Disaster Plan for Pets ~ Tornadoes

If you live in a part of the country where tornadoes strike, you can increase the chances that your pets will survive a storm by following a few simple steps.

1. Bring your pets inside.

If it's not safe for you outside, it's not safe for them.

2. Keep emergency pet supplies in a tornado-proof room or cellar.

(The supplies should be easy to find and transport, in case you need to evacuate.) Include the basics:

Adequate supply of food, water, and treats

Sanitation items such as a litter box and litter or puppy pads

A crate to provide a secure place in which to weather the storm

3. Make sure that your cat or dog is wearing a collar and identificaton that is up to date and visible at all times.

Increase your chances of being reunited with a lost pet by having him or her microchipped.

4. Practice getting your pets into the tornado-safe area.

Do your best to train your dog to go to the area on command or to come to you on command even when there are distractions.

Learn how to quickly and safely secure your pets.

Find your pets' favorite hiding places and learn how to safely remove your pets from them.

5. Make your tornado-safe area animal friendly.

Close off or eliminate unsafe nooks and crannies where frightened cats may try to hide.

Move dangerous items such as tools or toxic products that have been stored in the area.

6. If you have to evacuate, take your pets and their emergency supplies with you.

Even if you think you will only be gone for a few hours, take your pets. You have no way of knowing how long you'll be kept out of the area, and you may not be able to go back for your pets.

7. Take special care of your pets after the tornado has passed.

Your home may be a very different place after a disaster, which can be very distressing for your pets.

Don't allow your pets to roam loose. Familiar landmarks and smells might be gone, and your pet will probably be disoriented. Pets can easily get lost in such situations.

While you assess the damage, keep dogs on leashes and keep cats in carriers inside the house. If your house is damaged, they could escape and become lost.

Be patient with your pets after a disaster. Try to get them back into their normal routines as soon as possible, and be ready for behavioral problems that may result from the stress of the situation. If behavioral problems persist, or if your pet seems to be having any health problems, talk to your veterinarian.

*Article courtesy of HSUS

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Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her online specialty pet boutique (http://www.TheGiftedPet.com), and premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com

Adopt A Senior Dog ♥

Here at The Gifted Pet, we truly adore the seniors, and we want to challenge you to look behind the fluffy cuteness of a new puppy or kitten and see the beauty that older pets have to offer! Here are our top 10 reasons to adopt a senior dog (also be sure to check out our top 10 reasons to adopt a senior cat). For tips on caring for your older pet, ask us about Senior Pet Care 101.

Top 10 Reasons to Adopt a Senior Dog:

1. Older dogs are house-trained. You won’t have to go through the difficult stage(s) of teaching a puppy house manners and mopping / cleaning up after accidents.

2. Older dogs are not teething puppies, and won’t chew your shoes and furniture while growing up.

3. Older dogs can focus well because they have mellowed. Therefore, they learn quickly.

4. Older dogs have learned what “no” means. If they had not learned it, they would not have gotten to be “older” dogs.

5. Older dogs settle in easily, because they have learned what it takes to get along with others and become part of a pack.

6. Older dogs are good at giving love, once they get into their new, loving home. They are grateful for the second chance they have been given.

7. What You See Is What You Get:  Unlike puppies, older dogs have grown into their shape and personality. Puppies can grow up to be quite different from what they seemed at first.

8. Older dogs are instant companions ~ ready for hiking, car trips, and other things you like to do.

9. Older dogs leave you time for yourself because they don’t make the kinds of demands on your time and attention that puppies and young dogs do.

10. Older dogs let you get a good night’s sleep because they’re accustomed to human schedules and don’t generally need nighttime feedings, comforting, or bathroom breaks.

Choosing to adopt a senior dog is a life saving choice, but don’t adopt one because you feel bad . . . . adopt one because they’re easy going, instant companions.  When senior dogs are surrendered it may be due to a life altering change and is a last resort, however we are finding that lately this is not always the case.  An owner’s ill health, the birth of a child, allergies, senior pet illness, an unforeseen move or financial change; the reasons (or excuses) are many. Senior dogs that end up in shelters are good dogs with no place else to go.  No senior pet deserves to spend the last years of their life in a noisy, scary shelter. By choosing to adopt a senior dog you’re giving him, or her, a second chance at life.  ♥

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Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her online specialty pet boutique (http://www.TheGiftedPet.com), and premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com

Warning to Pet Owners: Avoid These Products Like the Plague

To quote Philly.com:

"NOTHING is certain in life except death and taxes and, increasingly, pet food and treat recalls."

2013 Dog and Cat Food Recalls

According to the FDA website, there were 33 separate recalls of pet food and livestock feed in 2013. On average, that's one every 11 days.

Of the 33 recalls, 21 were for dog and cat food. Here is a brief summary of the recalls by month as captured at AVMA.org. See if you notice anything interesting about what types of products are being recalled . . . . 

January

• All recalls during the month of January were for antibiotic residues in  jerky pet treats. Manufacturers included Cadet (IMS Trading Corp), Milo's Kitchen, Purina, Publix supermarkets, and Hartz Mountain Corp.

February

• Nature's Variety recalled one batch of Instinct® Raw Organic Chicken Formula because pieces of clear plastic may have been in some bags and could cause a potential choking risk to pets.
• Nature's Deli recalled two lots of chicken jerky products for possible salmonella contamination.
• Kassel Associated Industries recalled 46 lots of a variety of products for possible salmonella contamination.
• Nutri-Vet recalled 16 lots of chicken treats for possible salmonella contamination.
• Honest Kitchen recalled 5 lots of product for possible salmonella contamination.
• Hy-Vee recalled 3 lots of product for aflatoxin contamination.

March

• Diggin' Your Dog recalled 1 lot of chicken pet treats for possible salmonella contamination.
• Steve's Real Food recalled 1 lot of product for possible salmonella contamination.
• Diamond Pet Foods recalled 7 lots of various cat food products for low levels of thiamine.
• Bravo! recalled 1 lot of product for possible salmonella contamination.
• Natura Pet Products recalled over 100 lots of California Natural, EVO, Healthwise, and Innova products for possible salmonella contamination.
• Jones Natural Chews recalled 9 lots of products for possible salmonella contamination.
• Iams recalled 10 lots of products for possible mold growth.
• Natura Pet Products issued another recall of several hundred lots of California Natural, EVO, Healthwise, Innova and Karma products for possible salmonella contamination.

April

• BARF World, Inc. recalled 2 products produced on a single day for possible salmonella contamination.
• Bravo! recalled 3 products for possible salmonella contamination.
• Breeders' Choice recalled 1 lot of product for possible salmonella contamination.
• Natural Pet Products issued a third recall, this time for all dry cat food and treats by Karma, Innova, Healthwise, EVO, and California Natural.

June

• Natura Pet Products issued a fourth recall for possible salmonella contamination, for all Mother Nature biscuits/bars/treats, all Karma dry dog food, all Healthwise dry cat food and dry dog food, all California Natural, EVO and Innova dry cat and dog foods and biscuits/bars/treats.
• Robert Abady recalled 2 products for possible salmonella contamination.

July

• Dogswell recalled all Catswell and Dogswell jerky treats for antibiotic residues.

August

• Iams and Eukanuba recalled dozens of lots of dry dog and cat food for possible salmonella contamination.
• Purina pulled 1 lot of dry dog food for possible salmonella contamination.

September

• Kritter's Kitchen Kreations recalled jerky pet treats for possible salmonella contamination.

October

• Bailey's Choice Dog Treats recalled several jerky products for possible salmonella contamination.

Worth Noting

Not only were pet jerky treats pulled from store shelves for the presence of  illegal antibiotic residues, but several brands were also recalled for potential salmonella contamination. It seems like a "no brainer" that EVERY pet owner should avoid these products for the foreseeable future.  If you are still taking a chance with your pet's health, and possibly his or her very life by feeding these questionable brands, we really have to ask you, "Why?!".  Sadly, these recalls and other incidents just keep on happening.  Refer to our blog archives for additional articles as recent as a few weeks ago.  Pet parents must remain vigilant about what they are feeding their pets.  If you don't look out for your pets, who will?!  Certainly not any of the pet food companies on this list, and many others out there whose only concern is their profit margin.   

Click Here to View Our Video!

*Portions of this article courtesy of Mercola

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Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her online specialty pet boutique (http://www.TheGiftedPet.com), and premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com

Life's Abundance Looks Like Brand "X" ~ The Meatloaf Story

Dr. Jane Bicks, DVM, is the nationally known holistic veterinarian who formulates pet products for Life's Abundance.  Dr. Jane tells “The Meatloaf Story.” You're probably wondering why the product formulator for Life's Abundance pet products is talking about meatloaf. Read on and you'll find out . . . . 

The Story

Betty and Bill are two singles who’ve each been asked to bring a meatloaf to their social group’s get-together on Saturday. Bill has never made a meatloaf, but he knows Betty makes a good one, so he asks her for her recipe. Betty is happy to share her recipe and sends this to Bill.

Ingredients:

    2 pounds ground beef
    1/2 cup bread crumbs
    1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
    2 eggs, beaten
    1/4 cup finely chopped onion
    2 tablespoons finely chopped green bell pepper
    1 teaspoon salt
    1/4 teaspoon ground thyme
    1/4 teaspoon ground marjoram
    1/4 cup ketchup
    2 tablespoons light corn syrup

Directions:

1. Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Combine ground beef, cracker crumbs, tomato sauce, eggs, onion, bell pepper, salt, thyme, and marjoram in a large bowl and mix well. Shape beef mixture into a loaf. Place loaf in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Meanwhile, mix ketchup and corn syrup in a small bowl to make a glaze.
3. Remove baking dish from the oven and remove foil. Brush glaze onto the loaf. Return baking dish to the oven uncovered, and continue baking until loaf is no longer pink in the center, 15 to 20 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).

Friday night, Bill suddenly remembers the meatloaf he’s supposed to make. He wants to play golf on Saturday, so he decides he better make his meatloaf tonight. Fortunately for Bill, he had picked up some ground beef when he was at the store last week because it was on sale. As far as he can tell, it’s still good ~ that gray color doesn’t really matter, does it?

Bill begins to go through the ingredient list. He’s got the beef, and the bread crumbs are easy. He doesn’t know why he was saving all those bread heels in his fridge. He just didn’t like throwing out things he had paid for, and now he can use them. The fact that they are stale and hard as rocks just makes them easier to turn into crumbs.

He has to dig around but finally finds an old can of tomato sauce. The “best by” date is two years past, but it’s in a can! It can’t go bad, right?

Darn! He’s out of eggs ~ but then he remembers. He’s got some leftover powdered egg from that hiking trip he went on last summer ~ that’ll do.

Hmm, 1/4 cup finely chopped onion ~ no fresh onion, but luckily, his mom bought him a spice rack when he went off to college (ten years ago) and he remembers a bottle labeled “Onion Powder.” It looks like about a ¼ cup.

Then 2 tablespoons of finely chopped green bell pepper—no bell pepper either. But not to fear! Bill is the luckiest man alive. It just so happens that he ordered pizza last night, or was it the night before? It had bell peppers on it and he has half a pizza left in the fridge. He manages to pick off just enough bell pepper for this recipe.

Salt is not a problem ~ but where’s that teaspoon measure? Oh well, a few dashes ought to do.

He’s got the 1/4 teaspoon ground thyme and 1/4 teaspoon ground marjoram covered ~ thanks, Mom! In go a few dashes of each.

Ketchup he has. Bill loves ketchup. Can’t have too much ketchup!

And finally corn syrup. He doesn’t quite have two tablespoons left ~ but corn oil is about the same thing, right?

Bill mixes all the ingredients together, including the ketchup, which he likes a lot, and the corn syrup/oil. He puts it in the pan and then into the oven, which he forgot to preheat. No biggie! Just turn it up a little extra.

Then Bill goes to watch the ball game. It’s a sleeper; and sleep he does ~ until he smells something burning. Bill runs to the kitchen and grabs the meatloaf from the oven. Had he remembered to cover it as the instructions said, it might not have been so black on top. Well, the glaze will cover it! Oops! The ingredients for the glaze are in the meatloaf ~ but not to worry; Bill has plenty of ketchup and corn oil.

He makes more glaze and then puts the meatloaf in the refrigerator to keep until tomorrow.

Saturday morning, Betty gets up early and goes to the butcher. She picks the choicest cuts of sirloin and has the butcher trim it and turn it into ground beef. On the way home she stops by the bakery for fresh bread crumbs and the grocery store because she’s out of corn syrup and needs a fresh onion.

When Betty gets home, she goes through her normal Saturday routine until about three hours before the get-together. She makes her own tomato sauce from the tomatoes she picked this afternoon from her vegetable garden. Then she turns on the oven to precisely 350° to preheat and gathers her ingredients. The bell pepper, thyme, and marjoram also come from her garden. The eggs she bought this morning from her neighbor who keeps a few laying hens. She combines the ingredients according to the instructions, places the loaf in the pan, covers with foil, places it in the oven, and sets the timer. Then she makes the glaze and goes to put on her makeup.

One hour later she puts on the glaze, returns the meatloaf to the oven, uncovered, and sets the timer for another 20 minutes. She goes and gets dressed. When the timer goes off, she checks the meatloaf with her instant-read thermometer ~ it reads 167 degrees. Done! She’s off to the party.

Bill’s golf game lasts longer than he expected, so he’s running late. He gets home, jumps in the shower, throws on some clean clothes, and rushes out the door. Five minutes later he’s back ~ he forgot his meatloaf. He knows he can’t take a cold meatloaf, but he doesn’t want to be too late either. He quickly puts the meatloaf in the oven and turns it up as high as it will go, all the way on broil, and sets the timer for ten minutes. As soon as the timer goes off, he grabs the meatloaf and heads out the door.

Now imagine that you are at this gathering of friends, and you have the choice of the two meatloaves. Both were made from the same recipe. If the ingredients were labeled (as on a bag of cat or dog food), the ingredient lists would be identical. Even considering the corn oil substitute in Bill’s meatloaf, the FDA allows a “temporary” substitution (up to six months) without changing a label.

So which meatloaf would you choose? Which meatloaf represents “quality”? Which one represents “freshness”? Would you know the difference between the two if all you had to go on were the ingredients listed on labels?

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Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her online specialty pet boutique (http://www.TheGiftedPet.com), and premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com

Senior Pet Project ♥

Keeping Senior Pets in Forever Homes & Helping Seniors Keep Their Pets™

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As a life-long rescued pet parent, animal lover and animal rights advocate with a soft spot for the seniors in need . . . both pets and people . . . I was raised to respect ALL living beings, as well as the wisdom of our elders, regardless of species.

In March 2013, I was brought to tears by the story of a senior couple who reluctantly left their 13 1/2 year old senior dachshund wrapped in a blanket in a basket outside Baldwin Park Animal Shelter in California. Attached to his basket was a heartbreaking letter:

“Our dog is 13½ years old. He is sick starting yesterday with bloody stools, vomiting. Had a skin disease for a few years. We are both seniors, sick with no money. We cannot pay for vet bills, or to put him to sleep. He has never been away from us in all those years. He cannot function without us. Please put him to sleep.” 

You can read the entire story at Life With Dogs here: Senior Dog Left With Note by Heartbroken Senior Owners

There are many stories that have reduced me to tears, anger, heartache, and that helpless feeling of wishing I could do more.  I now feel compelled to do more, hence the creation of the Senior Pet Project. My mission is simple . . . . keep senior pets out of the shelters, and keep pets in their homes with their senior people (or others in need), who are on fixed incomes. No true pet lover should have to choose between paying for their own expenses and paying for their pet's basic needs . . . . food, treats and regular vet care. 

It is beyond frustrating to constantly hear the heartbreaking stories about shameless owners dumping their senior pets at a shelter, or God forbid, on the side of the road, leaving them lost, confused, frightened and alone. Rarely is there a valid reason. 

The money raised for this project will be used to set up a 501(c)3 (non-profit) foundation, Senior Pet Project, as well as go toward setting up a fund for education & awareness campaigns (pets are family, senior pets deserve better, pets are forever . . . not just "until", etc.), and from which we can assist those folks in need with daily necessities including food, pet supplies, quality vet care & transportation . . . . whatever is needed to best care for their pets . . . . and, to give everyone peace of mind.

Eventually, we hope to open a sanctuary for senior pets who have been abandoned, are deemed "unadoptable", are terminally ill, or who need a place to live out the remainder of their twilight years.

Please help me bring Senior Pet Project to life by donating today. You can help make a difference in the lives of senior pets, as well as their senior people.

http://www.gofundme.com/SeniorPetProject

*In loving memory of Homer Dog, Kenya Cat, Modaka Cat, Patrik Pug, and all the senior pets that I have been blessed enough to share my home with in my lifetime.  This project is also dedicated to Niklas, my soulmate, life partner, confidante and so much more, who was taken from us far to soon.  I miss you every single day . . . ♥

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Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her online specialty pet boutique (http://www.TheGiftedPet.com), and premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com

Aflatoxins, Melamine, and Cyanuric Acid Found In Purina One, Hill's Science Diet, Solid Gold, Iams, AvoDerm, Purina Pro Plan Pet Foods

Disturbing articles out of Hong Kong and South China today. If you are feeding one of the brands listed, will you be contacting the manufacturer to ask them what testing they have done here in the US?

The first one: Cancer-causing toxin found in Hong Kong pet food sparks alarm:

The U.S. manufactured pet foods the Consumer Council found to contain aflatoxin B1 are: 

• Purina One Smart Blend Chicken & Rice Formula Adult Dog Food

• Hill’s Science Diet Adult Optimal Care Cat Food

• AvoDerm Natural Chicken & Herring Meal Formula Adult Cat Food

The Consumer Council reported their testing found melamine in:

• Solid Gold Adult Dog Food

• Iams Chicken Cat Food

And cyanuric acid was found in:

• Purina Pro Plan Salmon Cat Food

In 2007, melamine and cyanuric acid were found to be the deadly cause of the largest pet food recall in history.

The kibble that your pet dog loves could contain harmful substances.

A cancer-causing toxin has been found in seven types of pet food sold in Hong Kong.

The Consumer Council said its findings would cause concern among Hong Kong's 286,300 pet-keeping households about the lack of laws regulating animal-food safety.

The council's recent tests on 39 dry pet products - 20 dog foods and 19 cat foods - showed the amounts of aflatoxin B1 found in four dog foods and three cat foods ranged from one to two micrograms per kilogram. They include Purina One Smart Blend chicken and rice formula adult premium dog food, and Kitekat tuna flavour for adult cats.

There are no local laws that specify the level of carcinogens permitted in pet foods, but the level falls within the European Union regulations' safety limits.

Vets told the council that short-term consumption was unlikely to cause a health risk, but long-term consumption could increase the risk of liver impairment, liver tumours and suppression of the immune system.

"Human beings eat a variety of food, and face lower health risks even if a particular food item is found to be problematic. Some pets, however, are fed only one type of dried pet food [and have higher risks]," Consumer Council chief executive Gilly Wong Fung-han said.

The tests also revealed two contaminants: melamine in Solid Gold adult dog food and Iams chicken cat food; and cyanuric acid in Purina Pro Plan salmon cat food and 1st Choice short-hair cat food. Vets said the detected levels did not cause health concerns, but that pet owners should not mix the brands as the contaminants were more toxic when combined.

According to a 2006 Census and Statistics Department survey, one in every eight Hong Kong households kept pets. Given this popularity, the government should assess the need for laws safeguarding animal food, Wong said.

One manufacturer of the pet foods found with aflatoxin B1, Purina One, said the carcinogen was an "unavoidable natural contaminant" found in grains such as corn, barley and rice. Another, AvoDerm, said it had since replaced the corn in its formula that was believed to be the source of the carcinogen.

Animal welfare groups supported legislation.

"Both pet food and human food goes into the stomach. Why is there no regulation for pet food?" Gloria Li Suk-fun, of Stop - Save HK's Cats and Dogs, said.

Sally Andersen of Hong Kong Dog Rescue said many pet owners tried to save money by buying cheap dog food, but ended up paying more to the vets.

This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as Cancer-causing toxin in pet food sparks alarm:

Here is the press release: 

Harmful Substances Uncovered in Dry Food for Pets - CHOICE # 450 (April 15, 2014)

A Consumer Council test on dry pet food has detected harmful substances in some of these products.

Although they are unlikely to pose immediate health concern because of the relatively low amount detected, pet owners tasked with the choice of food for their pets are rightly worrisome.

The test, on 39 dry pet foods comprising 20 dog foods and 19 cat foods, revealed the presence of the carcinogen aflatoxin B1, and the contaminants, melamine and cyanuric acid, in some of the samples.

Trace amount of aflatoxin B1, ranging from 1.0 to 2.0 µg/kg dry pet food, was found in 7 models - 4 dog foods and 3 cat foods.

Aflatoxins are produced by various species of a group of toxin-producing fungus found on crops. Among the aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1 and G2), aflatoxin B1 is most commonly found in crops, and is the most toxic and carcinogenic. Exposure to aflatoxin B1 may cause liver damage and cirrhosis in animals.

The consolation (if any) is: the levels of aflatoxin B1 found in the samples are all within the safety limits established by the European Union Commission Regulation (EU) No. 574/2011.

The EU sets the maximum amount of aflatoxin B1 in animal feeds (with a moisture content of 12%) at 0.01 ppm (10 µg/kg) in complementary and complete feed, and at 0.02 ppm (20 µg/kg) in feed materials (when animals are given a diet consisting of various feed materials).

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also sets action level for the regulation of aflatoxins content in animal feeds and feeding ingredients.

Veterinarians are generally of the opinion that the low amounts of aflatoxin B1 detected in the test samples are unlikely to cause a health risk to pets for short-term consumption.

However, they caution that since aflatoxin B1 is a known carcinogen, it should best be avoided; long-term exposure to aflatoxin B1 could increase the risk of liver impairment, tumors in liver, and suppressed immune system.

The level of risk depends on the species, age of animal, health condition, doses and duration of aflatoxin exposure. Young animals, and pets in pregnancy, are usually more sensitive to aflatoxin.

Pets with symptoms such as lethargy, weakness, loss of appetite, vomiting, bloody diarrhea should be brought to the vet for medical attention.

Besides the detection of aflatoxin B1, 2 models were found with the contaminant melamine and 2 others with cyanuric acid, both in only small quantities.

Melamine and melamine-related compounds such as cyanuric acid were at the centre of a widespread outbreak of renal failure and deaths of cats and dogs in 2007 when some pet food products were found with the contaminants. It was suspected that such harmful substances were added to pet food ingredients to increase the apparent protein levels of the products.

The Codex Alimentarius Commission, the USFDA and the EU Regulation all adopted the maximum melamine level to be limited at 2.5 mg/kg for animal feeds. All samples in the test were found to be in compliance with the requirement.

In the opinion of veterinarians, the detected amounts of melamine and cyanuric acid are of a very low level and since the two contaminants exist individually in the samples, and are not in co-existence, there is no cause for undue concern over the health risk they pose to pets.

The danger arises when both contaminants, though individually of a low acute toxicity, are taken in combination which is far more toxic than either compound alone.

Exposure to both substances may lead to formation of crystals, resulting in blockage of tubules in kidneys that may cause acute renal failure in animals.

Care should be taken if mixing different brands of dry food in order to avoid the hazard of feeding both contaminants to your pets.

Unbeknown to probably many pet owners is the availability of information regarding daily feeding instruction on all pet-food labels. Owing to the varied nutritional contents per gram of different products, the daily feed amount differs also from brand to brand.

As such, when changing brand, consumers are advised to read the daily feeding instruction so as not to over-or under-feed your pets.

All samples were found to be free of Salmonella and E. Coli O157. These are pathogens harmful also to humans.

Some useful tips for pet lovers:

~ Read the ingredient list and "use by" or "best fed by" date before purchase. Buy the right amount . . . . do not buy in big bulk.  Store pet food properly in its original package inside an air-tight container in a dry area ~ not in a humid environment.  And, in the event the food deteriorates and smells, it should be discarded immediately.

~ Always clean the food dishes thoroughly to keep the fresh food safe.

~ Feed your pets with reference to the daily feeding instructions.  Feed the pet food as soon as possible once you have opened the package.

Put a PREMIUM on Your Pet's Health!  Choose Life's Abundance!  

Life's Abundance has been in business since 1999 and has NEVER BEEN RECALLED, and our food is delivered FRESH to your door.  

Life's Abundance products are formulated by holistic vet, Dr. Jane Bicks.  

Stop taking chances with big commercial pet foods that are repeat offenders!  If your pet is family, your best friend, your loved one ~ treat them like it!  

Please don't feed foods from manufacturers with constant problems. 

 Watch our videos here.

Top Tips to Prevent Malicious Poisoning of Your Pets

Don't let your pet be the victim of a cruel act! The Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) receives far too many calls from pet parents whose animals were maliciously poisoned ~ sometimes right in their own backyards. APCC has provided the following tips to prevent this from happening to your animal companions:

* Be a good neighbor! Please don’t allow your pets to have access to your neighbors’ yards and trash cans. If your dog is an incessant barker and/or howls and whines while you are away, you may want to work with an animal behaviorist or dog trainer to solve the problem. Should your neighbors have concerns, try to address them in a positive, constructive manner to avoid serious conflicts.

* Keep your pet safe and secure! Is your pet allowed outdoors in your fenced-in or otherwise secure area? It’s smart to do routine checks of this enclosed area.

* Keep your yard clean. Be sure to remove unfamiliar or questionable items from your yard or pet enclosure.

* Supervision is key. Do not allow your pets to spend significant amounts of time unsupervised outdoors.

* Two is better than one! Develop relationships with neighbors who have pets. You can join forces to create a neighborhood watch for the companion animals in the area. Be alert for anything out of the ordinary!

* Never let your pet run loose. Animals who are allowed to roam simply have more opportunities to get into potentially poisonous substances.

* Just say no. Teach your pet not to accept food or treats from strangers.

* Speak up! Report any suspicious behavior to local authorities. Remember, animal cruelty is a crime!

Make the call! If you suspect that your pet has been poisoned, call the Animal Poison Control Center immediately at (888) 426-4435 (charges may apply).

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Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her online specialty pet boutique (http://www.TheGiftedPet.com), and premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com

Cat Food Recall - The Robert Abady Dog Food Co., LLC RECALLS "Abady Highest Quality Maintenance & Growth Formula for Cats" BECAUSE OF POSSIBLE HEALTH RISK

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 8, 2014 - The Robert Abady Dog Food Co., LLC of Poughkeepsie, NY, is recalling its 2 lb, 5 lb & 15 lb boxes of "Abady Highest Quality Maintenance & Growth Formula for Cats" because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.  Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.  In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis. 

The recalled "Highest Quality Maintenance & Growth Formula for Cats" were distributed nationwide in retail stores and through mail orders.

The product comes in a 2 lb, 5 lb & 15 lb, corrugated boxes with plastic liners marked with lot # 14029/21 stamped on the right side top of the box.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the company revealed the presence of Salmonella in some 2 lb, 5 lb & 15 lb boxes of "Abady Highest Quality Cat Maintenance & Growth Formula for Cats."

Production of the product has been suspended while FDA and the company continue their investigation as to the source of the problem.

Consumers who have purchased 2 lb, 5 lb & 15 lb boxes of "Abady Highest Quality Maintenance & Growth Formula for Cats" are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-845-473-1900, Monday – Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm, ET.

Recall from the FDA - http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm392618.htm

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http://www.lifesabundance.com/Pets/PetsHome.aspx?realname=20146745

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LIFE'S ABUNDANCE CAT AND DOG FOOD HAS NEVER BEEN RECALLED AND IS SHIPPED FRESH TO YOUR DOOR! LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ENTIRE LIFE'S ABUNDANCE PRODUCT LINE HERE!

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Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her online specialty pet boutique (http://www.TheGiftedPet.com), and premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com

From a Dog's Point of View . . . .

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Regular separation from you will be painful and can even cause depression. Think before you adopt me.

2. Give me time to understand what you want from me don't be impatient, short-tempered or irritable.

3. Place your trust in me and I will always trust you back, respect is earned, not given as some sort of inalienable right.

4. Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment. I am not capable of understanding why I am being locked up. I only know I have been rejected. You have your work, entertainment and friends. I only have you.

5. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your tone. "You only have to look at my tail" to know that.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget, if that treatment is unjust or bad, it may spoil the special bond between us.

7. Please do not hit me. I cannot hit back, but I can bite and scratch and I don't ever want to feel the need to do that.

8. Before you tell me off me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy, ask yourself if something might be wrong with me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food or I've been out in the sun too long, maybe my heart is getting old and weak, or maybe I'm just dog-tired.

9. Take care of me when I get old. You too will grow old and will also want care, love, and affection.

10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't bear to watch" or "Let it happen in my absence". Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, irrespective of what you do I will always love you.

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Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her online specialty pet boutique (http://www.TheGiftedPet.com), and premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com