The recalls of contaminated petfood in the spring of 2007 encouraged owners to convert to higher-priced foods that were perceived to be safer. This trend to premium helped boost dollar sales for the category not only in 2007, but to a smaller extent last year, despite the dramatic downturn in the economy, according to an article by MediaPost Communications.

The Central Garden & Pet Company has announced that its net sales in the quarter have declined by 7% to $293 million, compared to $314 million in the comparable fiscal 2008 period, according to a press release by the company.

To ease public concern over possible health threats in pet food, the Taiwan Council of Agriculture said February 4 that its recent tests of the aflatoxin levels in about 100 types of dog and cat food showed that all products were safe for consumption, according to an article by the Taipei Times.

Bone Appétit Bakery, an online gourmet dog treat company, has been invited to participate in one of the premiere vendor events at the Beverly Hills Hilton Luxury Suite leading up to the 81st Academy Awards.

When it comes to buying petfood, higher cost doesn’t always mean higher quality, according to the March issue of Consumer Reports.

Following PetSmart's recall of peanut-based treats, the Federal Drug Administration issued a warning against some petfood on January 25, fearing salmonella contamination, according to an article on www.Zootoo.com.

The Peanut Corp. of America has extended its product recall to all products produced since January 1, 2007.

The petfood industry has discovered cause advertising, according to an article on www.WalletPop.com.

Del Monte Foods broke its first major ad campaign for the Pup-Peroni brand on January 26, building on the notion that a dog really is a man's best friend, according to an article on www.Brandweek.com.

Veterinary Pet Insurance took its walk down the red carpet at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah with the debut of the “Pet Pad,” a first-time-ever animal awareness experience for celebrity guests attending the annual event.