Pet Food Recall: Iams, River Run & Marksman

All 3 recalls are due to possible aflatoxin contamination. Learn more about aflatoxin and aflatoxin toxicosis.  Possible signs your pet has been affected include: lethargy, weakness, loss of appetite, vomiting, bloody diarrhea or black-tarry stool, yellow mucous membranes and possibly seizures.

 

Procter & Gamble is recalling Iams Proactive Health Smart Puppy dry dog food with “Use By” or Expiration Dates of February 5 or February 6, 2013.

  • 7.0 lb bag, Code Date: 12784177I6, UPC Code: 1901402305
  • 8.0 lb bag, Code Date: 12794177D2 or 12794177D3, UPC Code: 1901410208
  • 17.5 lb bagCode Date: 12794177K1 or 12794177K2, UPC Code: 1901401848
This follows what P&G described as a “product retrieval” (not a recall) of certain Iams dog AND cat food issued in November.  Now it has escalated to a recall, but only of the dog food, even though the Code Date 12794177D3 is the same as the one associated with a cat food in the earlier “product retrieval”. (via PetsitUSA)  The food safety microbiologist, Phyllis Entis, MSc., SM(NRCM), who writes the blog eFoodAlert questions why the cat food wasn’t also included in the recall.
For more information about product replacement or refund call P&G toll-free at (866) 908-1569 (Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST) or visit www.iams.com

 

  

Cargill Animal Nutrition is recalling:
  1. PROFESSIONAL FORMULA RIVER RUN HI-NRG 24-20 Dog Food, 50 pound bags
  2. RIVER RUN PROFESSIONAL FORMULA 27-18 Dog Food, 50 pound bags
  3. RIVER RUN 21% Protein Dog Food, 40 and 50 pound bags
  4. RIVER RUN Hi-Pro No-Soy Dog Food, 40 and 50 pound bags
  5. MARKSMAN DOG FOOD 24% Protein 20% Fat, 40 pound bags
  6. MARKSMAN DOG FOOD 20% Protein 10% Fat, 40 and 50 pound bags
  7. MARKSMAN DOG FOOD 28% Protein 18% Fat, 40 pound bags
All affected product were manufactured in Lecompte, Louisiana, between Dec. 1, 2010, and Dec. 1, 2011., and have a Packaging Date Code (lot number) of either:
  • 4K0335 through 4K0365
  • LL0335 through LL0365
  • 4K1001 through 4K1335
  • or LL1001 through LL1335
Check out pics of packaging of the affected products.  Return product to place of purchase for a full refund.  For more information visit  www.cargill.com/feed/dog-food-recall or call toll free 855-460-1532.

DIY Cat & Dog Toy Round-Up

Yikes, it’s December! I have to get crackin’ on making some presents.  To get you started on gifts for people with pets, here’s a round-up of previous posts on DIY toys for cats & dogs.  They range from crazy-easy to not-too-taxing on the difficulty meter.  Try them out!  You’ll have thoughtful, unique gifts for all the furred ones you know.

 

Crazy-Easy:

3 No-Sew Dog Toys

2 No-Sew Cat Toys

2 Braided Dog Toys


Slingshot Ball for Dogs

 

Some Sewing (some can be done with just needle & thread):

Felt Sushi Cat Toys

3 Easy to Sew Cat Toys

2 Squeaky Dog Toys

Felt Mouse, Bird, Fish Toys for Cats 

Foxtail Dog Toy

Fortune Cookie Cat Toy

Pretty Birdie Cat Toy

 

Knitted:

3 Knitted & Felted Dog Toys

Knitted & Felted Mouse Cat Toy 

Research Beagles 1st Time Seeing Sun & Grass

I’m posting this for two reasons.  First, it’s easy to forget the price paid for a lot of the products & medications we have, and I think no matter how you feel about animal testing, we need to be aware of what is done to animals in the testing of those products & medications.  (I say this as someone whose uncle died from  Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.)  Second, you don’t need to be afraid to adopt an adult dog.  I used to think that I’d only want to have a dog that I got as a puppy because I wanted to ensure that it had the “perfect” upbringing.  Getting our dog Saffron at 6 mos. and these Beagles show dogs can overcome so much when they’re given a chance.

Beagles are commonly used in research because they’re considered easier to handle than other breeds.  When these dogs are “retired” from research, they need a home.  The Beagle Freedom Project works to give these dogs a new life in a real home.