News, Advice and Resources for Thoughtful Pet People
Comprehensive lists of common food items that are dangerous for cats and for dogs. I like that they not only list the food items, but they also tell why they are dangerous. You can download the lists as pdf’s to print and keep handy. (thanks Margaret)
(Cue zombie sound effects.) In a positive move to protect the safety of out pet’s food, the FDA is banning cow brains and spinal cords from pet food. These are the parts of the cow most likely to carry the prions that cause mad cow disease, also known as bovine spongiform encephalopathy, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans.
So far, dogs appear to be immune to prion caused diseases, however, cats are at risk and can contract feline spongiform encephalopathy. The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine has a good article on our pets and spongiform encephalopathy.
Mars Petcare is recalling over 40 brands of its pet food due to salmonella contamination. Last month, California and Nevada recalled pet food made by Mars Petcare. The Mars press release says the recall only affects 31 states in the U.S. Only?! They are recalling all dry pet food products made in Everson, Pa. between Feb. 18 and July 29.
These are the brands affected by the recall. Be sure to check the chart on the Mars Petcare website to see which varieties and lots are included.
Here is good information on the symptoms & treatment of salmonellosis in dogs & cats. The FDA has information on how to safely handle salmonella contaminated pet food. The Center for Disease has a very informative page on salmonellosis in humans.
