News & Newsletters: Page 818

Pricing strategies differ in developed Asian petfood markets

Pricing strategies vary among market leaders in the petfood segments of South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand, according to a Euromonitor report. In South Korea, the premium dry dog food segment is highly competitive, with four main companies dominating the market share.

Blue Buffalo Co. recalls dry dog foods due to disproportionate Vitamin D levels

The Blue Buffalo Co. issued a voluntary recall for three of its dry dog food products that may contain excessive amounts of Vitamin D, which could cause Hypercalcemia in dogs. The following dog foods were recalled by Blue Buffalo: Wilderness Chicken in 4.5-pound, 11-pound and 24-pound bags, marked with "best by" dates JUL1211B, JUL1311B, JUL2611Z, JUL2711Z and JUL2811Z; Basics Salmon in 11-pound and 24-pound bags, marked with "best by" dates AUG2111B and AUG2211B; and Large Breed Adult Chicken in 30-pound bags, marked with "best by" dates SEP 22 11 P, SEP 23 11 P, and OCT 26 11 P.

Stella & Chewy's founder featured on Inc. magazine cover

Marie Moody, president and founder of Stella & Chewy’s, appeared on the cover of Inc. magazine's October issue in an article discussing why she founded her petfood company. The cover article, entitled “How to Launch Your Dream Company,” recounts the careers of five entrepreneurs from different industries who built successful enterprises based on what they love to do.

Improved reporting makes petfood recalls more common, FDA spokeswoman says

Petfood recalls are becoming more common partially due to improved reporting methods, according to a spokeswoman for the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “Because of the Reportable Food Registry, the violations or problems are being reported to us, whereas before it was up to an inspection to find it," said Shannon Cameron, FDA spokeswoman.

Iams kicks off 'Home 4 the Holidays' to help orphaned pets

Iams kicked off its "Home 4 the Holidays" initiative to help place 1.5 million orphaned pets into permanent homes this holiday season. Between October 1, 2010 and January 4, 2011, Iams and founding partner Helen Woodward Animal Center will work to help pets find homes, and to provide five million bowls of food through the company's "Bags 4 Bowls" program.

Jack has taken part in the Iams Home 4 the Holidays initiative and adopted Jane from the Bideawee animal shelter in New York. / Photo courtesy Iams

All American Pet Co. offers new products at convenience, drug stores

All American Pet Co. Inc. (AAPT) launched a new product strategy focused on the drug store and convenience store marketplace. The company's Grrr-nola Dog Food Bar and Grrr-nola Natural dog food products are now available to consumers on the shelves of convenience and drug stores.

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Scientists track fish used in petfood after BP oil spill

Following the BP oil spill, scientists are closely monitoring the menhaden, or pogy, fish species used in petfood. Harvested menhaden are undergoing a two-step testing process that involves officials smelling the catch and testing it for chemicals.

Frozen rats may contain Salmonella

Reptile owners have been urged by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) to take precautions when feeding their pets frozen mice, rats and chicks after seven cases of human Salmonella illness were reported. The string of Salmonella, which has been linked to frozen rodents, is easily spread if the proper precautions aren't taken.

Senate to consider food safety bill after elections

The Senate will consider a food safety bill after the November elections that would give the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) more power to prevent foodborne illness. The bill, introduced by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, would give FDA more power to recall tainted products, increase inspections of food processors and require producers to follow stricter standards for keeping food safe.

Mars Petcare, YMCAs team up for Power of Pets program

Mars Petcare launched the Power of Pets program, a new community-focused initiative to help pets and their owners live healthier, happier lives. A recent survey of 1,000 US pet owners conducted by Mars Petcare revealed that more than half of pet owners would prefer to exercise with their pet instead of alone.

Whiskers Inc. celebrates 13th birthday

In August, Virginia, USA non-profit organization Whiskers Inc. celebrated its 13th birthday. This volunteer organization has served Accomack County, Virginia, USA since Aug. 2, 1997.

Kansas receives FDA grant to further examine animal food

The Kansas Department of Agriculture announced it received a US$1.1 million grant to study petfoods and livestock feed. Funds from the grant, which was awarded by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), will be used to further detect mycotoxins in petfood and feed.

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