Healthy Chow is Essential for Healthy Pets An Interview with Mars Petcare US One of the global leaders in the pet care industry is right here in Central Texas. Located in Temple, Mars Petcare US manufactures Pedigree pet food. Tex Appeal recently had an opportunity to visit with Mars Petcare US to learn more about their history in the pet care industry, the products they make, and the importance of providing good nutrition to our pets.
Q
How long has Mars Petcare US been in Temple, and what kind of pet food do you manufacture there?
The Mars Petcare US plant in Temple, Texas was built in 1987 and manufactures PEDIGREE® Brand Food for Dogs, particularly our dry recipes and private label pet foods.
Q
Can you share a little history on Mars Petcare US?
Mars Petcare US is the U.S. pet care operation of Mars, Incorporated, one of the world’s leading food manufacturers. In fact, the global petcare segment at Mars, Inc. is the world’s largest pet food manufacturer. Since 2006, Mars Petcare U.S. has been headquartered in Franklin, Tenn., and employs more than 2,200 associates who make, sell and distribute high-quality pet food from manufacturing facilities located in communities across our country, like Temple, Texas. Mars recently announced the removal of fishmeal from API fish foods and launched fishmeal-free brands in the U.S. and Europe. Can you tell us a little bit more about this initiative?
Q
At Mars Petcare US, we take the sourcing of our ingredients very seriously. In 2010, we announced our commitment to only use responsibly sourced fish in our pet food products by 2020. Following the recommendations set forth by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch® program, Mars Petcare US took the first steps and launched three responsibly sourced SKUs under the SHEBA® Brand. While this particular product is not made in Temple, Texas, it reflects the commitment and future of our entire business.
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Q
What does the PEDIGREE Foundation do?
The PEDIGREE® Foundation is a non-profit organization with a mission to help dogs find loving homes. The Foundation has its roots in the PEDIGREE® Adoption Drive, which was started in 2005 by PEDIGREE®, one of our most iconic brands. Through the support of individual donors and the PEDIGREE® Brand, the Foundation is able to provide Operation and Innovation Grants to make a meaningful impact to 2,500 shelters and rescues across the U.S.
Q
What is the key to maintaining health and nutrition in pets?
“Making sure your pet receives regular checkups by