Cat deaths linked to Orijen

[Perseus]

    In actuality, even though they say no toxins were found, how is one to know whether this is even accurate information? They could have found something and just elected to not go public with the information. Just Sayin.......

They have done it before why not? I don't trust anything they say.

GG, can you refresh my memory about the problems with Orijens before?  It would be good to understand the whole picture here plus let other folks know about it just in case it were to happen again.

TIA

[Perseus]

There was one person that wrote they had been feeding Orijen for a week and then symptoms occurred.....I'm not sure I trust that post. The cats that got sick had eaten the food for awhile and then off the food - it took quite some time for the symptoms to show. This is the Internet....so I don't believe EVERYTHING I read. Not saying the person lied....but I don't know who this person is and have they contacted Champion Pet Food and did they go to the Vet and what were the results? Is there evidence to prove any of what they say?

I have to give Champion the benefit of the doubt. We don't know they have done anything underhanded. I learned that companies, just like when Natures Variety had issues with their food, that these folks really do care and are trying to do what is best....sometimes bad things happen and we should not be so quick to crucify them. I know over the last year I was a little harsh to some companies with issues. But I've decided it is best to let the facts speak for themselves and not "guess in public" when we are not 100% sure. I mean, how would we like it if our names were drug through the dirt when all the facts were not known? Sure I don't make dog food or cat food but I think some of the posts on here have gone over the top.

I do hope that anyone's cat that is potentially impacted by this will:

(1) Get the cat to the Vet and get diagnosed and treated
(2) Contact Champion Pet Food with your Vet
(3) Express your experience once the FACTS are known - sometimes cats do get sick for other reasons besides irridated cat food!

Just my two cents.

Thanks!

Robert

Robert, some people just get more emotional over a pet food recall, especially those of us that had kitties die or get very ill from it.  There is still the attitude that it's "just pets" that are dying or becoming ill.  If this were babies and Champion was a baby food company, there would have been a ton of more effort, testing, reporting, assistance, removal and support compared to what has been done for the kitties so far.  The government would have stepped in already, and probably the DA's probably involved as well.

I don't think anyone here is calling Champion underhanded, but I truly believe they were negligent and not as forthcoming as they can be.  Michelle Granger stated more tests were done Tuesday night and it's Friday and no test results posted yet.  If you visit CatWorld you'll see more kitties being reported as suffering, going down quickly, parents trying to make decisions over PTS or not.

It's an emotional roller coaster and will probably continue for quite some time.  That's just the way it's gonna be.

[GreyGhost]

In 2003 it was food made with a "mad cow" BSE, then a few months ago the sharp fish bones they said were not harmful and they were and I know of a minimum of a few dogs that had problems, and now this.

They didn't call themselves Orijen at that time I don't believe.Heres the BSE cow link:
http://articles.latimes.com/2003/may/27/world/fg-dogfood27

I am tired of them trying to cover up and say all is fine when they know darn well it is NOT.

[GreyGhost]

There was one person that wrote they had been feeding Orijen for a week and then symptoms occurred.....I'm not sure I trust that post. The cats that got sick had eaten the food for awhile and then off the food - it took quite some time for the symptoms to show. This is the Internet....so I don't believe EVERYTHING I read. Not saying the person lied....but I don't know who this person is and have they contacted Champion Pet Food and did they go to the Vet and what were the results? Is there evidence to prove any of what they say?

I have to give Champion the benefit of the doubt. We don't know they have done anything underhanded. I learned that companies, just like when Natures Variety had issues with their food, that these folks really do care and are trying to do what is best....sometimes bad things happen and we should not be so quick to crucify them. I know over the last year I was a little harsh to some companies with issues. But I've decided it is best to let the facts speak for themselves and not "guess in public" when we are not 100% sure. I mean, how would we like it if our names were drug through the dirt when all the facts were not known? Sure I don't make dog food or cat food but I think some of the posts on here have gone over the top.

I do hope that anyone's cat that is potentially impacted by this will:

(1) Get the cat to the Vet and get diagnosed and treated
(2) Contact Champion Pet Food with your Vet
(3) Express your experience once the FACTS are known - sometimes cats do get sick for other reasons besides irridated cat food!

Just my two cents.

Thanks!

Robert

Now Robert you and I go way back. You know I don't beleive everything I read on the internet. I do however believe the posger with the cat before I believe Champion Pet Foods. You have done an all out assault on a few companies that have had problems and the problems did not endanger lives. I remember you going all out on Natures Variety. They immediately notified all distributors and stores. Yet you went calling all the stores in your area to see if they knew. I can tell you half the stores don't even pay attention to the memo's they get. They are the ones to blame for things like that. Tell me have you called all the stores in your area to tell them about the fish bones and now the cats in Australia? Have you told everyone you know to call their local stores. I have. I have told every person I know that feeds orijen to be careful and stop feeding. I am tired of this company pulling this stuff and getting away with it over and over. Everything is never their fault. Its the country's (Austrilia) fault or the screens fault, or the cows fault. How many times do you need to hear of a problem with a company before you decide to not give them the benefit of the doubt. Why shouldn't we doubt them?  Its our animals not their's and they could care less so long as the mighty dollar keeps comeing in. So they did testing. Big deal. They can do alot more and I know they can do alot more but that would cost money. Why in the world should we trust our precious pet kids to companies that keep coming up with problems and blaming them on everything and everyone else. If its the irradiation then why in the world is not happening to other irradiated foods? These are questions I want answers to and I want answers swift and quick. Not months from now. I see this food on the shelves where I shop and I see people buying it and I know half of them have no idea there was even recall. None of the stores I go to have been notified. I don't care that its not here in the US. "yet" If you have a problem with any of your food and you "don't" know what it is than "ALL" food should be suspect. Period. End of the story. My patience has run very thin with all companies and I only trust a few and even them I don't trust 100% because I know that things can happen and do happen. So give them the benefit of the doubt? NEVER. They have not given me a reason to. I hold every food I feed to a high standard and if they can't swing it then I won't buy it. There is no way ever that I will put my dogs life in a company's hands that tries to hide things and can't even figure out if it was their food or what it is if it is the food.

Just my 2 cents. As most can tell from my post I am very po'd and I should be and so should everyone else that has to feed commercial food to their pets. We are not asking for much and by God we deserve what we ask for since we are the ones paying price and sometimes that price is way too much. No one should ever have to lose a pet because food. Its ridiculous and needs to be stopped. It never should happen. No excuse.  I will never again settle for anything less.

[Perseus]

"Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself."
- Harvey Fierstein

[Bonkers]

   Very well said GreyGhost! I do not think there will ever come a time when the PFI will ever be totally honest with consumers especially where it concerns illness's/deaths caused by their food. This was a food I was considering using when/if it becomes available in my area but not any more! And what is Champion going to do for these pet parents? Are they going to "reach out" as they had stated on their website? And what exactly does THAT mean? If they are able to claim that it was not their fault, or that they were unaware of the irradiation process, then my guess is they cannot be held liable.  Deplorable..........

[Bonkers]

  Per this  info posted on Champions webpage; "BOTANICALS: Why do ORIJEN foods contain botanicals?
A: ORIJEN is designed to match the natural diet as closely as is possible in a kibble format. Botanicals are a part of the natural diet for all cats and dogs, and play an important role in bridging the gap between good health and peak conditioning. The botanicals found in ORIJEN are selected by one of North America’s leading Homeopathic Veterinarians." 


 http://www.championpetfoods.com/orijen/faq/


   Ok so I would like to know where is the Homeopathic Veterinarian who aided in the selection of ingredients for the Orijen? Would this person not have been a wiser choice to represent Champion Pet Foods and answer questions on various forums, rather than Clark Stride or Michelle who have stated they are just sales reps?                                                                                                                                                                  Edited  to add:  Also, is this the same vet they consulted  in regards to the "Treatment Options" that were posted on their November 26, 2008 update?  TREATMENT OPTIONS
Anti-oxidants, Omega fatty acid, Vitamins
Prednisone, Metacam or Antibiotics if needed on veterinarian’s advice
Exercise, movement and physical therapy are crucial for recovery                          http://www.championpetfoods.com/Australia_Consumer_Release_Nov26.pdf 

[GreyGhost]

Also on the update report why is this person (holistic veterinarian) not listed. They listed everyone else that has to with the process. Even their nutritionist. So why not list this "famous" veterinarian.

I'm with you Bonkers. If they are trying to now give veterinary advice on treatment options then they should at least have it as a veterinarians statement. Wow. I can't believe they list treatment options without stating who decided on these treatment options.

The other thing I find odd on their update is the fact that they now tested the irradiation process. Why would a company not do that before to see what happens to their food if they are going to sell over there. I would want to know ahead of time if the process (which is mandatory) was going to harm my food. They really dropped the ball here.

[robfdavis1971]

There was one person that wrote they had been feeding Orijen for a week and then symptoms occurred.....I'm not sure I trust that post. The cats that got sick had eaten the food for awhile and then off the food - it took quite some time for the symptoms to show. This is the Internet....so I don't believe EVERYTHING I read. Not saying the person lied....but I don't know who this person is and have they contacted Champion Pet Food and did they go to the Vet and what were the results? Is there evidence to prove any of what they say?

I have to give Champion the benefit of the doubt. We don't know they have done anything underhanded. I learned that companies, just like when Natures Variety had issues with their food, that these folks really do care and are trying to do what is best....sometimes bad things happen and we should not be so quick to crucify them. I know over the last year I was a little harsh to some companies with issues. But I've decided it is best to let the facts speak for themselves and not "guess in public" when we are not 100% sure. I mean, how would we like it if our names were drug through the dirt when all the facts were not known? Sure I don't make dog food or cat food but I think some of the posts on here have gone over the top.

I do hope that anyone's cat that is potentially impacted by this will:

(1) Get the cat to the Vet and get diagnosed and treated
(2) Contact Champion Pet Food with your Vet
(3) Express your experience once the FACTS are known - sometimes cats do get sick for other reasons besides irridated cat food!

Just my two cents.

Thanks!

Robert

Now Robert you and I go way back. You know I don't beleive everything I read on the internet. I do however believe the posger with the cat before I believe Champion Pet Foods. You have done an all out assault on a few companies that have had problems and the problems did not endanger lives. I remember you going all out on Natures Variety. They immediately notified all distributors and stores. Yet you went calling all the stores in your area to see if they knew. I can tell you half the stores don't even pay attention to the memo's they get. They are the ones to blame for things like that. Tell me have you called all the stores in your area to tell them about the fish bones and now the cats in Australia? Have you told everyone you know to call their local stores. I have. I have told every person I know that feeds orijen to be careful and stop feeding. I am tired of this company pulling this stuff and getting away with it over and over. Everything is never their fault. Its the country's (Austrilia) fault or the screens fault, or the cows fault. How many times do you need to hear of a problem with a company before you decide to not give them the benefit of the doubt. Why shouldn't we doubt them?  Its our animals not their's and they could care less so long as the mighty dollar keeps comeing in. So they did testing. Big deal. They can do alot more and I know they can do alot more but that would cost money. Why in the world should we trust our precious pet kids to companies that keep coming up with problems and blaming them on everything and everyone else. If its the irradiation then why in the world is not happening to other irradiated foods? These are questions I want answers to and I want answers swift and quick. Not months from now. I see this food on the shelves where I shop and I see people buying it and I know half of them have no idea there was even recall. None of the stores I go to have been notified. I don't care that its not here in the US. "yet" If you have a problem with any of your food and you "don't" know what it is than "ALL" food should be suspect. Period. End of the story. My patience has run very thin with all companies and I only trust a few and even them I don't trust 100% because I know that things can happen and do happen. So give them the benefit of the doubt? NEVER. They have not given me a reason to. I hold every food I feed to a high standard and if they can't swing it then I won't buy it. There is no way ever that I will put my dogs life in a company's hands that tries to hide things and can't even figure out if it was their food or what it is if it is the food.

Just my 2 cents. As most can tell from my post I am very po'd and I should be and so should everyone else that has to feed commercial food to their pets. We are not asking for much and by God we deserve what we ask for since we are the ones paying price and sometimes that price is way too much. No one should ever have to lose a pet because food. Its ridiculous and needs to be stopped. It never should happen. No excuse.  I will never again settle for anything less.

Yes we go way back :-) And you have provided some really good advice offline to me.....Which is why I specifically mentioned Natures Variety in the post and stated I did jump the gun on some companies in the past. And that is why I have held back any negative viewpoints when I don't know the facts. Just like NV came on and answered questions, you remember how they were attacked and you stood up for them and couldn't believe how they were being treated? The same is going on with Champion Pet Foods.  Yes, I did call my local stores and let them know to watch for the bones in the 6 Fish. I did not call about the Australian incident because right now it is only Australia and cats are not falling ill here like overseas.  So that is why I posted how I did. I'm not trying to shut people up....just speaking from my own experience and how somethings look a little different than what they might appear online....plus some things take awhile to find out - not all answers are right now. I mean you gave NV the benefit of the doubt even when they talked about things that didn't make sense when they were trying to figure it all out.....

[coontuffy]

I've been thinking and researching and I am not satisfied.   
To date I still have one opened, 3/4 full bag.
I also have 5 brand new unopened bags.

To date, I can not bring myself to feed this food............

[Perseus]

To date, I can not bring myself to feed this food............

I wouldn't do it either.  I cannot deal with anymore grief, and I know you're the same way.  Call me paranoid, I've been called worse.......

[GreyGhost]

I wouldn't do it. There is no reason to take chances. I would take the bags back. I still feel US cases will start popping up. I don't fully believe the whole irradiation story. We may never find out so I don't blame you for not taking chances.

[GreyGhost]

There was one person that wrote they had been feeding Orijen for a week and then symptoms occurred.....I'm not sure I trust that post. The cats that got sick had eaten the food for awhile and then off the food - it took quite some time for the symptoms to show. This is the Internet....so I don't believe EVERYTHING I read. Not saying the person lied....but I don't know who this person is and have they contacted Champion Pet Food and did they go to the Vet and what were the results? Is there evidence to prove any of what they say?

I have to give Champion the benefit of the doubt. We don't know they have done anything underhanded. I learned that companies, just like when Natures Variety had issues with their food, that these folks really do care and are trying to do what is best....sometimes bad things happen and we should not be so quick to crucify them. I know over the last year I was a little harsh to some companies with issues. But I've decided it is best to let the facts speak for themselves and not "guess in public" when we are not 100% sure. I mean, how would we like it if our names were drug through the dirt when all the facts were not known? Sure I don't make dog food or cat food but I think some of the posts on here have gone over the top.

I do hope that anyone's cat that is potentially impacted by this will:

(1) Get the cat to the Vet and get diagnosed and treated
(2) Contact Champion Pet Food with your Vet
(3) Express your experience once the FACTS are known - sometimes cats do get sick for other reasons besides irridated cat food!

Just my two cents.

Thanks!

Robert

Now Robert you and I go way back. You know I don't beleive everything I read on the internet. I do however believe the posger with the cat before I believe Champion Pet Foods. You have done an all out assault on a few companies that have had problems and the problems did not endanger lives. I remember you going all out on Natures Variety. They immediately notified all distributors and stores. Yet you went calling all the stores in your area to see if they knew. I can tell you half the stores don't even pay attention to the memo's they get. They are the ones to blame for things like that. Tell me have you called all the stores in your area to tell them about the fish bones and now the cats in Australia? Have you told everyone you know to call their local stores. I have. I have told every person I know that feeds orijen to be careful and stop feeding. I am tired of this company pulling this stuff and getting away with it over and over. Everything is never their fault. Its the country's (Austrilia) fault or the screens fault, or the cows fault. How many times do you need to hear of a problem with a company before you decide to not give them the benefit of the doubt. Why shouldn't we doubt them?  Its our animals not their's and they could care less so long as the mighty dollar keeps comeing in. So they did testing. Big deal. They can do alot more and I know they can do alot more but that would cost money. Why in the world should we trust our precious pet kids to companies that keep coming up with problems and blaming them on everything and everyone else. If its the irradiation then why in the world is not happening to other irradiated foods? These are questions I want answers to and I want answers swift and quick. Not months from now. I see this food on the shelves where I shop and I see people buying it and I know half of them have no idea there was even recall. None of the stores I go to have been notified. I don't care that its not here in the US. "yet" If you have a problem with any of your food and you "don't" know what it is than "ALL" food should be suspect. Period. End of the story. My patience has run very thin with all companies and I only trust a few and even them I don't trust 100% because I know that things can happen and do happen. So give them the benefit of the doubt? NEVER. They have not given me a reason to. I hold every food I feed to a high standard and if they can't swing it then I won't buy it. There is no way ever that I will put my dogs life in a company's hands that tries to hide things and can't even figure out if it was their food or what it is if it is the food.

Just my 2 cents. As most can tell from my post I am very po'd and I should be and so should everyone else that has to feed commercial food to their pets. We are not asking for much and by God we deserve what we ask for since we are the ones paying price and sometimes that price is way too much. No one should ever have to lose a pet because food. Its ridiculous and needs to be stopped. It never should happen. No excuse.  I will never again settle for anything less.

Yes we go way back :-) And you have provided some really good advice offline to me.....Which is why I specifically mentioned Natures Variety in the post and stated I did jump the gun on some companies in the past. And that is why I have held back any negative viewpoints when I don't know the facts. Just like NV came on and answered questions, you remember how they were attacked and you stood up for them and couldn't believe how they were being treated? The same is going on with Champion Pet Foods.  Yes, I did call my local stores and let them know to watch for the bones in the 6 Fish. I did not call about the Australian incident because right now it is only Australia and cats are not falling ill here like overseas.  So that is why I posted how I did. I'm not trying to shut people up....just speaking from my own experience and how somethings look a little different than what they might appear online....plus some things take awhile to find out - not all answers are right now. I mean you gave NV the benefit of the doubt even when they talked about things that didn't make sense when they were trying to figure it all out.....

I did stick up for N.V. I was in close contact with their major sales rep and I knew she was still feeding the food. I know her well and know she would not lie to me. Also one thing to remember is that they were not being accused of deaths. Thats a huge difference. if animals would have dies it would have been a whole different story. The other thing to keep in mind is that N.V. talked with us and kept us updated and answered our questions without hesitation. They stepped up to the plate admitted the problem and dealt with it. Champion on the other hand has already lied a couple of time and have tried to tell people something was safe when it wasn't and now this. I think its way different. Almost every company has little issues that we can get past so long as we are not lied to and told things are fine when they are not. Champion has dropped the ball too many times for me and since they have no idea what happened and are trying to blame anything and anyone for their food I don't think they deserve the benefit of the doubt. Thats just too much risk that we should not have to take. There are many foods that are safe so why chance it? Thats the point I was trying to make. I understand your points and where you are coming from but I just can't agree with giving them the benefit of the doubt when the risk is death. 

[robfdavis1971]

Hey GreyGhost....I see your points and the reasons you feel the way you do.

I will post pics of my kids shortly.....been busy traveling! Its getting cold - feels like Christmas!

Robert

[Bonkers]

    Just checked Champions website.  Still no new update and Michelle and Clark have not responded to posters on any forum for the past 5 days. I think someone may have issued a "gag" order.