Month: March 2010

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Dogs From Middle East Not East Asia

Evolutionary Tree of Dog Breeds & Grey Wolves

(click to enlarge)

A comprehensive new study shows that dogs are more closely related to wolves in the Middle East and therefore originated there.  (It was previously believed dogs were more closely related to wolves in East Asia and originated there.)  These new findings better match archaeological evidence of dogs in the Middle East.  It’s not all that surprising that dogs originated in the Middle East—this is also where cats were domesticated and many of our livestock animals were domesticated.

The study also showed that dog classifications based on behavioral traits (herding, retrieving, vermin hunting, etc.) match the branches in the dog evolutionary tree.  Herding breeds descend from other herding breeds, retrievers from retrievers, sight hounds from sight hounds, terriers from terriers.  This seems like common sense, but scientists didn’t have genetic proof before this study.  On the flip side, toy dogs, bred for size and not behavioral traits, descend from many branches of the dog evolutionary tree.

Be sure to click on the the dog evolutionary tree above—very interesting.

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News Bites: Salty Sea Dog, Football, Rubber Ducky, Dog Washing Machine

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How To Report Pet Food Complaint to FDA

If you suspect your pet has gotten sick from it’s food or you think there’s something wrong with the food, be sure to file a report with the FDA. The FDA has instructions on the information to include and where to file the report. It’s okay if you don’t have all the info. listed, just include as much as you can.

If you transfer your pet food to bins or other containers, it’s important that you keep the packaging until all the food is eaten so you can provide information on the variety, point of manufacture, lot numbers, best-by dates, etc.  I haven’t been good about this at all.

When you file a report, you’ll deal with your state’s Complaint Coordinator.  Check the FDA list for each State’s contact information.

I think it’s also a good idea:

  • to file a report with the manufacturer and let them know you’ve filed one with the FDA
  • to get your veterinarian to file a report
  • to be diligent about reporting concerns given how long it can take the FDA to respond
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Pet Food Recall: Merrick, Nature’s Variety

photo credit: Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH

Typical

A tale of 2 pet food recalls—one typical and one that shows how it should be done.  First, the typical recall, as preformed by Merrick for their Beef Filet Squares Dog Treats.  During testing, the FDA “detected a positive finding for Salmonella. (Find info. about Salmonella below.) A follow-up inspection found deficiencies in the packaging and manufacturing processes.”  Merrick issued a press release about the recall on a Friday.  (Friday night press releases happened all the time during the huge melamine contamination recalls.  Friday nights were late nights for me during that time because recalls would be issued in the middle of the night on Fridays so the stories would get minimal coverage.  It’s a tradition in business and government.) There is no sign Merrick has done anything to better insure the safety of their product and there’s no word on how to get your money back.  Swell.

The recalled product is:

  • Beef Filet Squares Dog Treats—Item # 60016 / Lot Code “9323 best buy 111911” in 10 ounce green, red & tan resealable plastic bag


Setting a good example

Moving on to the atypical recall as performed by Nature’s Variety.  Results from their own testing done by an outside facility showed possible salmonella contamination. (Find info. about Salmonella below.) Nature’s Variety announced the recall on a Thursday and when they expanded the recall, they announced it on a Monday, insuring maximum news coverage.  Nature’s Variety has instituted new safety measures using High Pressure Pasteurization and practices “a test and hold protocol to ensure that all High Pressure Pasteurized Raw Frozen Diets test negative for harmful bacteria before being released for sale.”  The expanded recall was done to remove any product made before the new safety measures were in place.  To get a refund or replacement, bring your receipt or empty package in a sealed bag to your local retailer.

A company taking responsibility for the safety of its product and providing customer service???  What a concept!  Are you paying attention Merrick?

The recall includes the following products with a “Best If Used By” date of 10/29/10 or 11/9/10:

  1. UPC#7 69949 60131 9 – Chicken Formula 0.75 lb trial sized medallions
  2. UPC#7 69949 60130 2 – Chicken Formula 3 lb medallions
  3. UPC#7 69949 60120 3 – Chicken Formula 6 lb patties
  4. UPC#7 69949 60121 0 – Chicken Formula 2 lb single chubs

The products included in the expanded recall are any Chicken Formula or Organic Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet with a “Best If Used By” date on or before 2/5/11, including:

  1. UPC#7 69949 60131 9 – Chicken Formula 0.75 lb trial sized medallions
  2. UPC#7 69949 60130 2 – Chicken Formula 3 lb medallions
  3. UPC#7 69949 60120 3 – Chicken Formula 6 lb patties
  4. UPC#7 69949 60121 0 – Chicken Formula 2 lb single chubs
  5. UPC#7 69949 50121 3 – Chicken Formula 12 lb case of chubs
  6. UPC#7 69949 60137 1 – Organic Chicken Formula 3 lb medallions
  7. UPC#7 69949 60127 2 – Organic Chicken Formula 6 lb patties


What you need to know about Salmonella

Salmonella can cause serious illness in cats and dogs and there can be cross-contamination to humans causing serious illness in humans.

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