Fruit, vegetable and protein particulates and inclusions are making pet food and treats more appealing than ever to both companion animals and their owners.

Four pet food, treat and supplement companies are among the Best in Show Showcase finalists.

Positive gains in the company’s cat food and treat portfolio, including Meow Mix, 9Lives and Nutrish brands, helped to balance losses in other areas of the segment.

Rob Ferguson, current senior vice president of pet food, snacks and supply chain, will serve as interim pet food segment president in the meantime.

The company rebranded after being acquired by Strategic Value Partners, LLC.

Central Pet Distribution will offer PetGuard products to independent pet retailers in the US, and Jim Gallagher will manage sales in the Northeast territory

Packaged Facts predicts online pet product purchases will account for 26% of the entire pet product market in 2023.

Lyka, an emerging brand of gently processed, human-grade, direct-to-consumer dog foods, will use the funding to accelerate growth, expand processing capabilities and add to its core staff.

Its automatic Micro and Tote Batching Systems can be custom-fit with a number of other auxiliary batching equipment.

The new line, Inception, is designed to offer premium nutrition with a meat-first philosophy at a reasonable price for pet owners.