Public health alert: Raw food diet found connected to cats getting HPAIFebruary 24, 2025The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) are warning pet owners about the risks of raw pet food after indoor cats in Oregon became ill from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI or H5N1) beginning in early February 2025.
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Pet Business names the top pet products of 2023December 15, 2023With limited space in most veterinary practice’s retail centers, reviewing this year winners is one possible route in determining what to sell or gift clients for referrals.
Technicians are tops: The changing role of this critical team memberOctober 12, 2020It’s National Veterinary Technician Week, a time when we honor these tireless professionals who have never been more critical to animal health than over the last eight months or so.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveFood is love—So why is nutrition a problem area for veterinarians?September 29, 2020By Brennen McKenzie, MA, MSc, VMD, cVMAAs a child, I was a big fan of the Peanuts cartoons. One of my favorite characters was Snoopy, a suave, bipedal beagle who wrote novels and engaged in breathtaking aerial combat with his nemesis, the Red Baron. Though Snoopy was unlike most other beagles I have known, he had one characteristic in common to others of his breed, and indeed most dogs. When suppertime arrived, all other activities were forgotten, and he often launched into an exuberant, joyful, food-induced dance. Every feeding was a celebration for Snoopy, not only of food but of the bond between dog and owner. Few subjects generate the same intensity of emotion in pet owners as the question of what to feed our animal companions. Feeding our pets is the quintessential act of caring and love. And based on how most dogs and cats act at feeding time, it certainly seems like a highlight of the relationship for them. There is also a deep sense in most pet owners that choosing a pet food has tremendous significance for the health and well-being of their pets. Everyone wants to give their pets the "best" food that will keep them active and happy and prevent illness …
Nutrition and GI disease: Assessing ingredients in complete and balanced dietsJanuary 2, 2020In both companion animal and human nutrition, the concept of gut health is a point of major focus in foods and supplements. Veterinarians are often faced with the challenge of prescribing the right diets that fit both the pet’s needs and its owner’s resources.
Old Mother Hubbard, Loop to create reusable pet food packagingJune 13, 2019Old Mother Hubbard is offering dog owners an additional way to reduce pet food packaging with its new partnership with Loop. The all-natural dog treats company will work with Loop to design and create reusable containers for its treats, allowing owners to get a replenished shipment without wasted packaging. "WellPet was the first U.S.-based pet food company with a recycling program for wellness pet food packaging, which is recycled into everything from lawn chairs to playground equipment," says Greg Kean, vice-president of innovation and product development at WellPet, maker of Old Mother Hubbard all-natural dog treats. "Our brand Old Mother Hubbard, which has 90 years' experience in baking authentic, small batch, all-natural dog treats from time honored recipes, will be one of the first pet food brands to collaborate with Loop. "We are doing this through a refillable treats jar so pet parents can embrace the fun of snack time and delight their pets in a more sustainable way. Our partnership with Loop reinforces the fact that our customers share our commitment to making the world around us greener." Loop provides commonly used products in customized, brand-specific packaging that is delivered in a reusable shipping tote. When the product …
Hill's recalls canned dog food due to high Vitamin D levelsFebruary 4, 2019Hill's Pet Nutrition is recalling some of its canned dog food over concerns of elevated levels of Vitamin D. The announcement comes after Hill's received a complaint about a dog exhibiting signs of excessive Vitamin D. An investigation by the company confirmed elevated levels of Vitamin D due to a supplier error. The affected canned dog foods were distributed through retail pet stores, as well as veterinary clinics and e-commerce. No dry foods, cat foods, or treats are part of the recall. Vitamin D is essential for dogs; however, it can cause vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, excessive drooling, and weight loss when ingested in high levels. In a statement, Hill's says, "We care deeply about all pets and are committed to providing pet parents with safe and high-quality products. Hill's has identified and isolated the error and, to prevent this from happening again, we have required our supplier to implement additional quality testing prior to their release of ingredients. In addition to our existing safety processes, we are adding our own further testing of incoming ingredients." For a list of the recalled canned dog food, click here. Pet owners with dogs who have consumed …
Royal Canin releases Pill Assist to help administer medication to dogs October 2, 2018Royal Canin has launched veterinary-exclusive Pill Assist soft chews to simplify administering medication to dogs. According to a study by the company, Pill Assist enabled successful pill administration in 97 percent of cases. "We understand the stress pet owners face when trying to provide necessary medication for their pets," said Catherine Lenox, DVM, CVA, DACVN, scientific affairs manager for Royal Canin. "A dog's medication cannot help if it is not taken. Royal Canin developed Pill Assist to ease the burden on pet owners and enable dogs to better consume the medication they need." The product's soft texture can be molded around any pill shape, is available in sizes for small and medium-to-large dogs, has moderate calorie content, and includes vitamins and prebiotics. The product can be found at select veterinary clinics.
Meet KC Animal Health Corridor Investment Forum 2018's 12 competitorsAugust 27, 2018Twelve emerging animal health companies from three countries vied last week for investment opportunities in a "Shark Tank" format with more than 200 animal health companies and 40 financial funds at the 10th annual KC Animal Health Investment Forum. "The Global Animal Health Investment Forum is the premier stage for emerging companies to showcase innovations and technologies that have the potential to revolutionize the animal health industry," said Kimberly Young, president of the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor. Each company is given 10 minutes to present their ideas in front of seven judges, including executives from Nestlé Purina PetCare, Bayer Animal Health, Ceva U.S. Holdings, and Petsmart, followed by a five-minute Q&A session. Presenting companies are seeking anywhere from $500,000 to $20 million in funding and have revenue projections of $20 million within five to seven years. "The Investment Forum is really unique," said Roy Stein, founder and CEO of BabelBark. "It gave us exposure to a mix of people with different backgrounds that were open minded and ready to listen to the newest technology. During Global Animal Health Week we connected with significant investors, potential partners and clients that provided us with enough traction to secure funding and …
Blue Buffalo Co. launches canine obesity, joint health dietAugust 23, 2018Blue Buffalo Co. has launched BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet W+M Weight Management + Mobility Support for dogs. According to the company, the therapeutic diet contains L-carnitine, which has been shown to facilitate weight loss and help maintain lean body mass in dogs; betaine, which supports dogs' ability to metabolize fat; moderate levels of dietary fiber from powdered cellulose, pea fiber, dried tomato pomace, and chicory root, which promote satiety and weight loss; turmeric, vitamin C, and vitamin E to limit oxidative stress, which has been found to be involved in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. It also contains EPA, DHA, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate, as well as deboned salmon, fish oil, canola oil, flaxseed, and shrimp meal.
