Category Archives: Nutrition

Midwestern Pet Food Recall

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Example of lot code

Midwestern Pet Foods, Evansville, Indiana is issuing a voluntary recall of specific expiration dates of certain dog and cat food brands including CanineX, Earthborn Holistic, Venture, Unrefined, Sportmix Wholesomes, Pro Pac, Pro Pac Ultimates, Sportstrail, Sportmix and Meridian brands produced at its Monmouth, Illinois Production Facility because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. See full list of recalled products.

Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products. Continue reading Midwestern Pet Food Recall

FDA Expands SportsMix Food Recall After 70 Dogs Die

Fast Facts

FDA is alerting pet owners and veterinary professionals about certain Sportmix pet food products (see list below) manufactured by Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc. in their Oklahoma plant that may contain potentially fatal levels of aflatoxins.
As of January 11, 2021, FDA is aware of more than 70 pets that have died and more than 80 pets that are sick after eating Sportmix pet food. Not all of these cases have been officially confirmed as aflatoxin poisoning through laboratory testing or veterinary record review. This count is approximate and may not reflect the total number of pets affected.
This is an ongoing investigation. Case counts and the scope of this recall may expand as new information becomes available.
Aflatoxins are toxins produced by the mold Aspergillus flavus, which can grow on corn and other grains used as ingredients in pet food. At high levels, aflatoxins can cause illness and death in pets.
Pets experiencing aflatoxin poisoning may have symptoms such as sluggishness, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice (yellowish tint to the eyes or gums due to liver damage), and/or diarrhea. In severe cases, this toxicity can be fatal. In some cases, pets may suffer liver damage but not show any symptoms.
Pet owners should stop feeding their pets the recalled products listed below and consult their veterinarian, especially if the pet is showing signs of illness. The pet owner should remove the food and make sure no other animals have access to the recalled product.
FDA is asking veterinarians who suspect aflatoxin poisoning in their patients to report the cases through the Safety Reporting Portal or by calling their local FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators. Pet owners can also report suspected cases to the FDA. Continue reading FDA Expands SportsMix Food Recall After 70 Dogs Die

Canine Thanksgiving Dinner

Theron Turkey

I know, we all want to share a little of our Thanksgiving feasts with our dogs, especially because we may not have as many visitors in this virus-filled year. Just keep in mind there are some things on your table that may not be suitable for your dog.

The biggest problem may be herbs and seasonings. Garlic is a big no-no for your dog. Onions, too, can cause a problem. Grapes, raisins, avacadoes, and nuts are also on the no go list. And no chocolate or alcohol!

So, what can you feed your pup? Continue reading Canine Thanksgiving Dinner

Pet Food Pantries

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From the good folks at Alley Cat Allies, a searchable directory of food pantries that can help you feed your dog while stimulus / relief funds are stalled in Congress.

On the other hand, if you’re flush, you can follow the same link and scroll down to make a donation in support of Alley Cat’s work or use the directory to locate your local pantry and donate to them.

Although Alley Cat Allies is (obviously) focused on felines, most of these pantries assist with dog food as well as cat food.

As the virus surges, please, please, please #StayHomeStaySafe if you can.

Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!

Do Sled Dogs Need Lots of Carbs Before a Race?

When we humans prepare for a marathon, we eat lots of carbs in the days before the race to increase stored muscle energy. But sled dogs have much different metabolic needs. For them, fat content is far more important, with fats making up as much as 60 – 70% of their diets.

How do I know this? Because the Iditarod has launched a new Ask an Iditarod Vet feature, answering all your questions about sled dog health.

I know there are people who think these endurance-based sled dog races are cruel, but these athletic dogs love their jobs and are probably treated better than yours and mine. And it’s not just about racing; I heard today that some of Alaska’s ballots were delivered to their election boards by sled dog!

You can send questions for Iditarod veterinarians to Krystin at [email protected]

Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!

Saturday Survey: Drive-Thru Food

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As you may recall, National Coffee Day was this week, and we talked about how dangerous it is to give caffeine to a dog. Which doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy Starbucks with you; you just have to be smart about what you get for them.

Many of us take our dogs out for car rides, and car rides often include a stop at a drive-through. Do you indulge your dog when you’re there?

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Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!