Sparks Corporation - A SparksLab Global Venture: Petnet acquires Slimdoggy,Inc.

SparksLab Global Venture - Petnet(io) announced today that it has entered into an agreement to acquire SlimDoggy Inc., giving Petnet access to SlimDoggy’s world class pet food database and patent pending technology which the company plans to incorporate into its “Smart” line of pet products. Together, Petnet and SlimDoggy aim to make feeding a pet and selecting appropriate pet food as simple and convenient as possible. The acquisition allows Petnet to leverage the data and methodologies SlimDoggy has developed into an innovative pet feeding system that empowers pet owners to improve the overall health of their pets through proper diet.

In the U.S., pet owners are estimated to have spent nearly $24 billion on pet food in 2014. As the industry continues to thrive, data indicates that there are now more pets than children in U.S. households, with 180 million dogs and cats in the U.S. and more households owning a pet than having children. Additionally, consumer spending on smart home systems and products is expected to hit $39 billion by 2019.

Petnet addresses the food-related needs of this growing demographic using a combination of pet food data and sensors to make proper pet feeding simple and convenient. The Petnet SmartFeeder will not only ensure proper servings of the correct food, but it will also alert the pet owner when the food supply is running low and will automatically have more delivered to your door when it is needed.

"Our acquisition of SlimDoggy helps us to accelerate our vision of using technology to build a better world for pets,” said Carlos Herrera, Founder and CEO of Petnet. “We’re deploying a sensor-enabled system powered by SlimDoggy’s data that will guide pet owners to the perfect food recipe for their pet, help them maintain healthy portions, and automatically deliver food to their home when they need it. It`s the epitome of the connected home and the future of commerce.”

The majority of pet owners are unaware of the correct portion size and quality of food to feed their pet. In the U.S., more than one-half of the dogs and cats are overweight or obese, which leads to 15 percent shorter lifespans, and increased risk of disease including diabetes, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular problems, and even some forms of cancer.

“The amount and type of pet food is the single biggest decision a pet owner can make to impact their pet’s health. With the long and confusing pet food labels, consumers are left to guess when trying to make intelligent, healthy food and portion control decisions,” said Steve Pelletier, Founder and CEO of SlimDoggy, Inc. “We are excited to work closely with Petnet to improve the way pet food is served, evaluated, and purchased, all the while helping to keep pets as healthy as possible.”

About Petnet:

Petnet(io) is driven by a team of designers, engineers and pet food experts who are committed to developing innovative products, using cutting edge technology, that empower pet owners to make the healthiest choices for their pets. Petnet has developed an intelligent and custom food evaluation and portioning system, tailored to a pet’s type, age, weight, and level of activity. The SmartFeeder provides pet owners with the peace of mind that they can leave their pets and know they will be fed on time, with the proper proportions. Petnet`s app monitors the purchasing habits of its pet owners, providing tips and recommendations, and helping to connect pet owners with brands they can trust.

Petnet believes pet food information should be transparent and widely accessible, enabling pet owners to make the healthiest choices for their pets.

About SlimDoggy:

SlimDoggy was created to inform and inspire pet owners on raising healthy, fit pets. With sister site, SlimKitty.com, SlimDoggy focuses on awareness of the food you feed your pets and the use of exercise, both mental and physical to increase the longevity and quality of your pet’s life. The Company was inspired by Jack, at the time, a 105 lb. Labrador rescue who, using the SlimDoggy methodologies, was subsequently guided to a 25 lb. weight loss.

SlimDoggy has created a pet food database with calories, ingredients, and more information on almost 6,000 dog and cat foods and treats, which is used commercially by top pet technology companies. SlimDoggy also has developed patent pending algorithms to evaluate and recommend pet foods based on their ingredients and macro-nutrient profiles.