The US retail market for dog and cat food ended 2018 with sales of $27 billion, up more than 4% compared to 2017, according to market research firm Packaged Facts and its report, titled, "Pet Food in the US, 14th Edition."

The company remains an international organization with five regional offices to serve customers worldwide and is led by Kathy Fortmann as the President of FrieslandCampina Ingredients.

With rising disposable incomes and an increasing tendency to regard pets as part of the family, it is not surprising that the trends apparent in the market for human prepared foods—led by interests in health, snacking and indulgence—also should be increasingly apparent in pet foods sector.

With its approximately 470 employees, ADF/IDF generated sales of $ 220 million and an EBITDA margin of 23%.

In the $28 billion U.S. pet food market, mergers and acquisitions have dominated the headlines in recent years.

The company's stable includes Milk-Bone, Meow Mix, Natural Balance, Kibbles 'n Bits, 9 Lives, Milo's Kitchen and Gravy Train.

The regulation would help prevent food-borne illness in both animals and people, officials at the agency said.

Del Monte Foods said it planned to rename itself to reflect its focus on pet foods.

Natural Balance was cr.eated nearly 25 years ago