Make No Bones About It... The Latest Wellness Trends Are Going to the Dogs

2008-07-24 18:50:08 -

- MS&L for Del Monte Lisa Rogers, 323-866-6059 lisa.rogers@mslpr.com or Del Monte Foods Bryson W. Thornton, 412-222-8661 Bryson.Thornton@delmonte.com Wellness gurus are paw-sitively speechless as a new survey, conducted by Harris Interactive and released today by Del Monte Pet Products, reveals the dawn of "howl-istic" practices among dog lovers nationwide. In fact, 92% of adults who have a dog agreed their pup's emotional health is as important to them as their physical health. This is consistent with growing trends that suggest pet lovers are adopting progressive outlooks on canine health and happiness that mirror their own outlook on personal wellness. New Kibbles 'n Bits(R) Wholesome Medley(TM) dog food is kicking off the dog days of summer by serving up quality nutrition as well as expert advice on how to nurture the pet-parent bond and fetch a higher state of wellness together.

"Great-tasting and nutritionally complete food, combined with regular exercise, keeps our four-legged family members healthy, happy and energetic; promoting more playfulness and an overall stronger emotional bond between dog and pet parent," said Brian Ely, Director of Marketing, Del Monte Foods. "Wholesome Medley dog food takes our product line to a new level with its recognizable, quality ingredients like poultry meal, brown rice, apples, peas and carrots. With no wheat gluten, no artificial flavors and no artificial preservatives, each bite offers great taste and wholesome nutrition without compromise."

Dog lovers are on the hunt for howl-istic advice, especially considering 86% of adults who have a dog said they value their dog's health as much as their own. Those sniffing around on the Web often come to Dr. Jodi Smith, a practicing veterinarian and popular pet expert from JustAnswer.com, the largest expert advice provider on the Internet. With over 50,000 queries specifically about dogs each month, JustAnswer.com is an information hub for those looking to improve the quality of life for their dogs.

"Most dogs are, by nature, enthusiastic and eager to please," shared Dr. Smith. "While I'm as guilty as the next of pampering my pooch, I'm always encouraging pet parents, on and offline, to strengthen their bond by tapping into their dog's energy and staying active together. Combine active play with a diet of wholesome foods and you will unleash a wealth of physical and emotional benefits for you and your canine companion."

Between tending to her in-office and online pet patients, Dr. Smith offered the following tips for dog owners looking to promote more emotional and physical well being for their pets.

1. It's More Fun with Fido - No matter your pace, integrate your pup into your personal wellness plan and you'll both benefit and enjoy life together longer. Most dog lovers (86%) say they are happier when they take a walk with their dog(s) than when they walk alone. Plus, more than three in four (77%) acknowledge that their dog's energy is contagious, encouraging them to stay active. Your pup is an excellent work-out buddy and will never complain about another trek around the block.

2. Quality Nutrition and Great Taste - With more than nine in ten (92%) dog owners agreeing that quality ingredients are important when choosing a product for their dog(s), be sure to read labels and focus on products with recognizable ingredients. Pet parents can delight in their dog's health and happiness, knowing that their pet is loving every bite of a great-tasting food like Kibbles 'n Bits(R) Wholesome Medley(TM) that's made with poultry meal, brown rice, apples, peas and carrots, offering 100% complete and balanced nutrition.

3. Pass Preventative Measures All Around - Apply basic safety rules to both you and your dog: Don't exercise on full stomachs, keep hydrated, stay out of severe weather and remember to stretch.

4. They're All Ears - Dogs soak up praise and terms of endearment. They are great listeners and will patiently hear out the story of your whole day in return for a belly rub or scratch behind the ears.

For the pup that will never complain about another trek around the block or a game of tug-of-war, Kibbles 'n Bits(R) Wholesome Medley(TM) dog food serves up a quality meal that will power your dog's energy level ensuring plenty of health opportunities for the two of you to nurture the pet-parent bond while fetching wellness together. Visit www.wholesomemedley.com for more information.

About JustAnswer

Founded in 2003, JustAnswer is the largest online Expert advice marketplace that globally connects customers with Experts around the clock, quickly and accurately. JustAnswer provides an online platform where more than 10 million registered users receive advice from more than 12 thousand Experts. These millions of people rely on the site for affordable and timely advice in roughly 70 categories, ranging from Legal to Automotive.

The JustAnswer network empowers registered Experts to give advice in real-time, to help ensure customer satisfaction. Partners include big brand companies such as Chilton and Del Monte. For more information about the company, please visit the website at www.JustAnswer.com.

About Kibbles 'n Bits(R) Brand

For 27 years, Kibbles 'n Bits(R), and the brand's 38 products, has combined the savory flavors of chicken and beef for a crunchy, chewy taste that makes meal time joy time for dogs of every size and breed. Kibbles 'n Bits(R) products have 100% complete and balanced nutrition. It's a meal you'll love to feed -- and your dog will love to eat. Visit the brand online at www.kibblesnbits.com.

About Del Monte Pet Products

At Del Monte, our pet products nourish and enrich the lives of pets and pet parents by providing great-tasting, high-quality and innovative products for dogs and cats and by encouraging them to enjoy an active lifestyle together. With trusted brands including Meow Mix(R), Kibbles 'n Bits(R), 9Lives(R), Snausages(R), Pup-Peroni(R), Milk-Bone(R), Meaty Bone(R) and Pounce(R), our products enrich the connection between people and the pets they love. As a premier provider of taste-oriented pet food and pet snacks, our products play a key role in the lives of millions of pet families every day.

About Del Monte Foods

Del Monte Foods is one of the country's largest and most well known producers, distributors and marketers of premium quality, branded food and pet products for the U.S. retail market, generating more than $3.74 billion in net sales in fiscal 2008. With a powerful portfolio of brands including Del Monte(R), StarKist(R), S&W(R), Contadina(R), College Inn(R), Meow Mix(R), Kibbles 'n Bits(R), 9Lives(R), Milk-Bone(R), Pup-Peroni(R), Meaty Bone(R), Snausages(R) and Pounce(R), Del Monte products are found in nine out of ten U.S. households. The Company also produces, distributes and markets private label food and pet products. For more information on Del Monte Foods Company (NYSE:DLM) visit the Company's website at www.delmonte.com.

Del Monte. Nourishing Families. Enriching Lives. Every Day.(TM)

Survey Methodology

This Dog Health and Happiness Survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of Del Monte Pet Products between May 15 and May 19, 2008 among 2,505 adults ages 18+, of whom 900 have a dog. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please contact Lisa Rogers at 323.866.6059.

New Kibbles 'n Bits(R) Wholesome Medley(TM) Dog Food Partners With
Pet Experts to Help Dog Owners in Pursuit of Howl-istic Health and
Happiness