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“Just as pet parents put a lot of care and effort into what they eat, many also care deeply about how they feed their pets – not just the quality of ingredients, but how those ingredients are sourced or cared for before they make it to their pet’s bowl,” said Lindsey Fash, brand director for Castor & Pollux. “We care about your pet’s food’s food and that’s why Castor & Pollux is introducing purposeful pet food in 2017 – to provide the most nutritious recipes for pet’s health made with the best organic and responsibly sourced ingredients.” Fash noted that Castor & Pollux carefully selects the best organic and responsibly sourced ingredients for its ORGANIX and PRISTINE recipes, and until now these comprehensive options weren’t available for pets. “As a leader in organic and natural pet food, we’ve led the development of an organic and responsibly sourced ingredient supply chain for pets – ingredients that weren’t available in a quality, ample and consistent supply until now,” said Fash.   Starting this summer, America’s #1 organic pet food brand, ORGANIX, will have a new look and improved recipes including USDA Organic certification across all recipes. This means ORGANIX is the only complete line of food for dogs and cats made with 95 percent or more certified organic ingredients.   Highlights of the new ORGANIX recipes include:

• Only the good stuff, none of the bad stuff: As always, ORGANIX contains no chemical pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, artificial preservatives, flavors or colors, antibiotics and added growth hormones. Plus, organic is always non-GMO.
• A broader menu of organic recipes: ORGANIX kibble recipes for dogs and cats include grain-free or with-grain options; life-stage options for puppies and senior dogs; and options like small breed recipes and a healthy weight recipe. And, we’re introducing a new lineup of wet recipes in trays specifically for small breed dogs, ORGANIX Tiny Feasts.
• Nutrient-rich superfood blends: All ORGANIX recipes now feature superfood blends from ingredients like organic coconut oil, organic blueberries, organic cranberries and organic flaxseed.

  And, the new PRISTINE lineup offers a full line of recipes for both dogs and cats, made with ingredients that are responsibly raised, caught or grown to make better food for pet’s health.   Highlights of the new PRISTINE recipes include:

• The #1 ingredient in PRISTINE meat and poultry recipes comes from animals that are responsibly raised with access to fresh air, natural light and space to roam like free-range chicken and turkey and grass-fed lamb and beef.
• PRISTINE seafood recipes use responsibly caught fish, like wild-caught salmon, tuna and whitefish. Several seafood recipes are MSC certified for using sustainable fish.
• Produce is responsibly grown without synthetic fertilizers or chemical pesticides, on farms that care for the earth.
• And, recipes are made with no artificial preservatives, flavors or colors. Grain-free recipes have no corn, soy, wheat or gluten ingredients. Cooked with love in a USA kitchen.

  PRISTINE kibble recipes for dogs feature responsibly sourced protein variety, like wild-caught salmon, grass-fed beef or lamb, and free-range chicken. Kibble recipes are both grain-free and potato-free. Three grain-free hearty stew recipes from PRISTINE are made with responsibly sourced proteins and produce. Plus, PRISTINE recipes in alternate formats are available for dogs, such as kibble + freeze-dried raw bites in either free-range chicken or grass-fed beef. PRISTINE freeze-dried raw meal/mixers offer complete & balanced nutrition from freeze-dried raw and can be served on its own as a meal or topped on kibble as a mixer. For cats, both dry and wet options are available from PRISTINE – potato-free kibble recipes in wild-caught salmon, free-range chicken & turkey or wild-caught tuna & whitefish, as well as wet options to provide much-needed moisture to a cat’s diet: four pate recipes in cans and four morsels in gravy recipes in pouches. New & improved ORGANIX recipes and the new PRISTINE recipes will be available starting this summer at Petsmart, Petco, natural grocery stores like Whole Foods Market. ORGANIX will be available online as well. Store locator: <ahref="/store-locator">http://castorpolluxpet.com/store-locator   For pet parents currently feeding Castor & Pollux ORGANIX recipes, visit our transition guide at www.purposefulpetfood.com.   About Castor & Pollux Founded in 2000, Castor & Pollux is a leader in organic and natural pet food. ORGANIX was the first certified organic dog and cat food to meet all of the requirements established by the USDA’s National Organic Program. Other brands include Natural Ultramix natural dog food and Good Buddy dog cookies and treats. In April 2012, Castor & Pollux was acquired by Merrick Pet Care, Inc., based in Amarillo, Texas. Our brands are available at PetSmart, Petco, natural grocery, and online via select retailers. For more information, visit www.purposefulpetfood.com. ###

Las Vegas, NV (July 22) – 

Organic pet food leader ORGANIX has earned Non-GMO Project Verified status for its canned pet food recipes made with organic chicken. ORGANIX, the most complete line of certified organic natural food for pets made under the USDA’s National Organic Program, received this status for undergoing a stringent verification process that recognizes best practices for GMO avoidance in recipe ingredients. 

“Just as people want to know what’s in their own food, we believe pet parents should care about what’s in their pet’s food as well,” said Mark Sapir, vice president of marketing for Merrick Pet Care, the maker of the Castor & Pollux ORGANIX brand. “We chose to pursue Non-GMO Project Verified status for our popular ORGANIX chicken canned recipes for cats and dogs so pet parents can easily choose pet foods that avoid GMOs and be further assured that what they’re feeding their pets is safe.”

The Non-GMO Project verification was achieved after in-depth audit of both ORGANIX ingredients and the company’s manufacturing facilities to ensure the company is meeting the highest possible standards for GMO avoidance. As part of the verification, 10 ORGANIX canned food recipes containing organic chicken will bear the Non-GMO Project Verified seal. Recipes include:

• ORGANIX Organic Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe (for dogs)
• ORGANIX Chicken & Potato Recipe (for dogs)
• ORGANIX Grain Free Chicken & Potato Recipe (for dogs)
• ORGANIX Grain Free Organic Chicken & Vegetable Recipe (for dogs)
• ORGANIX Butcher & Bushel Grain Free Organic Shredded Chicken Dinner with Fresh-Cut Potatoes in Gravy Recipe (for dogs)
• ORGANIX Butcher & Bushel Grain Free Organic Tender Chicken Dinner with Fresh-Cut White Potatoes & Apples in Gravy Recipe (for dogs)
• ORGANIX Grain Free Organic Chicken & Chicken Liver Pate Recipe (for cats)
• ORGANIX Grain Free Organic Chicken Pate Recipe (for cats)
• ORGANIX Grain Free Organic Chicken Recipe Shredded in Gravy (for cats)
• ORGANIX Grain Free Organic Chicken & Chicken Liver Recipe Shredded in Gravy (for cats)

Pet parents can expect to see the new cans bearing the Non-GMO Project Verified seal nationwide starting in Summer 2015 everywhere ORGANIX recipes are sold, including PetSmart, natural grocery stores like Whole Foods Market and Sprouts Farmers Markets, and online.

In addition to receiving this verification, ORGANIX canned recipes are also USDA-certified organic and made with 95 percent organic ingredients. Recipes include organic ingredients such as organic chicken, organic fruits and organic vegetables, with no added growth hormones, antibiotics or synthetic fertilizers. All ORGANIX recipes are made in the USA in an organically certified facility.

About Castor & Pollux

Founded in 2000, Castor & Pollux is a leader in organic and natural pet food. ORGANIX was the first certified organic dog and cat food to meet all of the requirements established by the USDA’s National Organic Program. Other brands include Natural Ultramix natural dog food and Good Buddy dog cookies and treats. In April 2012, Castor & Pollux was acquired by Merrick Pet Care, Inc., based in Amarillo, Texas. castorpollupet.com.

About Non-GMO Project

The Non-GMO Project is a non-profit organization committed to preserving and building sources of non-GMO products, educating consumers, and providing verified non-GMO choices. For more information visit www.nongmoproject.org.

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Merrick Pet Care announced today it has signed an agreement for Nestlé Purina PetCare Company to purchase the company from its private equity owner, Swander Pace Capital.  Terms were not disclosed. With SuperZoo as the back drop, Merrick Founder Garth Merrick said, “I believe Nestlé Purina is the right company to take what I along with others have built to the next level. I’m proud my name will continue to be on the door as we remain committed to making the best food for the best pets ever.” Merrick is one of the fastest-growing natural and organic pet food companies in the industry, and will continue to operate as an independent business with no planned changes to its management or operations. Merrick has more than 350 employees located primarily in Hereford, Texas, Amarillo, Texas and Evanston, Illinois. With this agreement, which is expected to close over the next several months, Merrick will be able to further build upon its record of providing pets with industry leading nutrition, quality and food safety, while taking advantage of new global resources and innovations. “The Merrick team has built an extremely strong portfolio of natural and organic pet food and treat brands that are helping millions of pets thrive,” said Joe Sivewright, chief executive officer of Nestlé Purina PetCare. “We admire Merrick and what the team is doing to provide pets with nutritious, quality and safe food and are excited about how the Merrick brands will broaden the Purina portfolios. Merrick offers a wide variety of USA-made dry and wet foods, as well as treats, that are available nationally at independent pet specialty stores, Petco, and online via select retailers. In April 2012, Merrick Pet Care Inc. acquired Castor & Pollux and its ORGANIX branded portfolio. These brands are available at PetSmart, natural grocery, and online via select retailers. Merrick’s manufacturing facilities are Safe Quality Food Level III certified and in 2012, Merrick’s facilities became the world’s only known Organic certified manufacturer for both dry and canned food for pets under the USDA National Organic Program (NOP). For more information, visit www.merrickpetcare.comor castorpolluxpet.com.

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Expanded lineup includes large breed dry dog food, Butcher & Bushel canned dog food recipes, plus many more indulgent offerings for dogs and cats

Anaheim, Calif.  (March 11) — Castor & Pollux Natural Petworks, a leader in organic and natural pet products, expands its Organix and Natural Ultramix brand food for pets offerings with the introduction of 24 indulgent recipes for dogs and cats. The lineup includes a new Organix dry food for dogs recipe for large breeds; five new Organix Butcher & Bushel canned food for dogs recipes; plus an array of appetizing new recipes for dogs and cats of all sizes and ages. All Castor & Pollux foods for pets are made in the USA to ensure excellent nutrition and exceptional taste.

The expansion comes as consumer interest in organic foods is spilling over into their pets’ bowls. Some 26 percent of pet owners say they are buying organic and natural food for pets more this year than last year, according to Mintel custom research.¹ And according to the 2011 Animal Nutrition Industry Overview, the natural and organic pet food category is expected to grow from $3.8 billion in 2012 to $5.5 billion in 2017.²

“As the company that launched the first certified organic foods for pets, our goal has always been to provide pet parents with all natural, healthy, safe and innovative choices for their dogs and cats,” said Todd Martin, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Castor & Pollux Natural Petworks.  “Because of our new organic certified manufacturing capabilities, we are able to offer this expanded lineup of Organix and Natural Ultramix recipes that uphold our tradition of creating delicious and nutritious recipes from high quality, natural and organic ingredients,” he said.

Organix pet food: new large breed and canned recipes
Organix is the most complete line of certified organic natural food for pets under the USDA’s National Organic Program. The food features certified organic, free-range chicken or turkey as the No. 1 ingredient for excellent taste and digestibility; organic fruits, vegetables and grains for vitamins, minerals and antioxidants; plus, soluble fiber to help maintain a healthy intestinal tract. The organic ingredients contain no chemical pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, artificial preservatives, growth hormones or antibiotics.

In addition to crafting a new Organix dry dog food recipe for large breeds, Castor & Pollux has created five new Butcher & Bushel Grain-Free canned food for dogs recipes. The canned varieties are made with meats such as chicken wings and thighs, chopped turkey and chicken liver; and nutritious vegetables and fruits including sweet potatoes, garden peas, white potatoes and apples.  

Organix is also adding new cat dry and canned recipes, all high in protein and fiber to provide essential nutrients and promote healthy digestion. There are three new grain-free dry recipes for kittens, adult indoor cats and senior cats; plus, five new organic grain-free canned recipes with unique textures to keep mealtime interesting for felines, with flavors ranging from Shredded Chicken & Chicken Liver to Turkey Pâté.

Natural Ultramix: more recipes providing complete and essential nutrition  
The Castor & Pollux Natural Ultramix foods line also expands with more recipes that provide complete and essential nutrition. Natural Ultramix food for dogs formulas provide natural sources of vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants with real pieces of minimally processed fruits and vegetables. Offerings include: two dry food for dogs recipes with duck or beef, as well as six canned food for dogs recipes made with meats such as chicken, duck, beef, tripe and venison, plus fresh fruits and vegetables.   

Cats also will benefit from an expanded choice of grain-free dry Natural Ultramix recipes, all high in protein and big on taste. Products include a new weight management recipe as well as a recipe for healthy adult indoor cats.  

Castor & Pollux foods for pets are available at Petsmart, Petco, Whole Foods Market and pet specialty retailers nationwide. The 24 new Organix and Natural Ultramix recipes will be available this spring. For more information on Castor & Pollux Natural PetWorks, visit castorpolluxpet.com.

1 Mintel, Pet Food - U.S., March 2012
2 2011 Animal Nutrition Industry Overview, August 2011

About Castor & Pollux
Founded in 2000, Castor & Pollux is a leader in organic and natural pet products. The Organix® product line was the first certified organic dog and cat food to meet all of the requirements established by the USDA’s National Organic Program. Other featured product lines include: Natural Ultramix® natural dog and cat foods and treats and GOOD BUDDY® dog cookies and treats. In April 2012, Castor & Pollux was acquired by Merrick Pet Care, Inc. based in Amarillo, Texas.

Castor & Pollux Adds to Organix and Natural Ultramix Food for Pets Lines With 24 New Flavorful Recipes for Dogs and Cats March 11, 2013          

CLACKAMAS, Ore.—(March 22, 2011)— Continuing the tradition of giving and remembering those in need, Castor & Pollux is donating thousands of pet meals to those affected by the disaster in Japan. Monday, March 21 Castor & Pollux launched a charitable campaign on Facebook, donating a pet meal for each of its 10,344 Facebook fans, and announcing an additional donated meal for every new fan gained by April 3, 2011. Fans were asked to encourage friends, family and other pet lovers to like the Castor & Pollux Facebook page to try and double the initial donation to a total of 20,000 pet meals. Enthusiastic fans have made the campaign an immediate success by adding over 2,500 pet meals in just 24 hours.

The first shipment of food has arrived in the Ishinomaki Prefecture in Sendai, Japan and is on its way to being distributed by the pet rescue group, Ark. The next shipment of 2,100 meals is shipping soon. Updates on the donation process can be found on www.facebook.com/castorpolluxpet.

Clackama, OR March 22, 2011          

CLACKAMAS, OR—(February 1, 2011)— The company that has been leading the pack in innovative organic and natural pet food since 1999 is making a splash again- this time with brand new packaging for their ORGANIX®, Natural Ultramix® and GOOD BUDDY® brands.

The new packaging not only revives the look and feel of these brands, it offers functional benefits as well. Natural Ultramix bags have a clear window on the side panel that allows consumers to see the food their purchasing. “Natural Ultramix is just that- a mix,” said Todd Martin, VP of Marketing at Castor & Pollux. “It was important for us to show pet parents the variety of kibble in our cat foods, and the pieces of fruits and vegetables in our dog foods.” All of the new bags are made from sturdier materials that reduce wear and tear during shipping, and the small bags have resealable tabs for storage convenience.

“It was time to give these brands an updated look,” said Martin. “The food and treats inside our bags have always been exceptional. Now the outside matches that same level of quality.”

The new bags are shipping to distribution centers and should be on shelves in the next couple weeks.

About Castor & Pollux Natural PetWorks
Founded in 2000, Clackamas, OR-based Castor & Pollux Natural PetWorks is a leader in organic and natural pet products. Their ORGANIX® product line was the first certified organic pet food to meet all of the labeling requirements established by the USDA’s National Organic Program. Other featured product lines include Natural Ultramix® natural dog and cat foods and treats, GOOD BUDDY® dog cookies and rawhide. For the 3rd time in 4 years, Castor & Pollux was named to Inc. magazine's Top 500/5000 list. The company celebrates the love of pets in the family, and is committed to feeding pets in need. Since its founding, Castor & Pollux has donated more than 3 million meals to dogs and cats, and has established its PetWorks Partners program to continue its support of non-profit pet rescue organizations.

Kate Sheofsky February 1, 2011          

CLACKAMAS, OR—(Jan. 11, 2011)—Castor & Pollux Natural PetWorks is continuing their commitment to helping pets in need.  The company that was the founding sponsor of Freekibble and contributed over 3 million meals to homeless pets now has a new partner for animal welfare— Oregon Humane Society.

Oregon Humane Society is the Pacific Northwest’s largest humane society. In 2010 alone they found homes for over 11,000 pets. OHS has fundraising efforts in place year-round. Castor & Pollux is giving OHS both financial contributions and donations of its natural and organic food for the dogs and cats in the shelter.

“When many of these animals come to us, sometimes they aren’t in good shape,” said David Lytle, OHS Spokesperson. “Being able to feed them a high quality, natural or organic food makes such a difference in their overall health and happiness, and that in turn makes a difference in the adoptability of these animals.”

In addition to the food and cash donations, Castor & Pollux is also working with OHS to educate new pet parents on what to look for when selecting a food for their pet. “Pets count on us to fulfill all of their nutritional needs,” said Todd Martin, VP of Marketing for Castor & Pollux. “It’s important for pet parents to understand what they are buying, and to make a choice that will benefit their pet and bring them peace of mind.”

Castor & Pollux products are available for sale at OHS’s onsite store. By purchasing their products at the shelter, or by redeeming special OHS coded coupons at retail locations, pet lovers are helping support OHS— Castor & Pollux returns a percentage of the purchase back to the organization. “The pets get started on a safe, complete and balanced diet, and OHS gets the support it needs to continue its mission of sheltering homeless animals and building a caring pet community in Oregon,” said Lytle. “I’d call that a win for everyone.”

About Castor & Pollux Natural PetWorks
Founded in 2000, Clackamas, OR-based Castor & Pollux Natural PetWorks is a leader in organic and natural pet products. Their ORGANIX® product line was the first certified organic pet food to meet all of the labeling requirements established by the USDA’s National Organic Program. Other featured product lines include Natural Ultramix® natural dog and cat foods and treats, GOOD BUDDY® dog cookies and rawhide. For the 3rd time in 4 years, Castor & Pollux was named to Inc. magazine's Top 500/5000 list. The company celebrates the love of pets in the family, and is committed to feeding pets in need. Since its founding, Castor & Pollux has donated more than 3 million meals to dogs and cats, and has established its PetWorks Partners program to continue its support of non-profit pet rescue organizations.

Kate Sheofsky January 11, 2011