Goofy could not be reached for comment on the exciting news

The company, best known for its animated feature films, is to launch a new range of meals for cats and dogs.

In a move that will no doubt thrill Disney's best-known canine character Goofy, Disney suggested that the new products will be rolled out globally.

It comes after the successful trial of Disney dog food at Kroger stores in the US. Named after another Disney dog, Old Yeller, the tins proved a best-seller.

Cincinnati-based Kroger has been selling the product at its 2,500 US stores.

Pet clothes

Andy Mooney, head of Disney's consumer products division, said the company's expansion into the pet care business was likely to be centred around other items such as collars, clothing and bedding.

He did not say when the product line would be rolled out, or how much money was being invested.

Overall Disney-branded consumer products last year generated $21bn (�11bn) of global retail sales for the US giant.

Disney's new chief executive Robert Iger succeeds Michael Eisner in September.