Royal Canin now included in recall-Natural Balance Dog/Cat Food RECALL

[dolcezena]

Had a thought while reading this thread & mentioned it to DFi (yes honey, I'm on those DIS boards again).

I was just sort of wondering (call me crazy, please), if maybe's there's been various "contaminated" pet foods out there for years, but until that first big recall, no one ever made a connection to poor quality control in pet food?

Does that make sense? Turns out mentioned this theory to DFi, he told me that my cat that died 1 1/2 years ago died of kidney failure - 1st time I'd been TOLD what killed him. (Just didn't want to know before.)

My paranoia is now rampant.

 

[Cindyluwho]

Had a thought while reading this thread & mentioned it to DFi (yes honey, I'm on those DIS boards again).

I was just sort of wondering (call me crazy, please), if maybe's there's been various "contaminated" pet foods out there for years, but until that first big recall, no one ever made a connection to poor quality control in pet food?

Does that make sense? Turns out mentioned this theory to DFi, he told me that my cat that died 1 1/2 years ago died of kidney failure - 1st time I'd been TOLD what killed him. (Just didn't want to know before.)

My paranoia is now rampant.

The answer to your question is "yes", there has been contaminated food out there for years. It has been documented. I read it somewhere and I even posted it on one of the other pet food threads. Basically, it stated that this new recall has NOT been proven to be from the wheat gluten, in the past the deaths have been caused by too high levels of Vitamin D3? which causes kidney failure. I'll try to find the other thread and info for you.

 

[Cindyluwho]

OK, here's the info I was looking for:
Pet Food Recall: Dry Food at Risk From Vitamin D-3
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By Lynda Johnson
Apr 3, 2007

The pet food recall has owners' worried sick and wondering exactly what is in dog and cat food and treats that is making the animals sick. In a Tuesday update, PETA is asking the FDA to investigate vitamin D3 as a possible culprit in the pet food recall, a release said on Tuesday. The animal rights organization notes that FDA, Menu Foods, and PETA have all received complaints about sick and dying animals who only ate dry food that did not contain wheat gluten. The group is now looking at vitamin D3 based on independent research, a case in Canada from last year, and the similarities in symptoms.


The group claims that evidence from reputable laboratories indicates that an excessive amount of vitamin D in pet food may be to blame. Vitamin D overdoses produce symptoms similar to those seen in animals that recently have become sick or died after consuming only dry foods.

***

1) Last year, a manufacturing error in the production of Royal Canin pet food resulted in excessive amounts of vitamin D3 in the food, causing hypercalcemia, an abnormally high level of calcium in the blood that caused animals’ kidneys to malfunction.

2) Research in endocrinology at Cleveland Clinic has confirmed that high levels of vitamin D3 in animals’ blood causes kidney malfunction.

3) Symptoms associated with excessive vitamin D3 intake appear identical to the symptoms that are being reported in dogs and cats now.
On Monday, PETA called on FDA Commissioner Andrew von Eschenbach to resign over the agency’s mishandling of the pet food crisis. "The FDA is feeding the public a line, and the American people’s faith in the government is dying along with dogs and cats,” says Friedrich. “The agency’s failure to pinpoint the cause of death for animals who have eaten only dry food is cause for the commissioner to resign or be fired."


Now, some of the info does come from PETA, but other sources are asking questions as well.

 

[dolcezena]

I have to admit, I'm furious/ashamed/appalled/etc that I didn't know that pet food was subject to no quality control standards, other than the manufacturer's. We certainly wouldn't allow that with any products that affect human health!

Guess there's really nothing else I can do but watch our animals for symptoms or unusual behaviour. And keep talking to the owners of the animal hospital/rescue that are conveniently located next door to my work! So far all is well in our home - except for Dolcetto last year.

 

[LouDisney]

This worries me to death. My cats DO NOT eat the Venison & Green Pea formula, they eat the NB Ultra Premium Dry Cat Food, and they have not been sick, no vomiting, they are eating, drinking water, using the litter box normally and are playing and acting normal. I still worry, should I stop feeding them this brand and switch to something else? This is getting crazy and something needs to be done about it. I feel for all the pet owners out there that have lost pets or have sick pets.

 

[nhrenee]

We had to have our dog put to sleep about a week ago. He got very sick, very suddenly. He was not on any of the "official" recalled foods, but I thought at the time that this is not over yet. The vet said she thought the same thing.

I'm so sorry about your dog.

 

[pittypat]

Nhrenee-thanks for the thoughts. In light of what has happened today I feel a little odd about saying it, but losing our sweet dog was a hard, hard loss. I know there are lots of people out there who can totally relate.

 

[Aimeedyan]

That's it. I'm going to start BARFing Chloe again.

She's on EVO - RM right now and so far so good, but this is getting ridiculous.

Let me know if there is anything I can do for your Houston friends. That is so sad.

I don't currently feed Natura products (Innova, CA Natural) BUT I will say that they test each and every batch of their food before packaging and distribution. As far as I know right now, they are the ONLY company to test every batch which means the likelyhood of their foods being contaminated and getting out to the public is pretty slim.

Depending upon what Natural Balance comes up with, I may be switching my dogs to strictly Natura products because of their high regard for quality control. That is, unless the brands I feed now can show me the same regard.

I honestly think you're feeding the best kibble/company out there because of that... but I have to say I'm sorely disappointed with Natural Balance. I have always recommended them as an easy to find, affordable food and I just can't do that anymore.

(I did call my vet today - who did not know about the recall yet - and she mentioned moving to raw. Not sure I'm ready for that yet but I may...)

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

I don't currently feed Natura products (Innova, CA Natural) BUT I will say that they test each and every batch of their food before packaging and distribution. As far as I know right now, they are the ONLY company to test every batch which means the likelyhood of their foods being contaminated and getting out to the public is pretty slim.

Depending upon what Natural Balance comes up with, I may be switching my dogs to strictly Natura products because of their high regard for quality control. That is, unless the brands I feed now can show me the same regard.

I honestly think you're feeding the best kibble/company out there because of that... but I have to say I'm sorely disappointed with Natural Balance. I have always recommended them as an easy to find, affordable food and I just can't do that anymore.

I respect you as a fellow pet lover/owner, so this gives me a lot of relief!

Ironically, one of the foods that I had my pet food vendor look into for me, was Natural Balance. I'm going to call her in the morning and get her take on this.

(I did call my vet today - who did not know about the recall yet - and she mentioned moving to raw. Not sure I'm ready for that yet but I may...)

You know, I have so much respect for those that feed raw, because it truly is the best there is, but man, oh man, it is a lot of work and I'm not looking forward to the prospect of having to do it again.

Someone could make some serious money by having classes on how to do it right, because it is pretty comprehensive. I've mentioned that much on message boards and I actually had a Houston vet show interest in holding classes, but nothing ever came of it.

Too bad we don't live closer, or we could lean/learn off of each other!

BTW, thanks for posting about the recall. I'm so busy, and I don't know if I would have known about it otherwise.

 

[Aimeedyan]

You know, I have so much respect for those that feed raw, because it truly is the best there is, but man, oh man, it is a lot of work and I'm not looking forward to the prospect of having to do it again.

Someone could make some serious money by having classes on how to do it right, because it is pretty comprehensive. I've mentioned that much on message boards and I actually had a Houston vet show interest in holding classes, but nothing ever came of it.

Too bad we don't live closer, or we could lean/learn off of each other!

BTW, thanks for posting about the recall. I'm so busy, and I don't know if I would have known about it otherwise.

My vet sells a premixed raw food - frozen so you just thaw what you need. It's super $$$ but easier to do. Friends that do raw usually buy through co-ops and freeze in big batches. I'm not completely opposed, I would just prefer not to... esp since we travel some and other people keep them. Innova EVO is the best thing next to raw.

The recall hasn't been publicized yet at all - no media outlets have even touched on it - but I expect that to change if things keep going south for pets out there. I heard about it on a pet board I post on.

 

[4cruisin]

I am so upset right now. I just learned about the recall this morning through the news and freaked.

Like RadioNate, I switched from IAMS dry 2 weeks ago because I was concerned about the quality and quality controls in place with all that was happening. I did extensive research before settling on the Natural Balance Brand. I switched over gradually as directed and although my kitty seemed to eat less of it than the IAMS, I just thought it had more protein so she need less of the food. I took her to my regular vet last Tuesday for a quick routine visit, (she has "gland" issues that need addressing every 8 weeks) and she was weighed and her weight was normal.

On Saturday, I was patting her and noticed that her chin was wet. Sometimes she gets a little water on her when she drinks her water so I figured that's all it was.

About 45 minutes later, I looked at her and she had drool coming out of one side of her mouth. I was home alone but managed to get her mouth open to see if she had something stuck in it or if she had a problem with her gums or teeth...nothing. I called dh and asked him to come right home and then called her regular vet's office. After 2 calls, a tech finally called me back and told me they were too busy to see her....it didn't sound serious and I could make a regular appt for next week. I explained that I thought it was serious, she was drooling even more than earlier and she was constantly heading to her water bowl to drink. They refused to see her so off the the vet hospital. Twelve hours later and a huge vet bill, they discharged her to us.
They were fantastic. If you live in the north of Boston area and want the name of the hospital for future reference, pm me.

Long story short is she is showing signs of improvement but I am still concerned. Her kidneys seem ok according to the blood work but I am convinced there is something in the Natural Balance food that made her sick. I have tried to call the company and so far, no answer.

I will let you know after I talk to the company. So for now, all kitty is going to eat is homemade chicken and rice.

 

[emmabelle]

Great, just great. I normally feed my cats the Venison & Green Pea formula. Actually they finished the last bag I bought them about 2 - 3 weeks ago. I couldn't even tell you the date on the bag as I empty the bags into a tin can and throw the bag away.
I haven't noticed any problems with my 2 cats, but now am worried to death!!! How soon do people notice problems????

Does anyone have any advice other than keeping a close eye on my furbabies? Like I said, they are acting totally normal. I hope they stay that way.

I'm freaking out also because it's the only food I feed my cats and like you I dumped the bag into a tin so I don't have the bag either. My cats eat mostly the wet with a little dry. Now I have no idea what to switch to since my 9 month old has skin allergies! Right now they have some very low quality 9 lives that I happened to have from last fall, the older cat thinks she's in heaven with the junk food.

 

[phisigprincess]

We talked to our vet and he said that if our cats weren't experiencing any symptoms they should be fine, but keep an eye on them. If your pets are lethargic or not eating and drinking a lot of water, get them to a vet ASAP.

We weren't using the recalled variety of Natural Balance, but the vet said to get them off it immediately to air on the side of caution. That led to mass amounts of vomitting this morning. Thrilling! But as I told DH, vomitting is better than the alternative.

Hope everyone's furbabies are ok!

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

My vet sells a premixed raw food - frozen so you just thaw what you need. It's super $$$ but easier to do. Friends that do raw usually buy through co-ops and freeze in big batches. I'm not completely opposed, I would just prefer not to... esp since we travel some and other people keep them. Innova EVO is the best thing next to raw.

Oh, that stuff is super-duper expensive! If my husband wouldn't have a coronary, I'd buy it premade in a heart beat!

The recall hasn't been publicized yet at all - no media outlets have even touched on it - but I expect that to change if things keep going south for pets out there. I heard about it on a pet board I post on.

Natural Balance's website has a blurb on the front page, but I haven't heard it anywhere else either.

 

[Fitswimmer]

OK, my heart is beating again. My furballs are eating the fish, the ultra and the indoor varieties of Natural Balance. I JUST switched to NB and ordered 3 cases yesterday!! They really like it so I hope this is an isolated incident with one lot.

 

[bjgrazi]

We had to have our dog put to sleep about a week ago. He got very sick, very suddenly. He was not on any of the "official" recalled foods, but I thought at the time that this is not over yet. The vet said she thought the same thing.

We too lost a pet that has had the same problems. We did not feed it any of the recalled foods. I've turned to making our own food for them for now. It's not long term, just till we get some sort of answers.

 

[jrmasm]

Natural Balance's website has a blurb on the front page, but I haven't heard it anywhere else either.

It was on my local news this morning.

 

[wdwmom2]

I'm freaking out also because it's the only food I feed my cats and like you I dumped the bag into a tin so I don't have the bag either. My cats eat mostly the wet with a little dry. Now I have no idea what to switch to since my 9 month old has skin allergies! Right now they have some very low quality 9 lives that I happened to have from last fall, the older cat thinks she's in heaven with the junk food.

I am now going to stay with Blue Spa http://www.bluebuff.com/#. Actually, my cats are eating it now, along with Science Diet Hairball formula. I have fed it in the past and have had no problems with it. Hopefully it wouldn't end up in the recall!!!

 

[4cruisin]

Update on Natural Balance.........

I got through to the v.m. of a customer service agent. The recording said that there is no space available to leave a message. Duh, I imagine they are getting more calls than they can handle. Their website has not been updated as yet today. I think I will try to contact them via email.

 

[emmabelle]

I am now going to stay with Blue Spa http://www.bluebuff.com/#. Actually, my cats are eating it now, along with Science Diet Hairball formula. I have fed it in the past and have had no problems with it. Hopefully it wouldn't end up in the recall!!!

Do you buy it at Petsmart? I'm so tempted to take my girls to the vet's office and have them tested, I'm so freaked out right now. I keep checking on them, they are probably thinking what is wrong with you, will you just let us nap!