Tainted Pet Food Recalled
Posted by
Greg OwenMarch 21, 2007 3:17 PMMenu Foods, the Canada-based manufacturer of wet pet food products sold by supermarkets, mass retailers and pet stores, have ordered a pet food recall. They did so after they received notice that some pet foods are responsible for causing kidney failure and deaths in both dogs and cats. At last count, 14 animals have died as a result of eating the recalled pet food.
It appears that the recall involves wet food, which is sold in both cans and foil pouches. The pet food in question was sold between December 3, 2006 and March 6, 2007. To add to the pet food contamination problem, the pet foods involved in the recall are sold under many different brand names. Combined, there are 95 brands of pet food affected. Dry dog food has not been affected, so it seems that is your safest bet for now.
Sadly, the toxic agent in the pet food has yet to be identified. "We really don't know a whole lot," says Kenneth Stocks of San Joaquin Veterinary Hospital in Fresno. "They believe it's limited to one manufacturer and one plant that changed its supplier of wheat gluten three months ago." Wheat gluten is a source of protein that is used as filler in pet foods. It has been alleged that Menu Foods delayed alerting pet owners despite the fact that they knew its products were contaminated and potentially deadly.
"Waterhouse, Fenster and Stocks recommend a twofold approach to protecting pets. First, eliminate recalled wet food from the pet's diet. Second, watch for signs of kidney failure and take the animal to a veterinarian if illness strikes. Watch your pet closely for excessive water consumption and urination, Waterhouse says. "These can be signs of kidney failure." If caught in the early stages, Kidney failure is treatable.