US agencies warn about safety of raw pet food

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has assigned field staff to collect samples of raw pet food to be analyzed for Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes and E. coli.

According to FDA’s assignment, positive findings “may result in a Class I recall, press release, and Reportable Food Registry (RFR) submission.”

FDA says it is concerned about the growing number of dog and cat owners who have begun feeding raw diets to their pets.

“Feeding raw foods to household pets such as dogs or cats carries a risk to human and animal health,” FDA said.

However, FDA says it acknowledges that there is consumer demand for raw pet food and therefore is looking to educate consumers about the safe handling of the food.

Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in a blog, offered consumers ways to protect pets and people from illness due to Salmonella and Listeria. The American Veterinary Medical Association has said it “discourages the feeding to cats and dogs of any animal-source protein that has not first been subjected to a process to eliminate pathogens because of the risk of illness to cats and dogs as well as humans.” 

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.

The benefits of omega-3s in pet food

In the video below, Dr. Signe Svinland, director of pet care for AkerBiomarine, discusses the processing and use of omega-3s in dog food. She covers the company's technique of harvesting and processing krill from Antarctica's waters for bioavilable omega-3s, as well as the use of those omega-3s to create healthful pet food for dogs. She also explains the simple test used to determine omega-3 levels in dogs, and how that test can be used to the benefit of other areas of the pet food industry.
Dr. Svinland spoke at Petfood Forum 2015, presenting "How well do dogs use the omega-3s in their pet food?"
The staff of Petfood Industry will be publishing daily video reports from Petfood Forum. Watch for interviews with speakers, attendees and exhibitors. With the move to Kansas City, Petfood Forum 2015 is shaping up to be the largest, most exciting event in its history.

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.

Pet obesity on rise for fourth straight year

New data released by Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI), a US provider of pet health insurance, shows that pet obesity is on the rise for the fourth straight year. In 2013, VPI policyholders filed for more than US$52 million in claims for conditions and diseases that can be related to pet obesity, a 7.3% growth from 2012, according to the company.
Table scraps and excessive treats are major contributors associated with disproportionate weight gain in pets, said VPI. Similar to their human counterparts, excessive body fat increases the risk of preventable health problems and shortens the life expectancy of pets. According to VPI's database of more than 525,000 insured pets, the top 10 dog and cat obesity-related conditions are:
DOG
1) Arthritis
2) Bladder/urinary tract disease
3) Low thyroid hormone
4) Liver disease
5) Torn knee ligaments
6) Diabetes
7) Diseased disc in the spine
8) Fatty growth
9) Chronic kidney disease
10) Heart failure
CAT
1) Bladder/urinary tract disease
2) Chronic kidney disease
3) Diabetes
4) Liver disease
5) Asthma
6) Arthritis
7) High blood pressure
8) Heart failure
9) Gall bladder disorder
10) Immobility of spine
In 2013, VPI received more than 39,000 canine claims for arthritis, the most common joint disease aggravated by excessive weight. The average claim fee was US$300 per pet. For cats, bladder or urinary tract disease was the most common condition that can be aggravated by obesity. VPI received 4,700 medical claims for this ailment, with an average claim amount of US$420 per pet.  

NutriFusion formulates nutrient-rich products for pets

NutriFusion, a provider of natural nutrition and phytonutrient products for food manufacturers, has extended its flagship ingredient, GrandFusion, into the petfood sector.
Food manufacturers will be able to infuse their existing brands with NutriFusion’s pet-friendly blends that are conducive to a diet rich in vitamins that include fresh fruits and vegetables, such as beets, tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, cranberry, strawberry, apple and pumpkin. NutriFusion’s pet blends are all natural, non-GMO and gluten-free with Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12, C, E and zinc.
“As pets increasingly assume the role of ‘family members’ in households, owners are looking to confer the benefits of their own wellness routines, especially functional ingredients,” said William Grand, president and CEO of NutriFusion. “NutriFusion takes pride in the quality of its products, and our new pet blends will assure that pets get the essential vitamins they need to stay happy and healthy.” NutriFusion’s method allows the vitamins and phytonutrients contained in fruits and vegetables to be “naturally stabilized,” in powder form, for inclusion into petfoods. GrandFusion allows food processors to add natural nutrients to a wide variety of finished food products. It is an all-natural, patented blend of fruits and/or vegetables that can significantly increase the nutritional profile, and therefore the marketability of food, beverage and supplement products, according to the company.

Petfood may contribute to pets' behavior

Petfood can obviously affect the health of pets, but it may affect more than that. Petfood ingredients, for example, might affect pet behavior, according to some studies.

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The fatty acid DHA (docosahexaeonic acid), sometimes added to puppy and kitten food, has been shown to increase mental acuity in puppies and kittens, according to Dr. Lorie Huston, DVM, a small animal veterinarian in Rhode Island. Puppies eating dog food with DHA may also be more trainable.
Certain antioxidants have been found to be beneficial to senior pets in terms of cognitive maintenance. A series of studies conducted on dogs found that older dogs provided with an antioxidant-rich diet were able to learn complex tasks with more success than those on a control diet. Another study used an antioxidant-rich diet and found that older dogs were less likely to suffer from age-related behavior changes associated with cognitive decline. Dogs on this diet were also able to recognize family members more easily and retained more agility than the control group.
Petfood can affect other areas of a pet's life, as well, through feeding times and unbalanced diets, both of which can play significant roles in a pet's mood and behavior, according to experts. 

Pets eating better than their owners, says Wellness Natural Pet Food survey

Eight in 10 US dog or cat owners feel that their pets always (24%) or sometimes (56%) eat healthier foods than they do, according to the 2014 Wellness Pet Parent Survey from Wellness Natural Pet Food.

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Considering that 82% of owners look for special features when selecting a food for their pet, these numbers may not be all that surprising. The most popular feature sought by pet owners is natural ingredients (59%), followed by digestive benefits (42%) and no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives (40%). Dog or cat owners in the US West are the most likely to seek natural ingredients in their pets’ food, significantly more so than owners in all other regions, according to the survey.


Pet owners see their relationships with their pets as highly beneficial, the survey reported. More than half of dog owners credit their pets with keeping them more active (62%) and taking longer walks (55%), and 81% of dog or cat owners believe their pet alleviates stress in their lives. Four in 10 owners attribute pet ownership to making them more social.
These benefits also translate to charity dollars, according to the survey: One-third of dog or cat owners (33%) have a favorite pet-related cause or charity, with the “ASPCA/SPCA” (10%) and “Humane Society” (7%) cited most frequently.

New Jersey dog summer camp tackles pet obesity

New Jersey-based Morris Animal Inn will offer the Canine Cardio Fitness Camp to help dogs get fit, lose weight and maintain a healthier lifestyle, according to organizers. The camp will be held June 16–20, 2014.

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The day or overnight program is designed to keep dogs active, stimulated and stress-free with treadmill trots, aerobic swim sessions in the indoor pool, outdoor water games, nature trail hikes, “Doga” and “Pawlates,” pampering massages, nutritious and refreshing homemade treats, and more, said camp organizers. “Canine Cardio Summer Camp is great for dogs who want to get or stay fit while having fun with their canine friends or personal fitness trainers,” said Joanne Morris, vice president of Morris Animal Inn. “Keeping dogs active and mentally stimulated is so important for their good health, and summer is a great time to start a new exercise regimen because everyone is spending more time outdoors.”
Program offerings will be individually tailored to meet the particular needs of each dog, with some sessions overseen by a personal trainer and others offered in a group setting. Registration is flexible so that dogs can attend for a single day or be immersed in the week-long program. Reservations are US$59 per day or US$249 for the week.

US Senate rejects bioengineered food labeling amendment

On May 23, the US Senate rejected an amendment proposed by Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont that would have allowed states to require labels on food or beverages made with bioengineered ingredients. 
The amendment, which was rejected during a debate on the farm bill, would have made clear that states have the authority to require the labeling of foods produced through bioengineering. It would also have required the Food and Drug Administration and the US Department of Agriculture to report to Congress within two years on the percentage of food and beverages in the US that contain bioengineered ingredients. 
“An overwhelming majority of Americans favor GMO labeling but virtually all of the major biotech and food corporations in the country oppose it,” Sanders said. “Today’s vote is a step forward on an important issue that we are going to continue to work on. The people of Vermont and the people of America have a right to know what’s in the food that they eat.”

Pet obesity correlated with human obesity, vet says

Dr. Richard French, DVM, dean of animal studies and Allerton Chair of Animal Health Sciences at Becker College, is urging pet owners to pursue healthy lifestyles in honor of May as National Pet Month. The bond between human owners and their pets may affect the health of both, he says, especially for health concerns associated with obesity.
"In the veterinary sciences field, we have observed that the epidemic of overweight humans is being mirrored in the population of pet cats and dogs," says French. "According to the US Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine, obesity is just as threatening to the animals as it is to their owners."
Diseases being diagnosed in obese pets "are eerily similar to those reported for people," according to the center, citing an annual study by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. Obesity is a leading epidemic in the US for both humans and pets, with more than two-thirds (68.8 percent) of adults considered overweight or obese, and 53 percent of adult dogs and 55 percent of cats considered overweight or obese by their veterinarian, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Veterinarians say this equates to more than 100 million pets. 
"Pets are family members, and we often treat them as loved ones, with all the benefits of a great home life. But our pets are, sadly, falling victim to one of the biggest health issues facing their human owners," French says.
A large part of the problem with pet obesity is the "fat pet gap," the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention says, because many owners are unaware that their pets are overweight. In many cases, this correlates to obesity in people, too.
"When we see dogs that are overweight, we essentially should see a child that's at risk for excess weight," says French. "Think about the lifestyles of many of our young people, and then we can readily see how their pets are emulating those lifestyles. If a child is playing video games all day, the dog isn't outside playing. Rather, the pet is sitting at her feet or on the sofa. If the child is lying around snacking on high-calorie treats, chances are the dog is sharing in those same excess calories—and is also likely to get something from the dinner table."

US pet obesity on the rise, Association for Pet Obesity Prevention says

US pet obesity rates continued to increase in 2012 with the number of overweight cats reaching an all-time high, according to the National Pet Obesity Awareness Day survey, conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.
The survey found that 52.5 percent of dogs and 58.3 percent of cats are deemed overweight or obese by their veterinarian. That equals approximately 80 million US dogs and cats at increased risk for weight-related disorders such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, hypertension and many cancers.
"Pet obesity remains the leading health threat to our nation's pets," says Association for Pet Obesity Prevention founder and lead veterinarian for the survey, Dr. Ernie Ward. "We continue to see an escalation in the number of overweight cats and an explosion in the number of type 2 diabetes cases."
According to the survey, 45.8 percent of dog owners and 45.3 percent of cat owners incorrectly identified their overweight or obese pet's body condition as "normal weight" when asked to assess their pet's body condition by a veterinarian.
Dr. Ward calls the phenomenon of incorrectly evaluating an overweight pet as normal "the fat gap": "The disconnect between reality and what a pet parent thinks is obese makes having a conversation with their veterinarian more challenging. Many pet owners are shocked when their veterinarian informs them their pet needs to lose weight. They just don't see it," Dr. Ward says.
The survey also found that certain dog breeds are at a greater risk for being overweight, with 58.9 percent of Labrador Retrievers and 62.7 percent of Golden Retrievers surveyed identified as overweight or obese by their veterinarian.
According to Dr. Ward: "This is a war veterinarians, pet owners and parents must win. Obesity is the number one preventable medical condition seen in veterinary hospitals today...Our goal is to help pets and people live longer, healthier and pain-free lives by maintaining a healthy weight, proper nutrition and physical activity. The most important decision a pet owner makes each day is what they choose to feed. Choose wisely. Your pet's life depends on it." 

Key nutrients in a pet's diet may boost immune system effectiveness

In a recent blog on petMD.com, Jennifer Coates, DVM, shares her knowledge in the field of immunonutrition, which deals with supplementing a pet’s diet with certain nutrients’ to boost the immune system’s effectiveness.
The veterinarian says that the gastrointestinal tract is home to more than 65 percent of the body’s immune cells, which means optimal nutrition and a well-functioning immune system are important. According to a 2011 article published in Topics in Companion Animal Medicine: “Lowered immune status because of life stage or naturally occurring stress is characterized by reduced capacity to process and present foreign antigens to immune cells, resulting in a less-efficient or altered immune response that leads to increased susceptibility to infections and an increase in autoimmunity and cancers. Beyond providing essential nutrients, diet can actively influence the immune system…”
Diet interacts with the immune system at multiple levels, says Dr. Coates. Basic nutrients are provided; then, higher levels of key nutrients like protein, vitamins and minerals are provided; followed by more focused modulation of the immune system. So, it is important that pet owners ensure their dog or cat’s diet provides this “higher levels of key nutrients.”
Dr. Coates says one way to ensure these nutrients are provided by the petfood is to look for a food where ingredients like flax seed, soybeans, chicken, salmon and eggs are listed toward the top of the ingredient list. These ingredients are often high in arginine, an amino acid linked to increased T-cell immune function, which directs and regulates the body’s immune responses.
Certain fatty acids, such as the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentanoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, are also important ingredients in petfood. These omega-3 fatty acids compete with arachadonic acid, a “pro-inflammatory” fatty acid, thus helping to reduce inflammation in the body. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in certain fish oils and flax seeds. Dr. Coates cautions, however, that dogs, and to a greater extent, cats, have trouble metabolizing omega-3 fatty acids from flax.
Finally, she says vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, C and E, selenium and zinc, are antioxidants that, when included in petfood, can protect the body against damage from free radicals, a natural end-product of metabolism. These important vitamins and minerals can be found in petfood and should be listed in the ingredients list as supplements in the form of fruits, vegetables and other natural ingredients. 

Pet owners, pets invited to participate in American Gut Project

Researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign are looking for volunteers to participate in the American Gut Project. All Americans over the age of 3 months and their pets may submit a sample to the American Gut Project, which is a study of the microbiomes in the gut.
“Previous projects, including the five-year, US$173-million NIH-funded Human Microbiome Project, focused on highly selected groups of people, and there has been no way for the general public to participate, much less their children or pets,” said Kelly Swanson, an associate professor of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, who studies the effects of diet on the gastrointestinal microbiome of humans, dogs and cats. “The American Gut Project, led by the Human Food Project, will take the microbiome field a critical step forward, moving the research from a well-controlled lab environment to the real world and gets everyone involved.”
A small home kit will be sent to those who register on the website along with a confidential questionnaire about diet and general lifestyle. After sequencing the genetic material in the gut material, participants will be provided with a print out of the bacteria and their abundance so they can compare their own gut bugs to other populations around the world.
According to Swanson: “The research is led by world leaders in the microbiome field and targets free-living populations with more application to the average American. Moreover, the project will include all members of the family, including our furry companions. The majority of data we currently have on the dog and cat microbiomes has come from a handful of small studies in research labs or clinically ill animals. This project will apply the technology to free-living pets, where diet, genetics and living environment are quite different from household to household. This research may identify important trends not possible with lab-based studies and help guide us on how to feed our pets in the future.”

Research and Markets adds new pet health care products report

Research and Markets added a "State of the Industry: Pet and Animal Health Care Products in the U.S. (6th Edition)" report to its offering of pet industry reports. 
This "State of the Industry" report includes data, forecasts and analysis on the pet health industry, including the petfood market. 
Key topics covered are: Industry Background and Structure; Drivers of Industry Growth; Obesity and Aging Pet Population to Boost Pet Health Care; Healthier Pet Foods Promoting Better Health Care; Pet Oral Care Product Sales; Supplements and Nutraceuticals in High Demand; Overall Industry Sales Trends; Pharmaceuticals; Vitamins and Minerals; Biologicals; Feed Additives; Research and Development Trends; Foreign Trade; Growing Pet Population to Support Future Growth; Demographic Trends for Expenditures on Pet Purchases, Supplies, and Medicine.

Alltech plans 28th symposium on companion animal nutrition

Alltech will host its 28th Annual International Symposium, May 20 – 23, in Lexington, Kentucky, USA, featuring a range of sessions on well-being and nutrition for companion animals and how to capitalize on the growing pet market. 
“People love their pets and are willing to spend money to ensure they have high quality food that is safe and promotes good health,” said Dr. Juan Gomez, chairman for the companion animal sessions for the Alltech International Symposium. “These pet-focused sessions at Symposium will explore ways to improve pet health and wellbeing and capitalize on the tremendous opportunities that are being created by this growing market.”
Companion animal-focused session topics will include: 
• Be the First to Market: Smart molecular tools to develop new products faster
• Eskimos, Polar Bears & Petfood: Lessons for developing new nutritional applications
• Conducting the Antioxidant Orchestra: Why we need smart nutrients for disease prevention, longevity and cognitive protection
• 7 Steps to Solving Salmonella: Challenges you may not have thought about
• The Triple Challenge: Sustainable ingredients, smarter pet food brands and sales success
• The Real Green Revolution: How algae will revolutionize the way we formulate for companion animals

Featured presenters for the companion animal sessions include Nancy Cook, Pet Food Institute; Laura Johnson, PetSmart SSG; Elizabeth Colleran, Chico Hospital for Cats; Aulus Carciofi, Universidade Estadual Paulista; David Southey, Southey Consultants Ltd.; and Ronald Rompala, Cool Springs International LLC. Breakout sessions will include legal, marketing, information technology and designer food, as well as aquaculture, beef, dairy, equine, poultry, pig, pet and regulatory-focused offerings.
Those interested in attending may register or receive more information for the 2012 Alltech Symposium online or by contacting symposium@alltech.com. Those who register prior to April 14 will receive a 20 percent discount on registration.

LM Farms introduces new dog, cat treats line, pet food sprinkle

LM Farms, a maker of bird food and small animal food, introduced a new nutritional supplement sprinkle for pet food as well as a line of pet biscuits and treats for dogs and cats.
LM Farms Nutrition Boosters is a sprinkle for dog and cat food, which the company says provides an essential balance of nutrients, including omega fatty acids, probiotics and prebiotics, and contains farm-sourced natural ingredients like flaxseed and sunflower seed. The company also introduced the Hearty Slow Baked Dog Biscuits, Hearty Small Batch Dog Treats and Natural Bone Treats for dogs. All LM Farms products will be available at Petco and other pet specialty retailers. 

Pet insurance company lists top pet poisoning causes of 2011

According to the North American Pet Health Association, more than 100,000 cases of pet poisoning were reported in the US in 2011.
Embrace Pet Insurance looked into its claims database to find the top causes of pet poisoning in dogs and cats in 2011: chocolate, raisins, mushrooms, xylitol sweetener and grapes. Among other top poisonous foods were vitamins, bones, rawhide, corn cobs, macadamia nuts, coffee and avocado.
Embrace Pet Insurance says pet poisoning symptoms can include gastrointestinal and neurological problems, cardiac and respiratory distress, coma and even death, depending on the type and amount consumed.  

Hill's, 'Biggest Loser' host kick off Million Pound Pledge

Hill's Pet Nutrition and NBC's "The Biggest Loser" host, Alison Sweeney, recently kicked-off the Million Pound Pledge, a program for pet owners to help their cats and dogs lose weight.
Pet owners who participate in the Million Pound Pledge will have access to a support system that includes two live video chat sessions with Sweeney on the Science Diet Facebook page, cat and dog weight loss tips, interactive body condition scoring to show the proper body shape of a cat or dog, rebates for Hill's Science Diet and Hill's Prescription Diet weight management foods, and more. Pet owners can also go online through March 30 and enter for a chance to meet Sweeney at "The Biggest Loser" live finale in May.
"Living a healthy lifestyle is important for my family and that includes my dog," said Alison Sweeney. "One out of every two pets is overweight, and my dog Winky was one of them. I started using Science Diet pet foods to help Winky lose weight and now I want to share my personal experience to inspire owners across America so they too can achieve the same success." 

Greenies works to promote pet oral health

The Greenies Brand, makers of pet dental treats, is working to educate pet owners on the importance of providing daily preventative oral care to their pet.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, periodontal disease affects three-fourths of dogs and cats over age three, and is often a result of the pet owner's failure to provide daily oral care. A study published in the AVMA Journal found disease and inflamed gums to be associated with inflammatory effects in other parts of the pet's body. When treated, the study found that the pet's systematic reactions lessened.

"Gum disease, which research tells us can affect more than just a pet’s mouth, is initiated by plaque accumulating on teeth and not being cleaned,” said Dr. Jan Bellows, veterinary dental specialist and incoming president of the American Veterinary Dental College. “The good news is every pet parent has the power to keep their pet’s teeth clean and gums healthy. It starts with daily at-home oral care with brushing or Veterinary Oral Health Council-approved dental products. And each pet should have a veterinary oral exam at least annually with professional cleanings as advised.” 
The Greenies Brand says it is trying to make it easier for pet owners to provide this at-home oral care by offering special holiday packaging for its pet oral health products as many pet owners select holiday gifts for their pets.