Topeka, Kansas, (January 18, 2003) – Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc., a leader in scientific research and innovation in the pet food industry, first introduced Prescription Diet® Canine k/d® in 1948 to help manage dogs with kidney failure. Today, a university animal health study by the University of Minnesota shows Prescription Diet® Canine k/d® is the only product clinically proven to help pets live longer, improve quality of life and delay the progress of kidney failure.
“”At Hill’s, we are dedicated to improving the lives of cats and dogs,”” said Blake Hawley, veterinarian for Hill’s, Topeka. “”Prescription Diet® k/d® is specifically formulated to reduce the workload on the kidneys and give pets the opportunity to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.””
The double-masked, randomized, two-year study of 38 dogs concluded that dogs fed Prescription Diet® k/d live twice as long as dogs fed a composite grocery dog food brand. At the study’s conclusion, four times as many dogs fed Prescription Diet® k/d® were still living. These dogs also were 50 percent less likely to suffer clinical signs associated with kidney failure such as vomiting, lethargy and loss of appetite.
“”Kidney disease is the No. 1 killer of cats and the No. 2 killer of dogs, and most older pets are at increased risk”” Hawley said. “”Hill’s was the first to battle kidney disease through nutrition and is committed to changing these statistics through continued product advances, client education and kidney disease research.””
While the therapeutic effects of feeding Prescription Diet® k/d® are undisputed, no treatment is effective without pets’ compliance. Fortunately, Prescription Diet® k/d® continues to receive positive palatability ratings. In fact, a study found that the taste of Prescription Diet® k/d® was preferred over the No. 1 dry grocery brand and the No. 2 canned therapeutic brand.
Throughout 2001, Hill’s will donate a portion of each sale of Prescription Diet® k/d®, up to a total of $50,000, to the Morris Animal Foundation ” an organization dedicated to improving the health and well being of animal companions.
For additional information on the role nutrition plays in helping manage pets with kidney failure, please contact Hill’s Consumer Affairs at 1-800-445-5777. All pets aged seven years or more, or pets considered at risk of or showing signs of kidney failure should be taken to a veterinarian.
Hill’s® Pet Nutrition, Inc. manufactures Science Diet® brand pet foods, sold through veterinarians and finer pet food stores, and Prescription Diet® brand pet foods, therapeutic foods available only through veterinarians. Founded more than 50 years ago by one veterinarian’s unique commitment to pet nutrition and well being, Hill’s® follows its mission to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets by producing the most scientifically advanced, highest quality pet foods available.
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