Menusux and JanC,

I noticed those dates too. 1/03/06 - 1/16/06  Wondering....does it mean, unknown substances were detected that shouldn't have been in the raw ingredients early 2006.  Many of us believe some of our pets were showing signs of illness in 2006 way before the recalls happened in 2007. I'm wondering too; was this the real start of contaminated pet food.

Katie

Menusux, thank you again for all the great information. I'm trying to figure out - the testing that what done by NIR from 1/03/06 to 1/16/06 - is that on raw ingredients from 2005 or is that on product from 2006? wish we knew what the testing results showed about what should or should not have been there.

Katie

Don, I am very sorry for your loss of Chuckles and I thank you for everything you have done to make a difference for all of our dear pets.

Katie

Carol, that's my humble opinion also.

Katie

We used to use only commercial dry dog food and treats too.  We had medical problems when the recalls came and started home cooking.  The dogs became healthier and happier.  I'll admit there were a few times I thought about going back to commercial food, maybe an organic. But each time I picked up a bag, I couldn't bring it home knowing what bad food had done to my dogs and just could not take a chance. So I am still home cooking. 8 months now. I prepare two weeks amount and freeze in daily portions. My dogs are happy, healthy, coats look great, no itchy ears or skin, no bad breath or body odor! it's great! I did break down and buy some organic treats; Wet Noses dog biscuits for an occasional treat instead of home made.  I decided last month to never go back to commercial.

Katie

Catbird, It's not only corn gluten in cat food but dog food too.  My dog was eating a commercial dog food, corn based. Since the end of March (when her food made her sick) I switched to home cooked - no corn at all. She is healthy, no itchies, no pulling hair from her skin, clear eyes, no tummy upsets, good stool. I have heard some people say that since they have pulled their dogs off of corn based food their emotional moods have changed and they seem calmer.

Katie

Menusux; welcome back! thankyou for all your hard work, I learn so much from you.

Re: Scoular Co. sounds like the Chinese may be a little unhappy with them. I wonder if it has to do with the bad publicity.... I remember reading on MSNBC blog about the stores in Oregon and I believe a Publix in Florida where baked goods were being removed from the shelf.  Also, there was someone on the MSNBC blog who mentioned being told at a WalMart by a clerk that some pasta products were going to be pulled due to the recall. But nothing more was said on that. It would be interesting to know what other corporations Scoular provides product to. 

In the last month our organic and natural food store has been seeing an increase of foot traffic by 110%. There are also more signs and labels listing country of origin.  More people are becoming careful of what they buy. Our pets payed a huge price to ensure our safety.

Katie

My dog is a survivor of the pet food poisoning.  Her routine vet and specialist were a little concerned over my home cooking.  It has been almost 6 months now off commercial food.  At her last checkup (last week) they both were stuned at her body condition, health and blood tests. She has never looked so healthy.  They each told me they recommended to keep feeding home cooked meals if possible. They each recommended new foods to be added to the diet; like black beans, pumpkin, whole milk cottage cheese and yogurt. We are also upping the fish oil to 2000 mg. Since the recalls in March, I've found the vets to be more knowledgeable about nutrition and interested in what I'm cooking and how I'm going about it. It's great! it feels like we are building a parternship.

Katie

This is a great topic! Since my dog has been on home cooking - I really monitor what comes out. I keep a journal so I know if some new added food has created an intolerance. Or if we need to give her a little more fiber.  And, if there is a change torwards mucous or blood, I know we have a problem.  Has anyone noticed how different this is from commercial food? on commercial food - it was always the same, hard and dried out. Makes one wonder....

Katie

My dog eats the chicken cookies and loves them! The company answered all my questions about product ingredients and safety. When I spoke with them, they told me they are now testing all their ingredients and product before going on the production line and after production.

Katie

I am home cooking, but have used Honest Kitchen's Force and Thrive for days when we have been without power or bad weather.  My dog does like it. I did notice stools are bigger on it than on home cooked.  You do have to hydrate it for a minimum of 10min. You don't want excess dehydrated food sitting in a dog's tummy.  The company also suggests that 1/2 cup of meat be added and some raw veggies. When speaking with the company they said do not microwave, use warm water to hydrate. If you have left over food, immeadiately refrig. To warm the second meal;add warm water -

Katie

I have an 11 yr old golden retriever who showed all the symptoms. Her food has not been recalled, but the veternarian is sure she ate contaminated food. She never had abnormal kidney chems prior to this. She was on the following medications :
                                     Prednisone 5 mg
                                     Chlopheniramine 4mg - thought she had a food allergy

Something we have noticed after she was taken off of food and put on home cooked meals, GI upset and now getting Pepcid. We are wondering if stomach acid + cyanuric acid / melamine irritates or ulcerates stomach or intestinal lining.

Thank you for gathering this data.

Katie

My dog was first seen on 2/26 for strange symptoms.When recall started they appeared to be food related based on a chart we kept of symptoms vs food eaten. Her Chem. for Kidney function and Urinalysis show possible CRF.Her last 4 yrs medical tests normal. Dry food has not been recalled but made by company with recalls.

                       2/26     Specialty vet and Labs            373.51
                        3/7      Reg.vet,blood work and urine  350.90
                        4/18    Reg.vet,blood work and urine   167.01

                         Total so far:(still following abnormal     891.42
                                             results)