News & Newsletters: Page 751

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.

Interpets 2012 draws record number of visitors, exhibitors

In 2012, the Japanese pet industry show Interpets drew more visitors than its first show in 2011, with 46,883 visitors in 2012 compared to 39,481 in 2011. Among those who attended Interpets, which took place August 23-26, were 9,836 pet industry professionals.

Nestle expands Purina petfood production facility in Hungary

Petfood manufacturer Nestlé is investing more than CHF54 million (US$56.3 million) to expand its Purina petfood production facility in Hungary. The expansion at the company's plant in Bük will create about 150 new jobs by the end of this year.

Market Trends and Reports

SuperZoo 2012 to host 871 pet product, services exhibitors

The World Pet Association has announced that its pet industry trade show SuperZoo 2012 has increased booth space by 18 percent over last year's show, with 871 exhibiting pet product and services companies. The show, which will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, September 11-13, will feature new pet market trends like all natural and organic products, high-tech accessories like programmable feeders and automatic doors, mobile services for seniors and their pets, and more.

Bil-Jac recalls dry dog food for possible mold contamination

Dog food manufacturer Bil-Jac Foods is recalling one batch, 256 cases, of 6-pound Adult Select Formula Dog Food from retailers’ stores and warehouses due to a few reports of mold in bags from the batch. The recall includes a total of 1,024 bags of dry dog food marked with batch number 1792-02 and an expiration date of December 27, 2013.

Groups commend FDA, AAFCO for ingredient definition process extension

Five major US grain, animal feed, feed ingredient and petfood organizations commended the US Food and Drug Administration and the Association of American Feed Control Officials for extending the current Memorandum of Understanding between the two parties, entitled Memorandum of Understanding Between the US Food and Drug Administration and the Association of American Feed Control Officials. "This 12-month extension is vital to the continued success of the AAFCO ingredient review process.

FDA failing to protect pets from jerky treats, nonprofit claims

Food & Water Watch, a US nonprofit organization that works to ensure safe and sustainable food and water, issued a statement, in which the organization claims that the US Food and Drug Administration is failing to protect pets from potentially toxic chicken jerky treats made in China. According to Food & Water Watch executive director, Wenonah Hauter: "Since 2007, thousands of American dogs have fallen ill or died after eating jerky treats made in China.

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