Nature's Variety Pet Food Recall

March 10, 2010: The Lincoln, Nebraska pet food manufacturer Nature's Variety recently recalled all of their Chicken Formula & Organic Chicken products with a "Best if Used By" date on or before 2/5/11 after receiving test results that indicated these products may have been contaminated with Salmonella. The "Best if Used By" date can be found above the handling instructions on the back of the packages. Nature's Variety are asking consumers to return any unopened products to the store they purchased the products from in order to receive a refund or exchange. However, those products that have been opened can be thrown away and consumers can bring in their receipt to the store they purchased the product from for a refund or exchange. According to the Nature's Variety website, the following products with UPC codes may be affected:

* UPC#7 69949 60130 2 – Chicken Formula 3 lb medallions

* UPC#7 69949 60120 3 – Chicken Formula 6 lb patties

* UPC#7 69949 60121 0 – Chicken Formula 2 lb single chubs

* UPC#7 69949 50121 3 – Chicken Formula 12 lb retail display case of chubs

* UPC#7 69949 60137 1 – Organic Chicken Formula 3 lb medallions

* UPC#7 69949 60127 2 – Organic Chicken Formula 6 lb patties 

Thiamine Deficiency: Cat Food Recall

October 12, 2009: Diamond Pet Foods has just announced a voluntary recall of their Premium Edge Finicky Adult Cat and Premium Edge Hairball cat foods with the following date codes: RAF0501A22X 18 lb, RAF0501A2X 6 lb, RAH0501A22X 18 lb, and RAH0501A2X 6 lb.

Nutro Takes Puppy Food Off Shelves

Cocoa Mulch

Cocoa mulch is a widely distributed garden product that can be lethal if ingested by dogs and cats. Cocoa beans contain the stimulants caffeine and theobromine. Dogs are highly sensitive to these chemicals, called methylxanthines. In dogs, low doses of methylxanthine can cause mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea, and/or abdominal pain); higher doses can cause rapid heart rate, muscle tremors, seizures, and death. Some manufacturers of cocoa mulch proclaim that their products are theobromine-free and pet safe. Responsible pet owners should take care in their selection of cocoa mulch brands; some might prefer to choose other types of mulch for their gardens, such as cedar-based products, rather than gamble their dogs won't be attracted to or harmed by cocoa mulch.

Pet Food Recalls

On March 15, 2007, The FDA learned that certain pet foods were sickening and killing cats and dogs. FDA found contaminants in vegetable proteins imported into the United States from China and used as ingredients in pet food.

A portion of the tainted pet food was used to produce farm animal feed and fish feed. FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture discovered that some animals that ate the tainted feed had been processed into human food. Government scientists have determined that there is very low risk to human health from consuming food from animals that ate tainted feed. All tainted pet food, animal and fish feed, and vegetable proteins continue to be recalled and destroyed.

FDA and USDA continue their comprehensive investigation to protect the nation's food supply.

South Beach Animal Hospital continues to follow these developments closely and we stand ready to assist our clients in making informed decisions on health diets for your pets.

For more information on specific brands listed in the recall click here.