Dog Food Recall - Menu Foods

[DomsMom]

I just realized how retarded my last post sounded.  Obviously an elderly dog dying after eating a recalled dog food doesn't mean the two were related.  Even if I fed him food produced during the period of contamination, it doesn't mean that the actual cans I fed him were toxic, or indicate the degree of toxitity if they were.   We aren't even entirely sure that it was kidney failure, though it appeared to be so.  I had just spoken with my vet about his sudden increase in water intake earlier this month (around the 2nd of March) when he was being treated for an ear infection (at the time he was eating NNC chicken chunks in gravy) and he said it sounded like a problem with his kidneys.  After that I went to the pet store to get kidney diet food, but couldn't buy it because I hadn't asked for a written perscription.

The September before last I had Domino's kidneys checked via bloodwork and urine samples because he seemed to be drinking more water and peeing a lot.  I was told that his kidneys were fine, he wasn't diabetic, but he could have Cushings syndrome.  I had never heard of it, couldn't really afford the slew of tests I was told would be needed, and he seemed to be doing just fine then.  A year later when another vet said he might have it, I was told by her (as well as my current vet) that at his age the treatment would be worse than the cure.

He did seem reasonably well until a few weeks ago when he got a bad case of diarrhea.  He had been drinking an unusual amount of water but not eating much.  I thought maybe the kibble was bothering his teeth, so I fed him just the cuts-n-gravy with rice, which he consumed most of.  I thought at the time it was the rice, though he's eaten plenty of it before with no problem.   After that he was really weak for a while, though he did pick up a bit for a few days and I thought he was just worn out from putting up a stink about sleeping in the kitchen after the first night of diarrhea.  He wanted to sleep with us, and I was more concerned about the carpet for some reason (we tried using pads, but he kept moving and pooping all over the place).  In hindsight I feel awful about that.  Anyway, he got a little better after that, but then suddenly got really bad right before he died.  He wouldn't eat a thing (I bought a variety of his favorite treats, but he just turned his head away) and wouldn't even drink any water the day he died.  He vomited bright yellow liquid all over his bed, which kept getting soaked with foul smelling urine, even though he only peed a little dribble whenever I carried him outside.  I washed his bed twice as well as my other dog's bed (I' kept rotating the two for him, trying to keep him on a soft, clean, dry bed).  He was also shivering a lot, like he was feverish.  The vet gave him some pain medication which had him sleeping soundly for a while, then gave me something I could administer for his pain.  It clearly wasn't working and he went through a few miserable hours that I regret not sparing him from.

Looking back I recall that my dogs didn't seem interested in their food for a while.  They were excited while I was preparing it, but then barely touched it.  I thought they were just being fussy or spoiled because they would beg at the table for some of our food, so I figured they'd eat it when they were hungry enough (which they did).  Since they did not mind the food when I first started feeding it to them, I thought they were just hoping for something better.  I don't know why it didn't occur to me that a premium brand of dog food could suddenly be poisoned.  I remember reading about it in 2005, but it didn't involve any brand I was using at the time.

My vet just called to let me know that my other dog's blood work indicated mild kidney problems but that I needn't get too alarmed because it could be treated or controlled with special kidney diet dog food, a shot and some tablet form of medication (I can't remember the name of it- I've been in a bit of a fog all day today).  He didn't feel that IV fluids were necessary at this point, but that we should take serious care not to let his condition worsen.  Apparently he's at what is considered the high end of minor kidney damage (I don't remember the numbers he mentioned, I can't really wrap my head around much in this state).   So maybe this had nothing to do with their dog food.  Or maybe it did, but in Domino's case, it probably only exacerbated his already weakened condition.

[Big Dog]

This story just had a major but unhappy update. Officials in New York have announced they have detected a substance, Aminopterin, in samples of cat food made by Menu Foods.

Our front section has the story: Dog Food Recall - Rat Poison - Aminopterin Link In Menu Foods

[TinyDogsRule]

I have looked everywhere for an intelligent, active discussion about this topic - thank you Big Dog for providing one!

I have several thoughts regarding the latest (3.23.07) pet food recall information about wheat gluten from China containing Rat Poison. 

1. Menu Foods has profits in the millions and millions of dollars. Not to mention the lions share of the pet food manufacturing market. How much more profit to they want? They reduced the quality of their product to the lowest level possible - rat poisoned wheat product from China,  where product standards are low if monitored at all.  GREED.

2. Wasn't  the Chinese government literally clubbing pets to death in front of their owners and tossing them into a slow moving commercial waste vehicle? How many tens of thousands? For alleged bird flu potential that dogs do not transmit? And the largest pet food manufacturer contracts with this country to feed our beloved companions. MORALLY UNETHICAL.  ZERO REGARD FOR BASIC ANIMAL RIGHTS ISSUES.

3. Do the owners, investors, executive staff or ANY Menu Foods movers and shakers even own dogs? If they do,  they must not feed their own products! Otherwise, why did they not notice the pet death due to kidney failure in their dogs? Why was it not discovered and investigated BEFORE consumers reported it?    GREED.   PETS ARE JUST A REVENUE STREAM.  THIS IS BLATANT DISREGARD!

4. Is there no wheat in Kansas? Is it not the 'wheat state'?! Does supporting our farmers mean nothing?  And how quality can this 'new distributor' be if it is cheaper to ship it all the way from China than to it is to buy it down the street?  GREED. 

5. Did they inform any of their name brand contracted companies ( the clients) that this 'lowest grade possible' alternative was being used? GREED. MISREPRESENTATION.  DISHONORABLE BUSINESS PRACTICE.

(Why am I soooo upset? Because I had many cans and pouches of the tainted food sitting in my pantry and hopefully have not feed any to my dogs. I just read from Nutro that the recall dates were extended, so I fear the little guys may have eaten both the canned puppy and adult pouches. I was feeding a variety of Science Diet, Eukanuba and Nutro Natural Choice brands to my three pomeranians.

I am very worried about my littlest one who is starting to show symptoms - listless, shivering and just not himself. I am taking him to the vet for blood work and an exam early Monday morning. Hopefully that is where the teddy bear's arm went and there is a simple health solution such as a bit of olive oil to get things moving...)

If these companies contract their canned foods to low cost, quality mass production, who knows where the dry food is made. It is not about dogs, but rather profits up, costs down and trading product integrity for mass funded PR and marketing campaigns.

Pets are a big business.  We spend billions of dollars a year on our pets.  Without us, they have no business.

We have the POWER to boycott!   

We HAVE to speak out.   We CAN make a difference.  We MUST take action!

Our companions trust us with their lives. We are responsible for keeping them safe.  We have no choice but to do something.

I thiink we as collective pet owners have a loud enough voice for big business to listen.  STOP BUYING THESE BRANDS! 

All that being said, does anyone have thoughts on how to best utilize our power as consumers to REALLY make a difference? There has to be more than contacting the FDA (altho that is a great start).

And does anyone have any experience feeding Wellness Brand - I am switching to this brand per my research and all your feedback is appreciated!.

Thanks for listening!

TinyDogsRule

[maryrokosz]

I'll work up a more detailed story about this for the magazine in the front of the site, but wanted to get this word out here asap.

There has been another massive dog food recall and it again appears sickness and death are involved.

From what I can tell at this early date, it only effects wet or moist foods - not pure dry food.

The company involved is Menu Foods - but - they make food for many many brands. Please see the current list below - I don't claim this to be 100% complete (be careful with your dog's health) but it came from Menu Foods as of 3/19/07:

1. Americas Choice, Preferred Pets
2. Authority
3. Award
4. Best Choice
5. Big Bet
6. Big Red
7. Bloom
8. Bruiser
9. Cadillac
10. Companion
11. Demoulas Market Basket
12. Eukanuba
13. Food Lion
14. Giant Companion
15. Great Choice
16. Hannaford
17. Hill Country Fare
18. Hy-Vee
19. Iams
20. Laura Lynn
21. Loving Meals
22. Meijers Main Choice
23. Mighty Dog Pouch
24. Mixables
25. Nutriplan
26. Nutro Max
27. Nutro Natural Choice
28. Nutro Ultra
29. Nutro
30. Ol'Roy Canada
31. Ol'Roy US
32. Paws
33. Pet Essentials
34. Pet Pride - Good n Meaty
35. Presidents Choice
36. Price Chopper
37. Priority
38. Publix
39. Roche Bros
40. Save-A-Lot
41. Schnucks
42. Shep Dog
43. Springsfield Prize
44. Sprout
45. Stater Bros
46. Total Pet
47. Western Family
48. White Rose
49. Winn Dixie
50. Your Pet

Recall Information  1-866-895-2708

[pixiyqween]

Hi have 2 dogs one is a Mini rat Terrior who is in very good health I am thinking becuse he is so darn picky... Then I have a 4 year old begal.... He has been getting sick.. drinking a very larg amount of water..... He seem very lazy at some points to were i have to push him to get him going.. I normaly feed them that ever is on sale... ol roy being one of the big one they get.. they just finesed up the box of smi mosits mix ins.. And i have been feeding can food every now and then../ but they have eaten all that i have gotten... I can't afford a vet..What should I do??

[TinyDogsRule]

I think the dogs who have eaten the recall foods exhibit signs of kidney problems, such as (but not limited to) vomiting, diarrhea, changes in drinking habits, fatigue and loss of appetite.

I have also heard reports of affeccted pets that show no symptoms but blood work reveals kidney problems as a result of eating the tainted food.

If you are pretty sure your dog ate the food and his symptoms include any of the reported signs to watch for, take him to the vet!

Call your local animal shelter or humane society for referrals to an affordable clinic. They may offer discounted servcies at one of their own locally funded clinics.

Borrow the money if you have to, see if the vet will take payments, use a charge card if you have one, ask for an emergency advance at work, offer to do work for a friend or neighbor in exchange for the vet bill - be creative - your dog is worth it!

Good luck!

I am on my way to the vet right now with one of my tiny pomeranians. it is expensive, but nothing is worth more than your dog's long, healthy, happy life!

TinyDogsRule

[Candace]

My 2 year old dog died December 8th.    She would not eat or drink much on the 4th or 5th.  At noon on the 6th I took her to the vet as she was not herself and lathargic.  The vet said she wasn't dehidrated yet and asked  (me if she could have gotten into antifreeze.  I was certain this could not be the case as she is an inside dog and never out without me on a leash.  I took her back home with special food that dogs love from the vet to try to get her to eat ( she could be a little picky sometimes).  On the evening of the 7th she vomitted up yellow bile but we managed to get a little water into her with a seringe and she seemed to try very hard to perk up.  The next morning on the 8th she didn't look good so I decided to take her back to the vet on my way to work.  Before I could get here there she had a siezure.  She spent that day in the vets care on intravenous and other medications.  At 4pm the vet called to say she had not responded to the treatments and that her kidneys were failing.  We made the very difficult decision to put her down.  The vet said she wasn't going to make it.  I only fed her IAMs wet canned food.  I think the tainted food manufacturing dates need to be reviewed and revised.

[Big Dog]

The list of recalled brands has expanded to included certain varieties of Alpo Prime Cuts in Gravy.

The producer of Alpo dog food, Purina, has issued a press release announcing the recall.

We've published it below:

Alpo® Brand Prime Cuts In Gravy Canned Dog Food Voluntary Nationwide Recall

No Dry Purina Products Involved

Contact:
Keith Schopp
314-982-2577
Jill Winte
314-982-3032

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- St. Louis, Missouri, March 30, 2007 . . . Nestlé Purina PetCare Company today announced it is voluntarily recalling all sizes and varieties of its ALPO® Prime Cuts in Gravy wet dog food with specific date codes. The Company is taking this voluntary action after learning today that wheat gluten containing melamine, a substance not approved for use in food, was provided to Purina by the same company that also supplied Menu Foods. The contamination occurred in a limited production quantity at only one of Purina's 17 pet food manufacturing facilities.

Earlier today the FDA announced the finding of melamine in products related to the March 16 Menu Foods recall, and advised Purina of the source of the contaminated supply. Purina then determined that it had received some quantity from the suspect supplier. The company proactively notified the FDA and immediately began this recall process.

Purina is confident that the contaminated wheat gluten has been isolated to this limited production quantity of ALPO Prime Cuts canned products.
 
The recalled 13.2-ounce and 22-ounce ALPO Prime Cuts cans and 6-, 8-, 12- and 24-can ALPO Prime Cuts Variety Packs have four-digit code dates of 7037 through 7053, followed by the plant code 1159. Those codes follow a “Best Before Feb. 2009” date. This information should be checked on the bottom of the can or the top or side of the multi-pack cartons.

Purina's 5.3-ounce Mighty Dog® pouch products, manufactured by Menu Foods, were previously withdrawn from the market as a precaution on March 16 as part of the Menu Foods recall. ONLY Mighty Dog pouch products and specific date codes of ALPO Prime Cuts canned dog food are being recalled.

Importantly, no Purina brand dry pet foods are affected by the recall – including ALPO Prime Cuts dry. In addition, no other Purina dog food products, no Purina cat food products, Purina treat products or Purina Veterinary Diet products are included in this recall, nor have been impacted by the contaminated wheat gluten supply.

Consumers should immediately stop feeding ALPO Prime Cuts products with the above-listed date codes to their dogs and consult with a veterinarian if they have any health concerns with their pet.

Purina guarantees all of its products, and consumers can receive the full replacement value of the recalled products. Consumers can call 1-800-218-5898, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CDT, to receive more information.

Purina is fully cooperating with the FDA and made the decision to voluntarily recall this product in consultation with the FDA.

At Purina, nothing is more important to us than the health and well-being of the pets whose nutrition has been entrusted to us by their owners, and we deeply regret this unfortunate situation. We will continue to take any and all actions necessary to ensure the quality and safety of our products.

-END-

[n003lb]

My 2 year old dog died December 8th.    She would not eat or drink much on the 4th or 5th.  At noon on the 6th I took her to the vet as she was not herself and lathargic.  The vet said she wasn't dehidrated yet and asked  (me if she could have gotten into antifreeze.  I was certain this could not be the case as she is an inside dog and never out without me on a leash.  I took her back home with special food that dogs love from the vet to try to get her to eat ( she could be a little picky sometimes).  On the evening of the 7th she vomitted up yellow bile but we managed to get a little water into her with a seringe and she seemed to try very hard to perk up.  The next morning on the 8th she didn't look good so I decided to take her back to the vet on my way to work.  Before I could get here there she had a siezure.  She spent that day in the vets care on intravenous and other medications.  At 4pm the vet called to say she had not responded to the treatments and that her kidneys were failing.  We made the very difficult decision to put her down.  The vet said she wasn't going to make it.  I only fed her IAMs wet canned food.  I think the tainted food manufacturing dates need to be reviewed and revised.

I really wonder about some vets in cases like this.  Shady Lady survived for more than a year, most of that in pretty good health, after the vet declared that her kindeys were shutting down.  That vet wanted her put down then, but we wern't ready for that yet.  Put her on Hill's special K/D food for kidney problems and she really perked up.

I'm not saying that it's wrong to put the dog down in a case like this, I'm just saying that I think a lot of vets "jump the gun" a bit when it comes to euthanizing a dog with kidney problems.  Towards the end of Shady's fight, we considered taking her to the vet to have her put down, because she wouldn't eat anything, even the K/D food that she loved when we first got it.  Sadly, she died before her scheduled appointment with the vet.

This whole mess is making me wonder if the problems my Min Pin, Sara, is having are a result of this.  She developed her kideny problems about a year ago, about the time we started giving her some wet pouch food.  We stopped feeding it to her shortly after she started to develope problems because it was such a pain to feed it to her, and she seemed not to want it any longer.  Now, who knows how long this contaminated food has been coming into the States.  Since they still have not pinned down exactly what the contamination is, and since we get so many food products from Asia, this may have been a problem for years.

I don't really think Sara's kidney problems came from contaminated food.  All she ate was Pedigree, as is all she eats now.  I got an email from Pedigree right after all this broke telling me that their food was not involved and that they do not use imported products in the production of their food.  I later got another email stating that FDA tests had confirmed all of Mars' brands (Pedigree) were safe.  Now, of course, I'm sure they only tested the wet food.  Now that the recall has made the jump to dry food, I'm a bit more worried.  My dogs eat Pedigree Small Dog chunks.  I just hope the Pedigree brand continues to prove to be safe.  This may end up a huge boost to Pedigree's sales, especially if it's true that they don't use imported products.  If that's the case, maybe it'll prove to the other companies that it's not worth the savings to use these "sub-standard" imported products.

[n003lb]

To DomsMom,

I just noticed that no one acknowledged your post.  We feel for you and your loss.  Through 2005 and early 2006, I lost several dogs.  We're now on the verge of loosing another one.  Sara, mentioned in the previous post, is scheduled to go to the vet in the morning after she got attacked by one of our other dogs at the water bowl.  She's battling cancer and kidney problems, and has wasted away nearly all of her muscle mass, and is nearly completely blind, but she's still got spirit and she is in no pain, until tonight.  Now, she appears to either have a broken collar bone or a broken shoulder.  I'm taking her to the vet in the morning, but I'm worried she may not make it through the treatment, and I know the vet is going to suggest euthanasia.  She looks very bad, skin and bones, and her kidneys are in bad shape I'm sure, since she drinks for several minutes, then immediately pees most of it back out.  She's been doing that for several months now, and has completely ruined my carpets, but aside from that, she's perfectly healthy, and I just can't imagine haveing her put down.  We'll decide tomorrow after I see the vet whether we have her put out then.  I'm just worried if she has the strength to make it through treatment of her injury.

At any rate, that's off this topic.  I'll post again elsewhere tomorrow to update ya'll on her condition.  Again, to DomsMom, if your still around here, you might consider posting down in the Grieving forum.  And your first post was supprisingly coherrent, considering it appears you were writing it as Domino died.  I've lost several dogs now over the last few years, and I still fall apart when it happens.

I just realized how retarded my last post sounded.  Obviously an elderly dog dying after eating a recalled dog food doesn't mean the two were related.  Even if I fed him food produced during the period of contamination, it doesn't mean that the actual cans I fed him were toxic, or indicate the degree of toxitity if they were.   We aren't even entirely sure that it was kidney failure, though it appeared to be so.  I had just spoken with my vet about his sudden increase in water intake earlier this month (around the 2nd of March) when he was being treated for an ear infection (at the time he was eating NNC chicken chunks in gravy) and he said it sounded like a problem with his kidneys.  After that I went to the pet store to get kidney diet food, but couldn't buy it because I hadn't asked for a written perscription.

The September before last I had Domino's kidneys checked via bloodwork and urine samples because he seemed to be drinking more water and peeing a lot.  I was told that his kidneys were fine, he wasn't diabetic, but he could have Cushings syndrome.  I had never heard of it, couldn't really afford the slew of tests I was told would be needed, and he seemed to be doing just fine then.  A year later when another vet said he might have it, I was told by her (as well as my current vet) that at his age the treatment would be worse than the cure.

He did seem reasonably well until a few weeks ago when he got a bad case of diarrhea.  He had been drinking an unusual amount of water but not eating much.  I thought maybe the kibble was bothering his teeth, so I fed him just the cuts-n-gravy with rice, which he consumed most of.  I thought at the time it was the rice, though he's eaten plenty of it before with no problem.   After that he was really weak for a while, though he did pick up a bit for a few days and I thought he was just worn out from putting up a stink about sleeping in the kitchen after the first night of diarrhea.  He wanted to sleep with us, and I was more concerned about the carpet for some reason (we tried using pads, but he kept moving and pooping all over the place).  In hindsight I feel awful about that.  Anyway, he got a little better after that, but then suddenly got really bad right before he died.  He wouldn't eat a thing (I bought a variety of his favorite treats, but he just turned his head away) and wouldn't even drink any water the day he died.  He vomited bright yellow liquid all over his bed, which kept getting soaked with foul smelling urine, even though he only peed a little dribble whenever I carried him outside.  I washed his bed twice as well as my other dog's bed (I' kept rotating the two for him, trying to keep him on a soft, clean, dry bed).  He was also shivering a lot, like he was feverish.  The vet gave him some pain medication which had him sleeping soundly for a while, then gave me something I could administer for his pain.  It clearly wasn't working and he went through a few miserable hours that I regret not sparing him from.

Looking back I recall that my dogs didn't seem interested in their food for a while.  They were excited while I was preparing it, but then barely touched it.  I thought they were just being fussy or spoiled because they would beg at the table for some of our food, so I figured they'd eat it when they were hungry enough (which they did).  Since they did not mind the food when I first started feeding it to them, I thought they were just hoping for something better.  I don't know why it didn't occur to me that a premium brand of dog food could suddenly be poisoned.  I remember reading about it in 2005, but it didn't involve any brand I was using at the time.

My vet just called to let me know that my other dog's blood work indicated mild kidney problems but that I needn't get too alarmed because it could be treated or controlled with special kidney diet dog food, a shot and some tablet form of medication (I can't remember the name of it- I've been in a bit of a fog all day today).  He didn't feel that IV fluids were necessary at this point, but that we should take serious care not to let his condition worsen.  Apparently he's at what is considered the high end of minor kidney damage (I don't remember the numbers he mentioned, I can't really wrap my head around much in this state).   So maybe this had nothing to do with their dog food.  Or maybe it did, but in Domino's case, it probably only exacerbated his already weakened condition.

[Big Dog]

Menu Foods has issued an updated list of recalled dog foods.

According to an FAQ (we will post separately) published by Menu Foods, the firm only manufactures wet pet food in cans and foil pouches.  Dry pet food is not part of the Menu Foods recall.

Updated Recalled Dog Food Information - March 30, 2007

Recall Information 1-866-895-2708

Variety or Multi-Packs:

If you are in possession of a variety or multi-pack, please be sure to check the individual can or pouch rather than relying solely on the date coding on the side of the carton.

Americas Choice, Preferred Pets
Authority
Award
Best Choice
Big Bet
Big Red
Bloom
Cadillac
Companion
Demoulas Market Basket
Eukanuba
Food Lion
Giant Companion
Great Choice
Hannaford
Hill Country Fare
Hy-Vee
Iams
Laura Lynn
Loving Meals
Meijers Main Choice
Mighty Dog Pouch
Mixables
Nutriplan
Nutro Max
Nutro Natural Choice
Nutro Ultra
Nutro
Ol'Roy Canada
Ol'Roy US
Paws
Pet Essentials
Pet Pride - Good n Meaty
Presidents Choice
Price Chopper
Priority Canada
Priority US
Publix
Roche Brothers
Save-A-Lot Choice Morsels
Schnucks
Shep Dog
Springsfield Prize
Sprout
Stater Brothers
Stop & Shop Companion
Tops Companion
Wegmans Bruiser
Weis Total Pet
Western Family US
White Rose
Winn Dixie
Your Pet

[Big Dog]

Menu Foods has issued an FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) related to their list of recalled dog food.

1.      What exactly is covered by the Menu Foods Recall and for what timeframe?

The recall is limited to “cuts and gravy” style pet food in cans and foil pouches produced on specific dates and times between December 3, 2006, and March 6, 2007 in two of Menu’s plants.  The recall affects 42 brands of cat food and 53 brands of dog food.  In order to determine whether cat and dog food that your pet consumed is subject to recall, you should refer to the list of brand names on this website.

2.      What should I do if I think my pet may have consumed the recalled product?

If your pet is exhibiting any signs of kidney failure please contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.  Symptoms include loss of appetite, vomiting, weakness, disorientation and changes in water consumption and urination.  If you suspect that you have fed the recalled pet food to your cat or dog, save any remaining pet food and the can or pouch.  Open cans or pouches may be double-bagged in sealable plastic and kept in the freezer. 

3.      Who is going to pay my vet bills for sickness and death?

If Menu Foods product is the cause of sickness or death, Menu Foods will take responsibility. Menu has engaged a professional firm to manage your concerns and is currently contacting concerned pet owners who have reached our call center. Specific direction will be received from these individuals.   Please keep copies of all your vet records and receipts for pet food purchases as well as vet bills.

4.      What do I do if I have pet food that has been recalled?

Please return it to the retailer for a refund.

5.      Will I be reimbursed for the food that I return to the retailer even if my pet did not get sick?

Yes, if it is a valid product that is subject to the recall.

6.      How do I know if the food I bought has been recalled?

The information is contained on this website.  Not all date codes are subject to recall so please fully check the information on your can or pouch.  The information on the website is organized by cat or dog then by brand and description.  None of the traditional “loaf” style products are subject to this recall.

7.      I can’t get through to the 1-866 numbers.  What is going on?

We apologize for the delay in answering every call; we were simply overwhelmed by the volume of calls.  Menu has retained a series of interconnected call centers throughout North America.  Even with many regional centers running simultaneously we have not been able to answer every call.  As we announced in a press release on March 19, 2007, we have taken steps to significantly upgrade our call centers to handle the volume and we have added this Frequently Asked Questions (“FAQ”) section to our website to provide more information.

8.      I feed my pet dry food.  Is dry pet food safe?

Menu Foods only manufactures wet pet food in cans and foil pouches.  Dry pet food is not part of the Menu Foods recall.

9.      I’m just not sure if my dog or cat had any of the food that is being recalled.  They act fine and don’t appear to have any symptoms.  Should I be worried?

As always, remain alert for any changes in your pet’s health.

10.  Are there other ways my pet might get sick and show similar symptoms?

Yes – antifreeze ingestion, certain rodenticides and some medications.  Certain lilies have been shown to cause kidney failure if consumed by cats.  Grapes have been reported to cause kidney failure in dogs and may affect cats.  Physical damage from trauma and cancerous conditions can also cause kidney damage.

11. Has Menu Foods begun contacting consumers about claims?

The professional team hired by Menu began contacting consumers on Thursday March 23, 2007.  This team worked through the weekend in an effort to get to as many people as possible.  In order to assist in our efforts to contact these concerned pet owners as quickly as possible we ask that those who have already reached us to refrain from repeat calls.

12.  Is there a time that it is easiest to get through to the 1-866 number?

The best time to get through to a representative is between 4pm and 11pm EST when the call volume is at its lowest point in the day.

[Ferretlover]

We don't have a dog-we have 9 ferrets. We have had two ferrets die in the last three weeks, both of whom had been eating "n-bone" (company also makes dog foods) chicken strips. The treats have wheat gluten in them. I have emailed the company with no response.
Anyone else using n-bone products??

[Duke12]

I just sat on my kitchen floor a little more than 2 hours ago and watched my dog Duke take his last breath.  Less than 2 weeks ago he was a healthy 12 year old dog playing with our 5 month old puppy.  They ran around together and played all the time.  It is very strange how he declined so quickly.  He lost his sight in one eye and began walking into things.  His hearing also seemed to have disappeared.  At first he stopped eating his dry food so I gave him canned food - Alpo Brand.  He ate that for 2 - 3 days (about 5 or 6 cans) then just stopped eating that as well.  I started giving him "people" food and he was fine with eating that.  He started drinking alot of water and urinating quite often.  I took him to the vet last friday where they took a blood test and found that his kidney and liver levels were high and suggested we do an ultrasound to take a look at his stomach to see what is going on.  That was scheduled for later today.  Over the last 2 days he basically stopped eating altogether and just drank water.  He urinated constantly - even while laying down.  During the last 2 days he would moan as he urinated which indicated to me that he was in pain or forcing himself to pee.  When I told the vet this was happening she said she was concerned about the moaning.  He didn't seem to be in pain any other time except when he peed - that was the only time he moaned.  Well tonight I had a bad feeling and didn't want to leave him alone.  He got up and vomited a yellow and brownish fluid and just sorta collapsed in it afterwards.  After I cleaned him up he got up and moved to a different location in my kitchen.  Within 10 minutes he was dead.  Is it a coincidence that after I fed him this dog food that he got so sick or was it the dog food that made him sick?  I am going to have to call the vet later and tell them that he passed away and see if there is any way we can find out what made him so sick so quickly and why he died.  I think it is more than a coincidence and if what I think is proven true then the dog food killed my dog and Purina will be hearing from me.  Yes, I am upset right now but I am also mad at the fact that a company as big as Purina would put the lives of these innocent animals at risk.  My daughter already knows that her Dukey is dead but I have to tell my other children when they wake up as well which isn't going to be easy.  We all had hope that he would get better.....

[Big Dog]

Duke - I can only say I'm so very sorry to hear of your loss. I wish you'd found us for other reasons.

If you feel up to it perhaps post to our dog loss area or upload some pictures to the in memoriam section of the dog picture gallery.

Craig
Publisher DogExplorer.com