REDEMPTION OF NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS	12 Months Ended
May 01, 2011
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements [Abstract]
REDEMPTION OF NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS	NOTE 13: REDEMPTION OF NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS Prior to fiscal 2010, we held a 51% ownership interest in Premium Pet Health, LLC (PPH), a leading protein by-product processor that supplies many of the leading pet food processors in the United States. The partnership agreement afforded the noncontrolling interest holders an option to require us to redeem their ownership interests beginning in November 2009 (fiscal 2010). The redemption value was determinable from a specified formula based on the earnings of PPH. In fiscal 2010, as a result of discussions with the noncontrolling interest holders, we determined that the noncontrolling interests were probable of becoming redeemable. As such, in fiscal 2010, we recorded an adjustment to increase the carrying amount of the redeemable noncontrolling interests by $32.2 million with an offsetting decrease of $19.4 million to additional paid-in capital and $12.8 million to deferred tax assets. In November 2009 (fiscal 2010), the noncontrolling interest holders exercised their put option. In December 2009 (fiscal 2010), we acquired the remaining 49% interest in PPH for $38.9 million. Because PPH was previously consolidated into our financial statements, the acquisition of the remaining 49% interest in PPH was accounted for as an equity transaction.

NOTE 13: REDEMPTION OF NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

Prior to fiscal 2010, we held a 51% ownership interest in Premium Pet Health, LLC (PPH), a leading protein by-product processor that supplies many of the leading pet food processors in the United States. The partnership agreement afforded the noncontrolling interest holders an option to require us to redeem their ownership interests beginning in November 2009 (fiscal 2010). The redemption value was determinable from a specified formula based on the earnings of PPH.

In fiscal 2010, as a result of discussions with the noncontrolling interest holders, we determined that the noncontrolling interests were probable of becoming redeemable. As such, in fiscal 2010, we recorded an adjustment to increase the carrying amount of the redeemable noncontrolling interests by $32.2 million with an offsetting decrease of $19.4 million to additional paid-in capital and $12.8 million to deferred tax assets.

In November 2009 (fiscal 2010), the noncontrolling interest holders exercised their put option. In December 2009 (fiscal 2010), we acquired the remaining 49% interest in PPH for $38.9 million. Because PPH was previously consolidated into our financial statements, the acquisition of the remaining 49% interest in PPH was accounted for as an equity transaction.