The Cal Nat controversy

[garypen]

That logic would only hold true if the other pet foods were using the same vitamin premix from the same supplier.

Also, remember that the contaminants were only found in appreciable numbers when the specks were tested separately from the whole food. Also, "specks" is a misnomer, as these weren't simply dark spots blended into the kibble, but clearly defined and separate chunks that were embedded in the food. There is a big difference.

I'm quite surprised that you, of all people, are defending Natura, and downplaying the importance of this particular issue. I'm not saying they are selling poison food. But, considering your otherwise suspicious nature when it comes to pet food companies, I'm surprised you're letting these guys slide so easily. You gave Wellness a much harder time. And, their stuff, so far, has not had any issues at all. (Although, they could just as easily be full of crap as all the rest. I keep my eyes and ears open. I trust no company, fully.)

Now, gimme some cookies.

[Davis]

Well, if anything I've said has suggested that I'm "defending" Natura, who I find thoroughly disgusting at this moment in time, then I give up.  All I was saying is that the "appearance" of "some" of the pictures did not alarm me.  The same does not hold true for the tests, and I never said it did.  I'm sure there are other companies using that premix, or other Chinese vits that have the potential for being tainted, but maybe that is just ignorance and stupidity on my part.

[garypen]

Disgusted! That's more like it!

Now, where's my cookies?

[himimom1254]

I for one am so disappointed in Natura.  I've used California Natural Dry food for probably at least 10 years w/o any type of problem.  It's so sad that a company can't even step up the plate and let their customers know what's happening.  If they had a bad run, then own up to it. 

I've waivered back and forth, should I change foods, should I not.  But because of their silence I have no choice.  I found black chunks in Andy's cat food when I got back from vacation and knew I couldn't just ignore it w/o any word from the company.  There's no guarantee the food I've chosen to feed will be any better or work for Andy, but at least for now there's no controversy.

I've contacted my state senator, tried unsuccessfully to reach the head of the FDA in Chicago (she won't return my calls), posted my pictures for all to see, and made a complaint through the Better Business Bureau in CA against Natura.  I know what I alone do probably won't matter, but at least I would have tried.

[garypen]

You've done a lot! I've only stopped using them. Then again, I didn't actually find any foreign particles in the food.

Two things about Natura that have always struck me as a little shady and/or a little slick is that they do not post their street address. I know they are here in San Jose somewhere. But, there is no actual street address, just a PO Box, as if it's run out of someone's garage, or they are otherwise afraid people will know hwere to find them. And... why do they have so many brands? Innova, California Natural, Healthwise, Karma, Mother Nature? To me, that smacks more of marketing and business, not of pet care.

[himimom1254]

Yes, I thought the PO Box was odd too.   I noticed it when I was doing the BBB complaint and needed a mailing address.  By the way, Natura has until 8/21 to reply to my complaint.  I can't wait to see what happens.  I asked them to come clean about the change in the product (black chunks") and to at least make a statement about their change in quality, lack of customer support and acknowledge there is/was a problem and how they are addressing it.

[garypen]

BTW, I found the street address of their dry food manufacturing plant in Nebraska:

Natura Manufacturing Inc.
2779 Rademakers Way
Fremont, NE 68025
(402) 727-0870

It was on on of the lab test reports located at: http://www.naturapet.com/about-natura/labresults.asp

Those of you looking for a reason to stay with Natura and CalNat can find reassurance in these reports. I can certainly understand why many would be reluctant to leave a food that has proved so beneficial in the past.

[garypen]

Here's Natura's listed address in San Jose, according to ATT:

Natura Pet Products
1101 S Winchester Blvd Bldg J
San Jose, CA 95128
(408) 261-0770

I used to live around the corner from there for years. It's just one of those little commercial buildings with multiple small business tenants. This coming weekend, while I'm in that area, I will take a look. I'm curious.

It's still strikes me as odd that their published mailing address is a PO box in Santa Clara, though. It's nearby. But, still, it seems just a wee bit sleazy, doesn't it?

Here's an aerial shot. Don't let the size of the buildings fool you. Each one probably has 20 or more tenants.
http://maps.yahoo.com/#mvt=h&q1=1101+S+Winchester+Blvd++San+Jose%2C+CA+95128&trf=0&lon=-121.950179&lat=37.306258&mag=1

[himimom1254]

I'll be curious to hear about your drive by this weekend 

[garypen]

I wasn't planning on shooting anybody! 

[himimom1254]

drive by....look and see 

[garypen]

On second thought, if any of your beloved pets are sickened or injured by this, I just might! 

[garypen]

I checked out Natura's corporate HQ today. As I thought, it is a leased office space in an old commercial development that houses a bunch of small business, medical, and dental offices. Their space isn't too tiny though. It occupies about a half of one side of one building. It looks like it probably holds around a dozen or so staff. (It was closed, so I'm guessing based on what I saw through their front door.) Obviously, they have more staff at their plant in NE.

It still bothers me that they don't post the corporate address on their website or packaging, and use a PO box as a mailing address. Why? I just don't get it. Their office is certainly legit. Maybe they feel it's too small for the image they are trying to project? Who knows.

To reiterate, for anybody who feels the need to know, their corporate HQ is located at:

Natura Pet Products
1101 S Winchester Blvd
Bldg J Suite 225
San Jose, CA 95128
(408) 261-0770

[himimom1254]

It certainly is odd about the PO box.  I don't understand it. 

Good to know there really is a corporate office 

Thanks for checking it out.

[Mary K]

Garypen,
 Thanks for the detective work. Pet Food Companies should be shaking in their boots with this kind of concern and follow up from the public. Sure, some can pull the wool over our eyes, but not always. This is exactly what needs to be happening across the country by concerned folks. Good work!