Hill's(R) Science Diet(R) Presents DOG BOWL 2010 With Football Star, Hines Ward

MIAMI, FL--(Marketwire - January 26, 2010) - The Most Valuable Pooch (MVP) in football will soon be unveiled at DOG BOWL 2010: Touchdown Treats Championship hosted by Hill's® Science Diet®. On Thursday, February 4, 75 dogs and their owners will hit the field in Miami to demonstrate a range of football tricks from the Quarterback Sack to Touchdown Celebration Dance in honor of The Big Game.

Judging will be conducted by football star Hines Ward, nationally renowned dog trainer Tracy Hanna, and Miami radio personality DJ Eddie-E with Y100. The grand prize winner will be named Most Valuable Pooch and receive two tickets to the professional football championship game in Miami. The runner-up will take home a year's supply of Hill's® Science Diet® Simple Essentials™ Treats. During the event, Hines Ward will give away signed jerseys and footballs to audience members.

"A dog-lover myself, I'm looking forward to judging DOG BOWL 2010 and checking out the dogs' football tricks and touchdown dances," said football star Hines Ward. "It's going to be a fun event where football fans can get in the spirit for the approaching championship game."

DOG BOWL 2010 will take place in a canine-themed football arena at Bayside Marketplace featuring an end zone, referees, and more. Preliminary judging will begin at 9:45 am where 75 dogs and their owners will compete in various football categories. The top contenders will be invited back for the finals starting at 11:45 am, and the MVP of DOG BOWL 2010 will be announced at 1 pm at which time the celebrity judges will join the winning dogs on the field for the awards ceremony.

"We're delighted to offer Miami residents and football fans an exciting event that celebrates dogs and their incredible talents during the pinnacle of football season," said Ron Pruitt, Product Manager, Science Diet Indulgence. "Through this event, we hope to inspire more dog owners to teach and reward their dogs with tasty, nutritious treats and meals that maintain a healthful, energetic lifestyle."

For more information, please visit www.DogBowl2010.com.

About Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.

Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. manufactures Hill's® Prescription Diet® brand pet foods, therapeutic pet foods available only through veterinarians, and Hill's® Science Diet® brand pet foods sold through veterinarians and finer pet specialty stores. Founded more than 60 years ago with a unique commitment to pet nutrition and well-being, Hill's is committed to its mission to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. Hill's produces high-quality, great-tasting pet foods owners can trust and give to their canine and feline companions as part of a veterinary health care team recommendation. Explore our site for more information about Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. and Hill's Evidence-Based Clinical Nutrition™.

Contact Information: Media Contact: Beth Cleveland 415.283.7333