ST. LOUIS, MO – Chef Michael’s, a brand of wet and dry dog foods, is giving away $25,000 to help food truck owners make their businesses more dog friendly.

The contest, sponsored by St. Louis-based Nestle Purina PetCare Co., followed a Chef Michael’s survey of 801 dog owners. Some 59 percent of dog owners surveyed said they had patronized a food truck, and 48 percent said they probably would treat their dog at a food truck that catered to pets.

The Chef Michael’s sweepstakes gives dog owners who ask a food truck owner to enter the contest a chance to win $500 or a free bag of dog food.

“After launching a successful food truck for dogs earlier this year, Chef Michael’s saw just how underserved dogs are at the curb,” said Sarah BonDurant, Chef Michael’s brand representative. “Food trucks aren’t just for people, and we hope this sweepstakes will help as many dogs as possible enjoy the food truck experience with their owners.”Twenty-five food truck owners will receive $1,000, a Chef Michael’s food dispenser and a one-year supply of dog food.

More information is available at www.foodtruckfordogssweeps.com and on the Chef Michael’s Facebook page.

The entry deadline is Jan. 2, 2013.