill’s Pet Nutrition Canada. “Pet owners often aren’t aware they should be brushing their pets’ teeth. And when they do know, they quickly realize this is not an easy task. Unfortunately, oral health issues often lead to more systemic health issues and our pets then end up facing more serious problems that could have been prevented."
Veterinary health care teams can visit PetDental.ca and downloading the tools available in the “clinic resources” section to share with clients, including educational videos and promotional tools.
Pet owners can also visit the website to learn more about their pet's oral health. The campaign's slogan, "daily brushing + regular dental checkups + the right nutrition = long, healthy life," encourages pet owners to follow a healthy lifestyle. To reinforce this, the campaign offers a kit for pet owners through local veterinarians, which contains a brochure on proper dental care, a pet toothbrush, a human toothbrush and a guide for brushing pets' teeth.
Along with the Pet Dental Health Awareness campaign, Hill's is launching the Smile Sweepstakes. Pet owners can register online to win a year's supply of Hill's Prescription Diet t/d Oral Health petfood, as well as daily prizes, such as iPads, iPod Touches, Kindle Fires and US$25 gift cards.

New tools help vets choose petfood, diet plan for pets

A new set of tools, called the Healthy Weight Protocol, have been developed to help veterinarians and pet owners select a petfood and determine the correct amount to feed their pet.
Hill's Pet Nutrition and the University of Tennessee collaborated to develop the tools, which help veterinarians to more accurately diagnose overweight pets and create a feeding and monitoring plan for pet owners to follow.
The tools use a veterinarian’s measurements of six parts of a cat’s body or four parts of a dog’s body to calculate the pet’s body-fat index and ideal weight. If measurements can’t be taken, a body-fat index risk chart can be used. The program then produces a detailed feeding and weight-loss plan that can work with a combination of dry petfoods, canned petfoods and treats.

Hill’s launches new Ideal Balance natural petfood brand

Hill’s Pet Nutrition unveiled its new Hill’s Ideal Balance line of dog and cat food. The new petfood brand, which features natural ingredients, is the first new petfood brand from Hill’s since the launch of Science Diet in 1968.
The new Hill's Ideal Balance dog and cat food formulas feature:
• Fresh chicken or natural salmon as the first ingredient
• Brown rice to support healthy digestion
• Fruits and vegetables to support a healthy immune system
• No corn, wheat or soy
• Grain-free options for dogs and cats
• Dry foods made in Hill’s USA facilities
• 100 percent balanced nutrition, guaranteed or your money back
The new Ideal Balance line includes varieties developed for lifestage, size and grain-free. In addition to the dry foods, Hill’s Ideal Balance line includes 12 wet petfood varieties: six for dogs and six for cats. Protein sources such as venison, trout and salmon are offered. The new Ideal Balance petfood line is available at pet retailers and veterinarians.