Pet Food Recall

Feeding Time Pointers If your pet food is NOT included on the recall lists, it’s not affected by the recall and it’s OK to feed to your animals. If your pet has a sudden on-set of symptoms–loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting–stop feeding the pet food and contact your veterinarian. If your pet food is on the recall list, it’s not OK. STOP using it! Feed your animals another pet food not on the list. Pet food options? Your vet may have information on pet food options and will have the best advice on what you can safely feed your animals. NOTE: The ASPCA advises that pet owners to fully research homemade diets for pets before heading to the kitchen. Read more Something simple to try: Hobby Farms dog snacks

Thinking about the recent pet food recall is scary and can be overwhelming, especially as more is being reported about the potential toxins involved.

And farm owners, as well as pet owners, must stay informed; alongside your livestock that provide milk or meat are your companion animals—that favorite barn kitty and your faithful, loveable dog.

You’re encouraged to take time to review the lists of recalled cat food and recalled dog food to be sure it’s not being served on your farm.

Updates are being provided regularly on various websites, including those dedicated to owners of cats and dogs, such as:

• www.catchannel.com
• www.dogchannel.com

One recent report from the ASPCA confirmed:

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified the presence of melamine in food samples from the recalled lots.
• Melamine, which is not highly toxic in general, is used to make durable plastic household products; cleaning products; hard, stain-resistant laminates; flame-retardant foam and in soundproofing.
• ASPCA says that while “melamine at high doses causes a pronounced diuretic affect in dogs and rats, as well as the development of crystals in their urine, melamine itself has a very high safety margin, especially when compared with a toxin such as aminopterin.”
• Owners of cats should be especially cautious; cats are may be more sensitive to the adverse effects of melamine.

• Stay in close contact with your veterinarian and follow their direction if you have any suspicion that your pet is suffering from kidney failure. 
• Notify the FDA immediately if your pet shows signs directly linked to ingestion of the contaminated food.