News & Newsletters: Page 733

Senator leads initiative for FDA petfood product advisories

In the wake of recent US Food and Drug Administration investigations into dog illnesses linked to jerky treats imported from China, Sen. Barbara Boxer of California, USA, is leading a new initiative to reform the way consumers are notified when FDA issues a product advisory. Currently, FDA's website is the only place where product advisories are listed, which puts those consumers without access to the Internet or computers at risk as they are less likely to receive an online warning.

Ohio Pet Foods managing former Chenango Valley Pet Foods facility

Ohio Pet Foods Inc. has begun managing the former Chenango Valley Pet Foods facility and has reopened it under a new name, Southern Tier Pet Nutrition (STPN), according to Matt Golladay, VP of Ohio Pet Foods. Chenango Valley, located in Sherburne, New York, USA, recently closed after 80 years in business making premium natural and organic petfoods for a variety of clients.

By Nature Pet Foods launches online resource for dogs owners

By Nature Pet Foods has launched a new online resource that features the journey back to health of a former bait dog and offers an engaging way for pet owners to access tips on dog ownership. The new resource tells the story of Colin, an American Bulldog that was used as a bait dog before being found on the streets of Miami, Florida, USA, as well as features two other dogs, all rescued by Big Dog Ranch Rescue and adopted into homes.

Texas A&M University to hold petfood extrusion short course

Texas A&M University staff, industry representatives and consultants will present a one week Practical Short Course on Feeds & Petfood Extrusion on February 3-8, 2013. The program will cover information on designing new feed mills and selecting conveying, drying, grinding, conditioning and feed mixing equipment.

Cesar Canine Cuisine hosts Twitter petfood giveaway week

To celebrate the relationship between people and dogs, Cesar Canine Cuisine introduced new Savory Delights canine meals in five flavors and is hosting a week-long Twitter petfood giveaway event along with the launch of the petfood. From September 5-12, CESAR's #sharethejoy 10,000 Savory Delights Twitter Giveaway invites dog owners to join @CesarCuisine for the chance to win free Savory Delights dog food.

Pet Industry Spring Trade Show postponed to 2014

The Pet Industry Spring Trade Show will be postponed from 2013 to 2014 and will switch to a biennial format from then on. Colette Fairchild, the show’s director from H.H. Backer, cited general market factors and a lack of support from key distributors and manufacturers for a 2013 East Coast US show.

Veterinarian opens pet obesity clinic at Tufts University

Dr. Deborah Linder of Tufts University recently opened an obesity clinic at the school’s North Grafton, Massachusetts, USA, campus to help people help their pets lose weight. The pet obesity clinic is one of just a few to be associated with a veterinary school and staffed by specialists trained in pet obesity and other health problems.

American Animal Hospital Association discourages raw diets

The American Animal Hospital Association has joined the American Veterinary Medical Association in discouraging the feeding of raw petfood diets to dogs and cats. According to a statement on its website, the American Animal Hospital Association “does not advocate or endorse feeding pets any raw or dehydrated nonsterilized foods, including treats that are of animal origin.”

AVMA approves policy discouraging raw petfood diets

Following an earlier recommendation to pet owners, the American Veterinary Medical Association has approved a policy that discourages feeding raw animal-source protein diets to cats or dogs, unless the petfood has undergone a process that eliminates pathogens. The new policy on raw petfood states that cooking and pasteurization are the “traditional” methods for eliminating pathogens in dog and cat food, but recognizes that safety methods such as irradiation are “being developed and implemented.”

Market Trends and Reports

Royal Canin launches feline spay/neuter Facebook campaign

Petfood manufacturer Royal Canin launched a new feline spay/neuter campaign that rewards cat owners with free petfood for sharing a Facebook infographic. The “You Share, We Give” campaign began to celebrate the launch of the company’s new Spayed/Neutered cat food formulas.

BHJ USA Inc. acquires petfood meat blends supplier Protein Inc.

BHJ USA Inc. acquired Protein Inc., a supplier of fresh/chilled meat blends to the wet and dry petfood markets. Protein Inc. will continue its current operations as a subsidiary of BHJ USA Inc., maintaining its current name and independent profile.

Market Trends and Reports

Nestle Purina debuts Be Happy dog, cat food line

Nestle Purina is debuting a new Be Happy line of dog and cat foods inspired by the happiness pets share with their owners. Be Happy petfood formulas are designed to support strong bones and teeth, healthy vision and a healthy skin and coat.

Nestle Purina's Be Happy line includes two varieties of dry food for both dogs and cats.

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