Orijen Cat Food has been found to be the only link between a strange illness that paralyzed five cats in Australia, all five pets needed to be euthanized. I just spoke with Dianna at Orijen and she shared the following information with me…

The only reports of sick cats (or any pets) have been in Australia. All pet foods shipped into Australia must be irradiated – treated with radiation – before they are sold. Orijen has no control over this, this is a mandated issue from the government of Australia. Orijen has sent two samples of the irradiated food, along with non irradiated food from the same batch to two separate University testing laboratories. It is not sure if an answer for the illnesses will be found in these tests, however it should provide a wealth of information regarding effects of irradiation of foods. Orijen is expecting the test results on Wednesday, November 26, 2008. They will post the results on their website www.championpetfoods.com.

Orijen told me they feel the irradiation is the concern. Although this is frightening for already frightened pet owners, at this point I am in agreement that the irradiation is the concern.

Food is irradiated – treated with radiation – to kill bacteria and molds. In the process, much more is destroyed. Not only is the nutrition destroyed, but far more research than the FDA lets on to, tells us much more damage can occur. Irradiation breaks chemical bonds, and it is suspect that broken chemical bonds within foods containing numerous ingredients (a pet food) can alter the entire ‘food’ in many ways. A very interesting article, explaining the history of food irradiation and some serious side effects can be found here: http://www.iicph.org/docs/food_irradiation.htm

I will do some needed research on irradiation and follow up with an article for you soon.

Wishing you and your pet the best,

Susan Thixton
Truth about Pet Food
Petsumer Report
www.TruthaboutPetFood.com

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