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Pet Food and Pet Care Articles
Dangerous Dog Toy Alert
The terrible accident that happened with this toy concerns me a great deal. It could happen to any dog with probably numerous brands of toys.
Natural Pet Food and Fools Gold
60% of pet owners said that “natural ingredients” are the most important issue to influence a pet food purchase. The problem for pet owners is that searching for a pet food labeled ‘Natural’ can be like finding fools gold.
My Friend Gunner
Yesterday I had to say good-bye to Gunner – my big German Shepherd. He was 13 ¾ years old. This is very difficult for me to write – but it’s for a reason that I hope every pet owner out there hears.
Science Diet recently announced their “Feeding is Believing™ - the Value of Precise Nutrition” campaign. This new campaign looks as if Science Diet has been reading my Save Money – Buy Expensive report – and decided to market their pet foods using a similar strategy.
Pets Euthanized Because of Breed Profiling
A recent article in the Leaf Chronicle, Clarksville, TN newspaper has got the fur flying. The Leaf Chronicle reported on euthanizing procedures for the county Animal Control. Horrendous standard procedures flatly euthanize particular breeds regardless of the dog’s history or circumstances.
Pedigree Recall and do you believe in Rainbow Bridge?
News from Pedigree regarding a limited recall and an interesting article providing various opinions on the afterlife of our pets.
Discouraging News from Veterinary Medical Association Meeting
Recently the AMVA (American Veterinary Medical Association) held its annual meeting; reports of the topics discussed are discouraging. Per an article reported in MedicalNewToday.com several veterinary speakers clearly continue to support major pet food manufacturers.
FDA Gives Pet Food a Loophole to By-Pass Law
The law specifically states no diseased animal or an animal which has died other than by slaughter is allowed for use in food. Enter the FDA looking out for the interest of some pet food manufacturers. Our FDA friends have provided an official loophole to allow pet food to by-pass the law.
Oh where oh where can the by-products go?
Could risky meat by-products be turned into energy?
No it’s not that I have gone to reporting on energy these days. But I have discovered a possible means for the inferior garbage that gets dumped into pet food to be turned into valuable energy. Something that seems to be a far better method to discard of left over animal waste materials than becoming dog food or cat food ingredients.
Do you monitor litter box or back yard deposits?
As much ‘fun’ as it is to clean the litter box or pick up the ‘land mines’ in the back yard, the clean up provides you with an opportunity to monitor your pet’s health. The trick is to first learn what normal elimination behavior is, and then any changes in normal are an early alert to a possible problem.
Greatest American Dog Reality Show
If you haven’t watched the newest reality show – The Greatest American Dog – you should. Besides the judges who seem to think acting like Simon Cowell of American Idol is cool, it’s a great show. My favorite contestant team is Bill & Star. It’s a joy to watch how much they love each other – they have a mutual worship.
Unacceptable FDA Warning Letters
I subscribe to several FDA warning and recall email lists; the warning letters issued by the FDA have caused me some concern. The last several lists provided by the FDA of warning letters have each contained warnings issued to livestock producers – folks who provide meat producing animals for human and pet consumption.
Don’t Give Your Pet Treats…Give Them a Bonus!
We all do it; we give our pets treats as a reward or just because we love them. And many times pet owners don’t think about the extra calories in treats or worse yet consider if the treat contains harmful ingredients. ‘It’s a treat, it won’t hurt anything – right? Well, it could.
FDA Warning Issued…One Year Late
The recent batch of warning letters issued by the FDA once again causes me to worry about eating anything. One in particular – FDA warning letter dated 7/2/08 to Chief Operating Officer at Full Circle Dairy in Lee, FL proves the FDA is so ‘after the fact’ it is a wonder we all aren’t sick.
Confessions of a Cynical, Self Absorbed, Picky Petsumer
Ok, I admit it…I have a bad attitude. I am sick and tired of lame excuses by the FDA, fed up with the garbage left-overs of human food being turned into pet food, and I’m over the top ticked off how a television commercial that tugs on pet owner heart strings motivates…almost manipulates…unknowing pet owners to purchase. I’m a cynical, self absorbed, picky petsumer (pet owning consumer).
If you buy pet food at Petco – read this just released FDA warning…
Warehousing and storage of pet foods is out of the manufacturer’s control once it leaves their facilities. Pet owners must rely on conscientious distributors to warehouse the food properly. Unfortunately, not every distributor is conscientious. This was just released by the FDA…
Cigarettes, Lies, and Pet Food Advertising
It’s difficult to imagine that cigarettes and lies have any connection with pet food – but when you look closely at the advertising tactics of some pet foods, look closely at the ingredients in those pet foods – you’ll find cigarettes, lies, and pet food fits perfectly together.
Here's what AAFCO Past President thinks about Consumer Concerns...
This is a prime example of what pet owners are up against with regards to pet food safety…
FDA Says 'Dog Ate Homework'
You are well aware of the pet food recall of 2007. You are well aware that due to that recall thousands of pets died, and thousands more became ill. You are probably aware that the FDA held a public meeting on May 13, 2008 to seek input from stakeholder groups – including consumers – for the future safety of pet food. But you are probably not aware that the FDA seems to be giving the U.S. pet owning public and Congress the same excuse school children often use…
Timberwolf Dog Food Recall
Due to complaints of sick dogs from customers – Timberwolf Organics Dog Food has voluntarily recalled two brands of dry dog food. Dakota Bison with ‘best by’ date of 2/12/2009 and Ocean Blue with ‘best by’ date of 2/20/2009 and 3/8/2009. There has been no determination as to cause.
The FDA has set a date!
Well, it’s finally happening – the FDA pet food safety meeting finally has a date. Below is more information…
One Simple Question that could Save Your Pet's Life!
There is a lot to know in order to properly care for the four legged love of your life. But there is one question that every dog and cat owner needs to ask – and deserves to know the answer to. It’s simple and it should take less than 3 minutes of your time.
News from the Wall Street Journal and Cornell University
The Wall Street Journal online today published a nice article on the pet industry’s trend towards health products. "The biggest thing in pet food at the moment is natural and organic, because it's been that way a couple years for humans," said Jim D'Aquila, managing director at financial advisory concern Mercanti Group, which specializes in consumer and wellness products. "They are adopting for their pets what they are adopting for themselves."
Important! More melamine tainted gluten's imported from China
I could not find the names of the pet food companies that purchased the new tainted melamine glutens – but I have found the FDA documents confirming that melamine tainted glutens have entered the U.S. from China again and a FDA alert…”Detention without physical examination of all vegetable protein products from China for animal or human food use due to the presence of melamine and/or melamine analogs”.
Reports of pet illness and death from eating Nutro pet foods
The following Consumer Affairs website was sent to me from a concerned pet owner – and after reading the very recent reports of pets getting sick and dying with the similar connection being Nutro Pet Foods – I thought it was necessary to share this with you.
FDA News and Pet Safety Web sites
A Reuters article on the present condition of the FDA tells us some not so encouraging information. “The system U.S. consumers depend on to ensure the safety of their food supply is not broken, but multiple food borne outbreaks at the same time could push it to its "breaking point," an official with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Tuesday.
One Year Later...
We also have another day to remember – not any celebration – but a time we should never forget. We have reached the year anniversary of the largest and deadliest pet food recall in history. Unfortunately, there is absolutely nothing to celebrate at the end of a year. No changes have been made in pet food regulations, we continue to be at the mercy of ‘recommended quality control’ and substandard and potentially dangerous pet food ingredients.
Report from ABKA meeting...
I just returned from speaking at the American Boarding Kennel Association Spring Meeting. Wow am I glad to be home. The meeting was held in Louisville, KY – home of the greatest 2 minutes in sports – the Kentucky Derby, and home to 10 inches of snow that arrived the day before I got there.
Pet Food Field Trip
I took a little field trip yesterday – to Walmart and paid a visit to the pet food aisle. It was one of the most discouraging field trips I’ve ever taken. I’m not going to mention any product names but wow do I have some interesting pet food sales tricks to share with you.
Ellen's going to the dogs...and cats!
Fantastic news for pet lovers who are fans of Ellen DeGeneres and who want to feed their pet a premium food…Ellen will soon release an all natural pet food line.
Pretend Pet Food Advice from the FDA
It seems you can’t turn around on the Internet these days without someone giving you some kind of advice on pet food. I thought it might be interesting to shake things up a little…the following is pretend (imaginary, not-real, fake, phony, sham, false, make-believe) pet food advice from the FDA:
I just don't understand...
Over the weekend, while waiting for a friend picking up a few groceries to take home, I was standing outside a small market in Clearwater, FL. As I was enjoying the evening, a woman walked up with her little dog in tow. She was obviously ‘in love’ with the dog, smiling at everyone who noticed them. I smiled – enjoying her enjoying her dog so much. We starting talking – I learned that his name was Ziggy, he was 10 months old, and she recently adopted him from the animal shelter. Being the pet food nut that I am, I asked her what food she was feeding him.
8 Signs your pet thinks you're a pet food Loser!
So you want to think that all pet foods are the same? Ok, here are my 8 signs your pet thinks you’re a loser…
How the largest beef recall in history effects pet owners
A little over a month ago, I delivered a similar article as the below regarding Specified Risk Materials in pet food to your email box. The current beef recall – the largest beef recall in history – brings up the importance of SRMs again. Below is additional information on SRMs with regards to pet food.
More Concerns with imports from China
You might have heard of this story in the national news, it happened this week – the day before Valentines Day – in a neighboring city to where I live. A small shard of metal was found in a child’s Valentines sucker – a Pokemon Valentine sucker – and the product was quickly recalled. As soon as the story broke here on local news – before they even announced where the product was made – I knew where it came from. It was made in China.
Canadian television airing pet food documentary!
One of you wonderful supporters out there sent me information on a pet food documentary – Pet Food: A Dog’s Breakfast - that is airing this week in Canada. It appears that this documentary is telling the real truth about the pet food industry – nothing like anything ever seen on U.S. television.
(Some) Pet food is dumping ground for FDA's 'Specified Risk Materials'.
While imported ingredients remain high on the awareness of pet owners across the US and Canada, there is something right here in the US that few are aware of and poses a similar threat to our pets. The FDA terms the ingredients SRM’s – specified risk materials. SRM’s are a common pet food ingredient that is little more than waste from the human meat industry. The name alone – Specified Risk Materials – explains the concern.
Reports of dogs having severe skin reactions and enlarged livers and kidneys…
I just received this notice this afternoon from Catherine MacIvor of Maltzman Foreman, PA – lead attorney in the pet food lawsuit regarding manufacturers misleading pet owners. Catherine is a VERY reliable source and is in contact with pet owners and pet food safety advocates all over the US (actually the world). I consider her news startling.
Resisting human nature...
Yesterday I was in a Petco picking up a Gentle Leader harness for a friend whose dog needed a little help on walks (seems she was dislocating mom’s shoulder every time they went through the neighborhood!). I used to love going into pet shops – have ever since I was a kid when there used to be little neighborhood pet shops - they used to have to run me out of because I’d stay so long playing with the hamsters or birds or whatever animals they had. I don’t hang out in pet shops much anymore – it’s too discouraging for me these days.
Stem Cell Therapy for Pets...
Very interesting (but short) segment from Nightline on stem cell therapy for pets -
Here's Your Chance to make changes in pet food!
Thanks for sharing!
Quality control, cellular life span, and loose stool...(now there's some interesting topics!)...
Tips to Avoid the Next Pet Food Recall
Last year turned out to be the worst in history for pet food recalls. While there is no way to be 100% certain that a pet food is not tainted or will be recalled, there are some important things to look for – and to avoid when selecting your dog’s or cat’s food - to greatly improve your odds in purchasing a healthy, safe pet food.
What’s in a name? Not much with some pet foods…
From looking at as many pet food labels as I do, I’ve been reminded about an interesting but disheartening issue about some pet foods. Many pet food manufacturers produce dozens of different types of dog food and cat food. Besides the typical adult or puppy formulas – there are foods that are marketed to specific needs of pets – such as senior pets, indoor cats, dental formulas, and so on. The problem can be that with these niche marketing pet foods - often times their is no difference (or there is very little difference) in ingredients between the higher priced niche products and a maintenance product.
Sign, sign, look everywhere for a sign...
A report from ABC News yesterday doesn’t give me a great deal of hope for changes in the pet food industry. The news story told of the findings from an ‘expert panel’ that recently reviewed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Their report titled “FDA Science and Mission at Risk” is bad news for both people and pets.
Holiday Gifts and Polar Bears
Ya Gotta Tell Them!
Below doesn’t have anything to do with pet food, but having a great deal of experience in the area - it’s a subject that I thought I’d share. I recently read an article about a Dog Day Care who had the unfortunate experience of a dog escaping the facility in the middle of the day and no one noticed. At the end of the day, the dog’s owners (brand new to this daycare) returned to pick up their dog and…no dog. The article did not provide any information if there was a happy ending to the story – so we don’t know if Fido returned home.
Happy Thanksgiving
Unfortunately it's a gray area - Human Grade or Pet Grade ingredients in pet foods.
Last week I shared with you some very important news regarding one pet food manufacturer (Honest Kitchen) and their six month struggle and law suit to make the claim of human grade ingredients on their pet food labeling. This week I need to issue a warning to you about that very same subject.
Big, Big, Big News that will benefit every pet owner!
Yippee! Yahoo! A big step towards truth in pet food labeling has happened! The Honest Kitchen pet food company has won a six month lawsuit against the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Ohio denied Honest Kitchen a license to sell its products in the state, citing the product labels were misleading because they describe the company’s pet food as “human food grade.”
Eagle Pack Pet Food reported to contain acetaminophen.
Omega Pets
I’ve talked about this in the past and I’m a big believer – Omega’s offer our pets the same health benefits they do us.
Why it’s important – ‘Best By’ date on pet foods
A recent article posted on The Consumerist website brings up a very good point (and lesson) that pet owners should take note of…
Ellen DeGeneres and Iggy
It's killing Bald Eagles, but the FDA says it's safe for pets
Just when you think you’ve seen it all and nothing would be too surprising to learn or read about the pet food industry, you stumble across something that causes your jaw to drop. I stumbled across something that proves once again – you can’t be too careful about the food and treats you give to your pet. Here is what I stumbled on…
Say Bye, Bye to By-Products
A common ingredient found in dog food and cat food is by-products. When you look at your pet food or pet treat label, you might see by-product, chicken by-product, turkey by-product meal, or a few more variations. Most pet owners have never been told exactly what by-products are. If you don’t know – don’t feel bad about it…my guess is that even the pet food manufacturers themselves can’t tell you exactly what by-products are in their own brand of pet food.
Some email answers...
Have I become the bearer of bad pet news?
Bravo Pet Food Recall
Three guesses...first two don't count - Made in China.
September Truth News 9/14/07
Pet Safety Advice 9/12/07
Caught Red Handed
More on Bestro Chicken Strips, Michael Vick, and Science Diet Rx Diets
Mars Petcare Recall 8/23/07
Pet Owner Warnings 8/21/07
Pet Lover News
Selling Pet Food - Selling the Moon is made of cheese
More issues w/China and help for pets on Rx diets...
Dog and Cat Trivia
This email has absolutely no purpose except for fun…
July 26, 2007 More Truth About Pet Food News
July 2007 FDA Warning Re: Natural Balance
Red Flag Ingredients!
11 Secrets to a Happier Healthier Pet
7 Secrets to pet food that can save your pet's life
Contact AAFCO Officials
I was duped!
Incredible News...Pets Talk!!!
How to Compare Pet Food Prices
Dog Sense
When Will They Listen?
Does Your Pet Have Gas?
Menu Foods
FDA Press Release
Pet Food Lesson
