Seattle, WA (January 31, 2005) – Blue Dog Bakery has doubled the fun in the world of dog treats by introducing a delicious new assortment of all-natural biscuits.  Blue Dog Bakery’s MORE Flavors Premium Low Fat Dog Biscuits features two enticing new flavors, Bacon & Cheese and Grilled Chicken, to go with their two famous tail-wagging biscuit creations, Natural Cheese and Peanut Butter & Molasses.
 
All four flavors come in an assortment of large and small animal shapes that demonstrate the fun nature of the Blue Dog Bakery brand.  The suggested retail price for a 24-ounce box of MORE Flavors is $3.99, and the SRP for a 6-pound box is $11.99.
 
The pedigree for Blue Dog Bakery’s biscuits is impressive, and therefore, drooling canine expectations are high.  Pet Age, a leading pet industry magazine, honored Blue Dog’s original Peanut Butter & Molasses biscuits with a Pinnacle Award as “one of the 25 most exciting pet products of 2002.” 
 
“Is there a dog that can resist all-natural bacon, cheese and chicken treats?” asks company President Margot Kenly, whom founded Blue Dog Bakery after many years in the gourmet baking industry.  Sticking to the growing trend that people think of their pets as family members, Kenly’s company uses the highest quality human-grade bakery ingredients and it isn’t surprising that they receive letters from customers stating that people enjoy their biscuits’ flavor and crunch too. 
 
Blue Dog Bakery’s Premium Natural Low-Fat Dog Biscuits are a nutritious part of a balanced diet.  There are no preservatives, artificial flavors, artificial colors or animal by-products in the biscuits – just healthy and nutritious ingredients such as: unbleached wheat flour, whole wheat flour, eggs, real black-strap molasses, rolled oats, and non-fat milk.  Blue Dog Bakery’s crunchy biscuits are easily digested and help maintain strong teeth and fresh breath.
 
Blue Dog Bakery’s new MORE Flavors is sure to be a fast seller because it capitalizes on two of the hottest trends in pet food – premium and all natural.  According to Natural Foods Merchandiser, sales of natural dog food products in natural foods supermarkets grew 23.7% from February 2003 to February 2004.  Another recent report by Packaged Facts, The U.S. Market for Natural Pet Products, estimates that natural and organic food and non-food supplies for pets racked up sales of approximately $750 million in 2004.  The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association’s (APPMA) 2003-2004 survey found that 10% of all dog owners purchased natural dog food. 
 
Yet another recent pet market report emphasizes the growing demand for premium dog foods, especially those that address pet obesity.  This is right up Blue Dog Bakery’s alley as their biscuits are low fat and use the finest premium bakery ingredients.  Pet Food and Pet Care in the USA, by Euromonitor, reports that premium dog food realized growth of 4.7% between 2003 and 2004.  The report finds that “Dog food designed for weight maintenance, first introduced to the US market in 2003, is key to the recent success of premium dog food.” 
 
According to the APPMA, 12% of dogs and 17% of large breeds are overweight.  Other estimates claim 25% to 50% of dogs in the U.S. are obese.  Dog obesity is associated with increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and musculoskeletal dysfunction. “Treats reward and encourage good behavior and that is why a healthier low fat alternative is very important,” says Kenly. 
 
Concerned about chemical additives and animal by-products in other dog biscuits - as well as the alarming increase in dog obesity, Margot Kenly left the gourmet food industry in 1998 to start Blue Dog Bakery.  Their products can be fetched at hundreds of grocery, pet and natural food stores around the country.  To find a location or to get more information, please visit www.bluedogbakery.com, or call toll-free at 1-888-749-7229.

Contact: 
Katie LeBel,
207-563-7695