JBS USA launches CoppersClassics.com

JBS USA has launched CoppersClassics.com, an interactive website that highlights its premium pet chew program. The website serves as a resource for consumers who desire all-natural, American-made dog chews.
“With more than 83 million Americans owning at least one dog, there is a growing demand for all-natural, American-made and sourced dog chews,” said Rebecca Greene, pet development manager at JBS USA. “CoppersClassics.com provides an exciting opportunity to reach this growing consumer base and provide additional selling resources for our valued customers.”
Consumers continuously ask for all-natural, American-made products for their four-legged friends. Copper’s Classics fulfills that desire by delivering single-ingredient, minimally processed treats with raw materials obtained solely from USA-harvested animals.
“Throughout website development, we focused on presenting the attributes of our USA-made and processed pet chew program in a fun and interactive way,” Greene said. “The website provides our clientele access to our online store, which allows them to order a variety of chews for their homes and stores.”

Patriot 5 Star looking for most patriotic dog in America

The innovators of All-American Pet Nutrition at Simplicity Pet Care are debuting their newest brand, Patriot 5 Star – a first-of-its-kind brand dedicated to philanthropy, the advancement of America and the canines protecting America. Patriot 5 Star’s Long Lasting Dental Chews are now available in mint and cinnamon flavors, and with the launch of the dental chews is a contest called #PatrioticPup: The Search for the Most Patriotic Dog in America.
Patriot 5 Star’s Long Lasting Dental Chews are designed to naturally clean a dog’s teeth and gums, while also freshening breath and preventing tartar buildup. The grain-free formula is made with the highest quality, 100% American-sourced ingredients. The products are made in the US, and a percentage of all sales support US charities.
“Simplicity Pet Care’s mission is to provide every pet across the country with access to amazing products that not only taste great, but are also great for them,” said Simplicity founder and CEO Elliott Haverlack. “We wanted to make the safest, most nutritional products available, and that’s what we’re doing with Patriot. We use the highest quality ingredients there are, and sell them at the most affordable price, period.”
Coinciding with the brand’s debut, Patriot 5 Star is launching the #PatrioticPup Competition: The Search for the Most Patriotic Dog in America.
As a continuation of Patriot’s “Pay it Forward” platform, this unique competition is designed to let consumers help decide which charities Patriot donates to throughout the year. In 2016, the company will focus on charities supporting American pets, veterans and active military.
Pet owners can enter their dogs’ photos and information via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the chance to win money for their favorite charity as well as prizes of American made treats and toys for their dog. Each month, Patriot 5 Star will award a $1,000 donation to the charitable organization of the winning pet parent’s choice along with a basket of goodies for the month’s winning patriotic pup. At the end of the year, one of the 12 four-legged finalists will be named “The Most Patriotic Pup in America,” and awarded $100,000 for a charity of their choice.

Dogs get scratch and sniff book for holidays

‘Is That My Dinner?’ taps into dogs’ keen sense of smell

Red Tettemer O'Connell + Partners (RTO+P) has released a playful holiday scratch and sniff book just for dogs, called “Is That My Dinner?” for the healthy, human-­grade pet food company, The Honest Kitchen.
To showcase The Honest Kitchen’s product and to communicate the benefits of feeding pets healthy grade food, “Is That My Dinner?” taps into the one thing we all know our dogs love – smelling. In partnership with illustrator Annie Davidson, who co-­designed and executed the artwork, “Is That My Dinner?” is a story about a hopeful puppy, scratching and sniffing his way through a holiday party in search of a proper holiday meal. Throughout the book, the readers/smellers are taken through a selection of scratch and sniff scents including pumpkin and peppermint.
“We thought it would be super fun to really think outside of the box and create a slightly retro holiday campaign that would showcase our recipes in a unique way,” said The Honest Kitchen CEO Lucy Postins. “We wanted to highlight the difference between our human grade whole foods for pets and conventional kibble and cans, which most dogs and cats eat. RTO+P has done an incredible job devising the idea of a scratch and sniff book, and we’re excited to show it off as we get closer and closer to extra treat season.”
A perfect stocking stuffer for the holidays, each copy of “Is That My Dinner?” will be available nationwide at retail stores and will contain samples of The Honest Kitchen’s “Embark” and “Love” products as part of the bundle. RTO+P has also created a new website www.isthatmydinner.com, featuring coupons redeemable in stores and will handle the social media on Facebook and Twitter.
“The Honest Kitchen has been a perfect partner throughout this creative process, even helping out with getting our smells right,” said Steve Red, president and chief creative officer at RTO+P. “That’s what we love about THK – they’re not afraid to take risks and like us, they really, really love dogs.”

Patent issued for Mulligan Stew formula

Cell Response Formulation has received a US patent for the formula used in its brand of dog food, Mulligan Stew.
A patent issued for the way a food works is extremely rare in the pet industry. The patented formula allows the unique blend of ingredients to work in harmony with the dog’s body to increase antioxidant production. Increases in antioxidants have proven to be beneficial in cleansing toxins, improving overall health, and increased longevity.
To appeal to even the most unique and sensitive of appetites, Mulligan Stew offers 6 protein choices. The wide varieties of proteins are great for rotating meal options to keep the pet excited for each and every meal. The protein, in combination with the specialized blend of ingredients is key to the increased antioxidant production in the dog’s body. The benefits from feeding the formula may include improved energy, stronger immune system and a softer coat, just to name a few.

Merrick, Drew Brees team up for dogs’ Best Day Ever

Every dog deserves the Best Day Ever. From the ultimate game of fetch to an unending belly rub, dogs should be rewarded for their undeniable loyalty and unconditional love. That’s why Merrick Pet Care, a leader in all-natural pet food, wants to reward the Best Dog Ever with the Best Day Ever.
The company launched their Best Day Ever campaign in August with an end-of-summer splash day where they treated shelter dogs to the Best Pool Party Ever at Colorado’s Water World – plus the chance to be adopted – for their Best Day Ever.
“We believe not only that the best dog ever deserves the best food ever, but also that dogs should be able to enjoy the best day ever – everyday,” said Mark Sapir, vice president of marketing for Merrick Pet Care. “We’re continuously inspired by the stories we hear from our pet parents about the love they have for their dogs, and one of the most exciting things about our Best Day Ever campaign is that it celebrates the true stories of our best friends – our dogs. They make every day great for us and deserve nothing less than the ultimate reward for being the Best Dog Ever.”
With the Best Day Ever, Merrick Pet Care will continue to surprise pet parents nationwide with the campaign into 2016. In fact, now through December 3, 2015, Merrick is inviting pet parents across the country to share why their dog is the Best Dog Ever for a chance to win the Best Game of Fetch Ever with star football quarterback Drew Brees. Entrants can submit their photo and a brief narrative about why their dog deserves to win on Merrick’s Facebook page.
“Dogs give the best kind of love – unconditional – whether you have a good or a bad day,” said Brees. “All dogs deserve the Best Day Ever.”

Pets at Home to exclusively offer Wellness products

Pet lovers nationwide are celebrating the arrival of Wellness, the independent, family-owned US brand of natural pet food, which is now available exclusively with Pets at Home.
All recipes in the Wellness range are based on the philosophy that nutrition is at the foundation of a pet’s well-being; and with more than nine million dogs and nine million cats owned and cared for across the country, the UK is a nation of pet lovers who want the best for their furry friends.
A Pets at Home study found that 42% of pet parents tell their pet they love them at least twice a day; and with our pets being seen more as family members, it is no wonder that we want to give them the best, including what they eat.
Wellness offers wholesome, healthy nutrition for dogs and cats and contains no wheat, corn, soy, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. The recipes use delicious, real foods such as deboned meats, healthy fruits and vegetables and easily digestible carbohydrates to provide the perfect balance of protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in the healthiest way. Every ingredient in Wellness’ natural food recipes is carefully chosen for its nutritional benefits providing just what our four-legged friends need for happier, healthier, longer lives.
Pets at Home will offer three Wellness ranges – CORE, Complete Health and Simple – which come in a variety of flavors in wet or dry versions and are complete and balanced for everyday health. The dog range is now available and the cat range will launch in November.

• Wellness CORE (for dogs and cats): grain-free, higher protein recipes which feature fresh meat as the first ingredient. These protein-focused dishes include quality chicken, turkey or whitefish which help promote lean body mass while also satisfying your pet with a tasty meal.
• Wellness CORE Chunky Centers (for dogs): savory pâté filled with hearty meat cuts including turkey, duck, lamb and tuna. These grain-free dishes are full of superfoods such as spinach, sweet potatoes and kale, ensuring each bite is packed with wholesome nutrition.
• Wellness CORE Divine Duos (for cats): grain-free, savory pâté topped with protein-rich cuts in gravy. Dishes include hearty cuts of beef, chicken liver, tuna and salmon – balanced with nutrient-rich broccoli and carrots.
• Wellness Complete Health (for cats): an optimal balance of natural whole foods to fulfill the unique health needs of your cat. Complete Health cat recipes help maintain a healthy body mass, overall health and vitality, optimal nutrient absorption, healthy skin and coat, and digestive health. Wellness Healthy Indulgence Morsels are complete and balanced recipes of tender morsels served in a savory gravy.
• Wellness Small Breed Complete Health (for dogs): designed specifically for the needs of small-breed dogs with fresh meat as the first ingredient, optimal levels of protein to support higher energy needs, hip and joint support and skin and coat support. Wellness Petite Entrées are tasty casseroles featuring poultry and meats with healthy veggies. Petite Entrée recipes can be fed along with Small Breed Complete Health or exclusively as a complete and balanced meal.
• Wellness Simple (for dogs): the first of its kind in the UK, this natural limited-ingredient dry-food diet has been created for adult dogs with food sensitivities, allergies or ingredient intolerances. These hypo-allergenic diets keep it simple with a single source of protein (lamb or salmon) and easily digestible carbohydrates, without extra fillers or additives, including no wheat, gluten, corn, soya, dairy, eggs, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.

Camelle Kent, chief commercial officer at WellPet, commented: “Pet parents have a growing interest in natural food diets for their pets and we’re excited to give them even more options to choose from. It is our mission to put well-being at the core of everything we create, and to provide thoughtful nutrition choices that unite quality, taste and health. As a result, we have helped thousands of pets over the years to live healthy, happy lives. We are delighted to partner with Pets at Home and offer the Wellness range both in store and online.”
David Wainwright, head of buying at Pets at Home said: “We are extremely excited to unveil the Wellness brand exclusively in our stores nationwide. We know how important it is that our customers are able to get the best food for their pets which is why we are proud to be stocking Wellness exclusively.”

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.

Nulo Pet Food, IRONMAN form multi-year partnership

Nulo Pet Food and IRONMAN have formed a multi-year partnership, making Nulo the exclusive pet food partner and sponsor for all U.S. IRONMAN events through 2016.
“IRONMAN athletes understand the role quality nutrition plays in fueling a healthy, active lifestyle. We believe triathletes seek the same superior qualities in their dog or cat’s nutrition too,” says Michael Landa, CEO of Nulo Pet Food. “Nulo’s partnership with IRONMAN allows us to educate fellow athletes and pet parents about the benefits of Nulo’s ingredients – in an atmosphere that is fun, inspiring, and celebrated by so many pet lovers.”
“The IRONMAN organization is thrilled to partner with such a unique pet food company like Nulo. Their dedication to pet nutrition and promotion of healthy lifestyles breathes a new perspective into supporting our entire IRONMAN community,” said Andrew Messick, CEO of IRONMAN. “We look forward to helping them activate their brand across our many race venues and in inspiring IRONMAN competitors everywhere to take greater care of their extended families.”
“For so many athletes, our dogs are our best friends and sometimes training partners. Just like our own diets, the types of protein, carbohydrates, and ingredients that we feed our dog or cat matter to their health and recovery,” says Landa. “We thank IRONMAN for aligning their brand with Nulo and for teaming with us to become evangelists for better pet nutrition.”
 Nulo Pet Food started when its founder, Michael Landa, a former All-American swimmer with a long history in professional pet care and education, began to see an escalation in overweight pets and unhealthy lifestyles. A study of 6,000 dog and cat households confirmed the alarming trend – pets were essentially living in a “fast food nation.” Determined to create a better pet food line, Landa worked hand-in-hand with leading scientists to develop Nulo’s nutritional platform and grain-free formulas – all with high animal-based proteins, low carb & low glycemic ingredients and a patented probiotic.

Mars Petcare kicks off pet-friendly communities initiative

The initiative is designed to foster greater adoption of pet-friendly community policies and promote the benefits of pet ownership and pet adoption in the U.S. Initial programming in Nashville will include free adoption days with three area shelters, a $10,000 donation to the Nashville Parks Foundation and additional donations to 28 rescue shelters in Middle Tennessee.
"Mars Petcare is dedicated to making a better world for pets," said Mark Johnson, president of Mars Petcare North America. "There are countless studies documenting the physical and emotional benefits to pet ownership, particularly on promoting healthy, active lifestyles. We're excited to pilot this initiative in our hometown, and we know Nashville is a great role model for other communities looking to become more pet friendly."

People + pets = all kinds of good

Together with The  Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition – a leading scientific authority in pet nutrition and well-being founded by Mars more than 50 years ago – Mars Petcare has discovered that having a pet isn't just fun, it's actually really good for you. For example:

• Benefits to pet ownership include reducing the risk of heart disease and stress management, promoting healthy, active lifestyles, offering companionship and facilitating emotional connections.
• Dogs and other animals can also help children cope with a variety of ailments – depression, emotional disorders and even poor immune function, and can promote social skills.
• Pet owners are significantly more likely to meet new people in their neighborhoods than non-pet owners, with pets shown to facilitate friendships more often than in children's schools.

Nashville's pet-focused policies

Under Mayor Karl Dean's leadership, Nashville has become a more pet-friendly city by:

• Opening new dog parks
• Adding more than 4,500 acres of new parkland, 14 new parks and six park expansions in the past eight years, increasing parkland by 25 percent and increasing greenways by 50 percent, with 40 miles of new trails. Additionally, 21 water fountains have been added across the city, each featuring a dog bowl.
• Numerous health events – including 100 Miles with the Mayor, Mayor's Challenge 5K and Mayor's Field Day – have welcomed pets so that people can be active with their furry friends. The Mayor invited Metro's Animal Care and Control to participate in these events to increase adoption and to promote responsible pet ownership.

"I am proud of the strides we have made to become a more pet-friendly community," Dean said. "By investing in dog parks, improving the operations of our animal shelter and partnering with nonprofit shelters across the city, we have made Nashville a healthier city for residents and their pets. Thank you Mars for recognizing the commitment by our community to animal welfare. We appreciate your investment in dog parks through the Nashville Parks Foundation and look forward to many of our shelter dogs and cats finding forever homes through your free adoption program."

Clear out the shelters: free adoption days

On September 4 and 5, 2015, Mars Petcare will sponsor up to 300 adoptions at three Pedigree partner shelters – Metro Animal Care and Control (Davidson County), Williamson County Animal Shelter and Nashville Humane Association – in an effort to find all of these pets a forever home.
 Representatives from Banfield Pet Hospital – the largest privately owned veterinary practice in the U.S. – and the American Humane Association's "Red Star Rescue Rig," sponsored by Mars Petcare US, will also be on-site to hand out information, answer questions and provide additional support. The Red Star Rescue Rig is an 82-foot-long truck fully equipped to handle disasters and provide on-the-ground rescue services for animals.

Petco launches on-demand delivery service

Petco has launched PetcoNow, the first on-demand delivery service in the pet specialty retail category. Powered by Instacart in a first-of-its-kind partnership, the service gives pet parents the ability to access all of the Petco quality pet products they need, delivered directly to their door in as little as one hour.

"In today's on-demand retail economy, customers expect to have the world at their fingertips," said Brad Weston, Petco executive vice president and chief merchandising officer. "PetcoNow represents an evolution in the way we're able to provide quality products and customer service to pet parents. Combining our 50-year heritage, expertise and retail footprint with strategic partnerships ensures we stay at the forefront of innovation in today's changing marketplace."

Available now in select markets, the service provides customers with a selection of approximately 13,000 Petco products – including all food (dry kibble, wet, fresh, frozen, freeze-dried), treats, toys and supplies for pets ranging from dogs and cats to fish and birds. Accessible through both an easy-to-use web portal and mobile app, PetcoNow serves US pet parents in Atlanta, Georgia; Austin, Texas; Boston, Massachusetts; Boulder, Colorado; Chicago, Illinois; Denver, Colorado; Houston, Texas; Los Angeles, California; Miami, Florida; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Portland, Oregon; San Francisco, California; Seattle, Washington; and Washington, D.C.

Additionally, Petco and Instacart are excited to announce expanded delivery zones in Miami and Chicago beginning June 23 and 30 respectively.

"In January, we introduced Petco as Instacart's first non-grocery retail partner, and we have continued to see growth," said Apoorva Mehta, founder and CEO of Instacart. "Through our partnership, Petco is able to offer customers the ease and convenience of on-demand delivery without the need to handle the logistics themselves. We're excited to expand this offering to pet owners and will be introducing additional markets later this year." 

Pedigree launches Feed the Good global marketing campaign

Pedigree Brand has launched a new global marketing campaign called Feed the Good.
Created by BBDO, Feed the Good is Pedigree’s first global campaign in years and is based on the simple, yet universal insight that dogs bring out the good in people as their innocence helps us reconnect with our own.
"Studies attest how the companionship of animals transforms and improves people's lives," said Leonid Sudakov, chief marketing officer, global petcare, Mars Inc.  "By nourishing the loveable innocence in every dog, Pedigree helps feed the good they bring to the world."
Pedigree will roll out Feed the Good creative, as well as other integrated marketing elements beginning in Australia, Brazil, New Zealand and the US, with additional markets slated for later in 2015 and 2016. The global insight will fuel all of the Feed the Good executions, but the creative content is contextually relevant for the markets where it will be featured.
Above and beyond television, print and online advertisements, the campaign will feature various additional integrated marketing efforts including in-store displays, social media, consumer promotions and public relations. In some markets, like New Zealand, the campaign will be supported with world-class digital solutions developed in collaboration with companies like Google.
A 'Good Fight' in Australia
The first television commercial in the Feed the Good campaign began airing on May 4 in Australia. Titled “Good Fight,” the spot opens on several young adults on a street corner who are poised to fight. Just as it's about to get really heated, one of them notices a loose dog in the middle of a busy street with a despondent owner on the far sidewalk. Suddenly the men forget about their issues and sprint to help protect the dog. The relieved owner joins the two men who saved his dog to thank them – the fight long forgotten.
'First Days Out' in Brazil
Feed the Good launches in Brazil via an online documentary film that follows the real-life journey of two ex-cons – Joey and Matt – who each adopt dogs upon their release from prison. The emotional three-minute video, called “First Days Out” profiles all of the good that comes from these unlikely pairs, including new opportunities, blossoming friendships and mended fences. In addition to the documentary, Pedigree will release a 30-second television commercial called “Dogs World” in Brazil later in 2015.

Wellness Natural launches well pet campaign

Wellness Natural Pet Food has launched "Five Signs of Wellness," an effort to educate pet parents on the visible indicators of overall health and well-being in their pets: skin and coat health; digestive health; energy; immunity; and eyes, teeth and gum health.

"Pets are members of our families and it's important that we understand how to recognize the signs of their overall health," says Camelle Kent, chief commercial officer at Wellness Natural Pet Food. "Veterinarian visits only happen once or twice a year, but you can see the 'Five Signs of Wellness' in your pet every single day."
Balanced nutrition through quality ingredients like protein-rich meats and whole fruits and vegetables is the key to a long, happy life for pets and their parents alike. Foods that are made with wholesome, natural and consciously sourced ingredients give pets the nutrients they need.
By discovering the "Five Signs of Wellness" and all the ways to notice them in pets, pet parents can learn to identify when their pet is happy and healthy:

• Skin and coat: Clear skin and a soft, shiny coat are signs that pets are getting enough essential vitamins, minerals and fatty acids in their diet.
• Digestive health: Upset stomachs can slow your pet down; regularity in their digestive system is supported by probiotics, prebiotics and fiber in their diets.
• Eyes, teeth and gums: Clear eyes with no excess tearing, and clean teeth and gums with no inflammation are signs that they're getting proper essential nutrients.
• Immunity: A strong immune system, supported by essential vitamins and minerals, means less downtime and more playtime for your pet.
• Energy: Enough energy to keep up with the family is a sign that you pet is getting balanced nutrition from high-quality proteins and carbohydrates.

Big Heart Pet Brands net income down in third quarter

Big Heart Pet Brands’ third quarter net income was US$33 million, down from US$34.2 million the previous year.

The company’s operating income was up 26.8% to US$104.5 million, driven partially by new products sales. Net sales were up 2.5% to US$589.9 million, due to the success of Milk-Bone Brushing Chews, the relaunch of Milo's Kitchen, Meow Mix Tender Centers with Vitality Bursts, and Kibbles n' Bits American Grill.
“Big Heart Pet Brands delivered solid results as our investments in innovation continued to build momentum,” said Dave West, president and CEO of Big Heart Pet Brands. “Our snacks portfolio, particularly Milk-Bone and Milo’s Kitchen, once again delivered strong growth as we continue to expand our leadership in dog snacks.”
In February, the J.M. Smucker Company announced that it will acquire Big Heart Pet Brands for US$5.8 billion, including US$2.6 billion of net debt. The purchase marks Smucker's entrance into the petfood and snacks category and expands its overall presence in consumer packaged goods.
“We are looking forward to joining Smucker,” West said. “Given the strong alignment of the companies’ purpose and values, I’m confident that Smucker is a great fit. Our iconic petfood and snack brands have significant growth potential and Smucker will provide the resources as well as the scale to help our brands continue to grow.”

Open Farm’s petfood is ethically raised and sourced

Open Farm, a Canadian-based family-run company, touts its ethically raised and sourced petfood. The company says it uses humanely and sustainably farmed meats, ocean-caught fish and local vegetables, allowing pet parents to feed their pets premium food while also doing some good for farm animals, family farms and the environment.

“As an animal lover and ethical eater, it was very important that Open Farm work only with farmers who raise their animals in accordance with strict ethical and humane standards,” said co-founder Jacqueline Prehogan. “To give pet parents 100% comfort in where their pet’s food comes from, our farm-to-bowl supply chain is audited and certified by third-party organizations specializing in humane animal care and sustainable farming practices, such as Certified Humane.”
The Certified Humane label assures consumers that all of the meat and poultry used in Open Farm products comes from animals fed a vegetarian diet, free of antibiotics and growth hormones, and that live naturally with space, shelter and gentle handling.
For its fish sources, Open Farm uses a “catch of the day” model that uses exclusively ocean-caught, seasonally sourced fish in collaboration with Ocean Wise and the Vancouver Aquarium. This maintains the company’s commitment to aquatic animal welfare and the health of the oceans.
Open Farm has launched a full-sale program to manage its environmental footprint, and it has partnered with TerraCycle to provide customers with a free and easy way to recycle their bags, converting them into new products.
Open Farm is available in Canada and will launch in the US at Global Pet Expo.

Protein For Pets offers free same-day home delivery

Protein For Pets has introduced a free same-day home delivery service for its more than 200 natural formulas of high-quality dry, raw and wet petfoods.

Initially, home delivery is available Monday through Saturday to customers who live within a designated area that includes the Simi Valley North Border, the Thousand Oaks/Agoura Southern Border, the Agoura Hills Eastern Border and the Ventura West Border in California, USA.
 “The decision to offer home delivery makes sense for Protein For Pets which was created to fill a void in the retail landscape for an independent petfood and supply store that is strictly driven by customers’ needs and convenience,” said Marco Giannini, founder and CEO of Protein For Pets. “We value our busy customers and their time and remain committed to enhancing their shopping experience while making it as convenient as possible.”
Residents of those areas who place a minimum order of $60 by 3 p.m. will receive their orders delivered to their doorsteps the same day for free.  For orders less than $60, there is a service fee of $4.95. Delivery of raw pet foods may require an additional $4 cooler charge.
Protein For Pets provides a unique, easy and customer-friendly shopping experience that offers poultry, meat, fish and exotic sections among others stocked with national and specialty brands including Blue Buffalo, Nutrisource, Earthborn, Stella & Chewy and Primal. Protein For Pets also organizes its product, all of which have no corn, no soy, no wheat and no animal by-products, within each section by varying price points to meet every budget.
While the focus is on food, Protein For Pets also offers an exclusive selection of healthy and natural treats, toys, supplies and grooming products.
Protein For Pets has stores in Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Ventura, Anaheim, Rancho Cucamonga, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente, Rancho San Diego and Santa Clarita.

Healthy Dogma launches Kickstarter for petfood product

Healthy Dogma, a company that produces healthy petfood and treats, has launched a 30-day Kickstarter campaign to introduce a new instant version of its petfood: a dehydrated mix of human-grade chicken, fruits and vegetables sourced in the US.
PetMix chicken dinner only requires the addition of water to provide a homemade meal for dogs, according to the company. Ingredients include chicken, whole egg, apples, carrots, flax, kelp, chicken liver, bananas, blueberries, broccoli, parsley, ginger, celery, lettuce, watercress, spinach, coconut oil and probiotics.
As of January 26, 2015, the campaign had raised US$2,255 of its US$10,000 goal.

Pet dental treats vital to teeth, gum health

Pets need better dental care, according to a study conducted by Brakke Consulting Inc. and Ipsos Agriculture and Animal Health. In the study, which included national surveys of both veterinarians and pet owners, veterinarians indicated that the majority of the pets they see have dental problems. But the vast majority of pet owners consider their pets’ dental status as “normal” and less than 30% recognized any potential problems.

Pet owners’ primary defense against teeth and gum problems in their pets are dental treats and chews. The majority (80% of dog owners and 50% of cat owners) purchased dental chews or treats in the past year. A small minority have purchased other products such as rinses, sealers and pet food with dental claims. Veterinarians said they have been trying to put more emphasis on pet dental care, and half of those said dental revenue has been up in the past two years compared to the previous period.
This might help bridge the gap, as communication may be a significant part of the problem, according to the research. While more than 90% of veterinarians said they "always" check the oral health status of their patients, only 25% said they actually provide a written report to their clients. Less than half of pet owners recall discussing their pets' oral health during the most recent examination.

Zuke's partners with US Dog Agility Association

Zuke's All Natural, Healthy Dog and Cat Treats has partnered with the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA) for 2015.

Zuke's will be attending as many as six USDAA Regional Championships in 2015, as well as USDAA's marquee event, the Cynosport World Games Oct. 21–25, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. During each USDAA sanctioned event, Zuke's will be handing out free samples to anyone who stops by their booth at one of the shows.
"Partnering with Zuke's is a great fit for USDAA," said President Kenneth Tatsch. "Our competitors and their dogs are highly trained athletes who work hard to stay in top physical condition. Rewarding the dogs for a job well done with a natural, healthy and nutritious treat makes perfect sense."
Zuke's first USDAA event, the Wild West Regional, was a great success, according to Stacey Praizner, events and sponsorship manager at Zuke's. "Zuke's has always had health and wellness for pets as a priority, and we are looking forward to being a part of future USDAA events."
USDAA is the US's largest independent canine sports authority, according to the group. USDAA maintains the highest standards of competition and offers the best events for dog agility competitors, spectators and sponsors. Events strive to promote the sport of dog agility as a recreational, family sport that fosters responsible pet ownership.

Freshpet announces #FreshDance pet challenge

Freshpet, a company that makes fresh, refrigerated dog and cat food, has announced the #FreshDance Challenge, asking pet parents to show their and their pets’ dance moves before, during or after any meal. Then, pet parents can share a photo, video or text of the #FreshDance experience, helping to highlight movement as part of health and wellness for pets and people.
Enter the #FreshDance Challenge by visiting Freshpet.com/Dance or Facebook.com/Freshpet. Participants can also submit on Twitter, Instagram or Vine using the hashtag #FreshDance. The contest runs from Nov. 3 through Nov. 21, 2014.
Winners will be chosen by the team at Freshpet to receive the following prizes:

• 1 Grand Prize winner will receive US$500, a custom Freshpet refrigerator and Freshpet food and treats.
• 5 Runner-up Prizes will receive a FreshDance gift pack filled with Freshpet goodies and a Whistle Activity Monitor.
• First 100 entries will receive a US$2.00 off coupon.
Along with each entry, Freshpet will make a donation to Vanderbilt University’s Pet Therapy Research Program. The program is specialized for children undergoing cancer treatment, and funds ongoing visits with therapy dogs. Their goal is to prove the positive effect therapy pets can have on wellness, especially during treatments. 

Freshpet launches 'Letters' campaign to highlight fresh petfood

Freshpet, a petfood company making fresh, refrigerated dog and cat food in the US, has launched a new marketing campaign, “Letters,” featuring real pet parents, real pets and their true stories about how feeding fresh food has made a positive difference in their lives.

With more than 2,000 letters received already, Freshpet chose 15 families who had previously written in about their experiences feeding fresh and surprised them with a trip to New York and a chance to star in digital and TV advertising.
“Every time we read a letter it makes us very proud of what we do, and we are more determined than ever to continue making fresh food our pets can enjoy for years to come," said Scott Morris, Freshpet co-founder. "We consistently hear from Freshpet parents that their dogs and cats are not just living, they are thriving, on a fresh diet. The ‘Letters’ campaign gives us a platform to celebrate and share these amazing stories.”
Freshpet will host the “Letters” campaign on Freshpet.com, where pet parents can read hundreds of letters, learn more about the people and pets featured in the advertising, and send in their own story. Additionally, every Tuesday Freshpet will spotlight one testimonial using #TuesdayTransformation across their social media channels. Throughout the campaign, Freshpet will select pet parents to send surprises to as “thank yous” for their support. Some special surprise moments will be captured on photo and video and shared back with the Freshpet community.