Massive recall of dog AND cat food

[Moonliner]

A heads up for pet owners. There has been a massive recall of wet dog and cat food made by menu foods. It includes a wide range of products


Menu Foods, the Ontario, Canada-based company that produced the pet food, said Saturday it was recalling dog food sold throughout North America under 48 brands and cat food sold under 40 brands including Iams, Nutro and Eukanuba. The food was distributed by major retailers such as Wal-Mart, Kroger and Safeway.


An unknown number of cats and dogs had suffered kidney failure and about 10 died after eating the affected pet food, the company said.


Two other companies _ Nestle Purina PetCare Co. and Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc. _ said Saturday that as a precaution they were voluntarily recalling some products made by Menu Foods.


Many stores that sold the affected brands frantically pulled packages off shelves.


A complete list of products can be found at the recall web site (http://www.menufoods.com/recall).

[flippyshark]

Wow. I don't currently have any of those brand in my house, but, that's a massive amount of bad pet food!

Maybe they'd be better off with Vegemite after all.

[CoasterMatt]

The only "wet food" we feed our pets is the blood of the damned kids who think it's funny to mess with them :evil:

[Kevy Baby]

We just fed our cats the last can of one of the listed foods. So, I'm freaking out at this moment.

[Snowflake]

Fortunately, Tango is only on dry food (aside from the ocassional fresh shrimp or chicken that gets tossed her way - spoiled rotten kitty).

Kevy, figners crossed for you. I'd be freaking out too, I obsessively checked the list this weekend 3 times just in case they changed the items recalled.

[Alex]

I wouldn't worry about it much. Considering the millions of animals that have been eating the named foods, even at unacceptable levels of toxicity it isn't that bad or we'd have millions of dead animals already.

Our cat won't touch any food other than dry food, popcorn, and toe separators (the things you use for painting toenails). So she's safe.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Good thing our rabbit eats only veggies like spinach and lettuce. Nothing can possibly go wrong with those.





Oh, wait.

[Moonliner]

We just fed our cats the last can of one of the listed foods. So, I'm freaking out at this moment.

While your chances of any problems are of course slim, I would make sure there is plenty of water out for them to drink.

[Jazzman]

Oh crap. We feed our cats the Nutro Pouches listed. One in the morning and one for dinner. Damnit. I think we'll be visiting the vet for a checkup ASAP, just to be safe.

[Prudence]

All weekend I've been glad we feed our kitties expensive special diet vet only cat food. The last thing Boris needs is more kidney trouble.

[Morrigoon]

I once had a vet read me the riot act for feeding my dog people food. Who's laughing now?

Barnum gets dry Pedigree, plus people food scraps. None of that canned ****e for my baby.

[wendybeth]

We try to only give our cats dry food (usually the Purina One specialty foods) and when they get treats it's real food, like tuna or chicken. It keeps their teeth clean and so far we have had no health problems whatsoever. (Knock on wood). I am surprised at some of the high end prods like Eukanuba on the list- does this mean they are made of the same ingredients as the WF, Winn-Dixie and other budget brands? I've had several vets tell me that they didn't like the Iams and Nutra brands, so I'm glad I've stayed away.

[Jazzman]

I once had a vet read me the riot act for feeding my dog people food.

What, does he think that wild dogs all tuck in to little chrome bowls of Alpo out in the wilderness? They're dogs. They'll eat crap. Literally.

[Ghoulish Delight]

What, does he think that wild dogs all tuck in to little chrome bowls of Alpo out in the wilderness? They're dogs. They'll eat crap. Literally.
Except that most domestic dogs are removed from their wild heritage by centuries and centuries of breeding. Therefore the processes of natural selection that allow wild dogs to be more tolerant of a wide variety of less-than-ideal food does not necessary apply to domesticated dogs. Plus, the plethora of preservatives and the like in food produced for people may pose a greater risk to dogs (in all likelihood, no one's spent much time testing either way). I don't think wild dogs eat much MSG or dimethyl polysiloxane. The bottom line is, it's a big unknown and if you have the choice of giving them food with as few non-"natural" (yes, I am aware of what a poor term "natural" is in this context, but I think there's a good enough common-sense feel for what that is) ingredients as possible then the dog's probably better off for it.

[Jazzman]

Except that most domestic dogs are removed from their wild heritage by centuries and centuries of breeding. Therefore the processes of natural selection that allow wild dogs to be more tolerant of a wide variety of less-than-ideal food does not necessary apply to domesticated dogs. Plus, the plethora of preservatives and the like in food produced for people may pose a greater risk to dogs (in all likelihood, no one's spent much time testing either way). I don't think wild dogs eat much MSG or dimethyl polysiloxane. The bottom line is, it's a big unknown and if you have the choice of giving them food with as few non-"natural" (yes, I am aware of what a poor term "natural" is in this context, but I think there's a good enough common-sense feel for what that is) ingredients as possible then the dog's probably better off for it.

Yeah, those are all good points, and I'm sure that there's plenty of evidence pointing to their veracity, but I personally don't think that there's as much separating feral dogs in the wild and domesticated pet dogs as we pet owners would like to believe. It takes little for a dog to go from domestic house dog to feral wild animal. If a dog is sadly abandoned it will revert back to its instincts and behave somewhat as it would if it were natively wild. I’ve seen this in dogs back where my family is from in Montana. Vice versa, many wild dogs are frequently bred into domesticated lines (wolves, dingos, etc) with some ease and tamed and such. I may of course be wrong but I'd bet that it would go the same way as far as the dog's ability to eat "people food" or "natural food." Of course, I'm just conjecturing and may be full of crap. Any dog breeders or vets around?

[Ghoulish Delight]

I may of course be wrong but I'd bet that it would go the same way as far as the dog's ability to eat "people food" or "natural food." Of course, I'm just conjecturing and may be full of crap. Any dog breeders or vets around?

I don't disagree, however I would be willing to wager that feral dogs' life expectancy and general well being are on average well bellow that of a well taken care of domesticated dog. Tossing your dog a piece of microwave popcorn every once in a while isn't going to kill it, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't pay attention to their overall diet.

I can eat hamburgers, bacon, fried chicken and drink nothing but soda all day every day and I wouldn't die instantly. But there'd be better than good odds that I'd be cutting my life short.

[Alex]

I am surprised at some of the high end prods like Eukanuba on the list- does this mean they are made of the same ingredients as the WF, Winn-Dixie and other budget brands?


If I'm understanding correctly it doesn't mean that they are identical. Just that Menu Foods is a third party manufacturer. They make the dog foods to the specifications of others. But, yeah, if five companies ask for dog food with wheat gluten filler, all five are going to get the same wheat gluten filler. Though maybe in different amounts.

[Morrigoon]

I would consider bits of my steak or veggies or whatever to be far closer to "natural" than canned dog food. Years ago my mom found an article praising "real" food for dogs and delving into the evils of the pet food aisle, or "death aisle" as some vets (obviously not mine, apparently) call it.

Anyway, I saw a visible improvement in our most senior dog's health within a month of switching to feeding them real food instead of canned. We figure it added 6 months of quality living to his life, so count me a believer.

We've relaxed it a bit now (because cooking for your dog every night gets a bit involved), so we do mixed kibble and real food. Barnum has kibble all the time and then gets bits of whatever we're having (unless it's something bad like chocolate, or spicy or something). I think my mom browns meat, cooks it wth frozen carrots and broccoli, and then stirs in kibble and refrigerates it all to nuke for them at dinnertime. They love it.

Wow, now i feel really lazy, poor Barnum!

[mousepod]

Our dogs only eat dry food, but Heather and I have been considering switching them to BARF (http://www.barfworld.com/). Anyone have any experiences with it?

(In case anyone is planning a silly response, let me get you started:
- All dogs love barf!
- I haven't experienced barf since the last time I had Jäger!
...)

[CoasterMatt]

Would that dry food be Royal Canin Chihuahua?

[Morrigoon]

OMG mousepod, freaking hilarious!

[mousepod]

Would that dry food be Royal Canin Chihuahua?

Yes sir, that would be it.

[Jazzman]

I don't disagree, however I would be willing to wager that feral dogs' life expectancy and general well being are on average well bellow that of a well taken care of domesticated dog.

That's a good point. I had forgot to include actual lifespan in my thinking. It probably is much shorter in the wild. I do doubt that there are a lot of twenty year old feral black labs running around.

[Jazzman]

I think my mom browns meat, cooks it wth frozen carrots and broccoli, and then stirs in kibble and refrigerates it all to nuke for them at dinnertime. They love it.

Dude! That is a seriously pampered pet!

Does your Mom have any openings? I'm not too proud to wear a collar. I'm very affectionate, love children, am already housetrained and need minimal exercise. Oh, and I've been flea-free for over twenty years.

[Mousey Girl]

Add Poohdog to the dry only, with occasional scraps camp. My mom called me this weekend, in a panic, worried that Pooh might be at risk.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

If I'm understanding correctly it doesn't mean that they are identical. Just that Menu Foods is a third party manufacturer. They make the dog foods to the specifications of others. But, yeah, if five companies ask for dog food with wheat gluten filler, all five are going to get the same wheat gluten filler. Though maybe in different amounts.I would add that it's possible that they use totally different ingredients but use the same machinery to make or can it.

[Mousey Girl]

The news said this morning that it was caused by a wheat gluten contamination.

[Not Afraid]

Hills Science Diet is also voluntarialy recalling particular types of their feline pet food line. My vet recommended that any food, regardless of brand, that features the word "GRAVY" should probably not be given to your pet at the moment.

The Hills products that are recalled are:


This voluntary recall only affects Science Diet® Savory Cuts Feline canned products sold in the United States.

Hill’s is voluntarily recalling the following feline products:
1. Science Diet® Ocean Fish Dinner in Sauce Savory Cuts® Kitten, 3 oz. and 5.5 oz.
2. Science Diet® Beef Dinner in Gravy Savory Cuts® Adult, 5.5 oz
3. Science Diet® Chicken Dinner in Gravy Savory Cuts® Adult, 5.5 oz.
4. Science Diet® Ocean Fish Dinner in Sauce Savory Cuts® Adult, 5.5 oz.
5. Science Diet® Chicken Dinner in Gravy Savory Cuts® Mature Adult 7+, 5.5 oz.

No other Hill’s Science Diet® products and no Prescription Diet® products are affected by this voluntary recall.

Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc., is taking this precautionary step to protect the health and well being of your pets. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has said that consumers of other pet food brands manufactured by Menu Foods have reported a small number of cases of cat fatalities or of cats who become ill with loss of appetite, vomiting, and lethargy, which are potential signs of kidney failure.
This voluntary product recall by Hill’s involves discontinuation of all retail sales and product retrieval from consumers. Consumers should stop using the effected products immediately. Consult with a veterinarian if any symptoms are present in your pet. All Science Diet products carry a 100 percent guarantee, and consumers can receive a refund for recalled products. For more information, consumers can contact the company at 1-800-445-5777 or visit www.HillsPet.com for details.

Hill’s is recalling the product codes listed below. Product codes can be found at the bottom of the can. Only relevant code numbers have been listed here (‘X’s indicate irrelevant numbers).

1. .
BESTBEFORE 09 2008
M06XXXXXX 4414
5. .
BESTBEFORE 08 2008
M28XXXXXX 4603
2. .
BESTBEFORE 08 2008
M28XXXXXX 4416
6. .
BESTBEFORE 08 2008
M25XXXXXX 4457
3. .
BESTBEFORE 08 2008
M28XXXXXX 4415
7. .
BESTBEFORE 08 2008
M28XXXXXX 4414
4. .
BESTBEFORE 08 2008
M28XXXXXX 4601

[Kevy Baby]

The news said this morning that it was caused by a wheat gluten contamination.It is rat poison in the wheat gluten.

So, f-it... my cats are starving to death because I am afraid to feed them anything at this point.

[BarTopDancer]

It is rat poison in the wheat gluten.

So, f-it... my cats are starving to death because I am afraid to feed them anything at this point.

Only feed them food you tested first.

[blueerica]

I wish I had thought to link it when I saw it, but just a short bit back, Yahoo had an article on easy-to-make homemade dog and cat food.

[Morrigoon]

Well, for dogs it's fairly easy. Brown some ground beef, cook up some frozen veggies (carrots and broccoli, good; onions, bad), mix the cooked veggies in with the cooked meat, and if you're still using dry food, you can mix in about an equal amount of dry food to cooked food. Stick it all in a bowl, refrigerate until needed, nuke when ready.

There's other stuff that can be used, I just don't remember what it all is.

[Mousey Girl]

I just feel bad for all of the animals that have needlessly suffered do to this. There is already a lawsuit being filed. One of the reports I heard was that the company knew there was a problem but held off on the recall.

[Not Afraid]

It is rat poison in the wheat gluten.

So, f-it... my cats are starving to death because I am afraid to feed them anything at this point.

Feed them any kind of dry and stay away with anything with the words "savory" or "gravy" on it.


BTW, Mighty Dog is a Menu Food product and is not on the list. If you feed Mighty Dog to your dog, stop immediately.

[Morrigoon]

UPDATE: Looks like Hill's Nutrition cat kibble is now being added to the recall

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17870750/

[Kevy Baby]

One of our cats just started having diarrhea. Susan is freaking out. She tried to get into the vet today, but we have to wait until Monday. We had just finished the last can of one of the recalled products the day the announcement was made.

[Mousey Girl]

Wou;dn't the symptoms started earlier?

[Jazzman]

Wou;dn't the symptoms started earlier?

That's something our vet pointed out on Monday. If your animal is going to be affected it would most likely have shown up by now. Kidney failure plays out rather quickly is what he told me, so at this point (a few weeks into the recall) any animal not already diagnosed is most likely just fine and any symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting are most likely a result of the sudden change to different food. It sounds reasonable to me.

[Kevy Baby]

Thanks for the input Jazz and Mouse. That is what I am counting on. But Susan won't be able to rest until she knows for sure.

[BarTopDancer]

It seems that there is now a recall for dry cat and dog food now.

HIlls Perscription Dry Cat Food (http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/hills303_07.html). Only food with wheat gluten.

[Kevy Baby]

Morrigoon mentioned that one a few posts up.

[wendybeth]

Sammy been upchucking since yesterday, but I think it's just hairballs. We only feed him Purina One Urinary tract health formula (kibble), but he does like the Whiskas semi-moist cat chicken cat treats. I'll get some malt in him and see if that helps. Still, I'm a bit nervous now. We love all our animals to distraction, and it is so heartbreaking to see all the poor sick dogs and cats out there now. If this can be traced to any sort of malicious actions, I hope the sick bastard/s responsible get it good. If it is something unforeseen and/or accidental, then I hope the companies that are handling this appropriately don't get slammed too badly.

KB- I hope your babies are okay!!!!!

[Kevy Baby]

Susan just called with (mostly) good news. Moglet doesn't have anything caused by the recalled food. She DOES have tapeworm, but the vet says that wouldn't be causing the diarrhea. We are going to treat the tapeworm and then see what happens from there.

[Moonliner]

my cats are starving to death because I am afraid to feed them anything at this point.

One of our cats just started having diarrhea

I would expect that these two are related. Hopefully once you get them back on a normal schedule this will all clear up.

[Kevy Baby]

Well, I was just joking on the first one ya know. We never interupted their feeding schedule.

[blueerica]

Second tainted pet food ingredient found (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070418/ap_on_he_me/pet_food_recall)

[Snowflake]

Here's the link (http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/petfoodrecall/) for the brands from the FDA website.

Thank goodness I'm using Purina, so far has not shown up on any list.

[Disneyphile]

We use Purina Cat Chow Indoor Formula. Thankfully, hardly any dry foods have shown up on the list. I used to think I was a bit mean for not feeding wet food at all, but now I'm happy I don't.

[cirquelover]

Today they are saying it may have been deliberate. Here is the link http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18210224/wid/11915773?GT1=9303

[Mousey Girl]

Last night, on the news, they mentioned that it had even turned up in pig feed. They said that it was at a hog farm in "Sear-us." I just stared at the tv. How hard is it to pronounce city names correctly? Ceres is not pronounced Searus.

[Not Afraid]

Menu Foods has expanded their recall list. (http://www.menufoods.com/recall/PressReleaseUS05022007.htm)

FDA says that 4150 pets have died as the result of ingesting contaminated food.
(http://itchmo.com/read/fda-says-4150-pet-deaths-reported_20070430)

1,950 cats and 2,200 dogs reported dead.

[BarTopDancer]

It has been found in human food via animals - but it's safe to eat.

Link to CNN (http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/05/07/food.contamination.ap/index.html)