BUSINESS - Prescription Pet Foods Face Class Action Lawsuit

A California class action lawsuit alleges that pet food manufacturers Nestle Purina, Mars Petcare, and Hill’s Pet Nutrition, pet supply chain PetSmart, and veterinary chains Banfield Pet Hospital and BluePearl Vet conspired to falsely promote prescription pet food.

The veterinarian writes a prescription for the specialty food which is then filled at a supplier such as PetSmart.

The complaint argues here is no reason for each brand of pet food to require a prescription, as they “contain no drug or other ingredient not also common in non-prescription pet food.”

The prescription pet food sold by Mars, Purina, and Hill’s are not evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and contain no drugs or other legally controlled substances, the plaintiffs state.

Therefore, according to the class action, selling the expensive pet food as requiring a prescription is unfair and deceptive under California consumer protection laws.

The suit includes veterinary clinics because they write the prescription, the manufacturers who make the food and PetSmart because they sell it.

According to the complaint, Mars owns 79 percent of Banfield Pet Hospital, and PetSmart owns the other 21 percent. Many Banfield clinics are inside PetSmart locations. In addition, Mars owns 100 percent of Blue Pearl Vet Hospital.

In the case filing, plaintiffs stated that they and others had overpaid for the prescription formulations and made purchases that they wouldn’t have if not for the prescription requirement.

“We are aware of the recent lawsuit in Northern California against Mars Petcare US, Banfield, Blue Pearl, PetSmart, Hills Pet Nutrition and Nestle Purina Petcare,” Courtney Suthoff, representing Mars Petcare’s Royal Canin for public relation agency FeishmanHillard, told Petfood Industry. “While we do not otherwise comment on pending litigation, we believe the allegations to be without merit and will defend ourselves accordingly.”

WELFARE - Awards for Innovative Public Service Announcements

Does your organization have an impactful, creative and innovative public service announcement that supports animals in need?

Enter it in the Society of Animal Welfare Administrators (SAWA) / Hill’s Food Shelter and LoveTM PSA awards!

For the first time ever, you don’t have to be a member of SAWA to enter.

SAWA is encouraging animal welfare groups, regardless the size of their budget, to submit their creative PSA, YouTube digital video or promotional ad.

Two awards will be presented at the 2016 SAWA Annual Conference in Portland, OR in November - the Professional Choice, awarded by animal welfare marketing experts, as well as a People’s Choice award, with the general public voting on the Hill’s Facebook page.

Entry deadline is August 30th.

Submission details are available on the SAWA website.

BUSINESS - Petco and PetSmart Pull Hill's Products from Stores

A breaking news story from Pet Business reports PetSmart and Petco have pulled Hill’s Pet Nutrition Products from their stores in Topeka and Lawrence, Kansas “in what some industry observers are describing as a shot across the company’s bow due to its e-commerce and potential channel-hopping approach.”

The disappearance of Hill’s products from Petco and PetSmart shelves has also been reported in the local media.

It is being speculated that this action may be the result of pet specialty channels’ growing concerns about predatory pricing - the deep-discounting strategies online retailers use to capture market share.

“Independent pet retailers, in particular, have expressed increasing concern about the role that online outlets are playing in pet food manufacturers’ go-to-market strategy - particularly as it relates to product pricing,” writes Mark Kalaygian in Pet Business.

Their concerns seem to be justified as online sales accounted for $3.7 billion of the U.S. pet care total in 2014, approximately 6 percent of the total, and an increase of 76 percent since 2010, according to market research company Forrester.

As well, increasing numbers of pet owners are turning to Amazon to buy their pet supplies according to global e-commerce analyst Profitero. 

Read the full article here.

Pet Nutrition Assessment Video for Veterinarians

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) has produced a pet nutrition assessment video. This video is designed to help veterinarians conduct nutrition assessments and share this information with clients. The video was supported by Hill's Pet Nutrition Canada Inc., Procter & Gamble Pet Care, and Purina.

The CVMA is a member of the Pet Nutrition Alliance (PNA). The PNA includes several veterinary organizations that provide global awareness about pet nutrition. The PNA website provides valuable resources for veterinarians and pet owners. Resources for veterinarians include nutrition assessments, communication strategies, nutritional calculators, and feeding guidelines. Pet owners can find information about understanding pet food labels, nutrition myths, and pet food safety.

   

READ THE ARTICLE

Hill’s Introduces Ideal Balance Crafted Dog and Cat Foods

The trend towards less processed pet food is growing. Hill’s Pet Nutrition has created a new food called Ideal Balance Crafted. This food is created in small batches and uses high quality meats, vegetables, and ancient grains. The canine dry food is mixed and roasted at 400F. Feline dry food is cut into custom shapes and cooked at 250-300F. All wet foods are canned and cooked at 250F.

                                           

Hill’s U.S. Marketing Director, Gavin du Toit said, “Our consumers deeply love their pets and want to know that their food is being prepared with uncompromising care and attention. In developing the Crafted line, Hill’s embraced this trend to ensure maximum quality and consistency. Listening to our consumers, we developed a wide array of innovative choices under our Ideal Balance brand to address the desires of today’s pet parents. Each of those choices and all of our pet food products deliver balanced nutrition and support Hill’s mission to enrich and lengthen the special relationship between people and their pets.”

   

READ THE ARTICLE

Hill’s and VCA Charities Provide 1 Million Meals!

Starting in 2010, VCA Charities and Hill’s Pet Nutrition  partnered up in a pet food assistance program. In May 2015 the partnership reached 1 million meals provided to pets in need!

Five years ago the VCA Pet Food Pantry program was started and it is now operating in more than 20 locations across Canada and the United states. Art Antin, Chief Operating Officer for VCA Animal Hospitals said, “We started the Pet Food Pantry program to provide healthy, nutritious pet food to families who could not otherwise afford it in the local communities we serve. By providing these one million free meals, we have helped many families in need hold on to the loving and comforting bond their pets provide.”

Hill’s Pet Nutrition, which manufactures Science Diet, Prescription Diet, and Ideal Balance donates pet food to more than 50% of the United States based VCA Pet Food Pantries. Kostas Kontopanos, President of Hill’s Pet Nutrition, North America, said, “Our mission at Hill’s is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. We want to help transform lives, and this partnership with VCA Charities allows us to do that by keeping a pet with its family during a time of need when its unconditional love is most needed.”

   

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Hill’s Introduces Foods to Address Concurrent Conditions

Hill’s Pet Nutrition has introduced two new foods to help address common concurrent health conditions. For pet owners, managing two different concurrent health concerns can be stressful. “Concurrent conditions are difficult to manage successfully, often requiring multiple treatment options,” stated Dr. Ellen Lowery, Hill’s Director of U.S. Professional & Veterinary Affairs. “Sometimes it creates the challenge of deciding which condition to focus on first, when really the only way to effectively treat both is to work together.”

Pet obesity is on the rise, approximately 54% of dogs and cats in the United States are considered overweight or obese according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. Hill’s has created two new food formulas that are based off of their Prescription Metabolic Diet.

With dogs, there is a long-standing correlation between canine obesity and osteoarthritis. Hill’s has combined the benefits of their Metabolic and Mobility diet to create Metabolic + Mobility Canine. This new food has clinically tested nutrition to improve mobility in as few as 21 days and reduce body mass by 13% in two months.

Cats can be affected by obesity and lower urinary tract disease so Hill’s has combined their Metabolic and Urinary Feline diet to create Metabolic + Urinary Feline. Metabolic + Urinary Feline has clinically tested nutrition to reduce common urinary signs by 89% and reduce body mass by 11% in two months.    

READ THE REPORT HERE

Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. Introduces a Weight Loss Calendar

Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. (Hill’s) has introduced a new weight loss calendar to help owners decrease their pet’s weight. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention approximately 53% of American dogs and 58% of American cats are overweight (2014 Obesity Facts and Risks).

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention provides a list of health concerns that affect overweight cats and dogs:

• Osteoarthritis
• Insulin resistance and Type 2 Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart and respiratory disease
• Cranial cruciate ligament injury
• Kidney disease
• Cancer
• Decreased life expectancy

The calendar provided by Hill's is designed to help pet owners keep track of their pet’s weight and energy levels. The calendar can be found here. Hill’s also provides Tips and Tools for pet weight loss. The website includes helpful information regarding exercise, body condition scoring, pet food calorie comparison graphs, and more.

Hill's reaches out to Ontario humane societies

In response to the removal of 100+ cats from a home west of Toronto last weekend, Hills Pet Nutrition is reaching out to help the Oakville and Milton Humane Society with their urgent request of 100 cases of Hill's feline canned pet food. 

This effort by Hill's is in addition to the free Science Diet product already provided to the Oakville and Milton Humane Society (a shelter partner) as part of the Hill's Food, Shelter & Love program. 

"The condition of these cats were understandably very poor," said Frances Cheslo, communications supervisor at Hill's in an industry email this week. "After being examined by veterinarians, they estimated they needed about 100 cases of canned cat food split between Science Diet Mature Adult Feline and Prescription Diet i/d Feline due to the fact they are mostly senior cats with oral health and gastrointestinal issues."

The Oakville Humane Society expressed its gratitude for the generous donation on its Facebook page, "It was a huge order, especially when you consider that Hill's Pet Nutrition already donates all our dry cat, dog, puppy and kitten food. The answer came back almost instantly and it was a resounding 'YES'!"

Photo courtesy of the Oakville Humane Society

Hill's unveils new Ideal Balance brand

Hill's Pet Nutrition unveiled its first new brand since the launch of Science Diet in 1968. Hill's Ideal Balance brand and line of food for dogs and cats combines natural ingredients with Hill's balanced nutrition. 

In addition to the dry food selection, the new Hill's Ideal Balance line also features 12 new wet food varieties. All formulas feature fresh chicken or natural salmon as the first ingredients and include brown rice, fruits and vegetables and no corn, wheat or soy. 

In 2012, Hill's Science Diet was credited with hundreds of millions in potential growth in the natural pet products market due to its movement to reformulate its leading pet food brand into natural recipes. 

READ THE PRESS RELEASE

Colgate-Palmolive Reports Increased Sales

Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL) today reported worldwide Net sales of $4,172 million in fourth quarter 2011, an increase of 5.0% versus fourth quarter 2010. Global unit volume grew 4.0%, pricing increased 3.0% and foreign exchange was negative 2.0%. Excluding divested businesses, global unit volume grew 4.5%. The Sanex acquisition contributed 1.5% to sales and volume growth. Organic sales (Net sales excluding foreign exchange, acquisitions and divestments) grew 6.0%.

   
Hill's (13% of Company Sales)

Hill's Net sales grew 2.0% during fourth quarter 2011. Unit volume decreased 1.5%, pricing increased 3.0% and foreign exchange was positive 0.5%. Volume gains in Russia and Brazil were offset by declines in the U.S. and Japan. Hill's organic sales increased 1.5% during the quarter.

   

Hill's Operating profit increased 4% in fourth quarter 2011 to $152 million, or 27.0% of Net sales. This increase in Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was due to a decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of Net sales, partially offset by a decrease in Gross profit as a percentage of Net sales. The decrease in Gross profit as a percentage of Net sales was due to higher raw and packaging material costs reflecting global commodity cost increases, partially offset by cost savings from the Company's funding-the-growth initiatives and higher pricing. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of Net sales due to lower advertising expenses as a percentage of Net sales.

   

Recent new product introductions contributing to sales in the U.S. include Science Diet Ideal Balance Canine, which combines natural ingredients with the power of advanced nutrition in one balanced package, Science Diet Savory Stew Canine, Science Diet Age Defying Feline (11 years plus), Prescription Diet y/d Feline Thyroid Health and the relaunch of Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Feline Bladder Health with evidence of improved efficacy and taste.

   

New pet food products contributing to international sales include reformulated Prescription Diet r/d Canine and Feline, the relaunch of Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Feline Bladder Health with evidence of improved efficacy and taste, Science Diet Mature Adult Light Canine and Feline, and reformulated Science Plan Adult Feline.

  

Read the entire report

New Hill's(R) Science Diet(R) Senior Cat Food Receives Top Rating From GoodGuide.com

TOPEKA, Kan., Nov. 1, 2011 

The latest addition to the Hill's(R) Science Diet(R) portfolio of pet foods - Senior 11+ Age Defying - was recently awarded the highest ranking by GoodGuide.com, an independent website that provides consumers with expert ratings and information about the health, environmental and social performance of products and companies.

  

GoodGuide began rating a wide variety of pet food products earlier this year on nutritional performance, caloric content, life-stage specificity and desirability of ingredients.  Hill's(R) Science Diet(R) Senior 11+ Age Defying was given the highest rating (7.4 score).  This is the same score given to other Science Diet(R) products that hold the top rank in all four GoodGuide pet food classifications: dry and wet pet food for dogs and dry and wet pet food for cats. 

Introduced in August 2011, Hill's(R) Science Diet(R) Senior 11+ Age Defying cat food is specifically formulated to help cats 11-years or older feel and act younger. Using an exclusive antioxidant bundle that helps defend the body and brain against aging, consumers can expect to see a cat that is more interactive and playful, more alert and agile, and has fewer litterbox accidents in just 30 days. The small kibble is easy to chew and digest, maintaining lean muscle mass typically lost by older cats; while the nutrients supports healthy cognitive function and a radiant coat with fish oil and omega fatty acids. These benefits lead to an overall increase in engagement and daily well-being for senior felines.  

"We recognize that receiving a top rating from GoodGuide.com is one of the highest achievements in the pet foods industry," said Liliana Bernal, DVM, Hill's Pet Nutrition. "Passing the stringent review process validates to consumers that Hill's(R) Science Diet(R) Senior 11+ Age Defying is made with breakthrough, quality nutrition that specifically targets the needs of cats as they enter their golden years."

In its explanation of its ratings criteria, GoodGuide recommends that pet owners look for brands that test their foods in accordance with feeding trials established by AAFCO, the Association of American Feed Control Officials. According to GoodGuide, these procedures guarantee that a pet food's nutrient claims are supported by feeding tests with animals, not just formulation. GoodGuide also cautions that the required "Guaranteed Analysis" box on pet food packaging should not be used to inform any decisions about the nutritional quality of the food, suggesting that only the full nutrient profile can provide a detailed and meaningful assessment of what a pet food contains.

Ultimately, GoodGuide recommends that pet owners should consult their veterinarians for nutrition recommendations for their pets' specific health conditions and unique needs.

About Hill's Pet Nutrition

Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc. manufactures Hill's(R) Prescription Diet(R) brand pet foods, therapeutic pet foods available only through veterinarians, and Hill's(R) Science Diet(R) brand pet foods sold through veterinarians and finer pet specialty stores. Founded more than 60 years ago with a unique commitment to pet nutrition and well-being, Hill's is committed to its mission to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. Hill's produces high-quality, great-tasting pet foods owners can trust and give to their canine and feline companions as part of a veterinary health care team recommendation. This ultimately improves patient health and the health of the practice. More information

SOURCE  Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc.

Canada’s Pet Wellness Report

The subject of pet wellness is of significant importance to Canadians. It is estimated that there are approximately 7.9 million cats and 5.9 million dogs in Canada. Approximately 35% of Canadian households have a dog, while 38% have a cat (source: Ipsos Reid).

Canada’s Pet Wellness Report developed by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) and Hill’s Pet Nutrition, makers of Science Diet® brand pet food, provides a complete view of the current state of pet health in Canada. The report explores areas of overall cat and dog wellness and nutrition.

This report is based on findings from market research surveys of Canadian pet owners and veterinarians conducted for the CVMA and Hill’s by Ipsos Reid.

Click here to download the report.

Alison Sweeney & Hill's Join to Help Pets Lose 1,000,000 Pounds

Biggest Loser host Alison Sweeney and Hill's Pet Nutrition are inviting pet owners to join the Science Diet Million Pound Pledge


The national call-to-action is intended to help the estimated 54 percent of overweight or obese(i) dogs and cats in the United States shed pounds and live a healthy, happy lifestyle. To participate, owners can visit www.petfit.com and pledge to help their pet lose weight.

Participating pet owners will receive a "Try Me Free" rebate for a Science Diet(R) weight management food of their choice redeemable at PetSmart(R) and gain access to interactive weight loss tools to track their pet's success.

Alison Sweeney is an advocate for healthy living and inspires people to lose weight on a daily basis. Now, she is turning her attention to help pets lose weight and for good reason.

"Making sure that my family eats healthy and exercises is extremely important to me so when I found out that my dog Winky needed to lose a few pounds it was really upsetting," said Sweeney. "With the help of Science Diet, Winky is back on track and now I'm encouraging loving owners across the country to visit www.petfit.com and pledge to help their pets lose weight."

Did You Know...

• If you feed a 20lb dog one ounce of cheddar cheese it's the equivalent of a 5'4" woman eating one and a half hamburgers or one chocolate bar. 
• If you feed a 10lb cat one cup of milk it's the equivalent of a 5'4" woman eating four and a half hamburgers or five chocolate bars
• Five extra pounds on a medium size dog like a Beagle is the equivalent of nearly 20 pounds on an average woman
• Five extra pounds on a medium size cat like an American Shorthair is the equivalent of nearly 37 pounds on an average woman

Passionate concern about the importance of balanced nutrition in helping pets live long, healthy and happy lives inspired Dr. Mark Morris Sr., the founder of Hills, to create the first therapeutic pet food for weight control in 1949, Prescription Diet(R) r/d(R). Hill's Science Diet(R) Weight Loss System(R) was introduced earlier this year to give owners of overweight pets an easy to follow and convenient system that provides everything needed to maintain a healthy weight.

Join Hill's Science Diet(R) Million Pound Pledge


About Hill's Pet Nutrition:
Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc. manufactures Hill's(R) Prescription Diet(R) brand pet foods, therapeutic pet foods available only through veterinarians, and Hill's(R) Science Diet(R) brand pet foods sold through veterinarians and finer pet specialty stores. Founded more than 60 years ago with a unique commitment to pet nutrition and well-being, Hill's is committed to its mission to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. Hill's produces high-quality, great-tasting pet foods owners can trust and give to their canine and feline companions as part of a veterinary health care team recommendation. This ultimately improves patient health and the health of the practice. For more information about Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc., and Hill's Evidence-Based Clinical Nutrition? visit HillsPet.com.


About Alison Sweeney
Alison Sweeney is busy juggling two jobs - host for NBC's hit reality series "The Biggest Loser" and the award-winning Sami Brady on NBC's hit daytime drama "Days of our Lives" - with her roles as a producer, author, wife and mother. Her latest book, The Mommy Diet, reveals the nutrition, fitness and self-care that women can follow to look and feel fantastic before and during pregnancy and after giving birth. Sweeney also is on the Entertainment Council of Feeding America and is an Ambassador for Stand Up To Cancer. She resides in Los Angeles, California with her husband Dave and their two children Ben (5) and Megan (almost 2).

(i) Association for Pet Obesity Prevention - 2010 Pet Obesity Study

"The Biggest Loser" is a registered trademark of Reveille, LLC and copyright of NBC Studios, Inc. and Reveille, LLC.

SOURCE Hill's Pet Nutrition

For further information: Amy Fernandez, Cohn & Wolfe, +1-212-798-9701, Amy.fernandez@cohnwolfe.com

Colgate-Palmolive CEO earns $15.4 Million in 2010

NEW YORK -(Dow Jones)- Colgate-Palmolive Co.'s (CL) Chief Executive Ian Cook raked in a flat salary of $1.15 million last year, but his non-equity incentive plan compensation fell to $3.38 million from $3.45 million last year, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Cook's non-equity incentive plan is a cash bonus based on growth in earnings per share. In addition to changes in pension value, stock and options awards and other compensation, Cook's pay totaled nearly $15.4 million for 2010.

Colgate is coming off of a rough fourth quarter, in which earnings fell 1.1% on lower-than-expected revenue and higher materials costs.

Over the past few years, the company has been working to get out of less profitable household products, such as detergent, with an increased focuse on higher-margin oral-care, personal-care and pet-nutrition businesses. Meanwhile, it is facing more competitive pressure from around the world.

Colgate announced Wednesday its plans to buy the Sanex personal care brand from Unilever PLC (UL) for EUR672 million. It expects the deal to increase its profit by about 1% in 2012 as a result of the growth and efficiencies from Sanex, which will mean higher bonuses for executives again next year.

Annie Gasparro, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2244; annie.gasparro@ dowjones.com

Colgate Acquires Sanex Personal Care Brand in Europe

NEW YORK (Business Wire) -- Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL), as part of its strategy to focus on its higher-margin oral care, personal care and pet nutrition businesses, today announced that it has agreed to purchase the Sanex personal care brand from Unilever PLC for €672 million (approximately US$940 million).

Sanex is a premium-priced personal care brand with a distinct positioning around healthy skin and strong market share positions in Europe. This strategic acquisition will greatly strengthen Colgate's important personal care business in Europe.

Sanex is a multi-category personal care brand with 2010 net sales of
€187 million (approximately US$260 million), primarily in Western
Europe. Liquid body cleansing and deodorants each represent nearly 50% of the business.

Ian Cook, Colgate's Chairman, President and CEO commented, "Sanex is a
very strong brand that we have admired for a long time. We are delighted
that this acquisition will strengthen Colgate's positions in the shower gel and deodorant categories in several key countries in Europe and our overall personal care business in that region.

"Sanex's unique positioning around skin health is a terrific complement
to Palmolive's natural extracts and skin care positioning, as well as to
our Protex brand which focuses on antibacterial protection for skin."

In connection with the Sanex acquisition, Colgate has agreed to sell its
laundry detergent business in Colombia to Unilever for $215 million.

Mr. Cook continued, "The Sanex acquisition and the divestment of our
detergent business in Colombia are both consistent with Colgate's
ongoing strategy to de-emphasize non-core portions of our portfolio
while focusing on our high-margin, strategically important oral care,
personal care and pet nutrition businesses."

About Colgate-Palmolive: Colgate-Palmolive is a leading global consumer
products company, tightly focused on Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care
and Pet Nutrition. Colgate sells its products in over 200 countries and d under such internationally recognized brand names as Colgate, Palmolive, Mennen, Softsoap, Irish Spring, Protex, Sorriso, Kolynos, Elmex, Tom's of Maine, Ajax, Axion, Fabuloso, Soupline and Suavitel, as well as Hill's Science Diet and Hill's Prescription Diet. For more information about Colgate's global business, visit the Company's web site.

U of Guelph Veterinary Program Gets $50,000 Financial Boost

Gift will help support a veterinarian specializing in exotic animals

On June 8, 2010 Rolf C. Hagen Inc., makers of Nutrience Pet Food, announced its commitment to provide $50,000 a year (for the next two years) to help support a veterinarian specializing in the care of small and exotic animals at the OVC Health Sciences Centre at the University of Guelph (OVC).