News & Newsletters: Page 768

Plans for VICTAM, FIAAP Asia 2012 continue despite Thailand flooding

Preparations for FIAAP, VICTAM & GRAPAS Asia 2012 continue to progress, despite recent flooding in parts of Thailand, including Bangkok, show organizers say. The situation seems to be improving with flood levels going down throughout Bangkok and the country of Thailand.

Chicken jerky treats from China may sicken dogs, FDA warns

The US Food and Drug Administration is warning pet owners to be award of chicken jerky products from China that may be associated with reports of Fanconi-like syndrome in dogs. In its alert to dog owners, FDA says chicken jerky products should not be substituted for a balanced diet and are only intended to be fed occasionally, in small quantities.

New Zealand raw dog food manufacturer seeks investors

New Zealand raw dog food manufacturer K9 Natural is seeking to raise US$2.5 million from new investors. The Christchurch-based company says it has grown from a small business with US$650,000 in sales to US$5 million turnover and to 22 employees in the past three years through an export focus to main overseas markets in the United States, Canada, Japan and Hong Kong.

AFIA to hold petfood conference at 2012 International Feed Expo

The 2012 Petfood Conference will be held in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, on Tuesday, January 24, at the International Feed Expo/International Poultry Expo, organized by the American Feed Industry Association and US Poultry & Egg Association. The conference covers a variety of topics ranging from regulatory issues to the technical aspects of production, food safety, marketing and use of ingredients.

Pedigree responds to consumer complaint about chewy dog treat

Petfood manufacturer Pedigree said claims made in a TV ad for the Jumbone chew treat are "mere puffery," after a dog owner complained to the Advertising Standards Authority that his dogs consumed the treats in seconds. The TV ad features a small dog gnawing on the Jumbone and giving up after it could not finish what the commercial called a "long-lasting chewy treat."

Petfood not necessarily to blame for US pet obesity epidemic

A recent Chicago Tribune article focuses on the epidemic of overweight cats and dogs in the United States. A 2011 survey, conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, found that more than half of the dogs and cats in the US are overweight or obese, which is defined as being at least 30% above normal body weight.

FDA says petfood Salmonella testing is 'routine'

A spokeswoman for the US Food and Drug Administration says media coverage of a recent FDA announcement that it will sample petfood, pet treats and supplements for possible Salmonella contamination has been misleading to pet owners. Laura Alvey, a spokeswoman in FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine, said the focus on Salmonella in petfood was planned as a part of FDA's fiscal 2012 assignments.

PetFoodDirect.com launches Rescue Tales Facebook Contest

PetFoodDirect.com launched the Feeding Fido & Friends Rescue Tales Facebook Contest. The nationwide contest invites pet lovers to tell their rescue tales of inspirational pets and the rescues or shelters that helped them beat the odds.

PetSmart reports higher third-quarter 2011 earnings

Pet product retailer PetSmart Inc. reported earnings of US$0.50 per share for the third quarter of 2011, up 32% compared to US$0.38 per share in the third quarter of 2010. Net income totaled US$56 million in the third quarter of 2011, compared to US$46 million in the third quarter of 2010.

PetFlow.com founders launch successful petfood delivery site using marketing knowledge

Just over a year ago the petfood delivery service PetFlow.com was launched, yet the petfood delivery service has been so successful that it now does more than US$1 million in business every month, according to a recent blog that tells the retailer's success story. One reason PetFlow.com has been so successful is that the founders, Alex Zhardanovsky and Joe Speiser, found a niche in a market that is growing, despite a tough economy.

Pet Food Manufacturers' Association executive recommends breed-specific dog food

Pet Food Manufacturers' Association (UK) chief executive, Michael Bellingham, recently recommended that animals should be provided with the correct food specific to their breed. Certain breeds of dogs are prone to specific health problems, which makes it important that they receive the proper diet, Bellingham said.

Canine health company receives nutrigenomics patent

Canine health company Hemopet received its fourth patent for the company's nutrigenomics portfolio. Hemopet says its business strategy calls for launching nutrigenomic petfood supplements in 2012, formulas which are currently being tested in Europe.

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