Market Trends and Reports: Page 286

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).

Market Trends and Reports

Food & Water Watch responds to FDA update on jerky pet treat investigation

Food & Water Watch, a group whose goal is to ensure sustainable and safe food for consumption, issued a statement following the October 22 release of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s update to its investigation into pet illnesses and jerky treats from China. According to Food & Water Watch: "[October 22], the Food and Drug Administration posted a long-awaited update on the agency’s investigation into unsafe imported pet treats and illnesses in dogs linked to these treats.

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

FDA issues update on investigation of jerky pet treats from China, pet illnesses

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released on October 22 an update to its investigation into pet illnesses and deaths associated with jerky pet treats from China. The update includes a description of the extent of the agency's testing and current findings, as well as a "Dear Veterinarian" letter and "Fact Sheet" for pet owners.

FDA is warning consumers about the potential for illness associated with feeding pets jerky treats, mostly imported from China.

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.

Registration opens for Petfood Forum and Petfood Workshop 2014

Registration is open for Petfood Forum 2014, scheduled for March 31-April 2, and Petfood Workshop: Marketing to Today’s Consumers, April 2-3.

Market Trends and Reports

Select Brands Bow-Wow Bistro dog treat oven

Human food trends carry over to petfood packaging

Petfood marketers have realized over the years that consumers are not just looking for cute pictures when shopping for food for their pets, but they are shopping for petfood just as they would food for themselves. As a result, a few key trends can be seen in marketing for human foods and marketing for petfoods.

Market Trends and Reports

Whole Foods Markets launches Whole Paws petfood products line

Whole Foods Market is introducing Whole Paws, a new line of premium-value petfood comprised of 24 products for dogs and cats. The Whole Paws line includes a range of items, such as grain-free adult dog food and training treats, indoor cat formula and litter with baking soda.

Human food trends and the petfood industry

The humanization of companion animals is no trade secret, and the phenomenon is only getting more prominent. As a result, many of the top human food trends have found their way into the petfood market-particularly those that focus on the health and wellness of our furry family members.

Grain-free: Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc. offers Science Diet crunchy creations grain-free cat treats.

Petco launches new marketing campaign driven by pet humanization trend

Petco recently launched a US$10 million marketing campaign, as part of which the company changed its slogan to “The Power of Together” from “Where the Healthy Pets Go,” in hopes of capitalizing on the trend of pet humanization. "As a company, we were at a place where we really wanted to continue to evolve our brand beyond just products and services, to connect emotionally with our customers and their pets,” said Elisabeth Charles, chief marketing officer for Petco Animal Supplies.

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