Pet Food Ingredients

Risky or Health Promoting; learn about the ingredients in your pet's food.

More than you Ever Wanted to Know about Mycotoxins

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.

Mums the Word, Human Grade Ingredients in Pet Food

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 know some Chickens are Vaccinated to prevent Salmonella?

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?

EPA Document Proves Euthanized Dogs and Cats are Rendered

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.

The New Catch Phrase in Pet Food

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?

Icky Discovery in Can of Pedigree

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

The Canola Oil Trend

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.

National Media Attention to Pet Food Salmonella Contaminations

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.

FDA acknowledges receipt of our Citizen Petition

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

One Example of a Pet Food Partial Truth

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.

Veterinarian Cancer Expert tells Pet Food to Consider the Health Implications

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.

Pentobarbital in Dog Food Never Resolved

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.

The Worst Horrors of Pet Food on Video

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.

Great Video about Chemical Contamination Game

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.

More Melamine Tainted Milk Products Seized

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

Food Dyes called Rainbow of Risks

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.

Pet Food needs a Sourcemap

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.

Non-GMO Shopping Guide

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).

Arsenic in Animal Feed

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. 

Tolerable levels of Melamine?

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.