Old Mother Hubbard Marks 560 Years Of Feeding Cats And Dogs Healthy, Natural Pet Food And Treats

(In Dog Years, That Is!)

CHELMSFORD, MA -- October 23, 2006 - Old Mother Hubbard® is marking its 560th year (in dog years, that is, which is 80 years to you and me) as pioneers dedicated to creating healthy, natural foods and treats for dogs and cats. The company's mission remains as pure and simple today as when the company was founded in 1926: to provide our animal companions with the best-tasting, most nutritionally balanced foods and treats available.

This "old dog" is not only learning new tricks, but teaching a few too. How? With an eye on growth over the next 560 (dog) years, Old Mother Hubbard is rolling out compelling new products and expanded marketing programs that will introduce more consumers to its brand and support its growing network of independent pet retailers.

"We're holding firm to our core," said Jim Scott, CEO of Old Mother Hubbard. "We show our commitment to pets by producing the best foods available; to independent retailers by assembling the strongest network of partners; and to education - by raising awareness about the need for, and benefits of, premium pet nutrition."

The company's latest product innovations are this season's launch of a new line of Wellness treats and the introduction of Wellness® 95% Meat.

WellBites™ and Pure Rewards™ were created for those loving and responsible pet parents who want to reward their dogs with healthy and wholesome treats instead of doggie "junk food." Formulated as part of a healthy diet to help dogs live healthy, long lives, the treats are packed with nutritious ingredients like pure meat, fresh fruits, healthy grains, and beneficial supplements. Perfectly balanced to complement their regular diet, Wellness treats feature the tastes dogs crave most.

Wellness 95% Meat is a new, super-premium dry dog food mixer or topper that comes in a can, convenient for dog lovers who want to feed their canine companions a high meat diet. A great alternative to cooking meat or serving a raw diet, Wellness 95% Meat adds protein, flavor, variety and taste appeal to any dog's diet.

Since 1961 when the Scott family purchased Old Mother Hubbard, a culture of innovation and a spirit to reach beyond the conventional has pervaded the company. Old Mother Hubbard tapped the consumer health movement early on. As more consumers questioned the purity of the food they eat and paid more attention to proper diets and healthy lifestyles, the trend crossed over to their animal companions. The company was again a pioneer, when in 1998 founded its Wellness® line of natural pet food for cats and dogs as a way to give consumers the same peace of mind for their pets as for themselves. Old Mother Hubbard is back at the drawing table, preparing for the next 560 years of innovation.

About Old Mother Hubbard
Old Mother Hubbard is a leader in the pet food industry with an established reputation for uncompromising commitment to product quality and innovation and an unwavering commitment to support independent pet stores and natural health food stores in North America. With its two flagship brands, the Wellness brand of dog foods, cat foods, treats and supplements, and the Old Mother Hubbard line of baked dog biscuits and gourmet treats, the company continues to build on a long history of product excellence and innovation and follows true to its mission of providing uncompromising nutrition for pets.

A committed team of vets, nutritionists and animal lovers has spent decades creating the very best in all-natural nutrition for both dogs and cats. All Wellness and Old Mother Hubbard food and treat varieties feature recipes using human-grade ingredients without the use of animal by-products, fillers, potential allergens, artificial colors, flavors or artificial preservatives.