Nutrition: Page 324

Playing it safe

Petfood manufacturing processes to keep your product's integrity intact

'We're looking to get every piece of metal out that we can. We have zero tolerance,' says Jeff Bedrick of Channel Fish, explaining the importance of their Safeline PowerPhasePRO.

Pennsylvania pursues puppy mill reforms

A new Pennsylvania law aims to improve alleged "puppy mills."

What pet retailers want from you

Even in tough economic times such as the current environment, everyone—including pets—still needs to eat

Rachael Ray innovates with Dad's

The celebrity chef has created dog food and treat recipes for her Nutrish line

Dad's has just finished its first branded launch into the superpremium world with Rachael Ray Nutrish.

Private label bounces back

Sales rebound on strong growth in Eastern Europe and a rise in pet superstores

Pet superstore chains, such as Petco in the US and Fressnapf in Western Europe, are creating their own private label premium petfoods.

Is it really over?

Recent settlements of lawsuits stemming from the 2007 petfood recalls in the US might cause many in the industry - especially people with the affected companies - to breathe a sigh of relief. But should we believe this crisis is really over? Should we want it to be?

Petfood prices on the rise

The term "recession-proof" is often applied to the pet products market, and it now appears "disaster-resistant" may join the list. Following the biggest petfood recall in history, the North American market has snapped back, with both retail sales and new product introductions exceeding pre-recall levels.

US Bureau of Labor Statistics show consumer prices for petfood rose 23% in the past 10 years, while petfood producer prices increased 26% (2007 figures are preliminary, 2008 represents January-March averages).

The power of process control

Maximizing profit margins and avoiding misbranding means knowing just what goes into your petfood and treat products. Accurate measurement and precise adherence to levels of moisture, fat, proteins and other key nutrients is more important than ever

Ometric's SpectrInLine Process Control Suite provides real-time, in-line control and instant data analysis of manufacturing processes on-site or from a remote location.

The biofuel-petfood connection

Currently about 25% of the US corn crop goes into ethanol production. A US federal law passed earlier this year mandates a minimum of 15 billion gallons of corn-based ethanol by 2015—an amount that could use up nearly all of the US crop, according to some experts. The more corn and other grains that go into biofuel, the less there is to feed humans and animals.

Something To Chew On: Are biofuels the scapegoat?

Proponents of biofuels argue they're getting a bad rap. For example, Brazil has won praise for the success of its sugarcane ethanol industry, which supplies 45% of the country's transportation fuel and is touted as being more environmentally friendly and efficient and less expensive to produce than corn-based ethanol.

Functional treats take off

Growing up, Giannini had a white German Shepherd that developed hip dysplasia. Giving her pills was difficult and they tended to upset her stomach, so Giannini began trying out ways to incorporate her pills into treats. That's how the seeds of Dogswell were planted.

Happy Heart, with taurine, tumeric and flaxseed to help maintain a healthy heart

Online Extra! Advice on Purchasing Practices

Learn more about the advice Dr. David Rosenblatt has to give on good purchasing practices

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