Brief Portrait of The Iams Company

The beginning
Paul F. Iams, an animal nutritionist, founded The Iams Company in 1946. In the 1940's feeding of companion animals was predominantly by home-prepared food and little attention was given to diets that addressed their specific needs and that fed cats and dogs the way they evolved - as carnivores. His decision to take a different and better approach to companion animal nutrition was the foundation of The Iams Company and its nutritional beliefs.

The heritage
His first product in 1950, Iams® 999, created the strong foundation for the current Eukanuba® Veterinary Diets, Eukanuba®, and Iams® diets we find all around the world today. Paul Iams' initial quest over 55 years ago for knowledge about the ultimate in dog and cat nutrition continues today at the Paul F. Iams Technical Centre in Lewisburg, Ohio. Opened in 1987 this facility is home to the dedicated research and development team of veterinarians, nutritionists, chemists, process engineers and technicians.

The present
Through studying the influence of innovative nutrition on pet health The Iams Company continually develops new formulae, products and processes to ensure that all products, Eukanuba Veterinary Diets, Eukanuba, and Iams, meet the needs of our companion animals.

Collaborative studies with the leading European and other universities provide the combined expertise required to find new nutritional truths.These nutritional innovations are incorporated into products to enhance, or maintain the well being of companion animal's worldwide. And, by publishing and communicating all of the results, every companion animal can benefit from the scientific research that has been done.

Over the years, the company vision has taken The Iams Company from a regional firm in Dayton, Ohio, USA, to a world leader in premium-quality nutrition for dogs and cats. In January 1999, the first production plant in Europe opened in Coevorden (The Netherlands), supplying Eukanuba and Iams brands to Europe, the Middle East and South Africa.

The Iams Company - pioneers in nutritional science
For over 50 years, The Iams Company has made significant contributions to dog and cat nutrition. Continually investing in innovative research and development, The Iams Company was the first to develop and introduce many nutritionally breakthroughs, e.g. an optimal Omega-6: Omega-3 fatty acid ratio for skin and coat health and unique dietary fibre blends to support gastrointestinal health, renal failure and glucose metabolism. A breakthrough DentalCare System - proven to reduce tartar build-up in dogs and cats - has been incorporated into our products and latest breakthrough scientific research has shown, that our elevated levels of DHA in puppy products improve cognitive function and training performance in puppies.

Nutritional Firsts of The Iams Company

2005 DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid), a key brain building nutrient
Eukanuba is first brand to show enhanced cognitive function in puppies (Research study where puppies and bitches were fed high levels of DHA)
2004 Introducing a new nutritional life stage "Mature" for dogs and cats
Tailored nutritional approach to optimally meet different requirements of Mature (7-11) and Senior (11+) dogs and cats
2001 DentalCare System (polyphosphates)
Reduces tartar build-up
1998 MOS (Mannanoligosaccharides)
Helps bind pathogenic bacteria and prevents adherence of pathogenic bacteria to the intestinal wall
1998 A special carbohydrate blend (barley and sorghum for dogs, maize and sorghum for cats)
Helps blunt postprandial glucose surge.
1998 An advanced weight control system (L-carnitine, chromium & vitamin A)
Helps reduce weight and improve body condition
1998 A fermentable fibre blend with carboxymethylcellulose
Increases glucose tolerance
1997 The Nitrogen Trap ® Fibre System
Stimulates the alternative nitrogen excretion route via the faeces, decreasing reliance on the kidneys for nitrogen excretion
1997 Eukanuba Puppy & Junior Large Breed Formula
First Large Breed growth product in European market
1997 Antioxidant system (Vitamin E, ß-carotene and lutein)
Helps to support the immune system
1994 Adjusted Omega-6:Omega-3 fatty acid ratio of 5-10: 1
Reduces the level of circulating inflammatory mediators and improves skin and coat condition
1994 FOS (fructooligosaccharides)
Promotes the growth of beneficial intestinal flora at the expense of the pathogenic bacteria.
1968 Beet pulp
Promotes a healthy digestive tract and helps to maintain the integrity of the mucosal barrier

Vision
The Iams Company will be recognized as the world leader in dog and cat nutrition and pet care.


Mission
Our mission is to enhance the well being of dogs and cats by providing world class quality foods and pet care products.