Dog Food Comparison

Most of us know the first 5 ingredients are important when comparing dog food brands.  We also know the following ingredients should be excluded:

Corn, Wheat, Glutens, By-Products,  Artificial Colors and Preservatives

 What surprises most people is the information mentioned above isn't enough to determine if your dog is being fed "premium pet food"

Click here to compare dog food

Bone and Joint Issues in Dogs

In this video Dr. Sarah explains about joint disease, arthritis, some breeds that are more susceptible than others, what to look for and how to handle:

Joint disease is a very common issue in canines.
Our babies speak to us in body language so certain signs will be apparent:
Hesitating to play
Hesitating to go up or down stairs
Change in behavior
Change in eating
Head bobbing to one side to keep the pressure off of a joint with an issue

Watch this video!
"Courtesy of Life's Abundance"

Puppies and Cold Winter Weather

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

We know the holidays are a time when many people decide to bring a puppy into the family.
Dr. Sarah gives wonderful tips in the video below about your new puppy and the cold weather!

"Courtesy of Life's Abundance"

Our Pets' Skin and Coat

This video is chock full of information;
"Courtesy of Life's Abundance"

Pet’s skin and coat problems are the #1 reason pet parents bring their babies to their vet.

Dry skin, infected ears, shedding, allergies are some of these issues.
Poor skin health can be attributed to lack of nutrients like fatty acids, protein and more.
Skin is a huge organ and needs nutrients.

Not all foods are created equal and poor nutrients will be seen first in the coat

There are medical issues that can make skin and coat issues a problem (video)

Allergies are a big culprit that can lead to paw licking, scratching, rubbing the face and more that make your pet miserable that can lead to infections.

What can you do as the pet owner?
Build healthy skin from the inside out.
A healthy nutrient diet can affect the skin.

Avoid corn and wheat (major cause of allergies in companion animals)

More in this video:
What to look for in a supplement. What about fleas? Which shampoo?

As the blog owner I recommend our Lifes Abundance dog food

Blue Buffalo Dog Food Recall, Limited Production

"Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd. Recalls Limited Production Code Dates of Dry Dog Food Because of Possible Excess Vitamin D."

"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 8, 2010 - Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd., recalls certain dry dog food because of possible excess Vitamin D that can affect the health of some dogs. The Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd., is recalling certain packages of its Wilderness Chicken, Basics Salmon and Large Breed Adult Chicken dry dog foods sold under the "BLUE" brand which have the potential to contain excessive levels of Vitamin D.

While Vitamin D is a beneficial component of these foods, the Company believes that these products may have levels of Vitamin D that are beyond the formula specifications, and has therefore chosen to withdraw them.

Dogs reacting to the higher levels of Vitamin D may show signs of lethargy or exhibit unusually frequent water consumption and urination. If your pet has consumed the recalled products and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The affected productions of Blue Wilderness Chicken, Basics Salmon and Large Breed Adult Chicken dry dog foods were distributed nationwide through pet specialty stores.

Only these production runs of the products are involved in this recall:

Blue Wilderness Chicken Flavor dry dog food	4.5 1b	"Best If Used By JUL2611Z" "Best If Used By JUL2711Z" & "Best If Used By JUL2811Z"
Blue Wilderness Chicken Flavor dry dog food	11 lb	"Best If Used By JUL1211B"
Blue Wilderness Chicken Flavor dry dog food	24 1b	"Best If Used By JUL1211B" & "Best If Used By JUL1311B"
Blue Basics Limited Ingredient Formula Salmon and Potato Recipe dry dog food	11 lb	"Best If Used By AUG2111B" & "Best If Used By AUG2211B"
Blue Basics Limited Ingredient Formula Salmon and Potato Recipe dry dog food	24 lb	"Best If Used By AUG2111B" "Best If Used By SEP2311P" & "Best If Used By OCT2611P"
Blue Life Protection Formula Natural Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Large Breed Adult dog food	30 lb	"Best If Used By SEP2211P" "Best If Used By SEP2311P" & "Best If Used By OCT2611P"

No other BLUE dry or can pet foods are involved in this recall, and only the specific code dates of these products are involved.

To date there have been 36 cases nationwide of dogs reported with symptoms consistent with elevated Vitamin D in their systems while feeding on these specific productions of the products. In all cases the symptoms have subsided upon discontinuing feeding these products, with no apparent long term health consequences.

Blue Buffalo learned of this potential condition in its products when it received reports of dogs diagnosed with high Vitamin D levels while feeding on the products from these specific production runs. On further investigation it was learned that a sequencing error had occurred at the supplier of the dry ingredients for these products. Immediately before producing the ingredients for these specific production runs, the supplier had run a product for another customer that contained a more potent form of Vitamin D used in chicken feeds. It is now believed that there was some level of carry over of this Vitamin D product into the ingredients for the specific manufacturing runs of the BLUE products, thereby increasing the Vitamin D activity to unacceptable levels in the Blue ingredients.

Consumers who have purchased any of the products being recalled are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-877-523-9114 from 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern Time or visit the Company web site at www.bluebuffalo.com/news for more information."

For the official FDA page and product photos, please visit

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm228986.htm

How to Clean Your Dog's Ears

In this Issue of Pet Talk Dr. Sarah shows how, why, when and more on how to clean your dog's ears

"Courtesy of Life's Abundance"

Some snippets:

Ear infections can be common in canines.

Cleaning them is part of your dogs’ over all ear health regimen.

How often?

Depends on your babies current ear health and length of ear and if your pet will let you.

You can ask your vet and/or groomer how often you should clean.

Long ears maybe once a week

Less often for short ears

Make sure your clean with a solution that has no alcohol

Your vet may tell you a formula to use.

Should be ph balanced.

Don’t use synthetic cotton

And more!

Recall of Some Hartz Naturals Real Beef Treats

"The Hartz Mountain Corporation Recalls Hartz Naturals Real Beef Treats Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk"

 The official FDA page can be found by clicking below:
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm224987.htm

Contact:
Hartz Consumer Affairs
(800) 275-1414



"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- SECAUCUS, N.J. - September 3, 2010 - The Hartz Mountain Corporation is voluntarily recalling one specific lot of Hartz Naturals Real Beef Treats for Dogs due to concerns that one or more bags within the lot may have been potentially contaminated with Salmonella. Hartz is fully cooperating with the US Food and Drug Administration in this voluntary recall.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, all of whom are at particular risk from exposure and should avoid handling these products.

Salmonella symptoms may include fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea in both dogs and humans. Anyone experiencing the symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek immediate medical attention. Owners of dogs exhibiting these symptoms should also seek veterinary assistance.

Hartz Mountain Corporation is recalling 74,700 8-oz bags of Hartz Naturals Real Beef Treats for Dogs, lot code BZ0969101E, UPC number 32700-11519, which were imported by Hartz from a Brazilian supplier, Bertin S.A., and which were distributed to a number of customers in the United States. While regular testing conducted by Bertin (prior to shipment to the US) did not detect the presence of Salmonella in any packages of this product, random sample testing conducted by FDA did indicate the presence of Salmonella. Hartz is aggressively investigating the source of the problem.

Although Hartz has not received any reports of animals or humans becoming ill as a result of coming into contact with this product, Hartz is taking immediate steps to remove the product from all retail stores and distribution centers. Dog owners having purchased this product should check the lot code on their bag, and, if the code is not visible, or if the bag has lot code BZ0969101E imprinted thereon, they should immediately discontinue use of the product and discard it in a proper manner.

Consumers can contact Hartz at 1-800-275-1414 at any time with any questions they may have and for information on how to obtain reimbursement for purchased product."

Iams Cat Food Recall in Loveland Colorado

Premium4Dogs tries to post all dog and cat product recalls.
The FDA page is at the end.

Company Contact:
Jason Taylor, P&G
513-622-3205


"P&G Recalls Small Number of Bags of Cat Food From Stores in Loveland, Colorado"


"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 29, 2010 – CINCINNATI -- Procter & Gamble (P&G) is voluntarily recalling a small number of bags of its Iams Proactive Health Indoor Weight & Hairball Care dry cat food which may have been sold recently in one or two stores in Loveland, Colorado.

These bags have the potential to contain salmonella, although no illnesses have been reported. No other Iams pet food products are affected.

The Iams Proactive Health Indoor Weight & Hairball Care cat food in question is sold in blue 6.8-pound bags. These bags feature a code date of 02304173 (B1-B6) and the UPC number 1901403921.

If you have this product, please discard it and call P&G toll-free for a product replacement at 800-862-3332 Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST.

P&G has worked with its retailers to remove the affected product from stores in the area. P&G believes that only three bags may have been purchased recently by consumers in the area. Yet, as a precautionary measure, the company is initiating this retrieval.

People handling dry pet food can become infected with salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with surfaces exposed to this product. Healthy people infected with salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with salmonella infections may have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. If left untreated, pets may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian."

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm224352.htm

Extended Recall of Merrick Beef Squares

FDA post for August3, 2010:

"Merrick Pet Care Recalls Texas Hold'ems 10 oz Bag (Item # 60016 Lot 10127 Best by May 6 2012) because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk"

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm221198.htm

Company Contact:
Customer Inquiries:
800-664-7387
Other Inquiries:
James Witcher, Coo#160;
806-322-2806



"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 3, 2010 – Merrick Pet Care, Inc. of Amarillo, Texas is extending its July 2,2010 recall of 10 oz "Beef Filet Squares for Dogs (Texas Hold'Ems)" pet treat (ITEM # 60016 LOT # 10084TL7 BEST BY MARCH 24, 2012) to also include 83 cases of "Texas Hold'ems" (ITEM # 60016 LOT # 10127 BEST BY MAY 6, 2012) because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. People handling the treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the chews or any surfaces exposed to these products. Consumers should dispose of these products in a safe manner by securing them in a covered trash receptacle.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers immediately.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian immediately.

The Beef Filet Squares (Texas Hold 'Ems) were shipped to distributors and retailers throughout the US. These individuals have been notified and have activated their recall procedures.

The treats are sold in 1Ooz plastic bags marked with "Lot # 10127 Best By May 6, 2012" on the top of the bag and on a sticker applied to the bottom.

No illnesses have been reported to date for either lot of product. A sample tested positive for Salmonella."

"Consumers who have purchased 10 ounce packages of"Texas Hold'ems" are urged to return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-664-7387 M-F 8:00 - 5:00 CDT."

Pet Food Recall Expanded: Iams and Eukanuba by P&G

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm220780.htm
Please visit the Food and Drug Administration site above for more information.


"P&G Expands Voluntary Limited Recall of Specialized Dry Pet Foods Due to Possible Health Risk"

Contact:
P& G Consumer Relations – 877-340-8823
Media Contact: Jason Taylor 513-622-3205



"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- CINCINNATI, July 30, 2010 – The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) (NYSE:PG) is voluntarily expanding its recall to include veterinary and some specialized dry pet food as a precautionary measure because it has the potential to be contaminated with salmonella. No salmonella-related illnesses have been reported.


Product Name Version "Best-By" Dates UPC Codes
The following dry pet food products are included:

Product Name	Version	"Best-By" Dates	UPC Codes
Iams Veterinary Dry Formulas	All dry sizes and varieties	01Jul10 – 01Dec11	All UPC Codes
Eukanuba Naturally Wild	All dry sizes and varieties	01Jul10 – 01Dec11	All UPC Codes
Eukanuba Pure	All dry sizes and varieties	01Jul10 – 01Dec11	All UPC Codes
Eukanuba Custom Care Sensitive Skin	All dry sizes	01Jul10 – 01Dec11	All UPC Codes

The affected products are sold in veterinary clinics and specialty pet retailers throughout the United States and Canada. No canned food, biscuits/treats or supplements are affected by this announcement. A full listing of UPC codes can be found at www.iams.com.

These products are made in a single, specialized facility. In cooperation with FDA, P&G determined that some products made at this facility have the potential for salmonella contamination. As a precautionary measure, P&G is recalling all products made at this facility.

Consumers who have purchased the specific dry pet foods listed should discard them. People handling dry pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with surfaces exposed to this product. Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. If left untreated, pets may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

For further information or a product replacement or refund call P&G toll-free at 877-340-8823 (Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST)."



_________________________________________________
The owner of this blog does feed and recommend Life's Abundance dog food
and cat food.
Since 1999 we have offered healthy products to cats and dogs and have never been a part of any recall.

Iams Renal Cat Food Recall

Premium4Pets tries to post all FDA recalls
Official page for recall: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm220204.htm
"P&G Recalls Two Lots of Prescription Renal Diet Cat Food due to a Possible Health Risk"



Contact:
P&G Consumer Relations - 877-894-4458

Media Contact:
Jason Taylor 513-622-3205



"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- CINCINNATI, July 25, 2010 - The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) (NYSE:PG), is voluntarily recalling two specific lots of its prescription renal dry cat food as a precautionary measure, as it has the potential to be contaminated with salmonella.


The following products are included:

Product Name	Lot Code	UPC Code
Iams Veterinary Formulas Feline Renal 5.5 lbs	01384174B4	0 19014 21405 1
Iams Veterinary Formulas Feline Renal 5.5 lbs	01384174B2	0 19014 21405 1

This product is available by prescription through veterinary clinics throughout the U.S.

No illnesses have been reported. A FDA analysis identified a positive result on the lot codes listed above. Lot codes can be found in the lower right corner on the back of the bag.

Consumers who have purchased dry cat food with these codes should discard it. People handling dry pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with surfaces exposed to this product. Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. If left untreated, pets may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian."

"For further information or a product refund call P&G toll-free at 877-894-4458 (Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST)."

Senior Pets Care

From the July Life's Abundance Newsletter:
" So, who qualifies as a senior pet? While there is no hard and fast rule, most veterinarians agree that a senior canine is one in the last third of his or her life expectancy. Keep in mind that smaller breeds tend to live longer, meaning that they become seniors later in life than large or giant breeds. For example, the expected lifetime of Miniature Poodles is 18 years; therefore, they are designated as seniors at age 12. In contrast, the typical life expectancy of a Great Dane is around nine years, so they are considered seniors at age six! In general, cats begin to experience age-related physical changes from seven to ten years of age."
"Courtesy of Life's Abundance" Dr. Sarah

Senior pets and Caring for them:
Some tips in this video:

As we age we have to adjust our lifestyle and so do our pets
Senior pets need complete and balanced diet
Feed a high quality diet as they have higher nutritional needs 
Give a nutritional supplement
Schedule regular veterinarian visits (pets age more quickly so senior pets should see the vet more often) 2 check ups a year for seniors; so you can catch any issues early


Cats hide issues very easily so check- ups are a must

Monitor pets for change: increase drinking, increase in urination, inappropriate urination
Overly dry or running stools

Weight gain or loss
Change in appetite

Your vet may help you sort with normal aging and not
Dental care is important

This video is great, please watch the whole presentation!

Expansion Recall of Feline's Pride Cat Food

Please visit the FDA page for more information and picture of the product label

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm219200.htm


"Feline’s Pride Expands Nationwide Recall of its Natural Chicken Formula Cat Food Due to Salmonella Contamination"

"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 15, 2010 - Buffalo, NY – Feline’s Pride is expanding its July 1, 2010 voluntary recall of Feline’s Pride Raw food with ground bone for cats and kittens, Natural Chicken Formula, Net Wt. 2.5 lbs. (1.13 kg., 40 oz.) produced on 6/10/10 to include the product produced on 6/21/10, because it may be contaminated with Salmonella. People handling raw pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the raw pet food or any surfaces exposed to the product.

When consumed by humans, Salmonella can cause an infection, salmonellosis. The symptoms of salmonellosis include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, minimal diarrhea, fever, and headache. Certain vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems, are particularly susceptible to acquiring salmonellosis from such pet food products and may experience more severe symptoms.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The product is packaged in uncoded plastic containers and sold frozen to private consumers nationwide. Once thawed, the pet food has a shelf life of about 1 week. The firm manufactures the pet food by an as-ordered basis. This expansion of the recall affects those orders placed and shipped from June 21 through June 26, 2010 (produced on 6/21/10).

The firm and FDA are investigating this matter to determine the source of this problem, and will take any additional steps necessary to protect the public health.

To date, both the firm and the FDA have received no reports of Salmonella infection relating to this product.

People who are experiencing the symptoms of Salmonella infection after having handled the pet food product should seek medical attention, and report their use of the product and illness to the nearest FDA office.

People should thoroughly wash their hands after handling the pet food – especially those made from raw animal protein such as meat or fish -- to help prevent infection. People may risk bacterial infection not only by handling pet foods, but by contact with pets or surfaces exposed to these foods, so it is important that they thoroughly wash their hands with hot water and soap.

Since certain vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems, are particularly at risk from exposure they should avoid handling this product.

Consumers with questions should contact the company at (716) 580-3096, Monday -Friday from 10 am - 4 pm EDT."