Ainsworth Pet Nutrition Voluntarily Recalls Five Nutrish® Wet Cat Food Varieties

Recall -- Firm Press Release

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

 

Ainsworth Pet Nutrition Voluntarily Recalls Five Nutrish® Wet Cat Food Varieties For Potentially Elevated Vitamin D Levels

Contact:
Consumer:
877-650-3486
www.nutrishforpets.com/news

Media:
Steve Joyce
814-724-7710 ext. 4448
Steve.joyce@ainsworthpets.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 4, 2015 – Ainsworth Pet Nutrition of Meadville, PA is voluntarily recalling five varieties of Rachael Ray™ Nutrish® wet cat food, including Ocean Fish-a-licious, Lip Smackin’ Sardine & Mackerel, Ocean Fish & Chicken Catch-iatore, Tuna Purrfection, and certain lot codes of Paw Lickin’ Chicken & Liver due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin D. Symptoms of excessive vitamin D consumption usually develop within 12-36 hours after ingestion and may include vomiting or diarrhea, increased thirst and urination, and muscle tremors or seizures. Any cat experiencing these symptoms should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.

Two variety packs that contain some of these recalled products (the Chicken Lovers Variety Pack, and the Ocean Lovers Variety Pack) will also be recalled. The recalled products are distributed nationwide. No other Rachael Ray™ Nutrish® products are affected by this recall.

Single Pack	Unit UPC Code	Best By Dates Thru
PAW LICKIN CHICKEN AND LIVER (2.8 oz)	071190007032	AUG 17 2015
OCEAN FISH AND CHICKEN CATCH-IATORIE (2.8 oz)	071190007049	DEC 1 2016
OCEAN FISH A LICIOUS (2.8 oz)	071190007056	DEC 1 2016
TUNA PURRFECTION (2.8 oz)	071190007063	DEC 1 2016
LIP SMACKIN SARDINE AND MACKEREL (2.8 oz)	071190007070	DEC 1 2016

Multi Packs - 12 Count	Unit UPC Code	Best By Dates Thru
CHICKEN LOVERS VARIETY PACK (12 count pack of 2.8 oz cups)	071190007773	DEC 1 2016
OCEAN LOVERS VARIETY PACK (12 count pack of 2.8 oz cups)	071190007780	DEC 1 2016

The UPC code can be found on the bottom of the cup. The Best By code can be found on the side of the cup.

To date, there have been 11 reports of illness associated with these products.

After conducting a number of product tests, Ainsworth confirmed that the affected products have elevated levels of vitamin D. The high levels result from the natural levels of vitamin D that are found in some of the fish ingredients that were used in these specific formulas.

"At Ainsworth Pet Nutrition and Rachael Ray™ Nutrish®, the safety and quality of our products is our top priority," says Jeff Watters, CEO. "For the time being, we recommend disposing of any of the affected wet cat varieties. Rest assured we have implemented additional operating procedures to prevent an issue like this from occurring in the future. We sincerely apologize to our loyal consumers everywhere."

Ainsworth is working to ensure the removal of all affected products from store shelves. Retailers with affected products are asked to contact 888-943-4218 for additional information.

Consumers with questions about the recall are encouraged to contact Ainsworth’s Consumer Care Team at 877-650-3486 or visit www.nutrishforpets.com/news.

Representatives will be available from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. ET Monday thru Friday and 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday.

Vitamin D is important in regulating calcium and phosphorus in a cat’s body. But, when ingested at very high levels, it can lead to serious health issues.

Production of the affected varieties has been suspended and will resume after reformulation.

TIRED OF PET FOOD RECALLS?

Choose Life's Abundance Dog and Cat Food! They have NEVER been recalled and the food is shipped fresh to your door within 4-6 weeks of being made. They have been in business since 1999! Choose a pet food you can trust! This food is only sold online to ensure you receive the freshest food possible. Click Here to order.

www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com

Protect Your Pet's Health Today with Pet Insurance by Hartville!

What is Pet Insurance?

Pet insurance helps you afford quality veterinary care so you can give your pet the best care possible. Hartville Pet Insurance has 4 increasing levels of protection that can cover your pet for accidents, illnesses, wellness care, ongoing conditions and more.

Why do I need it?

The costs of veterinary care are rising, especially as more sophisticated treatments become available for animals. Hartville Pet Insurance can help you focus more on your pet's care and less on finances.

How does it work?

It's easy! Take your pet to any vet in the US or Canada and pay for the services. Then fill out a simple claim form and mail, fax, or email it with your receipts. You can track the status of your claims conveniently online at the free Member Center.

How much will I get reimbursed?

Hartville Pet Insurance plans reimburse 90% of usual and customary covered charges after a low $100 annual deductible per pet. You can also customize our plans to your budget with additional deductible and co-insurance options.

Why choose us?

You'll enjoy valuable coverage that helps you prepare financially for the unexpected. Plus, we have a 30-day money back guarantee as long as no claims are covered. That way, you can try us out risk-free!

How do I get started?

Just log on HERE, then enter your pet’s name and be sure that Priority Code 7466 is pre-filled in the box.  Click on "Get Started" to see what coverage options are available for your pet. You can then enroll online in minutes or save your quote to finish later.

The Scoop on Grain-Free Pet Foods

This month, we are talking about finding the perfect pet food that reflects both your expectations and represents the best veterinary science has to offer. In particular, we’ll be taking a closer look at grains in dog and cat foods, addressing the top three concerns of pet parents. Are these concerns valid or are they misrepresentations of reality? The truth may surprise you!

The Belief Grains Are Responsible for Allergies

Food allergies or adverse food reactions are abnormal reactions to ingredients found in everyday foods. Recent estimates indicate that less than 5% of skin diseases in dogs and cats are accurately diagnosed as being caused by a food allergy. Even though the incidence of adverse food reactions remains unclear, a lot of pet parents believe that grains are prime suspects. However, the most commonly identified food allergens among dogs and cats are proteins in beef, dairy, chicken, soy and corn. Food allergies can cause itchy skin alone or even gastrointestinal problems as well.

The place where many pet parents get confused is comparing canine or feline food reactions to celiac disease in humans, which is a heritable autoimmune disease associated with a hypersensitivity to gluten proteins in wheat, barley, and rye. There has been a very rare similar heritable gluten sensitivity described in a small number of dogs with the symptoms being weight loss, weakness, vomiting and diarrhea, but celiac disease and adverse food reactions in companion animals are rare.

The Belief Grains Have No Real Nutritive Value

Whole grains, like the ones used in many of our foods, contain the entire kernel. Whole grains are used in human and pet food because they pack a nutritional punch. Not only are they a good source of carbohydrates, they also contain essential fatty acids, amino acids, dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, protein and even antioxidants! They add to the nutritional profile of the food, which means that they add to your pet’s nutrition as well. The grains used in our foods meet or exceed the criteria of the European Community, which currently exceed U.S. standards for quality.

The Belief That Pets Can’t Digest Grains

Some pet parents believe that carbohydrates from grains are not easily digested by dogs or cats. Like other mammals, cats and dogs have a metabolic need for carbohydrates in the form of glucose. Glucose fuels many parts of the body, including the brain, nervous system, red blood cells, the kidneys, and the female reproductive organs during pregnancy and lactation. If the diet fails to provide sufficient carbohydrates, the body can manufacture glucose by robbing it from amino acids (the building blocks for protein) and triglycerides (in fat), but this is hardly ideal. Both dogs and cats will utilize glucose from ingested carbohydrates to meet their needs. Additionally, both species have sufficient digestive enzymes to allow for the efficient digestion of properly cooked carbohydrates. We know that not only is the quality of the grains important, but also the manner in which they are cooked. Our foods are prepared in such a way that the grains are broken down during the cooking before they enter the intestines, allowing them to be digested more easily.

So What is the Truth?

The key takeaway from all of these points . . . . you must feed the food that most closely meets your own standards and expectations for your pet kid. After all, you know them better than anyone! For all of you who want the best grain-free option for your companion animal, I’m pleased to tell you that our two latest foods are both grain-free!

Grain-Free Formulas That Are Nutritionally Balanced

Like all our foods, our new grain-free foods offer excellent, balanced nutrition. Rather than relying on grain content, these natural formulas do have carbohydrates such as peas, potatoes and a selection of healthy vegetables in the grain-free dog food. Ideal for all life stages, our newest nutritious foods provide another great option for pet parents who want the best for their dogs and cats. For detailed information about these products, including ingredients, guaranteed analyses and more, visit our site at www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com today.

References

Verlinden A, Hesta M, Millet S, et all. Food allergy in dogs and cats: a review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2006;46:259-73

Carciofi AC, Takakura FS, de-Oliveira MC, et al. Effects of six carbohydrate sources on diet digestibility and post-prandial glucose and insulin response in cats. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutri 2008;86:2237-46..

Carciofi AC, Takakura FS, de-Oliveira LD, et al. Effects of six carbohydrate sources on dog diet digestibility and post-prandial glucose and insulin response. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutri 2008;92:326-36.

Garden OA, Pidduck H, Lakhani KH, et al. Inheritance of gluten-sensitivity enteropathy in Irish Setters. Am J Vet Res 2000;61:462-8.

Blaza SE, Booles D, Burger IH. Is carbohydrate essential for pregnancy and lactation in dogs? In: Burger IH, Rivers JP, editors. Nutrition of the dog and cat: Waltham symposium No. 7. Cambridge (United Kingdom): Cambridge University Press; 1989. p. 229-42.

Eisert R. Hypercarnivory and the brain: protein requirements of cats reconsidered. J Comp Physiol B 2011;18:1-17.

Westman E. Is dietary carbohydrate essential for human nutrition [letter to the editor] Am J Clin Nutr 2002;75:951-3

Kienzle E. Blood sugar levels and renal sugar excretion after the intake of high carbohydrate diets in cats. J Nutri 1994; 124:2563S-7S.

Thiess S, Becskei C, Tomsa K, et al. Effects of high carbohydrate and high fat diet on plasma metabolite levels and on IV glucose tolerance test in intact and neutered male cats. J Feline Med Surg 2004;6:207-18.

Laflamme D, Izquierdo O, Eirmann L, Binder S. Myths and misperceptions about ingredients used in commercial pet foods. Vet Clin Small Anim 2014; 44:689-98.

Hore P, Messer M. Studies on disaccharidase activities of the small intestine of the domestic cat and other mammals. Comp Biochem Physiol 1968;24: 717-25.

Hoenig M, Jordan ET, Glushka J, et al. Effects of macronutrients, age, and obesity on 6- and 24-h postprandial glucose metabolism in cats. Am J Physio Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2011;301:R1798-807

Association of American Feed Control Officials. Official publication 2013. Champaign, IL: Association of American Feed Control Officials, Inc; 2013.

Thompson A. Ingredients: where pet food starts. Top Companion Anim Med 2008;23:127-32.

Pet Lovers & Pet Professionals ~ Why Join Our Life's Abundance Team?!

1. Because You Love Pets: People often say that it’s a privilege to be able to earn a living doing something you love and are passionate about. I’ve met many people who are in all sorts of occupations, and have told me they would rather work with pets because that’s what they truly care about. Is that your story? We are offering people just like you the opportunity to earn an incredible income while helping pets in the most fundamental way . . . premium nutrition. 

2. Because We Offer the Best: When you put your name behind something, it better be something good. People will remember you for what you do and what you represent. With most home based opportunities, people will see you and run the other way. Not so here. Friends, family, and the general public will respect your choice to become a pet professional and will want to hear from you. The Life's Abundance products will speak for themselves as they improve pets lives, making you look good and not ruin your reputation. 

3. It’s An Exploding Industry: Pet product sales are a $53+ billion dollar industry. Pet stores are opening up everywhere. Ever heard of the expression, “right place, right time?” We are setting a new trend with the massive internet market. 

4. Opportunity to Work From Home: In the United States, over 21 million people enjoy the benefits of working from home. No set time to start or end work, no commute, no dress code, and no one watching over you all day. Plus, there is minimal overhead, unlike the thousands of dollars normally associated with opening a traditional business. 

5. Ease of Engagement: If you’ve ever tried sales before, you know that it makes a huge difference in your success if you sell something that people want to hear about. We all know what it’s like to be confronted with a telemarketer, or an insurance salesman, or the stereotypical “car salesman”. No one wants to be viewed as a pushy salesperson, and you definitely don’t want to be rejected by friends and family. With Life's Abundance, you do not have this problem. Talking about the care and well being of pets is a welcome subject with most people. In fact, people will often thank you for making a recommendation because you will probably be the only person they’ve ever talked to who is knowledgeable in this area. This “ease of engagement” makes it easy to approach people, and you’re not viewed as a salesperson. 

6. No Inventory Requirements: Most home based opportunities require you to load up on inventory through personal purchasing requirements or “buy your way to success” programs. At Life's Abundance, we impose no such requirements. In fact, it’s unheard of to offer pet foods profitably without buying large quantities of food in order to get preferential pricing. 

7. Tools to Ensure Success: Professional E-Commerce Website, Business Center / Back Office, Automated Newsletter System, Catalog Quality Brochures, Product Samples, DVDs, Weekly Training Calls, Personal Websites allowed, etc. 

8. Excellent Ongoing Support: You will ALWAYS have an upline of reps who will support you in your business. Plus, you have access to our founders, Dennis and Carol Berardi, as well as Dr. Jane Bicks, our holistic veterinarian and product formulator. 

9. Huge Market of Pet Parents and Pet Professionals: Getting customers for our products is never a problem. Many companies rely on their distributors as the source of their sales, but not Life's Abundance. People actually want what we have to offer. In fact, it doesn’t matter if you’re not a good sales person, our products actually sell themselves. But our business also allows you to leverage your efforts by building a sales force. As I’ve already stated, people love their pets and would do anything to have the chance to work with them if they could. But, what’s more, there are thousands of pet professionals out there who need this program. This includes everyone from veterinarians to trainers, groomers to pet sitters, rescues, shelters, day care, pet photographers, and more. When presented with our business, they quickly realize that it makes no sense to sell any other brand. This is a network marketing business that actually works. 

10. You Need a Residual Income: Not only will you want residual income at retirement (and before), but you’ll want it to be consistent. Nothing beats the consistent residual income stream that our products can provide. People stick with pet products that work! Plus our fresh, home delivered products are very habit forming and convenient for your clients. Also, building a solid team of representatives who will continue to make you money is easy to do because people have a built-in passion for pets. No recruiting treadmill as in other opportunities. 

Learn More & Join Our Team Today @ www.PremiumPetFoodBiz.com 

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

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 ~  www.TheGiftedPet.com,  premium pet food business ~ http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com, and holistic healing therapies for animals ~ www.HealingOilsForAnimals.com

For questions and more information, please use the "Contact Us!" form.  Or, visit our Facebook page:  www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet, or email us at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com

Coins for the Canines via Senior Pet Project!

Reportedly, there are over $10 billion U.S. coins currently gathering dust as spare change in piggy banks and old cookie tins in homes all across America. If you’re like us, they clutter our cars, lie around on our counters, weigh down our purses, and hide in our sofas.

Senior Pet Project is hoping to help make a difference for puppy mill dogs by participating in National Mill Dog Rescue's ongoing campaign, “Coins for the Canines”. Pennies add up and there’s power in numbers! Their ability to rescue more dogs is always limited by finances, so please help if you can. 

Send your spare change to: 

Senior Pet Project ♥
c/o Raven Hannah
501 Northshore Drive
Saint Clair Shores, MI 48080

Or, you can skip the post office altogether and donate directly to Senior Pet Project on this page: 

www.SeniorPetProject.org

Please reference: National Mill Dog Rescue

Thank you for caring! 

*   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   

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, premium pet food business, and holistic healing therapies. She is also a professional intuitive, spiritual coach, and holistic healer who works with the Angels, Ascended Masters, Spirit Guides, and Animal Spirit realms when counseling clients, which includes animals and people.

Dog Weight Issues

Have you noticed that your dog is looking . . . well . . . a little rotund lately? A bit more curvaceous than usual? You’re not alone! Approximately 17 million dogs in the United States are classified as overweight. But just because Fido has lots of company doesn’t mean that he’s in the clear. Extra weight is linked to a variety of health problems, including arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

How to Tell if Your Dog is Overweight ~ You know your dog better than anyone ~ so you’ve likely already noticed if he has gained weight over a relatively short period. But extra bulk is a bit more difficult to recognize if he’s been slowly packing on the pounds over the years. Here are two fail-safe ways to determine if Fido is at the correct weight:

Feel his ribs: Run your hands along his sides toward the tail, feeling for his ribs. If you can find them beneath a thin layer of flesh, he is probably at the correct weight. If you can barely feel them under a layer of fat, he is likely overweight.

View him from the top and side: A visual inspection of your dog’s body is also important. Look at his body from above. Does he have an hourglass shape, with a slight narrowing behind the rib cage? Also view the lines of his body from the side. Does his stomach tuck up behind the rib cage? If the answer to both questions is yes, he’s likely at the correct weight. If his body has no definition from above or from the side, he is probably overweight.

What to do if Your Dog is Overweight:

Take him to the vet: Have a vet examine your dog just to make sure that he isn’t experiencing a health problem. Some conditions, such as thyroid disease and Cushing’s disease, can cause rapid weight gain.

Cut back on meals: It’s quite possible that you’re feeding Fido too much at mealtimes. Often the serving size on commercial dog food labels advises a larger portion than is necessary for an individual dog. Every dog is different, and every dog also metabolizes food differently. With this in mind, start out with the recommended serving size but observe your dog carefully. If he looks like he’s gaining weight, slowly cut back on how much you’re feeding; if he appears to be losing weight, feed slightly more until he’s at the recommended weight for his breed. Then simply maintain the portion size that works for your dog.  You may also want to try feeding a quality, premium Weight Loss Formula for Adult Dogs!

Feed him on a schedule: Dogs who are “free-fed” ~ given access to their food bowls all day ~ are more likely to be overweight than those who eat on a regular schedule. To help keep Fido healthy, schedule his meals at consistent times and take his food bowl away after 10 to 15 minutes.

Provide healthy treats: Supplement correctly portioned meals with healthy, low-calorie treats, such as cut-up veggies, plain popcorn, or other healthy treats. Make sure that you account for the calories in treats when feeding your dog his meals ~ these should be subtracted from his total caloric allowance for the day.  For healthy, natural, never recalled wholesome treats, try Wholesome Hearts Baked Low-Fat Treats for Dogs.

Exercise him: Of course, any diet plan should be accompanied by the proper amount of exercise. Keep your dog active by making sure that he gets a few daily walks and multiple lively play periods ~ but work up to this gradually. An overweight dog won’t be able to sustain this kind of energy level overnight.

Continue to assess your dog’s progress on a monthly basis to be sure that he’s at a healthy weight, and maintain, maintain, maintain when he has reached his goal! A nutritious diet, meals fed on a regular schedule, and exercise will add years to his life. ♥

TIRED OF PET FOOD RECALLS?

Choose Life's Abundance Dog and Cat Food! They have NEVER been recalled and the food is shipped fresh to your door within 4-6 weeks of being made. They have been in business since 1999! Choose a pet food you can trust! This food is only sold online to ensure you receive the freshest food possible. Click Here to order.

www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com

*   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   

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, premium pet food business, and holistic healing therapies. She is also a professional intuitive, spiritual coach, and holistic healer who works with the Angels, Ascended Masters, Spirit Guides, and Animal Spirit realms when counseling clients, which includes animals and people.

Your Cat May Be Smarter Than You Think

As long as people have shared their homes with pets, dog and cat lovers have debated which animal is more intelligent. Canine enthusiasts tout that dogs have been trained and bred for thousands of years to herd, hunt, assist, protect, perform tricks and obey verbal commands. Cat aficionados, on the other hand, say that cats are simply too smart to do the sort of tricks that dogs eagerly perform. Whereas dogs have been bred for utility, cats have been bred mostly for appearance, leading many to believe that dogs have superior intellectual capabilities. But, really, is it feasible to accurately compare the intelligence of these two species?

Despite their similarities, cats and dogs are very different animals. Dogs are social animals, are motivated by a hierarchical, pack-oriented instinct. They will perform purely for praise, especially from whomever they consider their pack leader. Conversely, cats are highly specialized carnivores who generally lead solitary lives in the wild. In domestic settings, they are not motivated by social status. Most are not even motivated by food. But, why is that?

In the wild, if obtaining a particular source of food is too much work, cats will generally cut their losses and go in search of easier prey. Whereas wild dog packs will cooperatively pursue prey for miles, a wild cat tends to conserve energy, lying in wait to ambush prey. The untrained observer may interpret this as laziness or a lack of motivation, however animal behaviorists know that this represents a brilliant evolutionary adaptation … one that increases a cat’s chances of survival in the wild.

How intelligence is expressed is also largely determined by an animal’s sensory organs and motor abilities. Cats perceive the world quite differently than humans. For instance, they are unable to distinguish between red, orange, yellow and green. They have 20/80 vision, which means they only have good visual acuity at distances of less than 20 feet, and they see best in low light conditions ideal for hunting and stalking prey at dusk. Their sense of smell is far better than a human but much less sensitive than a dog’s. Cats have incredible hearing and can hear ultrasonic noises made by rats and mice. You may also be surprised to know that cats are quite dexterous compared to dogs, able to seize and manipulate objects surprisingly well with their paws.

If you’re interested in trying to gauge your kitty’s IQ, hide a bit of food under a towel and see how quickly the cat finds its prey. However, don’t be surprised if your cat would rather play with the towel then find the food!

When trying to assess feline intelligence, we humans would benefit from a paradigm shift. Since we tend to judge intelligence by comparing cats to ourselves, or how easily cats understand and obey human cues, we are missing out on the brilliant diversity, amazing adaptability and creative capabilities of the most popular pet in America.

I encourage you to celebrate how cats are unique, and do your best to see the world through your cat’s eyes.

References:

Perfiliev, S, L G Pettersson and A Lundberg. "Control of Claw Movements in Cats." Neuroscience Research 31 (1998): 337- 342.

Martin, Paul, and Patrick Bateson. "Behavioural Development in the Cat" In The Domestic Cat: The Biology of Its Behaviour, edited by Dennis C Turner and Patrick Bateson. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press (1988).

Doré, François Y. "Search Behaviour of Cats (Felis catus) in an Invisible Displacement Test: Cognition and Experience" Canadian Journal of Psychology 44 (1990): 359 - 370.

Collier, George, Deanne F Johnson, and Cynthia Morgan. "Meal Patterns of Cats Encountering Variable Food Procurement Costs" Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behaviour 67 (1997): 303 - 310.

Blake, Randolph, and William Martens. "Critical Bands in Cat Spatial Vision." Journal of Physiology 314 (1981): 175 - 87.

Bravo, M, R Blake and S Morrison "Cats See Subjective Contours" Vision Research 28 (1988): 861-865