Thursday, January 26, 2017 

According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA) National Pet Owners Survey, nearly 9 million dogs and 14.6 million cats in the U.S. are obese or overweight. As owners try to get back into a healthy routine after the holidays, it’s important to not ignore the furry members of the family as well. Pet product manufacturers are doing their part to help manage weight and give pets the best chance at a long, healthy life. Because excess weight can lead to a number of other health issues in pets just as it can for humans, here are some great new products manufactured by APPA members to help pets have their best year yet!

KOHA's Kangaroo Pate´ for dogs and cats is great for pet owners that are trying to control their pet’s weight. Kangaroo meat is very high in protein and low in fat, which makes it a great weight management food. In addition, it works for pets that may have food allergies to mainstream meats. http://www.kohapet.com

Get back to basics with a raw food diet. Animals fed lesser quality food made with low-quality grains and grain by-products as fillers, may have a true digestibility of only about 70 – 85%. The result is a need to feed a greater quantity of food to maintain daily nutrient requirements and an increase in elimination. Nutritionally dense food without fillers, such as Stewart® Fresh To Home Raw Frozen Recipes, allows the body to absorb more nutrients, increasing true digestibility. http://www.stewartpet.com

Get Naked® Weight Management soft treats are a great low calorie treating option for dogs. The low calorie content in Get Naked® Weight Management soft treats helps to maintain a dog’s proper weight with chicken as the number one ingredient in the delicious grain-free treats. They are also low in fat and high in fiber to help promote a sense of fullness among canines. http://www.npicpet.com

The Road Runner Leash by EZYDog is the ultimate hands free running or walking experience, designed to encourage more outdoor time between pets and owners. The sliding side-release buckle allows you to alter the length of the leash or unclip to wear it around your waist, shoulder or hand. The incorporated Zero Shock Technology in the center of the leash cushions and eases the pressure for both the owner and the dog. http://www.store.ezydog.com

When it comes to feeding time, pets are always in a rush to finish their meal. Eating too fast can cause pets to overeat because their body hasn’t processed the meal yet. Outward Hound’s Fun Feeder™ is a slow feeder bowl that provides more of a challenge during chow time and helps prevent them from scarfing their food in seconds. By helping with digestion and cleaning up the mess, the unique design features a slip-resistant base to prevent sliding and food spillage. Available in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. http://www.outwardhound.com

Keep better track of Fido and his activity in the new year, with the Pod 2 GPS Pet Tracker. The innovative smart collar monitors pets’ fitness levels and real-time location. The device attaches to the collar and can record up to 8 hours of pet’s secret life, so owners know if they’ve had a lazy day or an active day, and can pick up the slack accordingly. http://www.podtrackers.com

Super Model in a Bottle? This all-natural, organic supplement can be used holistically to help obese and overweight dogs and cats as a reducing agent to burn dietary fat. It also contributes to a balanced weight loss regimen by supporting healthy metabolic rate, nutrient absorption and colon health by reducing high cholesterol and triglycerides (two types of fat lipids that are stored in the blood). One of the main components of Super Model in a Bottle, along with green tea and garlic, is carnitine (Acetyl-L-carnitine); a substance that helps speed up fat metabolism and help turn body fat into energy. http://www.naturapetz.com

For more information, product samples, images or interview opportunities, please contact Jamie Baxter at 775-322-4022 or Jamie@theimpetusagency.com.

The American Pet Products Association (APPA) is the leading trade association serving the interests of the pet products industry since 1958. APPA membership includes more than 1,200 pet product manufacturers, their representatives, importers and livestock suppliers representing both large corporations and growing business enterprises. APPA's mission is to promote, develop and advance pet ownership and the pet product industry and to provide the services necessary to help its members prosper. APPA is also proud to grow and support the industry through the following initiatives: Pets Add Life (PAL), the Human Animal Bond Research Initiative (HABRI), The Pet Leadership Council (PLC), the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) and the Pet Care Trust. Visit http://www.americanpetproducts.org for more information.