News & Newsletters: Page 814

PetSmart announces 2010 earnings, 2011 sales forecast

PetSmart reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2010, and forecast the company's sales for 2011. For the fourth quarter, earnings per share were up 26% to US$0.77.

NRG pet products forms US-based NRG USA to expand North American customer base

NRG pet products, a Canada-based dog food company, has formed a US-based branch, NRG USA, to bring NRG-brand dehydrated dog food to markets in the US. NRG has had a presence in Canada for 15 years, and recently decided to extend its reach to the US.

Eco-dogs.com launches web-based storefront for pet owners interested in natural, organic, eco-friendly products

Eco-dogs.com has officially opened its web-based storefront, according to co-founder Marion Elledge, who said that "the goals of eco-dogs.com are to introduce pet owners to natural, organic, eco-friendly products available on the market today, provide insight into how they can support a more sustainable environment by using these products and offer holistic, grain-free, gluten-free food and treats that are a much healthier choice than those carried in your local grocer." Initial items listed in the web store include pet products like Cycle Dog, Ecollargy, Wagging Green, and Earth Dog collars and leashes, which are made of organic materials such as soy, hemp, 100% cotton, 100% wool and bamboo.

Market Trends and Reports

WellPet recalls canned cat food due to possible thiamine deficiencies

WellPet, maker of Wellness natural petfood, has voluntarily recalled certain lots of its canned cat food due to potentially insufficient amounts of thiamine (vitamin B1). The issue was discovered during independent testing conducted with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Natura now offering Innova brand to pet chain stores

Natura Pet Products has announced that it will be offering all pet specialty retailers, including regional and national pet specialty chain stores, the option to purchase Innova branded products directly from the company's Fremont plant. Natura has said that it will continue to distribute and support the Innova brand in the independent pet specialty retailer channel.

Market Trends and Reports

Nature's Valley offers limited-ingredient diets for multiple protein allergies

Nature’s Variety has developed three new grain-free, gluten-free, potato-free limited ingredient diets for 2011, under its Instinct family of products. “We always recommend that if a pet parent suspects a food allergy, that they consult their veterinarian for an official confirmation, but we have heard many great consumer testimonials about how our foods have helped relieve symptoms through a grain-free diet," said Jill Gainer, director of communications at Nature’s Variety.

Eukanuba launches dog-centric '28-Day Challenge' to promote petfood

Eukanuba has launched its 28-Day Challenge, asking dog owners to feed their pets any Eukanuba formula for 28 days to "find out for themselves what a difference a premium Eukanuba diet can make," according to Manuel Miyar, the company's associate marketing director. Interested consumers can sign up via Facebook, where participants can also enter a contest where one dog will be crowned the "Challenge Champion" and appear in Dog Fancy magazine and select Eukanuba advertising.

Veterinarians use pre-portioned food kits to help pet patients lose weight

Veterinarians at the VCA South Shore Animal Hospital in South Weymouth, Massachusetts, USA, are helping their patients lose weight with a special fitness program that includes pre-portioned food kits. The Furry Friends Fitness Program is designed to address the one-half of all pet dogs and cats in the US that are overweight.

Market Trends and Reports

Research finds cats prefer food similar to their natural prey

According to research carried out in collaboration with Professor Steve Simpson at the School of Biological Sciences, University of Sydney, Australia, and Professor David Raubenheimer at the Institute of Natural Sciences, Massey University, New Zealand, healthy pet cats regulate their protein, fat and carbohydrate intake to mimic the types of food they would eat in the wild. The research, carried out over a two-year period at the Waltham, demonstrated that cats have an intake target that equates to approximately 52% of their daily calorie intake from protein, 36% from fat and 12% from carbohydrate.

Bravo! expands treat line to include duck, lobster

Bravo! has announced the addition of two new proteins to its Bonus Bites Treats and Chews line: dry roasted duck feet and freeze dried North Atlantic lobster meat. The new products will begin rolling out to independent retail outlets in April and will be featured in Bravo!’s new eco-friendly packaging.

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Market Trends and Reports

Del Monte reports increase in pet product sales for 2011

US petfood manufacturer Del Monte reported net sales of US$940.9 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2011, a decrease of 5.3% compared with US$958.9 million during the same time in 2010. Despite this drop, net sales of pet products were up 2.6% from 2010 levels to US$433.2 million, according to the company.

Global Pet Expo 2011 to be largest in show's history

With 2,366 booths sold and 822 exhibiting companies, Global Pet Expo 2011 is slated to be the largest event in the show's history, according to Andrew Darmohraj, senior vice president of the American Pet Products Association. According to show organizers, all Global Pet Expo special sections are completely sold out, including Natural Pet, Boutique, Everything Aquatic, International Pavilion and What’s New!.

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