SAN DIEGO, Feb. 28, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates that 89 million U.S. dogs and cats are overweight or obese. And according to longtime "Good Morning America" veterinarian, Dr. Marty Becker, an unbalanced diet either lacking or in excess of nutrients can lead to serious nutrition-related health issues. To help pet parents, PETCO has launched PETCO Certified Nutrition, which makes it easier to choose the food for each pet's individual needs, with solutions from weight management to allergy sensitivities.
As part of PETCO Certified Nutrition, all PETCO store associates receive extensive pet nutrition training on an ongoing basis. This gives them the ability to guide the consumer through the complicated food selection process and assess a pet's nutritional needs based on a variety of factors, including age, breed, weight, activity level, skin & coat issues, etc.
PETCO Certified Nutrition also breaks down pet food into three easy-to-understand categories after products have passed the quality control-focused PETCO Certified Nutrition Checklists. The categories include:
⁃ Essential Nutrition: Meets the fundamental nutritional needs of your pets and provides a simple, well-rounded diet available in a variety of formulas at a smart value.
⁃ Advanced Nutrition: Scientifically-formulated with high-quality nutrients, such as proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Also in a variety of formulas, these products may be tailored to your pet's life stage, breed, activity level or special needs; because you feed less, there is less waste.
⁃ Natural Nutrition: Made with selective natural ingredients to promote overall health and wellness; contain recognizable whole food ingredients (such as fruits and vegetables) without unnecessary chemicals, preservatives or additives.
For more information on the PETCO Certified Nutrition Checklists and food categories visit www.petco.com/certified.
About PETCO
PETCO is a privately held specialty retailer that provides products, services and advice that make it easier for our customers to be great pet parents. We operate more than 1,000 stores in 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as a leading pet products and information destination at . Our nonprofit organization, The PETCO Foundation, has raised nearly $70 million since its inception in 1999 to help promote and improve the welfare of companion animals. In conjunction with the Foundation, we work with and support approximately 7,000 local animal welfare groups across the country to help find homes for more than 200,000 adoptable animals every year.
CONTACT:
Mia West
619.501.2756
mwest@west-pr.com
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