BS: Poison pet food

Subject: BS: Poison pet food
From: Nancy King
Date: 19 Mar 07 - 06:23 PM

I need to rant a bit. A little over a week ago, my not-quite-eight-year-old cat Roscoe was diagnosed with primary kidney failure. The diagnosis followed several days of veterinary hospitalization and tests (costing a bundle, you may be sure). After ruling out Addison's disease, which is treatable, the vet concluded it was primary kidney failure, and said the only thing that would keep him alive (and for who knows how long) would be for me to administer subcutaneous fluids every day, and feed him special kidney formula food. We'll probably never know what caused it, the vet said.

Well, now we know what caused it. For the past year Roscoe has been eating -- and enjoying -- Iams "weight control" formula cat food – the kind that comes in a foil pouch. Very easy. But now it turns out that Iams "wet food" in pouches is one of MANY well-respected brands now being recalled because they were found to be tainted with something that causes kidney failure. Terrific.

The condition is irreversible, and treatable only by a procedure that is a royal pain (for both me and the cat) to administer, and involves very expensive equipment. I have to buy hanging pouches of NACL fluid, plus special tubing and needles -- it comes to about $50 or $60 per week. Not to mention the nearly $1000 I have already incurred in vet bills, and the fact that I'm supposed to take him back in for regular checkups. And of course, the treatment may stop working at any point, and then I'll have to have him put down. Sheesh!

I'm not sure how long I can keep this up -- emotionally, logistically, or financially. Of course I'll return my remaining supply of the Iams food back to the store and hope for a refund, but that's a drop in the bucket. I sure would like the manufacturer of this tainted ingredient to reimburse me for my veterinary costs. Of course there's nothing anyone can do to restore my cat's health.

Anyhow, be VERY careful what you feed your pet. There are several websites that list all of the recalled brands. If your dog or cat suddenly loses appetite (Roscoe stopped eating almost entirely, though eating had been his entire raison d'etre previously), starts vomiting, etc. etc., get it checked out immediately!

I'm not really asking for anything here at Mudcat, unless someone knows of a source of cheap veterinary supplies, or knows of any class action suits contemplated against the manufacturer. I just needed to rant.

Nancy :-(

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Mar 07 - 06:42 PM

Oh, Nancy, I am so sorry to hear about this. I've been following the news about this and have been appalled by what I've read and seen. We went to a ranch supply place on Saturday to get dry food for our cats and dog and I couldn't believe they had Iams and Eukanuba wet food still for sale; in fact they had some pouches on sale! I called the manager when I got home, but she was a weekend peon and assured me they would have pulled the stuff if it had needed to be done. She hadn't even heard about the poisoning, recall or anything when I called.

I have nursed a couple of cats through the same thing you are doing, with the sub-cu IV fluids, etc. It became such a struggle, esp. with my brother's cat who detested being handled and poked, etc., that we finally had to put them down. I am sorry to say now, if I hear a cat of mine is losing kidney function, I will not put them through that kind of misery.

I would hope there will be some kind of compensation from the company which used the spoilt wheat gluten or whatever they find was the cause. If they don't offer it, I hope there will be a class action suit.

You and Roscoe are in my thoughts and thanks givings and I am sending you {{{{{{HUGS}}}}}.

kat, merlee-the-border-collie, Trystan-the-gray-tabby & Kipling - the Siamese

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: Peace
Date: 19 Mar 07 - 06:45 PM

Sorry to hear that, NK. Further info for pet owners.

'"Affected brands include Iams, Nutro and Science Diet products, as well as store brands by Wal-Mart, Kroger, Schnucks and Meijer's.'

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Mar 07 - 06:48 PM

RECALL info including lists . They are saying now it includes over 50 brands.

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: open mike
Date: 19 Mar 07 - 06:54 PM

This apparently does NOT involve dry dog or cat food, only canned
and moist food pouches.

sorry to hear that any mud kitties or puppies have had problems.

Hope for recovery for Roscoe.

and hugs for Nancy!!

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: GUEST, Ebbie
Date: 19 Mar 07 - 06:55 PM

Whew. A few months ago I nearly switched my dog to Science Diet. HIghly recommended, you know...

I am so sorry, Nancy. that is so sad. Like kat, I've been reading about it and had just about decided that the sanest thing we can do nowadays is to mix our own concoctions. But of course, there can be contamination anywhere along the line.

There should definitely be a class action brought against the supplier(s). But as you said, no matter how hard they try to make it right, they can't make the pain better or restore the health of the pets or bring them back to life.

Does anyone have further information on the calamity? Have they identified the agent that *did* cause it?

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: Nancy King
Date: 19 Mar 07 - 06:57 PM

Thanks, Kat and Peace.

By the way, note the word "include" in Peace's quote. There are MANY brands involved. Be extra careful what you feed your pets!

So far the best info I've found on the web starts with this FDA site . Click on "recalls" on the right hand side, and that will get you to a number of different manufacturers, lot numbers, etc. So far have not found any info about any reimbursement for vet costs, etc. Maybe later.

Sigh.

Nancy

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: Nancy King
Date: 19 Mar 07 - 07:03 PM

Thanks to Mike and Ebbie, too! It took me so long to get that link right that you guys slipped in ahead of me. It really does help a bit to know others are sympathetic and supportive.

Nancy

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Mar 07 - 07:20 PM

The last I read they thought it was from some wheat gluten used as a filler and source of protein.

Nancy, you might try Drs. Foster and Smith. I don't know if the NACL can be sold by mail-order or not, but they are a very good company to buy from.

Do you have ranch supply places where you are which carry med. supplies for ranch animals? They might have a better price if the law allows it. I know it varies from state to state.

Best thoughts coming your way,

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: Bee
Date: 19 Mar 07 - 07:34 PM

I'm so sorry your cat was one of the victims.

That's a long product list; an enormous number of pet owners must be affected, and although mine's not on the list (Friskies), I'll be examining where it comes from.

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: Peace
Date: 19 Mar 07 - 07:42 PM

Recalled Cat Product Information
    Recall Information 1-866-895-2708
Americas Choice, Preferred Pets
Authority
Best Choice
Companion
Compliments
Demoulas Market Basket
Eukanuba
Fine Feline Cat
Food Lion
Foodtown
Giant Companion
Hannaford
Hill Country Fare
Hy-Vee
Iams
Laura Lynn
Li'l Red
Loving Meals
Meijer's Main Choice
Nutriplan
Nutro Max Gourmet Classics
Nutro Natural Choice
Paws
Pet Pride
Presidents Choice
Price Chopper
Priority US
Save-A-Lot
Schnucks
Science Diet Feline Savory Cuts Cans
Sophistacat
Special Kitty Canada
Special Kitty US
Springfield Prize
Sprout
Stop & Shop Companion
Tops Companion
Wegmans
Weis Total Pet
Western Family US
White Rose
Winn Dixie

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: Peace
Date: 19 Mar 07 - 07:44 PM

Recalled Dog Product Information
    Recall Information 1-866-895-2708
Americas Choice, Preferred Pets
Authority
Award
Best Choice
Big Bet
Big Red
Bloom
Wegmans Bruiser
Cadillac
Companion
Demoulas Market Basket
Eukanuba
Food Lion
Giant Companion
Great Choice
Hannaford
Hill Country Fare
Hy-Vee
Iams
Laura Lynn
Loving Meals
Meijers Main Choice
Mighty Dog Pouch
Mixables
Nutriplan
Nutro Max
Nutro Natural Choice
Nutro Ultra
Nutro
Ol'Roy Canada
Ol'Roy US
Paws
Pet Essentials
Pet Pride - Good n Meaty
Presidents Choice
Price Chopper
Priority Canada
Priority US
Publix
Roche Brothers
Save-A-Lot
Schnucks
Shep Dog
Springsfield Prize
Sprout
Stater Brothers
Weis Total Pet
Western Family US
White Rose
Winn Dixie
Your Pet

##################################################

PLEASE NOTE that this pertains to 'wet' foods only. So far, no cases have been reported in Canada.

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: Peace
Date: 19 Mar 07 - 07:46 PM

The above remarks is for both cats and dogs.

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: Nancy King
Date: 19 Mar 07 - 07:54 PM

Kat, thanks for the hint about Foster & Smith -- they do indeed have what I need, for a lot less than I pay my vet for it. I have prescriptions from the vet, so I'll have to figure out the ordering procedure, but it looks like a good bet. I've bought flea stuff from them, but it never occurred to me to look there for much beyond that and dog beds and cat scratching pads.

Funny thing, though -- my first search term was "NACL," which the site responded to with "search term changed to 'nail'," and a selection of nail clippers...    Ah well, have to get our amusement where we can, I guess.

I think I've dealt with this enough for one night. Time to do something else.

Nancy

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: catspaw49
Date: 19 Mar 07 - 08:37 PM

Nancy, I too am very sorry to hear of this. When the story broke a few days ago I wondered then how many of us here would be affected. I'm sorry anyone was..................

BTW.....I use Foster and Smith a lot myself and they are very reliable.

Our best and warmest wishes for something right.

Spaw and his Gang......Jaeger & Sissy (the Weims) and the Cat Clatch of Bix, Roamin, Pepper, Sugar, and Sloop.

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: Metchosin
Date: 19 Mar 07 - 08:54 PM

So sorry to hear about Roscoe, Nancy. I can relate to having to give daily saline injections to a pet. I kept our old dog alive for almost a year with saline injections when his kidneys started to fail. Not fun and he hated my guts. I wouldn't do it again for love nor money. However, I am surprised at your cost. Our vet supplied me with the drip bags and needles for a very reasonable price. My heart goes out to you whatever you decide.

There were two cases regarding cats in the Toronto area reported on tonight's news here in Canada.

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: GUEST,Scoville
Date: 19 Mar 07 - 09:10 PM

Kidney failure is common in cats (as I'm sure your vet also told you), usually older cats but not always. When we saw cats that were doing poorly, the first things for which we tested were FIV, FeLV, kidney failure, and diabetes, and it was almost always one of the above. My own cat went through this when she got older. You have no idea how much time I, when I worked for a vet, spent giving subcutaneous fluids to cats with kidney failure. It sucks, I wholeheartedly agree--it was by far one of my least favorite things to do to a pet even though I knew they needed it--but is there any proof this was caused by the food and wasn't just something that happened?

That said, I'm sorry that the food brands to whom this happened included Nutro, Iams, and Eukanuba because, nutritionally, they are some of the better non-prescription foods. It's hard enough to convince people to stop feeding Ol' Roy, Gravy Train, and Kibbles'N'Bits--the pet equivalents of McDonald's--without something like this. Although I see Ol' Roy is on that list, too.

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: Sorcha
Date: 19 Mar 07 - 10:13 PM

I am quite sorry too. I went into a major panic when I first saw this, then calmed down (for us and ours) because I have always and only fed dry food (not that that would always save us) with our own additives.

Nancy, I'm so sorry, and I'm sure it doesn't help to know you are not alone.

We feed dry kibble, Iams Lamb and rice, NO wheat or corn, with our own additives of either fat free cottage cheese or fat free plain yogurt, canned pumpkin and safflower oil. People may call me nutso but I don't care. Esp not now.

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 19 Mar 07 - 11:11 PM

I could never understand the obsession for feeding lots of wheat, veggies, etc to dogs and cats - other than for the simple reason that the companies can make more money by diluting their expensive meat and fish protein with this 'filler'. Dog's and cat's guts (I have been informed) are the wrong type and length to be capable of ingesting large quantities of 'vegetable matter' (thise who wish to have such 'vegan pets' are thus misguided, at best). Small quantities can be ingested thru consuming the guts of prey - and can be a source of some vitamins, etc.

You have to be careful when feeding dry food - you must always have sufficient water available, or serious damage can be caused.

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Mar 07 - 06:11 AM

I was astounded to find that Purina had one of their products manufactured by the same company. So be careful although Purina's only suspect item is a 5.3 ounce pouch. I have been using their stuff - rabbits, Calves, etc., for more years than I am willing to admit.

Good luck to all with affected Kitties.

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: ranger1
Date: 20 Mar 07 - 06:58 AM

Nancy, I'm so sorry to hear about your cat.

I don't feed wet food, but when I heard about this on the news, the first thing I did was call SINSULL and give her the URL.

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: GUEST, Topsie
Date: 20 Mar 07 - 08:09 AM

Does this only affect North America, or are European pets at risk?

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Mar 07 - 08:23 AM

Topsie, I haven't seen anything for pets anywhere other than North America.

There was this in this morning's news: The FDA is asking those with sick or dead pets to call FDA state complaint coordinators. A list of contacts for such coordinators is available at http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html .

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: Nancy King
Date: 20 Mar 07 - 09:37 AM

When Roscoe was a kitten, the vet told me all he needed to be fed was a good brand (e.g., Iams) of dry cat food, so that's all he had for his first 7 or so years. He seemed healthy enough, but became seriously overweight, and the vet then said he should be switched to canned or "wet" food, because the dry stuff contains too much carbs. I put him on rather short rations of Science Diet canned "light" food and the Iams "weight control" pouches, and he did lose some weight, but remained healthy until quite recently. Little did we know...

As for proof it was the food that caused his kidney failure, no, I probably don't have anything that would stand up in court (it's not like I kept the old pouches with lot numbers on them... who would?), but the vet said it was very rare for a cat as young as Roscoe to get kidney failure. It's common in cats, but almost always in much older animals. And there's no way of knowing what his genetic background might be (got him from the county shelter at 8 weeks). But we can find no other cause for the problem, and he had been fed the Iams pouches regularly for the past year. No question in my mind.

Guess I'll go call that state FDA office.

Nancy

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: Nancy King
Date: 20 Mar 07 - 10:13 AM

What a surprise. The FDA line says "no one is available" to answer my call now and would I please leave a message. But it won't accept a message because the mailbox is full. Ya can't win.

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: Peace
Date: 20 Mar 07 - 10:40 AM

Yes, you can win. Try every few hours, Nancy.

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: GUEST,Nancy King at work
Date: 20 Mar 07 - 12:33 PM

Can't call from work. Will try again when I get home late tonight.

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: SINSULL
Date: 20 Mar 07 - 12:41 PM

So sorry, Nancy. When Ranger1 called me I immediately checked on line. My cats eat Friskies and so far none of the flavors they like are involved. I too have had cats die of kidney failure and gone through the subcutaneous drips. It revived them but at such a price.
Again, I am sorry Nancy.

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: GUEST,maire-aine
Date: 20 Mar 07 - 12:59 PM

So sorry to hear about Roscoe, Nancy. I hope he improves with treatment. My "gals" eat mostly Purina Veterinary Diet NF Feline Formula (dry food for kidney support) and Friskies canned food (which is not on the recall list yet). Both of my cats have somewhat reduced kidney function because of their age (they're both 18) but they get along very well. In fact, last time Little One had a blood test, her results were better that the time before. Good luck to you both.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: Becca72
Date: 20 Mar 07 - 04:16 PM

So sorry Nancy that you have to go through this. My heart certainly skipped a beat or three when I heard about this on the news. I feed mine 9 Lives canned and I didn't see them on the list. I have used Wal-mart brand in a pinch in the past, though, so that thought alone makes me sick to my stomach. I've come to the conclusion that I'm going to switch my 3 over to Wysong. It may be more expensive but it's much better for them...and they're worth every dime of it.

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Mar 07 - 05:39 PM

I've found some more news which may be of interest:

Reports are already emerging of lawyers commencing legal action.
Emily Gardner, a Honolulu animal law attorney, said she had never heard of a pet food recall this large. Gardner said she would represent a client in some type of litigation to make sure companies improve oversight of their operations.

Also, it may not be the wheat gluten. CLICK HERE for a lengthy report "The Latest Pet Food Recall - As provided by Burton Patrick, Owner, Pet Supplies 'Plus' Pittsburgh"

And, finally, this from menu foods:

Company tells customers to hold onto vet bills

A company spokesman said customers should hold on to packaging and vet bills in case financial compensation is offered in the future.

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: bobad
Date: 20 Mar 07 - 05:45 PM

Canadian Class Action Commenced By Pet Owners Against Royal Canin

    TORONTO, March 20 /CNW/ - A national class action has been commenced on
behalf of pet owners who have purchased certain types of dog and cat food
manufactured by Royal Canin Canada Company.
    The claim seeks compensation for all those who have purchased Royal Canin
dog or cat food since August 1, 2004.
    The claim, issued today in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, alleges
that certain types of Royal Canin cat and dog food contain excessive amounts
of Vitamin D, which cause severe illness or death in pets. The claim further
alleges that Royal Canin was negligent in manufacturing and distributing the
pet food, and that it knew or ought to have known that excessive amounts of
Vitamin D are unsafe and leave dogs and cats vulnerable to developing
conditions such as hypercalcaemia and renal failure.
    "Pets are like family members, death or chronic illness can have a
devastating impact," said Joel P. Rochon, co-lead counsel. "It would appear
that some sectors of the pet food industry in Canada operate without any
meaningful quality assurance and that the industry is largely
self-regulating," added David Himelfarb, co-lead counsel.
    The proposed representative plaintiff, Janet Grixti of Whitby, Ontario,
stated: "If Royal Canin properly tested its products and recalled the dog food
in a timely manner, my dog would not have developed chronic renal failure. He
is a very young dog, and now he will have this costly condition for the rest
of his life."
    The allegations raised in the claim have not yet been proven in court.
The plaintiff and the prospective class members are represented by the law
firms of Rochon Genova LLP and Himelfarb Proszanski LLP.




For further information: Rochon Genova LLP, 121 Richmond St. W, Suite
900, Toronto, Ontario, M5H 2K1, Telephone: [phone], or toll-free:
1-866-881-2292, Website address: www.rochongenova.com; Himelfarb Proszanski
LLP, 250 Dundas St. W., Suite 401, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 2Z5, Telephone: (416)
599-8080, Website address: www.himprolaw.com

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 20 Mar 07 - 07:07 PM

Everyone I know - that REALLY loves there pets - create there own pet food. Lamb/rice Beef/barley Chicken/kidney Fish/oats not to mention carrots/celery/peas/beets

Lazy people should not have pets.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 20 Mar 07 - 07:10 PM

Lots of recipes on the web - (even vegan) freeze in one quart or pint containers - after home-cooked picky pets never return to tainted cans.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Lazy people don't pick up poop

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: Nancy King
Date: 20 Mar 07 - 09:08 PM

Well, I sure do have the vet bills. No problem there. And I have the unused Iams packages (different lot number). But I no longer have the packages from the food I'm convinced poisoned my cat. Who keeps empty pet food packages if they don't know they'll be needed? The symptoms showed up after the trash went out. Sheesh.

Gotta go try that FDA number again.

Nancy

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: Bee
Date: 20 Mar 07 - 09:09 PM

Not very judgemental, are you?

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: GUEST,Nancy King at work
Date: 21 Mar 07 - 03:37 PM

Bee, I presume your comment was directed at Gargoyle, not at me, right?

Still haven't been able to contact the MD FDA people. It's amazing how much of my time has been taken up with this business in the last couple of weeks...

Nancy

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Mar 07 - 03:43 PM

My daughter and housemate have four dogs between them. They just found out they have some of the contaminated packets of dog food. Thank goodness they found out in time.

Keeping you and Roscoe in our thoughts, Linda.

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: bobad
Date: 21 Mar 07 - 04:09 PM

A follow up to my previous post re. Royal Canin pet food:

March 21, 2007

Royal Canin Canada Statement Regarding Product Safety

Guelph, Ontario -- Royal Canin Canada wishes to assure customers that no Royal Canin Canada products are linked to any current safety issues regarding Menu Foods.

In early 2006, Royal Canin Canada did voluntarily withdraw seven specific code lots of Canned Waltham Royal Canin Canada Veterinary dog and cat food. They were withdrawn as a precaution because the products contained elevated levels of Vitamin D3 which could cause loss of appetite, lethargy and excessive drinking and urination in pets. The elevated levels occurred due to a vitamin-mineral premix error from a supplier, resulting in excess levels of Vitamin D3 in these code lots.

The recalled lots affected products prescribed exclusively through veterinary clinics. All veterinary clinics were notified and the products were removed from those clinics.

Royal Canin Canada wishes to assure customers that all affected products have been removed and destroyed. No over-the-counter pet food was affected.

Since last year, Royal Canin Canada has changed its premix supplier, put in place systematic Vitamin D3 analysis and enhanced quality checks in finished products. The steps taken are driven by Royal Canin Canada's Pet First philosophy and its commitment to pets and pet owners.

"For close to 40 years, the health, happiness and long lives of our customers' pets have been our number one priority," said Xavier Unkovic, CEO Royal Canin Canada. "We have one of the most stringent quality control processes in the industry."

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: Bee
Date: 21 Mar 07 - 05:11 PM

Bee, I presume your comment was directed at Gargoyle, not at me, right? - Nancy King

Oh my goodness yes - I should have checked to see if my slow typing had let another post slip in there, sorry.

Bee

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: Desdemona
Date: 21 Mar 07 - 05:41 PM

Nancy--I am SO SORRY to hear this; I'm thinking of you and your poor kitty...it makes my blood boil. This whole thing has completely freaked us out; whatever info anyone can offer about dog food that is reputedly safe(r) would be *very* much appreciated!

~D

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: Nancy King
Date: 21 Mar 07 - 08:54 PM

No problem, Bee -- just checking!

BTW, I was finally able to order the supplies for administering the subcutaneous fluid from Drs. Foster & Smith. Had to have the vet fax them the prescription first. Still expensive, but WAY cheaper than buying directly from the vet. Less than 1/3 the cost, in fact.

To my surprise, Roscoe tolerates this miserable treatment pretty well. I try to do it in the evening just before feeding him, and surprisingly he hasn't fought me or tried to hide. It's obvious he doesn't like it (duh!), but he's being really good about it, poor dear.

Desdemona, as far as "safe" food goes, all I can offer is to check the list of recalled brands very carefully and be sure whatever you buy isn't on the list. Or of course you could follow Gargoyle's good (if ungraciously given) advice and make your own.

Thanks to all who have offered sympathy and suggestions!

Nancy

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: Sorcha
Date: 21 Mar 07 - 09:13 PM

Des, so far ALL of the dry kibble foods are OK. I feed either Iams Lamb and Rice (red bag) or Iams Mini Chunks (green bag). Mini is just like Chunks except it doesn't crumble as badly from it's own weight.

If you want 'additives' use your own. Safflower oil for Vit E (and coat gloss), canned pumpkin (NOT pie filling) for Vit A and D (and runny poop control), Plain yogurt or fat free cottage cheese for calcium, etc.

I would not use canned sweet potato (mashed up) instead of pumpkin because of the added sugar content. A real raw sweet potato cook and mased would be OK. Raw or cooked carrot (no sugar added) would be OK too.

You can also research BARF (Bones And Raw Food) but I won't do it. Too chancy and the balance is so important. Get too much of any one thing (protein, carb, fat) and you are in trouble.

I also won't feed 'wet' food because of the digestion/elimination concerns in both dogs and cats, and dry kibble is better for the teeth. (Assuming your critter is young enough to still be able to chew. IF it's an old critter with dental problems, just let the dry kibble stand in hot water til it's soft)

Also, with cats, the canned/wet food has a much higher ash content than the dry, and can cause urinary tract problems, especially in neutered male cats. (High ash content also makes it more attractive to dogs who like 'tootsie rolls')

Most dogs can tolerate liver, raw or cooked (I prefer cooked) but some can't. I also prefer to cook liver and give it in small bites as treats. Too much liver can raise the dogs' own liver enzymes. (Humans too)

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: BK Lick
Date: 21 Mar 07 - 10:40 PM

Here's a BBC News story about a Chicago resident who has filed a lawsuit against Menu Foods.

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: Ebbie
Date: 22 Mar 07 - 12:16 AM

I feel very fortunate that as it happens, I haven't fed my cat or dog any of the listed items. At least, so far. I hope they have all the contaminated food identified but I suppose more may be put on the list.

http://nightly.msnbc.com gives a lot of information.

Nancy, I had a cat once who had to have the hydration treatment. Like your kitty, he didn't seem to mind it too much. It's quite remarkable that water can be introduced that way.

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 22 Mar 07 - 07:12 PM

One of my cats, Tabitha, was having skin problems so I switched from Little Friskies to Nutro Max Gourmet Classics about a month ago and it cleared right up! Of course, I'm going to toss the 3 cans that are left. Both Tabitha and Hotspur are very put out that I haven't fed them any wet food in several days- Hotspur in particular has been increasing his contribution to the hairball population of the world. But I'm moving house this weekend (long story) and just can't get to the Agway until after the move. They'll be boarding at the vet's during the move, and she promises to advise me on how to help balance their diet (I hate to agree with trolls, but she advocates creating wet food from scratch!). Oh, well, it might be a good idea. Maybe it'll give me a meaning and purpose in life - just kidding!!

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: Sorcha
Date: 22 Mar 07 - 07:17 PM

Which is why I never start any of our animals on wet food at all. Wet seems to increase chances of urinary tract probs all by itsself.

Home made sounds like a good idea until again, you consider balance.

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: MaineDog
Date: 23 Mar 07 - 10:11 AM

I used to feed my kitties dry Purina with no problems, unless they were unfixed males, in which case I had to feed them Nine Lives low-ash canned food to keep their plumbing from clogging up. Those problems are all in the past, now that I have become MaineDog and now I only eat Purina lamb and rice kibbles, also with no problems :)
MD

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Mar 07 - 10:21 AM

This is very scary news. Does anyone know the source of the contamination. Are all of these brands made by the same supplier. My Cat , I used to ashamed to say, lives well on Fish from the fishmonger, wee bits of cooked meat and pasta. She loves pasta and mashed tts are a favourite. I am now not quite so asahmed about providing home cooking for the cat.

Subject: RE: BS: Poison pet food
From: GUEST,maire-aine
Date: 23 Mar 07 - 02:20 PM

This is not a "plug", but my cats ate food from PHD Products for most of their lives. Their vet recommended it. It is mostly sold over the internet but some pet-food stores are beginning to carry it under the name VIAND.

A couple years ago, the vet changed them to a specialty food (see above post), but if I were to get another younger cat, I'd certainly use it again.

Maryanne