Cindy ~

Sorry, but this is very emotional to me since I have lost one dog and one cat to this industry.  I can't adjust my style and who I am to please you or anyone else.

   Don't even tempt me to be self aggrandizing lol.  There's a lot of stuff I don't post.

People get angry at how companies hide.  Then I come and post (and I still do say I answer what I can and find out what I can't and then post) and no wonder other companies don't come on here.  Getting attacked for my style; being too emotional.  Possibly, someone else would get attacked for seeming too cold?

I post mostly to support the people who came onto the blogs to support me and not duck 'n hide on them.  I type fast, I let my emotions show.  That's me.  I have no claim in knowing how to market or post to 'please the public'.....all I can do is be me.  You don't like me, that's cool.  It just seems peculiar while my food hasn't killed a pet, my manufacturer is nowhere near recalls, I've been on many blogs other than this one (takes time) and my food has been tested for melamine, cyanuric acid, amoriline, amorilide and aminopterin since the beginning of April, and will continue to be tested before sale - that is someone to get down on?

Let's not lose sight of the bigger picture.  This industry HAS to be changed.  I am just hoping people don't lose their steam in contacting congressman/senators/representatives by phone/mail and making sure they hear from us.  I am first in line to want the big skirts 'they' can hide behind to get whisked away.

Where is Kevin Trudeau when we need him??  lol

I for one want mostly to keep people energized and going with keeping this debacle front and center with people we can hope will make a difference.  Durbin's bill is just sitting there now.  We need to keep the steam going and not let weariness keep us from pushing on them.  That is what they are counting on.  But we can't stop now.  Now more than ever, we NEED to keep on them and even if the victories are slow in coming, we need whatever changes we can get!!

Lori ~

ALL of the product has tested safe.  We just needed to do this revision since the production runs at our manufacturer kept getting kicked off schedule.  Their supplier did the smart thing by just pulling the plug on all beef and pork products altogether and help keep things flowing.  The QC standard is really high and hadn't been a problem until lately.  Can't tell you how glad I am that everyone 'behind' me has always worked with such such high expectations.  Keep remembering that I have many high profile law enforcement agencies trusting me and nothing has been for sale that has not been tested for melamine, cyanuric acid, amoriline, amorilide and aminopterin - and all test results have come back negative.  Even on the cat food, not just the dog food.  Thanks for keeping an eye on the websites, since I did post a new front page and will be spending my weekend working on my blogging.

I love all dogs, all cats, all people who trust me.  But above all, I love my own dog and cat - that's why I even started this!

Evy
President
Kumpi Pet Foods

I love GS Dogs too!  Especially since I have one

It has been a hectic week since the company that sources our ingredients has slammed the door shut on beef and pork BOTH now.  Keep an eye on kumpi.com for the new formulation.  Also a new statement on the home page.  I am jazzed!!!

Corn will always be a factor in the product and I'm hoping that enough has been read that consumers are beginning to realize that 'meat' as the first ingredient just means a lot of room for grain.  Grain as the first ingredient means a lot of room for 'meat' !!!  The results from trying the product shows

Anyways, Alek0 THANKS for your patience in my answering your question about the minerals in Kumpi products.  As much as people hate to see the word proprietary, the fact is (and this is what I thought, but did not want to commit it to print until I knew for sure, hence the lapse of time) the ratio of chelated minerals to non-chelated minerals is VERY aggressive.  The supplementation in Kumpi products (pre/probiotics, kelp, chelated minerals, digestive enzymes, yucca schidigera) is in fact a blend formulated by my nutritionist that is trademarked - and asking him how much of what would be like asking Coca Cola, "So, what's your recipe?"  Or asking Hershey chocolate specific questions like that as well.

What I can say is that none of the vitamins or minerals (or any of the ingredients!) in Kumpi products come from China.  The ratio of chelated minerals is not an insignificant amount to just 'label dress' and put them on the ingredient panel as a warm fuzzy for the consumer.  Same with the yucca schidigera - there are many companys to buy it from, but my nutritionist stays with the highest quality.  He does work for zoos and other entities that deal with exotic formulations and his customers are not concerned with cost - they are concerned with results. 

My new statement will have a lot more information and there is a link to a blog that I started on both kumpi.com and kumpikat.com.

NO ONE worry about not being able to buy Kumpi products.  I have a good idea of my inventory flow and the food is usually only one to three months out from the date of production.  Right now, most of the food has been made in the past month since it's flying outta here.  BUT I am still steeled against not being available at Petsmart, Petco, Costco, or any other major type of chain.  It even takes more than $$$ to become a distributor or retailer.  I need to know that when the food leaves my warehouse, it will be cared for with the same 'Mama Bear' attitude I have.  I've managed quite a few growth spurts and the Lord is helping me through.

Even when I was still working in the field of dog behavior (and I was the only instructor who was a Colorado Veterinary Medical Association Affiliate - invitation only member kinda thing) and I was wildly popular, ALL of my students had my home and cell phone numbers.  If they were in a Wednesday morning class and had a Saturday afternoon problem, they still had access to me.  My style has always been keeping it personal and looking back, I guess I tend to 'live my career' with a dedication to those who trust me with their money.  Even to the last class I taught, anyone was always able to reach me - and I don't see things being any different with the pet food career.  I mean, folks love to talk about their passion!  Yeah, it's been more hours a week, but they've been fun hours for me!

Cindy ~

I am sorry that you mistook my not knowing the answer as evasiveness.  Sarah asked me something I didn't know and I addressed what I could.  Maybe you don't fully realize my side of things - though some do, as reflected in some of the above posts.  This kind of terseness may be what is keeping other companys from taking the time to post.  You don't know me or my heart and it hurts to see strangers cast judgment when I've worked at helping dogs/cats in nutrition for over nine years, and behavior in a humane and kind fashion for over thirty five years.  There are people behind these keystrokes and I'll say again - I have yet to know of any other company that has even attemped to keep pace with blogs.....especially the president. 

I have listed my phone number 303.693.6533 and encourage people to call since it's easier to dialogue and get a feel for what someone is wanting to know.  Often conversations start in one arena and end up somewhere altogether different as they keep asking questions. 

This thread started on 4/28.  I posted four times on 4/29, once on 4/30, three times on 5/1, twice on 5/2, once on 5/5 (where I thought all questions from Sarah had been addressed), once on 5/15 and four times on 5/16.  These are answers that are filled with a lot of information - I am not going to make up answers to thing I don't know.  Even the webmaster of this forum has asked Sarah to contact me via email.  I have done so several times and even offer a phone number.

If you need to vent about me, please call me and do it 'to my face' but do not try and trash my reputation or my company online, please.

Sarah ~

Your question was posted on Monday and I answered by Saturday.  I'm sure you haven't had the chance to read all of my posts on the www, but I do have an 87 year old mom who I adore who has needs.  I have had over 300 new FedEx customers and many with special needs.  I am doing the best I can for everyone but am limited.  While other companys have departments for accounting, shipping, trucking, retailers, out of state accounts, etc....I do not.  I am a hands on president and this tragedy has set the pet food world into chaos.  It took me some time to find the answers and I have done the best that I could.  I have not seen any other pet food company come onto these blogs for as long as I have to answer questions and be as transparent as I've been.  I answer my own phone calls and as posted before, you can call me any time you would like to.  The number is 303.693.6533, I work from my home so evenings and weekends are cool.  I know of no other company president who has posted their phone number and solicited the public to call if they have concerns or questions.  Wish you would take me up on it!!

I know you're concerned.  I know you're frightened.  And it makes me sadder than you know that anyone in this country needs to worry about killing their pet by doing something as common as purchasing pet food at any store.  What you are discovering about the pet food industry is what I've known for over nine years and have been fighting the battle in my own unique way.  I know the pain of having my dog die in my arms.  That is why I work so hard to answer every question I can.  I care.  I'm just sorry it wasn't good enough or fast enough for you.  I lost a cat last December to a CAN of cat food and almost lost my mom to food poisoning in February of this year.  Sarah, I do care more than you know!!

Sarah ~

I have read your questions on page three and cannot find one that I have not answered.  Would you be kind enough to start over again for me?  What question did I not answer??

Thanks 

Evy

Sarah ~

There is no rendered meat, euthanized pets or roadkill in Kumpi.  I've stated that and it's also on my website.

As for trying to contact my AAFCO rep, they have readier access to someone at the FDA more immediately than I would.  That is why I contacted her.

Also, the idea with asking folks to email questions to me, is so I can post them on the blog I am trying to get established as a link from both of my web sites, so EVERYONE can see the questions and answers - not just the folks here on Therese's forum.  There are several and keeping my answers to one location gives everyone the best info.

Repeat, there is no rendered meat meal in Kumpi pet products.

And no one is welcoming interruptions right now.  The process of quality analysis has been heightened, there are more paper trails to follow and a person can focus on only so many things at once, with so many hours of sleep - or their efficiency is compromised.

If you take the time to read through all of my threads, you will find I know exactly what goes into my food, where it came from, etc.  Also, some of that information can be sourced from my web site as well.  Kumpi.com.

I am starting a blog.  People email questions to me.  I post their questions and my answer on the blog. 

I am not sure where you ever got the impression that I don't know what goes into my food.  You asked me about the regulation that was initiated about roadkill, euthanized animals, etc. and where that was located.  The actual documentation of that is what I do not know about.  That has nothing to do with knowing what is in my food

Have a good day!!

Sarah ~

Right now I cannot put any more pressure on the company who sources my dries.  Several plants needed to shut down for a couple of days due to the flooding.  If I don't step back and let them do their job efficiently, then consumers will be angry that they aren't doing their job well.  There are so many different things that come into play when a pet food is made - many entities involved.  Those who are working to do it well are strained already by the increase in demand and now, weather issues too.  I need to respect their time and not expect them to jump every time I have a question I'd like to answer.  I have written to my AAFCO rep, Chandra, to see if she can track that down for me - per the roadkill, etc.  I can tell you I've personally seen the documentation on my food.  And even if Chandra can provide the legal proof, that will not be a guarantee that it is followed by other companies.

I can only speak for mine.  And I understand the panic.  It is much easier for me if you would please email me at kumpi@earthlink.net or call 303.693.6533.  On top of helping grieving pet parents and also the one's who are living witha compromised pet and are seeking guidance on what to feed when they cannot feed KumpiKat due to renal failure - I have an 87 year old mom too - and a business to run.  I have worked for two months as hard as I can to reply promptly to all concerns.  I hope that those efforts combined with the strain I am trying to explain to you eases your concerns. 

Sarah ~

Maybe I answered the question in too much detail.

Live kill meat (slaughtered fresh and then flash frozen in cubes) is different from (the term commonly used online for)rendered meat.  Rendered meat is taking the portions of already dead animals and cooking them up.   All of the meat used in Kumpi cat and dog food are 'live kills'.......a phrase that doesn't fit in the same sentence as rendered meat.

Whether or not other companies use live kill or rendered - that I can't answer for you.  You would need to ask each individual company.

Therese was kind enough to let me know about your post.  I do not want to seem like I don't care 

It's just been a very busy time for me.  I am the president of my company and I answer all of the phone calls - all of them.  Pet parents who have lost their FurAngels deserve time and a caring ear that will listen.  They aren't short phone calls and I will not rush them - they need to be heard - they need to express and share.  Also, I am a 'working' president and that includes a lot of paperwork, keeping track of inventory, writing articles - my work day usually ends around 8 - 9 pm.

I am just a day or two away from setting up my blog on my site (fingers crossed!)

and Alek - thanks for your patience!!!!

Demand for pet food from smaller companys have taxed some limits lately and I am doing everything I can to accommodate everyone I can.  Grieving pet parents are my priority, along with keeping the company rolling.  Being able to answer all blog questions is hard for me to keep up with.  That is why I am starting my own and will be answering questions there that I receive at kumpi@earthink.net.

Hi Everyone 

I am posting on too many blogs and sometimes answering the same questions and issues repetitively.  Please keep an eye on my websites (kumpicat.com and kumpi.com) where my webmaster will establish a link to a blog I plan to start in a couple of weeks.  Time is getting tight for me!!

Please email questions to kumpi@earthlink.net and it will be easier for me to have q/a in one spot.  This also gives me the opportunity to ask *my people* a variety of questions at one time vs. interrupting their work life so often. My first priority outside of keeping up with business issues is lending support to the people who either lost a FurAngel or is living with one who is compromised.  There is still a lot of sorrow out there and people who need a listening ear.  Their lives are forever altered and my company tag line "A Personal Company For A Personal Choice" is something I want to keep fulfilling.

Thanks and Warm Hugs To Fur Angels

Evy
President
Kumpi Pet Foods

pass the word for me please!

Sarah ~

Ok 

In reading through your post it seems that the one I can answer best is addressing this whole mess about 'rendered' icky stuff that has been fear mongered about so badly.  This will be a bit graphic, but it's also how pet food that doesn't use 4D meat (dead, dying, diseased, disabled) gets made.

Species specific is slaughtered in a live kill.  The carcass is dressed out for what will appeal to the consumer, i.e. ribs, steak, brisket, breast, etc.  From that same carcass there is meat that will not 'fit' a category and is flash frozen into cubes.  Those cubes are sent to a plant where it will go through a grinder and then put into a continuous rotary cooker (think of big cement trucks and the shape of that) - in that cooker the raw materials are subjected to 115 degrees centigrade and sterilized by steam heating.

From there it goes into a screener that extracts drained solids that go through a presser and becomes the meal specific to it's species.

When a company refers to using 'fresh' meat and does not have the word meal behind it, it's being used in production in the flash frozen cube - moisture and all.  That is why you will read that 'fresh' meat or one without the word 'meal' behind it will actually contain 65 - 70% moisture.  When it goes to 'cook' in the food production run, the evaporation of the moisture leaves little real 'meat' behind.  Just another way to fool the consumer into thinking WOW there is a lot of meat in this pet food!!  Sadly, even a 'meat' meal as the first ingredient leaves room for a preponderance of grain.

As I have mentioned over on Itchmo, I am needing to give my nutritionist a break.  It's been one month non stop of me calling him and he has a job, a family, teenage kids, wife.....you get the picture.  He has been overly gracious to me in extending his time and I don't feel that there are any questions posed that require an urgent reply.

In my spare time (read in a couple of weeks lol) I am planning on starting a blog for folks to follow that I will have linked to my websites.  I've had some extraordinary experiences, questions and would like to address issues 'real time' from my own location.  I have posted so much information that has been so scattered, it'd be best if it were all in one place.  That and I find myself re-posting much of it and it's not very time efficient.

Hope this well answers your question about rendering, meal, etc.  Much like Therese, Itchmo and others, we all have jobs to tend to, people we care about in our lives, but still want to stay in touch with the public in any way we can help.  This pandemic swooped down on us all and many extra hours that we could have spent doing other things we have sacrificed as a public service to help unite pet lovers, educate them and give them sane answers and an outlet for their questions.

Warmly warm hugs to FurAngels all 

Sarah ~

I need to finish a phone call - will post in a bit.

Evy

I have a person who is waiting for new cat food to arrive.  The kitty was compromised by Natural Balance wet/dry during the recall.  Vet didn't do a renal flush, but has the kitty on amoxycillin for a ten day course and two days left on that.

Question.  I am not familiar with Felidae dry cat food and she is telling me that there are 'white flecks' throughout the food.  Not quite like salt, more like shavings and it's through the entire bag.  Does anyone know if that a common appearance for Felidae dry cat food??

Any feedback would be appreciated. 

Question to Therese.

Is it true that Pied Piper is asking to taken off your list or is that just a rumor??  I wanted to get it straight from you first to set the record straight about this.

There isn't a combined site to order dog and cat food.  Each site has it's own ordering system.  Still trying to figure that one out   But each site links to the other.

My webmaster is an archeo-stronomy buff and is out of town capturing some film for his next DVD.  His website for that whole venture is http://www.onter.net and is pretty fascinating.  So, my 'web needs' are on hold for a little bit until he is back in town.  Everyone associated with my company has been incredible to me while going through all these changes    They need the time and space to do their own things too.  Hope you have a chance to check out his website - pretty cool stuff and kind of eclectic.

Evy
President, Kumpi Pet Foods