Pet-food recall: Help someone else
By Gina Spadafori
March 19, 2007
Dr. Marty called to remind me that everyone isn’t as internet-savvy as those of us who practically live on-line, read or write Web logs or have Wi-Fi connections attached to our heads (just kidding on that last one … for now). In particular, he’s worried about those senior citizens who don’t know from the Internet and cannot get through on any of the 800 numbers set up not only by Menu foods, but by the retailers, grocers and pet-food companies also involved.
It’s a good point. So, if you know someone who could use some help getting recall information, call that person. Ask what pet foods they have, and get on the Web for them to check the products against a recall list. You’d really be helping someone out, and possibly saving a pet’s life.
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Thank you for the heads-up about this website, Gina. I did fill in the report form about our cat, Sadie, who died of sudden acute kidney failure. Even though we have no proof of a link between the food she was eating and her illness, ,I am suspicious since it was so sudden, and the brand we were giving her is on the recall list.
I also called my vet and told them about your website. Hopefully any of their patients’ owners who aren’t web-savvy will be able to get some help through the vet clinic here.
I know the homemade food thing I write about isn’t practical for everyone, and homemade diets for dogs and cats are controversial. Still, I think the diet we are feeding our dog seems to be good for him. He is certainly healthy in spirt of the usual “old — extremely old — dog” complaints. If anyone wants more info on what we’re feeding Sam, you could send them my way. I guess. If it’s okay with you.
Thanks for everything you do, Gina — for our animal companions! You’re great!
Comment by Maureen Shaughnessy — March 19, 2007 @ 4:50 pm
This is a terrible tragedy. Commercial pet foods are made from all the toxic junk that gets left behind from human food manufacturing processes. After our beloved boy cat had to endure a horrible operation and months of urinary tract problems, we did a ton of research to understan how he got there - $3K later. He is a happy healthy 11 year old cat now, but what we learned then changed us for ever. Most of these brands are owned by major food companies for a reason - so nothing is wasted, and pet food is the last stop. I am shocked that it took so long for a crisis to to happen. If you care about your pet - PLEASE GO HERE, as an example, and educate yourself. http://www.homevet.com/petcare/foodbook.html . Even some of the “best” brands are guilty - for the sake of your beloved pets, please stay away from commercial pet foods. They do a ton of damage over time too, when we think we are taking care of our furry children. Please pass it along! http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/menu.asp
Comment by Victoria Black — March 19, 2007 @ 6:49 pm
Does anyone know what is being done to compensate owners whose pets are sick? We found vomit in the floor twice last week, and we did’t know why. I just had my cat admitted to the vet today. I learned of the recall on Sunday night. My cat only eats Special Kitty cuts and gravy. So I took him to the vet yesterday for bloodwork and it came back that he was having kidney problems. The vet is going to try to flush the toxins from his kidneys with fluids. I am so upset. My poor kitty. I just want the company to pay for the vet bills. Does anyone know anything about compensation? I did get a hold of someone at Menu Foods. All they said was that a representative would be contacting me.
Comment by Crystal Maynard — March 20, 2007 @ 12:49 pm
Have two cats 1 older 13yr and 1 9 years both got sick at the same time 2 days later after eating Walmart “Special Kitty”.
The younger cat responded well to anti biotics and recovered quickly, the older cat was near death and I let the vet give her treatments of Ringers Lactate over a couple of days and now both are alive and very well!
As a precaution, from now on I microwave ALL canned cat food to a temp of 200 degrees a day before serving.
Comment by Groingo — March 21, 2007 @ 12:35 pm
Would heating the food help in this case? I understand why that might work to kill bacteria, but would it nullify/render harmless actual toxins in the food?
Comment by Laura — March 21, 2007 @ 1:24 pm
Unfortunately, heating also can decrease the efectiveness of vitamin supplements in the food
Comment by Joyce — March 21, 2007 @ 1:44 pm