Dog and Cat Food Recall

 This is from the FDA CLICK HERE 

Midwestern Pet Foods Voluntarily Recall Due to Possible Salmonella Health Risk

Company Announcement Date:

March 26, 2021

FDA Publish Date:

March 27, 2021

Product Type:

Animal & Veterinary
Food & Beverages
Pet Food
Foodborne Illness

Reason for Announcement:

Potential Salmonella Contamination

Company Name:

Midwestern Pet Foods

Brand Name:

Multiple brands

Product Description:

Dog and Cat Food

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Company Announcement

Midwestern Pet Foods, Evansville, Indiana is issuing a voluntary recall of specific expiration dates of certain dog and cat food brands including CanineX, Earthborn Holistic, Venture, Unrefined, Sportmix Wholesomes, Pro Pac, Pro Pac Ultimates, Sportstrail, Sportmix and Meridian brands produced at its Monmouth, Illinois Production Facility because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. A full list of recalled products may be found at the end of this announcement.

Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

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 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. No human or pet illnesses have been reported to date.

Products were distributed to retail stores nationwide and to online retailers.

Lot code information may be found on the back of the bags with the following format: 
“EXP AUG/02/22/M1/L#

See Example Image Below

This recall covers only certain products manufactured at Midwestern Pet Foods Monmouth, Illinois facility.  The unique Monmouth Facility identifier is located in the date code as an “M”.

The recall was as the result of a routine sampling program by the company which revealed that the finished products may contain the bacteria.

Retailers and distributors should immediately pull recalled lots from their inventory and shelves.  Do not sell or donate the recalled products.  Retailers are encouraged to contact consumers that have purchased the recalled products if the means to do so exists.

Do not feed the recalled products to pets or any other animals.  Destroy the food in a way that children, pets and wildlife cannot access them.  Wash and sanitize pet food bowls, cups and storage containers.  Always ensure you wash and sanitize your hands after handling recalled food or any utensils that come in contact with recalled food.

Contact Midwestern Pet Foods Consumer Affairs at info@midwesternpetfoods.com or 800-474-4163, ext 455 from 8 AM to 5 PM Central Time, Monday through Friday for additional information.

This voluntary recall is being conducted in cooperation with the US Food and Drug Administration.  All other Midwestern Pet Foods products are unaffected by this recall.

Product Description	Expiration Date/Lot No.	Bag Size
Earthborn Holistic Adult Vantage	May/04/22M2 L1	25#
Earthborn Holistic Adult Vantage	May/05/22M3 L1, L2	25#
Earthborn Holistic Adult Vantage	Aug/04/22M1 L1, L2, L3	4#, 12.5#, 25#
Earthborn Holistic Adult Vantage	Sep/19/22M3 L1, L2	25#
Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch	May/03/22M1,M2 L1, L2, L3	4#, 12.5#, 25#
Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch	May/04/22M3 L1	25#
Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch	Aug/04/22M3 L1, L2, L3	4#, 12.5#, 25#
Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch	Sep/18/22M3,M1 L1, L2, L3	4#, 12.5#, 25#
Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast	Aug/08/22M3,M1 L1, L2, L3	4#, 12.5#, 25#
Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast	Aug/09/22M3 L1,L2	25#
Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast	Sep/15/22M1,M2 L1, L2	12.5#, 25#
Earthborn Holistic Large Breed	May/03/22M2 L1, L2	25#
Earthborn Holistic Large Breed	May/04/22M3 L2	25#
Earthborn Holistic Large Breed	Aug/12/22M3 L1, L2	25#
Earthborn Holistic Large Breed	Sep/15/22M2 L1	25#
Earthborn Holistic Meadow Feast	Apr/26/22M3 L2	28#
Earthborn Holistic Meadow Feast	May/09/22M1,M3 L1, L2	14#, 28#
Earthborn Holistic Meadow Feast	Sep/18/22M1,M2 L1, L2	12.5#, 25#
Earthborn Holistic Ocean Fusion	Aug/03/22M3,M1 L1, L2	25#
Earthborn Holistic Ocean Fusion	Sep/18/22M2 L1, L2, L3	4#, 12.5#, 25#
Earthborn Holistic Primitive Feline	Apr/29/22M1 L1, L2, L3	5#, 14#
Earthborn Holistic Primitive Feline	Sep/17/22M3,M1 L1, L2	5#, 14#
Earthborn Holistic Primitive Natural	Apr/28/22M2 L3, L2	4#, 12.5#
Earthborn Holistic Primitive Natural	Apr/29/22M3,M2 L1, L2, L3	4#, 25#
Earthborn Holistic Primitive Natural	Sep/17/22M1 L1, L2	25#
Earthborn Holistic Small Breed	May/09/22M1,M2 L2, L3	4#, 12.5#
Earthborn Holistic Small Breed	May/11/22M1 L2	12.5#
Earthborn Holistic Weight Control	Aug/03/22M2 L1, L2	4#, 25#
Earthborn Holistic Weight Control	Aug/04/22M3 L1	4#, 25#
Earthborn Holistic Western Feast	May/03/22M1 L1, L2	28#
Earthborn Holistic Western Feast	Sep/15/22M2 L2	28#
Earthborn Holistic Wild Sea Catch	May/04/22M1 L3	5#
Earthborn Holistic Wild Sea Catch	May/05/22M1 L1	14#
Earthborn Holistic Wild Sea Catch	May/09/22M1,M4 L1, L2	14#
Earthborn Holistic Wild Sea Catch	Aug/08/22M1,M2 L2, L3	5#, 14#
Earthborn Holistic Wild Sea Catch	Aug/09/22M3 L1, L2	5#, 14#
Meridian Daybreak	May/04/22M1 L3	5#
Meridian Daybreak	Aug/10/22M1 L2	14#
Meridian Riverbend	Aug/12/22M1 L1	14#
Meridian Twilight	May/02/22M1 L3, L1	5#, 14#
Pro Pac Adult Chunk	May/03/22M1,M3 L1, L2	40#
Pro Pac Adult Mini Chunk	May/11/22M3 L1, L2	40#
Pro Pac Adult Mini Chunk	Sep/15/22M3 L1, L2	40#
Pro Pac Mature Adult	Apr/28/22M3 L1	28#
Pro Pac Performance Puppy	Apr/28/22M3 L1, L2	40#
Pro Pac Performance Puppy	Aug/01/22M3,M1 L1, L2	40#
Pro Pac Performance Puppy	Aug/08/22M3 L1, L2	40#
Pro Pac Performance Puppy	Sep/16/22M1 L1, L2	40#
Pro Pac Ultimates Bayside Select	May/11/22M3 L1, L2	28#
Pro Pac Ultimates Bayside Select	Aug/05/22M1 L1, L2, L3	5#, 28#
Pro Pac Ultimates Bayside Select	Aug/12/22M1 L1, L2	28#
Pro Pac Ultimates Chicken & Rice	Aug/05/22M3 L1, L2, L3	5#, 28#
Pro Pac Ultimates Heartland Choice	May/04/22M1,M2 L1, L2	28#
Pro Pac Ultimates Heartland Choice	Aug/10/22M1,M2 L1, L2	28#
Pro Pac Ultimates Lamb & Rice	Aug/02/22M3 L1, L2	5#, 28#
Pro Pac Ultimates Lamb & Rice	Aug/12/22M1 L1, L2	28#
Pro Pac Ultimates Large Breed Adult	Sep/17/22M2 L1, L2	28#
Pro Pac Ultimates Large Breed Adult	Sep/18/22M3 L1, L2	28#
Pro Pac Ultimates Large Breed Puppy	Apr/28/22M3,M1 L2	28#
Pro Pac Ultimates Meadow Prime	May/02/22M2 L1	28#
Pro Pac Ultimates Overland Red	May/04/22M2 L1	28#
Pro Pac Ultimates Overland Red	Aug/05/22M3 L1, L2	28#
Pro Pac Ultimates Puppy	May/11/22M1,M2 L2, L3	5#, 28#
Pro Pac Ultimates Puppy	Aug/10/22M2 L1, L2	5#, 28#
Pro Pac Ultimates Puppy	Aug/11/22M1 L3	5#
Pro Pac Ultimates Savannah Pride	Aug/11/22M3 L1, L2, L3	5#, 14#
Sportmix 24/20 Energy Plus	Apr/28/22M1,M2 L1, L2	44#, 50#
Sportmix 24/20 Energy Plus	May/12/22M3,M1 L1, L2	44#, 50#
Sportmix 24/20 Energy Plus	Aug/02/22M3,M1 L1, L2	50#
Sportmix 24/20 Energy Plus	Sep/15/22M2 L1	50#
Sportmix 24/20 Energy Plus	Sep/16/22M3 L1, L2	50#
Sportmix Bite Size	Apr/26/22M3 L1,L2	40#
Sportmix Bite Size	May/12/22M3 L1, L2	40#
Sportmix Bite Size	Aug/03/22M1,M2 L1, L2	40#
Sportmix Bite Size	Sep/15/22M1 L1, L2	40#
Sportmix Canine X Chicken	May/04/22M3,M1 L1, L2	40#
Sportmix Canine X Chicken	Aug/11/22M1,M2 L1, L2	40#
Sportmix Gourmet Cat	May/02/22M3,M1 L1, L2	15#, 31#
Sportmix Gourmet Cat	Aug/01/22M3,M1 L1, L2	15#, 31#
Sportmix Hi Protein 27/12	Sep/17/22M1,M2 L1, L2	50#
Sportmix High Energy 26/18	May/05/22M3,M1 L1, L2	44#, 50#
Sportmix High Energy 26/18	Aug/05/22M1 L1, L2	50#
Sportmix High Energy 26/18	Sep/16/22M2 L2	50#
Sportmix High Energy 26/18	Sep/17/22M3 L1, L2	50#
Sportmix Maintenance 21/12	Apr/29/22M3 L2	44#, 50#
Sportmix Maintenance 21/12	Aug/01/22M2 L1, L2	44#, 50#
Sportmix Original Cat	Aug/04/22M2 L1	15#, 31#
Sportmix Stamina 24/18	Aug/02/22M3 L1, L2	44#, 50#
Sportmix Wholeomes Large Breed	May/11/22M3,M1 L1, L2	40#
Sportmix Wholesome Performance Puppy	Aug/11/22M1 L1	16.5#
Sportmix Wholesomes Beef & Rice	May/04/22M1,M2 L1, L2	40#
Sportmix Wholesomes Beef & Rice	May/05/22M3 L1, L2	40#
Sportmix Wholesomes Beef & Rice	Aug/04/22M2 L2	40#
Sportmix Wholesomes Cat	Apr/26/22M3,M1 L1, L2	15#, 16.5#
Sportmix Wholesomes Chicken & Rice	Aug/11/22M3,M1 L1, L2	40#
Sportmix Wholesomes Chicken & Rice	Sep/16/22M1 L1, L2	40#
Sportmix Wholesomes Fish & Rice	May/11/22M2 L1, L2	40#
Sportmix Wholesomes Fish & Rice	May/12/22M3 L1, L2	40#
Sportmix Wholesomes Fish & Rice	Aug/03/22M1 L1, L2	40#
Sportmix Wholesomes Fish & Rice	Aug/11/22M2 L1, L2	40#
Sportmix Wholesomes Grain Free Beef Meal & Chickpeas	May/05/22M3 L2	35#
Sportmix Wholesomes Grain Free Beef Meal & Chickpeas	Aug/05/22M3 L1, L2	35#
Sportmix Wholesomes Grain Free Chicken Meal & Potato	May/04/22M2 L2	35#
Sportmix Wholesomes Grain Free Whitefish Meal & Potato	May/11/22M3 L2	35#
Sportmix Wholesomes Grain Free Whitefish Meal & Potato	Aug/05/22M1 L2	35#
Sportmix Wholesomes Grain Free Whitefish Meal & Potato	Aug/12/22M1 L2	35#
Sportmix Wholesomes Lamb & Rice	May/11/22M1,M2 L1, L2	40#
Sportmix Wholesomes Lamb & Rice	Aug/02/22M1 L1, L2	40#
Sportmix Wholesomes Lamb & Rice	Sep/16/22M2 L1,L2	40#
Sportmix Wholesomes Large Breed	Aug/11/22M2 L1, L2	40#
Sportmix Wholesomes Large Breed	Aug/12/22M3 L1, L2	40#
Sportmix Wholesomes Large Breed	Sep/17/22M2 L1, L2	40#
Sportmix Wholesomes Performance Puppy	Aug/10/22M2 L1, L2	16.5#
Sportmix Wholesomes Sensitive Lamb	Apr/29/22M1 L2	30#
Sportmix Wholesomes Sensitive Lamb	May/02/22M3,M1 L1	30#
Sportmix Wholesomes Sensitive Salmon	Aug/09/22M3,M1 L1, L2	30#
Sportmix Wholesomes Sensitive Salmon	Sep/16/22M1,M2 L1, L2	30#
Sportmix Wholesomes Sensitive Salmon	Apr/26/22M1,M2 L1, L2	30#
Sportstrail	Aug/03/22M1 L1	50#
Sportstrail	Sep/15/22M3,M1 L1, L2	50#
Unrefined Lamb	Apr/26/22M2 L3, L2	4#, 25#
Unrefined Lamb	Apr/27/22M3 L3, L2, L1	4#, 25#
Unrefined Lamb	Aug/09/22M1,M2 L1, L2, L3	4#, 12.5#, 25#
Unrefined Rabbit	May/10/22M3,M1 L1, L2, L3	4#, 12.5#, 25#
Unrefined Rabbit	Apr/27/22M1,M2 L3, L2, L1	4#, 25#
Unrefined Rabbit	Aug/09/22M2 L1,L2	12.5#, 25#
Unrefined Rabbit	Aug/10/22M3,M1 L1, L2, L3	4#, 12.5#, 25#
Unrefined Rabbit	Apr/28/22M3 L1	25#
Unrefined Salmon	Apr/27/22M3,M1 L3, L2, L1	4#, 12.5#, 25#
Unrefined Salmon	May/09/22M1,M2 L1, L2	12.5#, 25#
Unrefined Salmon	May/10/22M3,M1 L1, L2, L3	4#, 12.5#, 25#
Venture Alaska Pollock Meal & Pumpkin	Aug/02/22M2 L1, L2, L3	4#, 12.5#, 25#
Venture Alaska Pollock Meal & Pumpkin	Sep/18/22M3,M1 L1, L2, L3	4#, 12.5#, 25#
Venture Alasla Pollock Meal & Pumpkin	Aug/03/22M3 L1, L2, L3	4#, 12.5#, 25#
Venture Duck Meal & Pumpkin	Aug/01/22M1,M2 L1, L2, L3	4#, 12.5#, 25#
Venture Rabbit Meal & Pumpkin	May/02/22M1,M2 L3	4#
Venture Rabbit Meal & Pumpkin	May/03/22M3 L1, L2	4#,12.5#, 25#
Venture Rabbit Meal & Pumpkin	Aug/02/22M1,M2 L1, L2, L3	4#, 12.5#, 25#
Wholesomes Chicken &Rice	May/02/22M1,M3 L1, L2	40#
Wholesomes Fish & Rice	Apr/26/22M1 L1, L2	40#

 

Company Contact Information

Consumers:

Midwestern Pet Foods Consumer Affairs

 800-474-4163, ext 455

 info@midwesternpetfoods.com

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•  PRODUCT PHOTOS From the FDA website CLICK HERE 

Expanded Bravo Packing Recall

 Bravo Packing, Inc. Expands Previously Announced Voluntary Recall of Pet Food Products Due to Potential Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes Health Risks to Humans and Animals

Link to FDA Page, click here

Summary

Company Announcement Date: March 16, 2021

FDA Publish Date: March 16, 2021

Product Type: Animal & Veterinary

Food & Beverages

Pet Food

Foodborne Illness

Reason for Announcement: Due to Potential Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes

Company Name: Bravo Packing, Inc.

Brand Name: Bravo Packing, Inc.

Product Description: Pet food: Performance Dog, beef, green tripe, and bone

Company Announcement

Bravo Packing, Inc. of Carneys Point, NJ is expanding the previously announced voluntary recall of two pet food products to now include all pet food and bones in all package sizes. During an FDA inspection, samples collected tested positive for Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes and resulted in a recall due to the potential health risks to humans and pets.  Bravo Packing, Inc. is expanding the recall due to potential cross contamination. (Full list of products below.)

Salmonella can cause illness in pets eating the products, as well as people who handle contaminated pet food products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products, infected pets, or any surfaces exposed to these products. 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 (an infection of the heart muscle), arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. People who have these symptoms after having contact with the products identified in this recall or with a pet that has eaten these products should contact their healthcare providers. A pet with a Salmonella infection may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. If your pet has consumed the recalled products and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian. Pets exposed to contaminated food can be infected without showing symptoms. Infected pets, including those without symptoms, can also shed Salmonella through their feces and saliva, spreading pathogens into the home environment and to humans and other animals nearby.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, Listeria monocytogenes infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

No human or animal illnesses related to the identified products have been reported to date.

Bravo Packing Inc. generally works with distributors that fill orders to retail stores and to consumers directly nationwide.

Consumers with any of the affected products should handle them with caution, discard products in a secure container, and wash hands and surfaces properly. Consumers with questions should contact Bravo Packing, Inc. at 856-299-1044 (Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM, EST).

Recalled Products:

Pet Food Product Names	Size
“Performance Dog” (chub) frozen raw dog food	2 lbs.
“Performance Dog” (chub) frozen raw dog food	5 lbs.
“Green Tripe” (chub - ground bovine stomach) frozen raw dog food	2 lbs.
“Green Tripe” (chub - ground bovine stomach) frozen raw dog food	5 lbs.
“Beef” (chub - ground) frozen raw dog food	2 lbs.
“Beef” (chub - ground)frozen raw dog food	5 lbs.
“Performance Dog” (patties) frozen raw dog food	unknown
“Tripe” (patties ¼ lbs.) frozen raw dog food	unknown
Bones (smoked) 14 varieties	unknown

Link to Initial Press Release

Company Contact Information

Consumers:

Bravo Packing, Inc., Joe Merola

 856-299-1044

Product Photos

Bravo Packing, Inc. Recalls All Performance Dog and Ground Beef Raw Pet Food

Original FDA Page

Bravo Packing, Inc. Recalls All Performance Dog and Ground Beef Raw Pet Food Because of Possible Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Health Risk to Humans and Animals

Summary

Company Announcement Date:  March 03, 2021

FDA Publish Date: March 03, 2021

Product Type: Animal & Veterinary, Food & Beverages, Pet Food, Foodborne Illness

Reason for Announcement: Potential for Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes

Company Name: Bravo Packing, Inc.

Brand Name: Bravo Packing, Inc.

Product Description: Ground Beef and Performance Dog, frozen raw pet food

Company Announcement

Bravo Packing, Inc. of Carneys Point, NJ is recalling all Ground Beef and Performance Dog, a frozen raw pet food because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. Salmonella can cause illness in animals eating the products, as well as people who handle contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products, infected animals or any surfaces exposed to these products.  Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, server headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria monocytogenes infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

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 (an infection of the heart muscle), arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. People who have these symptoms after having contact with this product or an animal that has eaten this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Pets exposed to contaminated food can be infected without showing symptoms. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian. Infected animals including those without symptoms, can also shed Salmonella through their feces and saliva, spreading pathogens into the home environment and to humans and other animals in the household.

No human or animal illnesses have been reported to date.

Bravo Packing, Inc. is voluntarily recalling the products after samples of Performance Dog and a sample of Ground Beef were collected during an FDA inspection, tested positive for Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.

Performance Dog generally works with the distributor located in Brooklyn, New York, that fills orders to brick-and-mortar retail stores or to consumers directly nationwide.

Performance Dog and Ground Beef both come frozen in 2-pound and 5-pound plastic sleeves. If you have an Ground Beef or Performance Dog, please throw it away. Consumers with questions should contact Bravo Packing, Inc. at 856-299-1044 (Monday – Friday, 9:00AM-2:00PM, EST).

Company Contact Information

Consumers:

Bravo Packing, Inc., Joe Merola

 856-299-1044

Product Photos

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Ear Care Formula

Life's Abundance Ear Care Formula

for dogs and cats

Rated 4.9 out of 5 based on 38 reviews 

Trustpilot 

Click here to purchase - more info

This herbal formula contains a special botanical blend and gentle cleansers. Ear Care Formula safely dissolves waxy build-ups and effectively removes dirt and debris. Aloe vera soothes the sensitive skin of inner ears. With continued use, say ‘hello’ to healthy clean ears that smell terrific!

Gentle enough for puppies and kittens over 12 weeks of age.

 

Dog Food Feeding Trials

What’s the Big Idea Behind Feeding Trials

by Life's Abundance Blog Post

2/26/21

If you’ve been brought to your knees by the vast amount of information you’ve faced in search of the best products for your dogs, we understand. Really, how much can the average person be expected to know about their dog’s products and still have a life? We’re happy to tell you all about the ins-and-outs of our products because we’re very proud of them. But we think it will be even more helpful for you to know what type of company you’re buying from.

We think and operate differently and are transparent about it. We’re private, employee-owned and purpose driven. But what does all that mean in action? Here’s a little behind the scenes insight into our decision to conduct dog food feeding trials.

Dog Food Nutrition

Did you know that there are two ways a dog food maker can demonstrate the nutrition of their foods? These are set by the Association of Animal Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), the association that establishes nutritional standards within the pet food industry.

Nutrient Analysis

The most common of the two is through nutrient analysis. This is laboratory testing of the finished food that measures the value of each of the key nutrients that are required to be present. Beyond the required nutrients, optional tests can be ordered to tell a fuller story of the nutritional value of the formula being examined. For instance, if a brand prioritizes antioxidants they’ll want to test for adequate value, though it’s not required.

This is the method we at Life’s Abundance have used for over two decades, until recently. Now, after years of internal debate, planning and an ongoing commitment to transparency, we have engaged in the second of AAFCO’s sanctioned tests - Feeding Trials.

Feeding Trials

Feeding trials provide a look at the ability of a food to convey adequate nutritional value to the dogs consuming it. Eight dogs are exclusively fed the food being tested for a number of weeks (duration varies based on life stage). Periodic blood tests and the dog’s weight are tracked and recorded to demonstrate that the nutrients shown on paper actually make it into the dog’s body at life-sustaining levels.

Why Conduct Feeding Trials?

First and foremost, we have a responsibility to the hundreds of thousands of dogs eating our food. Because of this, it is important to know how nutrients in our formulas behave once digested by the dogs eating them. Nutritional analysis, exacting care, decades of anecdotal evidence and now feeding trials bear out our formulation philosophy and the science behind it. A close second reason for these tests is to give you peace of mind as a parent to the dogs you love. Just think, without this proof, your dog will essentially be a participant in an uncontrolled feeding trial.

Importantly, in the veterinary world, feeding trials are the gold standard to demonstrate a food’s worth. While there are many other measures this overlooks, now when your vet asks if your dog’s food has been through a trial, if you’re feeding Life’s Abundance, you’ll be able to say ‘yes.’ We know from all our veterinary consultants and colleagues how important feeding trials are to veterinarians as a mark of quality assurance. This is our way of showing we're absolutely serious about making the best food out there.

To be sure, the decision to conduct feeding trials was a years-long process involving many levels of staff at Life’s Abundance. We consulted with veterinarians, insiders who have seen many sides of laboratory research, sought alternative testing protocols, interviewed testing companies and personally toured testing facilities. It took all of this time, effort and consideration to be certain we’d found a testing company that met our standards for animal care, interaction, environmental enrichment and overall welfare. It was important for us to take this time so that we feel as good about the process as we do the results, so you can too.

What Feeding Trials Won’t Tell You

Though a feeding trial is a true scientific study, it only provides a baseline of whether a food is adequate or inadequate to keep a dog going. It will not tell you anything about the quality of the ingredients or if they will help your dog thrive. It won’t tell you how beautifully or shoddily orchestrated the ratios of nutrients are to one another.

To understand the true quality of the food you choose you need to understand the motives of the brand you choose. But how do you trust that a brand has your best interest at heart, abhors corner-cutting practices and always asks what’s best for the consumer (two- or four-legged) before making a decision? At Life’s Abundance, it’s more than formulating, making and delivering a great food. It’s about getting the ultimate nutrition into your dog so they can thrive.

Life’s Abundance Feeding Trial Status As Of Winter 2021:

• Adult Weight Loss Dog Food - Successfully completed Spring 2020.
• All Life Stage Dog Food, Chicken Meal & Brown Rice - Underway as of Summer 2020.
• Grain Free All Life Stage Dog Food - In queue to start once the above test ends. Tests are not run concurrently which makes the timeline to complete the series quite long.
• Small & Medium Breed Puppy Food - In queue.
• Large Breed Puppy Food - In queue.

Of all the research we do to be sure we’re making the best choices for our dogs, finding a definitive answer or solution can seem like a never ending journey. Understanding the brand and the people behind the products you choose just may be the best measure yet. If you’re not currently feeding Life’s Abundance, consider making the switch to our uniquely formulated foods that have feeding trials to back their efficacy. Others will tell you just how good it feels to fill your dog’s bowl with nutritious food or reward them with tasty treats knowing you’ve made the best choice for them.

If you found this interesting, check out these related stories:

Why Consumers Trust Life's Abundance Pet Food

Pet Food Super Powers