Annette,  I'm glad to see you at least received a response.  I'm still waiting for mine, but I only sent it today.  Because I mentioned what's being discussed on the blogs and forums, I suspect I'll get a similar reply to yours in that regard.  I hope not.  I was trying to illustrate to them that by not being forthcoming, it's my belief they are only hurting themselves.  Worried pet parents are using the well-read sites online to keep themselves as informed as possible.  I wish the pet food companies could see that & take it into consideration.

Maybe I'm being too optimistic.  I honestly don't know anymore.....

[Please understand I can not in anyway say that because of the tests I had done, everything is safe & free of toxins due to the different batches produced.I know what I have is safe.]

I was just informed about the post on the Canidae and felt the need to post here as well. 

Please understand I can not in anyway say that because of the tests I had done, everything is safe & free of toxins due to the different batches produced.I know what I have is safe.

T. Eric (teric), first off, I really appreciate your taking the time to stop by.  I absolutely agree with your caution above & think most people have the common sense to do their own research.  Though they weren't my own, your testing results do help me feel better regarding Canidae even if my variety (dry Chicken & Rice), was not included on your list tested.  Please know I will not hold you or anyone else sharing information re: Canidae, accountable should there be a recall or problem.  Each day I chant this will not come to pass.

As I stated above, per teric's post at Itchmo, he had the Canidae All Stage & Canidae Lamb & Rice tested.  He also had the Canidae Felidae Cat & Kitten tested.  Follow the link I just added and scroll down to this post:

teric Says:
May 5th, 2007 at 12:07 am

There, you can read his reply yourself.  There are other replies teric posted including his hopes for his final test results for other contaminants (amilorine, amiloride & cyanuric acid ), to be available hopefully by Tuesday.

Teric did post yesterday on Itchmo's blog that h/she had both Canidae All Stage & Canidae Lamb & Rice tested for melamine.  Both tests came back negative.

I agree about asking for information to "substantiate or disprove this rumor." I don't base decisions on rumors.  I do base them on my research.  If you have the resources, get your product tested.  Also talk to the company and document who you spoke with, date, time, etc.  Get assurances in writing whenever possible.

I too feed my dogs Canidae dry & have encountered no problems in the week my dogs have been fed this food.  As I've posted elsewhere, I'm watching both dogs like a hawk.  So far, they remain their usual selves:  full of energy, great appetite (they love Canidae), shiny coats and no signs of lethargy, diarrhea or vomiting.

Until disproven or something recall related occurs, I'll continue feeding Canidae but have also begun learning home cooking to be prepared.  Thankfully, I know people who have fed their dogs Canidae for over a year.  Their experience, combined with my own research, helped me decide to try Canidae.  So far, I have not been disappointed.  If I have to eat my words later, trust me, I'll glady do it.

Please people - do not base your decisions on rumors or conjecture.  Whenever able, base your choices on substantiated facts.

Mary, you are most welcome.
By sharing our compiled info, we will get through this nightmare.

I already have enough people who think I've "lost it" by being consumed reading the blogs, forums, etc.
I could give a rat's patootie.

If our sharing of information helps save even one pet's life, it will all have been so worth it.

Oh touché, Willy!!!  Awesome post right back atcha!

*wildly applauds*

I'll also add that while the intent most likely was not to poison pets, the fact remains it did happen.  From what we've all learned from countless hours scouring the blogs and sharing info, it is my sincerest hope this will never, ever again happen.  For all the light our pets bring to our lives (and my dogs ARE the light of my life), we owe them to fight for honesty in pet food manufacturing and ingredient source usage.

All I want is for our pets to live long, healthy, natural length lives.
For all they selflessly do for us, isn't that the very least for which we can strive?

FranciscoLABS, from one lab owner to another (I have 2 "yaller" labs), welcome!

I just started feeding Canidae dry to my labs.  So far so good and they do seem to love it.  Actually, they don't eat it, they inhale it, LOL.  If you haven't seen it already, I left a message in the Canidae Pied Piper discussion thread you may want to read.

Sure hope Canidae does remain one of the safe foods.  In the meantime, I've begun trying out home cooking to add to their kibble, just in case.  You know how hungry labs get, so I'm trying to be prepared!

"Truth", "plant", "weed".....?....whatever your real name is, this isn't a witch hunt. 

Let me spell it out for you in my misplaced hope you or anyone else responsible for this mess might be able to grasp the simplest of concepts.  We are extremely concerned pet parents taking advantage of the amazing tool that is the internet.  I can't imagine how little we'd all know without being able to compare notes, info and sad as it is, stories of cherished fur kids dying or becoming heinously ill.  It makes me shudder just thinking about it.  Can you imagine how many more pets would have needlessly died?!!!

As I posted yesterday at Itchmo, how can pet food companies, the FDA, Menu, ChemNutra, whoever, even look pet parents in the eye? You’ll never be able to apologize ENOUGH. You dearly owe everyone who had a pet die or become seriously ill. It’s a debt you’ll never be able to pay - get it?  Gawd help your souls......oh wait.....you don’t HAVE souls, silly me…..

To everyone responsible for this travesty - can you bring back people’s cherished fur kids who were FAMILY members, not PROPERTY?  Can you explain to a child why their cat Fluffy or dog Spot died needlessly? Or to elderly folk who’s pet was their mainstay companion? Can you?

Yeah. That’s what I thought.
Another deer in the headlights look while you desperately rifle through your coached, formulaic notes for press release questions.

So forgive me "Truth-Weed" if I or anyone else take advantage of the internet while we share & compare notes.  I am 100% positive a heck of alot more pets would have died had we not shared recall info as we have done.  The FDA, AVMA whatever, can't even keep their sites updated as quickly as we can.  So perhaps, just perhaps, if you dig down waaaaay deep, you may be able to find it in your heart to forgive us for using EVERY tool in our power to save our pets from continual lies.

After reading about the 20 million chickens, I can only guess at what's coming next.  I sure hope to heck and back the ugly truth about the pet food industry brings vital change.  It's far over due and a serious wake up call to all those involved.

How any of you who caused this mess can ever meet a trusting pet's loving eyes again, is way, way beyond my comprehension.

[Boutique Owner Says:April 29th, 2007 at 10:24 am]

About a week ago, there was a discussion about Canidae, Pied Piper, etc., over at Itchmo.  I found the old discussion and posted it yesterday at Itchmo in this thread at 4:08pm.  I quoted a person known as "Boutique Owner" from a discussion we had on April 29th.

Here is a copy of her replies:

Boutique Owner Says:
April 29th, 2007 at 10:24 am

“Canidae is made my Pied Piper in Texas. Pied Piper also makes DRY Canine Caviar and Nature’s Variety. The Canidae cans are done by Evangers. Canidae is a very small company, only 18 employees, I think. No stock holders to answer to, no need to cut corners to save a fraction of a penny.

The fact that they will disclose their manufacturers tells me that they are proud of their choices and have nothing to hide.

All their ingredients come from the U.S. only. Even their rice is grown down South in the U.S. No glutens, hormones, preservatives, etc.”

In responding to my query of how she obtained this information, she replied:

Boutique Owner Says:
April 29th, 2007 at 11:02 am

“I found out the source of manufacturing from my Canidae representative. He has no reason to not be truthful about it. He also told me that Pied Piper manufactures the Canine Caviar dry but their wet is manufactured by American Nutrition. Different state, different company manufacturing it.

I was completely impressed when I found out that Evangers does their cans. They have a fabulous reputation for running a very clean cannery. Yes, they are Kosher and they have organic capabilities as well. ”

After my above reply, Kim from Pet Food Tracker, greatly helped us out by posted this info regarding Canidae & Pied Piper:

Pied Piper makes SOME of Canine Caviar’s food - NOT all of it. American Nutrition made the Canine Caviar food that was recalled.
So, while Pied Piper are acting like jerks, they have in fact had NO food recalled (yet).

I have no idea why Canidae isn't being forthcoming about where their food is manufactured.  Is it contractual or ?  I agree it is suspicious.  I haven't called Canidae myself because my dogs have been doing fine.  Maybe it's time I do so? 

I've been feeding Canidae kibble to my dogs for about a week now and both are doing great:  healthy, shiny coats and amazing labrador-type energy.  I began using this food after doing research and a friend's referral who's been feeding it to her female lab in training for the Guide Dogs of America (GDA).  Her lab has been eating Canidae dry her entire almost one year life & is beyond healthy.  My friend also told me Canidae is the chosen food of the GDA.  That doesn't mean it won't get recalled, but I'm crossing my fingers, toes & tail it does not.  My labs love the food.  I can barely get the scoop out of the bag with them hovering about.  With me weighing in at about 100lbs, it isn't easy with 2 strong male labs frolicking about, LOL.  In the meantime, I've begun learning about home cooking to be prepared.  I mix a bit of home cooked into my dog's kibble & they go stark raving nuts.

I truly hope Canidae is ok.  I don't think I trust anyone any more.  But I wanted to share this info in case it's of help to any of you.  Wishing all of your pets the safest of health.

We have no more fleas either 

LOL Cindy!  Too 'fni! 

....as far as the garlic goes...[snip]... for dogs it helps repel fleas and something else...

Per The Whole Dog Journal....

- small amounts of garlic act as a natural flea repellant
- can be used for it's antifungal and antibacterial properties
- promotes production of white blood cells thus acting as an immune booster for low or compromised immunity
- may benefit dogs with diabetes by helping reduce blood-sugar levels


FYI - another great supplement site to check out is B-Naturals.  Lew really knows her stuff.  I learned about her & her site from my online canine cancer group.  She's helped many in the group not only fight cancer, but also keep their other pets healthy via a holistic, natural approach.  Her products are for both cats & dogs.  Lew is also the co-owner of the excellent Yahoo group K9 Nutrition.

He stays locked in his coffin all day.

*gasp*

*wheeze*

OMG Gary.
I....I.....need......oxygen......

tahitigirl, while I appreciate your last reply, I'm not here to debate.  I'm here to research healthy alternative solutions for feeding my pets and provide support to the many people who are aching over their sick or lost pets.  So far, I've been lucky.  My dogs are healthy & I pray they remain so.  I am doing everything I can to ensure they do.

But in light if your initial comments, I've decided to delete my original post.  The information has been welcome at enough places that I don't feel the need to spend time proving myself or my research.  I'm not here to debate.  Pets are getting sick and dying.  What free time I have, I'm devoting to learning all I can to keep my dogs alive.

Everyone please, please remember:  every pet is different.  There will be variables in their diet needs.  Continue researching via any option you have, but please don't rule out the advice & expertise of a good veterinarian.

I apologize to those who may have wanted to read the guidelines this vet generously shared.
I wish all of you the best in finding solutions to keep your fur kids healthy, safe & happy.

One more thing.

I am really getting sick and tired of everyone knocking all the vets as though they are all the same.
They are not. I realize some people's emotions are running high right now, but that doesn't mean every single vet in the country is the bad guy.  There do exist vets who are heros.  I know, because more than one of them have saved my pet's lives over the years.

Please do your own research before spewing at me that everything this vet or I know, is wrong.  I am not here to argue raw vs home cooked vs commercial.  You don't know this vet and you certainly do not know me.  I would appreciate being allowed at least some modicum of intelligence.  Every pet is different.  Those were only guidelines for the average dog I posted above as diets are most definitely going to vary depending on the needs of the dog.

tahitigirl - as for research, trust me - I've done a TON.
I also have Dr. Pitcairn's book.  It's been a staple in my pet library since 1995.  (I keep getting the new editions too).

I've been through a plethora of things with my dogs over the years, including a now almost 14 year old lab who has survived cancer for over 2.5 yrs.  I must be doing something right since he's already far surpassed the odds and should have been dead in '04.  I never go only by what my vet or dog's oncologist tell me.  I challenge them whenever I feel the need.  I've been through enough illnesses between myself, my dogs and my family in my 40+ years to know there are always alternatives.

I appreciate your reply.  I am only trying to help.  I'm always respectful of everyone to do their own research and what feels best for them.  I hope that same respect can be extended not only to me, but to everyone here.


~edit for clarity...

ROTF!!!  That's me, only it's for "Lost".
Heh.  Thanks for the much needed laugh, Cindy!