With more than 160 million dogs and cats in the U.S., America's pet food and treat makers have the important responsibility of providing safe and nutritious meals for those pets.

The Pet Food Institute (PFI), whose members make 98% of all U.S. pet food and treat products, recently released a new video and web content highlighting the manufacturing process for pet food and the safety practices that are in place.

From the ingredient supplier to the pet's bowl, PFI members implement rigorous practices to advance food safety and nutrition. While following strict regulatory oversight, pet food and treat makers are working to ensure that they have reliable and trusted ingredient suppliers, maintain hygienic and secure facilities, conduct inspections and testing of ingredients, monitor the manufacturing of the food and provide traceability assurances during packaging.

The new PFI resources walk through this journey and inform pet owners about the process of getting the food to their pets' bowls.

"Pet lovers have questions about their dog's or cat's nutritional needs, and PFI is here to provide straightforward answers," Dr. Cathleen Enright, PFI president and chief executive officer, said. "For PFI members, bringing transparency to the pet food manufacturing process is just one way we can help support pet ownership."

Enright added that the group hopes content like this will make pet ownership easier, because there are a wide variety of benefits to having a pet.

"Data show that companion animals provide mental and physical benefits for humans," Enright said. "By providing concise information in one central location, we hope we promote responsible pet ownership that will benefit both pets and people."

A 90-second video following the journey of how pet food is made is available via http://www.petfoodinstitute.org/pet-food-matters/commitment-to-safety/pet-food-made. For an in-depth look at the manufacturing process and safety steps taken from nutrient to bowl, visit www.petfoodinstitute.org.