Friday, July 16, 2010

Science vs Marketing

Maya is doing well on the Kumpi.. funny story that I think you’ll appreciate.. . I was actually going to call you about it… I went to xxxxxxxxxx to get her a bone because they have her favorite bones and they asked me why I stopped buying my food there and I told them because they don’t carry the brand that she loves… they asked me what kind and I said Kumpi… they turned up their noses looked at each other and said well we stopped carrying that because it has corn in it.. and I was like well my dog is happy on it, isn’t itching nearly as much, and eats it like crazy so I don’t see any issues with that… they were shocked… not sure I’m getting my bones from them anymore… didn’t like their attitudes…

Oh and my roommate’s dog is on Kumpi now too

Evy's Comment:

Another person who learned to look beyond a label to learn about the science of corn vs. the marketing about it!! The science about corn in on the Kumpi website, but I have to say that these emails make me sooo happy!!

It almost reminds me of the jokes about folks who say, "No, I'm not a doctor, but I play one on TV." Too many amateurs and hobbyists online who don't understand how intricate the process of pet food making is. But I am grateful for those who at least try one bag and let the results speak for themselves!

Monday, April 12, 2010

Recall: Cetyl M Dietary Supplement For Dogs

Response Products, of Broken Bow, Neb., is voluntarily recalling Cetyl M for Dogs, because the product could be contaminated with salmonella. Contaminated pet food can infect animals as well as people who have not handled the products properly. No illnesses have been reported, according to the company. The dietary supplement for dogs was distributed nationwide through direct sales, stores, veterinarians and online retailers. The recall involves lot numbers 1210903 and 0128010. For more information, consumers can call 1-877-266-9757.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Always Tested, Always Held

In light of recent recalls, I wanted to give my manufacturer - Crosswind PetFoods - a huge shout out for their integrity and excellence. They began the protocol of holding my product and testing it (salmonella, e-coli, pathogens, broad spectrum bacterium - you got the picture) before it was even released to me.

Keep in mind that takes up precious space for them, having to hold on to the food for at least three days until all of the test results come back in. Add up all of the other folks that they are making product for and it adds up. This is nothing I have requested, by the way; this is just their own protocol due to their interest in making sure nothing sneaks up on them......or their customers.

In the world of pet food opinions, I know that my label have been summarily bashed for having "corn" in it, let alone the first ingredient. Sadly, many never read on and learn the whole story and realize how they have been duped by the pet food industry. Those with friends who have strongly advocated the food and many who are at their wit's end with what they were feeding - those who have fed and seen the results, they are the wise ones.

A label cannot tell you the grade of an ingredient. A label can hide many things.

Just don't be too quick to scratch a dog food off your list because you see corn as an ingredient - that could be one of the worst decisions you could make!!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Nature's Variety Recall

LINCOLN, Neb., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Nature's Variety has initiated a voluntary recall of their Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet for dogs and cats with a "Best If Used By" date of 11/10/10 because these products may be contaminated with Salmonella. The only products affected are limited to chicken medallions, patties, and chubs with a "Best If Used By" date of 11/10/10. No other Nature's Variety products are affected.

The affected products are limited to the Nature's Variety Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet packaged in the following forms:

3 lb chicken medallions (UPC# 7 69949 60130 2) with a "Best If Used By" date of 11/10/10
6 lb chicken patties (UPC# 7 69949 60120 3) with a "Best If Used By" date of 11/10/10
2 lb chicken chubs (UPC# 7 69949 60121 0) with a "Best If Used By" date of 11/10/10


The "Best If Used By" date is located on the back of the package above the safe handling instructions. The affected product was distributed through retail stores and internet sales in the United States, and in limited distribution in Canada.

If you are a consumer and have purchased one of the affected products, please return the unopened product to your retailer for a full refund or replacement. If your package has been opened, please dispose of the raw food in a safe manner by securing it in a covered trash receptacle. Then, bring your receipt (or the empty package in a sealed bag) to your local retailer for a full refund or replacement.

Nature's Variety became aware of a potential problem after receiving a consumer complaint. Subsequent testing indicated that the lot code related to the consumer complaint tested negative for Salmonella. However, additional subsequent testing found the "Best If Used By" date of 11/10/10 to be contaminated with Salmonella.

Ear Infection/Dry Coat Problems

Hi Evy,

Our chocolate lab, Joe, has been on your food since around Thanksgiving of this year and it seems to have cleared up his ear infections very well! However, we do have one question for you...

Right now Joe is shedding like nothing we have ever seen! I just filled up an entire plastic grocery bag with his hair from brushing him. I'm not sure if this is a "seasonal shed" gone crazy--or what is going on, but he has been on the food for about 3 months and this just started a few weeks ago. Does this seem normal and have you heard this happening to other dogs on the food?

Thanks for any help!

Tati

Hiya Tati ~

Thanks so much for writing! I'm so glad to hear that Joe's ear infections cleared up so well.

The shedding problem that he is going through is totally normal and really great news for you!! When the hair follicle is well saturated with oil, it does not break off that easily. Many dogs go through a horrible 'coat blow' after being on the food for a couple of months - and I've heard that the first seasonal blow after being on the food is a doozy. The reason this is good news is that their former nutritional state may not have been that great - and now with Kumpi you will see a gorgeous coat fill in.

Glad you wrote and asked!!

Evy

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

USA Chicken / Beef

I came across this article about Russia's ban on importing chicken from America.

http://www.foodpoisonjournal.com/fsncache/

Another article - interesting that Canada does not pursue this practice.

https://research.tdwaterhouse.ca/research/public/Markets/NewsArticle/1314-LDE60E0XC-1

Just a note to anyone who might be concerned, the chicken used in Kumpi products are not subjected to the injections of chlorine or any other additives. The chicken IS screened for salmonella, e-coli and other pathogens before it is considered for use in the food and the same screening is done after the product has been made.

Found this about beef:

http://fwix.com/olympia/share/b2aaadde08/food_safety_doubtful_researchers_say

Gee, there are days with all the crazy recalls that I feel my pets food is safer than what I eat!!!

Friday, January 15, 2010

Treat Recall / FDA Link

http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm197700.htm

FDA NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: January 14, 2010
Media Inquiries: Ira Allen 301-796-5349, ira.allen@fda.hhs.gov
Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA

FDA Health Alert for Merrick Beef Filet Squares Dog Treats Packaged and Distributed by Merrick Pet Care
Products may be contaminated with Salmonella

The U. S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to use Merrick Beef Filet Squares for dogs distributed by Merrick Pet Care with a package date of “Best By 111911” because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The product was distributed nationwide through retail stores and Internet sales.

Although no illnesses associated with these products have been reported, the FDA is advising consumers in possession of these products not to handle or feed them to their pets.

In December 2009, the FDA conducted routine testing of Merrick Beef Filet Squares and detected a positive finding for Salmonella. A follow-up inspection found deficiencies in the packaging and manufacturing processes.

Salmonella can affect both humans and animals. People handling dry pet treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the treats 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 may experience some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Although rare, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart), arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their health care provider immediately.

Pets with Salmonella infections may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets may experience only a 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 any of the affected product or is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

The affected Merrick Beef Filet Squares were packaged in a 10-ounce green, red and tan re-sealable plastic bag. The “best by” date is imprinted on the top portion of the bag, which is torn off when the bag is opened. The FDA recommends that consumers who are unable to determine the “best by” date discontinue use of the product.

Consumers can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food and pet treat products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in their area. Please see http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/ReportaProblem/ucm182403.htm for additional information.