Register for Innovation Workshop, Pet Food Experience

The multi-day event is a joint industry-academic venture to promote innovation, research and talent development focused on pet food and pet treat manufacturing, to be held October 28-30, 2015, on the university’s main campus in Manhattan, Kansas, USA. The Pet Food Experience is hosted by the Kansas State Pet Food Program Team, and utilizes student volunteers as well as facilities within the community.
Sell-out status is expected to happen quickly as capacity is being kept to a minimum to ensure the quality of the hands-on experience as well as seating availability for the research sessions. Attendees can expect two days of networking opportunities and academic research presentations combined with the hands-on creation of new types of pet treats in the workshop sessions led by key industry suppliers including Extru-Tech Inc., AFB International and Lortscher Animal Nutrition Inc., along with some facility tours. Tentative schedule details have also been released and are available on the event website.
“The first Petfood Innovation Workshop in April sold out months in advance of the event as the opportunity to create new pet treat products hands-on is not something you get to do every day,” said Debbie Phillips Donaldson, editor-in-chief of Petfood Industry. “We’re hoping those who missed attending the first one will take advantage of the chance to come this fall, with the added benefit of our new partnership with the Kansas State Pet Food Program and the chance to hear new research presentations and interact with students from the university.”
The premiere Petfood Innovation Workshop: Next Generation Treats was the 1-day opener for the Petfood Forum 2015 conference and exhibition, the leading annual event serving the global pet food and pet treat manufacturing industry. Petfood Forum 2016 will again locate at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri, USA, in the heart of the Animal Health Corridor.
 The Pet Food Program at Kansas State University was started in 2012 and has established degree programs, short courses, and research concerning pet food and nutrition. Kansas State University is a public teaching and research institution founded in 1863 and located in Manhattan, Kansas, USA.

Rondo Food taking over Adax snack business

Rondo Food, a German manufacturer of snacks and treats for pets, is taking over the snack business of the French producer BHJ Adax Pet Snacks.
Both companies came to an agreement that Rondo Food will transfer the production of dog and cat snacks manufactured currently by Adax to its three existing production facilities. Deliveries to customers in France and other foreign markets are ensured. In addition, customers will benefit from a considerably wider product range in the future, which is marketed by Rondo Food and its Austrian partners in the International Treats Network, Rupp and Pro Pet Austria, in many European countries as well as in North America and Australia.
Rondo Food produces at two sites in Germany (Krefeld and Halle, Saale) and at its Irish subsidiary Gaines in Arklow. Snacks for dogs and cats are exclusively produced under the private labels of renowned European trading companies.
 “As a result of the amalgamation of Adax’s business with Rondo’s, we want to offer existing customers a larger and more attractive product range and use the economies of scale presented by Rondo’s existing production facilities,” said Thilo Kühne, Rondo sales director.

Top Dog Kitchen gets ‘vet recommended’ approval rating

Top Dog Kitchen has received a “vet recommended” approval rating from Dr. Tonya Loreman, DVM, and Dr. Shelley Gothard, DVM, from Sabal Palm Animal Hospital in Naples, Florida, USA.
“It can be a challenge to find appropriate treats for pets with certain medical conditions, and the treats made by Top Dog Kitchen offer great choices for those pets,” Loreman said. “Since Top Dog Kitchen promises simple recipes using USDA meats, we’re pleased to recommend them for healthy pets as well as for those pets that may need a restricted diet.
 “Pet treats are not always a necessity but they can contribute to the daily quality of life experienced by both pet and owner. There is value in the simple enjoyment of the treat and treats are usually an essential tool of pet training. We always recommend choosing treats carefully so that the treat does not create a new problem such as an upset digestive system. We’ve now made it official and are placing our ‘stamp of approval’ on Top Dog Kitchen’s line of treats that our patients have loved since 2011.”

Himalayan Corp. acquires leanlix

Dog chew manufacturer Himalayan Corp. has acquired leanlix, a low-calorie reward and training tool for dogs.

“We are ecstatic to find such a unique product from a fellow Washington-based company that has so many similar goals,” said Laura Baugh-Finley, marketing director, Himalayan Corp., based in the Seattle suburb of Mukilteo. “The ingenuity and growth in the leanlix brand has seen in only a few short years is quite impressive. We want to help build on that success.”
The acquisition became official January 20, 2015. The purchase price was not disclosed. leanlix is available in the US, Canada, Japan, Australia, and the UK.
leanlix was created in 2012 by Seattle entrepreneur Sharon Da Dalto as a fun, healthy reward treat that can be licked by dogs. The original formulation of leanlix was crafted by a pet chemist to address pet obesity. Studies show more than 54% of dogs are overweight and many are obese. While most dog treats have about 30 calories per serving, gluten-free leanlix has 1 calorie and 0 fat per serving (5 licks). leanlix has healthy ingredients such as probiotics for digestion, as well as antioxidants such as chamomile, freeze-dried strawberry and raspberry.
Da Dalto will continue to champion the brand that she created in a new role at Himalayan.
“We’re really excited about the possibilities that this marriage brings to leanlix,” said Da Dalto. “Himalayan’s reach and expertise will bring real value, such as, strong distribution avenues, consistency of product, well-established advertising channels, and increased exposure in the market.”

KaNoodles dental chews earn pet business award

KaNoodles Premium Dental Chews for Dogs, by Vets Plus Inc., have been awarded the honor of a 2014 Pet Business Industry Recognition Award. The winners were selected by the editorial team of Pet Business and announced in the magazine’s December 2014 issue.

“We’re so excited to have received this award for the new KaNoodles chews," said Cherie Grandt, director of marketing at Vets Plus. "They’re a unique product—from the ingredients to the shape—and we’re excited about how the industry and pet parents are embracing the chews.”
KaNoodles Premium Dental Chews have a flexible shape with deep grooves that maximize contact with the tooth surface for a better clean. “As the dental category grows, pet parents have more options for convenient oral health care," said Grandt. "KaNoodles chews stand out because of their flexibility and digestibility.” The chews are made of an extruded pasta base that is completely digestible, so there’s no harm to the dog if swallowed. With zinc, omega-3 fatty acids and soluble fiber, KaNoodles chews help keep teeth and gums healthy while providing support for a strong immune system.
KaNoodles chews for dogs were launched in the USA and Canada in August 2014, and are available in four sizes for adult dogs small to extra-large.

New Petfood Innovation Workshop on treats to feature test kitchen sessions

Petfood Innovation Workshop: Next Generation Treats, which will take place April 27 in Kansas City, Kansas, USA, will include a field trip to a Food Innovation Accelerator Lab at nearby Kansas State University-Olathe. There, participants can practice product development of treats with several hands-on exercises using actual ingredients and processing techniques.

Sales of pet treats are growing 5% to 8% a year globally, with double-digit increases in some regions as pet owners around the world seek to pamper their pets yet still feed them wholesome, healthy snacks, including functional ingredients. Participants in the Petfood Innovation Workshop can learn about upcoming trends and new product ideas for this dynamic category, then engage in hands-on experimentation, making new types of treats at the Food Innovation Accelerator Lab.
Just about 30 minutes from the Kansas City Convention Center, this new Kansas State University (KSU) campus features a test kitchen where Greg Aldrich, PhD, Research Associate Professor at KSU and President of Pet Food Ingredients & Technology, will lead industry suppliers through helping petfood professionals create new bench-top, baked and molded treats.
Space for Petfood Innovation Workshop: Next Generation Treats is limited. Early bird registration savings are available through February 15, with additional savings for professionals also registering for Petfood Forum 2015.

Indigenous Pet Products introduces Pegetables natural dog chews

Indigenous Pet Products announced the launch of a new formulation of Pegetables Nature's Dog Chews, a premium dog chew for canine dental health, at Global Pet Expo 2014. The original formula of the chew was from the Pegetables brand, which was recently acquired by Indigenous Pet Products, and expands the business's portfolio of canine dental health solutions. 

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Pegetables Nature's Dog Chews are designed to help clean teeth, leaving dogs with fresh breath, according to the company. The product is scientifically formulated to be safe and highly digestible for dogs of all sizes. The product is made with vegetables including sweet potatoes, peas and carrots, and is free of corn, wheat, grain and gluten.
"Dental health is a common concern for many dog owners," said Scott Reinhardt, sales and marketing manager of Indigenous Pet Products. "Pegetables Nature's Dog Chews provide a treat that is satisfying and healthy for pets. With the acquisition of Pegetables, we are able to provide pet retailers with another product that aligns with our existing offering targeting the health and wellness category in the specialty petfood sector."

Private equity firm acquires Three Dog Bakery

Three Dog Bakery Inc. has been acquired by a private equity group led by Aziz Giga, former vice president of strategic planning at PPG Industries. The new company will be known as Three Dog Bakery LLC.

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"We are proud to own the Three Dog Bakery brand that pioneered bakeries for dogs," said Giga, the chairman of Three Dog Bakery LLC. "The team has done a great job expanding the brand, products and distribution across North America. We look forward to helping move the company to the next level."
The company focuses on the premium, all-natural, made in the USA pet treat market. Three Dog Bakery provides Three Dog Bakery brand and private-label packaged products to national and independent pet retailers, grocery, drug, mass and club merchandisers and through direct-to-consumer internet sales. "We are excited about this new partnership and fully expect this transaction to greatly accelerate our growth strategy," said Brian Wietharn, president and CEO of Three Dog Bakery Inc.
Three Dog Bakery Inc. was advised in the transaction by Triangle Capital LLC, a New York-based M&A investment bank.

Lincoln Bark applying for small business grant by JP Morgan Chase

Dog treat company Lincoln Bark is one of hundreds of small businesses applying for a Mission Main Street grant by JP Morgan Chase. Lincoln Bark is hoping to be one of 12 businesses that is awarded a US$250,000 grant and a trip to Google for an exclusive small business workshop with Google's experts.
Consumers can support Lincoln Bark by visiting the company's Mission Main Street profile before November 15 and voting using their Facebook accounts. Once Lincoln Bark's profile reaches 250 consumer votes, the company will enter a panelist deliberation phase. Chase will announce the 12 winning businesses in January 2014. 
"Our biggest challenges are the significant financial resources and time commitments needed to compete successfully in the $50 billion pet industry. This grant will allow us to ramp up for new business and ensure our long-term growth and stability in inventory production and management, distribution, sales and marketing," says Bobbye Cochran, president and founder of Lincoln Bark. 

Vets Plus invests in production equipment for jerky pet treats

Vets Plus Inc., a maker of pet supplements, invested US$0.5 million to add new production equipment for cold and heat-extruded jerky for pets. In addition, the company sent several research and production staff members for specialized training to create custom jerky and treats for its customers.
According to the company's CEO and president, Raj Lall: "We can custom formulate any nutraceutical supplement, and now we are able to produce those supplements in another form: jerky for dogs. We are focusing on making dental treats and branching into that rapidly growing market, but a whole host of other natural compounds can be added to jerky to address other nutritional concerns."
The new equipment is housed in a 30,000-square-foot space in western Wisconsin, USA. Lall said the product will be available for contract manufacturing. "Private labeling is our backbone," he said. "We look forward to developing unique jerky products manufactured and packaged to fit the needs of our partners." Full-scale production of jerky is expected to begin in November.

New dog treats made from nutria of Louisiana, USA, wetlands

One pet owner has developed a new type of pet treats made from nutria from Louisiana, USA.
Hansel Harlan began experimenting with new recipes when his dogs developed allergies, and he says he heard about the benefits of nutria meat and destruction the animals were causing to the wetlands of Louisiana.
"We knew that they were spending a lot of money down there to kill them," Harlan said. "So, we were wondering if we could make them out of petfood or pet treats. And thus the idea was born."
Harlan's "Marsh Dog" treats are made from nutria meat, brown rice, oats and molasses. The treats have now been sold at select retailers in southern Louisiana for nearly a year, along with a nutria jerky product.
"To be quite honest, we weren't sure whether it was going to work or not," said Harlan. "But the response has been literally overwhelming."

Japanese company stops sales of pet treats made from endangered whales

A Japanese company has stopped selling petfood made from endangered Icelandic fin whales after a campaign by conservation groups.
Michinoku Farm was previously advertising jerky-like treats for dogs made from the endangered whales imported from Iceland. However, the company removed the product from its website after protests from four groups, including UK-based Environmental Investigation Agency and US-based Animal Welfare Institute. 
Michinoku Farm president, Takuma Konno, said the company pulled the treats, despite being legal to sell in Japan. "Dogs are like family members for many people in Japan. We just wanted to sell a wide variety of food for dogs," he said. "Campaigners look at whales as important animals, but we consider dogs to be just as important. Maybe I was ignorant of the debate over whaling, but it's not worth selling the product if it risks angering some people."
Susan Milward, executive director of the Animal Welfare Institute, said, "We are extremely pleased to see Michinoku Farm respond in such a progressive, compassionate and prompt manner, and we would strongly urge all other businesses to follow suit and end such sales."

Petfood, treat manufacturers use new closure technology in packaging

Two petfood and treat manufacturers are incorporating Velcro Industries' new Press-Lok closure technology into their packaging, making it easier for consumers to reseal the packages.
Holland-based Paragon Pet Products is incorporating the Press-Lok closure technology, produced by Peel Plastics Products Ltd., into packages of its gluten-free, all-natural dog treats, Whimzees. Hill's Pet Nutrition is also incorporating the new closure into its petfood packages from Peel, available through veterinary clinics and pet specialty retailers. 
The Press-Lok closure system is a hook-to-hook technology that allows consumers to close the package without precise line-up. The closure has an audible click that allows consumers to hear petfood packages open and close for a tight seal and maintain product freshness. 

New PetSafe pet treats launched at Global Pet Expo

Radio Systems Corp.’s founder and CEO, Randy Boyd, announced that the pet supplies company recently launched 31 new products at Global Pet Expo under its PetSafe brand. Among new products launched were a variety of new cat and dog treats.
The company launched five new Busy Buddy treats, including: Ultra Sub, a dog treat that features knobbed nylon “buns” sandwiching rubber spacers and two thick rawhide treats; Ultra Woofer, a rawhide treat ring for dogs; Ultra Stratos, a treat with two rawhide rings and knobbed rubber ends molded over nylon; Teeter Treater, a pet treat with a weighted base and three channels that hold treat strips in place; and Gnawbrush, a dog treat with mint-flavored Busy Sticks to encourage better smelling breath and help clean the surfaces of dogs’ teeth.
New indigo line treats include Fresh dental treats, Triple Chews to help boost dogs’ immune and digestive systems, and Smokehouse Strips for dogs. New Lickety Stik products were also introduced, such as a new Gel in five flavors and LiquiMints liquid breath-freshening dog treat.

Petfood facility to produce pet treats from fresh fish

Angell Associates, a supplier of fish products to the petfood industry, has completed a new factory next to its current petfood production facility.
The new facility will produce pet treats from fresh fish, caught within European Commission quota stocks, the company said. Angell also said it is working on developing wet petfood in pouches and cans for dogs and cats.

Clear Conscience Pet awarded for dog treats, pet food topper

Animal nutrition company Clear Conscience Pet was recently honored with two awards for its pet treats and pet food topper.
Clear Conscience Pet's Lamb Airy Bites dog treats were selected as "Best Pet Treat of the Year 2012" by the Dogington Post. The company's SuperGravy, a holistic gravy pet food topper, was also selected as "Best In Show Food Topper 2012" by Doggies and Stuff.
In addition to its recent awards, Clear Conscience Pet has announced it is launching a new pet treat product, Sliders Tender recipes. These moist dog treats are available in Sliders Tender Chicken & Cheddar and Beef & Cheddar recipes. 

Petfood, pet treat makers among finalists in SupplySide Awards

SupplySide, which helps companies in the food and other industries to find information on innovating and marketing their next best-selling product, will recognize recent innovative product launches in the inaugural 2012 SupplySide Editor's Choice Awards.
The Editor's Choice Awards recognize product launches from consumer packaged goods companies in 10 categories, including animal nutrition. Among the top five finalists in the animal nutrition category are Blue Buffalo's Blue Freedom line of grain-free cat and dog food, Clear Conscience Pet's SuperGravy mix for dogs and cats, and Feline Greenies' SmartBites treats.
The winner will be announced during the SupplySide West Editor’s Choice Reception on November 6.

Purina Mills launches new small animal food, treat line

Purina Mills LLC is launching a new line of small animal food, Purina Little Wonders Food and Purina Small Animals Treats, in select Walmart stores.
These specially formulated diets for gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits provide small animals with wholesome ingredients, like seeds, nuts, vegetables and fruits.
Products available include Purina Little Wonders Guinea Pig Diet in 4 lbs.; Purina Little Wonders Rabbit Diet in 4 lbs.; Purina Little Wonders Gerbil and Hamster Diet in 2 lbs.; Purina Apple-Flavored Flips; and Purina Gourmet Bites with Tasty Vegetables. Purina Apple-Flavored Flips and Purina Gourmet Bites with Tasty Vegetables are treats formulated for a variety of small animals including gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, rats and mice.
“Small animals need the recommended amount of vitamins and nutrients that will fuel their energy and support their overall health, just like the rest of the family,” said Dr. Mikelle Roeder, a nutritionist with Land O’ Lakes Purina Feed. “Purina Little Wonders Food and Purina Small Animals Treats are a balanced mix of fun, delicious food that you will enjoy sharing with your critters combined with the nutrition needed to help them live a long healthy life.”

JRS to host fiber seminar for pet food, pet treat manufacturers

J. Rettenmaier & Sohne will host a fiber seminar for the needs of pet food and pet treat manufacturers at its headquarters in Rosenberg, Germany, on May 16.
The company will feature industry experts and pet food specialists sharing knowledge on the latest trials in pet nutrition and new EU labelling practice for pet foods. A free shuttle bus service will be available on May 16 from the Congress Hotel Mercure Nürnberg, Germany, at Interzoo to JRS Headquarters and back. 
Those interested in attending can register until April 6 via email to manfred.pietsch@jrs.de.

Purina launches small animal treats in PetSmart stores

Pet food maker Purina recently launched two new lines of food and treats for small animals, available in US PetSmart stores. 
The new products, Purina Garden Recipe and Purina Small Animals, are specially formulated diets for gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, rats and mice, Purina says, made from ingredients like seeds, nuts, vegetables and fruits. Products include Purina Garden Recipe Rabbit Diet, Purina Garden Recipe Rat and Mouse Diet, Purina Garden Recipe Guinea Pig Diet, Purina Garden Recipe Gerbil and Hamster Diet, Purina Apple-Flavored Flips, Purina Gourmet Bites with Tasty Vegetables, and Purina Treat Sticks varieties for guinea pigs, hamsters and rabbits.
"All pets, no matter how small, quickly become cherished family members,” said Gabriela Bonadonna, senior marketing manager for Land O’Lakes Purina Feed. “With years of experience feeding animals large and small, people have trusted Purina to provide quality products backed by more than a century of scientific research and an abiding passion for the health and well-being of animals of all sizes. With the launch of Purina Small Animals, we can be sure that even the smallest family members are getting the nutrition they need, the variety they love, and treats that taste good and satisfy.”