LOS ANGELES, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 05/03/07 -- Members of BakeSpace.com -- the online community for people who are passionate about food -- are using the site to post and share recipes for homemade dog and cat treats.

The site's global cookbook includes a rapidly growing "Woof and Meow Treats" section with recipes such as "Snicker Poodles" and "Cat Attack Cookies" submitted by BakeSpace members from around the world. In addition, the site's Pantry forum area includes a section called "Pet Place," where members share related tips and ideas.

BakeSpace member interest in recipes for homemade pet food has grown following reports about contamination in the commercial pet food supply.

While the do-it-yourself recipes may not be intended as a long-term substitute for store bought pet food, they offer a short-term or special occasion alternative that can help create a unique bond between people and their pets.

"Pets are members of the family, and occasionally substituting commercial food with a homemade treat can be a fun way to pamper your four-legged friends," said BakeSpace Founder Babette Pepaj.

Pepaj is quick to point out that some animal care professionals have expressed concern that homemade pet food may not contain the optimal combination of nutrients pets require for long-term health. This echoes a recent statement by The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) urging "pet parents to fully research homemade diets for pets before pulling out the chef's hat." Proponents of homemade pet food counter that it contains less filler and fewer artificial additives, and is therefore a healthy, wholesome alternative.

Widespread concern over the commercial pet food supply began in Mid-March, when it was reported that food sold nationwide was tainted with a chemical called melamine. It was determined that the melamine was present in contaminated wheat gluten used by pet food manufacturers to increase protein content.

About BakeSpace.com

BakeSpace was launched in August 2006 as the first true social networking site for people who are passionate about food, cooking and the culinary lifestyle. Members of the free online community can search and swap recipes, create their own "online kitchen," raid the site's "virtual pantry," share cooking tips, upload videos, create blogs and build relationships with other food enthusiasts from around the world. BakeSpace was named a 2007 Webby Award Official Honoree, and is consistently ranked among the top 50,000 most visited Web sites by independent internet traffic monitor Alexa. More information is available at www.bakespace.com.

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Contact:
Erik Deutsch
(323) 851-2300 x112
erikd[at]excelpr.com