Thursday, August 20, 2009

Veterinarian directory launched by FidoDogTreat.com

FidoDogTreats.com has launched its veterinarian directory, a free tool for pet owners and veterinarians. The directory is aimed at helping pet owners find a qualified veterinarian.
All US veterinarians with valid licenses can list their practices in the directory. FidoDogTreats.com users can create accounts, post reviews and rate veterinarians.
FidoDogTreats.com is an e-commerce company specializing in natural dog treats.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Kibble Korner offers new pet food pantry

Kibble Korner Pet Food Pantry in Rockford, Illinois, USA, is helping struggling families get food for their pets during these hard economic times, according to a news report. The families can visit the pantry once a month.
Statistics released by Winnebago County, Illinois, show the number of cats and dogs given up through July this year are up 13% and 14% respectively, compared with a year ago.
The pantry has two locations and is accepting donations at both.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Pedigree re-launched in India

Pedigree, a dog food brand by Mars Inc., has been re-launched in India along with a new range of snacks and treats, according to a news report.
Nitin Kulkarni, director of corporate affairs, Mars International India, said the Indian market offers tremendous opportunity for the company.
The US-based Mars Inc. is looking to increase its retail presence in India with hopes of achieving a retail sales value of $US1 billion this year from the product.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Nestlé sales show consumer willingness to spend on pets

Nestlé SA reported a reduction in first half profit and revenue as people cut back on purchases of commodities such as bottled water, prepared meals and dairy products, The Wall Street Journal reported, but the company's pet care sales grew 9.1% from the year-earlier period.
The company’s focus on premium, higher-margin products paid off in the pet care division as people were willing to spend money on their pets, despite the recession. The pet care division's growth beat out all other main Nestlé product segments except powdered and liquid beverages. "Growth in pet care remains resilient," CFO Jim Singh was quoted in the article.
Nestlé's Purina and Friskies brands each increased 6% in sales for the first half of the year, while Dog Chow jumped over 16% -- the second fastest growth of any of the company's major products (coffee system Nespresso was first).

Friday, August 14, 2009

Pet Food Conference in January 2010

The third annual Pet Food Conference organized by the American Feed Industry Association will be held January 26-27, 2010, at the Georgia World Congress Center.
The conference will focus on industry issues like petfood markets, salmonella control, state and federal inspections and ingredient approval.
Pre-registration for the conference is $35 or $60 at the door. More information and a registration link can be found at
www.petfoodconference.com/2010PFC/index.cfm.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Web sites offering information on Kosher petfoods

According to examiner.com, Web sites are offering information on kosher, halal, Asian and specialty food products for humans or pets. For example, Zabihah.com is an ethnic guide to the USA Muslim food market. The site claims to be the world's largest guide to Halal restaurants and products.
Tom's of Maine offers, with product certification, both Halal and Kosher foods. All Tom’s of Maine products carry the Halal endorsement, which certifies they are made in accordance with Islamic guidelines under the supervision of the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America, according to the company.
Kosher Pets claims to be the only patented dog food endorsed for use in a kosher home. The food is made with human-grade ingredients such as liver, vegetables, chicken and olive oil.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Mutt Madness contest for animal rescue organizations

Talk-show host, celebrity cook and face of the Nutrish line of dog food, Rachael Ray, has announced a Mutt Madness Award Program, which began August 6 and aims to disburse more than 200,000 as proceeds to nonprofit animal organizations, according to a news report.
The last date for filling out the online entry forms is September 20, 2009. Only organizations that are registered 501(c)(3) charities and employ no-kill practices are eligible to compete.
The top 64 organizations will be selected to face-off in a March Madness style-competition. All finalists will receive $1,000 and a chance to win more money.
The winner is expected to be announced in early December.