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Eukanuba Celebrates 40 Years with Prebiotics: The pet food company Eukanuba celebrates its 40th anniversary -- and pet health -- by showcasing its line of prebiotic pet foods.

NEW YORK -- The 2009 Meet The Breeds Convention at the Jacob Javits Center in New York was an opportunity to see an astounding variety of dogs and cats. But attendees who gathered for the event on October 22nd and 23rd also had a chance to learn about many of the different products designed to help their own pets live longer, healthier lives.

One such example was Eukanuba pet food, which it celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. But while they were the ones with the birthday, convention goers were getting the gifts as Eukanuba showed off their prebiotic line of pet foods.

"Prebiotics feed the good bugs in the intestine system," said Eukanuba's Jason Taylor. "Dogs have healthier guts, healthier immune systems."

Taylor says the food is good for both dogs and cats, and is not breed specific. However, he also acknowledged that some types of animals have special nutritional requirements, which he says is why Eukanuba also stocks products geared towards individual dogs and cats.

"It could be because those breeds are predisposed to certain medical conditions, or it could be because something about the breed or their hair coat, and they need special benefits in their diets," he said.

Of course, high-end pet food can come with a higher price tag. Many owners are hesitant to spend more at the pet store, especially during the current economic downturn. Taylor agrees that premium food can cost more, but points out that "if you don't invest in your pet's nutrition, it will come back at the veterinarian."

With better food, he says, "you're going to impress the vet when you take it for a check up, you'll spend less time in the back yard or the litter box cleaning. And I think that on a per meal basis, you'll be surprised that it's not much more expensive."

Of course, every pet's nutritional needs are different, and for more information on dietary requirements, it pays to consult your vet. Finding the right food often takes a bit of trial and error, but once you do, both you and your pet will be much happier.

Zootoo Pet News Correspondent Brian Stillman and Editor Robin Wallace contributed to this report.

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