April 20, 2007 - As the pet food recall continues to expand, so too does the circle of pet guardians wondering what actions they can take to protect their animals. In response, we're providing the following list of guidelines to help you navigate the ongoing recall. While this list is not intended to be comprehensive, it provides ideas and tips for making healthy decisions for your pet.
1. Check your pet's food and treat supply and immediately stop feeding any products to your pet that appear on the recall list. Recalled food or treats may be returned to the store where they were purchased for a full refund or thrown away in a secure area not accessible to animals.
View the full list of recalled foods and treats »
2. Currently, the recall involves food and treats containing wheat-gluten and rice protein concentrate contaminated with melamine that was imported from China. Melamine was also found in corn gluten in pet food in South Africa, but no contaminated corn gluten has been found in products sold in the United States. Although it is possible that other undiscovered contaminants could be present in any food, if your pet's food and treats are free of these ingredients they should not be included in the current pet food recall. If you have any questions, call the manufacturer of the food.
3. While all pet guardians are looking for a firm answer on what pet food can be purchased with 100% certainty of its safety, The HSUS can’t make such recommendations on specific brands of foods to feed. In addition to the fast-changing nature of the recent recalls, each pet requires a special diet tailored to his or her particular nutritional needs. As with all pet-related health issues, consult your veterinarian if you have questions or concerns.
4. If your pet was fed food or treats from the recalled list, consult your veterinarian, even if your pet does not appear to have any symptoms. One of the possible effects of eating the recalled pet food can be kidney failure. If your pet exhibits any signs of kidney failure, take him or her to the veterinarian immediately. Symptoms include loss of appetite, vomiting, weakness, disorientation and changes in water consumption and urination. When in doubt, it is better to check with your pet’s regular veterinarian and seek individual advice.
5. Check humanesociety.org/petfoodsafety regularly for the latest information on the recall. The FDA website is also a helpful tool that provides an updated list linking to all of the pet food companies involved in the recall.
6. As a temporary alternative, consider making your pet's food and treats from scratch. Keep in mind that it can be extremely difficult to provide pets with complete and balanced nutrition through a homemade diet over a long period of time. Consult your veterinarian before trying any homemade pet food recipe to insure it provides proper nutrition. The American Academy of Veterinary Nutrition may also be helpful in locating a veterinarian specializing in pet nutrition.
7. Before purchasing new food or treats, check the manufacturer's website or the FDA website to confirm that the brand you are buying was not involved in the pet food recall.
8. If your pet has become ill or died because he or she ate food or treats that were recalled please report it to The Food and Drug Administration Consumer Complaint Coordinator in your state.
9. The recall underscores the need for more oversight of the pet food industry by the FDA. Contact the FDA and ask them to provide leadership and timely information to ensure a safe pet food supply, both now and in the future.
The Food and Drug Administration
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857
1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6322)
www.fda.gov
10. Join our online community to receive weekly updates during the pet food recall via the Pets for Life e-newsletter.
Updated April 20, 2007.
