Pet Food News: Page 479

Animal welfare groups aid pets displaced by Hurricane Sandy

Hurricane Sandy left many pets homeless after the storm damaged houses and animal shelters in the northeast US. Although the exact number of displaced pets is still unknown, the American Human Association estimated that nearly 15 million dogs were in the storm's path.

Market Trends and Reports

'Catkins' wet cat food diet recommended for obese cats

A growing number of American Veterinary Medical Association members are recommending a "Catkins" diet for pet owners to help their overweight cats lose weight. According to one veterinarian's website, the Catkins diet involves providing a wet diet for cats, rather than feeding dry kibble.

Petfinder launches pet-friendly Seal of Approval

Petfinder, an online advocate for responsible pet ownership and a database of adoptable pets nationwide, has launched the Petfinder Seal of Approval – a special designation for partner products, services, brands and initiatives that meet certain pet-friendly criteria. To qualify for the Petfinder Seal of Approval, a company or product must have: •Not been involved in invasive or harmful testing on animals during the past 10 or more years, and have no current or planned involvement in invasive or harmful testing on animals;

Petfinder's Seal of Approval certifies pet-friendly partner products, services and brands.

Trouw Nutrition USA donates to animal service groups

Trouw Nutrition USA hosted its Companion Animal Summit, an educational seminar for current and potential customers, September 26-28, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA. As part of the event, Trouw selected two animal service groups to receive a cash donation on behalf of its customers.

Lesley Gerard of Trouw Nutrition visits with Magnum (left) and Twister (right), both trained by C.H.A.M.P.

California voters reject Prop. 37 food labeling initiative

On election day, voters in California, USA, rejected Proposition 37, an initiative aimed at providing consumers with information about genetically engineered food. If passed, the initiative would have mandated that processed foods no longer be labeled as "natural," and retailers would be responsible for ensuring all processed foods containing any covered any covered material are identified as “Partially Produced with Genetic Engineering” or “May be Partially Produced with Genetic Engineering.”

Exopack establishes Center for Excellence for petfood packaging business

Petfood packaging solutions provider Exopack has established a manufacturing Center of Excellence for its petfood business in Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA. This move follows the completion of the closure of Exopack’s Seymour, Indiana, USA, plant and the consolidation of Seymour’s manufacturing assets to Spartanburg and various other Exopack facilities, all together a nearly US$6.5 million project that provides the Spartanburg facility with increased printing and converting capacity, as well as broadens its substrate diversity.

Market Trends and Reports

Stella & Chewy's donates petfood to Hurricane Sandy victims

Stella & Chewy’s, a manufacturer of freeze-dried and frozen dinners and treats for dogs and cats, has donated more than US$25,000 worth of product to the victims of hurricane Sandy in the northeastern US. Stella & Chewy’s, along with two local organizations, Bideawee and The Mayors Alliance of NYC, teamed up to provide 150 cases of dog and cat food to be distributed to those in need.

AFIA to host Pet Food Conference at IPPE 2013 in January

On Tuesday, January 29, 2013, the American Feed Industry Association and the USPOULTRY Poultry Protein and Fat Council will sponsor the sixth annual Pet Food Conference on the first day of the International Production & Processing Expo. The forum will feature a number of sessions addressing topics ranging from regulatory issues to the technical aspects of petfood production, food safety, marketing and use of ingredients.

Food manufacturing equipment auction to be held November 14

GoIndustry DoveBid, a global provider of surplus asset management, auction and valuation services, will be conducting a one-day online auction featuring an assortment of late-model food manufacturing, packaging and processing equipment from a major food distributor, including: product blending, vacuum frying and dehydration systems. Bidding on more than 150 items opens Wednesday, November 14 at 11 a.m. Potential buyers can register online for the auction event.

Market Trends and Reports

Instinct offers variety-pack of grain-free canned cat diets

Instinct, a natural and grain-free petfood brand, has introduced a variety pack with its Instinct grain-free canned diets for cats. This package offers 12, 5.5-ounce cans in three different proteins: Chicken Formula, Duck Formula and Salmon Formula.

Pet market worth US$49 billion in 2012, Mintel reports

According to the latest report by Mintel, the pet market is worth more than US$49 billion in 2012, up 15 percent since 2007, despite a turbulent economy. Spending on petfood and pet supplies continues to grow as pet ownership becomes more widespread, with 64 percent of Americans currently owning a pet.

Recall: Charlee Bear Products' Protein Crunch Bar dog treats

Charlee Bear Products is recalling certain lots of its Protein Crunch Bar dog treat products because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The following products are being recalled and were distributed throughout the US in September and October:

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