Pet food choices are not simple anymore. Variations include kibble size, shape, nutrition sources, canned diets and, more recently, fresh options all making calorie control a challenge for pet owners and veterinarians. Cailin Heinze, VMD, MS, DACVIM (Nutrition), shares her perspectives on some of the terms, delivery methods, marketing efforts and more in this opinion … [Read more...]
Does the world need another dental treat? The inventor of Greenies™ says, “Yes.”
Complimentary Commercial Content Why would the well-known inventor of GREENIES™ return to the treat market after selling to MARS? Curious, we asked veterinary-publishing veteran and podcast host-for-hire Brendan Howard to interview Joe Roetheli, PhD, to find out and learn about Yummy Combs® dog treats. The result is the podcast linked here. Two things are clear. Roetheli’s … [Read more...]
New pet food label guidelines approved by AAFCO
Under new dog and cat food label guidelines pet food will soon have nutrition labels similar to human food. The labels approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials will list ingredients, nutrition facts, plus handling and storage instructions to improve consistency and inform consumers. Source: Pet Food Processing, July 31, 2023. Link. The association is … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – August 7, 2023
Postbiotics making inroads in pet foods and supplements, AI use by European pet techs, bonus programs for small business, approves new label regulations for pet food and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, August 7, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
One of these bees is not like the others
A well-known Sesame Street tune comes to mind when reviewing Tod Oder’s article on the types of bees in the U.S. While animal health pros have more responsibility in the treatment of disease in honey bees, there are many more types of bees to consider. Drought conditions are hard on pollinator populations, too. I saw four types in my own backyard this last weekend drinking … [Read more...]
Equine network debuts brand for new horse owners
The Equine Network announced My New Horse for equestrians just getting into horse ownership or riding. Partners Kent (aka Kent Feeds) and W.F. Young assert the brand will deliver a community and resources to new horse persons at the beginning stages of ownership. The website will feature content created by industry experts, Kent nutritionists and editors of respected … [Read more...]
Pet treat sales in 2022 fueled by inflation, not volume
Packaged Facts analysis shows the pet treat market is slowing despite the popularity of treats. The group projects the pet treat market will continue to grow over the next five years capitalizing on key opportunities including: value-positioned treats treats for cats treats featuring alternative proteins U.S. retail sales of pet treats reached $11 billion in … [Read more...]
4 things to bring ROI to cattle operations
Animal health pros who work with or call on cattle producers benefit from understanding how producers make money. Wesley Tucker explains how to use herd income generated from drought-induced downsizing to consider making strategic investments in forages, fence or water, irrigation, feed storage and handling in lieu of paying higher taxes. Source: MissouriRuralist, July 24, … [Read more...]
Alfalfa hay linked to photosensitivity in horses
The type of hay a horse eats can influence his susceptibility to photic reactions. St. John’s wort, buckwheat and other plants have been found to contain compounds that can cause photosensitive reactions. Research published in 2016 from the University of California–Davis confirms that alfalfa hay can induce primary photosensitive reactions in horses, although the exact … [Read more...]
Petco, Lowe’s in-store strategy updated, now nationwide
Following a three-state proof of concept, Petco and Lowe's are taking their in-store partnership nationwide with plans to offer pet products at almost 300 Lowe's home-improvement stores by the end of the year. Part of Lowe’s rural strategy, the in-store Petco sections will offer a wide range of pet products, from nutrition and supplies to medications, and even veterinary … [Read more...]
Veterinarians, nutritionists find value when working together
Swine production practices have advanced considerably in the last two decades. The historical large divide between veterinarians and nutritionists is progressively closing. AMVC swine veterinarian, Jason Hocker, and swine nutritionist, Trey Kellner, shared perspectives on finding value at the intersection of veterinary medicine and swine nutrition in pork production during the … [Read more...]
Nutrition for equine hoof health; feeding the foot
Commentary Horses, like us, need proper nutrition for healthy skin and nails (and hooves). The hoof is a living organ. A horse’s diet plays a crucial role in the quality and durability of the horn that makes up his hooves. Lynn Taylor, PhD, and Ashley Wagner, PhD, shed light on the dos and don’ts of feeding for optimal hoof health in this article. Today’s diet is … [Read more...]
Best joint supplements for dogs
Includes Commercial Content We were pleased to see some familiar brands in this article. Barri J. Morrison, DVM, reviews where supplements fit to help manage a dog’s mobility during the development of arthritis and degenerative joint disease. They are used alone or concomitantly with medications and other remedies. Joint supplements are one of the most common long-term, … [Read more...]
Is almond milk okay for dogs?
While dogs can’t digest almonds, almond milk is okay with a couple of caveats. In addition to limiting amounts when reducing caloric intake, avoid store-bought almond milk with the artificial sweetener xylitol, artificial flavorings, thickeners and oils. These aren’t safe for dogs to eat, says Diana Laverdure-Dunetz, M.S. Source: Dogster, June 29, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: … [Read more...]
Does dog food expire?
Economies of scale from big bags of dog food diminish when it is not used up within four to six weeks. While dog foods don’t technically expire, foods past their “best by” or “use by” label dates are not as nutritious and are more likely to become moldy or otherwise compromised, writes Cindy Foley. The “use by” or “best by” dates are important enough to be considered as … [Read more...]
MSC-certified Alaskan pollock, insect protein added to Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach
Complimentary Commercial Content Hill’s new Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin line extension delivers the same science-led, tailored nutrition and key benefits as the original Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin products, but now features more sustainable seafood according to Dr. Karen Shenoy. . . . new formulations of Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – July 17, 2023
Snoop Dogg’s pet care line now in Petco, Petsmart and Kohl’s, growing Camp Bow Wow interview with Heidi Ganah, pet owner views on obesity, Go Dog hires industry pioneer Amy Nichols, benefits from emergency animal boarding and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, July 17, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
The back story on dumped tanker loads of milk
Too much milk? Yes. Labor shortages? Absolutely! Corey Geiger shares why so much milk has been dumped and a historical perspective on June Dairy Month, the spring flush and how spot loads of milk have traditionally gone to cheese makers. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, July 10, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Wag! launches Cat Food Advisor to support feline nutrition
Following the acquisition of Dog Food Advisor, Wag! is extending its commitment to providing valuable guidance and support to pet owners on their pets’ nutrition with the launch of the Cat Food Advisor <Link>. . . . the Cat Food Advisor site offers education and unbiased, science-backed reviews of cat food.” Source: businesswire, July 6, 2023. Link. “Our goal is to help … [Read more...]
What is a veterinary nutritionist?
Pet food choices seem to expand exponentially each year and cause confusion for pet owners and animal health pros. In this article, experts weigh in on the role of veterinary nutritionists, how they can help pet owners, and how to spot and stay away from unqualified nutritionists. A veterinary nutritionist is the best source of information on animal nutrition because of their … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – July 10, 2023
AI in the pet industry, contributions of pet nutrition to economy, Brooke Shields enters pet CBD PR world, emerging plant toxins, marketing ideas from WhiskerCloud, avoiding overcommunicating as a leader and more. . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, July 10, 2023. Link. Also see: Telling the U.S. pet food market’s growth story, PETFOOD Industry, July 7, 2023. Link. The U.S. pet … [Read more...]
Looking back while charging forward
As the third quarter of 2023 begins, the animal health industry continues to adapt to ever-changing new norms. Dr. Google’s influence may be diminishing as new information sources expand in the B2C sector capitalizing on major publications’ use of their databases from other markets. It is important to remember media sources still influence animal owners’ understanding and … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – July 3, 2023
Note the flash sale this week on the IBPSA Emergency Action Plan, Private Label Manufacturers Association trade show features private labels, pet insurance opportunities in retail, free small business apps, challenging the value of pets in human health care, gut health research results and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, July 3, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Boarding and pet … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 29, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 22nd, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from June 22nd AHD Bulletin – Quiet quitting or setting boundaries. Link. New graduates may have no idea how to behave in the office. Link. 11 signs a cat needs to see a veterinarian immediately. Link. Demand for Yaks growing. Link. Place keeper: 2023 … [Read more...]
Avoid algae in horse and livestock water troughs
Working to maintain algae-free water helps keep horses drinking as temperatures rise. Here are two resources addressing algae growth suitable for sharing with horse and livestock owners on social media or in newsletters. Frequent water tank cleaning is important, especially in warm months and especially with plastic tanks.” Clair Thunes, PhD, says most algae don’t pose a … [Read more...]
Dog food has become 40 percent more expensive since 2020
The cost of ingredients is one of the causes to blame for the price increase. These costs are heavily impacted by factors such as drought and transportation costs according to research by veterinarians.com. The research revealed that dry dog food has risen by 41% in cost compared to 2020, as well as: 55 percent of respondents said they had to cancel subscriptions for pet … [Read more...]
11 years of dry versus wet cat food influenced cat health
Around eight years of age, metabolic or physiological changes are occurring that are having impacts on cat health, according to Emma Bermingham, PhD. Her 11-year study of the same group of cats has focused on the long-term effects of commercially available diets on cats’ health. . . . at eight years the cats bodyweights started to diverge. Cats on the dry kibble diet started … [Read more...]
Chewy expands CarePlus insurance and wellness offerings
Commercial News Item As B2C commercial offerings expand, animal health pros need to understand what is available to pet owners and what may influence decisions about preventative care and treatments. “ – Kirk Augustine Chewy recently announced the availability of CarePlus insurance and wellness offerings that feature expanded coverage options and prices from two providers, … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 26, 2023
Pets and older adults, pet wellness’s effect on holistic approaches, software to manage pet businesses, a video discussion of pet trends and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, June 26, 2023. Link. In the video (10:03) Hunter Williams, Imke Wouters and Melissa Tischler discuss: The importance of pet nutrition Pet care beyond the basics The latest pet fashion … [Read more...]
Concerns rise as drought reduces hay supply
Early-season drought conditions across much of the country have affected the hay supply. Beyond basic availability, there are concerns about nutritional value, dependability of the hay source and what is in hay bought from an outside source. Whether buying hay for horses or cattle, there are important considerations to get the quality and value animals need. The five … [Read more...]