Pet Connection Blog » Pet-food recall: Helping to pick a pet food

Pet-food recall: Helping to pick a pet food

By Gina Spadafori

April 2, 2007

If you have a sick pet or a question on your pet’s health, call your veterinarian.
If you’re new to the site, please check out our general information page (includes links to recalled foods).
If you want to report a sick or deceased pet, click here.
If you want to know what you can do, please read our call to action
If you want to read all our recall-related blog posts, click here.

We’ve said we’re not comfortable recommending food. Truth is, at the Pet Connection we never have been. We’re just not able to verify any company’s claims for their products, which is why we argue that consumers have to have the tools to make the right decision, need to talk to their veterinarians and do their own research before selecting the diet that’s right for each pet.

We do know of two sites that are covering pet-food lists from different angles:

The Pet Food List, run by the folks at PetsitUSA, is tracking the brands NOT under recall.
The Pet Food Tracker is listing those that HAVE been recalled. This is important to check, because the official FDA site has been slow to report.

You should also check the FDA’s Web site and the AVMA’s. Check ‘em all, to make sure nothing’s missed. With all the recalls and the constant unannounced changes in the recall lists, you just can’t check enough.

Hope that helps.

Now, many of you have asked for a thread to share recommendations with each other. Let’s consider this that thread, so even if you’ve posted before, please post again. And I’ll provide a permanent link to this post in all recall-related posts going forward.

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Filed under: 2007 food recall, animals: pets, medical, news — Gina Spadafori @ 2:57 pm

293 Comments »

Thanks Gina! I’ve moved the Pet Food Tracker over to its own blog, at http://www.petfoodtracker.blogspot.com.

I’ll move over Pet Food Tracker posts and comments from my old blog and post an updated version as soon as I can, sometime later today.

And fyi, I do have a few other versions of the Pet Food Tracker planned and/or in process. My original intent when I thought of this over a year ago was a way for people to learn what premium foods were available, and to keep track of what their pets would and wouldn’t eat, as they switched to premium brands.

Comment by Kim — April 2, 2007 @ 3:11 pm
OOPS - Sorry - wrong URL. Should be http://www.petfoodtracker.com

Comment by Kim — April 2, 2007 @ 3:15 pm
Great job Gina. Everyone is on pins and needles regarding food. I am going to make some comments on our situation later, a non recall variety but do not think for a minute we feel 100% totally safe. So far so good which is very encouraging under these circumstances but their is NO ESCAPE from the anxiety. We are ultimately responsible for our decisions and choices. I am just here as a poster who’s “been through it” since day one and I am in no way involved with Pet Connection other then having found this excellent resource. If your new it is extremely important you read the advise given by the Pet Connection Staff on this site. This is crisis all across the country and there is no substitute for getting your pet companion to your Vet at the first sign something isn’t quite right.

Comment by Steve — April 2, 2007 @ 3:20 pm
The Safe Pet Food Blog also contains up-to-date lists of recalled foods. It recommends “safe” foods (foods which do not contain any wheat products at all). While it does not endorse making your own pet food dinners, it recognizes that people will want to do that in a pinch so it tells what foods are toxic to dogs and cats and recommends only pet food recipes which come from reputable, holistic, veterinary websites.

Comment by Teresa Holladay — April 2, 2007 @ 3:25 pm
The Safe Pet Food Blog is located at:
http://safepetfood.wordpress.com

Comment by Teresa Holladay — April 2, 2007 @ 3:26 pm
I feed a prey-model raw diet to my dog. It’s very easy, and my dog thrives on it. I’ll give some links to great resources on this diet:

My Raw Feeding FAQ
Myths About Raw Feeding
Raw “Recipes”
General Raw Feeding Information

And for a great resource of almost 8000 raw feeders, join the Yahoo! rawfeeding list.

Comment by Janine — April 2, 2007 @ 3:27 pm
I recommend ABADY dry food. Made in America. I specifically recommend the granular formulas like Classic, Basic, or Maintenance & Stress for dogs. They do make cat food too, but I don’t have cats so you’ll have to call them for a recommendation for your cat. Their website sucks (they don’t waste money on websites or advertising, they put it into the food). So you’ll have to call them to get the name/number of a distributor near you. You can have the food shipped to your doorstep by UPS.

Phone: 1-845-473-1900

Website: http://therobertabadydogfoodcoltd.com/index.html

Just don’t overfeed this food. That’s the only problem I’ve ever heard people have, when they feed too much. You only need 1/2 - 2/3 as much as you would feed of your kibbled food.

Comment by Sarah — April 2, 2007 @ 3:32 pm
PS: Abady also makes canned foods.

I mentioned the dry because people have been asking what dry foods might be safe.

Comment by Sarah — April 2, 2007 @ 3:43 pm
We really do have a need to ask the question concerning the pet food recall. I have a MS in Environmental Engineering and my wife a MS in Biology. How come no one has asked the question “Could this be the result of genetic engineering of Wheat and Corn”. We have already seen toxic results of non pest insects eating Corn. There is a whole lot of Corporate investment dollars within the genetic recombent food crops along with very little research as to the side effects of such food products. No X file but must admit there exists the posibility.

Comment by Paul Perkins — April 2, 2007 @ 3:46 pm
Great idea, Gina! Thanks for all your hard work, and your coworkers’, too - it’s much appreciated, as you can tell from your page hits. :)

I feed Science Diet light hairball, but didn’t love it before the recall. NO wheat, just corn, but I’m frankly feeling a little paranoid about any wheat OR corn, since I keep hearing stories about pets who ate foods without wheat gluten, yet are still dying with similar symptoms. So I’m looking for something without either.

Question - what does anyone know about By Nature Organics? It’s made by Blue Seal, which according to the petfoodlist.com, had one food made by Menu which was not involved in the recall. (I can get it at the PetSmart near my house in NC, which to me is a bonus - all the “good” food stores around here are a very long way across town.)

Anyone use it? Tried it? Any thoughts would be helpful, thanks. I hate switching food even when some of it isn’t toxic, so I want to stay with it if I make the change. Thanks!!

Comment by Laura — April 2, 2007 @ 3:50 pm
URL updated. Thanks, Kim.

Comment by Gina Spadafori — April 2, 2007 @ 3:54 pm
Has anyone else had this problem: my Papillon,
after he got home from the hospital, had become very food-aversive. The notes from the clinic mention that every time they tried to feed him he attempted to bury the food and they removed it. (He was on an IV.) I have fed him poached chicken and poached liver and some fish, which he eats sporadically and in small quantities. I have noted that he likes a little seasoning and not the bland unseasoned stuff, so I’m catering to that. He always loved rice but will not eat that or - basically - any carbohydrate. He also seems to have trouble locating the food in the bowl and keeping it in his mouth when he starts to eat. This is all new. I don’t mind cooking for him for the rest of his life! I just want him to regain some strength. A better diet seems essential to that end. He did have some of the Mighty Dog and was mainly eating Purina One lamb and rice but that is off the table. Any ideas will help.

Comment by Nancy Nielsen — April 2, 2007 @ 4:14 pm
My “perfect pet food” criteria: company not associated with Menu Foods in any way, preferably company that makes and packages their food in their own facility, no by-products, no “meal”, no additives or preservatives, no wheat, soy or corn, and finally no testing on animals.

So far, I don’t think anybody fits the bill.

I recently switched to Artemis and Fromm. Cat seems to like the food. My only beef is that Artemis doesn’t make their food and won’t disclose who does ( they will only say it’s made in North California and Illinois) although they claim it’s not Menu; and Fromm’s is manufactured in China.

Comment by Julia — April 2, 2007 @ 4:19 pm
Nancy,

You need to see the vet again. This doesn’t sound good. I would be very worried. Is he having trouble with his eyes? please see your vet or even another vet if you aren’t satisfied.
He sounds confused.

Good luck.

Comment by Linda — April 2, 2007 @ 4:20 pm
I’ve posted this before too, but I feed my dogs Flint River’s dog food and I have contacted the president directly and have been told they do not “price shop” their ingredients but go with human-grade quality ingredients from vendors they have known. No one can vouch for the vendors since we don’t know who the U.S. supplier is, but I can report that my dogs are 100% healthy and eat and drink absolutely normal amounts every day and love their food. It smells fresh, if that means anything.

I just use the original kibble - there is wheat, but no wheat gluten.

protein source is high-quality Chicken Meal and Lamb Meal, neither of which contains by-products. The grains used in this formula include Wheat and Rice, but no corn, which is difficult for dogs to digest. This all-natural food stands on its own - no additives or coatings

Lamb and Rice for sensitive allergy dogs:
Lamb Meal, Ground Whole Millet, Ground Whole Rice, Rice Bran, Menhaden Fish Meal, Grape seed Oil, Flaxseed Meal, Lecithin, Garlic, Rosemary and Sage Extract, Choline Chloride, Zinc Sulfate, dl-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Selenium Supplement, Mixed Natural Tocopherols (antioxidant), Niacin, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Acetate, Ascorbic Acid, Iron Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Thiamine Mononitrate, Manganous Oxide, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Copper Sulfate, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid Supplement, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, D-Biotin

Fish and Chips formula has all-natural Trout and Sweet Potatoes, this nugget-shaped dog food is sure to please. Contains no Chicken, Wheat or Corn. BHA, BHT and Ethoxyquin-free!

I like that they deliver, that’s what I miss most about Pets.com going under - the porch delivery! http://www.frrco.com and I believe you can order sample sizes if it’s your first time.

Comment by Becky — April 2, 2007 @ 4:23 pm
Nancy, I know it sounds crazy but they can actually forget how to eat when they’ve been on IVs or tube feeding for a long time. They forget how to chew or keep the food in their mouth. Although it is a natural function, something kind of short circuits and it can take a while for it to come back. Spoon feed, finger feed, hand feed, syringe feed (without a needle, of course), whatever you have to do to get it in that little mouth and down into the tum tum. He will relearn how to do it.

Comment by Lois Kimball — April 2, 2007 @ 4:24 pm
I feed my cat purina’s friskies canned cat food. i’m looking the brand up on the internet but all they are giving me is that it’s safe in canada. do you think you can tell me if it is on the list for new york recalls?

Comment by dawn — April 2, 2007 @ 4:25 pm
Nancy, Giant caveat. That is my experience. I am not a veterinarian. If in doubt, see your vet, as suggested above.

Comment by Lois Kimball — April 2, 2007 @ 4:27 pm
mighty dog is on the RECALL LIST

Comment by MARY ANN — April 2, 2007 @ 4:29 pm
Oh, Nancy, I’m so sorry, but if he were my dog, I’d take him back to the vet immediately.

And - it isn’t clear from your post, but if your vet had him in for several days, and just wrote up that he wasn’t eating but didn’t treat for it, and then sent him home anyway, I might consider taking him to a different vet.

Heresy, maybe. I love my vet - I’m very lucky to have a very good one. But as in every profession, some are better than others.

Comment by Laura — April 2, 2007 @ 4:30 pm
I never knew they forgot how to eat. What a wonderful suggestion. I worry so much. I’m always at the vets - one never knows.

Comment by Linda — April 2, 2007 @ 4:31 pm
Treats - there is nothing better for your dogs than Bully Sticks…it’s not rawhide, it’s actually entirely digestible bull product and Costco sells them in a nice bulk package - I cut them in half and then they last even longer although they will last our pit bull about half an hour of vigorous chewing. For those that feed soft food, it’s a safe teeth cleaning method as well as Greenie’s do contain Wheat Gluten.

Comment by Becky — April 2, 2007 @ 4:32 pm
I really need help with canned dog food. My dog’s just don’t want kibble. Trying to encourage them to eat their kibble was the reason we used the recalled pouches in the first place :(
I spent 2 hours today in Petco looking at the canned natural food. I left with one can to try. I “need” to go back tomorrow and buy for a week at least and I’m stumped. I’ve called one company several times to find out the phosphorus in their canned food and I still haven’t received an answer. I realize that they are probably swamped but I really want to settle on some food. My poor dogs don’t know what’s happening with feeding time.
Peto was no help on the phosphorus, I was told if its not listed on the can I needed to call the 800 number that I’ve called.

Comment by Maureen — April 2, 2007 @ 4:33 pm
RE, NANCY N. MIGHTY Dog is on the recall list.www.fda.gov

Comment by MARY ANN — April 2, 2007 @ 4:36 pm
Nancy, please take your sweet dog back to the vets right away and ask them about it - something is really wrong and you can ask them too if the dog has forgotten how to eat.

And if you aren’t happy, see another vet. I always do. I keep at it until a solution is found.

Comment by Linda — April 2, 2007 @ 4:37 pm
You might try soaking the kibble in warm water and draining it — your dogs might be more receptive to it that way. Or, mix it with wet food to start with. Then wean them off the wet food.

Comment by Elizabeth — April 2, 2007 @ 4:39 pm
Maureen - at risk of sounding like a stockholder in Flint River (I’m not, but my dogs sure could be) our elderly cattle dog who passed away at 17.5 barely had any teeth…we had been feeding her canned food mixed with baby food until we tried the Flint River wet/dry dog food. It’s pretty neat…dehydrated veggies and all that good stuff, add warm water and it made a perfect dog stew. She loved it and we still feed a little bit on top of our other dogs food even though she’s no longer with us.

Here’s the ingredients, it does have wheat but no wheat gluten…maybe it would help?

Chicken Meal, Whole Wheat Flour, Fresh Whole Chicken (No By-products), Ground Rice, Rice Flour, Ground Whole Wheat, Rice Bran, Grape Seed Oil, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Ascorbic Acid), Flax Seed, Toasted Oats, Rice, Folded Pasta, Fresh Potato, Dehydrated Peas and Freeze Dried Vegetables (Tomato Flakes, Carrot Flakes, Celery, Garlic Granules, Spinach, Parsley Flakes), Dehydrated Alfalfa, Dried Kelp, Wheat Germ Meal, Dried Whey, Fish Meal, Avocado Oil, Brewer’s Dried Yeast, Salt, Lecithin, Cheese Meal, Vegetable Gum, Natural Flavor, Natural Caramel Color, Natural Greens Mixture (Barley Grass Juice Powder, Brown Rice Powder, Blue Green Algae (Spiraling), Spinach Powder, Green Tea Extract, Chlorelia Powder, Echinacea Extract, Broccoli Powder, Tricalcium Phosphate), Rosemary Extract, Sage Extract, Monosodium Phosphaic, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Ferrous Sulfate, DL-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Source of Vitamin E), Zinc Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Oxide, Riboflavin Supplement (Source of Vitamin B Complex), Copper Sulfate, Zinc Methionine, Iron Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Cobalt Proteinate, Niacin, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, D-Biotin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Calcium Iodate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Bromalin, Papain, Aspergillus Niger, Bacillus Subtillus. Lactobacillus Acidophilus (20 Billion CFU/g)

Comment by Becky — April 2, 2007 @ 4:40 pm
Maureen, have you tried boiling chicken and adding chicken bits and broth to their kibble? I also mix in fat free yogurt and cottage cheese. It doesn’t take much to entice them to eat the kibble, at least in this house.

Comment by Jackie — April 2, 2007 @ 4:40 pm
Comment by Maureen — April 2, 2007 @ 4:33 pm

Hey, Maureen.
I’m the biggest table-scrap nazi out there (I give my mom heck about that all the time :) - but there’s a time and a place for everything. This would qualify.

Try soaking the kibble in a little low sodium chicken or beef broth. Mix it with a little white or brown rice, or throw a little plain pasta in there. As long as you’re not on a renal diet, you can also try a *little* bit of scrambled egg, or just the cooked whites (healthier - plain ol’ protein.)

Comment by Laura — April 2, 2007 @ 4:43 pm
Linda, At the risk of being burned at the stake, I will say we also were shocked that such a thing could happen. He couldn’t chew. His tongue flailed around like he had had a stroke. Food would fall out of his mouth. But he had not eaten on his own for several weeks or months and he was a skeleton with fur. It took days or weeks, depending on how long he had not been eating by himself for that particular “flair up”, for him to regain the coordination necessary, but it always came back.

But as others are cautioning, always better safe than sorry. So to the vet if even a nanodoubt is there.

Comment by Lois Kimball — April 2, 2007 @ 4:43 pm
Oh, Lois. I liked your idea. I had never heard of it before and it is such a great idea too. But I always err on the side of caution - I’m the biggest worry wart around - I not only worry for my dogs I worry about stuff I hear too. All this stuff with the pets is so terrible and we all feel it too.

Comment by Linda — April 2, 2007 @ 4:48 pm
I hope the little guy starts eating and anyway he can too!

Comment by Linda — April 2, 2007 @ 4:49 pm
For dogs I recommend Merrick - for some reason dozens of dogs around these parts (downtown Manhattan) are on it, and I havent heard any complaints or reports of illnesses. My dog has been eating the canned varieties since well before the recall and he is doing great - though I did cook for him for almost two weeks until I became convinced Merrick was totally unaffected by this recall/does not do biz with Menu Foods etc.

Comment by Empress 60 — April 2, 2007 @ 4:50 pm
I personally am very encouraged by today’s FDA announcement that the source of melamine in pet food has been definitively identified. Now that the problem has been quantified, i hope pet owners will stop panicking.

based on the information currently available, I am telling my patients that it’s okay to purchase any pet food product on store shelves. I truly believe this pet food recall was an incredibly unfortunate aberration in an industry that generally has very high standards.

Comment by California Vet — April 2, 2007 @ 5:26 pm
Oh Pleeease!! I don’t know where you’re getting your news, CA Vet, but have a look around here.

Comment by Jackie — April 2, 2007 @ 5:35 pm
Dear California Vet,
Please identify yourself and your practice so that I may make an informed choice on the vet I take my cats and dog to also!

Comment by PM Hill — April 2, 2007 @ 5:38 pm
CA Vet - I just saw some pounce chicken treats on sale at my grocery store up the street. Shall I fed ex them to you so you can feed them to your pets since they were on the shelf?

Comment by Doug — April 2, 2007 @ 5:40 pm
Does anyone know if Purina Pro Plan is on the recall list? I have been feeding my dog the wet chicken and rice and the dry chicken and rice and he seems to be thriving. I lost my cat last month to this unspeakable tradegy and now I am totally paranoid about my dog.

Comment by Sue N. — April 2, 2007 @ 5:51 pm
I truly believe this pet food recall was an incredibly unfortunate aberration in an industry that generally has very high standards. Comment by California Vet — April 2, 2007 @ 5:26 pm

Your joking right?

Comment by Steve — April 2, 2007 @ 5:52 pm
ca. vet ,after this ,i will never stop worrying,this should of never happen.esp. when i throught i was feeding my pets the best food out there and now there are 2,900 pets dead and lots more sick.

Comment by MARY ANN — April 2, 2007 @ 5:54 pm
right on steve !!!!!!

Comment by MARY ANN — April 2, 2007 @ 5:55 pm
What I’ve been doing is not worrying about the brand of food, but about the ingredients.

If it has wheat gluten in it, even if it’s not the recall list, don’t feed it. If it doesn’t, it’s most likely fine.

I know that’s not a sure thing but that’s what I’ve been saying to panicked friends and coworkers: at this point, wheat gluten seems to be the culprit. Rather than worrying about an exact list and trying to remember to take a printout to the store and etc. etc. panic panic, just read the label and only buy stuff with no wheat gluten.

I admit it’s a bit easy for me to be saying that, when I don’t feed my pets food with wheat gluten in it in the first place, so I’ve had very little cause to worry for my animals this whole time. (I know how lucky I am, believe me!)

Comment by Laura — April 2, 2007 @ 5:55 pm
CA Vet - I found Alpo on the shelf yesterday at Walgreens. Manager was not even aware there was a “food recall” going on. Comforting. You are really protecting your clients. Too bad you’re too far from us for us to use you as our vet.

I read the clinical nutrition textbook that is used at most vet schools to teach nutrition. Two of the authors are employees of Hills Science Diet. They tout their food and Iams as “specialty foods”, which are a step up from the grocery foods. Hmmm. Is that why most vets act as if they are in bed with these companies? I’d love for you to spend more time researching better products for these pets. Of course, that would mean that they would be in to see you less…. Oh yeah, that’s my answer.

Comment by Deb — April 2, 2007 @ 5:56 pm
Do you mean California Veteran?

Comment by Gary — April 2, 2007 @ 5:58 pm
Not all DVMs or MDs for that matter graduate at the top of their class. Someone has to be last.

Comment by Lois Kimball — April 2, 2007 @ 6:03 pm
Hi - I was in Target today buying cat litter and they had some Sheba in the pet food aisle. Since it was not on the list of recalled foods, I thought I’d pick some up. Turns out that it is made in (or imported) from Thailand. I didn’t buy it because I am no longer buying any pet food NOT MADE in the USA. It does NOT contain Wheat Gluten, but I’m still not buying any.

Comment by Lisa — April 2, 2007 @ 6:07 pm
I also have a cat who went into unexplained acute renal failure in February, on a diet of dry Hill’s C/D (she was healthy and ate the C/D only because it was prescribed for her brother and two vets assured me that it was fine for her also.) Fortunately she survived, although barely, and the male has not shown any symptoms. Still, I also am troubled by the attitude of Hill’s, mentioned in numerous posts on this site. A week ago Hill’s assured us that all of their prescription foods were absolutely safe, so I don’t give much weight to their present assurrances.

Although I rarely cook for myself, I spent the weekend cooking for my cats. I’ve done enough research to realize that it’s difficult to meet a cat’s full nutrional requirements with a homemade diet. But until we know much more about all possible causes of the present crisis, I feel that they are safer eating food that I’ve prepared. My “recipe” source is here:

http://www.api4animals.org/articles?p=360

Comment by Ticocats — April 2, 2007 @ 6:09 pm
Sorry, I had to stop posting, I was about to resort to 4 letter words! But a brief break with a glass of Chardonay and my Maine Coon have calmed me down a little. I CANNOT believe any vet would be saying this - it’s insane. I’m a native Californian and I’ve had great vets for cats, dogs, cattle and horses over the years. Whoever this so-called vet is had better have a ticket to China before sunup tomorrow! Please, if you have gotten this advice, see another vet quickly. I hate to think that besides recommending safe foods, we are going to need to list “safe” vets.

Comment by PM Hill — April 2, 2007 @ 6:10 pm
To Calif. Vet:
Do you carry/stock Hill’s foods in your clinic?
Shannon

Comment by Shannon — April 2, 2007 @ 6:12 pm
Comment by Sue N. — April 2, 2007 @ 5:51 pm

Hi, Sue. I’ve been feeding one of my dogs Purina Pro Plan lamb and rice for a couple of months. No problems to report, and he likes it way better than the science diet I had him on before, which he occasionally just refused to eat. In fairness, though, I have another dog on SD who likes it just fine. No problems there either.

I’d still hesitate to recommend either, just because both have a lot of grain in them, which makes me nervous right now. But so far, so good.

Comment by Laura — April 2, 2007 @ 6:13 pm
Hi, I live in the Las Vegas area and there was a man on the radio this morning who said he believes his dog died from eating IAMS dry dog food Large Breed. I just wanted to pass that on in case he is correct (that that is the reason for the dog’s death), at this point , we should all be cooking for our pets. The man said he has a small dog as well and that dog will eat as good as him until this is all cleared up. Good idea.

Comment by lynn — April 2, 2007 @ 6:13 pm
California Vet I feel bad for your customers.

Comment by Monkeykitty — April 2, 2007 @ 6:18 pm
Purina Pro Plan Salmon & Rice (for cats) has WHEAT GLUTEN listed as the 4th ingredient.

Comment by catlover — April 2, 2007 @ 6:19 pm
Whoa, easy, folks.
Two things to remember:

1. Vets aren’t getting any more info than the rest of the populace. If they’re good, they’re looking for more, as California Vet might have been. But their own regulatory groups (AVMA in particular) are sending them info that we know is outdated. Better to teach than target.

2. Vets didn’t make any money off of cheap-a**ed grain from China. But they’re more accessible than the folks who did. So please, choose your targets carefully.

Even if you believe vets are part of some vast pet-food conspiracy, we need their support right now, both in treating sick pets and in the battle to bring the folks who caused this problem to justice. Who do you think the FDA will be talking to to get definitive info on why pets died?

Comment by Laura — April 2, 2007 @ 6:21 pm
My Pom and Pom/chi are the kibble nazi’s lol. They manage to pick every goodie out and eat it and then look at me like I’m trying to punish them by having those nasty (dry or moist) kibble in their bowls. The Pom/chi mix puts her ears back and has huge eyes and reminds me of the Meerkats when she looks at me like that.
I found a pet bakery that sells Canidae only 45 minutes from here so we’re off sometime tomorrow to pick up a 12 can case and hope for the best.
At this point I’ve promised my dogs that they’ll never have to eat too much kibble again :)
The Canidae web site lists everything including the phosphorus so I hope I’m in business :)

Comment by Maureen — April 2, 2007 @ 6:25 pm
Comment by catlover — April 2, 2007 @ 6:19 pm

Yeah, well, we’re talking about the dog food. And as I said, it has a lot of grain, which is enough to make anyone nervous these days.

All I’m saying is that I’ve been using the dry dog food with no problems, but that doesn’t mean someone else may not.

Comment by Laura — April 2, 2007 @ 6:26 pm
I quit feeding my 3 dogs (miniature schnauzer, peek-a-poo & mutt) Science Diet Adult Small Bites last week after all 3 had diarrhea and other problems after eating from a newly opened bag. I’ve been preparing their food myself since then (primarily cooked ground beef or chicken mixed with scrambled egg, brown rice, green peas, and cottage cheese). I spent all weekend researching various alternatives that would fit the lifestyle of someone who works 60 hours a week, and today ordered some Nature’s Logic dry food from onlynaturalpet.com (there is no distributor in my state). I really appreciate all of the information on this website and also found very helpful the postings and links provided by “Arizona Carolyn” on the website linked: ttp://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1809221/posts

Comment by Pam — April 2, 2007 @ 6:28 pm
Sue and Laura - just pointing out to make sure you read the label. I have several Purina products that I was feeding (with no problems) including several varieties of dry & canned, but I’m scared to feed now because of the wheat gluten. Some varieties do not contain wheat gluten, though.

Comment by catlover — April 2, 2007 @ 6:30 pm
Hills and Iams start targeting in Vet School. They give the Vet students free pet food. Most nutrition taught at Vet school, is done by these companies, and it is very limited learning. Vet’s also make money from the SD and Iams they carry and sell. That’s not to say there are not lots of Vet’s who have done their homework, exclusive of what was crammed down their throat at school.

On one dog forum, there was a sweet Vet student that came looking for help. She switched her dogs to SD cause it was free, and was having all kinds of problems. She listened to what others were telling her, and we hoped she would become one of the truly informed Vet’s that didn’t push inferior food.

Comment by Jackie — April 2, 2007 @ 6:31 pm
Still waiting for anyone’s thoughts on “by Nature organic” dry cat. Anyone? Please? :) hungry kittens want to know.

Comment by Laura — April 2, 2007 @ 6:31 pm
I was at Petsmart and it pained me to pass by the Fancy Feast Elegant Medleys (my kitties’ favorite!!) which is on sale for .39/can, about half the regular price. I was tempted to buy 2 cases and put it aside, hoping to hear later their wheat gluten is safe, but could not bring myself to do it. My poor babies are not happy about their new canned food, but at least they’re eating some of it.

Comment by catlover — April 2, 2007 @ 6:33 pm
Since the recall, several brands I’ve tried are Felidae (canned & dry), Merrick canned, did try Wellness until I discovered they use Menu Foods to manufacture their canned. I’ve been using Innova for dry food. I know their canned is made at Menu but I liked the ingredient list for the dry and it’s made in their own plant (I contacted them by phone to check). Zoe, Abby, Grady and Nomore are eating like little pigs these days! It has been several weeks of good, nutritious food for my cats and for the past few days I’ve been noticing such a change in the quality of their fur…it is absolutely silky! My husband even commented on this before I said anything. So I guess, something good has come out of all this scary craziness. Hope this food info is helpful to someone.

Comment by Phyllis — April 2, 2007 @ 6:38 pm
Jackie - you’re right. My partner is fresh out of vet school (returning student, no less.) Hills offers not free, but close-to-free, food. So does Purina, and Eukanuba. And Fort Dodge and other vet pharma companies are always around, pushing free swag. It’s a lot like human medicine, but with a lot less regulation.

But - do keep in mind - it’s harder to get into vet school than med school. Most of these folks are no slouches, and they know when they’re being sold. The main reason so many push Hills is because their pets and their clients have consistently done well on it in the past. They make the same amount per bag (not much) as for other foods, but Hill’s has been the most reliable.

That may be why so many are having such a hard time grasping the idea that Hills’ Rx diet (m/d) is now part of the problem. It’s like telling your grandma that Morton’s Salt or Nestle’s chocolate chips are toxic. (Which they could be, next, I guess - please, God, not the chocolate, though. :) ) It’s been a reliable food brand for a long time.

Comment by Laura — April 2, 2007 @ 6:40 pm
I forgot to mention that just a week prior to the recall my vet wanted to put one of my cats on Science Diet w/d. Like a dummy, I even bought a bag, brought it home, opened it up and…threw it out!!!!

Comment by Phyllis — April 2, 2007 @ 6:48 pm
Hi All

I had been feeding my cat Hills Science Diet for seniors but she had been drinking excessivly and urinating more over the past 2 months, she had seen the vet and they recommended we keep her on it, but she hasnt improved. After reading lots of posts on here and doing a bit of research we just bought her Wellness dry for seniors and a couple of cans of the wet food. Anyone heard anything bad about wellness? It looks really great, and unlike Hills the main ingredients are real meat and fruit and vegetables (none of this corn-gluten or chicken by-product! ) thoughts?

Comment by mariet — April 2, 2007 @ 6:57 pm
mariet,
please see my post a few up from yours. Wellness canned is manufactured at Menu Foods. They claim to use their own ingredients, watch over the production, etc., etc., It probably is a good food, my cats liked the can I tried (stopped when I found the Menu connection) but I refuse to support any company that connects itself with Menu Foods…just my humble opinion.

Comment by Phyllis — April 2, 2007 @ 7:18 pm
Like Pam’s dogs, my dog has had some problems with diarrhea since starting a new bag of Science Diet. In our case, it’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach and the dog is a Great Dane. Sensitive Stomach has no wheat gluten, and my dog has eaten that food for years with no obvious problems. We started a new bag on Friday evening, and on Saturday she had some diarrhea, which is unusual for her. I don’t know how she was on Sunday (it stupidly didn’t occur to me to follow her outside when it was time). Today she had diarrhea again. Today’s problem could have been a reaction to the new food (Canidae) I included in her Science Diet lunch, but who knows? My plan was to mix Canidae with the Science Diet for a couple of days to make the change gradually, but now I’m thinking of switching over faster.

Comment by Cathy — April 2, 2007 @ 7:29 pm
Dear Laura, vets aren’t created equal. I know a vet w/a very lucritive practice in the greater Bay Area. Wasn’t making it in engineering, so switched his major to verterinary medicine. He hires good vets and makes a fortune - has a great clinic. I’m by no way putting down all small animal vets - just the ones who don’t care enough and are parrots.

Comment by PM Hill — April 2, 2007 @ 7:32 pm
Mariet—My very elderly cat has been eating Wellness for about a year and does much better on it than on any other food. At one point last month my vet told me to put her on a Royal Canin duck-based food, which gave her severe diarrhea that just got worse the longer she ate the stuff. Now she’s back on Wellness and much better. (I no longer obey my vet without thinking.)

I considered taking her off the Wellness due to the Menu Foods connection, but there’s so little she can eat now and she’s doing so well again that I dread switching her to something else and seeing her get sick again. The canned food doesn’t include wheat gluten, which is some comfort.

Comment by Cathy — April 2, 2007 @ 7:33 pm
For us, I think it is time for raw. I am the most nervous person on this earth about this and I am taking the plunge. If I can do it anyone can trust me I am a freak when it comes to my dog. But it is time. Wouldn’t it be a great big ouch in the pocket to the pet food industry if everyone said see ya later we are feeding a raw diet. But of course you absolutely have to do your research and I have and in doing so I have learned that it really isn’t so hard at all. We just need to get over the brainwashing of the kibble makers about raw. Just like they brain wash the vets that SD, Iams and Eukanuba are actually good. They are really good at doing that.

Comment by Nicole — April 2, 2007 @ 7:38 pm
Nicole—I fed my dog a mostly raw diet for about a year. It was a recipe from the Pitcairn(?) book—basically brown rice and lots of raw ground turkey. The main hassle was having to make so much food so often and having to store so much turkey in the freezer (I have a 120-pound Great Dane). But it was easy to get used to handling the raw meat, and I was even a vegetarian at the time.

Comment by Cathy — April 2, 2007 @ 7:43 pm
I had an eye-opening experience today… went to a pet food shop that only sells holistic/natural/organic foods. WOW! First of all the personal assistance I received was wonderful. And even though I have been researching the net like crazy for the last 2 wks. and was prepared with a list of products I wanted to look at, it’s a real refreshing feeling to know that here wasn’t one thing in the place that could harm my pets - the tough part was figuring what they would like! Anyway, for all of you who are struggling with what to buy, what to feed, I highly recommend finding the closest one of these shops to you and go have a look. The prices are a bit more expensive, the drive might be a bit inconvenient, but…

THE PIECE OF MIND IS PRICELESS!!!

Comment by laura S — April 2, 2007 @ 8:48 pm
I totally agree Laura. . .we have some very bright minds in the Vet community. Just like anything else, we have some not so great. It took me a few years, and a few different Vets to find a guy I absolutely LOVE. He’s the type that loves intelligent questions, and will sit and chat for 20 minutes. He has proven to me many times that he is far more concerned with the health of my pets, than he is about making money. He’s also got the AI and collection thing down pat, so he’s a handy (excuse that pun!) guy to have around.

I just am not a fan of SD, and never will be. I don’t find Eukanuba much of a step up, altho the breeder of my first show dog, and a Vet swears by it.

Bottom line, we all have to find what is best for our pets. A particular food that has one pet thriving may not be great for another. I have different varieties of food for different dogs. I know some people here are wanting suggestions, or feedback from others about a particular food, but every pet is different. You won’t know how your pet does with a different food until you try it.

Comment by Jackie — April 2, 2007 @ 8:49 pm
Hello, if anyone is looking for a new dog food I can help you try and find the best dog food in your budget. I’ve been researching dog food nutrition for well over a year I’d say two years or more and I have a very good idea on dog food. If you want some advice on pet food nutrition or anything I’d be more than happy to help. You can email me at abratnamednoel@aol.com

Comment by Eskie Lover — April 2, 2007 @ 8:52 pm
Oh I also forgot, I won’t suggest just one brand, I’ll suggest many that fit what you are looking for and I know every dog is different so I’ll do my best to give you choices to choose what is best for your dog.

Comment by Eskie Lover — April 2, 2007 @ 8:59 pm
Hi Ladies,

It’s nice and peaceful over here so I thought I’d drop in for a moment. Laura, I can’t really find any useful info on Nature Organic except it comes from Petfood Direct (according to Amazon) but then it’s not on the Petfood Direct site. So that’s a little peculiar. Wonder if they quit making it.

A thought for you launching into the world of raw, if you are in it for the long haul, you can get a dehydrator (we use the Excalibur but there’s a number of good ones out there) and start dehydrating your own meat. You can then break it up into crunchies/kibble (for treats only as it is so dense) or leave it in strips like jerky. There’s lots of info out there. It’s not a fast process but you know what is in there. Practice good food handling precautions and you are good to go.

NEVER use pork of any kind or bear. Use the best grade meat you can find.

Comment by Lois Kimball — April 2, 2007 @ 9:06 pm
Just fyi - the Recalled Pet Food Tracker Major Brands has been updated to include
* Gravy Train (3-31)
* Jerky Treats (3-31)
* Pounce cat treats (3-31)

Information Added/Changed:
* Parent Company information has been added in each section, along with all brands owned by that company (not all brands listed have had food recalled)
* Four of the brands (Alpo, Gravy Train, Jerky Treats, Pounce) have recalled certain dates only, I have listed each date/code affected.

http://www.petfoodtracker.com Hope it helps!

Comment by Kim — April 2, 2007 @ 9:10 pm
Comment by Jackie — April 2, 2007 @ 8:49 pm

Hey, Jackie. Yeah, I’m personally not a big fan of SD either. I’ve just never met a pet that was excited about eating the stuff, except for my Black Lab, who would probably be excited about eating rocks. :)

To be fair, though, as I pointed out in a different string last night, most humans wouldn’t get excited over a diet of plain tofu, either. Which is kind of like what SD is - relatively healthy (most of the time), but very boring….no fun artificial sprayed-on flavorings to get the nose going.

I sure hope, though, that SD isn’t tainted. Not just because many pets in my house eat it, but because there are a lot of good vets who honestly do believe in the stuff - not because it makes them a dollar (other foods would, too), but because its formulations help manage a lot of fairly common conditions that would otherwise need more intensive medical intervention. Like k/d - I had a diabetic cat in chronic renal failure who survived on that stuff, insulin, and subQ fluids for many years.

But - I’m switching my remaining cats off SD light hairball now because one has lost more weight more quickly than I think she should have. I was thinking that before the recall, but now, even more.

BTW -I picked up some “by Nature organic” chicken dry cat food today (no wheat, corn, or soy) and just tried a few kibbles out on the resident felines. BIG hit. :) I’ll be sure to switch them slowly - it’s more protein than they’re used to - but it’s reassuring, at least.

Comment by Laura — April 2, 2007 @ 9:13 pm
Nancy Nielsen

Will you please update me on your little sweetheart, say at some point tomorrow or Wednesday? My prayers will be with you both. Pick any blog, I’ll find your message. Thanks.

Comment by Lois Kimball — April 2, 2007 @ 9:14 pm
Thanks for looking, Lois. The stuff I bought is made by Blue Seal, and it’s safe enough, according to the petsitusa list. I’m just hoping it’s not a standing invitation to a kitty puke-fest, like a lot of high-fiber organics can be.

Still and all, no one rushed to say “Don’t do it,” and I couldn’t find any class action suits, either. So into the breech, with the rags and disinfectant on standby. :)

Comment by Laura — April 2, 2007 @ 9:21 pm
A couple of yrs ago, I was picking up Filiadae for a cat rescue, decided to try on my cats. Result - diarrea. Still don’t know exactly why, but they cannot tolerate Innova canned either. May just be too good for their digestive systems or was it because it’s made by a menu plant? Turns out rescue was having some problems at the time too.

Comment by PM Hill — April 2, 2007 @ 9:27 pm
Yeah, SD & Eukanuba must be about as palatable as a cardboard box! I’ve purchased a couple different puppies from this Eukie feeding Vet, and both pups just picked at the kibble. Switched em to the food with all that sprayed on, oh so yummy stuff, and neither have missed a meal since.

SD has some awesome scrip diets, totally concur.

Congrats on the By Nature Organic find. Finding good AND tasty food is definitely challenging.

Comment by Jackie — April 2, 2007 @ 9:27 pm
Lois: Pork is actually fine to feed. Trichinosis is pretty much eradicated from USDA inspected pork sold for human-consumption. From the CDC:

“Infection was once very common and usually caused by ingestion of undercooked pork. However, infection is now relatively rare. During 1997-2001, an average of 12 cases per year were reported. The number of cases has decreased because of legislation prohibiting the feeding of raw-meat garbage to hogs, commercial and home freezing of pork, and the public awareness of the danger of eating raw or undercooked pork products. Cases are less commonly associated with pork products and more often associated with eating raw or undercooked wild game meats.”

If one was still worried, freezing it for a couple of weeks would get rid of any parasites that may be there.

I just wanted to point that out because pork is a great source of cheap red meat! It makes up most of Fudge’s diet.

Comment by Janine — April 2, 2007 @ 10:08 pm
Janine,

Thanks for your thoughts. I was referring to pork or wild boar in its raw form. I have been chastised by some who I fear would say your data is old, if it refers to raw pork. A lot has changed drastically in the last few years. Some INSIST all raw meat be soaked in a food grade Hydrogen Peroxide solution; freezing is not enough. And all venison from North America has the risk of a BSE-like (Mad Cow) prion. There are no easy answers to any of this which is adding to the volatility of this situation.

We each have to do what we can live with and whatever that is, it is most likely infinitely better than what is sitting on the shelves in the Super Stores. And it is making us all think seriously about what we haul home in bags every week to put in our mouths and the mouths of our loved ones. Keep up the good fight.

Comment by Lois Kimball — April 2, 2007 @ 11:24 pm
Does anyone know of a “safe” dry food that can be used on cats with chronic renal insufficiency? All the natural foods I’ve looked at contain moderate-high phosphorus levels.

Comment by Brooke — April 2, 2007 @ 11:49 pm
I switched my two kitties onto Felidae— no by-products, corn, wheat or soy. It is not made by Menu Foods. They’ve enjoyed both the wet and dry varieties very much. (Admittedly, neither of them are picky eaters AT ALL.) I was trying to switch them onto the Felidae gradually by mixing it with their Science Diet dry, but then after the second Science Diet recall I was just too concerned about safety and put them totally on the Felidae. I was expected them to maybe have some stomach upset from the quick switch, but both have been just fine.

Comment by Marie — April 3, 2007 @ 12:02 am
A hopefully helpful tip for Nancy Nielsen’s fur child. I was a vet tech at an emergency/specialty hospital and we would encourage animals that wouldn’t eat with warm baby food. Be sure to stir it and test it as it can have spots that are very hot. Nutrical is also good as a supplement (high energy-molasses based), most dogs like it. Some liked to be fed with a plastic spoon. We had this happen, but when in doubt ask your vet. That is why they are there. Best of luck to you and your little one.

Comment by Nanci — April 3, 2007 @ 12:23 am
Hi Lois,

I am referring to raw pork as well. All current data says that USDA-inspected raw pork has very little chance of having trichinosis—and if it does, it can be killed by freezing. What exactly are you referring to when you’re saying it’s dangerous to feed?

Soaking the meat in hydrogen peroxide will not kill internal parasites. It may kill some bacteria on the surface of the meat, though honestly there’s no reason to do this for dogs and cats. Their digestive systems are built to handle raw meat, along with the bacteria (short tract, long time spent in the acidic stomach, etc.). Heck, they lick their own butts. :)

As for BSE/CWD, there’s actually some data out there that canines aren’t affected by prion diseases (at least, not CWD). It’s actually thought that wolves keep the level of CWD in deer and elk populations low by killing those that are affected (since they’re weaker). I do believe cats can be affected though.

Comment by Janine — April 3, 2007 @ 1:12 am
I am confused - why are people still confidently feeding Merrick when they have had past recalls that killed pets too? As I recall they had an aflatoxin based recall in 2003. This is a relatively avoidable recall - there is a test for aflatoxins that EVERYONE should be doing. (same deal with Diamond). Way different situation - and much more scary than the Menu recall - which is due to a toxin that ABSOLUTELY NOONE IN THE ENTIRE INDUSTRY is testing for.

(I am reminded of the book 1984 - has history been eradicated, and I am the only one who remembers?)

Poor California Vet - frankly I do agree with him/her - a vet participating in the discussion would have been nice, we could have all benefitted - but now you have probably scared him away.

I don’t think there is any way this toxin could have been found either. It took the FDA a week - another laby in NY got the answer wrong - but people are expecting a pet food company to find an obscure toxin, never before found in pet food during routine testing when receiving a batch of ingredients?

I have been involved with this sort of job in the FOOD industry, and we would have never found it either. What about blaming it on China - so you are saying that North Americans never cut corners for a buck or do unethical things? (ever heard of Enron?) You are really no safer buying domestic only.

The main thing this recall has taught me is the level of denial the general population is in with respect to the safety of our food supply.

(I guess it is the “CSI” mentality - people think scientists can spritz things with magic solutions then shine purple lights on them and all the evil toxins light up and say “yoo hoo! here we are!”)

As far as choosing foods - I agree with the strategy of avoiding gluten, and avoiding Menu for now, until the dust is fully settled.

Comment by food scientist — April 3, 2007 @ 5:44 am
Laura S,
I agree, the small, independent pet food stores are a breath of fresh air. There are three in my area that have been so helpful during the process of switching my kitties from the old stuff to something new. I went to a large pet food chain store over the week-end to buy litter…what a contrast!

Comment by Phyllis — April 3, 2007 @ 6:40 am
Well, I don’t know about you, but after losing four pets, I am too scared to feed them store bought pet food again. I just prepare healthy, tasty meals at home. I don’t think I will ever be able to trust store bought dog or cat food ever again. I am just trying to protect my other pets from becoming ill, or worse, dieing.

Comment by Jacky — April 3, 2007 @ 9:59 am
I want to share some information that I received when all of this began. My two min pins were not sick, but as I stated earlier they both eat Hill’s Perscription Diet ID. One is diabetic, but they had decided to leave her on this formula, because of pancreatitis.

I called Hill’s early on, and I waited for an hour before I was able to speak to a supervisor. I spoke with:

Deann Jurgensmier, Senior Dietary Management Consultant, Consumer Affairs Dept.
Phone Number: 1-800-538-9673 Ext.5159

Hills is owned by Colgate Palmolive Corporation. I called Colgate, but they sent me back to Hills. However, I did get them to tell me whether they owned any other pet food companies. I was told Hills was the only pet food company they owned.

Deann Jurgensmier sent me a letter after our phone call. The only part I feel any of you might be interested in is the following:

“We maintain the highest standards of quality control for our manufacturing facilities, our ingredients, and our finished products. We source meat and poultry ingredients from plants that process foods for human consumption. As part of a vigorous vendor certification program, vendors must test raw ingredients before shipment to our manufacturing facilities.
Also, Hill’s works voluntarily with the American Institute of Baking, an organization that monitors human food manufacturing processes, in order to ensure safety and sanitation levels are maintained.”

I spoke with Jurgensmeir before the Hill’s recall, and I received the letter before this event.

Again, my thanks to all of you here. We are in a situation that is unbelievably inhumane and beyond what decent human beings and precious creatures of the world should ever find themselves in. God bless all of you.

Pam Williams

Comment by Pam Williams — April 3, 2007 @ 10:41 am
I had been feeding my cat Henry Iams dry (not recalled) until she went into acute renal failure last week. She’s been in renal failure for years - she only has one kidney and is now 10 - but I can’t help but find the timing suspect.

Henry spent 5 days at the vet on an IV, and I’ve been having a very hard time getting her to eat since. She’s refused to eat the k/d food the vet put her on (but since that’s Hill’s brand, it’s all going in the trash…Hill didn’t recall THAT type, but I’m not risking it), she wouldn’t eat her regular purina pro care, and she’d just pick at tunafish.

finally, last night, I bought a couple of those little Fancy Feast cans - purely on a whim - she’d never eaten it in the past, but I figured it was worth a shot.

She ate HALF the can. :) I was absolutely thrilled, but still nervous that it’ll be recalled…I ordered the free sample of Instinctive Choice and will see if she eats that. If so, I’m buying cases worth, I’ve had it with this recall.

Comment by Stephanie — April 3, 2007 @ 10:41 am
Janine,

I am referring to cats and cats in a weakened state. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of references to hydrogen peroxide and avoiding raw pork. Google them. It wasn’t that way 10 years ago when we first started using raw food and even then we were advised by hardcore BARF folks not to use raw pork or wild boar. So that’s what we’ve been doing.

Same thinking on getting New Zealand venison instead of U.S. I think we’re all just trying do what we feel is the best for our beloved animals based on our own research.

Comment by Lois Kimball — April 3, 2007 @ 11:50 am
All, I just went to my little neighborhood pet store for a food check. And I am so disappointed in Old Mother Hubbard, aka Wellness to most of us. Because while reading canned cat food labels at this little store I stumbled across the fact that Old Mother Hubbard sells a line of foods way way below Wellness that I could not find on their website. And the food is heavy on by-products from what I saw. Judge for yourself, only the first one listed below, Turkey and giblets doesn’t have a by-product as a first ingredient. The product is in the familar healthy treat purple logo packaging so identified with OMH’s healthy Treat recipes and are labelled Old Mother Hubbard either Natural or Savory Selections. At least they don’t contain wheat gluten, but they do contain wheat flour, by products (lots) and yummy stuff like bone meal. When I told my cat about it she said, You have got to be kidding, keep on cooking!!! Here is the cut and paste of the ingredients from the PetCo Website (If someone can explain to me why I should feed this stuff to my cat, please just blog on back) (Here is the URLhttp://www.petco.com/Shop/Product.aspx?sku=46493&R=551):

Old Mother Hubbard Turkey & Giblets Natural Dinner Canned Cat Food
5.5 oz. - Case Of 24
SKU: 123951
Turkey broth, turkey, giblets, chicken, meat by-products, chicken by-products, wheat flour, bone meal, guar gum, carrageenan gum, calcium carbonate, taurine, potassium chloride, choline chloride, thiamine mononitrate (B1), ferrous sulfate, zinc oxide, man

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Old Mother Hubbard Liver Natural Dinner Canned Cat Food
5.5 oz. - Case Of 24
SKU: 46477
Beef by-products, liver broth, liver, poultry by-products, wheat flour, dried egg product, liver digest, bone meal, guar gum, carrageenan gum, caramel, calcium carbonate, salt, taurine, potassium chloride, choline chloride, thiamine mononitrate, ferrous s

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Old Mother Hubbard Beef & Chicken Natural Dinner Canned Cat Food
5.5 oz. - Case Of 24
SKU: 46485
Beef by-products, beef broth, beef, chicken by-products, liver, chicken, wheat flour, cheese powder, dried egg product, bone meal, guar gum, carrageenan gum, calcium carbonate, salt, taurine, potassium chloride, choline chloride, thiamine mononitrate (B1), ferrous sulfate, zinc oxide, manganous oxide, copper oxide, niacin supplement, vitamin E supplement, calcium pantothenate, d-activated animal sterol (source of vitamin D3), riboflavin supplement (B2), vitamin A acetate, pyridoxine hydrochloride (B6), vitamin B12 supplement, ethylenediamine dihydriodide (source of iodine), biotin, folic acid, sodium selenite.

————————————————————————————————————————

Old Mother Hubbard Beef & Liver Natural Dinner Canned Cat Food
5.5 oz. - Case Of 24
SKU: 46493
Beef by-products, beef broth, beef, chicken by-products, liver, chicken, dried egg product, cheese powder, wheat flour, bone meal, guar gum, carrageenan gum, calcium carbonate, salt, taurine, potassium chloride, choline chloride, thiamine mononitrate (B1)

————————————————————————————————————————

Old Mother Hubbard Beef Natural Dinner Canned Cat Food
5.5 oz. - Case Of 24
SKU: 46507
Beef by-products, beef broth, beef, chicken by-products, liver, chicken, wheat flour, cheese powder, dried egg product, bone meal, guar gum, carrageenan gum, calcium carbonate, salt, taurine, potassium chloride, choline chloride, thiamine mononitrate (B1)

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Old Mother Hubbard Chicken, Whitefish & Egg Natural Dinner Canned Cat Food
5.5 oz. - Case Of 24
SKU: 68624
Beef by-products, beef broth, chicken by-products, beef, chicken, liver, ocean whitefish, dried egg product, salmon, wheat flour, tuna, bone meal, guar gum, carrageenan gum, calcium carbonate, salt, taurine, potassium chloride, choline chloride, thiamine

————————————————————————————————————————

Old Mother Hubbard Liver & Egg Natural Dinner Canned Cat Food
5.5 oz. - Case Of 24
SKU: 68667
Beef by-products, beef broth, liver, poultry by-products, dried egg product, wheat flour, liver digest, bone meal, guar gum, carrageenan gum, caramel, calcium carbonate, salt, taurine, potassium chloride, choline chloride, thiamine mononitrate (B1), ferrous sulfate, zinc oxide, manganous oxide, copper oxide, niacin supplement, vitamin E supplement, calcium pantothenate, d-activated animal sterol (source of vitamin D3), riboflavin supplement (B2), vitamin A acetate, pyridoxine hydrochloride (B6), vitamin B12 supplement, ethylenediamine dihydriodide (source of iodine), biotin, folic acid, sodium selenite.

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Old Mother Hubbard Beef, Cheese & Egg Natural Dinner Canned Cat Food
5.5 oz. - Case Of 24
SKU: 68675
Beef by-products, beef broth, beef, chicken by-products, liver, chicken, cheese powder, dried egg product, wheat flour, bone meal, guar gum, carrageenan gum, calcium carbonate, salt, taurine, potassium chloride, choline chloride, thiamine mononitrate (B1)

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Old Mother Hubbard Beef & Salmon Natural Dinner Canned Cat Food
5.5 oz. - Case Of 24
SKU: 68683
Beef by-products, beef broth, chicken by-products, beef, chicken, liver, ocean fish, salmon, tuna, wheat flour, dried egg product, bone meal, guar gum, carrageenan gum, calcium carbonate, salt, taurine, potassium chloride, choline chloride, thiamine monon

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Old Mother Hubbard Beef & Tuna Natural Dinner Canned Cat Food
5.5 oz. - Case Of 24
SKU: 68691
Beef by-products, beef broth, chicken by-products, beef, chicken, liver, ocean fish, tuna, salmon, wheat flour, dried egg product, bone meal, guar gum, carrageenan gum, calcium carbonate, salt, taurine, potassium chloride, choline chloride, thiamine monon

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Comment by Shawn — April 3, 2007 @ 3:25 pm
Wheat GLuten is in sauces, almost everything - read all labels - ask questions - call - especially human food.

Comment by Linda — April 3, 2007 @ 3:27 pm
The Petco URL for the OMH food is wrong; it is
http://www.petco.com/Shop/petc....._7842.aspx

Comment by Shawn — April 3, 2007 @ 3:29 pm
I, too, have a cat who was diagnosed with ARF in November. She has since recovered, but I cannot find a really good food with the lower levels of phosphorus that she needs. She continues to eat Eukanuba, but I need to get her ~ and my other 4 ~ on a healthier diet. Cooking is not an option for me with 5 cats. Please, if anyone has any thoughts, I would really like to hear them. My eyes are rolling around in my head from all of the research I’ve been doing.
Thanks!

Comment by dottie — April 3, 2007 @ 5:28 pm
Re: Sheba / foods made in Thailand
The new Sheba “domes” are complimentary foods, e.g. NOT complete and balanced for vitamins and minerals and other elements. Perfectly okay if the Sheba doesn’t make up the bulk of the cat’s diet. Not okay if you’re using as the primary food source.

Some Thailand and Japanese pet food plants also produce human foods with seafoods/fishes being the primary product. Some of these places so incredibly clean it would make your head spin.

Someone said it already - read the labels, eliminate those with wheat gluten, eliminate wheat to be even more cautious.

Wheat gluten has been used in human and pet foods for years - something REALLY wrong happened with this manufacturer in China. Typical toxicological testing procedures would not have picked this up because it wasn’t something known. It’s an aberation - a very scary one though.

Comment by Ann — April 3, 2007 @ 6:01 pm
I E-mailed Iams last week asking them their procedure for reimbursing me for the blood tests I had done on my cats.I did not get a response.

Today I called and talked to Eugene. Eugene took a lot of information from me then asked me, which cat was sick. I am still waiting on the results of two of my cats - so I could not answer his question, but I let him know that Iams should hope that NONE of my cats are sick.

My point being that if they are sick or worse I would be going down a different road with Iams. Reimbursing us for something they can reimburse us for is the least they can do for selling us POISON food. I wanted to mention that there may be a means for people to recoup some of their monetary loses.

They can NEVER repay people who have lost their loved ones. That horror has no price tag. Although, I do feel people have a right to sue in order to teach the pet industry a lesson.

A question: I have been reading EVERYTHING like most of you have. A few of you have mentioned Fancy Feast. I have visited their site and from what I read they say only the products on the recall list are the ones to worry about. Fancy Feast is suppose to be OK - am I being too trusting. Should we worry about ALL products with wheat gluten? I mean it’s in everything - human food too…

Thank you for this site and all the information everyone has shared on this site…..

Comment by Michele V — April 3, 2007 @ 8:15 pm
hi everyone,

what about halo? thier food sounds as wholesome as it could be. has anyone tried it? my only prob is the ingredient list seems to only list taurine with regard to vitamins. is this so?

is halo foods considered a “complimentary food”? would i also need to give my cat vitamin supplements if feeding halo?

my cat has been on wellness now for over a year and really loves all the flavors, but now i am concerned that they use menu for some cans? which ones? i wish i knew.

i love my tender furball.

Comment by Gill — April 3, 2007 @ 8:20 pm
We have been feeding our Boxers Innova EVO- no grains at all, a kibble-ized form of a raw diet- since finding our little girl is epileptic.

Before that we were feeding California Nautral Lamb & Rice- still no wheat of any kind.

We’ve been really happy with both.

We tried a raw diet and the dogs certainly loved it. The others suggesting it are right- it’s really not hard. But you need a big freezer and it’s a _lot_ of work. It also made it difficult when we went out of town or took them on the road. When we found the Innova EVO we were not sad to give it up. The dogs still love the dry food, and now we just supplement with the raw rather than force ourselves to rely on it.

Comment by Cara — April 3, 2007 @ 9:57 pm
Is anyone else surprised to see how many of these “natural” high priced (ie Newman’s Own, Drs Foster & Smith) pet foods are manufactured by Menu Foods? For some stupid reason I assumed these companies contolled the entire process of their foods production, not just ingredient list/recipe. Are they worth the money?

Comment by Christi — April 4, 2007 @ 10:21 am
PETITIONS!!!! Anyone on this blog who wants to finally have their voice heard, go to http://www.howl911.com. You can add your name to a couple of petitions, one of which is directed at a Senator who finally decided to step up to the plate and has gotten the ball rolling on a Senate committee which will be looking into this travesty in depth. ADD YOUR NAMES… WE CANNOT COMPLAIN IF WE’RE NOT WILLING TO DO OUR PART TO MAKE IT RIGHT!!!

Also, on the same site, if you want a real eye-opener, on Home page click on the story “FOOD NOT FIT FOR A PET”. It was written several years ago by a well-known vet. He obviously was ahead of his time…..

Comment by laura S — April 4, 2007 @ 10:24 am
How about switching to a species-appropriate diet, a raw diet, not consisting of things our pets don’t need, like wheat gluten? Wheat gluten is a source of protein when our pets should be getting their protein from meat - raw, fresh meat. Check out the Yahoo! group “rawfeeding” to learn how to feed your pet safely and appropriately.

Comment by Katherine Elliott — April 4, 2007 @ 10:50 am
After my min pin became very ill, i scoured the dog food offerings for a product that had natural ingredients i felt i could trust. I found “spot’s stew” made by Halo Pets.

http://www.halopets.com

my dog loves it. i “hide” his medications in it and he licks the bowl clean. no wheat or corn in it. this is the list of whats in it:

Water (sufficient for processing), Chicken, Carrots, Celery, Yellow Squash, Zucchini, Chicken Liver, Green Beans, Green Peas, Pasta, Turkey, Rolled Oats, Barley, Soy Sauce, Dried Kelp, Garlic Powder, Calcium Lactate, Ascorbic Acid, Zinc Gluconate, Di-Calcium Phosphate

Comment by Michael Greer — April 4, 2007 @ 11:00 am
In response to the CA Vet, how crass and uncaring to dismiss concerned patients as “just” panicking! If this recall involved baby food would the responses we are hearing be as lame?
As a long time pet parent and advocate for making informed decisions, I am surprised at the lack of information available to everyone who is concerned for the pet’s safety! For information that includes how easy it is to call something pet food, to what the word by-products really means, to a safe pet food alternative that I personally use and trust, please visit my website http://www.PetSourceDirect.com and begin to make informed decisions for your beloved companions!

Comment by Kim Petro — April 4, 2007 @ 3:49 pm
“please visit my website http://www.PetSourceDirect.com and begin to make informed decisions for your beloved companions!”
It’s tough to get really objective information from someone trying to sell their own stuff.

Comment by Christi — April 4, 2007 @ 4:53 pm
I was feeding my cat Iam’s Hairball formula but stopped when I saw the PETA press conference last week with a woman who said she had been feeding her cat Iam’s and it died from renal failure. Since then I’ve been shopping at my local “green” pet store - Pet Essentials on 14th St in NW DC for those of you in the area - and found some blended tuna (my cat LOVES tuna!) by a company called Solid Gold. All good ingredients and it says it’s formulated to meet AAFCO cat food nutrient profiles for all stages…. but it’s manufactured in Thailand…… does anyone have any thoughts? My cat loves it - so much so that she’s waking me up at 5:30AM for breakfast! - but I just want to be sure I’m giving her something that is good for her. I was also wondering if anyone had any suggestions on dry food for cats. I want to make sure her teeth stay good and strong, too.. Thanks for any help and thanks to Pet Connection for this forum

Comment by Dawn — April 4, 2007 @ 5:54 pm
Ann, (who posted 4/3, 6:01 pm) Thanks for the info. Was in Safeway today looking for a substitute for the fur kids treat food (was Fancy Feast - of course 3rd ingredient wheat gluten; but not on recall). Picked up some Sheba domes to try. Hope they like it.
To everyone, I have always fed our cats and dogs a variety of foods; figured if one was missing a nutrient, the other one would probably have it. 7-8 years ago, at the CFA cat shows, there was always a sample of AvoDerm by our cages; my cats, allowed to choose their food, didn’t rate it tops in taste tests. I have noticed AvoDerm has an active web site currently and none of their foods are implicated so far. If you are currently feeding AvoDerm, I’d be interested in hearing your comments. Received my order of KumpiCat, both cats are eating it along with Innova and Innova EVO. Maltese is eating Innova warmed with Swansons organic chicken broth (You’ve got to bribe a Maltese since they’re one of the oldest breeds on earth and are positive they are humans with a great head of hair. Epecially when they are going on 16!) Also 1/2 Ceasar twice a day. (No WG and not on recall). Both Kumpi (Evy’s clients include ATF) and Flint River Ranch (clients include the Dog Whisperer) are slow shipping due to this mess, but I believe may be long term solutions for those of us who cannot afford a nutritionist and personal chef for our fur kids. PS Would also like to hear comments from breeders - are you out there?

Comment by PM Hill — April 4, 2007 @ 7:21 pm
Ann, There are some Fancy Feast recipes in the in FF gourmet line that don’t contain wheat gluten or wheat. It should say somewhere on the label that it’s “gourmet” but you really have to read the label (take your magnifying glass with you when you shop ). You can go on Petfooddirect.com, click on their canned cat food link, then go to Fancy Feast. It lists the ingredients for every one of the FF recipes & you can locate the wheat-free ones —there are about 6-8 different wheat-free recipes — I think petfooddirect has about 4 pages of FF on their website and I think the wheat free ones are shown on pages 2 & 3.

As for the canned Innova, it has milk listed as an ingredients, which many cats might not be able to tolerate and which might cause diarrhea.

A very good & healthy treat for cats & dogs is Halo’s Liv-a-Littles. My cats absolutely love the chicken Liv-a-Littles. Some people call these treats “kitty krack.” There are other, similar freeze-dried 100% meat protein treats. Drs. Foster & Smith also makes them. As for Halo’s Spots Stew, I think it’s a 100% balanced diet but my cats hate it and won’t eat it.

Before the recall, my cats ate a rotation of canned, grain-free foods: Nature’s Variety, Wellness, Natural Balance & a little Merrick & wheat-free Fancy Feast occasionally. They did absolutely fantastic on these foods. Now I’m down to Natural Balance and Fancy Feast only —I’m nervous about the FF even though the ones I feed don’t have wheat — and my cats are starting to “rebel” at the monotony. Their coats aren’t as soft & silky either. Even though I’m boycotting Menu Foods and will be transitioning my cats to a raw diet this weekened, I do have leftover cans of Nature’s Variety & Wellness, both made by Menu Foods. They have no wheat and there are no reports of cats becoming ill from those foods, and my cats certainly have not been ill. Do you think that it’s probably safe & ok to feed these two leftover brands to my cats?

Comment by Teresa — April 4, 2007 @ 9:17 pm
Even though the wet food I fed my cats was not on the recall list, I stopped feeding it immediately, fearing it would eventually show on the list. It hasn’t, but I switched anyway. I don’t trust these companies anymore. Their dry food has been Wellness, but they don’t like the wet. I have been using this list, sent by a friend and reading labels.
http://www.iamscruelty.com/notTested.asp

Comment by Tara Becker — April 4, 2007 @ 9:23 pm
For Laura, who asked about By Nature Organics on April 2nd: I have been feeding the canned food to my three cats for several months now. They devour it. I switched them from Wellness because I wanted a grain-free, organic food. I buy it by the case at my local health food store; they give me a 20% case discount which makes it less expensive than buying it at Blue Seal. One of my two males had some problems with runny eyes. This has cleared up since we switched. The other male had occasional urinary tract problems. He’s had no flareups since we switched. My oldest cat, a female, has a fatty lump on her chin. It has shrunk in size since we switched. Here are the ingredients in their favorite flavor (there are three).

By Nature Organics Organic Turkey & Chicken
Ingredients: Organic Turkey, Natural Well Water, Organic Chicken, Organic Chicken Liver, Dicalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Organic Guar Gum, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Vitamin Supplements (E, A, Riboflavin, D3, B12), Niacin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Biotin, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite.

Compare this to Hills Feline c/d, which another writer mentioned earlier:

Feline c/d®
Ingredients
Beef By-Products, Water, Pork Liver, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Pork By-Products, Corn Gluten Meal, Calcium Sulfate, Powdered Cellulose, Choline Chloride, Xanthan Gum, Locust Bean Gum, Iodized Salt, Potassium Chloride, Iron Oxide, Taurine, Brewers Dried Yeast, Dicalcium Phosphate, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Ascorbic Acid (source of vitamin C), Zinc Oxide, Ferrous Sulfate, Beta-Carotene, Niacin, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenite.

Note that there are two meat byproducts, corn and corn gluten, and “powdered cellulose” (sawdust?). No, thanks.

Comment by Mimi Alberu — April 4, 2007 @ 9:41 pm
Just fyi - I’ve created a new (2nd) Pet Food Tracker that lists all brands that have had at least one food recalled - including store brands.

It also shows whether the food is:
* Dog food and/or Cat food
* National Brand or Store Brand (and what store it’s sold at, though a few are missing)
* Cans or Pouches or Dry Food or Snacks & Treats

Individual foods/flavors are not included, some are already listed on the original Recalled PFT National Brands (identified by an *), the rest you can access via the links included.

It includes recalls by:
* Menu Foods (3-16)
* Hill’s Prescription Dry Food (3-30)
* Del Monte (3-31)
* 8 in 1 Pet Products (3-31)

You can get it at http://www.petfoodtracker.com
Hope it’s helpful…

Comment by Kim — April 4, 2007 @ 10:24 pm
Anyone heard of the kidney-liver tonic called NUTRAVIN? Heard that some pets were saved by this. Makes sense, as detox flushes can help if caught early enough. I reviewed it as carefully as I can, and am giving it to my kitty, even if he didn’t have as close a call as he might have…

Comment by Anna for Mackie — April 4, 2007 @ 11:34 pm
I have fed my dogs Science Diet for almost 20 years. Although I can appreciate the voluntary recall, their continued association with Menu Foods in any capacity will discontinue my use of any of their products immediately. I cannot beleive that only a small portion of their products MAY be affected if they use Menu products at all then the whole line is suspect.I have researched another product line with all their ingreadients being US grown and produced, Canidae, check out their web site, I think you will be impressed.

Comment by dave — April 5, 2007 @ 1:21 am
I just found out that the wheat-free, premium organic pet food HealthyPetNet has a non-profit (for rescuers and shelters) and kennel/breeder discount program. This is HUGE! I don’t know if anybody even knew you could get a program like this with premium foods. Information is posted on the Safe Pet Food Blog at: http://safepetfood.wordpress.com

Comment by Teresa Holladay — April 5, 2007 @ 7:02 am
Everyone is suddenly afraid of wheat. Tomorrow
it could be something else. A few years ago salmonella was found in some Merrick treats. And they found metal tags in some of their “premium” dog food. And all of these “natural” and “holistic” foods. These are rather vague terms aren’t they? There is really no guarantee with any of them. I’ve had a few dogs over the years and have fed them everything from cheap store brands when I was poor to more expensive stuff. They were all healthy and lived long lives. I say if you’re happy with your pet’s health stick with what you’re doing. We all love our pets so just do use your common sense and do the best you can.
Ps I don’t think all these pet food manufacturers are out to kill our pets. For the most part we’ve trusted them up to now right?

Comment by Christi — April 5, 2007 @ 9:10 am
I am still in shock and mourning for my little Bischon, Pepper Gene. He was so healthy, until about January. He started vomiting, wouldn’t eat, drank lots of water, seemed disoriented, lethargic, and just laid around or walked in circles. It didn’t occur to me that the FOOD I was feeding him could be doing this to him. Took him to the vet,and they prescribed Hill’s Science Diet. He had been on Nutro Max. Nothing helped. He died in my arms February 19th, 2007. He was such a member of our family, but we always knew he was “my” dog! There are no words to describe how horrible I feel, knowing I am the one who fed him the poison. I didn’t know. His NEEDLESS passing, came on the heels of my Dad’s death, a year to the day. Can someone spell “D-E-P-R-E-S-S-I-O-N?” Thanks for reading my post. Seems I have a need to “talk” about it.

Comment by Trish — April 5, 2007 @ 10:02 am
FYI: HealthyPetNet, the company that makes Life Abundance dry pet foods also makes Instinctive Choice canned cat food, which is made by Menu Foods at their SD plant. I had inquired and been told that all of their pet foods were made by a company in Ohio and based on that information, I bought a case of the Instinctive Choice canned cat food. Then I received this email. If you are boycotting Menu Foods’ products and thinking about buying Instinctive Choice canned food for your cats, you may want to know this.

From: support@trilogyonline.com
Subject: Re: TrilogyOnline Contact Form TRI-HQ-IT-WEB02 [TRI: 569324]
Date: Mon, 2 Apr 2007 3:15 PM Attachments

Dear Teresa,

First off, we’d like thank you for your patience in waiting for a response. In the wake of the pet food recall, we have been inundated with calls and emails seeking more information about our products.

This email is in response to your question about whether or not we use Menu Foods. We want to make sure that you understand the facts fully. Our dog and cat dry foods are made by a third-generation pet food maker in
Ohio with an outstanding reputation. Our baked treats are made in a bakery that also makes baked goods for people. Of all our pet products, only one – our canned cat food – is made in a Menu facility.

It’s important to keep in mind, that all of the products that were included in the recall were “cuts and gravy” type products, and as you
know, we don’t make any products like that. The FDA suspects that the wheat gluten in these products was contaminated, and we don’t use any wheat gluten.

You know, a lot of folks don’t realize this, but Menu Foods makes over 90% of all privately labeled canned pet foods sold in the U.S. and Canada. They have over 35 years of experience in the business. They operate four plants in the U.S. The problem ingredient was used in Kansas and New Jersey. Our canned cat food is made in an entirely separate facility in
South Dakota. There is absolutely no chance that our canned cat food was contaminated, because it never came into contact with the two plants in question.

Like we mentioned before, the authorities are almost certain that the contamination is linked to an ingredient that we do not use in any of our products.

We have been monitoring this situation very closely. We have received notification in writing that our food is safe. Many of HealthyPetNet’s company principles took part in a conference call with Menu, and we have
their complete assurances that there are no problems with our canned cat food.

We maintain very strict quality control measures in the manufacture of all
of our foods, treats, care products and supplements. We have devoted a great deal of energy into using only the best vendors in the market, so that only the highest quality ingredients are included in our products.

We just want to reiterate – all of our products are completely safe.

We will continue to monitor this situation, and we will continue to do everything that we can to provide the safest, healthiest options for our consumers and their companion animals.

Customer Service
Trilogy International, HealthyPetNet

Comment by Teresa — April 5, 2007 @ 11:11 am
Re: Healthypetnet. When checking their website I did not see any info on who actually MAKES their pet food. I decided to contact the company and a Lois Watkins returned my e-mail. Here it is in it’s entirety — and by the way I believe the “distributor” number after her name indicates she is a salesman for them :

HealthyPetNet products are formulated by Dr. Jane Bicks and produced by Trilogy from Palm City, FL. All HealthyPetNet pet foods are pet-safe and ARE NOT ON THE RECALLED FOODS LIST ! All ingredients are human-grade quality and do not contain fillers or wheat gluten. Hope this answers your question. You can feel confident when feeding your pets Life’s Abundance or Instinctive Choice Cat Food from HealthyPetNet. Thanks for your inquiry.

Lois Watkins
Distributor #40006773
bnlwatkins@yahoo.com
http://www.HealthyPetNet.com/PetSafe

Comment by Christi — April 5, 2007 @ 12:04 pm
SHANGHAI: China said Thursday that it had no record of exporting any agricultural products that could have tainted the pet food that has been linked to the deaths of at least 16 cats and dogs (?????) in the United States -

What? That’s because you don’t keep the records or someone burned them.

This too was on howl911.

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 12:07 pm
Christi - good luck with that.

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 12:08 pm
PET PILL POCKETS CONTAIN WHEAT GLUTEN

As I was tossing out any dog treats that contain wheat gluten, I found pill pockets..those little treats that you stuff pills in for your sick animals.. had wheat gluten in it. What a tragedy if your poor sick animal was given a pill in something that might be making him sick…just a note of cuation

Comment by Maddi — April 5, 2007 @ 12:30 pm
Sunshine mills another PET FOOD RECALL

Comment by kelly — April 5, 2007 @ 12:39 pm
In response to the comment by Christi – April 4, 2007 @ 4:53 pm: Although I thoroughly back our product, my intent was not to sell my “own stuff.” There are product ingredient comparisons of several brands and pertinent information about the processing standards of mass marketed pet food. This information has always been included in my site; however the recent tragedy that has affected so many, has brought the need to be informed to the forefront. I am sorry you didn’t feel that you could make an objective opinion based on the facts presented. I do however want people to be aware that there are choices and that information is the best way to make those choices, no matter which brand they ultimately decide to use!
Furthermore, the company that I represent is HealthyPetNet, as you can see from all of these other blogs, our company has one concern, HEALTHY PETS! http://www.PetSourceDirect.com

Comment by Kim Petro — April 5, 2007 @ 12:45 pm
In response to Kim please read Teresa’s FYI entry above

Comment by Christi — April 5, 2007 @ 12:54 pm
I switched my elderly cat to raw last fall, having decided at a minimum never again to feed either dry food or anything containing grains. Dry and grains are really anathema to cats, who can’t digest grain well and who don’t self-regulate water well enough to handle dry. Healthier for them, and more convenient for you, if you learn to offer raw instead of cooked food, although it does require a freezer.

My main incentive to go raw instead of cooked was for the dental benefits. She was needing a dental cleaning at least once a year. She is thriving.

As an emergency backup that doesn’t require refrigeration, I have several cases of byNature Organic canned foods for her. (Again, I would never consider their dry foods.)

Comment by Brooks — April 5, 2007 @ 1:06 pm
Have ordered Life’s abundance natural food for my cats. I am feeding them Sheba and Fancy Feast containing no wheat gluten until it arrives. Cannot believe the lack of information from FDA and pet food manufacturers-don’t any of them have pets?

Comment by Cathleen — April 5, 2007 @ 1:22 pm
Just lost my best friend, she normally ate Purina One Lamb & Rice, however her grandpa would often feed her treats from Old Roy soft & moist. Anyone know any symptoms that can occur? I had been out of the country and came home to find she had passed that same morning. I am so heartbroken, does anyone know about any treats that may have been recalled?

Comment by Lu — April 5, 2007 @ 2:07 pm
I’m so sorry for you Lu. This link to DelMonte has a list with some recalled Ol Roy products. I hope none of yours are on it.
http://www.delmonte.com/petfoodrecall.html

Comment by Christi — April 5, 2007 @ 2:17 pm
I feed my cats Wellness dry and wet. Sure, the company that makes Wellness—Old Mother Hubbard—uses Menu Foods as its processing company, I am not terribly concerned about that. It’s one of those problems you face with monocultures, one big company owning practically everything. Plus, after a big mess like this one, it will only work against the company if it chooses not to be transparent in its food production.

Anyway, Wellness carries grain-free canned food: Turkey, Turkey and Salmon, Chicken and Herring, Chicken. Wellness also recently introduced the new grain-free dry food line called Core. My cats love them.

Comment by NYCat — April 5, 2007 @ 2:22 pm
Thanks Christi, I will research, however, should any be on it, I would have no way of prooving it, since I have purchased many Ol’ Roy in the past, but no longer have those boxes or receipts, furthermore, I don’t even have my dog anymore…and that is the worse part, thanks again,

Lu

Comment by Lu — April 5, 2007 @ 2:56 pm
Before Xuzhou Anying’s website was modified last night, they noted that they had exported 10,000 tons of wheat gluten last year. 792 tons of it ended up in pet food. Where’s the rest of it? In us?

ChemNutra’s website claims in a PR release that this material was delivered to them in 25 kilogram bags, so the problem may have originated with the manufacturer, not in the hold of some bulk container ship.

I reported the problem to Purina, manufacturers of Alpo Prime Cuts in Gravy, in the middle of the night, a week before the food was recalled. A person answering the telephone there admitted to receiving hundreds of telephone calls from people just like me. My dog, after a week at the vet clinic, has come home to die.

Everyone has stonewalled, every step of the way. Screw the FDA and screw the pet food companies. My friends are going to eat what I eat, along with a vitamin supplement. I’m not going to willingly subject them to any more chemistry experiments.

Comment by M Paulding — April 5, 2007 @ 3:17 pm
I think most know that Senator Durbin announced today that he will be holding a Senate committee hearing on the pet food emergency. Don’t you think we should recommend questions to be asked and suggest people to be on the panel?

My wish list would include someone like Gina to give an overview of what information has been hidden from pet owners since

pet connection

Pet-food recall: Helping to pick a pet food

By Gina Spadafori

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