Mar 2, 2010

Planet Dog Launches New Organic Treat Collection

Portland, ME – Planet Dog, the socially responsible pet industry leader, is proud to announce the launch of Planet Dog EATS, a new line of premium and healthy dog treats. Designed with form, function and versatility in mind, the new 100% organic dog treats aid in tartar control and offer super nutrients in every bite for optimal health and wellness.

The new treat line compliments Planet Dog’s lifestyle brand and is a perfect companion for their award-winning Orbee-TuffÒ toys. Made in the USA with organic ingredients, Planet Dog EATS were designed to fit the Treat-SpotÒ in Orbee-Tuff toys and provide hours of interactive play and wholesome goodness. The treats are uniquely perforated to break into smaller pieces for portion control and for placing inside all sizes of Orbee-Tuff toys.

“Consumers are looking for pet products with multiple health benefits and applications,” says Stephanie Volo, Planet Dog’s President. “By inserting Planet Dog EATS into the Treat-Spot of our Orbee-Tuff toys, dog lovers can create an interactive play session and treat dispensing activity that also enhances their pet’s well-being,” adds Volo.

There are three distinct ways for dog lovers to use Planet Dog EATS to celebrate and enhance the lifestyle they share with their canine companions. They canpraise good behavior by treating their 4-legged best friends with the nutritious biscuit-like treats. They are perfect for dogs who love daily play with interactive toys of all sizes. These versatile dog treats are easy to snap into bite size and non-filling training treats for dogs that perform. They can be used with Planet Dog’s Snack SackÒ for “ready-to-reward” ease.

The rough, crunchy surface and composition of the new treats supports daily tartar control and contributes to healthy teeth and gums. Planet Dog EATS are wheat, corn and soy-free and contain no wheat gluten. The new line features two flavors: Salmon Seafood Chowder and Pumpkin Pear Ginger.

The Salmon Seafood Chowder treats feature salmon which is rich in minerals and provides an excellent source of high quality protein that contains all essential amino acids. It is also a good source of vitamins A, D, B6, B12 and E. Vitamin E and Omega 3 oils found in the salmon oil help decrease the risk of heart disease. Omega 3 oil can also lower triglycerides and low-density cholesterol in the blood, aid in regulation of blood sugar levels, inhibit tumor growth and lower the risk of cancer. And because salmon oil is easy to digest, it is an excellent food source for dogs, both young and old.

The Pumpkin Pear Ginger treats provide roughage and are also full of vitamins. Pumpkin aids in digestion because of its high fiber content and it is a natural remedy for stomach ailments, including constipation and mild diarrhea. It is packed with beta carotein, high in vitamins C, K and E and an excellent source of potassium, magnesium and iron. Feeding this fruit to a dog can help lower their risk of cancer, cataracts and heart disease. And because it is low in both fat and calories, it is an excellent food substitute for dogs with weight restrictions.

Ginger is a perennial herb that has potent anti-inflammatory properties, stimulates digestion and enhances the immune system. Research has shown that ginger lowers blood cholesterol by reducing cholesterol absorption in the blood and liver.

Planet Dog EATS are sold in a recyclable, 14-ounce virgin craft cardboard box that compliments the simple, healthy and organic nature of the new treat line. Thanks to a peek-a-boo window, consumers can see the treats before buying them and they will also appreciate that the box size is a “true-fit” for the 14-ounce cellophane bag of treats it contains.

“We believe in truth in packaging,” says Volo. “The box size is compact so consumers can see exactly what they are getting. There is no packaging trick or illusion with the box shape and it does not contain air pockets, fillers or sub standard materials found in other treat packaging,” adds Volo.

Packaging and Merchandising Versatility
Packaging “call-outs” like Planet Dog’s patriotic paw logo, the eco-friendly Reduce, Reuse, Rewoof logo and information about the Planet Dog Foundation (PDF) help inform retailers and consumers that the treats are made in the USA with recyclable packaging and that Planet Dog donates 2% from the sale of each purchase to PDF to support canine service programs. The packaging also illustrates the many ways to use the new treats with Orbee-Tuff toys.

Retailers will appreciate the merchandising versatility of Planet Dog EATS. Thanks to a unique and sturdy, die-cut hole in the top of the packaging, the new treats can be pegged on a Planet Dog Branded Spinner with Planet Dog’s Orbee-Tuff toys and Snack Sack or on a wall display or end cap. With a flat bottom surface, they can also be stacked on a table top or counter.

The competitive wholesale price is $5.00 per box (suggested retail price is $9.95). Retailers can order them at www.planetdogretailer.com or by calling Planet Dog toll-free at 800-381-1516. Like all of Planet Dog’s products, they are covered by the company’s 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Free Samples
Planet Dog recognizes that sampling actively engages dog lovers and their canine companions. To encourage widespread awareness and adoption of Planet Dog EATS, samples will be included when initial treat purchases are made by retailers. For a limited time only, Planet Dog will send 20 free sample packets per flavor with orders of four or more cases and 6 free sample packets with orders of less than four cases.

Sit. Speak. Act.
Planet Dog is proud to donate 2% of every purchase of every Planet Dog product to the Planet Dog Foundation (PDF) to support canine service programs nationwide. PDF provides cash grants to programs throughout the country that train, place and support dogs who help people in need. Since January 2006, PDF has given away more than a half a million dollars in cash grants and in-kind product donations. For more information and a full list of programs and grantees, please visit www.planetdogfoundation.org.