Natura Helps Fluffy and Fido Go Green for Earth Day

DAVIS, Calif., April 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Knick-knack, paddy whack; give the dog a bone. And while you're at it throw the planet a bone, too. Natura Pet Products, makers of Innova®, EVO®, California Natural®, HealthWise®, Karma® and Mother Nature® brand pet foods and treats, is encouraging pet parents to share the fun this Earth Day and help reduce their companions' carbon pawprint.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100409/CG83670)

As many families make green changes on April 22, Natura challenges pet owners to switch their animal companion to a natural diet, such as Innova. An eco-friendly and healthful alternative, Innova's ingredients are grown from the earth – using only USDA-quality meats and dairy, whole fruits and vegetables, and grains that are unprocessed or minimally-processed to retain each ingredient's nutritional integrity. In addition, all of Natura's natural ingredients are of the highest quality, eliminating the need to add artificial ingredients, colors, flavors or preservatives to improve appearance or palatability.

Another way for pet parents to help their four-legged family members go green is by supporting pet food manufacturers that are actively involved in environmental practices. Over the past year, Natura has made numerous advances in greening its business operations. Natura's most impressive initiative involved the construction of its new eco-friendly Davis, Calif., office in 2009. Part of Natura's environmental initiatives also included making the switch to hybrid cars for the company's corporate and sales teams. By using hybrids, Natura reduced its yearly gas consumption by 2,000 gallons – a decrease of 30% – which cuts automobile pollution and produces a measurable reduction in CO2 emissions and smog, while conserving natural resources.

Natura has continued to reduce its energy consumption by adding a state-of-the-art videoconferencing system to minimize air travel between its California and Nebraska offices, similarly cutting down on fuel consumption and pollution. To reduce paper consumption, the company moved much of its communications online to NaturaPet.com and NaturaVet.com. Other advances include the usage of 100% PCW (post consumer waste) paper and vegetable-based inks in print marketing materials, among many other environmentally-friendly efforts.

"We're proud to be on the forefront of the pet food industry's efforts to be eco-friendly, and we are excited that so many of our fans can feel good about feeding our products while knowing they are also doing their part to protect the water, air, and land around their best friends," said Don Scott, President of Natura.

Shopping at your local retailer or veterinary clinic is another way to support your local economy and stimulate healthier communities. Sold only through local independent retailers, Natura recognizes the dedication these professionals have to the health and longevity of companion animals, as well as the communities they serve.

Natura encourages every pet parent to check out more ways they can lessen their eco-footprint, for example participating in a pet-friendly marathon or cleaning your neighborhood dog park. Do your part in giving pets and Mother Nature a new leash on life.

For more information about Natura Pet Products, please visit www.naturapet.com.

About Natura Pet Products

Founded by John and Ann Rademakers and Peter Atkins, Natura is recognized as the most trusted name behind the healthiest dog and cat food products in the world. Natura's products are formulated, manufactured, and prepared to the highest standards of quality in the industry. Lines include: Innova, California Natural, EVO, HealthWise, Mother Nature, and Karma. For more information, visit www.naturapet.com or call (800) 532-7261.

"EVO," "California Natural," "HealthWise," "Innova," "Karma" and "Mother Nature" are registered trademarks of Natura Pet Products, Inc.

©2010 Natura Pet Products, Inc.

SOURCE Natura Pet Products