When this blog post about pet products began, it was headed in one direction. It was to bring about the fact that American made pet products were safe for our pets but after doing research, it’s not clear they’re any safer than products made outside the United States. There is a lot of information out there on the web, please, take it with a grain of salt, while keeping an open mind. Apologizes in advance for any incorrect information.
When buying a pet product for your dog, do you stop and look at the label? Do you pay attention to where dog food and toys are manufactured? If you do, you’re not alone. Dog owners, now more than ever, are searching for products made right here, in the United States. When we buy local, we support a business that doesn’t import products from a foreign country. We also feel better knowing we are feeding our dogs a “safer” product. But are we?
In 2017, alone, there have been 17 pet food and pet treat recalls. Even Blue Buffalo has pulled products off the shelves, due to possible aluminum metal contamination in their canned dog food. We’ve all seen the Blue Buffalo commercials where we learn that our current brand of dog food is insufficient. If paying an arm and a leg for quality dog food isn’t the answer, then what is?
The top ten dry dog foods, according to http://www.barkpost.com are:
- Wellness Core—Wellness Dog Food had a recall in March of this year, but it was limited to just one brand of canned, dog food. Wellpet voluntarily recalled it’s Ninety-Five Percent, Grain Free, 13.2 ounce cans because it might have contained elevated levels of natural beef thyroid hormone.
- Taste of the Wild—In Spring 2012, Taste of the Wild recalled dog and cat food because it tested positive for Salmonella.
- Solid Gold Barking at the Moon—In 2012, Solid Gold, as well, recalled two batches of food because it was made at the same Diamond Manufacturing Plant as another brand, that had also been recalled.
- Orijen—Orijen Pet Food has never had a recall in the United States, only in Australia.
- Nature’s Variety Instinct Duck Meal and Turkey Meal—Nature’s Variety voluntarily recalled its Instinct Raw Chicken Formula for dogs on 04/27/2016. It was recalled due to possible Salmonella contamination.
- Natural Balance Synergy—Natural balance has had several recalls in the past decade, the first in 2007. Natural Balance products have been recalled because of possible botulism, and possible Salmonella contamination.
- Merrick Classic Beef, Barley and Carrot—In 2010 and 2011 Merrick recalled several brands of dog food, and several brands of treats because of possible Salmonella contamination.
- Honest Kitchen Embark—In 2013, Honest Kitchen recalled three types of dog food, called Verve, Thrive, and Zeal because of possible Salmonella contamination—the source of the Salmonella was determined to be parsley. These were the only three types of food recalled.
- EVO Turkey and Chicken Meal Formula—In 2014 EVO recalled cat food and ferret food because it did not contain the correct amounts of vitamins and minerals. A year before that, in 2013, they pulled products as well, because of possible Salmonella contamination.
- Canidae Single Grain Protein Plus—In 2012 Canidae voluntarily recalled four of its dry dog food products because of Salmonella contamination at its Plant. This is the same plant that also produced Taste of the Wild, and Solid Gold.
Is There a Perfect Pet Product?
There is no perfect pet food, and there never will be. The FDA is rather lax when it comes to regulating dog food, even here in the United States. You have the option of making your own dog food, using ingredients you buy yourself, but even that isn’t fail proof. You might buy the chicken yourself but even organic chicken might be contaminated with Salmonella.
Dogs can be treated for Salmonella poisoning, usually on an outpatient basis. Salmonella, however, can be spread to humans, usually through dog waste. If you handle dog waste and don’t wash your hands, it is possible you might come into contact with it. If a human being comes into contact with Salmonella, then chances are likely he or she will encounter a hospital stay.
As mentioned above, take this blog with a grain of salt. You need to do what is best for your dog. If you have concerns about your dog food, speak with your veterinarian to see what he/she might recommend.
In the meantime, it’s important to keep your yard as clean as humanly possible. If you find its difficult cleaning up pet waste, call Arrowhead Scoopers today at (602) 391-0160 for a free quote. See our website at https://rockymountainpooperscoopers.com for customer reviews and more tips on keeping your dog happy, healthy and safe. Arrowhead Scoopers is the leading pet waste removal service in the greater Glendale, and greater Peoria, area. Happy Tails!
