Dog Food Recalls - Dangerous Effects of Commercial Dog Foods

The issue of the dog food recalls in March was one of the biggest and most alarming incidents for pet owners in 2007. When the news broke out, it was also discovered that cat food was similarly affected. In this article, we will furnish you with more information to keep you aware about dog food recalls.

One of the pet food giants enlisted a different supplier to provide them with some of their ingredients, and it was observed that there was an increasing number of reports of pets all over the country, cats and dogs alike, showing indications of kidney failure, like vomiting and lethargy. That pet food company took the matter seriously and withdrew almost 100 brands of their products from the market.

It was found that the gravy-thickener, wheat gluten, imported from China, contained the chemical melamine, which is used in the manufacture of plastics and which was added to the wheat gluten to make protein levels seem enhanced.

After the initial dog food recalls, traces of melamine in yet another ingredient, rice gluten, were discovered just a month later, leading to further recalls. Other melamine-related compounds have since been found, along with cyanuric acid, which is used in pool chlorination.

Corn gluten, imported by South African pet food firms also from China, has likewise tested positive for melamine and has been blamed for the deaths of about 30 dogs due to renal failure. It was reported in May that corn gluten had reached Canadian soil as well.

As if all that wasn't enough, in June, ExperTox, Inc., a Texas-based laboratory, detected lethal amounts of the pain reliever, acetaminophen, in pet food being tested for melamine and cyanuric acid.

Several other pet food companies have also recalled their products after an undetermined number of animals were either downed or even killed. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) puts the death toll at roughly 1,950 cats and 2,200 dogs.

Such staggering statistics, and those numbers were released back in late April. The extent of the chemical outbreak is confounding and has even led people to question whether or not humans are safe. So far, officials are quick to point out that none of the contaminants have been detected in human food.

What can you, as the pet owner, do? Observe your dog closely. If you recognize the symptoms of kidney failure as mentioned above, do not hesitate to take him to the vet at once.

Do your own research and keep an eye on the constantly updated recall list to see whether your dog's food may be included. Better yet, switch to premium, human-grade dog food purchased at feed stores rather than grocery stores.

If you have the time and means, there are countless dog food recipes available for you to prepare yourself, so you know exactly what goes into your dog's system and you can be sure of his health and safety.

But most important of all, you need to keep yourself informed and updated about any news or issues that may affect your pet's food products. The dog food recalls opened up many pet owners' eyes to all the issues that can affect their pets, and by reading this article and learning more about this matter, you've taken a good step towards ensuring your pet's welfare.