News & Newsletters: Page 809

FreeKibble, Ellen DeGeneres' Halo petfood donate 5 millionth meal to shelter animals

In April, FreeKibble.com donated its 5 millionth meal of co-owner Ellen DeGeneres' Halo petfood to feed a hungry shelter pet. To celebrate, FreeKibble founder, Mimi Ausland, will appear with the Humane Society of Central Oregon at a Bend, Oregon, USA, Petco store in conjunction with Petco's National Adoption Weekend, which is also sponsored by Halo.

Arenus launches natural pet health, nutrition products for dogs, horses

Arenus, whose parent company is Novus International, launched a line of health and nutrition products for dogs and horses in March at 2011 Global Pet Expo in Orlando, Florida, USA. Arenus introduced retailers to its natural supplements, which the company says reflect its commitment to holistic health.

Arenus offers health and nutrition products for dogs and horses.

FDA launches consumer website for recall information

The US Food and Drug Administration launched a website to make it easier for consumers to find information on recalled products, including petfoods, by compiling notices in a searchable tab. FDA's Web page displays information on all recalls since 2009 by date, product brand name, product description, reason for the recall and the organization initiating the recall.

Mars' Mutt Census: German Shepherd mix most common in US

Mars Veterinary released findings from its first National Mutt Census, which launched in March 2010 to survey America's mixed-breed dog population and encourage proper pet care. Mars Veterinary collected DNA samples from around the country from more than 36,000 mixed-breed dogs.

UK dog population at all-time high, says Mintel

Britain's dog population has reached an all-time high of 8.3 million, up from 5 million in 1970 and nearing the 8.6 million cat population (down from 2004's peak of 9.6 million), according to a Mintel report for the Pet Food Manufacturers' Association. "Dogs are now seen as a fashion accessory, with the likes of Paris Hilton seen carrying hers around, whereas cats are getting less attention," said Ben Perkins, an analyst at Mintel.

US Senate rejects proposal to turn deer processing waste into petfood

A US Senate subcommittee has rejected a South Carolina bid to turn waste products from deer processing into petfood, turning away a bill that would have allowed deer processors to grind up and sell as petfood the parts of the animals they now throw out—organs, bones and other viscera. The state Department of Natural Resources told the committee that the change could hasten the arrival of wildlife diseases, including chronic wasting disease, from other states.

2012 International Feed Expo changes dates, times

The 2012 International Feed Expo, co-located with the International Poultry Expo, is moving to a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday format with the following show hours: Tuesday, January 24, 2012: 12 – 5 p.m.; Wednesday, January 25, 2012: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; and Thursday, January 26, 2012: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The entire week in which the Expo will be held, Jan. 23 through 27, has been officially designated as "IFE Week," with an emphasis on educational programs rounding out the events.

Many myths about 'senior' dog food formula ingredients, researchers find

A recent survey found that contrary to most Americans' beliefs, "senior" formula dog foods vary widely in ingredients and have no requirements for what must be included in these formulas for older dogs. About 1,300 people made up of 92% of dog owners responded to Tufts University's Web-based survey.

Latin America petfood, pet product sales surge from 2005 to 2010

Sales of petfood and pet care products are surging in Latin America, led by the Brazilian market, according to the Latin Business Chronicle. Over the review period of 2005-2010, sales of petfood and pet care products rose from US$4.8 billion to US$8.3 billion, according to Euromonitor International data.

Precise Pet Products expands holistic cat, dog food offerings

Precise Pet Products expanded its healthy and holistic options for pets to include a new flavor for cats as well as new formulas designed specifically for small and medium breed dogs. The new formulas feature superior nutritional ingredients and innovative human-grade supplements designed to promote health, happiness and harmony in dogs and cats, according to the company

Natural Wellness Centers celebrates five years of pet probiotic sales

Natural Wellness Centers recently celebrated five years of supplying pet probiotics in its Ultra-Pet Products line, Total-Biotics. Natural Wellness Centers has partnered with Nebraska Cultures Inc. to use Dr. Khem Shahani’s probiotics since March 9, 2006.

Del Monte Foods acquisition deal completed by investor groups

US petfood supplier Del Monte Foods completed its acquisition by "sponsor" investor groups Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P., Vestar Capital Partners and Centerview Capital L.P. Under the terms of the merger agreement, the company’s stockholders will receive US$19.00 per share in cash.

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