Petfood Concerns Not Over

Locals continue to worry as pet food recall list grows

Story and photos by Pat Fifield

"I can't imagine my dog dying from eating his food," said Rensselaer Falls resident Jena Bennett.

Many North Country locals are worrying about their pet's food and looking for answers.

It all began March 16, when Menu Foods, Inc. recalled both dog and cat food. Since then, the company has recalled 60 million food containers. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the food produced at three facilities between November 8, 2006, and March 6, 2007, were pulled off the shelves. Days later, Nestle Purina PetCare Company, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc., and Del Monte Pet Products all Menu Foods companies, voluntarily recalled their food.

So far, about 16 pets have died from eating the toxic pet food. What started as one company recall of wet dog and cat food has expanded to contain dry foods and pet treats. As of May 2, 2007, more than 150 dog and cat food brands have been recalled. Well known brands, such as, Iams, Ol'Roy, and Special Kitty, have recalled several of their products.

"I heard there was rat poison in the food."

Local grocery store chains, like Price Chopper and Hannaford, are also pulling pet food products off the shelves. Several canned, wet dog and cat foods have been recalled from these chains.

Bennett is nervous that the food she feeds her pet has been recalled. "I heard there was rat poison in the food," Bennett said. "But I'm not exactly sure."

FDA laboratories found melamine samples in pet food and in the ingredient wheat gluten. Melamine is usually used for industry purposes as a flame retardant or glue, and for manufacturing cooking utensils and plates. The FDA announced, during their press conference on March 30, 2007, that they could not validate the findings of aminopterin (rat poison).

Melamine can cause kidney problems and death in pets. According to the FDA, "Cornell University scientists have found melamine in the urine and kidneys of deceased cats that were part of a taste testing study conducted for Menu Foods." How the melamine made its way to the wheat gluten is still unknown.

"We will look for liver and kidney damage."

If your dog or cat has any symptoms including loss of appetite, vomiting, or lethargy. The FDA warns to stop feeding the pet possibly tainted food and contact your veterinarian. Kathy Cayea of Eagle's Nest Veterinary said owners will first see vomiting and then diarrhea, if their pets have eaten tainted food. "If an ill pet is brought into the office we will do a blood test on the animal to look for liver and kidney damage," she explained.

A difficult decision for pet owners to make now is whether they should feed their dog store-bought food.

"My dog's food isn't on the recall list," Bennett said. "But I still don't know if he should eat it or not."

According to the FDA, if your pet food is not listed, the pet food is not effected by the recall and you can continue to feed it to your pets.

Still, the question remains on what happens if the owner needs to buy more food. The FDA suggests keeping an eye on the recall list and they even offer a "Recalls E-List," which will send any updates and changes to the recall list directly to your email.

"I don't know how long it will last," Cayea said.

To be positive that her dog is safe, Bennett said she just recently bought a dog food cookbook and she plans to make Bailey homemade food.

"It's really easy," she explained. "And Bailey loves the food."

The FDA assures pet owners the toxic pet food is only harmful to cats and dogs, but a new study proves this wrong. The Associated Press reported on April 2, 2007, that salmonella was found in dog, cat, and now ferret treats. The company, Eight in One, Inc., recalled packets of jerky treats for these animals. Although this recall is not directly related to the melamine recall, the salmonella bacteria can also harm the people handling the food. According to the Centers for Disease Control, salmonella causes diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. The illness usually goes away on its own in 5 to 7 days, but dehydration can be a result.

The company that began the recall, Menu Foods Inc., has said in a press release that they will take full responsibility for veterinary bills accrued from caring for animals that ingested their food, and got sick. Every time the situation looks like it will end, another pet food is added to the recall list. According to Cayea, the future of these recalls is vague.

"I don't know how long it will las," Cayea said.

What are you feeding your pet?

To ensure the safety of Fluffy and Fido, here are some recipes for dog and cat food from CooksRecipes.com. Cayea warns that homemade pet food is only safe "for a very short time." She explained that store-bought pet foods are specifically designed for a cat and dog's metabolism and provide nutrients that homemade food doesn't. "In the long run, it is not safe for your pets," Cayea said.

Tuna Kitty Treats:

• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup non-fat powdered milk
• 1/2 can tuna, in oil or 1/2 cup
• Cooked chicken chopped into small pieces
• 1 tablespoon vegetable or cod liver oil
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup water

1. In large bowl, mash the tuna (or chicken). Add the flour and powdered milk, mixing well. Stir in the water, oil and egg, mixing well. Mixture will be sticky.
2. Shape mixture into 1/2-inch sized balls. Place on greased baking sheets. Press balls to flatten.
3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Remove treats from oven; let sit 5 minutes and then turn treats over and bake another 10 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely on wire rack. Store in an air tight container in refrigerator.

Cheddar Cheese Dog Cookies:

• 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup margarine
• 1 large egg
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 1/2 cups wheat germ
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons milk

1. Cream the cheese and margarine together using an electric mixer. Add the egg and garlic, beating mixture well. Stir in the flour, wheat germ, salt and milk, mixing well. Cover and chill dough for 1 hour.
2. Roll dough out onto a floured work surface to 1/4-inch thick. Cut into desired shapes. Place on ungreased baking sheet.
3. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 18 minutes.