Nutrition: Page 285

Southern Tier Pet Nutrition announces new capital partner

Siena Lending Group LLC announced the completion of a three-year US$2.45 million senior secured credit facility for Southern Tier Pet Nutrition LLC on October 17. The facility will be used to support the company’s working capital and capital expenditure needs.

Pet-Friendly House project will showcase products, services of companies involved

A new marketing opportunity involving building a pet-friendly home is showcasing the products and services of companies involved in all stages of the project in the for free. The Pet-Friendly House project covers the design, construction and decorating of a home for a family of four and their pets.

FIAAP, Victam, GRAPAS Asia 2014 to be larger than 2012 shows

With still nearly six months until the event, FIAAP Asia, Victam Asia and GRAPAS Asia 2014 are already larger than in 2012, show organizers report. Currently the shows have almost 170 exhibitors from 22 countries.

Potato as a fiber source in dog foods

In this study, potato fiber was evaluated as a potential fiber source in dog food. The fiber contained 55 percent total dietary fiber, 29 percent starch, 4 percent crude protein and 2 percent acid-hydrolized fat.

Effects of feeding high omega-3 diets to dogs with osteoarthritis

The aim of this trial was to compare the effect of a veterinary therapeutic diet (VTD) rich in omega-3 fatty acids from fish origin to a regular diet used as control (CTR) over a period of 13 weeks in dogs afflicted by naturally occurring osteoarthritis. Thirty dogs were selected.

Evaluation of calcium, phosphorus and trace minerals in dry dog foods

This study aimed to evaluate the concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, copper, manganese and selenium in several commercially available dry dog foods, and compare the levels with current Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommendations for the maintenance of healthy dogs. Forty-five over-the-counter dry maintenance foods and five therapeutic dry foods formulated for dogs with hepatic or renal disease were tested.

Market Trends and Reports

Efficacy of low-magnesium dry food for the dissolution of struvite uroliths in cats

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of using two commercially available, low-magnesium, urine-acidifying dry foods to dissolve sterile struvite uroliths in cats. In a randomized clinical trial, 37 cats with presumed stuvite uroliths were randomly assigned to be fed one of two low-magnesium, urine acidifying dry foods (food A or food B).

Q&A with Small Dog Wonders Bakery CEO and founder, Valerie Perlowitz

Read the full Petfood Industry interview with Valerie Perlowitz, CEO and founder of Small Dog Wonders Bakery, maker of Bistro Bites treats made especially for small breed dogs.

PetSmart, National Geographic team up for new pet products line

National Geographic and PetSmart announced in October a partnership for a line of new products set to launch in spring 2014 to be sold in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico. The National Geographic-branded products will initially focus on pets such as fish, reptiles, birds and small animals, and it will include petfood, habitats and accessories.

Market Trends and Reports

Royal Canin survey finds pet owners lack knowledge on cat health

Royal Canin recently released the results of its nationwide US survey of cat owners to dispel myths and better understand the relationship between cats and their owners. The survey found that many pet owners lack knowledge on their cat's health, as nearly 50 percent said they think about their cat's health daily.

Market Trends and Reports

Vets Plus invests in production equipment for jerky pet treats

Vets Plus Inc., a maker of pet supplements, invested US$0.5 million to add new production equipment for cold and heat-extruded jerky for pets. In addition, the company sent several research and production staff members for specialized training to create custom jerky and treats for its customers.

Market Trends and Reports

Nestlé Purina to donate cat food, pet supplies to domestic abuse victims in New York, USA

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, Urban Resource Institute (URI) and Nestlé Purina are teaming up in support of URIPALS, an initiative in New York, New York, USA, to allow victims of domestic violence to enter shelters with their pets. Purina will donate welcome kits and educational materials for families entering URI’s domestic violence shelter.

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