Mike Weed said,

March 30, 2007 @ 10:54 pm · Edit
An open apology to Kumpi Pet Food.
I’m sorry for any negative comments I made about your food. For the most part I would recommend it. There are no by-products, it seems well-balanced and the analysis checks out. I praise you for your customer service as Robert Davis has pointed out above. I fully admit to sparking conflict that has no place on this board and take full responsibility for my actions. I got out of line in trying to boast what I biasedly think of as better, when I should have taken your initial invitation to unite and help inform.
It just gets hard for me, I speak of not wanting to be demonized and yet I was quick to attack certain of your ingredients even though they are not by any account bad. Even up to my last post where I said I felt I bested you, no… I bested myself with my arrogance and admit that in your calm reserve you always held the upper hand here.
To those who shot me down and defended Kumpi, good for you, you did the right thing here. With such an issue as truly bad ingredients getting into foods and hurting animals, I had no right to start a fiasco over ingredients that have done no harm.
I’m changing my tune, and it took Kumpi and Ang to really open my eyes. Sure my product is great, but so is Kumpi. The moment I realized that my amateur ramblings may have gotten me into trouble, I reread my posts and saw that I had definitely been treading thin ice.
I wish you all the best of luck in your search for a better understanding of the current issues we are facing in the pet food industry, and wholly recommend Kumpi as a safe and reliable source of nutrition where and when it is needed the most.
Thank you and goodnight.

Ellie Mae Wannabe said,

March 30, 2007 @ 11:04 pm · Edit
Just heard about Hill’s Prescription Diet Feline Dry M/D and was worried because all 5 of my cats eat the C/D kind (only one of my cats had cystitis, but their attitude about food is “all for one and one for all”, so it’s all I buy now, and they’re all super healthy.)
I went to Hill’s’ website and found this: http://www.hillspet.com/menu_foods/Menu_Foods_03302007_en_US.htm , where they explain that the only dry cat food they have made containing wheat gluten was the M/D. That’s the only ingredient contaminated with melamine, so the other kinds of dry prescription diet stuff are safe as far as that particular contaminant is concerned. They are reformulating the M/D now and it will soon be available again without wheat gluten. Meanwhile they are recalling the dry M/D and offering a full refund for its return. Not much consolation if you’r cat’s sick, but if not at least you won’t lose money by switching in mid-bag.
My dog eats Beneful, which is so far apparently safe. So, thus far we’ve been lucky. I ache for all those whose best friends have been sickened or worse by this situation. This is an example of why completely free global trade requires either international regulations, or that we be much more vigilant consumers.

Jaycee said,

March 30, 2007 @ 11:39 pm · Edit
Jaycee said ***That money you think you may save could very well be used for vet bills later on in life. With many organic pet foods, you feed less because more of it is absorbed. The end difference in cost amounts to pennies. Why not spend more on better food? ***
Robin said” Sorry that is just not true. I have my B.S. in Animal Science so I know a great deal about nutrition. I am not feeding my dog department brand food she is getting natural premium food that I did a great deal of research on. Funny you say that you feed less organic….the back of the bag for the food I feed says the SAME recommended amount as the back of the bag of Organic…and I am feeding LESS then the recommended amound. ”
I’ve had pets for close to 40 years now and can tell you from my personal experience that I feed less, and spend less money on pet bills by feeding a better quality pet food and homecooking. My dogs are happy, healthy, and live longer lives. I said the money you save now *COULD* be spent on vet bills later on. It was not a definitive statement.
I, too, am feeding my dogs a natural premium food that I have done a lot of research on. And, I feed them less than the recommended amount on the back of the bag. It really seems like we are on the same side, so I am confused by your seemingly defensive statement. We both feed better food. We both feed less than what is stated on the bag. We both have done a lot of research as to what we feed. We both have happy healthy pets.
BTW, I have several degrees, and am a doctor. I have FORGOTTEN more than you will ever know in the realms of nutrition. So, what’s your point again? The people on this site are highly educated, in life or in books, but we all share a common thread, and that is the health and vitality of our dogs and cats, our companions, our friends, our family. Many folks here have lost pets to this unnecessary and tragic event. Many folks here really want to make a difference, to gain more knowledge and insight, to perhaps learn of better alternatives of food than that of commercial products. It is unfair to come here to judge THEM because they are taking steps THEY feel are necessary to providing a better life to their pets.
I pray for all of you who have lost pets, and I pray for better health and strength for those that are nursing loved ones back to health. Be strong! Be vigilant!
I will continue to write letters to my local news outlets and to my congressmen here in Colorado, and urge them to stay on top of this.
I’m sorry folks, I am done here.
Best of luck to you all.
Jaycee Mohn

Lori said,

March 31, 2007 @ 12:14 am · Edit
FYI…another recall. ALPO Prime Cuts In Gravy canned dog food.

Paul Woodward said,

March 31, 2007 @ 12:55 am · Edit
Is Hills science diet dry cat food involved? Thanks. Paul Woodward

Kathy said,

March 31, 2007 @ 1:33 am · Edit
Hi All,
I’m an assistant at a vet clinic, and I wanted to let everyone know that we just saw one cat pass away a week ago from “acute renal failure of unknown origin” after eating Hill’s m/d Prescription Diet. Now that cat’s sister is also in renal failure, but I think her owner recognized the symptoms and saw the press release in time to catch it early. So scary. I really appreciate the information and research everyone has done on this board; it’s so nice to see people staying so well-informed.
Kathy

Crystal said,

March 31, 2007 @ 2:11 am · Edit
Attn: Robert F Davis
Re: Rymadyl
I HIGHLY suggest getting your dog off of that ASAP! As you are already aware it causes liver damage. My vet won’t even prescribe it unless the pet is scheduled to be euth’ed in a few weeks.
My Shepherd was about 13 when we thought he was in his last days. His arthritis got so bad that he was screaming all the time. Glucosamin and MSM weren’t helping. Our vet suggested Elk Velvet Antler. We tried it. With in 10 days as promised he was up and bouncing around like a pup again! No side effects. (I did lots of research on it.) In human subjects females were known to get some stomach upset. In dog studies… My dog as always was the odd one out. He was the ONLY one reported to get stomach upset. For a month we cut him back to one every other day. After that he was fine and we had him on full dosage. (Also, make sure if you do try it to get the 300mg, and not the 250mg) Also, make sure that there isn’t any glucosamine or chodontrin (SP? on both) in ANY of the dog’s meds or food. Those and the EVA will cancel each other out.
My Shep lived to be 16 1/2 years old. (He passed away when his digestive system shut down. The vet said it was all just symptoms of old age. Trust me, I was always asking questions. Other than the arthritis he was a very healthy dog until his final months.)
Oh, and EVA is also known to stop anemia. It helps build red blood cells.

Lola Telmos said,

March 31, 2007 @ 2:43 am · Edit
Friskies should be taken off this list .My cat died from Friskies Feline Favorites .
My son called PURINA & told them our cat died from the food before any news reports hit the media . Purina sent a letter to confirm the call . My dog ate a little of the same cat food , became sick with the same illness as the cat .We knew not to let our dog continue eating any cat food .Our dog has recovered .I called & called the number given 866-895-2708, it was not stop busy .PURNIA needs to step up to PLATE .
March 31, 2007 @ 3:19 am · Edit
In my opinion, Menu Foods was probably trying to increase their bottom line and went with his product to increase their profits, typical capitalism. Look at their CEO response on their website. Screw them and all other companies that outsource to them. If this would have been humans just imagine the outrage! I hope they get thier asses sued and go out og business. In my opinion it is just another evil corporation and screw the companies that do business with them. I was a fooled consumer by buying canned products from Wellness, Innovo, Eukanuba, and Newmans Organic becuase I thought I was buying non-mass produced items made by them. I have a cat that is suppossedly only to eat wet food. Luckily he did not die. Mikey Albertin San Bruno, CA

tom said,

March 31, 2007 @ 3:22 am · Edit
No cat needs grains, for crying out loud, and it is nonsense to talk about animals having a “balanced diet” from various so-called “food groups” in the same sense as a human being.
What is left in the stomach of a cat’s prey is incidental roughage, and nothing more than that. But ol’ Back to Basics claims that cats need grains for nutrition, which is 100% nonsense designed to keep you buying toxic pet food filler from the supermarket.
Cats are pure carnivores. They simply do not eat grains.

Carrie said,

March 31, 2007 @ 8:25 am · Edit
Just wanted to mention if anyone is looking for a “wet” dog food that is safe and healthy try Flint River Ranch dry water. It is human grade and made by them. Dry water is dry food that you add warm water to and it makes a gravy. My dogs go wild on it (and we have been through all of the super premium brands). I mix it with their dry food since it is fairly calorie dense.
FRR is mail order only but shipping is free (and pretty fast).

carolyn said,

March 31, 2007 @ 8:48 am · Edit
Does anyone know if Hills Science Diet prescription s/d for dogs is ok? This was prescribed for my dog for kidney stones. Not sure I want to keep using it!!!

Lance Farrell said,

March 31, 2007 @ 8:52 am · Edit
I feed Rival wet dog food from time to time but usually feed dry Diamond. I notice that Rival did nto make the list so I looked for a contact email or phone number and could not find one. I see they seem to have been bought out by Big Lots, I will try to get ahold of them through there and post the results/number for the list.

Mike Weed said,

March 31, 2007 @ 9:01 am · Edit
Cats do not NEED grains, but they do need carbohydrates as well as linoleic acid for optimal health, and few ingredients are as nutrient-rich as certain grains.
All mammals require Protein, Fat, and Carbs. The importance of each depends on the species.
Cats are carnivores and require meat-based diets, but they will not thrive on meat alone. I mentioned their “natural” way of obtaining additional nutrients to illustrate a point, but I’d like to make another:
As a New Yorker, Oranges, Bananas, Etc. would not be part of my “native” diet, but because I have access to them, I am healthier for it. The same concept applies to pet food.
The goal is the best possible health for our pets, and I think it’s important not to confuse “best available” with “most natural/native”.
That being said, there are many excellent, healthy, non-grain formulas for our cats and I encourage everyone to look into them… but there is also not a thing wrong with using grains and we do it for a very specific reason.
March 31, 2007 @ 9:33 am · Edit
hydrocodone apap…
news…

Cindy Nevarez said,

March 31, 2007 @ 9:58 am · Edit
To Crystal;
Thank you much for the info. on EVA. I have a 15 yr. old Chow mix who is very arthritic. She is doing fairly well on a Gluc/Chond/MSM supplement, but is not doing as well as I would like to see her. For example, she can’t get thru the doggie door by herself anymore. So we leave the back door open all day for her when we’re home.
I am the type that would never use Rymydl (sp?) or other conventional drugs on her, or myself for that matter. So I very much appreciate this kind of info.

Lee said,

March 31, 2007 @ 10:15 am · Edit
3 of our 4 cats eat Wellness canned food. NO problems. It’s good and they like it. The other one is picky and would only eat Nutro Max Cat Gourmet Classics 3oz cans of Beef Ragout, Turkey & Chicken Liver Saute. We introduced California Chicken Supreme Dinner and she became ill almost immediately. She was hospitalized and after 3 days, her kidney levels returned to near normal. We got soooooo lucky that we stopped feeding her the Calif Chicken - we’re dead sure that made her ill. She is better now and appears to have escaped death. The vet said she is perfectly healthy other than the kidneys malfunctioning/failing for no reason. The vet reported our case to the LA Public Health - they called us. They reported it to the FDA - they called us too. The ball is rolling….

Lee said,

March 31, 2007 @ 10:18 am · Edit
We also feed all of them Innova’s EVO dry fod - but only as treats. That food is also OK.

Lee said,

March 31, 2007 @ 10:18 am · Edit
We also feed all of them Innova’s EVO dry food - but only as treats. That food is also OK.

Diana said,

March 31, 2007 @ 10:54 am · Edit
IMPORTANT RECAP
This list has given me the best information I can find anywhere. It’s more up to date than CNN or the recall sites. I’ve just read every post. Here goes.
Road kill is in pet food and it’s as old and rotten as the day someone complained to have it picked up. It’s usually kept in a freezer in the rotten state with maggots until the renderer picks up. I know. I’ve cleaned the freezer a number of times. I’ve got a nice job.
Tuna is only bad for cats when given alone. Cats will refuse to eat other foods and it’s not a balanced diet.
Evangers doesn’t outsource anything and they don’t need to use bone meal because they actually pressure cook the bones so they are EDIBLE!! I use Evangers for wildlife rehab. It’s perfect. Either that or I have to find fresh road kill (not a good alternative for me)
Bil Jac used to be meat that you had to keep in the freezer. Now it’s a meat meal grain food like most. Costs, you know.
Blue Buffalo is the only food with cold processed vitamin pellets. They cook the meat but process the vitamins separately so they don’t get damaged by heat. Good idea.
Corn is a good food after you cook it IF YOU CHEW it. Dogs and cats don’t chew enough. They don’t have molars that are appropriate to grind grain.
Kosher meat is good but has to be killed by slitting the throat and letting the blood drain out. Takes a bit of time.
Organic is not regulated enough. If your suppliers put in chemicals but you buy the ingredients and don’t add any, you can still qualify to use the term.
Secondary suppliers can also add ethoxyquin and you don’t have to put it on your label.
m/d can be prescribed for cats with urinary tract disesase. It’s also used for weight control. Diabetic cats usually need weight control, too.
Genetically modified grains can cause autoimmune disease and organ failure.
ProPlan is pretty good food. Purina manufacturers some low quality foods because their customers want to “save maney” but Purina One and Pro Plan are alright.
Cats: urinary tract disease is more common in indoor only cats. No one knows why. First we thought it was Ash content, then magnesium, then urine acidity, then eating free choice. Stress seems to be the cause and every cat has his own idea of stress free.
Malamine might be in the lining of the pop tops?? Jeeeez. That means there is still another problem coumpounding this mystery.

Holocron said,

March 31, 2007 @ 11:03 am · Edit
I have verified with Costco that their Kirkland Signature brand of dry and wet dog and cat foods are safe and not involved in the recall. Allegedly, Diamond Pet Foods makes the Kirkland brand pet foods.

Kathleen said,

March 31, 2007 @ 11:07 am · Edit
Why isn’t Purina listed? Is Purina dry made by Menu?
KC

Kathleen said,

March 31, 2007 @ 11:26 am · Edit
Fancy Feast says here no wheat gluten, but in reading the labels a number of cans DO have wheat gluten! It’s all so confusing. I’m having trouble finding high quality food that my cat (nearly a year old) will EAT. He was affected in the recall, but after fluids, his bloodwork is normal. He is one of the lucky ones!
KC