RECALL ALERT: Hartz Mountain Vitamin Care For Cats
November 4, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Hartz Mountain recalled one specific lot of their vitamin care for cats because of Salmonella concerns on November 2, 2007. The product involved is 3600 bottles of Hartz Mountain Vitamin Care for Cats, Lot code SZ-16371; UPC #32700-97701; Manufactured in the USA by UFAC Inc., Baconton, Ga. While testing done by Hartz Mountain and UFAC has not revealed the presence of Salmonella in any Hartz Mountain product samples taken., The product tested positive for Salmonella in the FDA tests. Hartz is aggressively investigating the source of the problem and has taken steps to remove the product from all retail stores. Cat owners should check the lot code on their bottles. If no code is visible or the code number is SZ-16371 discontinue use immediately and safely discard bottle. Consumers can contact Hartz Mountain at 1-800-275-1414 for questions or reimbursement of purchased product.
The Best Pet Foods You Can Feed Your Pets
October 17, 2007 | Leave a Comment
The pet-food recall debacle cost more than 35,000 pet’s lives. The actual number will probably never be known. But, like the old adage says “There is a silver lining behind every cloud.” This unfortunate incident brought attention, not only to the brands of pet food, but the safety and quality of that food, as well. Poor quality food can cut a pet’s life span by as much as half.
Pet food manufacturing companies have been doing a poor job of feeding our best friends, for a very long time. It’s truly unfortunate that so many had to die for the general public to finally take notice. Why does somebody, human or animal always have to die before things are set right again? That same type of thinking is what brought us to where we are with the environment, as well. We were warned long ago. Maybe this time we will listen.
Now that the worst of the pet food recall is over, we’re all left to grapple with the same question. What pet food can we safely feed our pets? I’ve done extensive research on that issue over the last 16 years and even more research since the pet food recall. I’ve come up with a list I’m comfortable recommending to others.
These foods are considered safe and high in quality and nutrition by veterinarians and pet nutritionists. Many of the foods listed are considered “organic.” some are “human grade.”All these foods meet or exceed industry standards. None, to the best of my knowledge were involved in the recent recall.
I should also ad, that I am not in anyway compensated for my opinions of these pet foods. I have not yet tried all of them on my animals. I will over the next year and I will be writing product reviews on these and other pet products, as well. I’m also very interested in what you think and any experiences you’ve had with any of the products I list. They say the Internet is the great equalizer….we shall see. I, personally,would like to use this blog to protect and enhance the lives of all of our companion animals. That is the least that I can do for all of the unconditional love they have given me over the years.
The one thing I know, above all else, is that you can’t get decent pet food at the 99% of retail grocery stores. Period. Often times you can’t find a wide variety of the highest quality pet food at the “big box pet stores. In fact, I could only find one or two that were carried by either PetSmart or Petco.
There are only three ways you can reasonably ensure that you’re pet has the best qaulity food:
1. You can cook the food yourself.
2. You can go on-line and purchase it.
3. You can find a specialty pet store that carries high quality pet food in your area.
Homemade Pet Food
The first choice; cooking your pet’s food yourself, is without question the best way to go, that method does however, have several drawbacks. First of all, you have to know what you’re doing in order to provide the right nutrients, in the right amounts to your animals.Dogs have different nutritional needs than cats do. If you don’t know what those are, you risk causing serious, life threatening health problems for your pet(s).
Cats are “obligate carnivores” They must have high quality meat- based protein. They also must have Taurine in sufficient quantities, or you run the risk of causing permanent blindness, heart problems, even death.
Dogs are more like people..carnivores. They can eat more like humans are supposed to.
Cooking your pet’s food yourself, is also expensive, especially if you have more than a few pets. Many of the ingredients have to be purchased from health food stores and that cost extra time and money. There is also the fact that you have to take/make time to prepare the food yourself. I don’t know too many people today that have a lot of extra time, on a consistent basis, to prepare meals for themselves much less their animals. Even if we have the time, we don’t necessarily want to spend it in the kitchen. Chances are, if we’re honest with ourselves, most of us should probably try to find another way to provide the proper nutrition to our animals.
The Internet Offers Many Options In Pet Food
The Internet has a plethora of information on animal nutrition and lots of product to choose from. I found most of the manufacturer’s of today’s quality pet foods all had websites. Some of these foods can be ordered on-line directly from the manufacturer while other manufacturers will provide a list of resellers in your area.
Another alternative is the small locally owned boutique style pet shops that are becoming so popular.The upscale, smaller retailer’s seem to be carrying a good selection of quality pet foods.
The following brands of pet food come highly recommended. My suggestion would be that you try several different brands to see which brands your animal’s like the most. After all pets, like people, enjoy variety. Also, in order for your animals to get the maximum nutritional value from their food, they need to eat different sources of protein such as meat, chicken and fish.
The ”A” List For Cat & Dog Food:
Please Note: This was an independent study and I have not been paid for this review. I would consider all of these foods as safe and very healthy for my personal animals, at this time. I will be monitoring the list for any safety issues as well.
The list will contain website links of the manufacturers or retailers. If you go to the manufacturer’s websites, they have a “store locator” where you can find a retailer near you. Some sites will ship to you directly. Always call ahead to make sure they have your preferred brand in stock.
Click on the link to visit each pet food site.
A Place For Paws - Raw Diet
Breeders Choice - Avoderm Brand - Cat & Dog - Canned Only - Available at Petsmart & Petco
Canine Caviar
Eaglepack - Chicken & Lamb
Evolve
Felidae - Cat food Made in the USA
Candidae - Dog Food Made in the USA
Fromm Family
Halo Pets - Spot’s Stew
Holistic Blend - Dry Only
Kosher Pets - Meat patties for cats
Life’s Abundance - Instinctive Choice Brand
Natura Pet- California Natural; Evo & Innova Brands
Nature’s Variety Cats - Canned Only
Newman’s Own Organics - Made In The USA
Old Mother Hubbard
Petcurean - Go! Natural! Brand
Pet Promise - cats, canned only
Precise Pet-Dogs wet and dry food; Cats canned food only
One thing you may notice about this list is a lack of dry foods. The truth is…dry food is more affordable and convenient than canned pet food. Dry food was made for people not animals.
As in most things you get what you pay for. Most dry food contains many more carbohydrates, in the form of grains and corn, than would ever be found in your animals natural diet. Those carbohydrates are necessary to bind the ingredients together in dry food kibble. They are not necessary in the production of wet food, although they are used as fillers in cheap “wet” food.
Excess carbohydrates aren’t good for people or animals, especially cats. Cats lack the enzymes necessary to break down excess carbohydrates. There has been a dramtic increase in feline obesity and feline diabetes since the introduction of dry pet foods in this country. If you must feed dry food, feed your animals the top of the line foods.
As far as animals having cleaner teeth if they eat dry food, that has proven to be unfounded. If pets are to have good teeth they (like their humans) need good nutrition and regular visits to the Vet for dental check-ups and care.
Coming tommorrow…what you don’t want to see in your pets food
