Reminding readers about several pet-food recalls

Gwen and Smudge share the joys and challenges of being dogs.

Reminding readers about several pet-food recalls

Posted 6/30/2010 11:17 AM PDT on statesmanjournal.com

There have been several pet-food recalls in the past week that haven't killed anyone's pup yet so they haven't been all over the blogosphere and airwaves, but they should be repeated.

First, a company that manufacturers dry dog food has voluntarily recalled one of its flavors after random sampling testing conducted by the Food & Drug Administration revealed salmonella contamination.

Natural Balance Pet Foods, a premium dog food company, said it had not received any complaints of ill dogs yet, but was taking its Sweet Potato & Chicken dry dog food with sell-by dates of June 2011 off shelves immediately to prevent any from becoming sick.

The dog food was sold in 26 states including Oregon, Washington and California. The 5-pound bags subject to recall have the UPC code: 7-23633-9000-4. The 28-pound bags being recalled have UPC code No. 7-23633-99002-8.

Another company, United Pet Group, also has issued a voluntary recall for all unexpired lots of its ProPet Adult Daily vitamins because of the same salmonella threat.

Symptoms of salmonella infection include lethargy, lack of appetite, fever, vomiting and diarrhea.

Contact Natural Balance Pet Foods, co-founded by "Eight is Enough" actor Dick Van Patten, at (800) 829-4493. Contact United Pet Group at (800) 645-5154, Ext. 3 for more information on the recalls.

Finally, Procter & Gamble last week announced the recall of specific canned cat food due to low levels of thiamine (vitamin B1).

P&G says preliminary tests of its Iams brand ProActive Health 3 ounce and 5.5 ounce cans of all varieties cat and kitten food show insufficient levels of thiamine, which is essential for cats. The cans are imprinted on the bottom with use-by dates of September 2011-June 2012.

Cats with low thiamine levels are at risk of developing B1 deficiencies. Signs of deficiency include loss of appetite, salivation, vomiting and weight loss. Advanced signs of the condition include wobbly gait, falling, circling and seizures.

Veterinarians note that a deficiency can usually be reversed.

Procter & Gamble said the recall, limited to canned food, applies only to food distributed in North America.

For more information, contact P&G at (877) 340-8826.


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