Featured Article
Understanding Pet Food Labels: What Every Pet Owner Should Know
Cover Story
- Zoetis Acquires VitalRADS
Investment
- Sumitomo Corporation Expands Investment in A’alda
Product Launch
- Enovis Launches CT-RevitL
- VARON Expands Pet Oxygen Care Portfolio
- Royal Canin Launches Fresh Veterinary Diets
- Zoetis Launches Lenivia in Europe and Canada
Product Expansion
- Tevra Expands Vetality First Aid Portfolio
Partnership
- PetMeds Launches White-Label Pharmacy with Rural King
Clinical Study
- PetVivo Adds Peer-Reviewed Support for Spryng
Regulatory Updates
- FDA Grants Emergency Ivermectin Authorization
Zoetis Acquires VitalRADS
Acquisition
Zoetis has agreed to acquire VitalRADS to expand its veterinary diagnostics business into teleradiology and AI-enabled imaging support.
Key highlights
- The deal builds on the companies’ strategic partnership announced in August 2025.
- Closing is expected in Q3 2026, pending regulatory approvals.
- VitalRADS offers 24/7 access to board-certified veterinary radiologists and same-day or STAT reads.
- Its platform includes cloud teleradiology, VitalPACS, mobile ultrasound services, an imaging center, and an ACVR-certified residency program.
Impact:
The acquisition broadens Zoetis’ diagnostics portfolio beyond lab testing and moves it closer to a connected virtual reference model that combines imaging, AI, and specialist consultation.
Understanding Pet Food Labels: What Every Pet Owner Should Know
Walking down the pet food aisle can be overwhelming. With labels boasting terms like natural, grain-free, premium, and high-protein, it’s easy to assume the boldest claims signal the healthiest choice. However, the real value of a pet food lies not in its marketing but in the information provided on its label.
One of the first things to look for is the nutritional adequacy statement, often described as “complete and balanced.” This indicates that the food has been formulated to meet established nutritional standards for a specific life stage, such as growth, adult maintenance, or all life stages. For pets that rely on commercial food as their primary diet, this statement is a key indicator that the product can provide essential nutrients.
Many pet owners also place great emphasis on the ingredient list, but it’s important to understand how it works. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight before processing, meaning fresh meats, which contain a high percentage of water, may appear first even though they contribute less protein after cooking than concentrated ingredients like meat meals. Rather than focusing on a single ingredient, consider the overall nutritional balance of the diet.
Another useful section is the Guaranteed Analysis, which provides the minimum or maximum levels of nutrients such as protein, fat, fiber, and moisture. While this offers a helpful nutritional snapshot, it doesn’t measure ingredient quality, digestibility, or how efficiently nutrients can be absorbed by your pet.
It’s equally important to look beyond marketing buzzwords. Claims like premium or holistic often lack standardized regulatory definitions and shouldn’t be mistaken for indicators of superior nutrition. Similarly, a grain-free label doesn’t automatically make a food healthier, as whole grains can provide valuable nutrients for many pets.
Finally, remember that feeding recommendations on the package are intended as general guidelines. Every pet has unique nutritional needs based on factors such as age, breed, activity level, body condition, and overall health. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian can help ensure your pet is receiving the right diet and portion size.
Understanding pet food labels empowers owners to make informed decisions based on science rather than marketing. By focusing on nutritional adequacy, balanced formulation, and your pet’s individual needs, you can choose a diet that supports their health, energy, and well-being for years to come.
Investment
Sumitomo Corporation has made a follow-on investment in A’alda Japan Group to support digital transformation across veterinary healthcare in Japan.
Key highlights
- Builds on Sumitomo’s initial investment in 2024.
- Supports one of Japan’s largest veterinary hospital networks.
- Focuses on digital tools including Vet360 EMR and Vets Ask AI.
- Aims to improve clinical care, practice management, and long-term engagement with pet owners.
Impact:
The partnership combines Sumitomo’s animal health and digital transformation experience with A’alda’s hospital network to build a more integrated veterinary care platform. The investment reflects the growing importance of digital infrastructure and AI tools in veterinary medicine, especially as Japan’s pet healthcare needs become more complex.
Product launch
Enovis has launched CT-RevitL, a next-generation veterinary photobiomodulation laser system designed to improve therapy consistency, workflow efficiency, and clinical outcomes.
Key highlights
- Uses Companion Animal Health’s COMPASS guidance technology to standardize dosing.
- Supports musculoskeletal disorders, soft-tissue injuries, pain management, inflammation control, tissue healing, and post-operative recovery.
- Built for easier integration into routine veterinary practice with improved portability and a user-friendly interface.
- Backed by evidence-based PBM research and intended to complement non-drug treatment approaches.
Impact:
The system may help veterinary clinics expand rehabilitation and pain management services while making laser therapy more consistent and repeatable across users.
Product launch
VARON has launched a portable pet oxygen bundle and pet oxygen mask to make supplemental oxygen support more flexible for pets at home or on the go.
Key highlights
- Combines a continuous-flow portable oxygen concentrator with a pet-specific oxygen mask.
- Supports dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, and other small animals when veterinary guidance recommends oxygen.
- Includes adjustable flow settings, a rechargeable battery, and a lightweight, compact design.
- The pet mask uses a soft silicone cushion, adjustable straps, and optimized airflow to improve comfort and reduce leakage.
Impact:
The new bundle gives pet owners more options for respiratory support outside the clinic, complementing VARON’s existing enclosed oxygen chambers and making home or travel care more adaptable.
Product launch
Royal Canin has launched its first fresh, fully cooked veterinary therapeutic diets for dogs in the US, available only through veterinarians.
Key highlights
- The new line includes Gastrointestinal Low Fat, Selected Protein Pork, and Appetite Stimulation.
- The diets are formulated to support dogs with digestive disorders, food sensitivities, and reduced appetite or weight loss.
- Royal Canin is entering the fresh therapeutic nutrition segment while keeping the clinical precision expected of veterinary diets.
- The products are now available through participating veterinary practices and veterinary online pharmacy partners in the US.
Impact:
The launch reflects growing demand for fresh pet food and the expanding role of nutrition in managing chronic and nutrition-responsive conditions in dogs.
Product launch
Zoetis has launched Lenivia, a long-acting anti-NGF monoclonal antibody for canine osteoarthritis pain, in Canada and European Union markets.
Key highlights
- A single subcutaneous injection can provide pain relief for up to three months.
- The therapy targets nerve growth factor, a key pain and inflammation mediator.
- In a pivotal European field study, benefits appeared as early as Day 7 and lasted through the three-month interval.
- It strengthens Zoetis’ OA portfolio alongside Rimadyl, Trocoxil, and Librela.
Impact:
The longer dosing interval may improve adherence, reduce visit frequency, and give veterinarians another option for managing chronic osteoarthritis in aging dogs.
Product expansion
Tevra Brands is expanding its Vetality First Aid Collection with additional OTC pet health products and two new digestive care items planned for Q1 2027.
Key highlights
- Available through retailers including Walmart, PetSmart, Amazon, and Chewy.
- Current products address minor aches, occasional diarrhea, ear issues, hot spots, wounds, and muscle relief.
- Upcoming Q1 2027 launches include Stop the Runs Powder for Cats and After the Runs chewables.
- The new digestive products are aimed at hydration, gut balance, intestinal health, and recovery after digestive upset.
Impact:
The expanded line reflects rising demand for convenient at-home pet care options that can help owners manage common issues while still relying on veterinary care when needed.
Partnership
PetMeds has launched a co-branded online pet pharmacy with Rural King to broaden access to prescriptions, preventatives, diets, and other pet healthcare products.
Key highlights
- Powered by PetMeds’ licensed pharmacy infrastructure and e-commerce platform.
- Available through RuralKing.com.
- Includes prescription medications, flea/tick/heartworm preventatives, prescription pet food, wellness products, and AutoShip.
- Designed to improve access in rural communities where pet pharmacy and veterinary services may be harder to reach.
Impact:
The partnership expands PetMeds’ white-label pharmacy model and gives Rural King customers a more convenient way to manage ongoing pet healthcare needs online.
Clinical study
PetVivo says a new peer-reviewed study in Veterinary Record adds evidence for Spryng with OsteoCushion Technology in canine osteoarthritis and cranial cruciate disease.
Key findings
- The prospective study enrolled 40 client-owned dogs with suspected unilateral cranial cruciate disease and stifle osteoarthritis.
- Dogs received a single intra-articular injection and were followed for 84 days.
- 55% achieved at least a 25% improvement in the primary pain endpoint.
- Clinician and owner assessments both showed statistically significant improvements.
Impact:
This is PetVivo’s third peer-reviewed study supporting Spryng, which strengthens the product’s scientific credibility as a non-pharmaceutical option for managing joint pain and lameness in dogs.
Regulatory update
The US FDA has authorized ivermectin oral solution for horses under emergency use to help prevent New World screwworm infestations for a short period.
Key points
- It applies only to horses and requires a veterinary prescription.
- Use is limited to short-term prevention, not treatment, of New World screwworm.
- The authorization covers foals within 24 hours of birth and horses receiving initial wound care.
- Protection is intended to last no more than 24 hours, so it must be paired with other biosecurity measures.
Impact:
New World screwworm is a serious parasitic threat, and this emergency authorization adds another prevention tool for high-risk horses while broader fly control and wound management remain esse
