Not sure where to put this, as the article is about dogs, but cats and ferrets are also fed jerky treats. And it looks as though melamine may be the culprit, though not certain:
http://news.vin.com/VINNews.aspx?articleId=19077

For the most part, everything's pretty good. Still have one kibble head cat But he's on Wellness Core, so not too bad. Other's are on a combo of Evo and Merrick's before grain.
Lost one of the ferrets Apr. 1st Sinnead was about 7-8, and was full of cancer. Still trying to nurse her bonded mate through it. His IBD flared and hasn't calmed down since, in spite of medications
As for the Leba III- IT WORKS I used it on my kibble head(Herne), and within a couple of weeks, you could lightly flake big chunks of tartar off with your pinkie nail That gave his gums time to heal up, and his teeth are good now!

I was in the natural feeding pet store the other day. I found a product called "Leba III". What it is is a spray for dental cleaning for dogs and cats. From what I've read of it, is sounds pretty good. Especially since I have to take one of my cats in to have a cleaning, and likely some extractions done(he refuses to chew anything, swallows kibble whole, and will NOT let me brush his teeth )
I've spoken to a couple of people who use it, and they say it works amazingly well. Has anyone on here tried it, or heard anything about it?
http://www.lebalab.com/

Here's hoping, anyway! The fellow who owns the company "Tail Blazers"(where I buy a lot of my raw, as well as the Evo for the kitties) is very concerned with what goes on his store shelves, and is keeping an eye out on where they are going to start sourcing their materials from. A main concern is that they will start sourcing from places like China, which he's watching for, and if they do, will be pulling all product.
On an off note, here is a copy of the letter I got back from Natura when I wrote a concerned letter about the prospective buy out:

Dear Sherry,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We are very pleased to hear of the success that your feline family members are showing with our EVO products.



P&G believes wholeheartedly in Natura’s nutritional philosophy and have absolutely no intention of “compromising” the quality of its brands. In fact, they are fully committed to maintaining the quality of these terrific brands.



Our dedication to quality and our nutritional philosophy has not changed. Natura’s Founders; John & Ann Rademakers and Peter Atkins, started Natura’s business with the purpose to provide the healthiest pet foods in the world. In building Natura’s business they have maintained animal health and wellness as a priority. They have strongly supported their independent retail partners.



Let’s take a moment to reflect and think about the fact that they would not entrust Natura’s legacy to the new owner if they were not convinced that P &G would carry out their product philosophies and quality. P&G is committed to growing the Natura brands and they recognize the critical nature of growing the brands through the independent pet specialty stores.



We will continue to celebrate and advance Natura's legacy and nutritional philosophy and maintain Natura's current high standards for product and ingredient quality, food safety and manufacturing excellence. And, we will continue to support the development of a thriving independent pet specialty channel.



Again, thank you for contacting us and we especially thank you for giving us the opportunity to respond to your concerns.



Your Friend,



Nicole

Natura Representative

I've heard they are not starting their own production of it until July 1st, so if that's true, at least we have a bit of a reprieve to stock up and slowly switch them over to something else.

http://www.pginvestor.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=104574&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1422726

A survey was also sent out. Quote from another forum:
on my cat forum people are freaking out about this too. Some of them were e-mailed a survey about Natura foods and one of the questions was:

"Currently, EVO Red Meat contains five different red meat products. Consideration is being given to adjusting the EVO Red Meat formulation to include two types of red meat protein, Lamb Meal and Beef which will result in a more balanced formula. This change may reduce the level of protein in the food from 42% to as much as 31%. The new EVO Red Meat will have a more balanced distribution of calories from protein, carbohydrate and fat. The formula will remain grain-free."

so clearly they are planning on downgrading and using more calories from carbs and less from meat, great. That's three foods in my rotation gone, I'll be really ticked if they change anything in EVO, the 95% meat canned foods are SO good for them (my cats)

An update- her dog is back to normal, and responding well to her medications. The owner says she's not seen her puppy act this interested in life for a while
No more diarrhea, nothing abnormal!

I will! I've found a couple I'm planning on checking out. With the economy being the way it is, it has to wait til mid-April, though

Great news- her liver values, and med level are all fine! Now, I just have to find a decent holistic vet, and get her started on something to help prevent damage occurring!

Thanks, Bonkers- I've passed the links on.

I'd told her that before, but have since reinforced it, so hopefully...
Thanks, guys, for all your help over the last couple of years! I really do appreciate it

A woman I know has had her dog diagnosed with thyroid disease, and is now on .4 mg of thyrosyn twice a day. Puppy now has the runs(she just started the meds on the 17th of this month.
Is this normal during adapting to the drug? When we had a husky diagnosed years ago, she was on thyrotab, and i don't recall her having THAT problem. Just some time to adjust her levels.
I've told her to talk to the vet about it, but considering how long it took her to take the dog in in the first place.....

There is, but I think I'm going to wait til I get her test results back, and take those in with me. I wouldn't even dream of attempting this type of treatment without consulting someone first
Thanks, Bonkers! Just wanted to get some opinions as to whether or not there might be something out there before seeing another vet

My 12 year old female cat, Ligeia, has been epileptic since she was 8 years old, and for the most part, successfully treated with phenobarbitol 15 mg tablets, split, given twice daily. She goes in for her blood work again(liver values and phenobarb level) this Sunday. To date, we've been lucky, and her liver values have always been fine.
What I'm wondering is, does anyone know of anything that can help to keep them that way(herbal, flower essence, etc)? I'd much rather work to prevent liver damage, than to be treating it after it has started. And I know that the longer she's on this drug, the higher the likelyhood of damage. Thanks

When you go outside at night- look up. The biggest, brightest star shining up there will be your Tequila watching over you, as you've watched over her for these last 12 years.
She's running on lush green grass, playing with all the other animals at the bridge, waiting for the day you join her at the bridge. She's the breeze you feel in your hair, the sun's warmth you feel on your skin. And she's waiting for the moment you are finally able to join her there.