Do any forum readers PERSONALLY have problems with Nutro Food??

[menusux]

More voices questioning Nutro here:

http://www.walletpop.com/2008/07/07/animals-and-money-pet-owners-worry-about-nutro-after-dog-deaths/

July 7, 2008

"I was worried for weeks about my dog Jolly after two of his favorite brands, Nutro and Natural Balance, showed up on the list. Some dogs don't show symptoms right away. At first I mocked those overly-anxious dog owners who prepare their dog's food on their own. Then, reluctantly, I became one of them--at least as much as I can."

[bexterfrommaine]

New poster here- found the forum while researching Nutro dog food issue.  My 2 year old chocolate lab Molly just got out of the hospital and I suspect her diagnosed pancreatitis could be linked to bad food.  After 2 days of eating from a new bag of Nutro Natural Choice Lamb and Rice, she began vomiting yellow bile every 20 minutes for a few hours and became so lethargic she could not walk so we brought her to the doggie ER.  Luckily, yesterday I saw the consumer affairs article from June 23, 2008 regarding the potential Nutro issue- I feel fortunate as I would have surely began reintroducing her food to her in the coming days as people in the article did.  Vet bills so far are close to $1000 and we will need to do follow up testing for the next 6 months to monitor pancreas, kidney, and liver functioning.  We feel lucky to have caught it when we did but have become enraged to know that it could have been avoided if the potential problems were being more widely publicized.  I have saved the remaining food and have a call into our regional FDA complaint # and posted a complaint yesterday on consumeraffairs.com.  Can't seem to get through to a "live" person at Nutro- wonder why their phones are so busy?!!! 

[lesliek]

Welcome bexterfrommaine- I'm sorry your dog is sick, but at least you found the articles before giving more of that food.There are brand by experience threads here if you are looking for a new food,or commercial raw. There are also raw & homecooked tips.Good luck getting this resolved and hope there are no lingering health problems for your dog.

[menusux]

New poster here- found the forum while researching Nutro dog food issue.  My 2 year old chocolate lab Molly just got out of the hospital and I suspect her diagnosed pancreatitis could be linked to bad food.  After 2 days of eating from a new bag of Nutro Natural Choice Lamb and Rice, she began vomiting yellow bile every 20 minutes for a few hours and became so lethargic she could not walk so we brought her to the doggie ER.  Luckily, yesterday I saw the consumer affairs article from June 23, 2008 regarding the potential Nutro issue- I feel fortunate as I would have surely began reintroducing her food to her in the coming days as people in the article did.  Vet bills so far are close to $1000 and we will need to do follow up testing for the next 6 months to monitor pancreas, kidney, and liver functioning.  We feel lucky to have caught it when we did but have become enraged to know that it could have been avoided if the potential problems were being more widely publicized.  I have saved the remaining food and have a call into our regional FDA complaint # and posted a complaint yesterday on consumeraffairs.com.  Can't seem to get through to a "live" person at Nutro- wonder why their phones are so busy?!!! 

Sorry you had to find us the way you did.  Have you also considered having the food tested through an independent lab?  We have people here who could advise you as to how to go further with this.

As you saw at CA, more than one person has reported not being able to raise anyone at Nutro's Customer Service number.

One of the causes of pancreatitis can be feeding too much fat-

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1661&articleid=664

"Another problem with acutely overfeeding fat can be pancreatitis, a severe and sometimes life-threatening disease often associated with feeding fatty table scraps."

Have a look at this advertising challenge from August 2007, where Hill's (referred to as the challenger in some places in the document) took issue with Nutro (referred to as the advertiser in spots in the document)-

http://www.adlawbyrequest.com/_db/_documents/NAD,_Nurtro_Products.pdf

Hills vs Nutro-Case #4714 August 21, 2007
Hills="challenger" Nutro="advertiser"

Page 3-

"The testing protocol that Nutro attached (to its submission) indicates, without support, that any product samples created at least twenty minutes apart constitute separate "production batches".  This statement seems to suggest that the average MEC (Metabolizable Energy Content) for the individual samples from a SINGLE production run--such as the 3057 kcal/kg result Nutro obtained on June 21--could, by itself, substantiate Nutro's "Lite" claim, even though Nutro averages the results from THREE separate production runs and cites this as its support in its submission. Nutro's "20 minute" definition finds no support in AAFCO's guidelines, nor is there any authority to support it.  In practice, samples from different production batches--as is required by AAFCO--are most easily identified on the retail shelf by looking for products that bear different date codes, as Hill's did in its testing.  In fact, AAFCO has issued a guidance memorandum, which is available to the public at:

http://www.aafco.org/Portals/0/Public/Guidance%20DocFinal.pdf

describing how animal feed manufacturers should identify different "production batches" (a term the document uses interchangably with "production lots") using such codes on the packaging. According to the guidance memo, "All feed and feed ingredients should contain a code that links the individual production lot to production records so as to provide a history of such product.  The code should be contained either on the product packaging, labeling or other distribution records..."  In any event, Nutro itself cites the average MEC from THREE data points, one for each production run it tested--not the average from the individual samples within any single production run--as the relevant final "number" that it claims relates to AAFCO's "Lite" standard.  Nutro's own method thus recognizes these three results as the relevant data.

Page 4-

"The challenger took issue with the advertiser's explanation that the high MEC values obtained by the challenger's testing might be linked to temporary product irregularities caused by Nutro's switchover from its Wilson Way production facility to new factories.  The challenger argued that it was unlikely that the samples it tested all came from the Victorville, CA plant, as opposed to Nutro's other production facility in Lebanon, TN, which, argued the challenger, the advertiser admitted has produced its "lite" dry products continuously since 1996.  Moreover, argued the challenger, the advertiser had not provided evidence that there were, in fact, such temporary irregularities in its "lite" dry products' MEC levels at the Victorville facility.

Second, argued the challenger, the samples it tested came from products actually available to the public for purchase (which is how it acquired them).  It selected the products to be tested based on the date codes printed on the bags, to ensure a range of unique production lots, argued the challenger, and reported these codes with the test results.  On the other hand, contended the challenger, the advertiser apparently tested samples coming straight off the production line at one of its facilities (without specifying which one).  Additionally, the advertiser did not state whether it tested samples of the same product formula that is now on store shelves and available to

Page 5

"consumers. Based on such information, argued the challenger, it is impossible to know exactly what the advertiser tested, including whether the three production runs tested were of the same formula and, if so, whether this was the reformulation described by the advertiser.

Third, while the challenger submitted samples of the products to an independent laboratory for testing, the advertiser conducted its own in house testing.  The challenger contended that "although in-house testing may be proper in some circumstances and it not per se less reliable, in light of the other deficiencies in Nutro's data and in light of the delays in Nutro's submissions and the shifting statements Nutro has made to NAD, this is an additional reason to credit Hill's results."

Moreover, argued the challenger, of the three production runs tested by the advertiser, the results from two of them (May 17 and June 15) were over AAFCO's maximum allowable MEC of 3100 kcal/kg as was the average of all three (3118 kcal/kg).  The advertiser had admitted, argued the challenger, that it thus did not meet AAFCO's standard, but contended that the 3100 kcal/kg limit was only suggested and not an absolute limit.  The challenger stated that, to the contrary, the plain language of the Regulation indicated the 3100 kcal/kg was "a bright-line threshold".

Page 8

"In addition to its explanation that the challenger's test evidence of caloric values exceeding AAFCO recommendations was a result of product reformulation, the advertiser contended that these high caloric results were partly due to manufacturing anomalies in either or both of Nutro's manufacturing plants.  Specifically, explained the advertiser, certain employees at its production facilities were adding extra fat to the extruder to increase manufacturing through-put, and this practice affected Natural Choice Lite MEC values."

There, on page 8, you see a Nutro admission that some of their employees were adding extra fat to the extruding machinery to increase production.  This was not part of the formula for the food and there was enough of it to show up in detailed analysis.

There are tons of questions here re: Nutro and their "nothing wrong, trust us" without offering proof isn't doing anyone any good.

[Sandi K]

Bexterfrommaine, welcome to Itchmo, Im sorry its under conditions like this where your doggie is sick.   As you can see from this thread, there are a very large amount of complaints all over about this food. If you get in touch with Nutro, they may ask you send some in for testing.  Its up to you if you want to do that depending on how much food you have but I would certainly not send them everything I have and I would consider getting independent testing done in addition.  I think ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center might be willing to test your food or if you have an state Agriculture dept, they maybe could help.  There is also Pet Food Safety Alliance that can help and Don is well known here, you can check out his site at  http://www.pfpsa.org/ and you can contact him for a wealth of info and help.  Please let us know what you end up doing and how your doggie fares.  Best wishes and lots of prayers that your dog recovers quickly!    

[Sandi K]

OK between this and Nam1026's post on the other thread, I am convinced this food is causing something to go wrong with the pancreas in these pets.  What is it?  Is it too much fat, a kind of fat they cant digest, some other ingredient that is causing infection in the pancreas?  Maybe we were on the wrong track with looking for unknown toxins, maybe its in the ingredients such as the fat content of type of fat being used. 

[catbird]

An excessively fatty diet can cause pancreatitis, and given Nutro's admission about the extra fat, that certainly sounds like a strong possibility.  Some drugs can cause pancreatitis, too, though, so I would not rule out contamination completely.

[Sandi K]

This site might give some info:  http://www.judithstock.com/Speaking_of_Animals/Pancreatitis_in_Dogs/pancreatitis_in_dogs.html

It says:  Cause and Treatment

In a large number of cases, according to Dr. Steiner, the cause of pancreatitis remains unknown. During holiday seasons, especially Christmas and Thanksgiving, Dr. Steiner says he sees many more cases of pancreatitis at the clinic due to high fatty meals. Another cause of pancreatitis is brought on by medication including the medications asparagines and eazathioprine.    Maybe we  need to test for these 2 things in the food but I dont know if the unknown toxin tet would reveal those 2 drugs or not? 

[Carol]

bexterfrommaine,
welcome to itchmoforums---I am so sorry you had to find us this way but very glad to hear your Molly is okay...here is a link to Don Earl  who is the founder of a website that tests pet food and relies on donations....even if his site may not have the financing to test your food he is good to talk to about how to do it!

http://www.pfpsa.org/


Carol

[menusux]

http://petdiabetes.wikia.com/wiki/Pancreatitis

"Infections--from either viruses (viral) or bacteria (bacterial) can cause pancreatitis in dogs and cats."

Yet another possibility to throw into the hat.

[catbird]

Humans can also get pancreatitis when they have gallstones.  I think gallstones are quite rare in cats, but a little more common in dogs.

[JJ]

welcome bexterfrommaine-so glad you were able to find the information on the Nutro in time to save your dog. May the wealth of information on this forum help in finding out about others experiences with the different foods out there, the raw diet and home cooking too.

[affenage]

Hi folks! I haven't been around itchmo since the bad times (lost one dog for sure and probably 2 to toxic pet food myself) in any case I've been trying to get caught up to speed about the Nutro stuff. The reason: I feed a different food that I have always used without trouble. I am worried about problems I am having with it now. In November 2006-Jan07 I supplemented with some canned Nutro  and we all know what that did. But like those bad days, Nutro wasn't the ONLY food having issues. I'm worried because there seems to be a small number of specific complaints on the forums about Lamb and Rice - mine for California Natural, and another, for a small bite recipe of Innova.
I so very much hope my gut is wrong, but I am getting worried we are seeing some sort of repeat with a bad/tainted/toxic ingredient not limited to just one brand.

I'm not sure I am going to stick around - these forums are very painful for me, and I have really tried to remember my Otis and Otto with joy and not anger and pain, but I did want to come here and plant the bug in other people's minds. In November and December 2006 I thought I had a sick dog. Then 2. And then one died. It took my vet months to realize it was ... the food. I hope this isn't November 2006 all over again. I have one dog sick and another turning up his nose. This time I'm listening.

sue
http://s203.photobucket.com/albums/aa236/affenage/Dogs/

[lesliek]

Welcome back Sue. I'm very sorry for your loss of Otis and Otto. I hope you are wrong about the Natura products,but its smart to stop feeding them and warn others until you are sure.This isn't the first time there has been a problem with that company either.

[cubbie123]

Joe Z:

I worked as a Pet Nutrition Specialist from 2004-2008.  In February 2008, when my customers started complaining of finding what they thought were "metal shavings" in their large breed lamb and rice food, I immediately took my 4 small dogs, my lab, my son's lab and daughter's chihuahua to the vet.  My son's dog was eating Nutro Max weight control.  The vet said he had gastritis.  My lab was on Nutro Max large breed (beef) and also had gastritis.  My daughter's chihuahua was on Natrual Choice chicken and rice/oatmeal puppy and was ok.  My chihuahua/papillon, lh chihuahua, and 2 poms were all on Natural Choice senior chicken and rice, biscuits and treats.  All 4 of my dogs were diagnosed with Mitral Valve Prolapse!  All 4 dogs were examined last year after the recall and were all ok.

My pap/chi died of pancreatitis and mitral valve prolapse and male pom died of mitral valve prolapse in June, my lh chi died of adrenal insufficiency and mitral valve prolapse in July and my last pom is not expected to survive.  Our vet bills are in the thousands!

5 vets and the FDA said it is impossible for that many unrelated dogs, of different ages and breeds to have the same heart condition at the same time, without there being an outside influence.  (Our vet said he has 10 dogs in his practice with Mitral Valve Prolapse and 4 of them are mine!). 

When I read the latest info on Nutro from 8/23, regarding the Zinc/Copper toxicity (see Pet Food Safety Alliance), I immediately "Googled" copper toxicity and found Mitral Valve Prolapse and Adrenal Insuffiency ranked at the top.  I printed off that report and took it my vet.

These are the facts I do know:

My dogs ate Nutro Natural Choice and Max foods, canned and dry, biscuits and treats.
I have 3 dead dogs and one who is dying.
I do not know if it was the food.
I do not know if there was a bag contamination (Nutro said they were out of food due to a "bag issue"), now they are saying they are having a Lamb shortage, back in February it was a "rice" shortage.  However, no other foods on the market;  Purina, Iams, Eukanuba, Science Diet, Natural Balance, Natures Recipe, etc. are having a "Lamb" or "Rice" shortage.
I have spoken to numerous people in PetsMart and Petco who are having the exact same issues.

Nutro/Mars will not return my phones calls, emails or letters.

I took my 2 year old yellow lab into the vet on Monday for a complete physical because of the copper/zinc toxicity scare, and he told me my lab has "prematurely" aged.  He looks about 5.  (the vet said, he looks "like a little old man").  He does not look or act like a 2 year old lab!  We are now going to see a specialist, who will run an ekg, chest xrays, and full blood work.

I am a former Nutro employee and what I have listed here is the truth.

Please be an informed consumer and make informed decisions about your pet food before you buy.  If you do have problems, please contact the FDA and poison control.