Healthy bird foodThe new bird food varieties "Nature Select" and "Nature Select Softpate" for ornamental birds actively contribute to healthy intestinal bacteria, says Witte Molen. According to the company, the added fructooligosaccharides promote the growth of lactic-acid-forming bacteria in the birds' intestines. This strengthens the immune system and improves natural resistance. The bird food "Nature Select" is available in five specially balanced mixtures for parrots, canaries, budgerigars, parakeets and exotic birds. And "Nature Select Softpate" is a supplementary soft food available in 300 gram gusset pouches and four different varieties, with egg and honey, fruit, herbs, insects, freshwater shrimps and thistle seed.www.wittemolen.comCleaning made easyThe German company JBL has introduced the "JBL AquaEX 45-70", a floor cleaner for aquariums. According to JBL, the mull bell is designed for aquariums with a height of 45 to 70cm and is equipped with an automatic suction device and a cleaning claw for variable adjustment of the suction power. The cleaning tube has an inner diameter of 40mm and is supplied complete with a 2m hose equipped with a shut-off valve. The suction valve eliminates the need to prime the hose with the mouth.www.jbl.deNew automatic leadsThe Canadian company Hagen of Montreal has introduced a range of automatic strap leads under the brand name "dogit Avenue", available in five fashionable colours from size XS to XL with leads from three (XS) to six (XL) metres in length. According to Hagen, the strap leads are made of tear-resistant woven material with safety reflectors on the leads and the spool housing. The stop and lock control has the effect of braking immediately at the push of a button. The padded grip and soft elastomer holder are comfortable to hold and the ergonomic design stops hands from getting tired. The strap leads are supplied in-store either on a large turning display holding 65 leads or on a counter display (see illustration) holding 25 leads.www.hagen.comBrilliant foodGerman company Bosch Tiernahrung of Blaufelden now offers four types of food, "Junior bigger breeds", "Adult Mini", "Adult" and "Active" in a brilliant 7.5kg shiny metallic package. According to Bosch, the sales-promoting package features an aroma seal freshness valve. The air remaining in the pouch during filling can escape via this valve but external air cannot penetrate the pouch. This reduces the oxygen content inside the pouch, the products retain their natural aroma for longer and are distinctly less prone to attack by damaging oxidation processes.www.bosch-tiernahrung.deFor healthy and active fishThe German company Sera of Heinsberg produces various types of fish food using only natural ingredients and excels with its new VIP formula (Vital-Immune-Protect-Formula). According to Sera, by using raw materials suited to the natural needs of fish it covers their nutritional requirements perfectly. These raw materials also contain vital elements which essentially contribute to healthy fish. Valuable proteins from fish meal and fishing by-products are rich in essential amino acids, and fish oils, krill and wheat germ contain a high proportion of multiple unsaturated fatty acids and are rich in natural vitamin €. Minerals and trace elements are also important for a healthy metabolism. And for a healthy bone structure fish especially need calcium and phosphor. Vitamins, which fish need constantly as a food supplement, are also important. High-quality natural substances such as spirulina algae also contribute to good colouring because they contain valuable proteins, essential fatty acids and important minerals. Other ingredients like cod liver oil, extract of green-lipped mussels and krill are rich in valuable ingredients like unsaturated fatty acids, anti-inflammatory glucosaminoglucanes, vitamins and minerals. The company places great emphasis on the fact that it produces its food in-house in its German plants.www.sera.deImproved appearanceEukanuba cat nutrition from Iams Pet Food has a completely new packaging design. According to Iams, the new design communicates the product quality and innovative science behind each Eukanuba product. Consumers also found the illustrations of the cats and the greater differentiation between the varieties much improved. The package sizes have also been updated and Eukanuba is now available in packs of 400 grams, 2 kg and 4 kg. The two larger sizes come as resealable packs. And there is a new variety too, "salmon and rice". This variety is, according to Iams, an especially palatable product and also very tasty on account of the salmon, which is an exclusive source of protein.www.eukanuba.de12 volts in the aquariumThe Portuguese company Aquapor of Alverca has introduced a range of aquariums equipped with electric devices (heaters, lights and filters) that run on only 12 volts instead of the previous 220 volts. "Water and electricity aren't very compatible", says Filipe Carioca, the company's owner. "If there is a defect in the power cables, 12-volt-electric-shocks are much less dangerous to fish and to people than 220 volts." The aquariums are available in five tank sizes from 10 to 104 litres capacity. An external 220-volt mains transformer supplies the aquariums with the required 12-volt operating current.www.aquapor.pt