RECALL: Pedigree recalls three canned dog foods for choking risk

Mars Petcare has issued a voluntary recall for three varieties in its Pedigree brand weight management line of canned dog food due to a potential choking risk.
Cans of the recalled dog food may contain small pieces of blue plastic, which broke off a conveyor belt during the production process. The company says the issue has since been resolved at the manufacturing facility by replacing a conveyor belt with a redesigned tracking mechanism.


Products affected include PEDIGREE+ Healthy Weight premium ground entree in meaty juices, PEDIGREE Weight Management Beef & Liver dinner in meaty juices, and PEDIGREE Weight Management Chicken & Rice dinner in meaty juices. Each affected can has a lot code printed on the end that begins with 209, 210, 211 or 212, and a "Best Before" date between February 24, 2014, and March 23, 2014.


Affected products were distributed to retail customers throughout the United States. No other PEDIGREE products are affected, including any other variety of wet food, dry dog food, or dog treats. Consumers who purchased the product may contact the company at +1.877.720.3335.

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.”

More than 400 exhibitors registered for Pet Fair Asia 2012

More than 400 exhibitors from 23 countries have already registered to attend Pet Fair Asia 2012, taking place at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, October 11-14.
Some 3,528 visitors from 18 countries have also registered to attend the pet industry event. The show organizers say booths for Pet Fair Asia are almost sold out, but those still interested in exhibiting or attending may register online now. 
Pet Fair Asia will be co-located with Petfood Forum China 2012, China's first petfood conference taking place October 12. Register by August 20 to save more than 15 percent on admission to Petfood Forum. 

Kansas State names Greg Aldrich head of new pet food production program

Kansas State University is expanding its Feed Science and Management program to include pet food production. Greg Aldrich, PhD, was appointed research associate professor and pet food program coordinator by Dick Maier, head of the university's Grain Science and Industry department. 
Initially, Aldrich will be responsible for establishing an interdisciplinary petfood research program. He will provide guidance on course development and work with university and allied industry members to assimilate support for broader program development. 
“Bringing Greg on board is the next step to expanding the reach of our Feed Science and Management program,” Maier said. “We hope to leverage his background and personal interest in Kansas State to help guide the program through its beginning years.”
Aldrich is a graduate of Kansas State (BS Agriculture, 1984) and an industry consultant from Topeka, Kansas, USA. He writes the "Ingredient Issues" column in Petfood Industry.
“Many of the parts for a great petfood research and teaching program are already here at Kansas State,” Aldrich said. “I look forward to establishing a vibrant research program and to helping establish Kansas State as the leader in this vital and growing area of our economy.” 
Ernie Minton, associate director of research for Kansas State Research and Extension, said that “adding pet food research expands the opportunities for adding value to agricultural products from Kansas and extends the scope of research in the biosafety level two feed safety research center being built as part of the new O.H. Kruse Feed Technology Innovation Center.” 
For more information about the program and specific course offerings, call +1.785.532.4051 or go to www.grains.ksu.edu.

WellPet unveils US$20 million dog food processing plant expansion

Pet food manufacturer WellPet recently unveiled the US$20 million expansion of its dry dog food processing plant in Mishawaka, Indiana, USA, according to a report.
When the pet food plant expansion is complete, the company will add 45 jobs, as well as green technology and automated petfood packaging. 
"Where we come from we were three or four people running a packaging line and we're now at a point where we can run a packaging line with one person," said Steve Griswold, director of plant operations.
The total plant expansion project should be completed by September.

Pet food study promotes benefits of dog ownership to families

Nestle Purina Dog Chow brand dog food commissioned a study of pet owners that revealed the many positive perceptions of pet ownership and its effects on families. Along with the survey, Purina Dog Chow brand is partnering with husband-and-wife country music duo, Thompson Square, to share the joys of pet ownership and donate funds to help a nonprofit organization that trains service dogs for veterans.


According to the Family Impact Study, dog owners said their dogs teach them responsibility, are regarded as good listeners and provide unconditional love.
"We partnered with Purina Dog Chow because we are a proud dog family," said Shawna Thompson. "We couldn't think of a better way to join the community of dog owners, knowing how much a dog would bring to our lives in every situation, from being on a cross-country music tour, to simply spending time at home with family." 


Dog lovers can visit the company's Facebook page and access a new tab called "Dog Families Know," a Facebook community of dog lovers who can share their own stories, photos and videos. From now until July 31, a new topic will be proposed each week that dog families can relate to, and for each unique story, photo or video added to the virtual community board, Purina Dog Chow brand will donate US$1, up to US$25,000, to Patriot Rovers Inc. to help support its mission to "Save Dogs, Help Soldiers and Honor Heroes."  

Petfood maker Purina releases new application for veterinarians

Petfood maker Purina released a new Purina Guide for Veterinarians application for iPhone and iPad. 
The application provides technical information on both well-pet and therapeutic Purina products that allows veterinarians to determine the right nutritional pet food formulas for their patients. With this free application, veterinarians can browse canine and feline diet options by indication or formula, search by keyword, review analytical charts, access a clinical glossary of ingredients and more. 
The Purina Guide for Veterinarians application can be found in the medical category of the iPhone and iPad App Store, by entering code 0411 when prompted.