Pet food: ‘Alternative’ brands set to gain
By Gina Spadafori
June 18, 2007
From the trade pub Progressive Grocer:
Alternative pet foods are emerging as the primary beneficiaries of the recent pet food recall crisis, and could enjoy double-digit growth rates over the next two years as traditional mass-produced foods suffer from the perception they might be less safe, according to a new study by market research firm Packaged Facts.
“Billions of dollars in pet food brand sales are now up for grabs as a result of the pet food recall crisis and its ongoing effects as consumers seek out safer, higher quality foods for their pets,” noted David Lummis, senior pet market analyst at Packaged Facts. “This is a highly emotional issue for many pet food companies, with many now actively reexamining and restructuring their operations as a result of the recall.”
Indeed, Packaged Facts estimates there will be a brand shift in the market worth $1.3 billion to $4.3 billion in pet food sales, given that the brands used by approximately one in six pet owners were part of the recall.
[...]
The report identifies the main beneficiaries in this brand-switching trend as “high-quality pet foods chosen as alternatives to traditional brands,” all of which it groups under the term, “alternative pet food.” These include high-end natural and organic pet foods; fresh pet foods including raw/frozen, refrigerated, and homemade; and 100 percent U.S. sourced, locally grown, and other smaller-batch pet foods.
The trend towards “natural” and “premium” was already well under way before the recall and was evident in February, when I was at the massive pet-industry trade show, Global Pet Expo. At that time, I noticed a lot of the “natural” was really not much more than words and pictures on pretty packages. I wonder if that will continue, or if what’s inside the bag or can will start to match what’s on the package?
Unrelated: Miss Clara is getting spayed today. My little kitten is growing up too quickly!
NEVER WILL TRUST MENU FOOD PRODUCTS AGAIN!
Comment by Evelyn — June 18, 2007 @ 8:43 am
Gina:
I think Pet Promise’s slogan is “Let byPRODUCTS be bygones.”
http://www.petpromiseinc.com/storelocator.aspx
Comment by petlover — June 18, 2007 @ 8:47 am
Pet Promise DOES use some genetically-modified grains!
Comment by petlover — June 18, 2007 @ 8:52 am
You are soooo right. So much for my eyesight. I removed the mention since now it doesn’t make much sense.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — June 18, 2007 @ 8:52 am
Isn’t Pet Promise part of Purina??
Comment by Ann H — June 18, 2007 @ 8:53 am
According to thepetfoodlistdotcom, it IS a Purina product.
Comment by petlover — June 18, 2007 @ 8:57 am
aWWW, Gina! Miss Clara may not like the separation, but she’ll be happier than cats were years ago.
I was shocked at the one day recovery for mine. 20 years ago, well, they were pitiful for a week and then went back to have stitches out. Even on my 2 yr old adopted Miss Kitty.
Comment by Ann H — June 18, 2007 @ 9:14 am
Is there any clairifacation about Pet Promise? I emailed them about one of their ingredients…a glutin of course! The first Email they assured me they were not part of the recall…but noted they wouldn’t answer specifically about their additives . I re emailed them and wanted to know if they used any ingredients from China. The second email said for me to call them. I am suspicious that they won’t commit in writing the answers. We cook at home for our cats because Purina food was giving them all sorts of skin disorders and undesirable urinary tract infections. All symptoms cleared up in less than 2 weeks. We use pet promise sparingly as we have noticed how much water they drink after eating it. If someone knows the truth about Pet Promise, I would like to know. I am joining the boycott in the spirit of all lost pets.
Comment by Concha Castaneda — June 18, 2007 @ 9:55 am
To the PF BIGGIES ~
We will no longer be fooled by fancy labels, cutesy advertising, or empty promises. It’s pretty clear that you all have no heart for the animals you have the responsibility to feed safely . . . just for the money! I’m putting you on alert that we aren’t the naive buyers we used to be. You’re going to have to prove to us that you are providing a safe, HEALTHY, reliable product that will not injure/kill our pets. And if you lie AGAIN, we WILL find out!
Comment by catmom5 — June 18, 2007 @ 9:59 am
Comment by petlover — June 18, 2007 @ 8:52 am
more info? doesn’t seem to go with the rest of their mission . . . .
Comment by straybaby — June 18, 2007 @ 10:12 am
Thomas Toys Recalled Because Of Lead In Paint
http://www.medicalnewstoday.co.....wsid=74503
Comment by Palomino — June 18, 2007 @ 10:24 am
Please give my good wishes to Clara for a speedy recovery.
Comment by Evelyn — June 18, 2007 @ 10:28 am
Having just opened our home to two new kitten brothers (10-12 weeks old) to replace our 15 year old we lost to the Menu Foods calamity, we are today faced with what to feed them. We initially purchased Wellness for Kittens wet and the dry version as well but find quite frankly that this approach is going to get very, very expensive. Are there less expensive alternatives available at say Petco that are SAFE!!! Obviously we do not want to make the same mistake again by ordering Hill’s Prescription Diet from our vet. Are there any name brands still available that are deemed “safe,” at this point?
Comment by Don — June 18, 2007 @ 10:33 am
STRAYBABY said: Comment by petlover — June 18, 2007 @ 8:52 am
more info? doesn’t seem to go with the rest of their mission . . . .
Comment by straybaby — June 18, 2007 @ 10:12 am
*********************************
I called PP about its dog food (Daily Health formula), noticed there was brewer’s rice and soy flour listed in the ingredients. So I called customer support to ask if the rice and soy were genetically-modified grains.
The CS agent looked up the information about the grains, and she said, “SOME of our grains are genetically-modified.” I immediately thanked her and hung up. You can call if you, too, want to verify the info and post.
I agree, straybaby, the GM grains does NOT seem to go along with the rest of the philosophy. Remember that so many WTO countries are refusing to buy our GM crops that we either have to dump them (loss of $$$) or cram it into animal feed or other products (lotions??). I did a lot of reading about GM crops this morning and am so angry over how GM grains are spreading throughout the food chain, with both known (liver and kidney problems) and yet-to-be-seen consequences.
Did you read about the sheep in India that grazed on a harvested field of Bt cotton, and the sheep died? … So many parallels to the pet food poisoning. I wonder if our pets ate GM wheat (or wheat that produced pharmaceuticals) and made its own poisons?
Comment by petlover — June 18, 2007 @ 10:34 am
Anyone else having trouble connecting to itchmo?
Comment by elliott — June 18, 2007 @ 10:56 am
ellliott,
yes, itchmo has been down all day.
Comment by Don — June 18, 2007 @ 10:58 am
What I do know is that a 24/can case of Friskies 5.5 oz cans has gone from $6.50 up to $13-$14.00+
Comment by Ann H — June 18, 2007 @ 11:01 am
It also appears that By Nature has come out with new pouch foods.. Menu?
And, Menu’s stock is “recovering” today.
Comment by Ann H — June 18, 2007 @ 11:11 am
Ann H,
How about 23.76 for Wellness wet per case at Whole Foods. …ouch!
There has to be a less expensive, safe alternative.
Comment by Don — June 18, 2007 @ 11:12 am
I get Wellness in kitten, Friskies Poultry Platter,2/FF Turkey & Giblets, Innova EVO Dry, Wellness Core Dry.. LOL well, you can figure what that is for a month 3 cats. 1 has to have wet foods twice a day.
Don, from what I saw Friday, even the price on the store brands has almost doubled. I can’t imagine it’s going to get better.
Comment by Ann H — June 18, 2007 @ 11:48 am
My cats are loving (and have loved for a while) Evo (dry); they’re not so keen on the canned but that’s okay with me. Their coats are much shinier than before but they have picked up some weight (Evo packs a punch on the calorie and protein scales) so I’m keeping a watch on the amounts they get.
My girl kitty loves the smell of fresh-cooking meats but isn’t too interested in actually ‘eating’ them! (Thanks everyone for your suggestions from earlier.) I’m leary of raw foods at this point given the potential for E. coli, salmonella, etc., contamination. I choose products from farms (local when I can get it) that use organic feed and methods and are certified humane.
Comment by Sandy — June 18, 2007 @ 11:51 am
Comment by Don — June 18, 2007 @ 11:12 am
how many meals is that?
Comment by straybaby — June 18, 2007 @ 11:53 am
And yes, agreed—the price of pet foods has increased considerably this year, but prices had already begun to rise well before the pet food recall. Stores and producers were adding costs of gas to those items.
Comment by Sandy — June 18, 2007 @ 11:54 am
Comment by petlover — June 18, 2007 @ 10:34 am
thanks! I have no reason to call them, but i’ll pass the info on to someone who i know feeds it that they may want to check it out.
I have Certified Organic hair products/etc, so now I have to look for Certified Organic cotton clothing?! I believe I’m GM free in the food area for sure now, but I’m not sure tossing a majority of my clothes is an option! lol!~ ;)
Comment by straybaby — June 18, 2007 @ 12:00 pm
Right- groceries have gone up for several reasons, fuel, corn prices, bounced checks (per the manager), and remodeling & prop taxes… and on & on…
Comment by Ann H — June 18, 2007 @ 12:24 pm
I just went to town to get some flowers. the price of all pet foods has gone up. do they think that will make us buy it? Can’t figure that one out.
What’s wrong at Itchmo?
Comment by Trudy Jackson — June 18, 2007 @ 12:25 pm
Ann H says-
It also appears that By Nature has come out with new pouch foods.
If it’s the by Nature Organics pouches, be sure to look on the back @ the bottom—it says
“Product of CHINA”
Comment by Rick — June 18, 2007 @ 12:26 pm
Even though I am mainly home cooking I still buy one brand of dry and I know that many people for many reasons must rely on commercial pet foods. Rather than complain about the price I sincerely hope that one reason for the increase in the prices of the items in the pet food aisle is that the manufacturers are wisely using better and safer ingredients (that therefore cost more) in the pet foods these days. It would be nice if they would acknowledge that, though.
Comment by elizabeth R. — June 18, 2007 @ 12:45 pm
Comment by elizabeth R. — June 18, 2007 @ 12:45
wouldn’t they be bragging about that with one of those nice bright colored bursts on the package saying “NEW! IMPROVED!!!”? and even so, I don’t think Friskies could EVER justify doubling their price! American corps always try to scare the crap out of consumers by telling them things will cost way too much such as how they are doing with COOL (and as a person with packaging experience, I call MAJOR BS on that!), fuel efficient cars, real edible food/pet food, etc. They also use every LITTLE thing they can find to jack prices more than neccessary. And the American Public buys it. I would challenge Friskies about their price hike pronto, and anyone else that has had major increases. If it’s not the Brands, then look to the retailers and be sure and let them know you will NOT stand for it. period.
grumble . . .
Comment by straybaby — June 18, 2007 @ 1:03 pm
Itchmo was having problems 6/13 @5:40pm. At one point a screen with chinese characters and an exclamation mark came up. When I was able to access a few minutes later, the site was OK. Though they might have been hacked, but figured they would comment. Maybe not aware of it?
Comment by PM Hill — June 18, 2007 @ 1:17 pm
I was just going to ask about Itchmo…..been trying since 6am. Guess the Chinese must have been successful in knocking it down. Or maybe the FDA/USDA have used their scientific knowledge (oh, gag me with a spoon) to bring it down.
I think a perfect T-shirt would read:
FDA……Finest Deceivers Anywhere
I was in a holistic pet store yesterday & to be perfectly honest I didn’t check any prices. I wasn’t aware that prices were on the rise. I can’t imagine, using the same old cheap crap, how they can justify raising their prices. Maybe they want us to think they are finally using decent ingredients…..however, more money for cheap/toxic ingredients just doesn’t cut it with me.
Keep on boycotting…..
Comment by JanC — June 18, 2007 @ 1:21 pm
Just thought of something: this pet store only carries the very best of pet foods…..none of the biggies that we are always slamming. Maybe it’s just the crappy ones that are raising prices. The good stuff is really not that much more expensive (although it would be with multiple pets….I only have one). I’d rather pay a few bucks more & get something I have a little faith in. Of course, I am primarily home cooking & we all know that can get very expensive. However, it’s cheaper than thousands of dollars at the vet’s office.
I wonder if Ben is aware that his site has been down all day. I was having a little trouble late yesterday so I just gave up & shut down my computer.
Comment by JanC — June 18, 2007 @ 1:28 pm
Comment by JanC — June 18, 2007 @ 1:28 pm
Yes he is aware of it.
Comment by Steve — June 18, 2007 @ 1:35 pm
itchmo is still down.
Comment by 6catmommy — June 18, 2007 @ 1:40 pm
USA today has an article on imported childrens products containing to much lead. They tell about a child swallowing a charm and dying from lead poisoning.
The chinese solution is they should only have to label items that they contain lead and the products should not be banned. I think the solution is bannung all trade with china until their products meet our standards!! Also ban trade until our countrys government is protecting the safety and health of all its citizen and they have stopped protecring ant corrupt busunesses with over seas interests.
Comment by thomas — June 18, 2007 @ 1:45 pm
Hmmm, Natural, Premium pet food. Some of those were part of the recall - I would need a lot of info and persuasion by a pet food manuf. to trust them now.
Gina, I like the picture of the wholesome fresh food. Looks like the meal my dog had this AM. Turkey,veggies,egg,yogurt,etc. Somehow I don’t see this coming to a dog food in the near future - as it appeared in my dogs bowl this AM.
I find it hard to believe the PFI can survive without using rendering plant product or dumping corporation by-products into pet foods. Hope I’m proven wrong. Those price increases are crazy, I’m sure it’s the same stuff in the can and bag, no big change. I think they hope if you pay more, you’ll think it’s a better product.
If I have learned anything from this - I can home cook for my dog, it hasn’t killed her, surprised her vet, and she’s now healthier and happier than ever and blood chems look normal now.
PFI and other pet food manuf. will need to do more than “talk the talk” and provide pretty pictures in ads. I will now need proof from them in writing.
Katie
PS Wishing Clara a very speedy recovery
Comment by Katie — June 18, 2007 @ 1:47 pm
Golly with our shrinking constitutional rights Ben (itchmo) could be held for years , without the right to a lawyer and we wouldn’t know for 20-to - 30 years!!!
Comment by thomas — June 18, 2007 @ 1:52 pm
The part about prices going up..yes it is hard on lots of people. Switching money from some peoples budgets, if they have any to switch, to cover increases in the regular pet foods is the best they can do.
Sometimes they simply cannot.
It will invariably trickle into a major problem for no-kill shelters too. Some foster parents will be hurting. Between the vet bills and the increases, it is hurting here too.
The end result is that not as many people will be able to afford their pets or adoptions.
So, it’s not just “complaining” about pricing- there’s concern there too.
The choice between life & death for some animals is based on cost.
Comment by Ann H — June 18, 2007 @ 2:01 pm
Thank goodness petconnection is okay, I was wondering about itchmo and not being able to connect..
Regarding GMO’s - our rice.. 3 contaminates last year and countries started sending it back to us in summer 06.. here is a snip, click link for full report.
http://www.gmfreecymru.org/new.....ch2007.htm
Press Release from GM Free Cymu March 6th 2007
GM rice contaminatin disaster spirals out of control as a THIRD contamination is idenified…
snip:
Today it is apparent that the GM rice contamination incident in the USA has spiralled out of control, in spite of the best efforts of rice farmers, millers and food packagers in a complex “damage limitation” exercise. It has also been revealed that there have also been at least THREE separate GM contamination incidents, involving contamination by different “Liberty Link” varieties developed by Bayer CropScience.
Comment by Krista — June 18, 2007 @ 2:03 pm
Comment by Ann H — June 18, 2007 @ 2:01 pm
but this is how they justify using crap ingredients. they blame it on the public wanting cheap, but as we’ve seen, there is a whole range of products and prices. if people want to feed Friskies because it works for them, they should be able to. safely. In many cases, when things should only go up a feww pennies a can at most, they threaten unaffordable prices and it’s jus NOT TRUE. And we are getting pretty good at believing them. I’d personally like to know the corn increase $ per average cow per day, how much said average cow produces to equal what could be milk @ $5 per gallon . . . and this is the milk with the hormones/etc . . . and Monsanto only knows what’s in the corn they’re eating . . .
Comment by straybaby — June 18, 2007 @ 2:25 pm
I was going to say something when My whole computer went crazy and then shut off. ?/
What I wanted to know is why at Itchmo it would show Chinese charactures and an exclamation point? If that happened to Me or on My TV, i’d go crazy. what would cause that to heppen?
Comment by Trudy Jackson — June 18, 2007 @ 2:42 pm
I’d keep an eye out for any new “holistic” or “natural” food that hits the market. Don’t know why but I have a feeling this will be the new ploy by the big PF companies. It may be hard to find out who the companies are behind this new food. They may figure it’s the only way to go to break into this new “alternative” pet food market.
I’m sticking with those that I know have been around for a while, no recalls & I know where the stuff is made…..avoiding those plants with previous problems.
As I’ve said before, fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. They won’t ever get me to buy their garbage again no matter what they put in it or what label they put on it. Never again.
It’s not just deceiving all of us thinking this was good food for our pets but the attitude of these people once they knew their product was making animals sick….I’d feel totally different if they just owned up to the fact that their manufacturers had screwed up, the food had toxins in it, recalled it, apologized, end of story. However, BSing their way out of it or outright lying just shows what kind of dirtbags run these businesses.
Comment by JanC — June 18, 2007 @ 2:59 pm
Comment by Trudy Jackson — June 18, 2007 @ 2:42 pm
The Chinese have gotten very good at breaking into our military computers. The US military is staffing and setting up teams to counter the cyber attacks and to engage in their own. Don’t know who started it, us or them? But imagine the damage can be done.
Comment by Steve — June 18, 2007 @ 3:00 pm
Speaking of sites for sore eyes, thought Howl911 was going to be updated long ago. Anyone heard anything? Hope Black Dog has the teeth to protect Gina and Christie!
Comment by PM Hill — June 18, 2007 @ 3:19 pm
I hope so too. Take Care Gina and christie!
Comment by Trudy Jackson — June 18, 2007 @ 3:27 pm
My sympathies to those who are trying to feed their cats differently since this debacle began. My dogs were simple to change to homecooked, and to my surprise, tolerated the change perfectly. We’re in an apartment with a long elevator ride to the lobby and then outdoors, so I’ve been pleased to see that even my big dog with her sensitive stomach has been without incident; she’s healthier and happier. I hope I have the supplements right.
I switched my cat to Innova Evo dry nearly a year ago, thank heavens. I was also giving him Wellness canned chicken, which he loved and appeared to do well on, but was afraid of cross contamination at Menu Foods, so stopped that in March.
I think the key to the cost factor for better brands for cats can be to include homecooked (and increase it when you find what they like). I’m only successful 50% of the time, but I’m learning from people on this site and on Itchmo. (I’m not feeding raw because I have such a small apt. I’m concerned about the sanitation aspect. I hope to get over that in the near future, because it seems best.)
Helpful hints that I’ve learned here or by hit and miss:
(1) Feed cats at specific times each day (perhaps 3x/day when beginning), and at least 2x/day.
(2) Don’t feed dry and wet at the same time IF they prefer dry. If not, mix them up.
(3) My cat won’t eat veggies or rice, so meat only for him for his homecooked meal (or mixed with canned food for those who wish to extend servings of expensive canned cat food). If cost is an issue, then it’s great if your cats will eat some long grain rice and shredded or very finely cut veggies, but they need mostly meat.
(4) Don’t microwave (too much loss of vitamins, minerals, etc.), but fry/sautee (until just cooked), at hot temperature, either chicken, ground lamb, beef, liver, other organ meats in just enough water so that it makes its own broth, with hopefully some meat bits in the broth. Cool naturally (or in freezer/fridge, but just enough so it’s not too hot). If my cat will indulge me and try any of these, he begins by licking the broth and then proceeds to the meat, which I’ve cut or torn into small pieces. (I’ve added a few pieces of Innova/Evo into the broth with some success to get him interested in some meats, but only a few.) Adding broth is key to tempting him to eat anything, especially warmed up pre-cooked meat. (Cost effective: boiling a whole plump chicken. My cat likes this best, and it makes lots of nice broth.)
(5) A wise person told me that many cats are “social eaters.” They want someone there while they eat. I have only one cat, so that someone in my house is me.
(6) I’m hoping that since my cat eats more Innova/Evo dry than homecooked, that he’s getting enough taurine and other supplements. If he starts eating more homecooked, then I will add supplements, as I do for my dogs. (I’m nervous about the purity of supplements, as are many others.)
(7) Re canned fish: My cat will only take a few licks of the juice in a can of Maine clams (for taurine). Won’t eat the clams. I envy those whose cats like canned fish, though I worry about contaminants like mercury, etc. But then we worry about everything since March, don’t we?
Hope some of this helps others as it helped me. Thanks to those who wrote of their experiences over the past months.
Comment by Maureen — June 18, 2007 @ 3:31 pm
http://nationalhogfarmer.com/n.....-for-hogs/“
Glycerin For Hogs?
snip:
With an increase in ethanol, comes higher corn prices,” he says. “Since corn is fed to pigs primarily for its energy value, we’re studying the possibility of replacing corn with glycerin in swine feed.”
Results are pending on the impact of glycerin on meat quality.
Comment by Krista — June 18, 2007 @ 3:32 pm
i haven’t been able to raise itchmo all day. sent an email at 1:30. it was returned as undeliverable at 4pm my time - eastern daylight. the site must’ve really hit a nerve to be taken down in a sneak attack…there was never a doubt in my mind that they spoke the truth…this just confirms it!
Comment by pam — June 18, 2007 @ 3:42 pm
Itchmo was fine early this AM, but then I couldn’t open thread links. Sent them some news stories this AM and they didn’t bounce-just checked. Tried the site through the Great Firewall of China, which banned it previously—now it says the site can’t be opened.
I wonder if it wasn’t hacked from there with a DOS (denial of service).
Comment by menusux — June 18, 2007 @ 4:06 pm
For those looking for Itchmo, Forums is still up and running
http://itchmoforums.com/
Ben has not responded yet to the thread asking about the site being down. Maybe the server is just down or he started revamping the site to include the new additions? Sure hope the men in black haven’t gotten to him!
Comment by Debbie4747 — June 18, 2007 @ 4:19 pm
Itch is still down and has been all day. Ben said they were on the phone with the administrators.
Comment by Steve — June 18, 2007 @ 4:19 pm
Pet Connection is blocked in China.
http://www.greatfirewallofchin.....?id=185494
Comment by Steve — June 18, 2007 @ 4:25 pm
China blocked it a while back. I checked it when Ben mentioned Itchmo was blocked and found that we were, too.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — June 18, 2007 @ 4:28 pm
Guess China doesn’t like us folks.
Comment by Steve — June 18, 2007 @ 4:29 pm
My koi fish don’t like their pellet food now. they always did. I looked up the brand- Wardley—And it’s made by Hartz Mountain. so, I looked up -who makes hartz Mountain, and I got so much info. on companies, what they put in foods, plastics, etc. If you can -Look up Hartz Mountain , I can’t remember if i put food in it or not. It’s too long to put the thread up. I don’t know how to do the tiny ULR? Someone tell Me how. -But look up -Who makes Hartz Mountain. See if you find what i did. And i’m still reading.
Comment by Trudy Jackson — June 18, 2007 @ 4:32 pm
Comment by Krista — June 18, 2007 @ 3:32 pm
buncha hogs on a sugar high?! that outta be festive! Hope they have plenty of mud to roll in ;)
Comment by straybaby — June 18, 2007 @ 4:37 pm
Trudy asks:
“I don’t know how to do the tiny ULR?”
“Copy” the complete original URL, then go to http://tinyurl.com/ and “paste” it in the box. Click on Make TinyURL and it will give you a tiny url.
Comment by Julie — June 18, 2007 @ 4:39 pm
I recall seeing what I thought was Chinese lettering on the itchmo site one day when I thought the site was down and later that day he posted about translating documents in Korean.
Comment by anon — June 18, 2007 @ 5:02 pm
Julie, i’ll try it, actually I’ll practice it. I’ve never cut and pasted before. I need to learn anyway. Thanks,
Comment by Trudy Jackson — June 18, 2007 @ 5:04 pm
Trudy,
That is interesting about Hartz. I didn’t know they were owned by a Japanese company. What a mix, areospace,computers,food,etc. Sounds like another multinational.
Katie
Comment by Katie — June 18, 2007 @ 5:23 pm
Well, I was at the vets again today. My snow bengal [Jessie James] was limping. He had been favoring His shoulder since last week. I had put him out in the gazebo for a day with the other cats.[Yes, they have their own gazebo] at least that’s what it looks like. With climbing trees, and furniture, etc. I thought he had just jumped wrong and hurt his shoulder a little. but by this morning, i could tell it was His paw pad.It was swollen and sore , so off to the vets We went. Actually the whole leg was swollen, and He had a temp, etc. so the Dr. gave him a seditive and Ex-rayed it to see what was up in his pad. He didn’t find anything but it was all infected and had to be drained. the vet thinks the cats got fighting and one somehow one bit Him right between His paw pads. So, He’s on antibiotics and meds to put on it, etc. We have a lot of cats, but leave it to him. I just got My dog back from the vets. And with the cats I lost, now my bill is over 4000.00. I love this cat so much. Even with all I have , He is My favorite, don’t tell the others. But how in the world are We all going to pay these bills? we are barely making it now, and there’s always something right around the corner. How are you all managing to do it? And i’m so happy it wasn’t more serious. The bill part is just so depressing.
Comment by Trudy Jackson — June 18, 2007 @ 5:28 pm
I sure hope I don’t kill Benny (the Betta fish) with his food. I bought it quite a while ago & it’s not on any list for contaminated fish food. Geez, isn’t this just a laugh a minute? Sure hope I don’t have to home cook for him….don’t have a clue what Bettas eat. I do have dried worms as a snack….oh yum.
I was able to pull up Itchmo once last night but couldn’t get to blogs or forums & haven’t been able to get back in since. He must have crashed big time. Look out, Gina, they may be coming to get you next.
Comment by JanC — June 18, 2007 @ 5:33 pm
Katie,
I didn’t know it either. It looks like too many things in one company to Me. and i didn’t it was made there either. But I don’t think I like all that.
Comment by Trudy Jackson — June 18, 2007 @ 5:39 pm
Itchmo website is up and running.
Comment by Julie — June 18, 2007 @ 5:43 pm
Jan, the food My fish are on isn’t on any list either. but it is pellets, so i’m not sure of it. i bought them flakes and they love it. It does make Me wonder? And I don’t want to home cook for the fish either! HAHA
Comment by Trudy Jackson — June 18, 2007 @ 5:45 pm
I will never buy any Menu Foods related product again. Nutro Products wet pouches were made by Menu Foods and Nutro advertised them as “savory flavor”, Natural Choice”, “Everything Your Kitten Needs”, “Complete Kitten Care”. They didn’t tell me about the poisons and that their food in pouches would kill my cat. They treated me like dirt when I reported my loss.
The companies that say they were deceived by Menu Foods were too greedy to ensure that real quality control was followed. ALL they cared about was the MONEY.
I cook fresh meats my surviving pets and add some wet food from a very few manufacturers that I think are honest to ensure that they get all the nutrients they need. It is more time consuming a more expensive, but I can never again trust the big companies and their greedy outsourcing to Menu Foods
The rapacious pet food companies’ products sickened and killed out pets, they deserve to go out of business and to be criminally prosecuted, IMO.
Comment by MFEMFEM — June 18, 2007 @ 6:06 pm
Trudy -
We’ve been feeding the Koi Tetra Pond for over 5 yrs. (It’s available at Petco/PetsMart in large boxes and tubs.) It’s made in Germany. Their web site is tetra-fish.com. The product is floating soft sticks - even the babies can nibble on it. So far OK; but now it seems we can’t count on anything for long!
Comment by PM Hill — June 18, 2007 @ 6:37 pm
Something happened to My post. It might turn up later. Also, 2 of My baby fish died eating the pellets. they might have anyway, but i have to wonder? thanks, PM Hill
Comment by Trudy Jackson — June 18, 2007 @ 6:43 pm
MFEMFEM—the cat that has diarrhea—do you think he would eat yogurt? It helped me out with my problem, although it took several weeks.
Sweet potato in the cat food gives my cat diarrhea unless she is constipated, then it helps to relieve this problem. A lot of fiber in sweet potato. I am sure you have talked to your vet about it. Just thought I would approach it from a nutritional angle.
My cat is diabetic. Although I give her shots, I have to change the kitty litter frequently and understand a tiny bit, just a tiny bit, your hardship with your male cat.
Comment by Evelyn — June 18, 2007 @ 7:56 pm
I just got itchmo website on second try.
Comment by Evelyn — June 18, 2007 @ 7:59 pm
I just got Itchmo with no problem. So glad they’re up.
Comment by Jan — June 18, 2007 @ 9:05 pm
The BS about “Holistic”, “Natural” & “Organic” pet foods started several years ago with the big pet food companies…..watch out for more false advertising. How can any pet food be called “H, N or O” if the product is cooked at very high temperatures, filled with grains or rice (how natural/holistic is that for a dog or cat), then loaded with preservatives, add some salt to force the pet to drink water otherwise they will be hydrated, get urinary track problems, etc. along with adding poop forming agents. I wonder what fast food grease coats the food? It will be safer for your pet to eat the bag than what is inside.
Lovely pieces of carrots, chicken, peas, etc. are now appearing on dry (kibble) packages yet when you look inside, you can’t find the items in the bag and the stuff stinks. It is also amazing that every commercial pet food is “100 complete and balanced”…..how can all the cheap and expensive pet foods be labelled with this statement…..maybe they ARE all the same.
The giant pet food companies have no way to distribute fresh-frozen products and so they will have to find new and better ways to fool pet owners about their product.
Comment by Dave — June 19, 2007 @ 6:15 am
The blame game goes on—Chem-Nutra blaming China, Menu Foods blaming Chem-Nutra, The pet food companies blaming Menu Foods.
Whole foods has some wholesome-looking pet wet and dry foods. Fooled by so many companies, right now I dare not take a chance with Whole Food offerings, but will stay with California Natural. Does not get them sick and they like it. More expensive, but I cut down on my own expenses (sacrifice for love).
Comment by Evelyn — June 19, 2007 @ 7:16 am
Well, on the plus side we still have home cooking for our pets. :)
The web site is coming along fairly well. Kat has sent some recipes along and I just added one of mine: Stormy’s Super Senior Supper! at http://www.homecookingpetfoodr.....upper.aspx
I’ll have a submission form up shortly for recipes but you can email me for now using the links on the site. I have several pictures to add but can always use more, so send those in, too!
Thanks!
Comment by Peggy (AKA: Big Fat Momma Cat) — June 19, 2007 @ 8:29 am
The pellet fish food might contain a chemical to keep it glued together. That is what I read recently about cow feed, hog feed, poultry feed, and fish feed. One of the companies is in Johnstown, Colorado. Apparently it is allowed by FDA.
I had a pet catfish for 26 yrs. Only fed him the flakes. The pellets did not work for me, since they did not dissolve quickly enough and left some residue.
Comment by Evelyn — June 19, 2007 @ 9:38 am
Peggy,
Like your website. Looks great. Good going!
Comment by Linda — June 19, 2007 @ 10:52 am
Peggy,
The site looks great!
Katie
Comment by Katie — June 19, 2007 @ 1:26 pm
Dave,
You are so right: “find new and better ways to fool pet owners about their products”.
Can’t wait to see what Iams idea is for Organic.
My dogs dinner looked like the picture Gina inserted above. Somehow I don’t see that in a commercial dog food bag in my store anytime soon.
Katie
Comment by Katie — June 19, 2007 @ 1:31 pm
I agree with all of you…..what I cook & put in my dog’s bowl looks like what I eat, not all the gross stuff I’ve been reading about that goes into pet food. My dog doesn’t seem to mind that she’s no longer eating cardboard pellets (actually plastic melapellets). She has always looked forward to her meals (she’s a Lab, what do you expect….oink oink) but now she goes nuts when I start pulling the stuff out of the fridge for her dinner. My dog spoiled? Nah…..
The big PF companies would have to prove to me that their new “organic” (or whatever they’re going to come up with) doesn’t contain crap before I’d ever considering trying them again. Actually, I’m not sure I could ever trust them again. I think I’ll stick with the small companies that were the only ones I was able to trust through this. (I do homecook most of her food but she gets a tad of dry food along with it. Maybe one day I’ll go back to half & half but right now I’m still not comfortable.)
My dog’s coat is shiny & soft, she runs around the house like a nutso dog (which she is) & is really doing super. I must be doing something right. I bet if I had her bloodwork done, she’d be perfect. I have more faith in my cooking right now.
Comment by JanC — June 19, 2007 @ 4:56 pm
I have two of three cats - both eating Wellness cat food - that are sick today. Neither will eat dinner. Vomiting and diarreah. The first wasn’t feeling well yesterday evening but seems worse today. I just purchased new cases on Friday (Turkey & Turkey/Salmon). But otherwise, they have been eating this for a while now. One of the cats switched 100 % to canned in mid May. My third cat seems to not be affected at all. Anyone hearing anything?
Comment by Jennyg — June 19, 2007 @ 5:05 pm
http://www.chron.com/disp/stor.....03624.html
Comment by The OTHER Pat — June 19, 2007 @ 6:19 pm
Jennyg, That’s what happened to Me. some of My cats got sick and some didn’t. I guess I know where you’ll be tomorrow. and hold onto some of the food. Keep it. I haven’t heard anything about that kind, but you never know. Good luck.
Comment by Trudy Jackson — June 19, 2007 @ 7:01 pm
Jennyg-Some of the Wellness cans are made at Menu.Somewhere in my notes I have the name of the Wellness cust service rep who told me. He said the code after the date would start with an S, C & I think W or F followed by the #s 1,2,3 or 4. I’m sure about the s & c. If I can find it I’ll post again.
Comment by Leslie k — June 19, 2007 @ 7:37 pm
Received July copy of Whole Dog Journal. Nancy Kerns, the editor writes that she’s been interviewing some pet food industry people and will present excerpts from the interviews in next month’s issue. Quote from Nancy: “One preview: expect higher prices on all pet foods soon, especially top-quality products. Consumers who are paying top dollar for what they expect to be top-quality products have been exerting more and more pressure on makers of “superpremium pet foods to disclose their ingredient sources or at least prove their purity and quality”. She goes on to say “One company owner told me ruefully, “Now all the people who said they use top-quality ingredients, but in actuality don’t - are out there trying to find and buy those ingredients and the supply is small enough that the price just keeps going higher and higher”.
Comment by VJ — June 19, 2007 @ 7:57 pm
I have switched my cats to Tiki. I have to order it on line since no store in my area carries it. So far they really like it - they were previous Fancy Feast addicts. It costs a considerable amount more but I think it is worth it. I was in the grocery store the other day and noticed the big manufacturer pet foods (especially cat foods) were at a great discount. I also noticed people standing around reading the ingredient labels then putting them back on the shelf and walking away without buying. They aren’t selling. Gee, I wonder why?????
Comment by Lois — June 19, 2007 @ 8:12 pm
Yeah - I know about the Wellness being made at Menu. But it has managed to have a really good reputation throughout the recall. I finally saw one of the cats throw up tonight - it was the IBD cat. So, I have a theory that maybe I was switching him too fast and he got sick. We gave him some prescription meds tonight to (hopefully) stop the vomiting. The other cat is really picky and may be sick himself, or maybe just turned off by the other cat’s diarreah and vomiting. He was eating right before bed tonight and then stopped when the other cat got sick. We actually have an appointment for the IBD cat on Friday - the other one is just coming along for a weight check as he is on a diet. I guess I’ll see where they are tomorrow.
Comment by Jennyg — June 19, 2007 @ 8:25 pm
Hey Jennyg - I have been feeding my four cats both wet and dry Eaglepack for about 7 weeks now. Eaglepack, like Wellness, is manufactured at Menu. I struggled with this for a while. Honestly, the biggest reason I didn’t take them off the Eagle pack after I found out about the MF connection was because this was their third food change and I was worried about that. I’ll tell you though, my kids have done great on the eaglepack and they all are more healthy then they have been in forever (I used to feed them IAMS before all the melamadness). Anyway, just my two cents worth - but so far, the chance I have taken has worked out. Good Luck.
Comment by Chelsea — June 19, 2007 @ 11:31 pm
Thanks Chelsea. Two of my cats had done really well on the Welllness for a month now. I was nervous about it too - but read so many good things about it.
Bo ate with gusto this a.m. A bit slower than normal, but cleaned his bowl. Unless he gets sick I’m thinking he is OK. It was obvious he didn’t like the smelly litter box and vomit. And he’s always had problems eating if any little thing is amiss. So, I’m going to wait and see on him.
Cougar, who has IBD and pacreatitis, may be reacting to my giving him more canned food than he was given previously. He’s going to the vet tomorrow for his annual. He didn’t eat much this a.m. - and I gave him his old dry food. Will give him metoclopramide again today if he needs it.
One of the cats was sick overnight but mostly foam with a little fur mixed in. So could be furball related or could be other.
So, I guess I’m wait and see now!
Comment by Jennyg — June 20, 2007 @ 4:35 am
for all of us who have suffered through the mass poisoning of our pets and a host of other recalls, i give you the the Hartford Courant’s Colin McEnroe, a man who truly understands the issue and writes about it with flair.
http://tinyurl.com/2nn2yn
enjoy, folks, cuz laughs are few and far between on this particular subject.
Comment by explodinghed — June 25, 2007 @ 1:54 pm