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SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 13, 2005--Del Monte Foods (NYSE:DLM)

Survey Reveals 32 Percent of Dog Owners Smooch Their Pooch; While Nearly One-Third Report Their Dog's Breath is Either 'Pretty Bad' or 'Very Bad'

Good news for bad doggy breath, Del Monte Foods (NYSE:DLM) today introduced its new Meaty Bone^® Denta-Delicious^TM dog chew, which cleans teeth and freshens breath, and is also scientifically proven to reduce tartar build-up by 70 percent(a). The bone-shaped treat features a tasty meaty flavor that helps man's best friend chew his way to cleaner teeth and freshen breath through the product's unique, patent-pending design.

And while the makers of new Denta-Delicious aren't ones to kiss and tell, a recent survey of 1,000 dog owners commissioned by the brand and conducted by Braun Research Inc. found that 32 percent of Americans have actually kissed their dogs despite the fact that 34 percent of the dogs have been known to drink out of the toilet. Yelp!

"It's not surprising that so many dog owners are affectionate with their four-legged friends - for many people a dog is more than just a pet, he's part of the family," said Matthew Park, Vice President of Marketing, Del Monte Pet Products Division. "We found nearly one-third of dog owners reported their dogs' breath is either pretty bad or very bad. Now dog owners can breathe a sigh of relief with Denta-Delicious - an innovative solution that cleans teeth and freshens breath."

Denta-Delicious is available in the pet care aisle of major grocery stores, retail chains and pet stores starting in October. The product retails for $2.99 and is available in two sizes (for small and large dogs). To spread the good news about combating bad doggy breath, the national launch of Denta-Delicious will be supported by promotional coupon offers; public relations outreach via print, television and radio interviews; and online activity.

Take a Bite Out of Bad Breath with Denta-Delicious

Make no bones about it - taking care of your dog's teeth is important. Did you know that bad breath develops as bacteria accumulate on the teeth to form plaque, tartar and ultimately, periodontitis? By the age of three, 80 percent of dogs show some symptoms of oral disease. As in humans, plaque naturally develops on dogs' teeth and hardens to become tartar. At this point, gingivitis can set in - causing red and swollen gums. Untreated, inflamed gums separate from the teeth, creating gaps and trapping more bacteria that attack teeth and jaw bone tissue. Called periodontitis, this condition is irreversible and can escalate, affecting dogs' vital organs.

The Denta-Delicious "Take a Bite Out of Bad Breath" survey also shows that most of us need to beef-up on our dental care knowledge:

-- Nearly one-third of dog owners report their dogs' breath is either pretty bad or very bad.

-- 79 percent said they've met other dogs with breath worse than their dogs.

-- Of the 57 percent who don't brush their dogs' teeth, 30 percent say their dogs won't let them. Twenty three percent don't have the tools necessary to clean them and 18 percent don't know how. Even worse, 11 percent say they don't have time.

-- 22 percent just don't worry about their dogs' dental health.

"Many owners overlook the importance of their dog's teeth, which can have serious implications," said Dr. Michael Rubinstein, clinic director for the Humane Society of New York. "Regular visits to the veterinarian that include an oral exam and a cleaning - combined with Meaty Bone Denta-Delicious snacks especially designed to reduce tartar - are an important part of caring for your dog's oral health."

Be aware of signs your dog may be developing or suffering from gingivitis or other oral health problems. Symptoms include bad breath, irritated or bleeding gums, changes in eating habits, pawing at the face and even depression. If left unchecked, these symptoms may lead to serious health issues.

Good Tips to Chew On

A great way to take care of your pet's overall health is to establish a routine of exams and cleaning. Dr. Rubinstein suggests the following tips to keep your dog healthy and yappy:

-- Schedule a regular dental exam and cleaning with a veterinarian.

-- Establish a home dental care routine for your dog, including Denta-Delicious dog chews and a nutritious diet.

"While you might not be able to stop the dog from drinking out of the toilet - it's good to know that incorporating Denta-Delicious dog chews into a four-legged friend's weekly feeding routine, in addition to regularly scheduled feeding, is an ideal way to maintain your pet's oral hygiene," said Rubinstein.

And with the Denta-Delicious promise of cleaner teeth and fresher breath - go ahead dog owners of America...smooch your pooch! For more information on Denta-Delicious and canine oral care, please visit www.meatybone.com.

(a)As compared to a canned diet alone.

About Del Monte Foods

Del Monte Foods is one of the country's largest and most well-known producers, distributors and marketers of premium quality, branded and private label food and pet products for the U.S. retail market, generating over $3 billion in pro forma net sales in fiscal 2004. With a powerful portfolio of brands including Del Monte^®, Contadina^®, StarKist^®, S&W^®, Nature's Goodness^TM, College Inn^®, 9Lives^®, Kibbles 'n Bits^®, Pup-Peroni^®, Snausages^®, and NawSomes!^®. Del Monte products are found in nine out of ten American households. For more information on Del Monte Foods Company (NYSE:DLM), visit the Company's website at www.delmonte.com.

CONTACT: Del Monte Foods
Michelle Faist, 412-222-8123
OR
Ketchum
Abbie Pauley, 412-456-3596

SOURCE: Del Monte Foods