Eukanuba and Canine Companions Mark Half a Century of Service Dog Excellence

Eukanuba and Canine Companions Celebrate 50 Years of Service Dogs

As July 2025 approaches, the spotlight shines brightly on the remarkable journey of service dogs and their profound impact on individuals with disabilities. This month marks a significant milestone, commemorating 50 years since the inception of the modern service dog concept, a legacy that Eukanuba and their longstanding partner, Canine Companions, are proud to celebrate.

A Historic Partnership

For more than three decades, Eukanuba has played a vital role in supporting Canine Companions, a national nonprofit renowned for its commitment to providing exceptional service dogs trained to assist people with various disabilities. Eukanuba, a leader in science-based high-quality dog nutrition, tailors its premium dog food to suit the essential dietary needs of service dogs.

The journey began in 1975 with the training of Abdul, the very first service dog trained to assist a person with a physical disability. This groundbreaking moment paved the way for Canine Companions to train over 8,300 service dogs, significantly improving the lives of countless individuals, including veterans, children, and adults navigating everyday challenges. These dogs not only facilitate tasks like turning on lights or helping with mobility but also serve professionals in critical fields like healthcare and education, where their assistance can be transformative.

Commitment to Nutrition and Performance

The enduring relationship between Eukanuba and Canine Companions emphasizes the significance of premium nutrition in enhancing the physical and mental performance of service dogs. Eukanuba's insights into canine nutrition have contributed to the well-being and effectiveness of these extraordinary dogs from puppyhood through their service years.

Jason Taylor, Eukanuba’s Vice President, reflects on the importance of this partnership, stating, "Fifty years of service dogs means 50 years of life-changing bonds between task-trained service dogs and their recipients. Eukanuba is honored to support both the ongoing legacy and the daily nutritional needs of Canine Companions dogs throughout their development."

Jeanine Konopelski, CMO of Canine Companions, expresses pride in the collaboration, affirming that Eukanuba and Canine Companions are perfectly aligned in their mission to fuel service and foster greater independence for people with disabilities.

Addressing the Needs of Individuals with Disabilities

Interestingly, the need for service dogs continues to grow. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly one in four adults in the U.S. has a disability, encountering obstacles in their daily lives. The demand for trained service dogs is highlighted by the fact that one in four service dogs from accredited programs in North America are sourced from Canine Companions. Moreover, hundreds of individuals are currently awaiting the life-changing support of a Canine Companions service dog, which is provided at no cost.

In recognition of this significant anniversary, Canine Companions will host its National Conference in Santa Rosa, California, from July 18 to 20, 2025. This event will feature a keynote address to underscore the brand's commitment to nutrition and service, delivered by Racquel White, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Royal Canin North America. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage in educational sessions focused on nutrition from Eukanuba.

A Legacy of Independence Through Service Dogs

The partnership between Eukanuba and Canine Companions is more than just a product relationship; it reflects a shared vision of independence and betterment for people with disabilities. Eukanuba, with over 50 years of research in pet nutrition, continues to innovate to ensure that dogs receive tailored nutrition across their lifepans, supporting their health and performance.

Canine Companions has left an indelible mark on communities across the nation. Founded on the belief that greater independence begins with a service dog, the organization has empowered thousands of individuals to overcome barriers to daily living, making a significant difference in their lives.

For those who wish to learn more about the invaluable services provided by Canine Companions or interested in Eukanuba's specially formulated dog foods, further information can be found at Eukanuba.com and Canine.org. Together, they are not just celebrating 50 years of history, but they are also looking forward to building a future filled with possibilities and independence for many more.