The Players
The pet food market has been dominated in the last few years by the
acquisition of big companies by even bigger companies. With $15 billion a
year at stake in the U.S. and rapidly expanding foreign markets, it’s no
wonder that some are greedy for a larger piece of the pie.
* Nestlé’s bought Purina to form Nestlé Purina Petcare Company (Fancy
Feast, Alpo, Friskies, Mighty Dog, Dog Chow, Cat Chow, Puppy Chow, Kitten
Chow, Beneful, One, ProPlan, DeliCat, HiPro, Kit’n’Kaboodle, Tender Vittles,
Purina Veterinary Diets).
* Del Monte gobbled up Heinz (MeowMix, Gravy Train, Kibbles ’n Bits,
Wagwells, 9Lives, Cycle, Skippy, Nature’s Recipe, and pet treats Milk Bone,
Pup-Peroni, Snausages, Pounce).
* MasterFoods owns Mars, Inc., which consumed Royal Canin (Pedigree,
Waltham’s, Cesar, Sheba, Temptations, Goodlife Recipe, Sensible Choice,
Excel).
Other major pet food makers are not best known for pet care, although
many of their household and personal care products do use ingredients
derived from animal by-products:
* Procter and Gamble (P&G) purchased The Iams Company (Iams, Eukanuba)
in 1999. P&G shortly thereafter introduced Iams into grocery stores,
where it did very well.
* Colgate-Palmolive bought Hill’s Science Diet (founded in 1939) in 1976
(Hill’s Science Diet, Prescription Diets, Nature’s Best).
Private labelers (who make food for “house” brands like Kroger and Wal-
Mart) and co-packers (who produce food for other pet food makers) are
also major players. Three major companies are Doane Pet Care, Diamond,
and Menu Foods; they produce food for dozens of private label and brand
names. Interestingly, all 3 of these companies have been involved in pet
food recalls that sickened or killed many pets.
Many major pet food companies in the United States are subsidiaries of
gigantic multinational corporations. From a business standpoint, pet food
fits very well with companies making human products. The multinationals
have increased bulk-purchasing power; those that make human food
products have a captive market in which to capitalize on their waste
products; and pet food divisions have a more reliable capital base and, in
many cases, a convenient source of ingredients.
The Pet Food Institute — the trade association of pet food manufacturers
— has acknowledged the use of by-products in pet foods as additional
income for processors and farmers: “The growth of the pet food industry
not only provided pet owners with better foods for their pets, but also
created profitable additional markets for American farm products and for
the byproducts of the meat packing, poultry, and other food industries
which prepare food for human consumption.”
The pet food market has been dominated in the last few years by the
acquisition of big companies by even bigger companies. With $15 billion a
year at stake in the U.S. and rapidly expanding foreign markets, it’s no
wonder that some are greedy for a larger piece of the pie.
* Nestlé’s bought Purina to form Nestlé Purina Petcare Company (Fancy
Feast, Alpo, Friskies, Mighty Dog, Dog Chow, Cat Chow, Puppy Chow, Kitten
Chow, Beneful, One, ProPlan, DeliCat, HiPro, Kit’n’Kaboodle, Tender Vittles,
Purina Veterinary Diets).
* Del Monte gobbled up Heinz (MeowMix, Gravy Train, Kibbles ’n Bits,
Wagwells, 9Lives, Cycle, Skippy, Nature’s Recipe, and pet treats Milk Bone,
Pup-Peroni, Snausages, Pounce).
* MasterFoods owns Mars, Inc., which consumed Royal Canin (Pedigree,
Waltham’s, Cesar, Sheba, Temptations, Goodlife Recipe, Sensible Choice,
Excel).
Other major pet food makers are not best known for pet care, although
many of their household and personal care products do use ingredients
derived from animal by-products:
* Procter and Gamble (P&G) purchased The Iams Company (Iams, Eukanuba)
in 1999. P&G shortly thereafter introduced Iams into grocery stores,
where it did very well.
* Colgate-Palmolive bought Hill’s Science Diet (founded in 1939) in 1976
(Hill’s Science Diet, Prescription Diets, Nature’s Best).
Private labelers (who make food for “house” brands like Kroger and Wal-
Mart) and co-packers (who produce food for other pet food makers) are
also major players. Three major companies are Doane Pet Care, Diamond,
and Menu Foods; they produce food for dozens of private label and brand
names. Interestingly, all 3 of these companies have been involved in pet
food recalls that sickened or killed many pets.
Many major pet food companies in the United States are subsidiaries of
gigantic multinational corporations. From a business standpoint, pet food
fits very well with companies making human products. The multinationals
have increased bulk-purchasing power; those that make human food
products have a captive market in which to capitalize on their waste
products; and pet food divisions have a more reliable capital base and, in
many cases, a convenient source of ingredients.
The Pet Food Institute — the trade association of pet food manufacturers
— has acknowledged the use of by-products in pet foods as additional
income for processors and farmers: “The growth of the pet food industry
not only provided pet owners with better foods for their pets, but also
created profitable additional markets for American farm products and for
the byproducts of the meat packing, poultry, and other food industries
which prepare food for human consumption.”
FEEDING YOUR PUPPY
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How can you tell which one is best? You may think you
are using the best, but are you? Could your dog be
healthier with a different dog food? Could he have
lived longer? Keep reading and see what you think!
are using the best, but are you? Could your dog be
healthier with a different dog food? Could he have
lived longer? Keep reading and see what you think!
Dr. Ian Billinghurst says:
"The sad truth is that prepared pet foods
help provide patients for vets."
"Raw chicken does of course carry bacteria,
E.g. Salmonella. These are of absolutely no
consequence to a healthy dog."
"The sad truth is that prepared pet foods
help provide patients for vets."
"Raw chicken does of course carry bacteria,
E.g. Salmonella. These are of absolutely no
consequence to a healthy dog."
Do you know what is in meat meal, the major
constituent of dry dog food?...Urine, fecal matter,
hair, pus, meat (from animals, afflicted) with cancer
--Wendell O. Belfield, DVM
constituent of dry dog food?...Urine, fecal matter,
hair, pus, meat (from animals, afflicted) with cancer
--Wendell O. Belfield, DVM
I use Life's Abundance. This is what your puppy is on when you take him home
and he will need to stay on it for at least 6 months, just because a switch at this
young age is not good for his little digestive system and he will get diarrhea.
Of course I recommend that your puppy stays on it for his entire life as I think
that would be the healthiest thing for him to eat.
and he will need to stay on it for at least 6 months, just because a switch at this
young age is not good for his little digestive system and he will get diarrhea.
Of course I recommend that your puppy stays on it for his entire life as I think
that would be the healthiest thing for him to eat.
When you take your puppy home, you will need to feed him
4 times a day or just leave the food out. I like leaving the
food out so he can eat whenever he wants.
Puppies are to eat as much food as they want. I rarely find
that the small breed dogs over eat and get fat.
4 times a day or just leave the food out. I like leaving the
food out so he can eat whenever he wants.
Puppies are to eat as much food as they want. I rarely find
that the small breed dogs over eat and get fat.
This is not a dog food you can find in a store but the
company delivers, which I love! They are a wonderful
company! I would order the 8 lb bag and get put on
autoship.
Sometimes you get the dog food in 1-2 days. The
holidays and weekends change that of course. I will sell
you some if you food doesn't come.
company delivers, which I love! They are a wonderful
company! I would order the 8 lb bag and get put on
autoship.
Sometimes you get the dog food in 1-2 days. The
holidays and weekends change that of course. I will sell
you some if you food doesn't come.
Your puppy will need his (hard) food soaked in water to soften it
until he is about 6 months old. He needs alot of teeth to really chew
it good.
Given the choice, your puppy would choose the hard food over the
soft food, but that doesn't mean you should give it to him. My grand
children would prefer ice cream for dinner too, but it doesn't mean
they get it. (Okay, once in awhile!)
Many puppies have ripped their esophogus or choked and died from
eating the hard food. They simply do not have enough teeth to chew
it good.
Part of the problem is young puppies can really dive into their food.
They get very hungry because they are doing so much growing.
until he is about 6 months old. He needs alot of teeth to really chew
it good.
Given the choice, your puppy would choose the hard food over the
soft food, but that doesn't mean you should give it to him. My grand
children would prefer ice cream for dinner too, but it doesn't mean
they get it. (Okay, once in awhile!)
Many puppies have ripped their esophogus or choked and died from
eating the hard food. They simply do not have enough teeth to chew
it good.
Part of the problem is young puppies can really dive into their food.
They get very hungry because they are doing so much growing.
Get The Facts:
What’s Really in Pet Food
Updated May 2007
Plump whole chickens, choice cuts of beef, fresh grains, and all the wholesome nutrition
your dog or cat will ever need.
These are the images pet food manufacturers promulgate through the media and
advertising. This is what the $16.1 billion per year U.S. pet food industry wants
consumers to believe they are buying when they purchase their products.
This report explores the differences between what consumers think they are buying and
what they are actually getting. It focuses in very general terms on the most visible name
brands — the pet food labels that are mass-distributed to supermarkets and discount
stores — but there are many highly respected brands that may be guilty of the same
offenses.
What most consumers don’t know is that the pet food industry is an extension of the
human food and agriculture industries. Pet food provides a convenient way for
slaughterhouse offal, grains considered “unfit for human consumption,” and similar waste
products to be turned into profit. This waste includes intestines, udders, heads, hooves,
and possibly diseased and cancerous animal parts.
What’s Really in Pet Food
Updated May 2007
Plump whole chickens, choice cuts of beef, fresh grains, and all the wholesome nutrition
your dog or cat will ever need.
These are the images pet food manufacturers promulgate through the media and
advertising. This is what the $16.1 billion per year U.S. pet food industry wants
consumers to believe they are buying when they purchase their products.
This report explores the differences between what consumers think they are buying and
what they are actually getting. It focuses in very general terms on the most visible name
brands — the pet food labels that are mass-distributed to supermarkets and discount
stores — but there are many highly respected brands that may be guilty of the same
offenses.
What most consumers don’t know is that the pet food industry is an extension of the
human food and agriculture industries. Pet food provides a convenient way for
slaughterhouse offal, grains considered “unfit for human consumption,” and similar waste
products to be turned into profit. This waste includes intestines, udders, heads, hooves,
and possibly diseased and cancerous animal parts.
There is no choice to be made as to which dog food
to put your puppy on. It is very important that he
stays on the same dog food since a change can
cause diarrhea and can quickly lead to hypoglycemia
which can be very bad if not deadly for a small
puppy.
Staying on the same dog food is so important that I
put it in my Puppy Guarantee that your puppy must
stay on this dog food for at least 1 year.
to put your puppy on. It is very important that he
stays on the same dog food since a change can
cause diarrhea and can quickly lead to hypoglycemia
which can be very bad if not deadly for a small
puppy.
Staying on the same dog food is so important that I
put it in my Puppy Guarantee that your puppy must
stay on this dog food for at least 1 year.
The Manufacturing Process: How Pet Food Is Made:
Dry Food
The vast majority of dry food is made with a machine called an extruder. First,
materials are blended in accordance with a recipe created with the help of
computer programs that provide the nutrient content of each proposed
ingredient. For instance, corn gluten meal has more protein than wheat flour.
Because the extruder needs a consistent amount of starch and low moisture to
work properly, dry ingredients — such as rendered meat-and-bone-meal, poultry
by-product meal, grains, and flours — predominate.
The dough is fed into the screws of an extruder. It is subjected to steam and
high pressure as it is pushed through dies that determine the shape of the final
product, much like the nozzles used in cake decorating. As the hot, pressurized
dough exits the extruder, it is cut by a set of rapidly whirling knives into tiny
pieces. As the dough reaches normal air pressure, it expands or “puffs” into its
final shape. The food is allowed to dry, and then is usually sprayed with fat,
digests, or other compounds to make it more palatable. When it is cooled, it can
be bagged.
Although the cooking process kills bacteria in the ingredients, the final product
can pick up more bacteria during the subsequent drying, coating, and packaging
process. Some experts warn that getting dry food wet can allow the bacteria on
the surface to multiply and make pets sick. Do not mix dry food with water, milk,
canned food, or other liquids.
A few dog foods are baked at high temperatures (over 500°F) rather than
extruded. This produces a sheet of dense, crunchy material that is then broken
into irregular chunks, much like crumbling crackers into soup. It is relatively
palatable without the sprayed-on fats and other enhancers needed on extruded
dry food.
Semi-moist foods and many pet treats are also made with an extruder. To be
appealing to consumers and to keep their texture, they contain many additives,
colorings, and preservatives; they are not a good choice for a pet’s primary diet.
Wet Food
Wet or canned food begins with ground ingredients mixed with additives. If
chunks are required, a special extruder forms them. Then the mixture is cooked
and canned. The sealed cans are then put into containers resembling pressure
cookers and commercial sterilization takes place. Some manufacturers cook the
food right in the can.
Wet foods are quite different in content from dry or semi-moist foods. While
many canned foods contain by-products of various sorts, they are “fresh” and not
rendered or processed (although they are often frozen for transport and
storage). Wet foods usually contain much more protein, and it’s often a little
higher quality, than dry foods. They also have more moisture, which is better for
cats. They are packaged in cans or pouches.
Comparing Food Types
Because of the variation in water content, it is impossible to directly compare
labels from different kinds of food without a mathematical conversion to “dry
matter basis.” The numbers can be very deceiving. For instance, a canned food
containing 10% protein actually has much more protein than a dry food with 30%
protein.
To put the foods on a level playing field, first calculate the dry matter content by
subtracting the moisture content given on the label from 100%. Then divide the
ingredient by the dry matter content. For example, a typical bag of dry cat food
contains 30% protein on the label, but 32% on a dry-matter basis (30% divided by
its dry matter content, 100-6% moisture = 94%). A can of cat food might contain
12% protein on the label, but almost 43% on a dry-matter basis (12% divided by
its dry matter content, 100-72% moisture = 28%). Dry food typically contains less
than 10% water, while canned food contains 78% or more water.
Dry Food
The vast majority of dry food is made with a machine called an extruder. First,
materials are blended in accordance with a recipe created with the help of
computer programs that provide the nutrient content of each proposed
ingredient. For instance, corn gluten meal has more protein than wheat flour.
Because the extruder needs a consistent amount of starch and low moisture to
work properly, dry ingredients — such as rendered meat-and-bone-meal, poultry
by-product meal, grains, and flours — predominate.
The dough is fed into the screws of an extruder. It is subjected to steam and
high pressure as it is pushed through dies that determine the shape of the final
product, much like the nozzles used in cake decorating. As the hot, pressurized
dough exits the extruder, it is cut by a set of rapidly whirling knives into tiny
pieces. As the dough reaches normal air pressure, it expands or “puffs” into its
final shape. The food is allowed to dry, and then is usually sprayed with fat,
digests, or other compounds to make it more palatable. When it is cooled, it can
be bagged.
Although the cooking process kills bacteria in the ingredients, the final product
can pick up more bacteria during the subsequent drying, coating, and packaging
process. Some experts warn that getting dry food wet can allow the bacteria on
the surface to multiply and make pets sick. Do not mix dry food with water, milk,
canned food, or other liquids.
A few dog foods are baked at high temperatures (over 500°F) rather than
extruded. This produces a sheet of dense, crunchy material that is then broken
into irregular chunks, much like crumbling crackers into soup. It is relatively
palatable without the sprayed-on fats and other enhancers needed on extruded
dry food.
Semi-moist foods and many pet treats are also made with an extruder. To be
appealing to consumers and to keep their texture, they contain many additives,
colorings, and preservatives; they are not a good choice for a pet’s primary diet.
Wet Food
Wet or canned food begins with ground ingredients mixed with additives. If
chunks are required, a special extruder forms them. Then the mixture is cooked
and canned. The sealed cans are then put into containers resembling pressure
cookers and commercial sterilization takes place. Some manufacturers cook the
food right in the can.
Wet foods are quite different in content from dry or semi-moist foods. While
many canned foods contain by-products of various sorts, they are “fresh” and not
rendered or processed (although they are often frozen for transport and
storage). Wet foods usually contain much more protein, and it’s often a little
higher quality, than dry foods. They also have more moisture, which is better for
cats. They are packaged in cans or pouches.
Comparing Food Types
Because of the variation in water content, it is impossible to directly compare
labels from different kinds of food without a mathematical conversion to “dry
matter basis.” The numbers can be very deceiving. For instance, a canned food
containing 10% protein actually has much more protein than a dry food with 30%
protein.
To put the foods on a level playing field, first calculate the dry matter content by
subtracting the moisture content given on the label from 100%. Then divide the
ingredient by the dry matter content. For example, a typical bag of dry cat food
contains 30% protein on the label, but 32% on a dry-matter basis (30% divided by
its dry matter content, 100-6% moisture = 94%). A can of cat food might contain
12% protein on the label, but almost 43% on a dry-matter basis (12% divided by
its dry matter content, 100-72% moisture = 28%). Dry food typically contains less
than 10% water, while canned food contains 78% or more water.
Dog Food Ingredients
Animal Protein:
Dogs and cats are carnivores, and do best on a meat-based diet. The
protein used in pet food comes from a variety of sources. When cattle,
swine, chickens, lambs, or other animals are slaughtered, lean muscle
tissue is trimmed away from the carcass for human consumption, along
with the few organs that people like to eat, such as tongues and tripe.
However, about 50% of every food animal does not get used in human
foods. Whatever remains of the carcass — heads, feet, bones, blood,
intestines, lungs, spleens, livers, ligaments, fat trimmings, unborn babies,
and other parts not generally consumed by humans — is used in pet food,
animal feed, fertilizer, industrial lubricants, soap, rubber, and other
products. These “other parts” are known as “by-products.” By-products
are used in feed for poultry and livestock as well as in pet food.
The nutritional quality of by-products, meals, and digests can vary from
batch to batch. James Morris and Quinton Rogers, of the University of
California at Davis Veterinary School, assert that, “[pet food]
ingredients are generally by-products of the meat, poultry and fishing
industries, with the potential for a wide variation in nutrient composition.
Claims of nutritional adequacy of pet foods based on the current
Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutrient
allowances (‘profiles’) do not give assurances of nutritional adequacy and
will not until ingredients are analyzed and bioavailability values are
incorporated.”3
Meat or poultry “by-products” are very common in wet pet foods.
Remember that “meat” refers to only cows, swine, sheep, and goats.
Since sheep and goats are rare compared to the 37 million cows and 100
million hogs slaughtered for food every year, nearly all meat by-products
come from cattle and pigs.
The better brands of pet food, such as many “super-premium,” “natural,”
and “organic” varieties, do not use by-products. On the label, you’ll see
one or more named meats among the first few ingredients, such as
“turkey” or “lamb.” These meats are still mainly leftover scraps; in the
case of poultry, bones are allowed, so “chicken” consists mainly of backs
and frames—the spine and ribs, minus their expensive breast meat. The
small amount of meat left on the bones is the meat in the pet food. Even
with this less-attractive source, pet food marketers are very tricky
when talking about meat, so this is explained further in the section on
“Marketing Magic” below.
Meat meals, poultry meals, by-product meals, and meat-and-bone meal are
common ingredients in dry pet foods. The term “meal” means that these
materials are not used fresh, but have been rendered. While there are
chicken, turkey, and poultry by-product meals there is no equivalent term
for mammal “meat by-product meal” — it is called “meat-and-bone-meal.”
It may also be referred to by species, such as “beef-and-bone-meal” or
“pork-and-bone-meal.”
What is rendering? As defined by Webster’s Dictionary, to render is “to
process as for industrial use: to render livestock carcasses and to
extract oil from fat, blubber, etc., by melting.” In other words, raw
materials are dumped into large vat and boiled for several hours.
Rendering separates fat, removes water, and kills bacteria, viruses,
parasites, and other organisms. However, the high temperatures used
(270°F/130°C) can alter or destroy natural enzymes and proteins found in
the raw ingredients.
Because of persistent rumors that rendered by-products contain dead
dogs and cats, the FDA conducted a study looking for pentobarbital, the
most common euthanasia drug, in pet foods. They found it. Ingredients
that were most commonly associated with the presence of pentobarbital
were meat-and-bone-meal and animal fat. However, they also used very
sensitive tests to look for canine and feline DNA, which were not found.
Industry insiders admit that rendered pets and roadkill were used in pet
food some years ago. Although there are still no laws or regulations
against it, the practice is uncommon today, and pet food companies
universally deny that their products contain any such materials. However,
so-called “4D” animals (dead, dying, diseased, disabled) were only
recently banned for human consumption and are still legitimate
ingredients for pet food.
Vegetable Protein:
The amount of grain and vegetable products used in pet food has risen
dramatically over time. Plant products now replace a considerable
proportion of the meat that was used in the earliest commercial pet
foods. This has led to severe nutritional deficiencies that have been
corrected along the way, although many animals died before science
caught up.
Most dry foods contain a large amount of cereal grain or starchy
vegetables to provide texture. These high-carbohydrate plant products
also provide a cheap source of “energy” — the rest of us call it
“calories.” Gluten meals are high-protein extracts from which most of
the carbohydrate has been removed. They are often used to boost
protein percentages without expensive animal-source ingredients. Corn
gluten meal is the most commonly used for this purpose. Wheat gluten is
also used to create shapes like cuts, bites, chunks, shreds, flakes, and
slices, and as a thickener for gravy. In most cases, foods containing
vegetable proteins are among the poorer quality foods.
A recent fad, “low-carb” pet food, has some companies steering away
from grains, and using potatoes, green peas, and other starchy
vegetables as a substitute. Except for animals that are allergic to grains,
dry low-carb diets offer no particular advantage to pets. They also tend
to be very high in fat and, if fed free-choice, will result in weight gain.
Canned versions are suitable for prevention and treatment of feline
diabetes, and as part of a weight loss program, as well as for
maintenance.
Animal and Poultry Fat:
There’s a unique, pungent odor to a new bag of dry pet food — what is
the source of that smell? It is most often rendered animal fat, or
vegetable fats and oils deemed inedible for humans. For example, used
restaurant grease was rendered and routed to pet foods for several
years, but a more lucrative market is now in bio-diesel fuel production.
These fats are sprayed directly onto extruded kibbles and pellets to
make an otherwise bland or distasteful product palatable. The fat also
acts as a binding agent to which manufacturers add other flavor
enhancers such as “animal digests” made from processed by-products.
Pet food scientists have discovered that animals love the taste of these
sprayed fats. Manufacturers are masters at getting a dog or a cat to eat
something she would normally turn up her nose at.
Additives in Processed Pet Foods:
Many chemicals are added to commercial pet foods to improve the taste,
stability, characteristics, or appearance of the food. Additives provide
no nutritional value. Additives include emulsifiers to prevent water and
fat from separating, antioxidants to prevent fat from turning rancid, and
artificial colors and flavors to make the product more attractive to
consumers and more palatable to their companion animals.
A wide variety of additives are allowed in animal feed and pet food, not
counting vitamins and minerals. Not all of them are actually used in pet
food. Additives can be specifically approved, or they can fall into the
category of “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS).
Anticaking agents
Antigelling agents
Antimicrobial agents
Antioxidants
Color additives
Condiments
Curing agents
Drying agents
Emulsifiers
Essential oils
Flavor enhancers
Flavoring agents
Grinding agents
Humectants
Leavening agents
Lubricants
Palatants
Pelleting agents and binders
Petroleum derivatives
pH control agents
Preservatives
Seasonings
Spices
Stabilizers
Sweeteners
Texturizers
Thickeners
Dogs and cats are carnivores, and do best on a meat-based diet. The
protein used in pet food comes from a variety of sources. When cattle,
swine, chickens, lambs, or other animals are slaughtered, lean muscle
tissue is trimmed away from the carcass for human consumption, along
with the few organs that people like to eat, such as tongues and tripe.
However, about 50% of every food animal does not get used in human
foods. Whatever remains of the carcass — heads, feet, bones, blood,
intestines, lungs, spleens, livers, ligaments, fat trimmings, unborn babies,
and other parts not generally consumed by humans — is used in pet food,
animal feed, fertilizer, industrial lubricants, soap, rubber, and other
products. These “other parts” are known as “by-products.” By-products
are used in feed for poultry and livestock as well as in pet food.
The nutritional quality of by-products, meals, and digests can vary from
batch to batch. James Morris and Quinton Rogers, of the University of
California at Davis Veterinary School, assert that, “[pet food]
ingredients are generally by-products of the meat, poultry and fishing
industries, with the potential for a wide variation in nutrient composition.
Claims of nutritional adequacy of pet foods based on the current
Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutrient
allowances (‘profiles’) do not give assurances of nutritional adequacy and
will not until ingredients are analyzed and bioavailability values are
incorporated.”3
Meat or poultry “by-products” are very common in wet pet foods.
Remember that “meat” refers to only cows, swine, sheep, and goats.
Since sheep and goats are rare compared to the 37 million cows and 100
million hogs slaughtered for food every year, nearly all meat by-products
come from cattle and pigs.
The better brands of pet food, such as many “super-premium,” “natural,”
and “organic” varieties, do not use by-products. On the label, you’ll see
one or more named meats among the first few ingredients, such as
“turkey” or “lamb.” These meats are still mainly leftover scraps; in the
case of poultry, bones are allowed, so “chicken” consists mainly of backs
and frames—the spine and ribs, minus their expensive breast meat. The
small amount of meat left on the bones is the meat in the pet food. Even
with this less-attractive source, pet food marketers are very tricky
when talking about meat, so this is explained further in the section on
“Marketing Magic” below.
Meat meals, poultry meals, by-product meals, and meat-and-bone meal are
common ingredients in dry pet foods. The term “meal” means that these
materials are not used fresh, but have been rendered. While there are
chicken, turkey, and poultry by-product meals there is no equivalent term
for mammal “meat by-product meal” — it is called “meat-and-bone-meal.”
It may also be referred to by species, such as “beef-and-bone-meal” or
“pork-and-bone-meal.”
What is rendering? As defined by Webster’s Dictionary, to render is “to
process as for industrial use: to render livestock carcasses and to
extract oil from fat, blubber, etc., by melting.” In other words, raw
materials are dumped into large vat and boiled for several hours.
Rendering separates fat, removes water, and kills bacteria, viruses,
parasites, and other organisms. However, the high temperatures used
(270°F/130°C) can alter or destroy natural enzymes and proteins found in
the raw ingredients.
Because of persistent rumors that rendered by-products contain dead
dogs and cats, the FDA conducted a study looking for pentobarbital, the
most common euthanasia drug, in pet foods. They found it. Ingredients
that were most commonly associated with the presence of pentobarbital
were meat-and-bone-meal and animal fat. However, they also used very
sensitive tests to look for canine and feline DNA, which were not found.
Industry insiders admit that rendered pets and roadkill were used in pet
food some years ago. Although there are still no laws or regulations
against it, the practice is uncommon today, and pet food companies
universally deny that their products contain any such materials. However,
so-called “4D” animals (dead, dying, diseased, disabled) were only
recently banned for human consumption and are still legitimate
ingredients for pet food.
Vegetable Protein:
The amount of grain and vegetable products used in pet food has risen
dramatically over time. Plant products now replace a considerable
proportion of the meat that was used in the earliest commercial pet
foods. This has led to severe nutritional deficiencies that have been
corrected along the way, although many animals died before science
caught up.
Most dry foods contain a large amount of cereal grain or starchy
vegetables to provide texture. These high-carbohydrate plant products
also provide a cheap source of “energy” — the rest of us call it
“calories.” Gluten meals are high-protein extracts from which most of
the carbohydrate has been removed. They are often used to boost
protein percentages without expensive animal-source ingredients. Corn
gluten meal is the most commonly used for this purpose. Wheat gluten is
also used to create shapes like cuts, bites, chunks, shreds, flakes, and
slices, and as a thickener for gravy. In most cases, foods containing
vegetable proteins are among the poorer quality foods.
A recent fad, “low-carb” pet food, has some companies steering away
from grains, and using potatoes, green peas, and other starchy
vegetables as a substitute. Except for animals that are allergic to grains,
dry low-carb diets offer no particular advantage to pets. They also tend
to be very high in fat and, if fed free-choice, will result in weight gain.
Canned versions are suitable for prevention and treatment of feline
diabetes, and as part of a weight loss program, as well as for
maintenance.
Animal and Poultry Fat:
There’s a unique, pungent odor to a new bag of dry pet food — what is
the source of that smell? It is most often rendered animal fat, or
vegetable fats and oils deemed inedible for humans. For example, used
restaurant grease was rendered and routed to pet foods for several
years, but a more lucrative market is now in bio-diesel fuel production.
These fats are sprayed directly onto extruded kibbles and pellets to
make an otherwise bland or distasteful product palatable. The fat also
acts as a binding agent to which manufacturers add other flavor
enhancers such as “animal digests” made from processed by-products.
Pet food scientists have discovered that animals love the taste of these
sprayed fats. Manufacturers are masters at getting a dog or a cat to eat
something she would normally turn up her nose at.
Additives in Processed Pet Foods:
Many chemicals are added to commercial pet foods to improve the taste,
stability, characteristics, or appearance of the food. Additives provide
no nutritional value. Additives include emulsifiers to prevent water and
fat from separating, antioxidants to prevent fat from turning rancid, and
artificial colors and flavors to make the product more attractive to
consumers and more palatable to their companion animals.
A wide variety of additives are allowed in animal feed and pet food, not
counting vitamins and minerals. Not all of them are actually used in pet
food. Additives can be specifically approved, or they can fall into the
category of “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS).
Anticaking agents
Antigelling agents
Antimicrobial agents
Antioxidants
Color additives
Condiments
Curing agents
Drying agents
Emulsifiers
Essential oils
Flavor enhancers
Flavoring agents
Grinding agents
Humectants
Leavening agents
Lubricants
Palatants
Pelleting agents and binders
Petroleum derivatives
pH control agents
Preservatives
Seasonings
Spices
Stabilizers
Sweeteners
Texturizers
Thickeners
What Happened to the Nutrients?
Cooking and other processing of meat and by-products used in pet food can greatly
diminish their nutritional value, although cooking increases the digestibility of cereal
grains and starchy vegetables.
To make pet food nutritious, pet food manufacturers must “fortify” it with vitamins and
minerals. Why? Because the ingredients they are using are not wholesome, their quality
may be extremely variable, and the harsh manufacturing practices destroy many of the
nutrients the food had to begin with.
Proteins are especially vulnerable to heat, and become damaged, or “denatured,” when
cooked. Because dry foods ingredients are cooked twice — first during rendering and
again in the extruder — problems are much more common than with canned or homemade
foods. Altered proteins may contribute to food intolerances, food allergies, and
inflammatory bowel disease.
Cooking and other processing of meat and by-products used in pet food can greatly
diminish their nutritional value, although cooking increases the digestibility of cereal
grains and starchy vegetables.
To make pet food nutritious, pet food manufacturers must “fortify” it with vitamins and
minerals. Why? Because the ingredients they are using are not wholesome, their quality
may be extremely variable, and the harsh manufacturing practices destroy many of the
nutrients the food had to begin with.
Proteins are especially vulnerable to heat, and become damaged, or “denatured,” when
cooked. Because dry foods ingredients are cooked twice — first during rendering and
again in the extruder — problems are much more common than with canned or homemade
foods. Altered proteins may contribute to food intolerances, food allergies, and
inflammatory bowel disease.
Chemical vs. Natural Preservatives:
All commercial pet foods must be preserved so they stay fresh and appealing to our
animal companions. Canning is itself a preserving process, so canned foods need little
or no additional help. Some preservatives are added to ingredients or raw materials by
the suppliers, and others may be added by the manufacturer. The U.S. Coast Guard,
for instance, requires fish meal to be heavily preserved with ethoxyquin or equivalent
antioxidant. Evidently, spoiling fish meal creates such intense heat that ship explosions
and fires resulted.
Because manufacturers need to ensure that dry foods have a long shelf life (typically
12 months) to remain edible through shipping and storage, fats used in pet foods are
preserved with either synthetic or “natural” preservatives. Synthetic preservatives
include butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), propyl
gallate, propylene glycol (also used as a less-toxic version of automotive antifreeze),
and ethoxyquin. For these antioxidants, there is little information documenting their
toxicity, safety, interactions, or chronic use in pet foods that may be eaten every day
for the life of the animal. Propylene glycol was banned in cat food because it causes
anemia in cats, but it is still allowed in dog food.
Potentially cancer-causing agents such as BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin are permitted at
relatively low levels. The use of these chemicals in pet foods has not been thoroughly
studied, and long term build-up of these agents may ultimately be harmful. Due to
questionable data in the original study on its safety, ethoxyquin’s manufacturer,
Monsanto, was required to perform a new, more rigorous study. This was completed in
1996. Even though Monsanto found no significant toxicity associated with its own
product, in July 1997 the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine requested that
manufacturers voluntarily reduce the maximum level for ethoxyquin by half, to 75
parts per million. While some pet food critics and veterinarians believe that
ethoxyquin is a major cause of disease, skin problems, and infertility in dogs, others
claim it is the safest, strongest, most stable preservative available for pet food.
Ethoxyquin is approved for use in human food for preserving spices, such as cayenne
and chili powder, at a level of 100 ppm — but it would be very difficult for even the
most hard-core spice lover to consume as much chili powder every day as a dog would
eat dry food. Ethoxyquin has never been tested for safety in cats. Despite this, it is
commonly used in veterinary diets for both cats and dogs.
Many pet food makers have responded to consumer concern, and are now using
“natural” preservatives such as Vitamin C (ascorbate), Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols),
and oils of rosemary, clove, or other spices, to preserve the fats in their products.
The shelf life is shorter, however — only about 6 months.
Individual ingredients, such as fish meal, may have preservatives added before they
reach the pet food manufacturer. Federal law requires fat preservatives to be
disclosed on the label; however, pet food companies do not always comply with this law.
All commercial pet foods must be preserved so they stay fresh and appealing to our
animal companions. Canning is itself a preserving process, so canned foods need little
or no additional help. Some preservatives are added to ingredients or raw materials by
the suppliers, and others may be added by the manufacturer. The U.S. Coast Guard,
for instance, requires fish meal to be heavily preserved with ethoxyquin or equivalent
antioxidant. Evidently, spoiling fish meal creates such intense heat that ship explosions
and fires resulted.
Because manufacturers need to ensure that dry foods have a long shelf life (typically
12 months) to remain edible through shipping and storage, fats used in pet foods are
preserved with either synthetic or “natural” preservatives. Synthetic preservatives
include butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), propyl
gallate, propylene glycol (also used as a less-toxic version of automotive antifreeze),
and ethoxyquin. For these antioxidants, there is little information documenting their
toxicity, safety, interactions, or chronic use in pet foods that may be eaten every day
for the life of the animal. Propylene glycol was banned in cat food because it causes
anemia in cats, but it is still allowed in dog food.
Potentially cancer-causing agents such as BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin are permitted at
relatively low levels. The use of these chemicals in pet foods has not been thoroughly
studied, and long term build-up of these agents may ultimately be harmful. Due to
questionable data in the original study on its safety, ethoxyquin’s manufacturer,
Monsanto, was required to perform a new, more rigorous study. This was completed in
1996. Even though Monsanto found no significant toxicity associated with its own
product, in July 1997 the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine requested that
manufacturers voluntarily reduce the maximum level for ethoxyquin by half, to 75
parts per million. While some pet food critics and veterinarians believe that
ethoxyquin is a major cause of disease, skin problems, and infertility in dogs, others
claim it is the safest, strongest, most stable preservative available for pet food.
Ethoxyquin is approved for use in human food for preserving spices, such as cayenne
and chili powder, at a level of 100 ppm — but it would be very difficult for even the
most hard-core spice lover to consume as much chili powder every day as a dog would
eat dry food. Ethoxyquin has never been tested for safety in cats. Despite this, it is
commonly used in veterinary diets for both cats and dogs.
Many pet food makers have responded to consumer concern, and are now using
“natural” preservatives such as Vitamin C (ascorbate), Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols),
and oils of rosemary, clove, or other spices, to preserve the fats in their products.
The shelf life is shorter, however — only about 6 months.
Individual ingredients, such as fish meal, may have preservatives added before they
reach the pet food manufacturer. Federal law requires fat preservatives to be
disclosed on the label; however, pet food companies do not always comply with this law.
Potential Contaminants:
Given the types of things manufacturers put in pet food, it is not surprising
that bad things sometimes happen. Ingredients used in pet food are often
highly contaminated with a wide variety of toxic substances. Some of these
are destroyed by processing, but others are not.
* Bacteria. Slaughtered animals, as well as those that have died because of
disease, injury, or natural causes, are sources of meat, by-products, and
rendered meals. An animal that died on the farm might not reach a rendering
plant until days after its death. Therefore the carcass is often contaminated
with bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli. Dangerous E. Coli bacteria are
estimated to contaminate more than 50% of meat meals. While the cooking
process may kill bacteria, it does not eliminate the endotoxins some bacteria
produce during their growth. These toxins can survive processing, and can
cause sickness and disease. Pet food manufacturers do not test their
products for bacterial endotoxins. Because sick or dead animals can be
processed as pet foods, the drugs that were used to treat or euthanize them
may still be present in the end product. Penicillin and pentobarbital are just
two examples of drugs that can pass through processing unchanged.
Antibiotics used in livestock production are also thought to contribute to
antibiotic resistance in humans.
* Mycotoxins. Toxins from mold or fungi are called mycotoxins. Modern
farming practices, adverse weather conditions, and improper drying and
storage of crops can contribute to mold growth. Pet food ingredients that
are most likely to be contaminated with mycotoxins are grains such as wheat
and corn, and fish meal.
* Chemical Residue. Pesticides and fertilizers may leave residue on plant
products. Grains that are condemned for human consumption by the USDA
due to residue may legally be used, without limitation, in pet food.
* GMOs. Genetically modified plant products are also of concern. By 2006,
89% of the planted area of soybeans, 83% of cotton, and 61% of maize
(corn) in the U.S. were genetically modified varieties. Cottonseed meal is a
common ingredient of cattle feed; soy and corn are used directly in many pet
foods.
* Acrylamide. This is a carcinogenic compound formed at cooking
temperatures of about 250°F in foods containing certain sugars and the
amino acid asparagine (found in large amounts in potatoes and cereal grains).
It is formed in a chemical process called the Maillard reaction.4, 5 Most dry
pet foods contain cereal grains or potatoes, and they are processed at high
temperatures (200–300°F at high pressure during extrusion; baked foods
are cooked at well over 500°F); these are perfect conditions for the
Maillard reaction. In fact, the Maillard reaction is considered desirable in
the production of pet food because it imparts a palatable taste, even though
it reduces the bioavailability of some amino acids, including taurine and lysine.
The content and potential effects of acrylamide formation in pet foods are
unknown.
Given the types of things manufacturers put in pet food, it is not surprising
that bad things sometimes happen. Ingredients used in pet food are often
highly contaminated with a wide variety of toxic substances. Some of these
are destroyed by processing, but others are not.
* Bacteria. Slaughtered animals, as well as those that have died because of
disease, injury, or natural causes, are sources of meat, by-products, and
rendered meals. An animal that died on the farm might not reach a rendering
plant until days after its death. Therefore the carcass is often contaminated
with bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli. Dangerous E. Coli bacteria are
estimated to contaminate more than 50% of meat meals. While the cooking
process may kill bacteria, it does not eliminate the endotoxins some bacteria
produce during their growth. These toxins can survive processing, and can
cause sickness and disease. Pet food manufacturers do not test their
products for bacterial endotoxins. Because sick or dead animals can be
processed as pet foods, the drugs that were used to treat or euthanize them
may still be present in the end product. Penicillin and pentobarbital are just
two examples of drugs that can pass through processing unchanged.
Antibiotics used in livestock production are also thought to contribute to
antibiotic resistance in humans.
* Mycotoxins. Toxins from mold or fungi are called mycotoxins. Modern
farming practices, adverse weather conditions, and improper drying and
storage of crops can contribute to mold growth. Pet food ingredients that
are most likely to be contaminated with mycotoxins are grains such as wheat
and corn, and fish meal.
* Chemical Residue. Pesticides and fertilizers may leave residue on plant
products. Grains that are condemned for human consumption by the USDA
due to residue may legally be used, without limitation, in pet food.
* GMOs. Genetically modified plant products are also of concern. By 2006,
89% of the planted area of soybeans, 83% of cotton, and 61% of maize
(corn) in the U.S. were genetically modified varieties. Cottonseed meal is a
common ingredient of cattle feed; soy and corn are used directly in many pet
foods.
* Acrylamide. This is a carcinogenic compound formed at cooking
temperatures of about 250°F in foods containing certain sugars and the
amino acid asparagine (found in large amounts in potatoes and cereal grains).
It is formed in a chemical process called the Maillard reaction.4, 5 Most dry
pet foods contain cereal grains or potatoes, and they are processed at high
temperatures (200–300°F at high pressure during extrusion; baked foods
are cooked at well over 500°F); these are perfect conditions for the
Maillard reaction. In fact, the Maillard reaction is considered desirable in
the production of pet food because it imparts a palatable taste, even though
it reduces the bioavailability of some amino acids, including taurine and lysine.
The content and potential effects of acrylamide formation in pet foods are
unknown.
Pet Food Recalls:
When things go really wrong and serious problems are discovered in pet food, the
company usually works with the FDA to coordinate a recall of the affected products.
While many recalls have been widely publicized, quite a few have not.
* In 1995, Nature’s Recipe recalled almost a million pounds of dry dog and cat food
after consumers complained that their pets were vomiting and losing their appetite.
The problem was a fungus that produced vomitoxin contaminating the wheat.
* In 1999, Doane Pet Care recalled more than a million bags of corn-based dry dog
food contaminated with aflatoxin. Products included Ol’ Roy (Wal-Mart’s brand) and
53 other brands. This time, the toxin killed 25 dogs.
* In 2000, Iams recalled 248,000 pounds of dry dog food distributed in 7 states
due to excess DL-Methionine Amino Acid, a urinary acidifier.
* In 2003, a recall was made by Petcurean “Go! Natural” pet food due to
circumstantial association with some dogs suffering from liver disease; no cause was
ever found.
* In late 2005, a similar recall by Diamond Foods was announced; this time the moldy
corn contained a particularly nasty fungal product called aflatoxin; 100 dogs died.
* Also in 2005, 123,000 pounds of cat and dog treats were recalled due to
Salmonella contamination.
* In 2006, more than 5 million cans of Ol’ Roy, American Fare, and other dog foods
distributed in the southeast were recalled by the manufacturer, Simmons Pet Food,
because the cans’ enamel lining was flaking off into the food.
* Also in 2006, Merrick Pet Care recalled almost 200,000 cans of “Wingalings” dog
food when metal tags were found in some samples.
* In the most deadly recall of 2006, 4 prescription canned dog and cat foods were
recalled by Royal Canin (owned by Mars). The culprit was a serious overdose of
Vitamin D that caused calcium deficiency and kidney disease.
* In February 2007, the FDA issued a warning to consumers not to buy “Wild Kitty,”
a frozen food containing raw meat. Routine testing by FDA had revealed Salmonella
in the food. FDA specifically warned about the potential for illness in humans, not
pets. There were no reports of illness or death of any pets, and the food was not
recalled.
* In March 2007, the most lethal pet food in history was the subject of the largest
recall ever. Menu Foods recalled more than 100 brands including Iams, Eukanuba, Hill’
s Science Diet, Purina Mighty Dog, and many store brands including Wal-Mart’s.
Thousands of pets were sickened (the FDA received more than 17,000 reports) and
an estimated 20% died from acute renal failure caused by the food. Cats were more
frequently and more severely affected than dogs. The toxin was initially believed to
be a pesticide, the rat poison “aminopterin” in one of the ingredients. In April,
scientists discovered high levels of melamine, a chemical used in plastics and
fertilizers, in wheat gluten and rice protein concentrate imported from China. The
melamine had been purposefully added to the ingredients to falsely boost their
protein content. Subsequent tests revealed that the melamine-tainted ingredients
had also been used in feed for cows, pigs, and chickens and thousands of animals
were quarantined and destroyed. In early May, scientists identified the cause of the
rapid onset kidney disease that had appeared in dogs and cats as a reaction caused
by the combination of melamine and cyanuric acid, both unauthorized chemicals. The
fallout from this recall is ongoing as of May 2007 so please be sure to check the
FDA website for the most recent updates.
When things go really wrong and serious problems are discovered in pet food, the
company usually works with the FDA to coordinate a recall of the affected products.
While many recalls have been widely publicized, quite a few have not.
* In 1995, Nature’s Recipe recalled almost a million pounds of dry dog and cat food
after consumers complained that their pets were vomiting and losing their appetite.
The problem was a fungus that produced vomitoxin contaminating the wheat.
* In 1999, Doane Pet Care recalled more than a million bags of corn-based dry dog
food contaminated with aflatoxin. Products included Ol’ Roy (Wal-Mart’s brand) and
53 other brands. This time, the toxin killed 25 dogs.
* In 2000, Iams recalled 248,000 pounds of dry dog food distributed in 7 states
due to excess DL-Methionine Amino Acid, a urinary acidifier.
* In 2003, a recall was made by Petcurean “Go! Natural” pet food due to
circumstantial association with some dogs suffering from liver disease; no cause was
ever found.
* In late 2005, a similar recall by Diamond Foods was announced; this time the moldy
corn contained a particularly nasty fungal product called aflatoxin; 100 dogs died.
* Also in 2005, 123,000 pounds of cat and dog treats were recalled due to
Salmonella contamination.
* In 2006, more than 5 million cans of Ol’ Roy, American Fare, and other dog foods
distributed in the southeast were recalled by the manufacturer, Simmons Pet Food,
because the cans’ enamel lining was flaking off into the food.
* Also in 2006, Merrick Pet Care recalled almost 200,000 cans of “Wingalings” dog
food when metal tags were found in some samples.
* In the most deadly recall of 2006, 4 prescription canned dog and cat foods were
recalled by Royal Canin (owned by Mars). The culprit was a serious overdose of
Vitamin D that caused calcium deficiency and kidney disease.
* In February 2007, the FDA issued a warning to consumers not to buy “Wild Kitty,”
a frozen food containing raw meat. Routine testing by FDA had revealed Salmonella
in the food. FDA specifically warned about the potential for illness in humans, not
pets. There were no reports of illness or death of any pets, and the food was not
recalled.
* In March 2007, the most lethal pet food in history was the subject of the largest
recall ever. Menu Foods recalled more than 100 brands including Iams, Eukanuba, Hill’
s Science Diet, Purina Mighty Dog, and many store brands including Wal-Mart’s.
Thousands of pets were sickened (the FDA received more than 17,000 reports) and
an estimated 20% died from acute renal failure caused by the food. Cats were more
frequently and more severely affected than dogs. The toxin was initially believed to
be a pesticide, the rat poison “aminopterin” in one of the ingredients. In April,
scientists discovered high levels of melamine, a chemical used in plastics and
fertilizers, in wheat gluten and rice protein concentrate imported from China. The
melamine had been purposefully added to the ingredients to falsely boost their
protein content. Subsequent tests revealed that the melamine-tainted ingredients
had also been used in feed for cows, pigs, and chickens and thousands of animals
were quarantined and destroyed. In early May, scientists identified the cause of the
rapid onset kidney disease that had appeared in dogs and cats as a reaction caused
by the combination of melamine and cyanuric acid, both unauthorized chemicals. The
fallout from this recall is ongoing as of May 2007 so please be sure to check the
FDA website for the most recent updates.
What Are he Vets Saying
A growing number of veterinarians state that processed pet food (kibbles and
canned food) is the main cause of illness and premature death in the modern
dog and cat. In December 1995, the British Journal of Small Animal Practice
published a paper contending that processed pet food supresses the immune
system and leads to liver, kidney, heart and other diseases. Dr. Kollath, of the
Karolinska Hospital in Stockholm, headed a study done on animals. When young
animals were fed cooked and processed foods they initially appeared to be
healthy. However, as the animals reached adulthood, they began to age more
quickly than normal and also developed chronic degenerative disease symptoms.
A control group of animals raised on raw foods aged less quickly and were free
of degenerative disease. Don E. Lundholm, DVM - "We are seeing disease
conditions in animals that we did not see years ago. Many of these may be
traced to nutrition as the source.
canned food) is the main cause of illness and premature death in the modern
dog and cat. In December 1995, the British Journal of Small Animal Practice
published a paper contending that processed pet food supresses the immune
system and leads to liver, kidney, heart and other diseases. Dr. Kollath, of the
Karolinska Hospital in Stockholm, headed a study done on animals. When young
animals were fed cooked and processed foods they initially appeared to be
healthy. However, as the animals reached adulthood, they began to age more
quickly than normal and also developed chronic degenerative disease symptoms.
A control group of animals raised on raw foods aged less quickly and were free
of degenerative disease. Don E. Lundholm, DVM - "We are seeing disease
conditions in animals that we did not see years ago. Many of these may be
traced to nutrition as the source.
FDA News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 19, 2008
Media Inquiries:
Kimberly Rawlings, 301-827-6242
Consumer Inquiries:
888-INFO-FDA
FDA Requests Seizure of Animal Food Products at PETCO Distribution
Center
Today, at the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S.
Marshals seized various animal food products stored under unsanitary conditions
at the PETCO Animal Supplies Distribution Center located in Joliet, Ill., pursuant
to a warrant issued by the United States District Court in Chicago.
U.S. Marshals seized all FDA-regulated animal food susceptible to rodent and
pest contamination. The seized products violate the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act because it was alleged in a case filed by the United States Attorney
that they were being held under unsanitary conditions. (The Act uses the term
"insanitary" to describe such conditions).
During an FDA inspection of a PETCO distribution center in April, widespread
and active rodent and bird infestation was found. The FDA inspected the facility
again in May and found continuing and widespread infestation.
"We simply will not allow a company to store foods under filthy and unsanitary
conditions that occur as a direct result of the company's failure to adequately
control and prevent pests in its facility," said Margaret O'K. Glavin, associate
commissioner for regulatory affairs. "Consumers expect that such safeguards
will be in place not only for human food, but for pet food as well."
The distribution center in Joliet, Ill., provides pet food products and supplies to
PETCO retail stores in 16 states including Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa,
Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio,
Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.
FDA has no reports of pet illness or death associated with consumption of animal
food distributed by PETCO, and does not have evidence that the food is unsafe
for animals. However, the seized products were in permeable packages and held
under conditions that could affect the food's integrity and quality.
As a precaution, consumers who have handled products originating from the
PETCO distribution center should thoroughly wash their hands with hot water
and soap. Any surfaces that came in contact with the packages should be washed
as well. Consumers are further advised as a precaution to thoroughly wash
products sold in cans and glass containers from PETCO in the 16 affected states.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 19, 2008
Media Inquiries:
Kimberly Rawlings, 301-827-6242
Consumer Inquiries:
888-INFO-FDA
FDA Requests Seizure of Animal Food Products at PETCO Distribution
Center
Today, at the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S.
Marshals seized various animal food products stored under unsanitary conditions
at the PETCO Animal Supplies Distribution Center located in Joliet, Ill., pursuant
to a warrant issued by the United States District Court in Chicago.
U.S. Marshals seized all FDA-regulated animal food susceptible to rodent and
pest contamination. The seized products violate the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act because it was alleged in a case filed by the United States Attorney
that they were being held under unsanitary conditions. (The Act uses the term
"insanitary" to describe such conditions).
During an FDA inspection of a PETCO distribution center in April, widespread
and active rodent and bird infestation was found. The FDA inspected the facility
again in May and found continuing and widespread infestation.
"We simply will not allow a company to store foods under filthy and unsanitary
conditions that occur as a direct result of the company's failure to adequately
control and prevent pests in its facility," said Margaret O'K. Glavin, associate
commissioner for regulatory affairs. "Consumers expect that such safeguards
will be in place not only for human food, but for pet food as well."
The distribution center in Joliet, Ill., provides pet food products and supplies to
PETCO retail stores in 16 states including Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa,
Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio,
Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.
FDA has no reports of pet illness or death associated with consumption of animal
food distributed by PETCO, and does not have evidence that the food is unsafe
for animals. However, the seized products were in permeable packages and held
under conditions that could affect the food's integrity and quality.
As a precaution, consumers who have handled products originating from the
PETCO distribution center should thoroughly wash their hands with hot water
and soap. Any surfaces that came in contact with the packages should be washed
as well. Consumers are further advised as a precaution to thoroughly wash
products sold in cans and glass containers from PETCO in the 16 affected states.
Trends in Home-Prepared Diets for Pets
By C. J. Puotinen
In the United States, most people believe that "people food" is
unsuitable, even dangerous, controlled balance of vitamins and
minerals.".......
Please keep reading here, it is fascinating and it is what I am doing
with my puppies and plan to do with my adults soon.
Weston Price
By C. J. Puotinen
In the United States, most people believe that "people food" is
unsuitable, even dangerous, controlled balance of vitamins and
minerals.".......
Please keep reading here, it is fascinating and it is what I am doing
with my puppies and plan to do with my adults soon.
Weston Price
Disclaimer: By using my website, you are agreeing to this disclaimer. The
information on this website has not been approved by the FDA or AVMA.
Any statements made on my website are for educational purposes only and
are my opinion only. They are not intended to be a substitute for any medical
care or advice from a licensed dr or veterinarian for you or your pet. The
author of this website is neither a legal counselor nor a health practitioner,
nor a veterinarian and makes no claims in this regard. You should not use
this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without
consulting a doctor or veterinarian. The same being said for any products
purchased from this website. This disclaimer applies to people and animals.
Buttercuppuppies.com does not provide medical advice and nothing said at
buttercuppuppies.com should be taken as constituting medical advice.
information on this website has not been approved by the FDA or AVMA.
Any statements made on my website are for educational purposes only and
are my opinion only. They are not intended to be a substitute for any medical
care or advice from a licensed dr or veterinarian for you or your pet. The
author of this website is neither a legal counselor nor a health practitioner,
nor a veterinarian and makes no claims in this regard. You should not use
this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without
consulting a doctor or veterinarian. The same being said for any products
purchased from this website. This disclaimer applies to people and animals.
Buttercuppuppies.com does not provide medical advice and nothing said at
buttercuppuppies.com should be taken as constituting medical advice.
Let me know if you have any questions! Follow the
link and order below!
Maryjo
810-346-3431
maryjo@buttercuppuppies.com
link and order below!
Maryjo
810-346-3431
maryjo@buttercuppuppies.com
"The results of a clinical trial suggest that 74.7% of common
diseases in dogs and 63% of common diseases in cats can be
eliminated without medical intervention over a period of one
year with proper diet modifications and an understanding of
the healing process as exhibited through healing episodes.
Approaching disease from the perspective of health is the
most powerful means of eliminating disease. Poor fuel makes
for little momentum in life." William Pollak, DVM
diseases in dogs and 63% of common diseases in cats can be
eliminated without medical intervention over a period of one
year with proper diet modifications and an understanding of
the healing process as exhibited through healing episodes.
Approaching disease from the perspective of health is the
most powerful means of eliminating disease. Poor fuel makes
for little momentum in life." William Pollak, DVM
"Eating supermarket pet foods is like eating
cardboard. Our pets just get by on them and the
foods lack any real vitality for the flourishing
of health. Life is designed to be lived in vitality;
surviving is living a slow death even before
departure from the body."
cardboard. Our pets just get by on them and the
foods lack any real vitality for the flourishing
of health. Life is designed to be lived in vitality;
surviving is living a slow death even before
departure from the body."
