An industrial chemical that led to the US recall of more than 100 brands of cat and dog food has turned up in a second pet food ingredient imported from China. The discovery expands the month-long cascade of recalls to include more brands and varieties of pet foods and treats tainted by the chemical.

“This has exposed that the safety standards for pet foods are not in place in any significant way and the kind of drumbeat, day after day, of recalls has shaken consumers’ confidence in the pet food industry’s adherence to food safety standards,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and chief executive officer of the Humane Society of the United States.

The chemical, melamine, is believed to have contaminated rice protein concentrate used to make a variety of Natural Balance Pet Foods products for both dogs and cats, the Food and Drug Administration said. The FDA has there is no evidence so far to suggest any of the rice protein went to companies that make human food, said Michael Rogers, director of the agency’s division of field investigations. But the FDA, which is continuing to update its list of pet food recalls, has not yet accounted for all of the imported ingredients.

Previously, the chemical was found to contaminate wheat gluten used by at least six other pet food and treat manufacturers.

Both ingredients were imported from China, though by different companies and from different manufacturers.

Tags:dogs,weblog, pets,diary,dog food,

At the moment lots of dog owners in the United States are frightened to feed any packaged food to their pets in case it contains poison, following the recent discovery of toxic dog food. An easy way to feed your dog ‘human’ food safely for the moment is as follows:
one-third cooked brown rice
one-third cooked chicken or lamb
one-third cooked vegetables – but no sweetcorn or mushrooms.
Dogs should find a meal like this very appetising, especially if you add some stock or gravy. This is a fairly low fat meal and gives your dog everything he needs for a few days. This recipe is along the lines of the Burn’s Dog Food that Kevin the Collie is now eating.
Tags:dogs,weblog, pets,diary,dog food,

Here are the names of some of the dog food manufacturers who state that their food is not connected with the Menu Foods recall. You need to verify this yourself before using any of the brands listed:
Alpo (Purina)
Artemis – Holistic Pet Food – Contains no wheat gluten or soy (wheat is connected with the poisoning)
Azmira Holistic Animal Care Products
Back to Basics – Contains no wheat gluten
Breeder’s Choice – Dog foods contain no wheat gluten
Canine Caviar – Contains no wheat
Champion Petfoods – None of their products are manufactured or packed by any other producer. Contain no gluten

There are links to each company’s website so please check before considering changing your brand of dog food. There is also a full list of the brands affected by the Dog Food Recall so that you can reassure yourself over the brand you are using.