Del Monte Foods announces Canadian launch of Mike-Bone Brushing Chews dental treats for dogs, says treats clinically proven to be as effective as brushing a dog's teeth twice a week

Nevin Barich

TORONTO , June 12, 2014 (press release) – Milk-Bone* Introduces an Affordable, Widely Available Dental Chew that will Transform At-home Dental Care for Dogs

Dogs everywhere can now take oral care into their own paws! Milk-Bone* brand dog treats are changing the way pet parents think about their dog's oral health with the introduction of Milk-Bone* Brushing Chews* dental treats.

When fed daily, these new dental treats are clinically proven to be as effective as brushing a dog's teeth twice per week based on the reduction of tartar and bad breath. Milk-Bone* Brushing Chews* are so effective that they have earned the trusted Veterinary Oral Health Council's (VOHC) Seal of Acceptance, the pet industry's equivalent of the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal, for reducing hardened dental plaque.

"Milk-Bone* Brushing Chews* dental treats give pet parents a clinically-proven, easy and affordable solution to help take care of their dog's oral health", said Niloufer Afzal, Marketing Team Lead for DLM Foods Canada Corp. "We're giving pet parents the opportunity to dramatically improve their dogs' well-being."

CHEW ON THIS

Despite veterinarians' recommendations for pet owners to practice at-home brushing and schedule periodic professional teeth cleanings for their pets, more than 80 per cent of dogs develop periodontal disease by 3 years of age1. Research indicates that only half of dog owners are aware they should brush their dog's teeth, and very few actually comply, as it is difficult for the owner and uncomfortable for the pet.

"As a veterinarian, I am not only the dog's doctor, but I am also the dog's dentist," Dr. Gillian Gibbon, DVM and owner of Spadina Animal Hospital in Toronto. "Daily brushing is the gold standard for a dog's oral care, but I know that brushing a dog's teeth is not always an easy task for the pet or pet parent. Feeding a brushing chews treat daily can become part of a regular routine to effectively improve dog's dental health, helping to prevent dental disease."

NOVEL DOG-FRIENDLY DESIGN

"Milk-Bone* Brushing Chews* are in the patented shape of a bone with a 75 degree twist, along with nubs and ridges designed to help clean down to the gum line like the bristles on a toothbrush, even reaching the back teeth," said Steve Bautista, Director of Research and Development. "Additionally, it is a low-calorie option with proven dental benefits and a taste dogs enjoy."

INNOVATIVE DESIGN

Milk-Bone* Brushing Chews* dental treats come in a package designed to be reminiscent of a toothpaste box. Each product package features a recommendation for annual veterinary dental check-ups and the VOHC's recommendation of daily brushing for optimal effectiveness, as well as the support of the VOHC Seal of Acceptance. The suggested retail price for the 156-gram box is $4.79-4.99 and the larger pack of 401 grams is $11.79-11.99.

The new product is available wherever Milk-Bone products are sold.

About Milk-Bone* Brushing Chews*

Milk-Bone* dog snacks, the brand pet parents have loved and trusted since 1908, has created Milk-Bone* Brushing Chews*, a new dental health innovation designed to revolutionize pet parents' ability to care for their dog's oral health at home. When fed daily, Milk-Bone* Brushing Chews* are clinically proven to be as effective as brushing a dog's teeth twice per week based on reduction of tartar and halitosis, and have earned the Veterinary Oral Health Council's Seal of Acceptance for reducing hardened dental plaque. In combination with an annual veterinary dental check-up, Milk-Bone* Brushing Chews* will nourish and enrich the lives of pets and pet parents alike. For more information on Milk-Bone* Brushing Chews* dental treats, visit: milkbonebrushingchews.ca.

DLM Foods Canada Corp.

DLM Foods Canada distributes and markets premium quality, branded pet food and pet snacks for the Canadian retail market. The company's brands include Meow Mix*, Kibbles 'n Bits*, Milk-Bone*, Pup-Peroni*, Jerky Treats*, Snausages* and other brand names.

DLM Foods doesn't believe in just owning pets. It believes in loving them. The company is committed to nurturing the bond between pets and the people who love them - making every day special. With a focus on nourishing the bodies and spirits of cats and dogs, DLM Foods makes quality products that meet pets' needs and exceed pet parents' expectations. Its portfolio of brands, with a foundation in food and treats, caters to every pet life stage and every family's budget through the availability and accessibility of its products.

1According to study by the American Veterinary Dental Society

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