Nutrition: Page 316

Sarkozy warns of rising commodity prices worldwide

French President Nicolas Sarkozy called on the world's group of 20 rich industrial nations and major emerging markets to set up a shared central database of food prices to help control market volatility and rising commodity prices. Speaking at a European Commission conference in Brussels, Belgium, Sarkozy said that rising commodity prices are driving up inflation in fast-growing emerging economies, which poses a threat to global feeding balances.

Victam, Petfood Forum Asia preparing for Thailand in February 2012

Exhibition area at Thailand's Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center for the co-located Victam, FIAAP and GRAPAS 2012 tradeshows is more than 50% sold, show organizers announced. The three tradeshows will take place February 15-17, 2012, and will have a similar format to the 2010 event with the three shows co-located in one exhibition hall along with a number of technical conferences, including Petfood Forum Asia 2012.

Pet Food Ingredients

Benefits of dietary fiber in companion animal diets

Dietary fiber has long been an important ingredient in companion animal diets. Not until recently have we begun to understand the numerous benefits dietary fiber may have on dog and cat health and well-being. Recent work on prebiotics and understanding the benefits of a healthful large bowel microbiota has increased the interest in dietary fibers. In particular, the database regarding dietary fibers and prebiotics is growing as it relates to pet animal nutrition and health.

Not until recently have we begun to understand the numerous benefits dietary fiber may have on dog and cat health and well-being.

Vet says petfood should include nine key ingredients for puppy health

It is important that petfood for a puppy be formulated specifically for young dogs, so that the food includes nine key ingredients for puppy health. "Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult and senior dogs,” Katy Nelson, an emergency veterinarian said in an article.

Market Trends and Reports

Grain market: here we go again

Nearly every petfood producer I have talked with this year, including in Europe, has expressed concern about the continually escalating cost of ingredients, especially commodities. As of this writing, corn futures for this month (July 2011) were trading on the Chicago Board of Trade at US$7.59 a bushel, according to Agriculture.com.

Pet Food Ingredients

Dominoes falling in petfood ingredient market

Each of these is a domino in the petfood ingredient market. The days of US$2 bushel corn seem a faint memory for those of us who have been in the petfood business for many years. Today, corn prices are over US$7 per bushel, with some experts projecting a rise as high as 35% over the next year.

Reduced ingredient inventories, use of grains and fats for biofuels and increasing fuel prices are among the factors contributing to a domino effect in the market.

FEDIAF issues draft on communication for petfood

European Union Regulation 767/2009 on placing on the market and use of animal feeds sets out basic rules for the way information about petfood should be provided to the consumer. Common principles set out in this legislation are that information communicated about products must be truthful, objective and quantifiable, and it must also not mislead or deceive customers.

AFB International donates to Illinois, USA, shelter through 'Points 4 Pets'

Petfood ingredient supplier AFB International's "Points 4 Pets" program recently donated money to an Illinois, USA, animal shelter during WATT Publishing Company's PetFood Forum event. The “Points 4 Pets” donation program uses a basketball pop-a-shot game to determine a donation amount.

Natural petfood co. donates dog treats to Utah animal sanctuary

Old Mother Hubbard recently donated 3,600 bags of its Chick’n’Apples and Fish’n’Waves dog snacks to Best Friends Animal Society’s animal sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, USA. Old Mother Hubbard said the donation was made through the company’s WellPet Foundation, which aims to support organizations and activities dedicated to the well-being of dogs and cats.

Fromm Family Foods builds petfood production facility in Wisconsin

Fromm Family Foods expanded its operations by building a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Columbus, Wisconsin, USA. In the first year of operation, Fromm says it expects to create around 25 new positions at the Columbus facility.

DuPont completes tender offer for Danisco stock shares

DuPont, through its wholly-owned subsidiary DuPont Denmark Holding ApS, announced that it successfully completed its tender offer for all outstanding shares of common stock of Danisco for DKK 700 (US$131.38) cash per share. All shares that were properly tendered have been accepted for purchase, according to the company.

Pet Food Ingredients

Feeding dried okara-tempeh to dogs

Okara is a white or yellowish pulp comprising the insoluble portion of soybeans. It is low in fat, high in fiber and contains protein, calcium, iron and riboflavin.

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