Mycotoxins are molds, deadly molds, prone to grow on many common pet food ingredients.  While many pet owners are familiar with aflatoxin contamination (causing pet food recalls in the past), a 2007 scientific report seems to suggest numerous mycotoxins even at low levels over time can cause serious health consequences to our pets.

A savvy pet owner was taken aback by some advertising she spotted in Petsmart.  She discovered a Wellness Pet Food display stating "Made from Human Grade Ingredients".  Interesting, since the 'human grade' claim is not defined by pet food regulations.  The dilemma begins (continues).

Did you also know that 80% of the chickens responsible for producing the eggs for Hillandale Farms, one of the two farms responsible for the largest egg recall in history were vaccinated to prevent Salmonella?  Did you know that our friends (pun intended) at Monsanto hold a patent for poultry vaccine?  Are you worried yet?

One more confirmation to the horror many of us have suspected for years; an EPA document clearly states Rendering Facilities "obtain animal by-product materials" from "animal shelters."  Along with another EPA report, the evidence is mounting; current pet food regulations must be changed.

Here is just another example of how many pet food manufacturers don't give pet owners the whole truth.  When questioned about Country of Origin of ingredients, the new catch phrase of pet food is 'some vitamins and minerals originate in the Pacific Rim'.  Do you know what they are trying Not to say?

Guess what one pet owner found in a can of Pedigree Dog food?  A frog.  Pictures provided by the concerned pet owner.

It is startling to see the number of pet foods and treats that are using Canola Oil; it is becoming the trend ingredient.  So much so that it caused me to wonder if I had previously given Canola Oil a bad rap.  A revisit to Canola Oil research provided me with no comfort; only concern as to why it is so commonly used in pet foods.

Good Morning America warns pet owners about the risk of dry pet foods possible contamination of Salmonella.  The GMA story cites a study recently released by Pediatrics Journal.  While no theory of how the salmonella contamination happened or could be prevented, Food Safety Microbiologist Phyllis Entis has a theory about the recent Salmonella recalled pet foods/treats; a very interesting theory.

Acknowledgment from FDA has been received regarding our Citizen Petition.  The FDA letter and follow up information.

With the pet food name removed to protect the innocent from lawsuit, the following is a direct quote from a manufacturer.  From the mouth of pet food, a partial truth.

Wow.  A panel meeting at the 2010 IFT (Institute of Food Technology) Annual Meeting & Food Expo "encouraged pet food manufacturers to consider the health implications of their products in order to improve animals' health" reports NaturalNews.com  That's not likely, but...Wow.

While I understand it is challenging at best to believe the possibility that euthanized dogs and cats are rendered and become pet food and treat ingredients, the very real possibility remains.  The following is further information taken from the FDA website.

I don't know the source of this video, it was received in a Google Alert for pet food.  I do know that while it is hard to stomach, it is a video that every concerned pet lover should watch.  If this video doesn't make you fighting mad and disgusted about the pet industry as a whole, nothing will.

From HealthyStuff.org, a fantastic video encouraging consumers to write Congress asking to strengthen the Safe Chemicals Act.  While there is no mention of pets, when you watch (and read) the video, you'll quickly see how are pets are of concern too.

Seventy-six tons of dairy products laced with melamine were seized in China last month (June 2010).  The melamine nightmare continues.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has published a informative report on the risk of food dyes.  CPSI states many currently approved dyes raise health concerns.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to visit a pet food company website and quickly see the country of origin of each and every ingredient in the pet products?  A new volunteer run website is doing just that with many consumer products.  No pet food is listed yet, but here's hoping they take note of this vital consumer (petsumer) information.

While there is no shopping guide for Non-GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) foods for pets (yet), those that wish to avoid feeding their entire family Genetically Modified or Genetically Engineered foods the short answer is avoiding four food (groups).

This is one of those ridiculous but true stories.  Arsenic, the deadly poison and known carcinogen, is an allowed ingredient in some animal feed.  Please read and tell the FDA to completely ban the use of arsenic in animal feed. 

International experts of the World Health Organization said they have/had set a "tolerable daily intake for melamine".  Confusing; a "tolerable daily intake" for a industrial compound used to make plastics and pesticides?  Common sense seems to say there should be NO tolerable level allowed in any food.  But that's common sense which all too often has nothing in common with health experts.