Recent Posts

Some questions for Evy, I have summarized all unanswered questions from "Ingredients of Kumpi" thread to make it easier.

1. Question by Lisa_C, seconded by several people:
How is meat meal made? What is the consequence of this amount of processing?

2. Related questions by Sarah:
a) Can humans eat this meat meal without harm?  
b) Exactly what parts of the animal go into meat meal?  
c) Is meat meal made in the same facilities as rendered by products?  If not then where is it made and how is it made. 
d) Who makes the meat meal?  What condition is the meat before it is made into meat meal?

Follow up question by Alek0 - does "live kill" include diseased animals?


3. Question by Alek0:
You claim that there is a big difference between proteinates and metal amino acid chelates. Please provide evidence on significant difference in bioavailability in cats for metal amino acid chelates vs. proteinates.

4. Question by Alek0:
Is ther another benefit of Yucca Schidigera besides reducing fecal odor and smell of flatulence (not amount of gas)? If yes, please cite evidence.

Again, I am not asking about the source where you buy it from, I am asking about proofs of benefit of Yucca which would justify your singling it out as a significant point of comparison with other pet foods.
5. Question by Alek0:
Which is better - chicken liver meal or freeze dried chicken liver?

6. Question by Alek0:
OK, formula is proprietary, you can't give the ratio of amino acid chelates to inorganic mineral sources. But surely you can explain why you use inorganic mineral sources at all when amino aci chelates are so superior?

Is there any reason for use of two ingredients one of which is even by your own claims clearly inferior, rather than one?

7. Question by Sarah:
I would like to get answers to my other questions, among them - you mentioned it is against the law or the FDA rules that dogs and cats cannot be used in pet food.  I looked for this law or rule but couldn't find anything about it.

Fess up. Which pet food company did you work for?

Proof is in the pudding. 8 years feeding this and dogs are perfect. I wouldn't switch if someone paid me to.
Nor will I ever forgive and forget what these pet food companies did to animals and animal owners. If any of you bastards still come here, Yuck Fou.

Still feeding this brand. No negative issues. The dogs are now going on 8 years old, and are models of canine health.

[Natura Pet Expands Voluntary Recall of Dry Pet Foods Due to Possible Health Risk]

Natura Pet Expands Voluntary Recall of Dry Pet Foods Due to Possible Health Risk


FREMONT, NEBRASKA, April 19, 2013 –Natura Pet Products is voluntarily expanding its March 29, 2013 recall of dry pet foods because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The expanded recall now includes all dry pet food products and treats with expiration dates prior to and including March 24, 2014. Please see the table below for details of affected products.

Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms.

Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Sampling conducted by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and the Georgia Department of Agriculture confirmed the presence of Salmonella in additional dry pet food and a cat pet treat. In an abundance of caution, Natura is also recalling product made in the surrounding timeframe. This action affects dry pet foods and treats only; no canned wet food or biscuits are affected by this announcement.

The affected products are sold through veterinary clinics and select pet specialty retailers nationwide and in Canada, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, and Costa Rica, as well as online.

Consumers who have purchased these pet foods should discard them. For additional information, consumers may visit www.naturapet.com. For a product replacement or refund call Natura toll-free at 800-224-6123. (Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM CST).

See Natura for more information.

Bravo! Issues a Voluntary Recall for Three Raw Frozen Food Diet for Dogs and Cats Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 3, 2013 - Bravo! is voluntarily recalling three of its raw diet frozen foods for dogs and cats: 5 lb tubes of Bravo! Chicken Balance product item code 21-405 with "best used by" dates of 3_6_15 and 3_12_15; 2 lb Bravo! Chicken Blend product item code 21-102 with the "best used by" date of 3_21_15 and 5 lb. bags of Bravo! Beef Blend Burgers product item code 51-508 with the "best used by" dates of 3_21_15 and 3_22_15, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

This recall is being issued out of an abundance of caution, as while these products tested negative for pathogens by an independent third party prior to distribution, they were run on the same day or an adjacent day to a product that tested positive for pathogens. The product that tested positive has been 100 percent contained and is not subject to this recall.

The recall involves only:

    5 lb. Bravo! Chicken Balance frozen raw diet chubs (tubes) with "best used by" dates of 3_6_15 and 3_12_15 imprinted on the side of the plastic casing. Only 26 cases with the 3_6_15 date were distributed nationally and 36 cases with 3_12_15 date were distributed nationally.
    2 lb. Bravo! Chicken Blend frozen raw diet chubs (tubes) with the "best used by" date of 3_21_15 imprinted on the side of the plastic casing. Only 67 cases with 3_21_15 date were distributed nationally.
    5 lb. Bravo! Beef Blend Burgers bags with the "best used by" dates of 3_21_15 and 3_22_15 imprinted on the back panel of the plastic bag. Only 47 cases with the 3_21_15 date were distributed nationally and 55 cases with the 3_22_15 date were distributed nationally.

No other products or sizes are affected.

The recalled product should not be sold or fed to pets. The company has received no reports of illness in either people or animals associated with this product.

While these products tested negative, Bravo! is allowing concerned pet owners to return unopened frozen tubes of food and patties to the store where purchased for a full refund. Pet owners should dispose of unopened product in a safe manner (example, a securely covered trash receptacle). Consumers who believe they have opened these products at home should just dispose of the product in a safe manner and contact the retailer where they purchased their product for a full refund.

Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

In an effort to prevent the transmission of Salmonella from pets to family members and care givers, the FDA recommends that everyone follow appropriate pet food handling guidelines when feeding their pets. A list of safe pet food handling tips can be found at: http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm048182.htm.

For more information on the Bravo recall, please visit www.bravorawdiet.com, or call toll free (866) 922-9222 Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST).

***********
The recall is on the FDA website.

[See BARF World for more information.]

BARF World Voluntary Recall of bags of Lamb Diet and Combination Diet with the Best By Date of 7/27/2013 (07272013).

From the BARF World website:
BARF World Recall Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why are you recalling your product?

A:  FDA regulations do not allow the presence of salmonella in cooked pet foods (canned or kibble).  Even though we do not manufacture cooked foods, we are required to comply with the same standards.  BARF World wants to fully cooperate with the FDA, and is complying with their regulations.
                                                                                                                                         
While the BARF World products have not been tested and found positive for Salmonella, the FDA is requesting that we recall all products that were made on the same day that a positive salmonella test occurred in the manufacturing plant.

Q:  Does this mean that my pet is going to get salmonella poisoning?

A:  Salmonella poisoning is a rare occurrence in dogs and cats, although the possibility does exist.  They are highly resistant, but not immune to pathogens (bacteria) such as salmonella.  This is much more of a concern for humans, as we are not equipped with the digestive tools to process raw meat.  This is why we need to cook our meats, as well as wash our hands, utensils, and preparation area thoroughly. Dogs and cats, on the other hand, are equipped with much more potent stomach acid and a shorter digestive tract that allows raw food to process extremely quickly.  For several thousand years, dogs and cats have eaten raw meat, spoiled meat, dirt, feces, grass, garbage, bones, and all sorts of bacteria-laden things.  They are biologically designed to handle pathogens, as evidenced by the presence of salmonella in their feces.
           
Q:  How could BARF World food have become contaminated?

A:  Whether bought directly from the manufacturer, or purchased from your local grocer, raw meat (especially poultry) contains pathogens.  The USDA has “tolerance levels” for salmonella, as it is a recognized fact of life.  This means that poultry producers are allowed to have some bacteria in their products.  Most raw meats contain low levels of pathogens most of the time.  Again, the digestive system of a dog or cat is designed to handle a higher bacterial load than that of a human.  Contamination with low levels of bacteria happens long before the ingredients arrive at the production facility for processing.

Q:  What does all this mean for my pet and me?

A:  Only you can determine if feeding a raw food diet is the right choice for your pet.  All pet foods carry some risk.  Many of the recalls from last year were for dry and canned pet foods, so there is no such thing as a bacteria-free, sterile food. Feeding a high-quality diet, made with superior ingredients, as well as following all recommendations pertaining to storage, temperature, and hygiene can reduce these risks.

Q:  How will I know if my pet has contracted salmonella?

A:  It is unlikely that your pet will contract salmonella.  However, it is possible.  Puppies, seniors, and dogs with compromised immune systems are the most likely to exhibit symptoms.  Symptoms of salmonella include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of interest in food, dehydration, weakness, and fever.  If your pet exhibits any of these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Q:  How can I avoid Salmonella infection?

A:  Like it states on our BARF Diet bags, make sure to handle your pet’s food like you would any raw meat product.  Wash your hands, utensils, food bowls and working surfaces with hot soapy water after coming into contact with raw meat.  Also, make sure to use a plastic bag or plastic glove when coming into contact with your pet’s stools as salmonella may be present.  As an added precaution, avoid allowing your pet to lick you right after eating.

Q:  How can I tell if my product is part of the recall?

A:  Only the BARF Lamb Patties and the BARF Combo Patties produced on July 27th, 2012 are being recalled.  The bag will have a white sticker towards the top, and the sticker will display a Use By date of 07/27/2013.  If you have recalled product at your home, please dispose of the product in a safe manner (i.e. in a securely covered trash receptacle) and contact Christopher Hampson at 1-866-282-2273 for a replacement or a refund.

Q:  What should I feed my pet in place of the recalled product?

A:  If you have recalled product at your home, please dispose of the product in a safe manner (i.e. in a securely covered trash receptacle) and contact Christopher Hampson at 1-866-282-2273 for a replacement or a refund. In the meantime, you can go ahead and continue feeding any other bags of the BARF Diet that you have in stock.

**************
See BARF World for more information.

Natura Pet Expands Voluntary Recall of Dry Pet Foods Due to Possible Health Risk

**Brands recalled include California Natural - Evo - Health Wise - Innova - Karma**

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 29, 2013 – Natura Pet Products is voluntarily expanding its recall of dry pet food because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. No Salmonella-related illnesses have been confirmed to date.

Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Sampling conducted by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and the Georgia Department of Agriculture confirmed the presence of Salmonella in additional dry cat food and a cat pet treat. In an abundance of caution, Natura is also recalling product made in the surrounding timeframe. This affects dry foods only; no canned wet food is affected by this announcement.

The affected products are sold through veterinary clinics and select pet specialty retailers nationwide and in Canada, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, Malaysia and Costa Rica, as well as online. The dry cat food expiration dates for this expanded recall range from 1/1/2014 to 3/24/2014. The dry cat treats have expiration dates from 7/1/13 to 9/27/13.

Consumers who have purchased these pet foods should discard them. For additional information, consumers may visit www.naturapet.com. For further information or a product replacement or refund call Natura toll-free at 800-224-6123. (Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM CST).

FOR MORE INFORMATION, AND A LIST OF UPCs & LOT CODES, SEE THE RECALL NOTICE ON THE FDA WEBSITE.

Bravo! Recalls 2 lb Tubes of Chicken Blend-Raw Frozen Food Diet for Dogs and Cats (One Lot Code) Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk

Contact:
Consumer:
David Bogner
866-922-9222
E-mail: info@bravorawdiet.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 13, 2013 - Bravo! is voluntarily recalling its 2 lb tubes of Bravo! Raw Food Diet Chicken Blend for Dogs and Cats, product code: 21-102, batch ID code 6 14 12, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

The recall involves 2 lb. Bravo! Chicken Blend frozen raw diet tubes (chubs) made on June 14, 2012 only; no other products or sizes are involved. The recalled product should not be sold or fed to pets. This batch tested negative by a third party independent laboratory prior to release for distribution to consumers, however routine testing by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture of product collected from a single retail location tested positive for presence of salmonella. While the testing discrepancy is unclear, in an abundance of caution Bravo is issuing this recall.

The company has received no reports of illness in either people or animals associated with this product.

The recalled product is distributed nationwide to distributors, retail stores, internet retailers and directly to consumers, and can be identified by the batch ID code 6 14 12 located on the white hang tag attached to the bottom of the plastic film tube.

Pet owners should return unopened frozen tubes of food to the store where purchased for a full refund. Pet owners should dispose of opened tubes of product in a safe manner (example, a securely covered trash receptacle) and return the washed plastic batch ID tag to the store where purchased for a full refund.

Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

In an effort to prevent the transmission of Salmonella from pets to family members and care givers, the FDA recommends that everyone follow appropriate pet food handling guidelines when feeding their pets. A list of safe pet food handling tips can be found at: http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm048182.htm.

For more information on the Bravo recall, please visit www.bravorawdiet.com, or call toll free (866) 922-9222 Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST).

****
The release can be found on the FDA website.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 6, 2013
Jones Natural Chews Co (877) 481-2663 or (815) 874-9500
JONES NATURAL CHEWS CO RECALLS WOOFERS DOG TREATS BECAUSE OF POSSIBLE SALMONELLA HEALTH RISK

Jones Natural Chews Co of Rockford, IL is recalling 245 boxes of Woofers (beef patties) because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. People handling dry pet food and/or treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the chews or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by Colorado Department of Agriculture Feed Program which revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria.

The Jones Natural Chews Woofers were distributed in AZ, CA, CO, PA, VA, and WI. They were shipped to distributors and retailers between November 1, 2012 and November 12, 2012 where they were available for purchase.

Jones Natural Chews Co Woofers (beef patties) bulk 50 count box, Item UPC 741956008169, Lot 2962GPS-Best By 10/22/15 and Lot 2892PAL-Best By 10/15/15

***Woofers in bulk 50 count box may be sold individually***

Jones Natural Chews Co Woofers (beef patties) 1 pack shrink-wrap, 50 count box, Item UPC 741956008657, Lot 3102, Best By 11/05/15.

Jones Natural Chews Co Woofers (beef patties) 1 pack shrink-wrap, 50 count box, Item UPC 741956008183, Lot 2892BF-Best By 10/15/15, Lot 2962PWV-Best By 10/22/15, Lot 2962ASC-Best By 10/22/15, and Lot 3032ASL-Best By 10/29/15.

Jones Natural Chews Co Woofers (beef patties) 2pack shrink-wrap, 25ct box, item UPC 741956008190, Lot 2962ASC-Best By 10/22/15 and Lot 3032ASL-Best By 10/29/15.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

Consumers who have purchased any of these woofers are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-877-481-2663, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Central Standard Time.

***********
The recall notice is on the Jones Natural Chews website.

Diggin' Your Dog Recalls Strippin' Chicks Pet Treats Distributed in Colorado and Nevada Due to Possible Salmonella Hazard

Contact
Consumer:
1-775-742-7295
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 7, 2013 - Diggin' Your Dog™ announced today that they are voluntarily withdrawing one lot of its Strippin' Chicks™ Pet Treats produced on 8-30-12 because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The sample was obtained in Colorado and the company has accounted for its distribution in Colorado of this lot.

No other Diggin' Your Dog™ products, lots, or production dates are affected.

The lot being voluntarily withdrawn is: Strippin' Chicks™ Pet Treats 5 oz Bag. Lot Code 250322 Use By Date: 2-23-14.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Animals with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some animals will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy animals can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your animals have consumed the recalled product and have these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Diggin' Your Dog™ takes the matter of consumer protection and safety very seriously and strives to deliver only the safest products available.

Diggin' Your Dog™ is committed to providing the highest-quality pet treats possible to their customers. As a precautionary measure, Diggin' Your Dog™ will continue to produce all products in very small, handmade lot batches.

No Other Diggin' Your Dog™ products are affected by this voluntary withdrawal. Customers who have purchased this lot code are urged to stop feeding the product to their pet, remove the lot code from the packaging, and discard the contents.

A full refund, plus $1.00 to cover postage will be received by mailing the UPC and lot code to:
Diggin Your Dog, LLC, PO Box 17306 Reno, NV 89511.
All refunds will be processed within ten business days (plus postage time).

Diggin' Your Dog™ values the efforts of all agencies dedicated to the safety of the industry and is committed to consumer safety at all levels.

For questions or more information, contact Diggin' Your Dog™.
By phone at 775-742-7295 Mon-Fri 8:30AM - 4:00PM Pacific Standard Time
Email us at info@dydusa.com.

**************

FDA Recall Notice: Diggin' Your Dog Recalls Strippin' Chicks Pet Treats Distributed in Colorado and Nevada Due to Possible Salmonella Hazard