Breaking: MSNBC has just announced: N.Y. state says rodent poison found in pet food that killed several animals. [Update: The manufacturer, Menu Foods, has announced they will reimburse expenses for verified impacted pet owners - see below for more info].
The FDA says it appears to be rat poison that was on wheat gluten imported from China and made it into the pet food. That's the preliminary theory.
A broader question: Is wheat gluten imported from China dangerous?
And, since we're a large exporter of wheat, why is wheat gluten being IMPORTED from China???
Here's a link to the ABC Breaking news story:
ABC News has learned that investigators have determined that a rodent-killing chemical is the toxin in the tainted pet food that has killed several animals.
A source close to the investigation tells ABC News that the rodenticide, which the source says is illegal to use in the United States, was on wheat that was imported from China and used by Menu Foods in nearly 100 brands of dog and cat food.
It's time for healthy (and safe) alternatives.
More below the fold...
After watching the heartbreaking and infuriating news about this Pet Food recall scandal, the news it might be rat poison from wheat in China and, if not, that tainted wheat gluten could be the culprit, I think it's time to look at safer pet food alternatives.
(I would not normally endorse a product, but this is an emergency). I use a food called Life's Abundance for my animals. They have been in perfect health since I changed to it. I can't guarantee that will always be the case, but I am posting the link to the site I purchase it from:
http://www.healthypetnet.com/
That site also has a very interesting article about what goes into commercial pet food.
There are other healthy alternatives. I have heard of a product called Promise (though I have not used it) and others that are carried at health food stores and high end retailers like Whole Foods.
Here's the link with the recalled foods:
http://www.menufoods.com/...
[UPDATE #1] (thanks, acuppajo): Has your pet been affected? Report it here: http://www.PetConnection.com
[UPDATE #2] Important!! If your pet is sick, be sure to TELL your vet about the ingredient suspected in the poisoning, as reported here. The head vet at Cornell mentioned, during his press conference, that there are TREATMENTS for the poisons, as long as the treating vet knows about it.
[UPDATE #3] Menu Foods says they will reimburse expenses for pet owners who can verify their pets were impacted by the recalled food.
And I strongly encourage all pet owners to look at natural alternatives.
Again, here's the link I use (caveat - it works for my pets, not endorsing beyond that):
http://www.healthypetnet.com
They offer free samples, so you can try before you buy.
If you know of other healthy alternatives and/or have a pet story to tell, please post below.